Chapter 255: Affiliated Organizations and Autonomy
Wisdom Codex!
Su Nan's heart stirred; he was both surprised and delighted.
He had been contemplating how to contact another Wizard Faction, never expecting the opportunity to present itself so readily.
Within the Multiverse, only a handful of large Wizard Factions could compete with Gloomy Throne in overall strength and were considered its enemies, namely the Deep Blue Alliance, Wisdom Codex, and Star Spirit Clock Tower.
Among them, Wisdom Codex possessed the most profound mastery in the fields of Puppet Crafting, Magic Item Creation, Potion Making, and Biological Modification, earning a reputation among all Wizard Factions for its expertise in these specialized areas.
Su Nan had always preferred to collaborate with Wisdom Codex.
After all, maximizing the effectiveness of the Magic Cube required deep cultivation in those four fields. Thus, the best option was to partner with Wisdom Codex, exchanging knowledge and inheritance.
This partnership would also be advantageous for Star Alliance's rapid development.
Star Alliance was his foundation, and the stronger it became, the more beneficial it would be for his future growth.
"Yes, yes! Master, Su Nan's Long Lin is very pretty, meow!" Amy exclaimed, clapping her meaty paws.
Maiisha gently patted Amy’s head, her gaze softening. She then addressed Su Nan, "Then I won’t stand on ceremony."
The group then returned to Long Lin.
Upon seeing the lush, verdant forest within Long Lin, Maiisha nodded slightly, though not overly surprised.
Ecological Gardens were not uncommon among Wisdom Codex. Such exotic Dimensional Spaces differed from Demi-Planes, which only True Spirit Wizards had the ability to create. Exotic Dimensional Spaces, on the other hand, could be attempted by even Level 3 Wizards.
She herself possessed more than one Ecological Garden.
It was not until they entered Area 2 and saw the dozen or so Flame Tyrannosauruses that a hint of surprise finally appeared on Maiisha’s face.
Not only were there Sub-Dragons, but they were even cultivating true Dragons!
This level of Ecological Garden was truly rare!
Following that, the group passed through Starlight Academy. From their high vantage point, they observed the academy's panoramic view and watched as apprentices moved to and fro like ants. A peculiar glint flashed in Maiisha's eyes.
The presence of the Wizard Academy and Wizard Tower, along with the Second Stage Crystallization Wizard, Su Nan, and their ability to withstand the invasion of the Gloomy Throne, clearly indicated that the Star Alliance possessed a significant number of formal wizards, already meeting the standards of a qualified Wizard Faction.
With this thought, Maiisha glanced at Su Nan, their evaluation of the latter rising another level in their heart.
This was, in fact, intentional on Su Nan's part.
To cooperate with a behemoth like the Wisdom Codex, one had to first demonstrate their own value. Only then could they strive for greater benefits in the collaboration.
Otherwise, upon entering Long Lin, they could have teleported directly to the Wizard Tower, eliminating the need for travel by air.
Before long, the group arrived at Starlight Wizard Tower.
Upon entering the Reception Hall, they found Lize already waiting for them.
"This is my deputy, Lyse Russell," Su Nan introduced, before presenting Maiisha to Lize.
Maiisha regarded Lize with some surprise, seemingly not expecting that the deputy of the Star Alliance would be a ghost.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Maiisha," Lize said, bowing slightly in greeting.
On the way there, Su Nan had already sent a message to her, explaining everything. Lize understood that the person before her was a True Spirit Wizard and knew to show appropriate respect for the strong.
After exchanging pleasantries, the three of them took their seats.
Aware that they were about to discuss serious matters, Amy settled down by Maiisha's side, remaining silent.
Su Nan got straight to the point. "Lord Maiisha, what do you mean by the help you mentioned earlier?"
Instead of answering, Maiisha asked, "What do you know about Wisdom Codex?"
"I know a little," Su Nan replied with a smile. "Wisdom Codex specializes in manufacturing. Their products—puppets, potions, and magic items—are renowned throughout the Wizarding World. Their headquarters are located in the Holy Tree Plane Cluster, and their highest governing body is the Wisdom Society. Below that are the Great Scholar and High Scholar, who make up the upper and mid-level management of Wisdom Codex, while the grassroots wizards are collectively referred to as Scholars."
Su Nan's gaze swept over the badge worn on Maiisha's chest, its design depicting a silver open book with a matching key floating above the pages.
"If I'm not mistaken, you must be a Great Scholar of the Wisdom Codex," he remarked.
