by Zhuang Bifan
An ancient dragon was not to be taken lightly, for each and every one was above level-25. Even an iconic figure like Osric had to rely on the Magic Legion to stay alive and kill the ancient fire dragon. From every perspective, Lin Li seemed to be unable to hold a candle to him.
The thought of that Crimson Dragon that was shackled next to a lava river made Lin Li feel absolutely terrified. It was shackled with chains that pierced through its flesh. Not only was it prevented from flying, all its movements were restricted. It was trapped to power the magic gears in the underground palace for more than 1,000 years, and had long lost the power that it had had during its pinnacle in the Prehistoric Age. It was forced into a pathetic plight. Besides, it was just an ordinary fire dragon. What would happen if it were an ice dragon?
Hunting and killing an ancient ice dragon that was above level-25! The thought of the terrifying task made the timid Lin Li get the chills. Not to mention, he could not compare with Osric. Even if his actual power was the same as Osric's, where was he supposed to find an elite Magic Legion?
In terms of magic, the High Elves were inherently superior to humans. Human mages were not comparable to the legions of magicians of the High Elves, especially the elites under Osric. Compared to the elite Magic Legion of Osric, the mages at the Tower of Dusk were far too inferior. They'd be just feeding themselves to the ancient ice dragons by grouping up to kill the dragons.
The magic crystal of the ancient ice dragon had yet to be placed in front of Lin Li, though it was not the only challenge at hand. The other problem he was facing was moving the Throne of Darkness to the Eternal Furnace. Although Connoris did not mention the details, Lin Li could guess that the process would definitely be a great hassle.
The Throne of Darkness was a Magical Domain left behind by Azardas, the Dragon of Destruction. The Dragon of Destruction wouldn't have been killed by the Immortal King if it had been easily manipulated by others. Instead, the Dragon of Destruction would have long been dead because of the Titans who wielded dragon guns in the early days of the prehistoric times.
Lin Li heaved a sigh and looked at the natural Magical Domain in front of him before shaking his head resignedly. In this world, not everything would be smooth sailing, and there would definitely not be any free lunch, either. The fact that one could exist in this world was already a huge blessing. However, luck was not everything, and hard work was still important most of the time.
Without a doubt, the natural Magical Domain was a true treasure that was even more precious than the Eternal Furnace. Only the Evil Eye Tyrant or the Eternal Scroll that Lin Li owned could be compared to the Domain.
With Lin Li's current abilities, it would still be difficult for him to acquire the treasure and make it his own. Obtaining the magic crystal of the ancient ice dragon and moving the Throne of Darkness were extremely troublesome and difficult tasks. They were enough to make an average person feel hopeless.
However, Lin Li was not too worried, because he felt that when there was a will, there was a way. He believed that he would one day succeed. Since the Immortal King could kill Azardas, the Dragon of Destruction, he would definitely have the power to kill the ancient ice dragon.
The only regret that Lin Li felt was having to keep Polar Snow and Raging Flames here for a period of time. He could only take them back after the fusion. Otherwise, the Magical Domain would collapse once the debris of the stars was taken away.
"Seems like we have to leave first," Lin Li said resignedly.
"But… Don't, don't!" Connoris exclaimed, snapping out of his trance. He was well aware that the things that he'd mentioned were just ideas. With Lin Li's current abilities, it would be impossible to do it. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "I think… we'd better leave with the two magical weapons. If others trespass, they might just take everything with them, including the Magical Domain."
Even Connoris who had once been an ancient deity could not remain composed when faced with the formidable weapons like Polar Snow and Raging Flames, especially since he heard that Lin Li was going to leave them there. It was a crazy idea. How could he not be aware of how precious the natural Magical Domain was? However, if Lin Li could not acquire them for his own use, it would be more in Lin Li's interest to destroy it.
"Since you can find this place, others probably can too. In the past, there were the magic gears to help guard the two magical weapons, but now, you have killed the Crimson Dragon and removed the power supply of the magic gears, causing them to become useless. If you leave these two magic weapons here, you are just paving the way for others, and there is nothing to stop them from taking what should have belonged to you," Connoris persuaded anxiously.
