by Zhuang Bifan
Given that both sides had the intention to collaborate, the deal was sealed immediately. As for other things such as splitting the gains, it was too early to talk about them. Heaven knew what lay inside there, but Lin Li wouldn't give up Thunderbolt no matter what… Also, compared to the thing that sealed Thunderbolt, the Immortal King's treasure wasn't important anymore. It wasn't even guaranteed that they could find it.
"Master Felic, you see, we still need some time to organize the team of adventurers. How about you come to Aminya with us? The Malfa Family welcomes you with open arms." Seeing that the deal was sealed, Hutton sincerely sent out an invitation to Lin Li, hoping that he could visit the Malfa Family in Aminya. After all, he really needed more time to organize the team of adventurers.
However, Lin Li didn't accept Hutton's invitation. No one knew how long they would be in the Haiga Mountain Range. Back in the Blackstone Mountains, they had spent three months in the Abyss of Tharlen alone. Thus, Lin Li knew he had better make the necessary arrangements for the Tower of Dusk before going to the Haiga Mountain Range.
A few days later, the Malfa Family located in Aminya City recruited adventurers on a large scale yet again. They organized a powerful team of adventurers by promising them attractive rewards. Unlike the previous time when going to the Blackstone Mountains, when any Tom, D.i.c.k, and Harry could get money as long as they participated, the requirements for the adventurers this time were very high, and even seemed to be unreasonable to some.
All the participating adventurers were required to be at least level-15 regardless of whether they were Mages, Warriors, or Bandits. In fact, nobody questioned this requirement anymore after knowing that the destination was the Haiga Mountain Range. No matter how many people there were, everyone below level-15 would only be a burden in a dangerous place like that.
After making arrangements for the Tower of Dusk, Lin Li went to Aminya City with his subordinates. The current Patriarch Sorenson, his son Hutton, and other important people in the family all came to the gate to personally welcome Lin Li as they had known that Lin Li was coming beforehand. The scene of the welcome was so grand that countless people started gossiping about it. However, nobody found it strange after knowing that the famous Master Felic was the one visiting.
In the entire Breezy Plains, even the farmers who only knew about farming knew about Master Felic now. That 20-year-old Legendary-mage was like a god. Thus, there was nothing inappropriate if Patriarch Sorenson of the Malfa Family went to welcome him.
Hutton didn't just realize that he was less capable than Lin Li. He hadn't felt the difference so clearly before, but felt it so deeply in this period of time after seeing how his father and teacher behaved towards Lin Li. First, his most respected teacher treated Lin Li as an equal when they visited the Tower of Dusk. Then, his father lowered his attitude to welcome Lin Li personally at the city gate even as the patriarch. All these were like a ruler, making the difference more obvious and making Hutton's feelings clearer.
Hutton sighed in his heart upon seeing Master Felic, who was currently greeting his father. Back in the Blackstone Mountains, Hutton looked down on this mage called Felic when he had first heard about him. Now, Mage Felic had become Master Felic in less than a year, and even defeated a Legendary-mage from the Elven Kingdom said to be level-22 in the Harvest Square.
This was what it was like to be far inferior. Thinking back on those years when he'd been immeasurably self-satisfied to be called a genius, Hutton was so ashamed of his old self. Compared to the young Master Felic, his so-called talent was nothing. How dared he even call himself a genius? Regarding the so-called seeing only the other rider's dust and having no hope of catching up1, one could at least see the dust left behind by the other rider. However, compared to Master Felic, Hutton couldn't even see the dust left behind by Felic. This is rather unclear. She probably didn't create those mountains, but rather changed them somehow.Clearly an idiomatic phrase.
Chapter 573 - Meeting Again
On the other hand, Hutton's father, Patriarch Sorenson, was more resigned about this matter. After all, someone as heaven-defying as Master Felic only appeared once every 1000 years. Hence, there was no need to compare his son Hutton with Felic. Sorenson looked at his son. He knew that Hutton had led an easy life so far, and heard too much flattery. Though Hutton tried his best to keep his composure, he still liked to go down a dead-end as a youth.
