Ye Chenfeng considered Ying Su his secret weapon, one he planned to keep hidden until he reached a super mage level himself. Letting her out too soon would risk exposure, especially if she slipped up in a moment of recklessness. The Black Church would guard her jealously, while the Holy Inquisition would hunt her down, potentially joining forces with others who sought her power. Even celestial beings with their own hidden agendas might intervene, complicating everything further.
"No matter what happens, the Holy Inquisition would come after you," Ye Chenfeng sighed. "Your main task now is to focus on training your other two magic systems. Your proficiency in the curse element shows your mental fortitude, so reaching intermediate levels with the others should only take a couple of weeks."
Ying Su's eyes widened, staring at him in confusion. "What's wrong?" Ye Chenfeng asked, puzzled by her silence.
"I... I only have one magic system," she admitted sheepishly.
"What?!" Ye Chenfeng was taken aback. Was she born with restricted magical channels or only capable of awakening one system? Trading four potential systems for a rare, mutated curse type seemed a steep loss. Before he could voice his thoughts, Ying Su leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear.
Ye Chenfeng's heart skipped a beat at her proximity, only to be jolted back to reality when she whispered, "I don't have the money for awakening."
His mind blanked momentarily. Taking her to the Magicians' Association was out of the question; too many high-ranking mages would sense her unique powers. Without hesitation, he decided to buy an entire set of awakening stones, knowing her curse system's potential was worth any investment.
As night fell, Ye Chenfeng sent Ying Su off to rest, promising that they would begin the awakening process in the morning. The sun's golden glow bathed the villa the next day as Ye Chenfeng sat massaging his temples while Ying Su stood before him, eyes alight with excitement from her successful awakening.
"Brother, is my new magic okay?" she asked tentatively, noting his unreadable expression.
Ye Chenfeng's gaze met hers, marveling at her potential. Her unique combination of magic systems made her an irresistible target. Not only would the Holy Court and Black Church fight for her, but even non-human entities might intervene.
"First, the curse type. Now the undead type. And even shadows?" He took a deep breath, realizing she might be destined to become a powerful force, perhaps the next Dark Monarch. It was reassuring, at least, that those who were interested in her for now would prefer her alive.
Adjusting his demeanor, Ye Chenfeng said, "You've done exceptionally well. Awakening the undead system is remarkable."
"Is it that rare?" Ying Su's curiosity peeked through her polite tone.
"Yes," Ye Chenfeng confirmed. "There are fewer than a hundred known necromancers in the entire country, maybe even fewer. The undead system, paired with the right tools, nearly won the Egyptians the world title."
With newfound determination, Ying Su's eyes gleamed. "I'll practice hard, then."
Ye Chenfeng couldn't help but smirk at her enthusiasm. "Good. And don't say 'awesome' like that—it doesn't suit you," he joked, noticing how her casual language contrasted with her demure appearance.
Ying Su raised an eyebrow at the playful rebuke but chose to stay silent, knowing he was trying to lighten the mood.
"The real reason I need you to practice the undead system is for something crucial," Ye Chenfeng continued. "It's linked to my future plans. Only someone like you can make necromantic vessels, and without them, achieving my goals will be impossible."
Her gaze softened as she absorbed his sincerity. "Alright, I'll practice it diligently."
Watching her leave, Ye Chenfeng felt a mix of relief and resolve. If Ying Su hadn't unexpectedly awakened this rare power, he would have had to make the long journey to Egypt. After all, necromancers were essential for creating vessels capable of channeling life essence.
His phone buzzed with a message about Zhao's latest project—magic firearms hitting the market. At 600,000 yuan each, it promised enormous profits. Ye Chenfeng swiftly transferred 200 million yuan to Uncle Ye, remembering how the initial 300 million had gone into securing a factory. The staggering price of real estate in the Magic City meant investments needed careful planning.
Zhao Manyan's involvement would likely push the venture forward, reducing their production costs and securing their market position. Yet Ye Chenfeng knew that with this much profit on the line, Zhao's backing was both a boon and a sign of greater power plays ahead. If things went south, the plan was simple: shift strategy, keep innovating, and stay ahead of those who would try to control them.