Chapter 68 Chapter 68 He is also very handsome.
The other three required courses all seem reasonable.
The General Theory of Elements focuses on understanding the existence of elemental spirits and establishing a connection with them, as well as related meditation methods and various exercises.
But like the previous one, the reading list for this course is also densely written with several lines of text.
Su Cheng has realized that he has thought everything is too simple.
"...I thought I could be like those people, working outside, occasionally going back to school, taking time to study, and then get a diploma."
"Oh?" Ian didn't mock her delusion, but simply asked softly, "Those people?"
"Like Xiao Lan, ahem, a core member of the Silver Wing Mercenary Group. He's a Rank Six warrior, perhaps a peerless genius? He seems to be a few months younger than me, of course, that's what the people at Nanhe College say."
Su Cheng thought for a moment, "But he looks like a half-elf, so it's not impossible that he's disguising his actual age."
If someone else heard this, they might think she had ulterior motives, implying that Xiao Lan was using his power to deceive others - after all, the title of genius is linked to age.
A hundred-year-old war master and a teenager are two completely different concepts.
However, she was just saying it casually, because most of the people in this world who are related to the protagonist have some hidden identities.
Su Cheng didn't want to explain too much. After all, Ian knew that she was favored by God, so she didn't need to be jealous of anyone and say anything sour.
In her current state, others can only envy her.
"That's indeed a possibility."
The blond youth nodded slightly and said naturally, "Sometimes, in order to blend in with human and orc society, half-elves will lie about being the same age as those around them, or about having a similar growth rate."
"But actually?"
"Actually, there are many situations. Take the hybrid of humans and elves as an example—"
High-level natural elves have a long lifespan, and living to a thousand years old is not a problem. Moreover, they have special physiques and almost all of them are elemental resonators.
With such conditions, almost all elves are elemental mages. Even if this is not their specialty, they all know some.
Therefore, the average life expectancy is extended.
Even if they are not skilled wizards or warriors, half-elves can generally live over 500 years old. If they cultivate to a certain level, their lifespan will naturally be extended.
"Some half-elves are more like humans, growing to the point where they can cultivate in six or seven years. They stop growing completely around the age of twenty, maintaining their peak state for hundreds of years until they grow old. Other half-elves grow even more slowly, perhaps not speaking until their teens, and mature even later both physically and mentally."
Ian continued flipping through the course selection list as he spoke, "Some humans will envy them, or be afraid of them, or simply be hostile to them out of a desire to exclude those who are different. Some half-elves choose to blend in, bringing themselves closer to humans, and some—"
Long fingers as white as jade opened the parchment scroll. "...Maybe they will choose to stay away."
Su Cheng nodded slowly.
Of course, humans can also prolong their lifespan by practicing fighting spirit or magic. There are many strong people who are in the three digits but still young and beautiful.
However, only a few can do it.
"And half-elves' talents and physiques are generally much better than humans."
Ian said slowly, "If the gentleman you mentioned is a half-elf, even if he is truly under eighteen, his achievements are not worthy of much praise. Of course, he can be considered excellent, but that's all."
Su Cheng was a little surprised. "So do you know someone more powerful than him?"
"Well," he smiled slightly, "I know, there are more than one, and as for the best one among them——"
Ian paused dramatically, as if to suspense.
"...He had many achievements, some of which have been recorded in epics, but his original name has been forgotten."
Su Cheng looked at him with wide eyes.
However, he stopped talking and continued to look at the course selection list. "These are all quite standard—"
Su Cheng: “?”
Su Cheng originally thought he would hear some shocking secret, but he didn't expect it to end like this.
But she suspected that the guy did it on purpose, so he led her to ask questions.
Su Cheng stared at him for a few seconds and decided not to let him get his wish.
Isn't he just a heroic half-elf?
She didn't have to know!
So she continued to look at the course selection list, "There's nothing much to say about the other required courses—"
Magical Runes Fundamentals allows you to learn ancient magical words and symbols that form the basis of many powerful spells and magical items.
