by Zhuang Bifan
"Yes, don't feign ignorance. I don't believe that you can't see such an obvious problem," Apophis said while stroking his beard and glaring at Lin Li as if he wouldn't stop until he heard the truth.
Lin Li could tell from Apophis' words that the three arbitrators actually knew of the problems with the Supreme Council. It was actually more like a test than a question.
However, Lin Li couldn't understand what the problems of the Supreme Council had to do with him. He thought, Since you're well aware, you can just go ahead and deal with it, can't you? Why do you still have to ask for my opinion? Given the status and abilities of you three arbitrators, it's up to you to do what you want to the Supreme Council.
However, regardless of whether it was a question or a test, it didn't seem appropriate for Lin Li to keep mum now. Although the arbitrator Megard had been silent so far, Lin Li could tell that he seemed to be hoping for him to say something.
Of course, Lin Li might have just been exposed to the problems of the Supreme Council, but he had plenty of thoughts in mind. Actually, the problems of the Supreme Council were very simple. Just like other forces and organizations that had been established for a long time, they were stagnating and lifeless.
The Supreme Council, which had been established more than 1,300 years ago, was now like a pool of stagnant water. To put it bluntly, it had already declined. No matter what initial agenda the Supreme Council was established upon or the spirit it was supposed to have, the passage of time had gradually eroded it.
In fact, it wasn't just the Supreme Council that was facing that problem. It was the same for the Brilliance Shrine. The Felan Kingdom and Ledin Kingdom had also gradually begun declining. Dynasties often changed because of that problem. Only the Darkness Shrine was showing some signs of vitality after experiencing several ordeals and being under the lead of the Sendros.
Since the three arbitrators had requested his answer, Lin Li could not bring himself to be perfunctory, and felt that he had to answer them. Hence, after some deliberation, he said, "There seems to be a bit of a problem. According to what I know, the Supreme Council was initially established with the purpose of developing human magic civilization. However, the current Supreme Council seems to be a jaded authority. The struggle for power seems to have gradually replaced the original purpose of establishment of the Supreme Council…"
Lin Li carefully expressed his opinion, and he used the words "seems" and "a bit" for the sake of the pride of the three arbitrators. He also paid attention to the expressions of the three arbitrators as he spoke. After all, by saying that, he seemed to be blaming the three of them.
The Supreme Council had been active for more than 1,300 years, and the three arbitrators had always been the authoritative figures of the Supreme Council. They were definitely responsible for the development of the Supreme Council. Lin Li believed that Chris and Apophis wouldn't do anything to him because of that, but he was unsure about the cold and indifferent Megard who had been keeping a straight face.
"Well, revered arbitrators, that's all I can think about now." Lin Li was secretly thankful that the expression of Arbitrator Megard did not change throughout his speech. He even seemed to show a hint of recognition and appreciation for him.
"Rascal, are you still not going to be honest? Wrong is wrong, and right is right. Will it kill you to be a little more straightforward? The three of us haven't gotten to the point where we don't want to hear the truth," said Apophis, who was a genius and could naturally tell that Lin Li was not telling the truth, hence chiding him.
"I haven't been in contact with the Supreme Council for very long, I don't know much about it. I can't be certain that I'm right, so I was just voicing some of my opinions," Lin Li explained with an awkward smile.
However, after Lin Li's defense, the three arbitrators appeared to be somewhat silent. Even Apophis didn't seem that casual anymore. The atmosphere in the room seemed somewhat austere.
After a moment of silence, Apophis let out a long sigh. He looked at Chris and Megard before saying in a low voice, "Back then, Geresco led us to overthrow the High Elves and put an end to the Dark Age. We established the Supreme Council, and after thinking about it, it still feels like it happened yesterday. He gave the mages of Anril to us. We haven't let him down. We've been taking care of the miscellaneous affairs for him for 1,300 years."