Although this fact was very clear to an outsider, Hutton still needed to figure it out himself and free himself from this psychological barrier. It was useless for others to tell him what to do. After he had figured out everything, maybe he would break through in magic. Of course, if he insisted to put this matter to heart, his magic would remain where he was for the rest of his life.
Members of the Malfa Family revolved around Lin Li as if a myriad of stars surrounding the moon. Patriarch Sorenson personally led Lin Li into the Malfa Family mansion. Although Master Cheyenne didn't welcome Lin Li at the gate, he was already waiting for Lin Li in the parlor. After all, Legendary powerhouses had their own dignity. Even though everyone knew that Lin Li had boundless prospects, Cheyenne was Lin Li's equal as of now.
In the luxurious parlor, only Master Cheyenne, Patriarch Sorenson, and the internally conflicted Hutton remained in the room—the other members of the Malfa Family all left. What they needed to discuss was very simple: the situation of the team of adventurers, how their abilities were, how they would enter the Haiga Mountain Range, and etcetera.
The Malfa Family had invested almost everything they had into finding the Immortal King's treasure. Out of the 100-plus adventurers in the team, everyone was at least level-15 by profession. Anyone at least level-15 in power would be an influential powerhouse in a certain area. The Malfa Family had spent more than just gold coins to hire these people.
Other than these 100-plus adventurers who were at least level-15, the Malfa Family also dispatched all its elites. All the powers in every area of the family seemed to be drawn out to form a team of mages made up of 60 Archmages at least level-15. Even Lin Li was very impressed with the Malfa Family's power. It seemed like the Malfa Family didn't depend on any luck at all to get where it was today in the Breezy Plains.
Each one of these people had the ability to support a pretty strong faction single-handedly. If they were to join a Guild of Magic, any of them was capable of being the President. No wonder the factions of the Breezy Plains couldn't be bothered by the Guilds of Magic supported by the Supreme Council. Perhaps the strength of all Guilds of Magic added together was similar to that of 60 Archmages at least level-15.
Although Lin Li was surprised with the Malfa Family's power, he didn't lose confidence in himself. Though the Tower of Dusk didn't have matching power currently, it wouldn't take long for it to catch up—and even surpass—the Malfa Family given its current speed of development.
Compared to the effort the Malfa Family had put in, its collaborator the Tower of Dusk only sent Lin Li over, which seemed rather stingy. However, Lin Li didn't think there was anything wrong with this. The extent of contribution made wasn't dependent on the number of people. For the Malfa Family, even the elders didn't dare to complain about the Tower of Dusk, as a Legendary powerhouse had surpassed the level of which they could complain about.
After the discussion, the team couldn't set off immediately yet. Thus, Hutton led Lin Li to rest and tour the Malfa Family Mansion on the way. In terms of luxury and vastness, the Malfa Family Mansion was nothing compared to the Forbidden Palace that Lin Li had toured before. Moreover, with Lin Li's judgment as a Guru of Inscription, the standards of the mageweaths inscribed on the walls of this mansion weren't very high, though they were considered very powerful.
"Hah! Damn it! You dare to come to my territory? Just see how I'm going to deal with you!" A sharp voice rang abruptly, and then a person ran towards Lin Li like he was crazy.
Harvey hadn't had any ambitions or goals. He didn't try to snatch power or dream abou
t things he could never get, just wanting to be a dandy. He didn't need to worry about family affairs all day long like his brother Hutton, so he used all his memory on grudges. Though half a year had passed since the incident in the Blackstone Mountains, Harvey didn't forget about the lad who had ruined his plan, and caused him to get slapped twice by his elder brother.
Though Harvey had heard much hearsay about the Tower of Dusk recently as well, he didn't believe any of it. In Harvey's eyes, only his brother Hutton could be considered a genius. It was definitely fake bragging that Lin Li was a 20-year-old Legendary-mage. Everyone knew that the God of Mages Geresco was the teacher of the Malfa Family's ancestors. Even Geresco only stepped into the Legendary-realm at the age of 231. How could anyone be better than the God of Mages?