"Elementary Magic Control and Guidance" teaches you how to safely draw magic from yourself or the outside world, and guide it stably for spellcasting.
"Basic Elemental Magic and Spellcasting Principles" aims to understand the synergy of spell syllables, gestures, mental concentration, etc., and also talks about the origin and development of magic.
Most elemental mages have some understanding of these, but learning in colleges is more systematic and complete after all, and the lecturers of these courses are extremely prestigious in the field of magic.
Some people's names are also written on the textbooks and recommended books.
“…Luckily, I managed to offend one of them.”
Su Cheng complained in a low voice, "Although I didn't do it to him intentionally——"
All right.
She did touch the guy's breasts, but to be honest his attitude before that wasn't very good either, not to mention she had asked not to pull her up!
"Hmm?" Ian raised his eyebrows slightly. "So you did something to him unintentionally?"
Su Cheng: "...Nothing, at most I argued with him a few times, but he started it."
He looked at her deeply and said, "Perhaps he is a difficult person to get along with. But don't worry, I know that the instructors in your school will not bring personal emotions into the classroom. This is the most basic quality, although it is difficult for most schools to achieve it-"
They discussed elective courses for a while, and Su Cheng asked about the course arrangements for fire and lightning magic.
Because elements of different attributes feel very different when controlled, some basic training is common, but some is not.
Ian helped her circle several relevant elective courses and recommended a few courses that she could audit.
"For classes like 'Mixed Element Transformation', you don't have to take the exams..."
As they talked, they left the room, walked through the lush and colorful courtyard, and entered the temple wing through the winding corridor.
The wide corridor was filled with sunlight, and the colorful paintings on the high golden and red glass windows sparkled.
The murals extending to the dome are brightly colored, with a dazzling halo emerging from the clouds, and a golden-haired god overlooking the world with a peaceful and compassionate expression.
Su Cheng couldn't help but take a few more glances and slowed down his pace.
Su Cheng: "Is that the God of Light?"
Ian was silent for a few seconds, "That's the Sun God."
Su Cheng: "...She is so beautiful."
He glanced at her with a half-smile, "Really?"
Su Cheng: “?”
Why does the tone sound weird?
"So," Ian looked at her thoughtfully, "you initially thought the God of Light was very similar to her?"
Su Cheng: "...My eyesight isn't very good, I can't see clearly."
She was about to speak when she heard footsteps around the corner of the corridor, and it sounded like a group of people were approaching.
Some of them were talking.
"Ah, you know, Archbishop Johnson's work in the Imperial Capital is particularly crucial. Her understanding of the Imperial Court, her good relationship with the Emperor, and her prestige among the vast faithful of the Belia Diocese are the cornerstones of harmonious relations between the Holy See and the Empire. His Holiness the Pope and the Cardinals both believe that no one is more suited to this most sensitive and important position than her. If she were transferred, it would cause great losses. Currently, there is no suitable successor to replace her..."
The person spoke very quickly and fluently, as if he had said all this many times before.
"……I see."
The other voice sounded somewhat arrogant, but also maintained a polite tone.
"Yes, as for the promotion of Archbishop White, it is also a recognition of his merits. He will assume broader responsibilities in his new position, but this does not mean that Monsignor Johnson is not valued. On the contrary, retaining the most trusted and experienced archbishop in the heart of the empire is a manifestation of the Vatican's utmost confidence in Monsignor Johnson's abilities. In a sense, her position is of no less strategic importance than the seat of any Grand Cardinal."
"I see," said the other, with a hint of resentment in his voice, "the bottom line is that Her Excellency Johnson cannot be promoted, while Archbishop White, who is younger and less experienced than her, may be able to -"
"Your Highness," the previous voice interrupted her, "We are blessed with devout clergy like Lord Johnson and Lord White. God has planned different paths for them. Lord White has been called to assume the greater responsibility of church management, while Lord Johnson has been given the special mission of maintaining the light of faith in the heart of the empire. Their duties are both important—"
"Okay, you don't have to give me official words! I just feel that..."
