In the study, Wang Hui listened intently as Justin reported on recent developments while perusing a substantial tome of spells.
He was, of course, reading the original work penned by the witch Mag, as opposed to the error-ridden pirated versions.
With a sudden exhale, flames erupted from the palm of his other hand, momentarily startling Justin.
The flame flickered with a fierce white hue, its intense heat palpable even from several meters away, as if capable of roasting flesh!
"You speak of your matters while I amuse myself."
Wang Hui closed his fingers, extinguishing the flames.
A first-tier spell—"Flame of the Palm!"
Mag was hailed as the foremost authority on water-based spells in the Storm Kingdom, yet she was not limited to just that element.
For instance, "Flame of the Palm" was one of the foundational fire spells, and Mag possessed unique insights into its workings.
She believed that concentrating magical output could significantly elevate the temperature of the flame, making it rival third-tier spells!
Mag herself could achieve this, yet if she were to witness Wang Hui's technique, she would likely feel compelled to add a note to her book: "Making 'Flame of the Palm' comparable to third-tier spells is merely the limit of human sorcerers; the capabilities of the divine are beyond discussion."
At that moment, during the designated teaching period, Mag was in the backyard instructing Liliya, leaving only Wang Hui and Justin in the study.
"...Master, these have been the developments since the divine realm established its presence in Reverse Wind Port. For more detailed information, you would need to consult Mr. Hu Yan Wu and others, which falls beyond my scope of knowledge."
As Justin spoke, he redirected the conversation towards his target.
He detailed how Liang Xiaohao had infiltrated the crew of the "Belmou," sustaining severe injuries before gradually recovering.
The harrowing nature of his ordeal evoked sorrow in listeners, drawing tears from the eyes of those who heard!
Wang Hui set his book aside, feeling a twinge of confusion.
After being struck by Hu Yan Wu's Source Hand, Liang Xiaohao had somehow not perished?
He had not mentioned this player to Hu Yan Wu beforehand; knowing that servant's character, he would not show leniency.
Could it be that the "players" entering the microcosm possessed some hidden "survivor's luck?"
However, upon further reflection, Wang Hui felt the notion was flawed; after all, Liang Xiaohao had been swiftly dispatched by the ruffian Pei Qi.
Such reasoning led him to believe that Liang Xiaohao's survival after being assaulted by Hu Yan Wu, and his year-and-a-half stay in the Bay World, was likely due to Wang Hui closing the glass dome before sleeping last night!
The lad did not wish to "exit the game," but rather found himself unable to do so.
He did not wish to die; he simply could not!
Yet, without any extraordinary physique, Liang Xiaohao's projection body had suffered broken bones from Hu Yan Wu's strike and lay paralyzed like a rag doll, clinging to life...
"Sigh, who told you to be fortunate enough to enter my microcosm? To enjoy the exotic ambiance of Reverse Wind Port from your sickbed is not a futile endeavor after all."
Wang Hui chuckled inwardly while maintaining a serious façade, cautioning, "Do not underestimate him simply because he is incapacitated; he might yet spring back to life one day. Your team must keep a close watch on him!"
"I will heed your command, Master."
Justin replied earnestly, before Wang Hui inquired, "By the way, do you have sufficient funds at your disposal? Do not hesitate to spend on your informants, especially for the one observing Liang Xiaohao; their remuneration must be doubled."
"Your generosity knows no bounds, Master!"
Justin exclaimed sincerely, then explained, "Since Mr. Hu Yan Wu's visit last year, the divine realm has periodically allocated funds to me; my reserves are currently quite ample!"
"That is reassuring."
Wang Hui nodded slightly.
He had merely outlined the broad strokes of the divine mandate plan, while the specifics were orchestrated by Nalan Xia, Zuo Qiu Yue, Hu Yan Wu, and others.
They would adjust the plan according to the intelligence provided by the sorcerer Lan Nong and the conditions specific to Reverse Wind Port.
So far, it appeared that the divine realm's integration into the various industries of Reverse Wind Port was proceeding smoothly, with only a handful of obstinate petty nobles raising objections, swiftly quelled by the Seventh Prince leading a cohort of aluminum-armored warriors to negotiate.
The newly established lord of Reverse Wind Port, the Seventh Prince, seemed to relish the change in his title, frequently parading through the streets, drawing the attention of various factions.
Meanwhile, the divine realm's influence remained discreet, using Reverse Wind Port as a foothold to subtly infiltrate the remaining territories of the Storm Kingdom...
In summary, all was progressing steadily toward a favorable outcome!
As Wang Hui prepared to return his gaze to the spells, he noticed Justin producing two sheets of parchment from his pocket, laying them on the table and unfurling them.
One sheet bore the ancient eye design Wang Hui had initially drawn; it represented the legacy artifact of the Bay World.
The second sheet contained some hastily scrawled text alongside a few crude maps.
"Master, I have made some progress in locating the items you requested."
Justin pointed to the routes on the second sheet's map: "Here, and here—on the border of the Thunder Kingdom and the Storm Kingdom.
Three months ago, tensions between the two nations escalated along the border, and my informants reported that the Thunder Kingdom's high priest has invoked some manner of overwhelming extraordinary power!
With the Storm Kingdom's defenses weakened without Nicholas Geiki's leadership, these regions have been seized by enemy forces.
Moreover, on the high priest's magical artifact, there is an emblem resembling this eye!"
"Mm?"
Wang Hui's expression sharpened.
Initially, he had presumed the legacy artifact was hidden within the mysterious Silvermoon Kingdom, only to discover clues within the domain of the orc-led Thunder Kingdom!
"Do you have any insights on the Thunder High Priest?"
"Apologies, Master; I have not yet discerned any information regarding him."
Justin bowed his head in shame, then realized that as a being from the celestial realm, his master might reasonably lack familiarity with certain "earthly knowledge."
Thus, he continued, "The high priest of the Thunder Kingdom, the great necromancer of the Dark Kingdom, the Pope of the Silvermoon Kingdom, and the chief sorcerer of the Storm Kingdom...
They are all acknowledged as individuals with the longest lifespans, standing at the pinnacle of extraordinary power!
Numerous legends surround these four, yet few genuinely understand their circumstances; at least in this era, such knowledge is exceedingly rare..."
"By your account, they are indeed the four individuals you consider to be securely positioned ahead of Nicholas Geiki."
Wang Hui's lips curled into a slight smile, causing Justin's heart to tremble.
That very expression!
Not long after the last time his master exhibited such interest, the fleet of the "Nicholas" was annihilated, the "Storm Knights" vanished without a trace, and the witch Mag became a captive, forced into servitude...
In his heart, Justin silently mourned for the Thunder Kingdom.
The high priest, who had achieved successive victories—did you feel the gaze of the divine upon you?