Although Harvey didn't think of revenge all the time, as this wouldn't fulfill his pursuit of having fun, there was no reason for him to let this wretched lad off when he had chanced upon him today. Moreover, the lad was now in Harvey's family's territory. Harvey was very clear that the family was concentrating all its power, and even called the Archmages spread out across the city back. It would probably be a piece of cake to deal with this ignorant little mage who didn't know how much he weighed.
"You lad, you're quite daring! You dare to come to my house to rip off our family? You think the Malfa Family's so easy to bluff? What genius! What legend! You think you can bluff me with your tricks? You can only deceive those foolish farmers," Harvey yelled excitedly, thinking that he had finally caught this scoundrel this time.
"Shut up!" Hutton didn't expect his brother to come and cause trouble just as he turned away for a few seconds. How was it possible not to make any enemies with a brother like this?
Hutton wasn't worried that the collaboration between the two factions would be affected because of Harvey. Instead, he was worried that Master Felic would crush Harvey easily like an ant. With Master Felic's current status, Hutton's father and teacher wouldn't speak up for Harvey, and the collaboration between the two factions would continue as if nothing happened. This was because compared to collaborating with a Legendary powerhouse, a dandy without any development potential was insignificant.
"Erm…" Harvey saw his brother who had an awful expression only now. However, he got angry again upon seeing this so-called master who was even younger than himself. Frustrated, he yelled, "Brother, don't be tricked by this lad! Look at how crafty-looking he is! How's it possible—"
"Shut up!" Hutton stepped forward and gave Harvey's face a slap. Although a mage's physical strength didn't match that of a Warrior, he was still much stronger than an ordinary person. This slap was so powerful it made Harvey turn two rounds on the spot. However, Hutton hadn't given him a slap for any family interests, but rather to save Harvey's life. After all, Harvey was still his younger brother, and he couldn't bear to let him walk to his own death like this… although Hutton indeed wanted to strangle him sometimes.
"Master Felic, I'm so sorry. My brother is unruly by nature, and has no sense of propriety for his words and actions. Please don't take his crazy words to heart," Hutton said to Lin Li respectfully without even looking at the stunned Harvey.
How could Lin Li not realize Hutton's intention of protecting Harvey? However, he couldn't be bothered by this. It wasn't because he was wary of the Malfa Family—he simply didn't want to waste time and effort on this lad. He waved his hand, unbothered, and calmly replied, "Don't worry too much, just make sure that he won't bother me in the future."
"Damn it! Are you looking down on me? What kind of place is this? You think you can trick people here? You were lucky that you've escaped last time. Let me see where you can run this time!" Harvey yelled hysterically, his face turning completely red. He was the second young master of the Malfa Family and a very important person in Aminya—and even the Breezy Plains—in terms of status. How could he bear to be looked down by a village boy from a desolate place like Jarrosus so many times?
Harvey had heard rumors about the Tower of Dusk too. However, it was difficult for a person to think of issues rationally once they had formed their own biased opinions. The news of a 20-year-old Legendary-mage was also beyond the limits of many people's imagination. Harvey didn't want to believe in this piece of news, so how would he be willing to even verify its authenticity?
Although Harvey had planned to be a dandy who just had fun every day, nobody was willing to be insignificant. If Lin Li had gotten angry and yelled at Harvey, or even beat him up, Harvey wouldn't get so hysterical. The greatest form of contempt was to ignore. Lin Li didn't even look at Harvey. This hurt Harvey's pride immensely.
Hutton was flaming with anger. He didn't expect his younger brother to be so daring and even defy him. Hutton knew better than anyone that this calm-looking Master Felic was definitely not kind-hearted, even though he might look totally harmless. After all, Hutton had witnessed the entire process of how Stephen from the Dark Blade had ended up.