They didn't lower their voices at all, and didn't seem afraid of being heard by others.
Until all the noises gradually faded away.
Su Cheng tilted his head. "You heard the conversation just now, didn't you? That person is called Her Highness. She can't be a god, so which prince of the empire is she?"
"I think that's Prince Cassiopeia."
Ian paused, "The second among the emperor's children."
Su Cheng: “…”
She couldn't remember the specific names, but she had some impression of the ranking.
In the original novel, the second-ranked prince is a high-minded villain. Because he admires Murong Yue very much, or has some feelings for her, he looks down on Lin Yun and thinks that he is not worthy of being engaged to her.
Lin Yun naturally hated the prince, so he seized the opportunity to have sex with the prince's wife and seduced the prince's daughter.
Su Cheng skipped some plots and didn't read the story carefully, but this prince might not even be considered a serious villain.
Because he had too few roles, he was just an outcast.
But the prince seemed to be a devout Christian, whether in his heart or not, at least on the surface.
Now that the prince has changed from a man to a woman, Su Cheng doesn't feel anything.
Su Cheng has no interest in other people's husbands, nor in underage boys.
but--
She was a little concerned about what they had just discussed.
Su Cheng: "That prince seems very dissatisfied because there is only one seat for the Cardinal, Flavia was not promoted, but Zhan En has this opportunity? Is that what you mean?"
Ian remained noncommittal. "That conversation certainly seemed to be true on the surface."
He paused, his expression still cold, but with a hint of familiar sarcasm in his eyes.
"Flavia can influence the choice of the heir to the throne—"
The archbishop currently in charge of the Imperial Capital Temple and the entire Belia region is Flavia. She has served in the Imperial Capital for a long time and is deeply trusted by the emperor.
She also has close ties with the royal family and other aristocratic families.
Because of her position, her evaluation of the imperial heirs has a huge influence on the cardinals and His Holiness the Pope.
The Holy See is responsible for the coronation of the empire, and the ceremony is presided over by a cardinal.
However, whether the Holy See recognizes the identity and qualifications of a certain successor is not decided solely by a single cardinal, but is the result of consultation among cardinals.
"So, Your Royal Highnesses are trying to establish a deeper 'friendship' with her."
The blond youth said calmly, "The same thing happened to that guy just now. In order to gain Johnson's support, Cassiopeia donates 50 million gold coins to the Vatican every year. And that's only what people can see."
Su Cheng took a deep breath. "I understand. Cassiopeia doesn't want Flavia to leave this position. As a Cardinal, her responsibilities change, and her influence on the selection of the heir to the throne might not be as strong as it is now. Furthermore, there are likely more private dealings between them. If the Archbishop of the Imperial Capital is replaced, it means Cassiopeia will have to curry favor with another person. However, on the surface, His Royal Highness will express his dissatisfaction with this, as it appears that Flavia has missed an opportunity for promotion."
"Well," Ian nodded slightly, "Although I won't participate in decision-making, I also agree with this result. A person's position depends not only on their qualifications and abilities, but also on the strategic needs of the organization and the judgment of their value in a specific position. However, the Holy See needs to maintain the loyalty and enthusiasm of senior personnel. If a person with merit, ability, and sufficient qualifications is 'sacrificed' for promotion opportunities due to strategic needs -"
Su Cheng nodded in understanding, "We can compensate her in other ways, such as giving her more privileges. She is nominally an archbishop, but her actual power is probably no less than that of any cardinal."
He curled his lips, "It seems you already understand the rules of the game here."
Su Cheng couldn't help laughing, "After all, I have a smart teacher."
Ian glanced at her and said, "You also know how to understand the problem, which is rare."
Before she finished speaking, she saw a familiar figure coming from the opposite direction.
The blond young man walked across the corridor, holding a stack of letters in his hand. "Sir, these are for you."