Although the current Supreme Council was helmed by the chairman and deputy chairman, and also had hundreds of councilors, the council would basically discuss and handle all matters as long as it was not a matter as major as the sky falling down. However, the Supreme Council was not established in a single day. The effort invested by the three arbitrators over the past 1,300 years was probably as painstaking as the effort they had put into overthrowing the High Elves.
Lin Li could still understand that. After all, the Supreme Council managed the mages of the entire world, and every decision made by the Supreme Council would affect the entire Anril and the direction of development of human magic civilization.
Even in the Tower of Dusk, Lin Li did not hand everything over to Gavin and the senior executives. There were still some matters that he had to deal with personally. If there were any problems in the Tower of Dusk, he would be the only one affected. If something were to happen to the Supreme Council, the impact would be major.
"However, we're not as sick as Geresco, after all. We can't be good at everything. The only one who's comparable to Geresco in this aspect has left long ago to become the high priest of the Darkness Shrine. He's nowhere to be found. The three of us are the only ones left. Although we have invested plenty of energy, we've only barely managed to reach Geresco's original expectations."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%E2%80%99s-versatile-crafting-master_11275087605321405/what-is-your-opinion_48889339026915841 for visiting.
There was some regret in Apophis' tone, and he had no idea that Lin Li had seen Rogge and even had a long conversation with him. Hence, he only mentioned Rogge casually.
Lin Li knew that Apophis' words weren't exaggerated. After Rogge became the high priest of the Darkness Shrine, the Darkness Shrine reached their prime under his lead, and it could be considered a prosperous period. It even suppressed the Brilliance Shrine, and could vaguely compete with the Supreme Council.
Unfortunately, when the Darkness Shrine's development was unstoppable, Rogge fell into the great rift of the Eternal Darkness Altar, and was trapped in it for over a thousand years, directly leading to the downfall of the Darkness Shrine. If Rogge had still been in the Supreme Council, the Supreme Council would've probably been different under his management.
However, it was clearly not the time for Lin Li to speak to the three arbitrators regarding the matter of Rogge. Lin Li did not interrupt Apophis, and instead remained seated and listened to his story.
"We know very well about the problems you just mentioned, and we're also clear that you have held back many of your true thoughts. Indeed, the development of the Supreme Council has really deviated from the direction that Geresco had originally had in mind, especially in the last couple of hundred years. It's no longer like a shrine that leads the development of magic civilization. It's more and more like an organization with a power struggle, and every mage has become a politician."
At this point, the expression on Apophis's face didn't change too much. There was merely a look of guilt and regret in his eyes. He seemed to be thinking of the time when he had established the Supreme Council with Geresco, as well as its development.
"You don't have to be too concerned. Actually, the Supreme Council isn't that bad now. Everyone can see its contribution to the development of magic civilization over the years." Seeing that Apophis seemed to be in low spirits, Lin Li could not help but persuade him.
Apophis waved his hand and sneered. "You don't need to speak up for them. Look at those people do
wn there. None of them act like mages at all. All they do is fight for fame and benefits all day long by abusing their authority. However, the development of magic has always been stagnant. There isn't even a single one who has stepped into the Sanctuary-realm, let alone become like Geresco. Even the Legendary-realm has become an unattainable pinnacle. That's ridiculous, isn't it!?"
At this point, Lin Li had no choice but to remain silent—that was indeed an unavoidable truth. Actually, the current environment for learning magic was much better and allowed more freedom than that of the Dark Age during the High Elves' reign.
Chapter 916 - Successor
Could it be that the magical talent of humans in this era was really inferior to the Dark Age?
That was probably not the real reason. Geresco left a note on the cover of the Book of Eternity. "Knowledge is the most devout faith of a mage!" That sentence was actually not a secret. That famous quote could be found in the library of the Supreme Council and many other libraries of Guilds of Magic.
