Chapter Eight: Turmoil in the Imperial Capital

When Veil traced the final line with his water pen, the scroll before him revealed an exquisitely perfect magical pattern. He had crafted this scroll especially for Wei Ling, to help her better understand the relationship between meditation and magic. By placing one's palm upon the scroll, one could even sense a cold, icy chill emanating from it.

Yet, as Veil gazed at his finished work, his expression showed no satisfaction. Instead, he looked regretful, shaking his head slightly before turning to Wei Ling and asking, "Don't you have Iceheart Orchids here?"

"The Iceheart Orchid, known as the gentlest of all ice-element magical plants?" Wei Ling nodded, then asked, "Why? Does the scroll require Iceheart Orchid to be perfect?"

"Yes," Veil replied with a nod. "The purpose of this scroll is to help focus one's mental energy under the stimulus of cold, thereby aiding meditation training. The added materials must be ice-elemental, but not too intense—if too weak, the effect is lost. Thus, Iceheart Orchid is the ideal choice for this scroll."

Wei Ling might not know as much about magic itself as Veil, but her understanding of magical plants and materials was no less than his. After listening, she pondered for a moment and said, "If what you need is merely the gentle cold effect of the Iceheart Orchid, perhaps I can find alternative supporting materials."

"Oh?" Veil looked at Wei Ling, a bit surprised. He knew she was skilled in potion-making, but had not realized her knowledge surpassed his own. Seeing his astonished expression, Wei Ling understood his doubts. She pursed her lips and said lightly, "The Iceheart Orchid is considered the gentlest ice-element plant because the potions made from it contain ice elements that are not particularly extreme—the activity level is just right. You should know, among magical plants, especially those of the ice and fire elements, it's rare to find ones with a perfectly moderate elemental activity."

"The magic core of the Blazing Ghost Fox combined with the magic core of the Frost Silkworm—both of these beasts have magic cores with extreme elements. However, they have a symbiotic relationship, evident even within their magic cores. If you process both cores and add mugwort, which neutralizes and dilutes, the resulting potion boasts magical elements as gentle as those in the Iceheart Orchid, and possibly even more stable!"

"Then, is this potion fire-elemental or ice-elemental?" Veil, never having ventured into this area, immediately grasped a crucial question.

The neutralization of ice and fire—what remains afterward?

Wei Ling clearly understood Veil's inquiry. She smiled confidently and said, "It's a matter of proportion. If you want a fire-element potion, increase the amount of Blazing Ghost Fox core and decrease the Frost Silkworm core. If you want an ice-element potion, increase the Frost Silkworm core and reduce the Blazing Ghost Fox core."

If Veil had been merely half-convinced of Wei Ling's talents in potion-making before, now he was fully assured.

"You're a remarkable potion maker," Veil said with a gentle laugh.

"But I wish more to become an outstanding mage," Wei Ling replied earnestly, undisturbed by Veil's praise.

"Believe me, that's not difficult for you," Veil replied unexpectedly. Unlike others, he did not lecture about the innate talent and immense effort required to become a mage, or even a great one. He simply offered a warm smile, which seemed to carry a magical power, compelling Wei Ling to nod subconsciously.

In Veil's expression, Wei Ling saw nothing but confidence—confidence in magic.

The Vela Empire lies at the center of the magical continent, vast and sprawling. The empire is divided into three regions: Weilan, Bierlan, and Wolan. Weilan contains twelve counties; Bierlan is split into nine districts and two military zones; Wolan has twelve districts. The three regions form a triangle, and in the very heart of this triangle lies the empire's core—the imperial capital, Glancos City.

Veil always believed an empire should be ruled by a single eternal power. Yet in this era, under the quasi-religious spread of the Soul Sanctuary, every empire came to have two authorities: the royal family and the Soul Sanctuary.

The Soul Sanctuary could levy taxes, maintain a small army, and even enact its own laws within its territory. This absurd situation had persisted for centuries, and none dared oppose or even question it. Thus, every empire was plagued by open and hidden conflict between the Soul Sanctuary and the royal family.

To the royalty, the Soul Sanctuary was a malignant tumor within the empire, requiring constant vigilance—any misstep could spell doom for the empire.

So it was in Vela as well. Emperor Pengu Ding grew ever older, and the Soul Sanctuary's maneuvers increased, particularly in recent days. Several confrontations between the army and the Soul Sanctuary had occurred in the capital, Glancos City. The major powers—nobility, military, royalty, and Soul Sanctuary—had all issued a series of responses. For several days, friction among the four forces had intensified; rumors spread throughout the capital, yet the true cause remained unknown.

On the street, Wei Ling and Veil walked side by side, both with their heads bowed in silent contemplation.

Wei Ling's mind replayed Veil's methods of meditation, while Veil considered whether it was time for him to leave.

Wei Ling's hostility toward Veil had completely vanished, replaced by profound admiration. Just a flimsy excuse—seeking magical materials—had sufficed for Wei Ling to lead Veil out from the count's mansion. As the count's youngest daughter, it was effortless for her to disguise Veil's identity and depart.

Yet, for Veil, this had ceased to be his world; leaving or staying at the count's mansion no longer mattered.

He looked up at Wei Ling at his side, and a trace of uncertainty flickered in his eyes...