Chapter 210: The First Unified Nation
On the way to Youhu City, Fakado pondered extensively about Su Nan.
His mind was filled with various speculations about their appearance, conjuring up all sorts of strange ideas.
However, upon seeing Su Nan in person, he realized they resembled an ordinary human.
Unlike many Wizard Apprentices whose appearances were distorted due to Bloodline fusion, Su Nan looked no different from any regular person—except for their eyes.
Just one glance was enough for Fakado to sense the vast difference between himself and the individual before him. It was a disparity at the Spirit level, as different as heaven is from earth.
"It is an honor to meet you, Master Su Nan!"
Fakado bowed deeply, lowering his head in reverence.
Faced with a powerful figure whose strength eclipsed his own, he felt it necessary to express his respect.
Innocent and the two others snapped out of their daze and also bowed in acknowledgment.
Su Nan waved a hand and took their place in the seat of honor.
Once seated, Fakado and the others settled back down as well.
The four exchanged glances; just as Fakado was about to speak, Su Nan raised a hand to interrupt him.
"As long as the Russell Family refrains from participating in the war, I can ensure that the Prosperous Star Empire will not attack them."
Fakado was momentarily stunned before joy filled him, but Su Nan's next words caused his expression to change slightly.
"The condition is that you provide information about Falling Star City."
As Su Nan spoke, their gaze swept across the four members of Fakado's group.
Innocent and the others looked bewildered, but they noted the change in Fakado's expression.
Su Nan was certain that the leader of the Russell Family knew about the clues to Falling Star City.
"Fakado Clan Leader, what do you think of this deal?"
Fakado paused for a moment, a bitter smile crossing his face before he nodded.
"It's a very good deal."
What else could he say? He should be grateful that the Russell Family still possessed something of interest to Su Nan; otherwise, given Su Nan's tendencies, his entire clan would have likely been ruthlessly annihilated long ago.
Just like the former Council of Truth.
"Hearing Fakado's words, the three members of Innocent revealed expressions of astonishment.
Falling Star City?
Their family actually possessed clues about Falling Star City?
Why had no one ever mentioned this before?
Seeming to sense their confusion, Fakado explained with a wry smile, 'Our family indeed possesses clues to Falling Star City, but they have been passed down verbally by the clan leaders over the years. Therefore, aside from the clan leader, no one else is aware of them.'
As he spoke, Fakado couldn't help but glance at Su Nan.
To this day, he still couldn't understand how Su Nan had uncovered this secret.
Noticing Fakado's gaze, Su Nan remained calm and did not respond.
He couldn’t exactly admit that he had been bluffing, could he?
'Why?' Innocent asked, unable to contain his curiosity.
Fakado sighed and replied, 'Because, for over seven hundred years, no one from our family has been able to enter Falling Star City, no matter what method they’ve tried.'
'The secret of Falling Star City is highly coveted, especially since it is inaccessible. To avoid trouble over something they cannot obtain, our ancestors decided to seal this secret, allowing only the clan leader to know it.'
Fakado's words served as both an explanation for his clan members and an attempt to inform Su Nan of the present situation regarding Falling Star City. He didn’t want Su Nan to think he was deliberately withholding the means to enter Falling Star City, fearing his wrath against the Russell Family.
Su Nan frowned slightly, then quickly relaxed.
'The key to entering Falling Star City should be in your possession, right?'
Based on the experiences of the Tower of Stars and Black Forest, Falling Star City should have a so-called key.
As expected, Fakado nodded and produced a bead, handing it to Su Nan.
In his view, since Su Nan was aware of the Russell Family’s secret, it wasn’t surprising that he would also know about the existence of the key; thus, he felt no shock.
On the other hand, the three members of Innocent gaped in astonishment.
They had never imagined that the family’s inherited Sun Melt Orb was actually the key to entering Falling Star City.
'Wizard Tool.'
Taking it in hand and examining it for a moment, Su Nan raised an eyebrow in surprise.
'Sir, you have an excellent eye.'
This time, Fakado was genuinely surprised."
Starlight Continent is rarely seen these days, let alone a Wizard Tool.
At least, he had never heard of anyone obtaining a Wizard Tool.
Yet Su Nan could identify the grade of the Sun Melt Orb at a glance—a level of insight that was truly astonishing.
It was fortunate he didn't know that Su Nan possessed nearly two dozen Wizard Tools; otherwise, his eyes would probably have popped out of his head.
"It seems that the Russell Family's Ancestor Witch truly valued their descendants, crafting a Key from their entry into Falling Star City and turning it into a Wizard Tool to pass down."
"Unfortunately, too much time has passed, and this Wizard Tool has worn down quite a bit. Its power is probably less than half of what it once was."