Almost every mage knew of that quote from Geresco, but those who could truly follow it were few and far between. Hence, it was no exaggeration to say that the mages of the modern era had lost the faith that mages ought to have and the d.e.s.i.r.e for knowledge.
Apophis let out a long sigh once again with some fatigue in his eyes. He calmly said, "We're all tired now. We've been managing these trivial matters for over 1,300 years. If it weren't for that jerk Geresco who bothered us with these matters, we would have long been able to follow in his footsteps and step into the highest realm of Anril."
Over 1,300 years ago, the three arbitrators had already become Sanctuary powerhouses, and could follow Geresco to the war that overthrew the High Elves. Clearly, their strength at that time was far beyond just entering the Sanctuary-realm. Even if they hadn't reached the peak of the Sanctuary-realm then, they probably hadn't been far behind. After all, their enemies were the powerful High Elves.
The biggest reason that the three arbitrators had never taken the final step after all those years was that they were worried about the Supreme Council. One could imagine how the Supreme Council would shatter into bits and collapse before the enemies appeared without the three arbitrators.
"This is why we're here to look for you."
While Lin Li was being doubtful and wondering what the matter had to do with him, Megard, who had been remaining silent, suddenly said those words.
Upon hearing his words, Lin Li panicked, and he could vaguely sense the agenda of the three arbitrators who came to look for him.
Indeed, before Lin Li could think, Megard said in a calm and steady tone, "We hope that you can succeed us, take over the Supreme Council, and become the manager of all mages in Anril."
What!? Did I hear wrong!? Lin Li simply couldn't help but feel like digging his ears. Was he out of his mind, or were the three arbitrators crazy? Or had the entire world gone mad!?
Although he had just guessed a little bit, Lin Li still couldn't believe his ears after hearing Megard's words. The Tower of Dusk and the Supreme Council were completely different. The fact that the Tower of Dusk was being managed well did not mean that he could manage the Supreme Council too. It was just like making an Archmage learn Legendary-level magic. It was a difference in realm, and not something that could be achieved with effort.
Besides, the Tower of Dusk was being managed well, and Lin Li didn't want to take over the Supreme Council that was declining. The three arbitrators had not managed to set the Supreme Council on the right path, and Lin Li didn't think that he had the ability to do it, either. He reckoned that it would be impossible even if he were to toil until he vomited blood.
Lin Li did not want to take on such a taxing task that wouldn't benefit him. Hence, he wouldn't consider much, and was about to turn them down. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%E2%80%99s-versatile-crafting-master_11275087605321405/successor_48889339295351302 for visiting.
However, before Lin Li could speak, Megard seemed to have already predicted it as he raised his hand to stop him. He said, "Don't be so quick to refuse. Hear me out first. We have all thought of your concerns, and we don't mean to let you immediately take over the Supreme Council. Now, the three of us still have some energy. We can first help you lay the foundation. You have enough time to adapt, and when time is right, you can actually take over the Supreme Council."
"That's not appropriate. I have neither seniority nor prestige and authority. I barely qualify for being a councilor. How can I manage the entire Supreme Council?" Even though Megard had said so, Lin Li was still a little unwilling.
For ordinary people, the possibility of becoming an arbitrator and standing on the pinnacle of Anril was undoubtedly tempting. However, that was not all Lin Li pursued. Just like how the three arbitrators wanted to take the final step in the pursuit of magic, he was not satisfied with his mere entry to the Sanctuary-realm.
Lin Li didn't have to do much for the Tower of Dusk, and he just needed to have enough strength to deter his enemies. He could leave the trivial and miscellaneous matters to his subordinates. Hence, Lin Li didn't have to invest too much energy in the management and operation of the Tower of Dusk.
However, he couldn't do the same for the Supreme Council, especially since what the three Arbiters wished for wasn't just to have a Sanctuary powerhouse in charge. They wanted Lin Li to set the Supreme Council on the right track. Given the current condition of the Supreme Council, Lin Li would have plenty to do if he were to take on the task.