Su Cheng thanked them and took them, and found that most of them were invitations with various seals on them, representing the many aristocratic families in the empire.
Su Cheng: "These people are really well-informed."
She flipped through the pages and saw the Murong family's surname again, and couldn't help but look at the archbishop.
"...Marquis Murong heard that you defeated the heretic Divine Grace and are now recuperating in the temple. He said he dared not disturb you."
Zhan En glanced at the blond young man next to him seemingly casually.
Ian didn't even look at him, as if he hadn't heard what he said, and didn't respond at all.
Su Cheng didn't notice this little detail because she was still looking at the envelope in her hand. "This isn't an invitation, it seems to be just a letter?"
"It's an apology letter."
The Archbishop continued, "Marquis Murong sent one million gold coins to apologize for the inappropriate behavior of his son, your former fiancé, in Jinpo City."
"Really?" Su Cheng laughed. "Did he say that?"
Zhan En smiled. "Yeah, he couldn't say that—he didn't dare let his son go to court with His Majesty the God of Law's followers. In fact, few people would make such a choice."
Su Cheng wanted to make a few more sarcastic remarks when he suddenly saw an invitation card sandwiched in it.
Su Cheng: "...The Olu family invited me to attend a banquet at the Jinzhan Palace?"
Zhan En glanced at it and didn't seem to take it seriously. "Yes, it was a gathering of elemental mages—"
Su Cheng: “!”
Isn’t this the party that the leader wanted her to sneak into?
Su Cheng held the invitation in his hand, trying to calm himself down, not wanting the two clergymen next to him to notice anything unusual.
After all, in their opinion, this is probably not a particularly important matter.
If she wasn't looking for dragon bones for the captain, it wouldn't really matter, because this kind of gathering is actually more for mid- to high-level mages.
As a low-level mage, I spend more time learning new knowledge rather than collecting rare materials.
but--
Her heartbeat was slightly out of control.
Su Cheng cursed himself for not doing enough. "Speaking of which, I don't have a wand yet, and I don't have any ideas. Is there any chance I can pick out the right materials here?"
She had been discussing magic with Ian and couldn't help but look at him as she said this.
The blond youth lowered his eyes to look at her, "Who told you that?"
He raised the corner of his mouth slightly, "About the magical item transaction at the Golden Marigold Palace banquet?"
Su Cheng froze for a moment.
The invitation did not mention any of this, it just said that you were invited to a party.
Su Cheng puffed up his cheeks and said, "I have my own information channels. After all, it's the Olu family. Before coming to the imperial capital, I still had a rough understanding of the situation."
Ian didn't ask any further questions, obviously following the usual social rules.
Zhan En waited quietly for their conversation to end.
Then he spoke softly, "If you really need this, I think you might be able to find what you want at the Golden Marigold Palace auction, but please be prepared to return empty-handed."
In fact, for elemental mages, the most suitable wands are often made by themselves - not necessarily forged by hand, but some degree of participation is required, especially the selection of many materials, because everyone's physique is different, and some materials of similar value will have different effects in different people's hands.
Of course, if you are lucky, you may be able to pick a suitable finished wand.
Su Cheng understood this, and what he said just now was just an excuse.
She turned to look at her course selection advisor, "But many powerful magicians don't use wands, right? Just like you?"
Zhan En lowered his head silently.
Ian paid no attention to him. He just glanced at the little girl in front of him and said slowly, "I've had that experience too, but I suggest you don't rely on your wand."
Su Cheng immediately put on an attitude of listening to the class seriously.
He raised the corners of his mouth slightly, as if a little amused, but quickly regained his composure.
"The process of an elemental mage using magic: resonance, connection, guidance, shaping, release, and manifestation—each step can be enhanced by a wand. Therefore, long-term reliance on a wand will reduce your perception, willpower, and ability to regulate the circulation of magic. This is true for any auxiliary tool. Of course, if it can help you solve some problems when necessary, then it is also worth using."