Su Nan felt a twinge of regret before looking up at Fakado.
"What exactly do you mean when you say you can't enter Falling Star City?"
Having reached this point, Fakado didn't hold back and told the truth. "According to family records, Falling Star City opens once every thirty years, and its location is in the Rainbow Sea at the edge of the continent. However, since about seven hundred years ago, although our ancestors could still use the Sun Melt Orb to sense the time and location of Falling Star City's appearance, when they arrived at the spot, they could never find the city again."
They could sense it, but not find it?
Su Nan's eyes flickered, as if he was deep in thought.
"When was the last time Falling Star City appeared?"
"Fifteen years ago."
This meant the next opening would be in fifteen years.
Su Nan understood. Weighing the Sun Melt Orb in his hand, he said, "I'll keep this for now. I'll return it to you when I'm done with it."
Fakado hesitated for a moment before replying, "As you wish, sir."
Seeing his concern, Su Nan chuckled and said, "Don't worry; I wouldn't give a second thought to a half-damaged Wizard Tool. If it is damaged, I'll compensate you with another of similar quality."
A half-damaged Wizard Tool was nothing more than a useless trinket to him. The importance of its Key to Falling Star City was much greater.
Fakado gave an awkward smile, unsure if he truly believed Su Nan.
Su Nan didn’t feel the need for further explanation and instead brought up another matter.
"What are your family's plans for the future?"
Fakado was taken aback by the question and fell into deep thought.
On their way here, they had been on edge, contemplating Su Nan's purpose in seeking out their family, and they hadn't had the time to think about what would happen next.
Now, reminded by Su Nan, he suddenly recognized the Russell Family's current predicament.
Previously, the Russell Family held an esteemed position in the Northwest Region, forming partnerships with numerous nations through which they acquired resources.
But now, with the Starlight Continent on the verge of being unified by the Prosperous Star Empire, which had the colossal Star Alliance backing it, the Russell Family was simply disregarded.
Without the means to acquire resources, what would their family do in the future?
The three members of the Innocent Clan had clearly thought of this too, their brows furrowed in concentration.
As the head of his clan, Fakado quickly gathered his thoughts. Su Nan's specific mention of this issue was obviously not just a reminder; there had to be more to it. He respectfully lowered his head towards Su Nan.
"What instructions do you have, sir?"
He's a clever one.
Su Nan nodded inwardly and replied with a faint smile, "Have you ever considered joining Starlight Academy?"
Starlight Academy?
The four members of Fakado were taken aback.
As the foremost Wizard Academy on the Starlight Continent, they had, of course, heard of it and had even gathered related information.
However, the Star Alliance was very stringent about protecting information regarding Starlight Academy. Apart from knowing that it had recruited a large number of Wizard Apprentices, they had no further understanding.
Their typically cautious nature made them reluctant to join a force they knew little about.
Thus, the four hesitated for a moment.
Su Nan didn’t mind their hesitation; he waved his hand and said, "I will have someone escort you on a tour of Starlight Academy. After you gain a better understanding, you can then decide."
Hearing this, all four breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you very much, sir!"
Su Nan then summoned Carolina, instructing her to take the four to Starlight Academy and to relay a message for Rose and the others to prepare for their reception.
After Fakado and his group had departed, Su Nan gazed at the Sun Melt Orb in his palm.
Based on the conditions of the Tower of Stars and the Black Forest, Falling Star City was most likely a Wizard Inheritance left behind by some Wizard Faction.
Moreover, it was likely that the ancestor of the Russell Family had been a member of this Wizard Faction.
The Russell family, in reality, resembles the Kessler family, as both were once guardians of the Wizard Inheritance. However, after thousands of years of heritage, both families have lost control over it. The Kessler family lacks Wizard Apprentices, while the Russell family's situation stems from some changes within the Wizard Inheritance itself.
Regardless, Falling Star City is undeniably a destination he must visit. From the previous two Wizard Inheritances, he had gained many benefits, which fueled his considerable expectations for Falling Star City. Perhaps he could obtain resources to quickly enhance his Spiritual Condensation.
“Speaking of which, I haven't been to the Rainbow Sea yet.”
The Rainbow Sea is a mysterious area as famous as the Underworld. While the Underworld is known for its deep secrets, the Rainbow Sea is renowned for its vast expanse. This sea is located at the far reaches of the Northwest Region, making it truly seem like it lies at the ends of the earth. Its seabed is adorned with many Rainbow Coral and a variety of colorful flora and fauna, which is how it earned its name.