"Hah, rest assured, I'm not that selfless. Have you forgotten about my abilities?" said a confident Lin Li who did not change his mind just because of Connoris's persuasion.
Lin Li was not a pure mage. The magic gears alone were already on a Master's level, what more the mageweath and alchemy. Lin Li indeed did not have the time to redesign an underground palace, but it was not a tough order for him to make amendments to the existing magic gears in the underground palace.
"But even then, if someone were to… " Connoris was still feeling extremely worried. After all, the two magical weapons were too powerful, and no one would be able to resist the temptation.
"Firstly, I doubt anyone can really find this underground palace. Secondly, even if someone managed to enter the underground palace, they might not be able to make it here because of how strong my magic contraptions are. Thirdly, even if they make it here, there is only one Eternal Furnace, and it lies in my hands. How are they supposed to obtain the natural Magical Domain…?" Lin Li was not lying nor deceiving Connoris. It was unlikely that someone would be able to acquire the natural Magical Domain or Polar Snow and Raging Flames, even if they were left untouched.
It was extremely difficult to collect the natural Magical Domain of ice and fire, and it was almost impossible for others to acquire Polar Snow and Raging Flames, both of which were powerful debris of the stars. Besides, they were now in the natural Magical Domain, and if one had no special means, they would have to deal with them using power in order to acquire them. However, those two magical weapons possessed the purest fundamental Rule power. Even the strongest ones of Sanctuary-realm would not be able to subdue them forcefully.
Since Lin Li had already decided to leave Polar Snow and Raging Flames there temporarily, he proceeded to get Norfeller and Ujfalusi to begin constructing a wall with stones on the ground to protect the Magical Domain from external factors. The two Undead were rather skilled. Unfortunately, the simple wall was weaker and more fragile because there was no cement.
Staring at the two Undead who were getting busy, Lin Li took a glance at the unfinished wall before regretfully saying, "Had I known earlier, I wouldn't have broken the wall. How did I not realize that there was a magical presence behind the wall? It was an entity that was too powerful for me."
"Is there really going to be no ifs? Kid, you must consider carefully! Don't end up coming back empty-handed," said Connoris who could not stop worrying and continuously nagged at Lin Li.
Chapter 503 - Reconstructing Black Clouds Town
"That's not what I'm worried about…" Lin Li said calmly.
Actually, Lin Li had a hunch that the Retribution Knight Rodhart, who was seated on the throne made of bones, was not as simple as he seemed on the surface. Although the once-formidable Retribution Knight seemed to be dead ever since Lin Li entered the underground palace, Rodhart remained for Lin Li a sword of Damocles which seemed like it would fall someday.
There were also some fishy parts about the underground palace, for it was too easily accessible and unguarded, even for a place that was protected by magic gears. As the leader of the High Elves, Osric had plenty of talented, elite subordinates. Hence, how could he have constructed an underground palace that only contained magic gears? Lin Li did not think that Osric would build such a great unde
rground palace just for the sake of waiting for the right person to collect the two magical weapons, Polar Snow and Raging Flames—the debris of the stars. It was not like Osric to play hide-and-seek with a fire dragon in a lava river.
It was for now inadvisable for Lin Li to seek the other secrets present in the underground palace. There were still no mishaps yet, even though he had already plundered so many treasures, killed the Crimson Dragon underground, and damaged the magic gears. That was lucky for him. However, it could not be guaranteed that he would be safe if he were to continue delving deeper and exploring. There was still a Retribution Knight Rodhart outside.
He was the first fallen knight in the history of Anril, the nightmare that disrupted peace. Even after being purified by the Holy Light belonging to the Prophet Willen of the Brilliance Shrine, he still was the legendary and powerful Rodhart. Lin Li could not guarantee that he would not awake Rodhart if he were to continue delving deeper into the underground palace. With his current abilities, there seemed to be a long way to go for him before he could battle such a legendary powerhouse.
