Chapter 189: Chapter 136: Benefits (Part 2)

A hint of ice touched Luo Tedan’s smile.

"Weren’t you the one who challenged for the position of Chief Mage and forced Ai Meng to step down back then?"

Perhaps it was because of the stored Cold Moon, but the temperature in the great hall seemed to drop by several degrees.

Jie Zhu opened and closed his mouth, unable to speak.

In the end, he could only lower his head. "Yes... I understand."

"Haha, Jie Zhu, no need to wallow in self-pity. Lu Cang has become the Chief Mage, but that doesn’t mean you have nowhere to go. When the time comes, you will simply assist Lu Cangqing. As for your treatment and so on, it certainly won’t be poor."

Lu Cang quietly watched the exchange between the Monarch and his minister from the side.

’Sigh... This is what I hate most—this whole song and dance for fame and fortune. Power struggles, backstabbing, endless intrigue... I have no interest in any of it.’

’It also makes you a target for jealousy and attracts all sorts of pointless animosity.’

’An open attack is easy to parry, but a hidden arrow is hard to guard against. If even I would consider poisoning someone, what about those who are even more ruthless?’

’I’ll become a thorn in everyone’s side and have to watch my back constantly.’

Luo Tedan looked at Lu Cang again.

His eyes seemed to read Lu Cang’s mind. He simply smiled and said, "Lu Cangqing, don’t be so quick to refuse."

"I will send someone to take you there. See the benefits for yourself. It won’t be too late to make your decision after that."

Lu Cang glanced at the Spiritual Star Ring Staff in his hand.

He might have felt that way, but Lu Cang had no intention of flatly refusing.

He should, at the very least, see what was on offer before making a final judgment.

"Then I thank Your Majesty."

"Haha, why be so formal? In the future, when you’ve grown into a being as powerful as Iz, our Lorren Kingdom will be nothing more than a stepping stone for you. You and I can simply call each other brothers."

Lu Cang observed the King before him; he was only twenty-six or twenty-seven...

The history of the Lorren Kingdom mentioned it.

Only five years had passed since the old King’s death and his own ascension to the throne.

Lu Cang felt the eyes of those around him. He didn’t respond to the offer of calling each other brothers, merely maintaining the proper decorum as he said, "Thank you for your high praise, Your Majesty."

Luo Tedan didn’t press the issue, just smiled and waved his hand.

Soon, someone arrived and led him away.

...

As Lu Cang’s figure receded,

a few sheets of white paper materialized in Luo Tedan’s hand, covered in writing.

They documented the entire investigation on Lu Cang.

"Heh, it’s truly hard to imagine... so many great feats, all accomplished by an eight-year-old child."

’If early awakening brings such immense power... to forbid it just because of a few minor risks is such a waste.’

’In all these years, how many like Meiser have appeared? Only one, right?’

’Besides, Meiser’s true intention was only to pursue the Root Source, not to kill.’

As the King, Luo Tedan naturally knew many secrets regarding those who awakened early.

In truth, after being observed and brought under Control, the early awakeners merely exhibited obsession—a single-minded pursuit of their principles by any means necessary.

But this obsession could, in fact, be managed to some extent with treatment and medication.

’Moreover, an obsession of this nature doesn’t necessarily lead to killing or other extremes.’

’Take the principles of a Guardian, or the principles of a Healing Mage, for instance.’

’What does obsessively adhering to those principles have to do with killing?’

’To paint them all with the same brush and forbid early awakening for everyone... that policy is far too rash.’

’What if the awakening age in Lorren was lowered from sixteen to eight?’

’How many geniuses like Lu Cang might emerge?’

’Perhaps Lu Cang was simply a genius to begin with, which is why his early awakening made him so dominant...’

’But what if all of Lorren’s billions of citizens awakened at age eight?’

’With such a massive population, couldn’t another Lu Cang emerge? Or ten? Or even a hundred?’

However, aside from Spiritual Contamination, early awakening also caused permanent physical damage, as well as other problems that arose after reaching higher levels.

With so many unresolved issues, it was ultimately impossible to implement nationwide awakening at age eight...

Awakening at age eight, without healing abilities comparable to a Level 6 Healing Master to oversee the process, was almost a death sentence.

Luo Tedan crumpled the papers in his hand, and they burst into Flame, burning to ash.

’This matter... cannot be rushed. It requires long-term planning.’

Below the dais, a minister stepped forward to speak.

"Your Majesty, are the terms you promised Lu Cang not a bit too generous?" 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"You have already given him the national treasure, the Void Spirit Star Wood."

"You’ve also promised him so much power, without requiring him to fulfill the corresponding duties. What if he enjoys the benefits and then simply walks away...?"

Luo Tedan looked down upon the remonstrating minister.

"This boy’s potential has been assessed as being no less than that of Izparut. Do you have any idea what that implies?"

"Besides, haven’t you noticed?"

Luo Tedan’s gaze flickered behind him, but he said nothing more.

At that moment, Iz was speaking with An Zheng by a door in the back.

Some things could not be said aloud.

A Monarch must be discreet.

...

The deep red velvet carpet felt like walking on clouds.

The corridor was wide and magnificent, with ceilings a full twenty meters high; even a giant wouldn’t have felt cramped walking here.

"This will be your residence."

’Oh, a residence inside the Lorren Imperial Palace?’

It was a completely separate palace, done in shades of red and white, noble and elegant.

"The King will assign you one butler and thirty-five servants to manage your estate and attend to your daily needs."

’One butler?’

’Thirty-five servants?’

"If you feel that is not enough, more can be added. However, for a palace of this scale, it is more than sufficient for tasks such as trimming the gardens, feeding your mounts, and general upkeep."

Lu Cang suppressed his astonishment and simply gave a slight nod. "Mm."