Ian paused. "An elemental mage's role shouldn't be to guide elemental spirits, but to understand them. They need to understand the essence of the elements and predict their flow patterns. When you establish a deeper connection, you'll be able to mobilize them with a single thought. The existence of a wand will limit your exploration in this area. It will act like a wall, separating you from the elemental spirits."
He said, raising his hand slightly.
The flawless jade-white long fingers moved in the air, and green light rippled wherever the fingertips passed. The smoky green light emerged like a gossamer, constantly curling and stretching.
Su Cheng originally thought that he was going to cast some magic, so he could only watch in silence.
However, those threads of light continued to dance, extending and stretching gracefully, gradually forming an outline that resembled a human face.
Su Cheng was a little surprised, but also fascinated by it.
As a special wind element resonator, she can clearly sense the presence and absence of elemental spirits around her.
She knew that these lights were actually the movement trajectories of the wind elves.
Because Ian precisely controlled their appearance position and speed, it looked like he was painting them.
Su Cheng: “…”
This kind of precision control is truly superb, and many high-level magicians cannot do it.
To put it a little more exaggeratedly, even in Cross Star Academy, most instructors may not be able to complete it so smoothly.
She blinked, and suddenly saw another pair of green eyes, also staring at the green light in the air without blinking.
Zhan En also watched the scene intently.
He may not be a magician, so there is not much surprise and admiration in his eyes, but he is still looking very focused.
However, he was very sensitive. Su Cheng only glanced at him once, and he looked at her as if he knew something, and then looked away as if he had been electrocuted.
——Perhaps it was because of the height issue, at the same time, she didn’t see the other person looking at them.
But Zhan En saw it clearly.
In fact, as a follower of the God Lord, he could sense certain problems without even using his eyes.
Su Cheng turned his head and saw Ian still looking calm and composed, showing no emotion at all.
Su Cheng: "Are you still accepting students? Otherwise, I'll drop out of school and join you!"
Ian raised his eyebrows slightly, "No."
Su Cheng: “…”
Although she wasn't serious, he refused so bluntly—
She had originally thought that he would take the opportunity to invite her to join the Holy See.
When the air was inexplicably awkward, perhaps to ease the stalemate, the archbishop spoke softly from the side.
"If you need it, in Earl Gawler's private vault, there's a heart of a thousand-year-old thunderwood, a Storm's Eye of exceptional purity, a gem born in the Outlands, and a bottle of fire dragon spinal cord. These are enough to complete the wand's body, heart, and tip."
Zhan En said, "Maybe you can use it to test whether it is suitable for you——"
"Wait a moment."
Su Cheng interrupted him quietly, then looked at Ian's expression and found that the latter was still calm.
She originally thought that he would not be interested in the affairs of the Gawler family, and even if he knew, he might just make a few cold and sarcastic comments.
However, he seemed to be well aware of the affairs of the imperial family in the imperial capital, rather than being indifferent to these mundane matters.
So judging by his current behavior, he probably knows the ins and outs of the Gawler family incident.
"For those nobles whose entire family is a heretic," Su Cheng thought for a moment, "after their entire family is exterminated, I mean executed, what usually happens to their property... Can the items in the earl's private vault be sold?"
"The Vatican has certain regulations regarding the distribution of such wealth. For example, some of the money will be used to compensate those who have been persecuted."
Zhan En didn't give any further explanation, but Su Cheng already understood.
The money and property used to appease the people must be far less than what was swallowed up by the Holy See.
As the highest person in charge of the Rotheran Diocese, Jan probably only needs to hand over a part of it, and he can keep the rest for himself.
"Anyway," the archbishop smiled, "it's fine even if I give it to you. You don't have to worry about me taking any responsibility."
Su Cheng: “…”
Su Cheng looked at the other one specifically and found that Yian still looked as if he was used to it, as if this was natural.
Probably because I've seen it too much.
Su Cheng thought so, "Don't spend money, if it's suitable, I can just buy yours at the market price. You did me a favor last time."