Maiisha's eyes widened in genuine surprise. Not only was he familiar with the structure of the Wisdom Codex, but he could also identify her status as a Great Scholar simply by the badge's design. This level of recognition went beyond mere knowledge; it indicated a deep understanding.
Lize, standing nearby, was equally astonished. He had not anticipated that Su Nan, aside from his knowledge of the Gloomy Throne, would also possess such insight into the Wisdom Codex. With the Starlight Continent sealed for two thousand years, where could he have possibly gained such extensive information?
Maiisha quickly regained her composure and replied, her eyes sparkling with intrigue, "Since you know so much about the Wisdom Codex, you must also be aware of what my suggestion entails."
Now that the conversation had reached this point, Su Nan ceased probing and stated directly, "The Star Alliance will become an affiliated organization of the Wisdom Codex, gaining its protection and internal trading rights. In return, the Star Alliance will provide the Wisdom Codex with a certain amount of resources each year."
Initially, Su Nan had planned for the Star Alliance to directly join a Large Wizard Faction, completely surrendering its autonomy in exchange for survival. However, as the Star Alliance grew stronger, so did his ambitions. He was no longer satisfied with merely being a member of a Large Wizard Faction.
Even if he could attain a high-ranking position within a Large Wizard Faction, it would not be as advantageous as directly controlling a Wizard Faction. His rapid increase in strength over the past few years was largely due to harnessing the full power of the Star Alliance for his own development.
Unless absolutely necessary, Su Nan had no intention of giving up the autonomy of the Star Alliance. Thus, after establishing the Wizard Tower and advancing to the Second Level Wizard, he resolved to allow the Star Alliance to become merely an affiliated organization of a Large Wizard Faction.
In this way, the Star Alliance would maintain its independence while also benefiting from the protection of a Large Wizard Faction, positioning them to contend with the Gloomy Throne. Furthermore, if they later wished to break away and establish independence, they would be free to do so without restriction.
Maiisha regarded Su Nan with a thoughtful look. Among the multiverse, the Wisdom Codex stood as the only Wizard Faction that recognized affiliated organizations.
"Given that Wisdom Codex has the capacity to generate a substantial amount of resources, allowing it to trade with subsidiary organizations, it has leveraged this advantage to absorb many small to medium Wizard Factions as its subsidiaries, effectively binding them to its vessel.
As a result, even though the number of Wizards and overall strength of Wisdom Codex do not match those of other large Wizard Factions, it can still be mentioned alongside them.
Su Nan’s quick consideration of this plan was clearly not a spur-of-the-moment idea. Even if she had not intervened, Su Nan would have likely found a way to establish a connection with Wisdom Codex.
"I can propose to Wisdom Society that they accept Star Alliance as a subsidiary organization, but I cannot guarantee approval."
"Star Alliance can increase the amount of resources it provides."
"It's not just about resources." Maiisha shook his head. "The resources that Wisdom Codex gathers from its subsidiaries aren’t substantial. We don’t absorb subsidiary organizations simply for those resources; we do so for their strength."
Su Nan’s expression changed as she grasped the implication.
Indeed, the combined resources offered by the subsidiary organizations would hardly compare to the output of two or three Sub-Planes.
The true purpose of Wisdom Codex in absorbing subsidiary organizations was evidently to cultivate a group of supporters to compete with other large Wizard Factions.
Maiisha’s next words confirmed her thoughts.
"Not every Wizard Faction qualifies to become a subsidiary organization of Wisdom Codex. We seek strength and potential."
"Either they must possess sufficient strength—at least at the Second Rate Wizard Force level—or they must demonstrate enough potential."
"Beyond that, regardless of how many resources they might provide, we will not accept them as subsidiary organizations."
Su Nan understood and calmly asked, "How can Star Alliance demonstrate its potential?"
Currently, Star Alliance obviously fell short of the Second Rate Wizard Force standard and could only strive to meet the second requirement.
Maiisha replied, "The blockade of Starlight Continent’s Plane is about to be lifted, and Gloomy Throne’s retaliation will soon follow. If you can exhibit sufficient strength in this conflict, my ability to persuade Wisdom Society will significantly increase."
Hearing this, Lize, who had remained silent thus far, finally interjected."
"This is asking a bit much. If we had the power to contend with Gloomy Throne, we wouldn't need to seek to become an affiliated organization of Wisdom Codex."
Maiisha remained calm, unperturbed by the statement. "Gloomy Throne is currently invading the Crescent Plane Cluster, aiming to claim it as their second Plane Cluster. They've devoted most of their strength to this endeavor, so the energy they can allocate to the Starlight Continent will be limited."
