Chapter 478: Chapter 405 Encirclement
Chen Jichuan chatted casually with Black Rope, while his hands repeatedly toyed with ’Yisusi’s Staff.’
[Magic Perception]
[Magic Optimization]
This magic wand could be considered a ’Small Divine Artifact’ for mages below the legendary level.
The two Third-level Magics it consistently contained were nothing out of the ordinary, but the two intrinsic traits it possessed were top-notch.
If one could possess ’Yisusi’s Staff’ for an extended period, their Magic Power and magic proficiency would rapidly improve.
Just like Black Rope.
If he could keep it hidden, relying on this wand, he might have had a chance to become a legend in the future.
But alas, his careless actions led to a fate of losing both his wealth and the staff.
"Holy Artifact."
"Set Item."
’Yisusi’s Staff’ was a rather remarkable Holy Artifact; it was one of five components in the set. Chen Jichuan had obtained one of them, yet his heart was already longing for the other four pieces. He lifted his head, looked at Black Rope, and curiously asked, "How did you acquire this staff?"
This staff had a certain effect even on the cultivation of Legendary Mages and was especially exceptional for nurturing low- and mid-level mages. Black Rope was merely a Third-level Mage, an average figure among Great Mages, yet he had managed to carry this staff all the way to Valgrion, which must have an interesting backstory.
"Tell me your story."
Chen Jichuan adjusted his posture and fixed his focused gaze on Black Rope.
...
Black Rope’s early years had been full of ambition and vigor.
He was born into a prosperous and respectable noble family and was discovered as a youth by an Independent Mage from the East Continent, who recognized his magical talent and took him as a disciple.
Black Rope showed great promise.
He became a Second-level Mage in a little over twenty years, at the young age of thirty-four—a feat far surpassing Green.
In the same year Black Rope reached the level of Second-level Mage, his mentor’s life came to a peaceful end, passing away with a smile.
From then on, Black Rope cultivated diligently on the East Continent, all on his own.
The drawbacks of a weak lineage and the lack of institutional support began to manifest as he progressed beyond the level of Second-level Mage.
Black Rope’s journey of magical cultivation became particularly arduous thereafter.
Twenty years to ascend as a Second-level Mage.
Eighty years to ascend as a Third-level Mage.
This year, he was already two hundred and seventy-eight years old, yet he remained stuck at the intermediate level of Third-level proficiency.
Third-level Mages could live up to four hundred years, and Black Rope had already traveled more than half of his life journey, with one hundred sixty-four years passed since he ascended to Third-level Magic. At this rate, it seemed impossible for him to become a legend within his lifetime.
But perhaps luck was on his side.
A few years ago.
While exploring ancient ruins with another individual of stronger background and power, he ended up claiming only an ordinary golden axe.
If it had landed in the hands of a knight, it might have been of some use, but what purpose could such an axe serve for a Great Mage?
Yet fortune, it seemed, came unexpectedly.
Black Rope discovered to his surprise that the axe concealed a magic wand within. Through the study of ancient texts, he discerned that this wand was none other than the legendary ’Yisusi’s Staff.’
Black Rope was overcome with both excitement and fear.
He didn’t dare linger in the East Continent; hurriedly packing his belongings and taking ’Yisusi’s Staff’ with him, he fled in haste, ultimately arriving in ’Valgrion.’
But to his dismay, his tracks were eventually exposed, and the wand fell into Chen Jichuan’s hands.
...
"Quite the tale."
Chen Jichuan applauded lightly after hearing the story, and then asked, "So in the ruins, did you uncover anything else? Perhaps other components of Yisusi’s Set?"
Black Rope’s story was entertaining, but Chen Jichuan’s true concern lay with the other Holy Artifacts.
"I’m not sure."
Black Rope, immersed in reflections on his eventful past, sighed at the whims of fate. He shook his head at Chen Jichuan, explaining, "At the time, aside from some magical tomes, the ruins contained only two magic items—’Yisusi’s Staff’ and an earring. I didn’t get a chance to inspect the latter; Joey took it immediately, saying it was a birthday gift for his mother."
Joey was the other individual exploring the ruins alongside Black Rope.
Their partnership was merely temporary.
Black Rope had no notable background, while Joey came from a magical noble lineage, with both parents being Great Mages and himself apprenticed to a Legendary Mage.
Joey had set his sights on the earring at first glance.
It was common knowledge that jewelry preserved in ruins often held greater value and might very well be Advanced Magic Items.
But the disparity in power and influence left Black Rope with no options; he could only accept the arrangement.
He hadn’t even held the earring once.
"Earring."
Chen Jichuan furrowed his brows slightly; within Yisusi’s Set, there was no mention of an earring among the five components.
Still, a magical item found alongside ’Yisusi’s Staff’ had a reasonable chance of being extraordinary.
"Tell me more about Joey."
Once Chen Jichuan had gathered sufficient understanding of the person, he planned on paying a visit sometime soon. Since Joey was still on the East Continent, there was little urgency. Turning his gaze back to Black Rope, Chen Jichuan asked, "What are your plans next?"
"Dean, if you’re willing, Black Rope is eager to serve under your leadership."
Black Rope was astute.
Having suffered enough from his lack of support in the East Continent, and narrowly escaping disaster even after acquiring the Holy Artifact, he now found himself before a seemingly kind-hearted legend who treated his followers with rare respect and generosity. All he wanted was to climb the ladder and hold on tightly.
He had his own ambitions.
The legendary figure before him seemed to lack reliable subordinates. Though he had summoned powerful Monarchs, they clearly couldn’t handle many of the intricate matters here on the Main Material Plane.
If Black Rope could pledge his allegiance now, given his strength and abilities, he might even become a key elder in the legendary’s ranks—and perhaps find a glimmer of hope to ascend to legend someday.
"To serve me?"
Chen Jichuan studied Black Rope closely, without revealing his thoughts. He smiled and said, "I happen to have a deal in mind; let’s see if you’re interested."