Zhan En was about to speak, but suddenly shut up again.
"...What did His Excellency the Archbishop do to help you?"
Ian suddenly gave her a look with a half-smile.
Su Cheng hesitated to speak.
He slept with me once to solve my problems?
In this situation, this answer does not seem to be a very appropriate response.
"Forget it," Ian's eyes swept across their faces, "I have no intention of prying into other people's secrets."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Su Cheng hesitated. "If you really don't mean to pry, then don't ask. Besides, Zhan En and I knew each other first!"
The Archbishop coughed lightly and said, "I'm sorry, both of you—"
Ian didn't get angry, nor did he retort. He just looked at her thoughtfully for a few seconds, "You're right, maybe I still want to know."
Su Cheng was choked by him. "Whether you want to tell me or not is your business, and whether I tell you or not is my business. Of course, if you want to tell him, that's up to you."
The latter sentence was directed to Zhan En.
The archbishop's expression seemed indescribable, as if he was facing some immense problem.
Su Cheng had seen a similar expression before.
She used to have a friend who told her that her two twin sisters who were in elementary school often quarreled and fought, and that was what happened.
Su Cheng: "...Okay, think about it from another angle. You and Zhan En must have known each other earlier than I did, so it's not right for me to say that."
The two blond men looked at each other briefly.
The archbishop smiled bitterly and lowered his head.
"Sorry," Ian spread his hands, "I just want to get to know you better and learn about your affairs. Of course, this also has to be within the scope of your permission."
Su Cheng looked at him calmly. "That's how it should be, isn't it? I asked you about your position, and you said it was inconvenient to tell me. I didn't pester you, did I? Let me tell you, if I want to play an annoying role, I have plenty of ways to do it. I can make you annoyed to death. Do you want to try?"
Ian looked at her thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, I'm actually a little curious. In fact, it would be quite interesting to think about if you kept pestering me."
“…You are so beautiful, who would want to pester you!”
Su Cheng didn't want to pay attention to him anymore.
She silently flipped through the stack of letters. The invitations at the back were varied, some were for medium or large banquets, while others were more like private invitations.
Those who invited her to dinner ranged from single family heirs to widowed nobles, and even some wives who were unwilling to be lonely because their husbands were not around.
Su Cheng flipped through the letters one by one and saw some fierce and explicit confessions, and almost laughed out loud.
Think about it, they have never seen themselves. Either they are just playing with abstractions, or they are just blindly worshipping heroes.
If the person who received the letter was Lin Yun, he would probably have started thinking about which lady's house to spend the night at.
But she felt she had more important things to do than hang out with widows or single men.
"What's the problem?"
Ian tilted his head and looked at her.
"have."
Su Cheng shook the pile of letters in his hand, pretending to be interested. "You seem to be quite familiar with the situation in the imperial capital. Who is the most beautiful among them?"
Zhan En turned his head away again, as if he didn't want to watch the next scene.
Ian: “…”
Ian took the letters, flipped through them, and handed them back. "As far as I know, at least they all have healthy facial features, and none of them are generally considered ugly. So based on this, the so-called 'good-looking' is a subjective judgment. I don't know your standards, so my appreciation and evaluation may not be consistent with yours."
Su Cheng touched the invitations and said, "Really? Don't you know? I think I've praised your looks more than once, right?"
"Oh," Ian thought for a moment, "Are you looking for someone like me here? Then I can tell you, there is no such person."
Su Cheng rolled his eyes at him, "Just because I admire your looks doesn't mean I only admire this kind of look. I also think my--"
Before he knew it, Zhan En had almost retreated to the corner of the corridor, as if he could turn around and run away at any time.
Su Cheng felt that this scene was familiar, as if it had happened before.
She swallowed the food that was about to rise to her lips, raised her chin and said, "I think His Excellency the Archbishop is also very handsome."
At that moment, a look close to despair appeared on Zhan En's face.
And the regret of not running away sooner.
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