The Supreme Council was already declining at the moment, and if he wanted to change the situation, he would first have to clean up the council, after which he had to poach some talents that he could bring to the council. He would then have to change the situation of the mages losing their faith. That was a long and massive process.
In addition to that, there were all sorts of problems, and the mere thought of it gave Lin Li a terrible headache. If he were to really do it, it would kill him.
The arbitrators looked at each other, not surprised by Lin Li's refusal at all. As Sanctuary powerhouses, they naturally knew that the identity of an arbitrator of the Supreme Council seemed glorious to ordinary people, but to Sanctuary powerhouses, it was more of a responsibility and trouble that they had been shouldering for more than 1,300 years. They definitely had stronger emotions about it than Lin Li.
However, the three arbitrators had no other choice. Sanctuary powerhouses were not immortals, and if they never took the final step, they would eventually decay one day. If they didn't find a suitable successor, the Supreme Council would stray further away from the original intent once the three arbitrators passed away. In the end, they would collapse and face their end.
"I think Teacher Andoine would be more suitable than me. He's the chairman of the Supreme Council who has experience in running it. Be it because of his seniority or prestige, he's more than qualified enough to take on that responsibility." Lin Li knew that it wasn't easy to directly decline. Hence, he recommended someone else to the three arbitrators.
"Him? The mention of that rascal makes me feel infuriated!" Hearing Lin Li mention Andoine, Apophis was filled with resentment, and he started cursing in a hostile manner. "We were initially quite optimistic, and had high expectations of that brat. Who knew that he would be so incompetent as to create a Thorn Domain for the sake of pharmaceutics. He will never, ever enter the Sanctuary-realm. Besides, with that ability of his, he can't even suppress that rascal Rosen. What happened today is an example, how can you expect him to lead the reform of the Supreme Council!?"
Although Apophis was being a little extreme, Lin Li was well aware that with the Thorn Domain, the possibility of Andoine entering the Sanctuary-realm was almost zero. If Andoine could reach the Guru-level, he would be able to enter the Sanctuary-realm. However, that was not possible. With Andoine's sub-par standards
in pharmaceutics, it was even more unreliable than him taking the path of magic.
"Felic, the three of us have already discussed the issues of seniority and prestige previously. We've come to a consensus and made an arrangement." Arbitrator Chris was a little embarrassed when he said those words because everyone could tell that Lin Li was just making excuses when he talked about seniority and prestige.
However, he still had to say it despite being embarrassed. He couldn't watch the Supreme Council get destroyed in his hands! Chris sighed and said to Lin Li, "If you're willing, you will be the fourth arbitrator of the Supreme Council. However, we won't be announcing this news to the world for now. You'd better participate in the management of the Supreme Council as a councilor first."
Lin Li remained silent, and did not immediately nod or continue to refuse. After all, the three arbitrators were nice to him. When he was still an Archmage, Apophis had personally given him some pointers in magic. If it were someone else, it would be impossible.
Although Megard was cold and indifferent on the surface, he allowed Lin Li to take away the core crystal coffin of the Eternal Furnace because he had discovered that Lin Li owned the Eternal Furnace after the exploration of Osric's mausoleum. In the end, the Arbitrator Chris personally received and brought him to the Supreme Council. He also gave him some pointers about the Sanctuary-realm.
Hence, despite knowing that the task was troublesome, Lin Li did not refute immediately, and instead listened to Chris' arrangements patiently. If the trouble was still within his means, Lin Li wouldn't mind helping the three arbitrators once. Well, he was young after all.
Sensing that Lin Li's attitude seemed to have eased up, Chris continued, "Once you have acc.u.mulated sufficient prestige, I will announce this news, and you will then start the reform of the Supreme Council as an arbitrator. Don't worry, we aren't going to just walk away and leave you in the lurch. We will still continue to support you during the reform until you completely control the situation. We will then leave."
