"Sorry, Elder Doren," Lin En managed a cordial smile, yet he firmly declined. "I also have a dark element talent and plan to become a deity independently."
Doren was momentarily taken aback, then laughed in exasperation. "Your lower-tier dark affinity? Even if you train for a hundred thousand years, it's impossible to become a deity!"
Doren felt Lin En's attitude had dramatically changed since becoming a Saint-level mage, almost as if he had lost touch with reality.
Despite his reluctance to give up on a suitable candidate like Lin En, Doren still attempted to persuade him, emphasizing the overwhelming power of a deity.
Lin En, growing tired of Doren's persistent persuasion but mindful of the past favor, suddenly had an idea. "How about this, Elder? Let's make a bet!"
Doren's interest was piqued, eager for any opportunity to sway Lin En back to what he considered the 'right path' – straightforwardly assimilating a deity's core.
Without power for protection, Lin En's hard-earned wealth could easily become a wedding dress for someone else.
The gap between level 9 and Saint level was like a chasm.
Lin En had reserved his thoughts and strategies, carefully considering his next steps.
Indeed, it was primarily the latter reason. They were well aware of their own talents and didn't entertain unrealistic expectations.
The iridescent crystal chandelier in the grand hall cast a warm, soft glow. The nobles were dressed in elegant and luxurious attire: the gentlemen in shiny, well-combed tuxedos, and the ladies in flamboyant, charming dresses, each displaying their unique allure.
In the golden hall...
While seeking help from Saint-level Magecrafters wasn't a problem, doing so would incur a debt of gratitude, which Lin En preferred to avoid.
The trio had varied expressions on their faces.
Doren excitedly continued, proposing terms for the bet.
Indeed, it was not about becoming a marquis but a duke!
Another significant aspect was the bet with Doren.
"Alright, but I have conditions," Lin En stated.
Regulos, overjoyed, pledged to do everything within the empire's power to fulfill Lin En's requests.
Colin, slightly intoxicated, wrapped an arm around Lin En's neck, his face flushed with drunkenness, and grinned, "Thanks to you, my family is considering me for the succession!"
Regulos reported the situation, hesitant to make a decision on his own.
His bitterness was apparent; they all knew each other too well to hide such feelings.
Previously, Emperor Andrey had inquired about Lin En's preference. Despite his new status as a duke, Lin En chose to keep his domain centered around Black Stone Town, significantly expanding its territory to include surrounding cities, making it comparable in size to some principalities.
After seeing off Doren, Lin En's face revealed a subtle smile.
He nodded without hesitation.
Lin En reassured them, "Just focus on your training and never give up. The stronger you become, the longer you live. If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to ask for my help. I'll do what I can."
The gathering was filled with respectful and obsequious faces amid the clinking of glasses.
Inside the carriage, Lin En's fingers gently brushed over a black space ring, which contained a complete collection of magical knowledge. It was one of the greatest gains from this journey.
This was the true value of a Saint-level mage!
"Master Lin En..."
Life magic, necromancy, and the Great Prophecy were scarce on the continent, especially the latter, which was almost non-existent outside of the Natural and Dark Churches and the two empires.
The 360 Dormitory brothers.
It was a matter of giving face and substance.
His desires were straightforward: artifacts and deific cores. Especially the latter, which he might not use personally but could be essential for his family.
"If I fail, I'll assimilate a set of deity cores and go to Hell to purchase items on your behalf!"
Without a Saint-level mage!
Every year, a substantial amount of money had to be spent to mitigate disasters, address issues, and solve complex problems. They even heavily compensated a Saint-level mage to serve as a nominal advisor, offering luxurious treatment and care.
Saint-level powerhouses stand above the common fray, unaffected by worldly affairs. Even emperors must treat them with the utmost respect, let alone the nobles. Each of them felt honored to exchange even a few words with Lin En.
"If I manage to ascend to godhood in my dark element within the next five hundred years, I want the right to choose half of the items currently in that space ring left behind by the fallen deity!" Lin En's condition was crucial and specific.
Both front and rear were guarded by a contingent of guards.
That night, the palace hosted a grand banquet to celebrate Lin En's ascension to both Saint-level and the rank of Duke.
In this world of boundless power, as long as one is strong enough, indulging in desires and luxuries is trivial.
Lin En's fame skyrocketed not only for becoming a Saint-level mage but also for slaying the Fire Sword Saint, Mathias, in a single battle. His close relationship with the 360 Dormitory brothers was well-known, benefiting Colin immensely and raising his status within his family.
The Waffle Commerce Guild, with extensive business across the continent, mainly in the territories of the Natural Alliance, had vast resources and a complex network of relationships. However, they faced a significant pain point.
Lin En remained silent. He had already refused once, clearly expressing his dissatisfaction.
Gradually, the crowd around Lin En thinned, leaving only three individuals.
Doren, intrigued, nodded, "Let's hear it."
Regulus was the most excited, earnest in his attention.
The beauty of power's allure was intoxicating, almost dreamlike.
Lin En wasn't particularly concerned about this, but he wasn't inclined to refuse such opportunities either.
"First, ascend to godhood with your water element, then we'll talk!" Doren's suggestion implied the immense challenge ahead.
Lin En's fingers unconsciously traced over the plain, black ring on his right index finger. It was simple and unassuming, yet only he knew the significance of the contents it held.
The next day, after politely declining his friends' requests to stay longer, Lin En boarded his carriage, drawing the attention of many as he left the capital city, Scott City.
Colin and Andy, on the other hand, were much more laid back about their interactions.
Lin En harbored no illusions about the importance of what he held in that ring.
Everything seemed to work out for the best.
"Alright!" Lin En suddenly thought of something and added, "And two more space rings!"
The idea of ascending to godhood in five hundred years with a mere lower-grade dark element affinity seemed like a fool's dream to many.
"I've also benefited from your spotlight. These past few days, many have sought to establish relations with me, but I've ignored them. I know they're only interested because of you," said Colin, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.
"I need Saint-level magic incantations for all elements, as well as the legacy of rule-based magic," Lin En stated his requirements clearly.
Regulus knocked and entered the guest room, joining the conversation.
...
This was a no-lose situation for him!
"Alright, I'll take that bet!"
The higher-ups at the Huafa Commerce Association were well aware of their predicament, yet they were helpless. Despite having many family members, very few actually possessed the talent for cultivation. Those who could reach level nine were few and far between, let alone aspire to the realm of the saints!
He opened the system panel.
The coachman drove two Snow Spirit horses, slowly traveling on the path leading to the countryside.
"Eternal life in the saint realm, I truly envy and resent you, guy."
From his perspective, it was a sure win!
Lin En's attitude was indifferent, tepid, casually chatting with a few nobles he was familiar with from the past.
Andy spoke with a laugh, his face flushed and glowing with joy.
Dolun had been waiting for five thousand years, what was another five hundred to him?
A face slightly embarrassed, "Second Brother, what our father did was indeed wrong, but after all, he is still my father. Could you please attend tonight's ennoblement ceremony for my sake?"
"Knock, knock."
With just a simple word from Andrey, "Yes!"
[Host: Lin En]
[Realm: Lower God]
[Elemental Talent: God-level Water System, Ultra-level Dark System]
[Rule Talent: Ultra-level Death System, Ultra-level Fate System]
[System Notice: Blessed with Many Children, rewards for the first, tenth, and hundredth offspring in each generation]
Looking at the dark system talent on the panel, the corners of Lin En's mouth lifted in a faint, confident smile.