Hence, Lin Li resolutely decided to retreat since he had already taken everything that he could. As for the rest, he had no choice but to come back for it another time.
After the two Undead rebuilt the wall, Lin Li began to decorate it simply. Although making modifications to the stone wall was not a difficult task for Lin Li, since he had destroyed the power core of the magic gears, he still had to supply it with another energy source in order for them to work again.
Those magic gears that had been activated could no longer be used. Fortunately, there were quite a few that hadn't been activated before, and only had to be modified a little. There were a few magic gears that shared a dozen or more magical crystals that could be sustained for a few years. After four of five days of effort, Lin Li finally reorganized the magic gears in the places that he had been to. As for those that he had not gone to yet, he would return and research all of it again once he made another breakthrough in increasing his abilities.
"Are you really going to leave? Aren't you going to give it some more consideration?" Although it would be impossible for him to acquire the other items, Connoris was still rather worried about it.
Too lazy to explain it further to Connoris, Lin Li brought the two Undead servants along and took the same path back to the front of the palace.
The Retribution Knight, Rodhart, was still seated on the throne in the same way he'd been when Lin Li and the rest arrived, exuding his immeasurably powerful aura.
There were definitely more secrets in the underground palace than what met the eye. However, his current abilities were not enough for him to deal with the crisis that could appear at any time. Lin Li glanced at Rodhart and turned around to leave the underground palace together with the two retainers of his.
When they were entering the underground palace, there were basically no obstacles in sight, except some Skeletal Warriors, Archers, and other Undead creatures, all of which Norfeller could get rid of easily. By the time they exited, there were no longer any Skeletal Warriors anywhere, and Lin Li returned peacefully using the same route which led him to the underground palace from the unassuming cave.
"Wait a minute. Should we do something to hide this cave's entrance?" said the worried Connoris when Lin Li reached the cave opening. It was not that he was old and naggish, for he wouldn't be in such a dilemma if it were the Titan's Dragon Guns instead of Polar Snow and Raging Flames. Although he did not know of their origin, he could tell from experience that they were formidable and possessed pure Rule power. They were far more powerful than Titans' Dragon Guns.
Connoris began to regret his decision after realizing that the two rare magical weapons had been left in the cave by Lin Li. He felt that he shouldn't have given Lin Li the idea of collecting the natural magical domain. No matter how great an item might be, it was the best when one possessed it himself. The natural magical domain was indeed an unprecedented miracle. However, just because Lin Li could not bear to ruin it, it didn't mean that others would not succ.u.mb to the temptation of those two magical weapons.
Lin Li was confident enough not to be as worried as Connoris. He casually responded, "Alright, stop being so worried. You'd better give the matter of moving the Throne of Darkness some thought instead. I know that the people here will definitely be able to find the cave even if I cover the entrance. Those who don't know about this place will only grow curious if I conceal this cave. So, let's forget it!"
After spending nearly 10 days in the underground palace, Lin Li reckoned that the magicians of the Tower of Dusk should have already left, even if they had brought along plenty of supplies with them. Hence, there was no need to pay special attention to the underground. He headed straight to the Tower of Dusk.
When Lin Li descended on the small plaza in front of the Tower of Dusk, a big bunch of mages dashed out of the Tower of Dusk while screaming in shock, not bothering to keep their image up, either. They stared at him with looks of respect and admiration, and hurriedly arranged themselves in two rows, welcoming the return of the President. There was no contrition or hypocrisy in their reverent expressions—they were completely genuine. They truly respected the young President.
After this time, no matter how arrogant some of them once had been, no one dared to question Lin Li's abilities and rights to be the President. He was the youngest Legendary-mage in the history of Anril, who even Geresco, the God of Mages, could not compare to. If Lin Li wasn't qualified, no one else would be.
"Welcome, President!" the mages chorused, giving Lin Li a great shock.