It is worth mentioning that the Rainbow Sea can be quite dangerous, inhabited by many venomous and ferocious marine creatures, as well as several sea demon tribes. Without the skills of a Wizard Apprentice, ordinary people would only be able to wander within the shallow waters; rashly venturing into the deep sea could turn one into prey for marine life or capture by sea demon tribes for enslavement and breeding.
"It's a good time to take a look at the Rainbow Sea."
In the year 1280 of the Starlight Calendar, during the Autumn Curtain Month (October), the Sal Plain Battle resulted in a crushing defeat for the Allied Forces, allowing the Imperial Army to push forward and seize a larger territory. By the end of the year, during the Sleeping Moon (December), heavy snow blanketed the land in white, making it difficult for the army to march openly. The exceptions were the Golem Legion and the Black Rock Cavalry of the Prosperous Star Empire, both of which possessed the ability to traverse the snow. The presence of the Clay Golem supply units also ensured that the Empire's logistical transport remained largely unaffected by the harsh winter weather.
"Taking advantage of the heavy snow season, the Prosperous Star Empire's army advanced on all fronts, conquering town after town with overwhelming lightning.
In just two short months, five nations fell before the might of the Empire's forces.
Year of the Starlight Calendar 1281, Second Month.
The most powerful nation in the Northwest Region, the Cro Empire, perished at the hands of the Prosperous Star Empire, leaving all states of the Northwest Region in mournful silence.
Year of the Starlight Calendar 1281, Fourth Month.
The Frostleaf Duchy, the Emerald Rainbow Kingdom, and the Mistwood Duchy, the three remaining countries, surrendered to the Prosperous Star Empire, marking the complete submission of the Northwest Region to its rule.
With this, the Prosperous Star Empire unified the Starlight Continent!
It became the first country to achieve unification in the thousands of years of history on the Starlight Continent!
"How does it feel to be the ruler of the Starlight Continent?"
In the study, observing Ke Yi's flushed face, Su Nan laughed and teased him.
"Feels pretty good," replied Ke Yi with a hearty laugh, then raised an eyebrow at Su Nan.
"Don't just talk about me; you've also unified the Underworld, and you did it earlier than I did. You should have a better idea of how it feels than I do."
"I'm not an emperor," Su Nan shook his head, smiling wryly.
After a few jokes, the two quickly returned to the main topic.
"The situation in the Northwest Region will still take some time to stabilize. Once it's fully stable, I'll arrange for someone to hold the Aptitude Test immediately."
Ke Yi pushed open the window and looked out at the courtyard.
A group of young children played and laughed under the watchful eyes of the servants, their clear and melodious laughter lifting his spirits slightly.
Since deciding to 'spread the branches and leaves,' Ke Yi had diligently put this into practice. Over the past few years, he had fathered many children.
He held especially high hopes for these kids, particularly those nearing the age of twelve, counting on one of them to become a Wizard Apprentice.
He was also very attentive to the upcoming Aptitude Test.
Su Nan glanced at Ke Yi, choosing to remain silent."
He could understand Ke Yi's obsession with becoming a Wizard Apprentice. Beyond the desire to strengthen the connection between the Star Alliance and the Prosperous Star Empire, it also represented his own longing and aspirations for Wizardry.
If a Wizard Apprentice could genuinely emerge from the Imperial Royal Family, then for his brother’s sake, Su Nan could consider appropriately allocating some resources to support them.
As long as this individual possessed Wizard Aptitude, even if their abilities were lacking, with the current foundation of the Star Alliance, they could be nurtured into a Level Three Wizard Apprentice with enough resources.
"Speaking of which, Sheman and Coley are also set to advance to Level Three Wizard Apprentice soon," Su Nan suddenly thought.
He had just inquired about Sheman’s and Coley’s cultivation progress a while ago; both had already constructed their eighth Star Ring and needed only one more to advance.
Perhaps Scepter was right: both of them could completely break through before turning fifty.
A fifty-year-old Level Three Wizard Apprentice would be an extraordinary rarity on the Starlight Continent, second only to himself.
Suddenly, Su Nan recalled something and looked over at Ke Yi.
"You've already advanced to Fourth Circle Legend, right?"
Ke Yi withdrew his gaze and nodded with a smile. "That's correct; I broke through two months ago."
With sufficient resources at hand, a Knight could improve their strength quite rapidly.
Take Ke Yi's eldest son, for example. Abbot Anest, the First Prince of the Empire, was already a First Ring Legendary Knight at the young age of twenty-seven.
He was even more remarkable than his father was at that age, benefiting not only from his father's exceptional talent but also from the abundant resources provided by the Empire.
"I was just about to ask you," Ke Yi said, staring intently at Su Nan. "Once you reach Fourth Circle Legend, how does one continue along that path?"
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