"Harvey! Are you doubting me? Or are you saying that Father and Teacher Cheyenne are the foolish farmers you're talking about?" Hutton gave Harvey a stare so cold it seemed to freeze the air around him. Iirc, the author claimed it was 30 at first, but it's at least the second time number 23 appears. Either I confused it with Geresco's Sanctuary-realm breakthrough, or the author got confused.
Chapter 574 - Cooperation
Harvey could sense a terrifying and cold gaze in his brother Hutton's eyes, which made him feel a chill down his spine. He shuddered, unable to speak.
"Are all of you dead? Two of you, come here and take Second Young Master away. I think he needs to do some reflecting," Hutton ordered coldly.
The two scurried towards Harvey, and carried him away. He was motionless as if he had turned stiff because of a spell.
Hutton turned around with a sullen expression, and said to Lin Li, "Master Felic, I'm really sorry. This brother of mine needs to be taught a lesson. You—"
Before Hutton could even finish speaking, Lin Li waved as if nothing had happened. He coldly said, "Let's go."
"…Yes, please." Hutton heaved a sigh of relief and grinned, thinking to himself, It's no wonder that my incompetent brother would turn so hysterical. He didn't even manage to attract his attention. If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn't be able to take it, either.
Lin Li simply had a good memory. Otherwise, Harvey wouldn't even have the chance to create a lasting impression on Lin Li. Harvey felt like killing himself when Lin Li asked him if he knew him.
Harvey's reckless actions did not cause any uproar or problems for the cooperation between the Malfa Family and Lin Li. Even if Lin Li were to kill Harvey, the Malfa Family wouldn't hold it against him, because their interests were far more important than a dispensable heir.
Two days later, the team of adventurers was finally established, and the logistics were also ready. There was no formal ritual of departure, and the daunting team set off to Haiga Mountain Range from the Malfa Family's Aminya City.
This time, Lin Li joined as a partner, and not a simple Adventurer, unlike when he'd gone to the Blackstone Mountains previously. Today, Lin Li had attained a high status which allowed him to enjoy the same treatment as Cheyenne. He was very young, and the Tower of Dusk was even more so. However, no one dared to doubt his status, because he was a Legendary-mage.
Whenever the team stopped for a break in the tent, Cheyenne would invite Lin Li for a discussion about magic, which invitation Lin Li would not turn down. Even though he had a magical book like the Book of Eternity, there were no limits to learning and gaining more knowledge. The experience gained by the God of Mages, Geresco, was irreplaceable. However, there was plenty for Lin Li to learn from Cheyenne, a Legendary-mage who had been in the Legendary-realm for years.
Of course, Cheyenne had also learned a lot from Lin Li during their discussions. After all, the Book of Eternity that Lin Li owned was a paramount treasure in the world of magic. Cheyenne even wished that the journey would go on longer.
As Cheyenne's students, Hutton and Adelo were extremely lucky because they got to gain plenty of knowledge from the discussions between the two Legendary masters. Although they were both Archmages, there were several things that they could not understand—especially Hutton, who had a rare talent in magic, though he could not hold a candle to Lin Li.
Some of the Adventurers had also begun doubting Lin Li's abilities, and suspecting the validity of the rumors that spread around the entire Breezy Plains. However, in the past few days, even Master Cheyenne regarded Lin Li with great respect. Hence, no one dared to suspect or doubt him anymore. In fact, some Archmages who did not belong to the Malfa Family had even begun finding out more about the recruitment criteria of the Tower of Dusk. After all, they were Archmages who were significant figures.
Although the team of level-15 elites made rapid progress, it still took them about a week to get to Haiga Mountain Range. Due to the fact that none of them knew what they might encounter in the Haiga Mountain Range, they decided to reserve their energy as much as possible.
When the team entered the Haiga Mountain Range, Lin Li obviously felt that they had slowed down. Everyone seemed to be very cautious—especially the members of the Malfa Family, who were careful with every step they took. Actually, their conscientiousness could be explained by the distribution of the forces in the Breezy Plains. Although there was still quite a distance for them to cover before they could reach the actual Haiga Mountain Range, they were already in the territory of the Dark Blade.