Surrounded by the magicians, Lin Li walked into the Tower of Dusk, after which he waved his hand at the crowd. "Okay, everyone, let's get busy. Don't kick up such a huge fuss. It's as if you guys are afraid that others won't know about this. You are dismissed." Although it felt good to be the subject of admiration and worship, compliments were not what Lin Li needed the most at this moment.
After the crowd dispersed, Gavin was left alone with Lin Li. While walking, he reported to him about everything that happened before, saying, "President, I also have to tell you about Black Clouds Town. Once we returned from the Dragon Mountains, I've immediately arranged for people to help them with the reconstruction."
Lin Li suddenly stopped in his tracks and asked Gavin, "Reconstruction? How?"
"They'll be helping them repair the damaged buildings, and some of the destroyed buildings have also begun being rebuilt. Besides, the funerals for those who have died during the attack are also in preparation," Gavin frantically answered. He knew that although Black Clouds Town's population consisted of ordinary people, they were all very close to the President. Hence, Gavin handled the matter personally, for he reckoned that Lin Li would definitely be pleased.
However, Gavin did not expect Lin Li to frown in disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e after hearing the report. "President, is there something wrong with my arrangements?" Gavin asked with a trembling heart.
Actually, talents like Gavin were rare in Anril. In this world, mages had a high societal status, and ordinary people could be said to be insignificant ants in the eyes of mages, so much so that their lives did not matter to the latter at all. As the secretary of Lin Li, Gavin understood his intentions very well; hence, he decided to help him with the reconstruction of Black Clouds Town. Otherwise, no one would care about the existence of Black Clouds Town.
However, Lin Li was definitely a different kind. He did not belong to this world at all. In fact, the ordinary people of Black Clouds Town were not inferior to the Legendary Sendros in his eyes; he even found them more approachable.
"Not enough, it's barely enough. I don't want such an attack to happen again." Lin Li was not worrying for nothing. He was well aware of what his own temper was like, and his ill temper was also the reason he had made plenty of enemies not long after he arrived in Anril. As the Tower of Dusk developed, there would definitely be a conflict of interests in the Breezy Plains.
Hence, no one could guarantee that there would be no power or authority that shifted their attention onto the normal people of Black Clouds Town.
After giving it some thought, Lin Li said to Gavin, "How about this? Come and look for me in the afternoon, and I'll tell you about the plan for the reconstruction of Black Clouds Town."
"Yes, Mr. President." Gavin heaved a sigh of relief and immediately retreated.
Lin Li spent a long time redesigning Black Clouds Town, after which he turned his design into a detailed blueprint. All of the details of the architecture and structure of Black Clouds Town were included.
Gavin returned in the afternoon to get the blueprint. After giving it a quick glance, he was instantly dumbfounded. "Oh my God, this is not a town! It's not a town!"
Although Gavin could not understand the drawings, he could tell that they were extraordinary. Judging from the materials alone, he was almost sure that the new Black Clouds Town would be able to deal enemies and criminals a lethal blow. However, the problem was that the cost of the reconstruction was exorbitant. Although the total was not calculated yet, he knew that the price would definitely be a hefty sum after estimating the costs of the materials.
Although Lin Li had only spent half a day on sketching the blueprint, the new Black Clouds Town would definitely become the nightmare of beleaguers. Lin Li chose not to use alchemy and mageweaths in building the new Black Clouds Town. Instead, he opted to build it like the underground palace that contained the large magic gears.
There were plenty of benefits to using magic gears. Firstly, it would guarantee that almost no one would be able to break it. Although Lin Li had already attained the level of the Grandmaster in the field of mageweath theory, the requirements of the Grandmaster's magic pattern were very high, and even he couldn't use it casually.
The second advantage would be that Lin Li needed not participate in the construction of Black Clouds Town from the beginning to the end. Regardless of the use of mageweaths or alchemy, Lin Li could not afford the time to do it personally nor find anyone to help. Mageweath masters and alchemists were much rarer than mages. Who would bother going through all that labor to help him provide a residence for ordinary people?