"Once the blockade of the Plane is lifted, the intensity of Gloomy Throne’s attacks may become much more challenging to withstand. However, it shouldn't reach a point where the Star Alliance can't defend itself."
"If the intensity of the attacks exceeds what the Star Alliance can bear, I can assist you in confronting it. Consider this a way to repay you for your care of Amy."
Lize fell silent, absorbing the implications of Maiisha's words.
Maiisha had considered the situation thoroughly, and her intention was quite clear.
Should Gloomy Throne's assault prove excessively fierce, she would intervene to help.
With a True Spirit Wizard involved in the battle, pushing back Gloomy Throne shouldn't pose much of a challenge.
However, this would mean that the debt of gratitude for Amy's care would be settled.
She would not continue to assist with the matter of becoming affiliated with Wisdom Codex, and in the event of a future attack from Gloomy Throne, she would not intervene again.
After contemplating for a moment, Su Nan chuckled and replied, "That sounds very fair. I accept your proposal, esteemed Maiisha."
It truly was a fair deal; there was no reason to complain.
Maiisha was not someone of significance to him, so her willingness to assist was already a boon.
The favor of caring for Amy, exchanged for a commitment from a True Spirit Wizard, was certainly a worthwhile bargain.
To ask for more would be too greedy.
If the worst-case scenario did come to pass, at the most, he could relinquish the autonomy of the Star Alliance and join Wisdom Codex or another major Wizard faction, ensuring there would be a way out.
Seeing that Su Nan had accepted, a spark of appreciation flickered in Maiisha's eyes.
She held a deep respect for those who understood their limits and could recognize the reality of their situation.
Out of admiration for Su Nan, and with the intention of making an investment, Maiisha then added, "While I can't provide too much assistance, I can lend a small hand. Before the Gloomy Throne's attack arrives, I can grant you internal trading rights for the Wisdom Codex section, allowing you to acquire resources at internal prices, as long as the quantity isn't too large."
Su Nan's eyes lit up; this was the most practical help he could receive at this moment.
"If possible, I want Spirit Pearls!" Su Nan said with a serious expression. Although there were many resources he desired, most could not be converted into strength in a short amount of time. Only Spirit Pearls were different; with enough of them, he could quickly fill his Talent Crystal Model and advance to Level 3 Wizard! This would significantly enhance the overall strength of the Star Alliance!
Maiisha was not surprised by Su Nan's choice, calmly responding, "Even at the internal price, Spirit Pearls aren't cheap."
"How much?"
"Ten Magic Crystals."
The corner of Lize's eye twitched slightly. Not Magic Stones, but using the more precious Magic Crystals for the transaction? That was right; Spirit Pearls, an exceptionally valuable treasure sought after by nearly all Wizards below the third level, would certainly have a high trading threshold.
However, upon hearing this, a hint of a smile flashed in Su Nan's eyes. If it were other resources, he might not have much to offer, but Magic Crystals were a different story. When he synthesized Magic Stone Essence Mother from Magic Stones, he had also created Magic Crystals. As long as he had enough Sub Magestones, he could synthesize as many Magic Crystals as he wanted!
"What's the maximum amount that can be traded?" Su Nan asked.
Maiisha was slightly stunned; his question implied that he was quite wealthy. Could it be that Su Nan had a large supply of Magic Crystals on hand? But Magic Crystals were a byproduct of Magic Stone mines, which typically contained only a small amount of Magic Crystals—less than one percent of the total Magic Stone output. Given the situation in Starlight Continent, there shouldn't be any Magic Stone mines left.
Though puzzled, Maiisha refrained from asking further and said, "I can authorize a trade of up to fifty with you."
"Then fifty it is!" Su Nan exclaimed, overjoyed. As expected of a True Spirit Wizard, so generous!
In a typical transaction, even if Star Alliance became affiliated with the Wisdom Codex, it likely wouldn't be feasible to acquire this many Spirit Pearls at once.
After all, this item is in high demand, and there are many Wizard who seek it. Most of the time, there is demand without supply.
With these fifty Spirit Pearls, the time required to complete his Talent Crystal Model will undoubtedly be significantly shortened.
Once they reached a cooperation agreement, both parties were satisfied.
Su Nan arranged a room for Maiisha to stay in.
Having not seen each other for so long, the master and pet surely had much to discuss.
After Maiisha left with Amy, Lize furrowed her brows and asked, "Is this really okay?"
Su Nan nodded slightly. "This is the best outcome we could achieve. As long as we can endure the first wave of attacks after the Plane blockade, we'll be safe."
Lize sighed and said, "The issue is this first wave of attacks. How confident are you?"
"That depends on our preparations from here on out," Su Nan replied.
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