Lin En responded, "Of course, I can't let you three beasts get ahead of me."
Regulos laughed and teased, "You, always flying high at the slightest praise!"
As they bantered, a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh fruit and pastries into the room. Selena, with a warm smile, served them, "Prince Regulos, it's been a long time since we last met."
Her tone turned slightly wistful as she added, "I just hope you've become less childish!"
Regulos' eyes brightened at the sight of the beautiful woman in a light green dress, her stunning features complemented by her long, wavy blue hair. He replied, "Yes, the last time was three years ago at your wedding."
Then, somewhat embarrassed, he apologized, "Sorry, it was my mistake. I just couldn't resist testing Lin En's strength."
Turning to Lin En, he quickly changed the subject, his tone slightly sour, "You're the lucky one, marrying such a beautiful wife."
Lin En smiled without saying much, not daring to make any comments that might stir up jealousy. After all, Selena was known as the top ice beauty at Halley Magic Academy.
Their coming together was indeed a matter of fate.
After a brief chat, they moved on to the main topic.
"Alas, Lin En, you're already a level 7 Grand Mage, and I'm just a level 5."
Lin En nodded and said, "That's fine, Blackstone Town is a good place, no need to change my fief."
"The Emperor sent me here to confirm if you've truly advanced to a level 7 Grand Mage. If it's true, you should prepare for a trip to the Imperial City to participate in the promotion ceremony!"
The only thing he didn't do was urge him to focus on cultivating.
The sound of horse hooves and carriage wheels rolling over the muddy road mixed together as Lin En traveled.
Lin En's smile was carefree; he knew his displayed talent and potential were close to first-class but still a distance away from top-tier geniuses, not significant enough to garner the Emperor's special attention.
Opening the carriage window, which was coated with magical herbs for reinforcement and slight soundproofing, the fresh and natural scent of field flowers wafted in, lingering at the tip of his nose.
Elevation to a higher noble rank was no easy feat, but being a level 7 Grand Mage was an exception.
The next day, Lin En bid farewell to Selena and set off for the Imperial City, Scott City, with Regulos on his contracted magical pet, a bipedal dragon.
Lin En responded politely.
They occasionally landed to rest during the journey and reached the Imperial City in just five days.
"Do you want to join me for a tour?"
"Among us four brothers of the 360 dormitory, it seems only you, Lin En, have the potential to become a level 9 Grand Mage," said Andy, a handsome, red-haired young man with a scholarly air. He came over, holding a glass of wine, leaning against the wall of the terrace, and looked over with a touch of envy.
Lin En offered words of comfort.
"Thanks for your kind words," Lin En said with a modest smile. He wouldn't boast about his ambition to reach the Sanctuary level; without matching strength, such talk would only be laughable.
Before departing, Lin En had asked Selena, who showed interest in his plans. As for their child, they decided to leave him in the care of a maid, as he was too young for strenuous travel.
Lin En made a gesture with a standard noble etiquette.
West City, the Royal Palace.
In the fields and pathways surrounding the palace, Selena half-closed her eyes, breathing in the fresh air. Her chest rose and fell gently, forming a lovely curve, and her fair cheeks were adorned with a relaxed, content smile.
The speaker was Colin, a typical rotund man dressed in luxurious attire, his belly as round as a pregnant woman's. He swirled his wine glass while sighing in resignation.
In the Violet Continent, talent determined one's potential, and not everyone had Lin En's system 'golden finger' to defy fate through sheer effort. Here, any level 7 Grand Mage could obtain a baronetcy in any empire. If their talent was exceptional and they had the potential to reach the Sanctuary level, they might even earn the title of Earl!
Emperor Andrei spoke with politeness and warmth.
Lin En, with his unblemished reputation and exceptional abilities, was precisely the kind of talent worth warmly courting.
Following Regulos, Lin En entered the palace and met the current Emperor of the Scott Empire, Andrei, in the gold-adorned Grand Hall lined with a red carpet.
Regulos rolled his eyes at Lin En and said gruffly, "Don't get ahead of yourself. Land resources are tight; there's not much spare land for you to choose from. It will likely just be an expansion of your current territory."
Regulos cleared his throat and spoke formally.
After the ceremony, Lin En's rank was elevated to that of a Viscount, and the territory of Blackstone Town was expanded by half, including fertile black soil and forests!
This was the benefit and honor brought by strength.
In the evening, the palace hosted a small banquet. Lin En, as the guest of honor, was complimented and engaged in conversations by many nobles.
The light rain continued to fall, weaving a vast net from the clouds to the ground. Distant mountains in dark hues, nearby pink peach blossoms, tender green poplars, and soft willow branches...
Setting aside his strength as a level 7 Grand Mage, Lin En was also recognized in the art world. His connections included individuals up to level 9 and even some who had received praise from Sanctuary-level beings.
However, this was for the best. Growing quietly and then rising suddenly to astonish everyone was the true way to go.
With life returning to normal, Lin En's first task was to inspect the new lands added to his territory, following the processes set by the Empire, and armed with the Emperor's decree.
The fine rain continued, like needles or thin threads, densely weaving across the landscape.
"Tap, tap, tap..."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."
"Haha, congratulations, Master Lin En, on advancing to the realm of a level 7 Grand Mage. Your future is bright!"
Becoming a mage was much more challenging than becoming a warrior. Breaking through to a level 7 Grand Mage before the age of 35 meant there was a chance to reach level 8 by 55.
Lin En politely responded to everyone, maintaining a smile. Despite his reluctance towards these social interactions, he understood their necessity until he reached the Sanctuary level.
After the banquet, Lin En didn't linger in the Imperial City. The next day, he bid farewell to his friends and returned to Blackstone Town.
"Hmm~"
"The Woff Commerce has vast responsibilities, so it's natural to be a bit distracted from cultivation. Don't worry too much about it."
The Emperor, with golden hair and a robust physique, exuded an air of authority and power. Though in his seventies, he was a level 8 warrior in his prime.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
The light rain and slight chill of the breeze brought a sense of freshness to the air, purifying the atmosphere inside the carriage.
Selena blinked her beautiful, sapphire-like eyes, smiling approvingly, "The scenery here is truly beautiful."
"Yes, and now it's part of our territory."
Lin En, comfortably leaning against the soft cushions and blanket, glanced through the open window at the vast fields and forests, feeling a deep sense of contentment.