Above The Sky
Chapter 1076: 143 Vehicle Killer Ian's Reflection (2/2)

Chapter 1076: Chapter 143 Vehicle Killer Ian’s Reflection (2/2)

Before boarding the Siren, Ian first went to Nauman City to report his intentions and choices to the true noble elder brother of the South Ridge, Marquis Barton.

This is a common courtesy, a way to show manners — Ian had already managed all the necessary documents for going abroad through the Royal Alchemy Association’s channels, and Anfa had also granted him the necessary clearance for entry, making everything complete from top to bottom.

However, as a Naling Nobility, Ian had to personally inform Marquis Barton of his departure from South Ridge, meet him, have a meal together, and say goodbye before leaving.

It’s not about the rules; it’s just about saving face.

And Ian, such a young genius, surprisingly didn’t just leave on his own accord, thinking his connections could handle everything; instead, he came over for a lunch and humbly mentioned that his territory would still need the care of the elder brother, leaving Marquis Barton very satisfied.

Therefore, he shared a rather confidential piece of information with Ian.

“The head of the Exotic Species Research Institute, Master Glarvie Fieye, plans to return to his homeland and contribute to Canaan Moore’s development. For this, the official Canaan Moore dispatched their diplomatic ship, the ‘Siren,’ not many passengers are aboard, but they are all well-known, and Master Glarvie is the most prestigious among them.”

Marquis Barton used a small knife he brought to pick up a piece of smoked fish and said lightly, “The Spirit Wisdom Institute doesn’t want him to return safely.”

“Master Glarvie is a rare biological alchemical genius even in our Empire. The ‘Permanent Power Potion’ he led the development of significantly enhances certain physical characteristics of Sublimators, although its cost is extremely high and the maximum increase in physical strength is not high, it could have been a groundbreaking revolution.”

“Even so, the ‘Vanguard Potion,’ modified from the Permanent Power Potion, although effective for a short period, can dramatically enhance anyone’s physical attributes in a short time, making it an essential potion for the Empire’s elite forces, akin to a second life in desperate times.”

“If Master Glarvie were not old, the Spirit Wisdom Institute would never let him return to Canaan Moore.”

“But they are still preparing to attack.” Ian raised an eyebrow, not unfamiliar but quite familiar with such situations: “A master equivalent to an entire army, even if he’s lost his edge, his years of research are undoubtedly precious… Is this what the Spirit Wisdom Institute wants?”

“Yes.”

Marquis Barton admired Ian with a glance and casually waved his small knife, “The Spirit Wisdom Institute won’t adopt extreme measures—though you might disagree, they never ‘force’ someone to do anything. They would induce, create accidents, pay for paths, leaving no absolute evidence behind.”

“They will definitely act this time. Though the Siren is safe, its captain, ‘Treader of Tides’ Elden, is a strong Third Energy Level contender, upon encountering their well-prepared chaos, will certainly scramble and let them succeed.”

“Ian, you are invited by the Ashlight Sect (the elven division where Anfa belongs) and attend under the guise of the Dragon Worship Cult to Canaan Moore, taking part in the great relic exploration action. Giving the Spirit Wisdom Institute even countless courage, they will not make a move on you, thereby making it an opportunity.”

“An opportunity…”

Ian pondered, raising his glass to take a sip of grape juice: “You’re saying…”

“The Second Prince and the Great Prince have sent their men to Canaan Moore.”

Marquis Barton did not answer Ian’s question; he straightforwardly said, “But this time it’s the Great Prince leading the team personally, while the Second Prince needs to hold the fort in the Western Region—this is unfavorable for the Second Prince, yet it’s a trade-off.”

“Ian, dancing on two eggs is a challenging task. Clever people appreciate their agility, but it’s best not to overplay… this world, like a game, in the end, someone will win no matter what.”

“If you don’t want to lose, better not choose. If you must choose, choose only one side.”

“…Assuming that’s your advice.”

Ian stayed silent for a while, then thoughtfully said, “Then I agree.”

“But I believe, perhaps things are not so complicated. As long as I serve The Empire, I won’t lose.”

“You’re smarter than me.”

Marquis Barton nodded slightly in appreciation and then sighed: “Indeed, that’s also the privilege of a genius like you. By the way, the Second Prince has something to tell you.”

“He said the results in the Avak Domain are out; if you want, you can take them now.”

The communication with Marquis Barton has always been simple yet complex.

Simple because Marquis Barton assumes Ian can understand all his subtexts, so a single conversation will convey all the information, advice, thoughts, and judgments, every time, conveying only half.

Complex because this man is really good at riddles, adding layers of information to his words.

In simple terms, Marquis Barton informed Ian that the Canaan Moore’s large ship ‘Siren,’ which he was taking, has a group of quite important figures traveling with him from The Empire to Canaan Moore, among them, a master biological alchemist named Glarvie.

This Alchemy Master’s achievements are countless, just one step away from becoming a world-changing Grandmaster… One might say he’s already achieved such merit, only held back due to his immigrant elven identity.

This old master wishes to return to his roots. Under the current cordial relations between The Empire and Canaan Moore, neither country can stop him.

The Spirit Wisdom Institute certainly doesn’t dare to harm such a key figure, but they also aren’t willing to let confidential research material freely fall into Canaan Moore’s hands, so they arranged an accident—whatever kind of accident it may be, the Spirit Wisdom Institute can conjure it, as they’re a group of unimaginable beasts—and then, they plan to destroy Master Glarvie’s research material.

Even the most formidable master couldn’t start anew without research data, and given Master Glarvie’s lifespan, even if he were a reincarnated Grand Master, he couldn’t replicate his experimental results.

In other words, the success of the Spirit Wisdom Institute is guaranteed.

But Ian now has the opportunity, seizing the chaos, to attempt a ‘rescue’ of Master Gravie’s research data.

Both the Great Prince and the Second Prince are interested in this secret data from the Spirit Wisdom Institute.

However, here, Marquis Barton warns Ian.

He is aware that the representative of the Great Prince has come to Xiawei Territory to negotiate certain collaborations with Ian, and knows that the development of the Supreme Spirit Sect under Ian’s command has received the tacit approval of the Great Prince, with no obstacles in the Imperial Capital.

So, he advised Ian, who seems to be under the Second Prince’s command, not to dance on the tip and get caught in the middle.

If he is really prepared to act, he must confirm his allegiance and choose a side.

Sitting on the fence has never been beneficial.

But Ian doesn’t care — he truly supports no one, and whoever ascends the throne, he will support them.

In other words, if he really gets the data, he would give a copy to both the Great Prince and the Second Prince, and he himself would study it.

For an ordinary person, such an attitude might get sneered at with ‘Who do you think you are? Would they still need you once they’re on the throne?’

But after all, he is Ian!

Whether it’s the Great Prince, Second Prince, or the Great Princess ascending, who wouldn’t need someone like Ian, a future master and even a grandmaster?

So Marquis Barton is quite moved — smart people, even if not relying on plotting, can live well based on their skills… this is true invincibility.

Imagine, who would refuse to have Ian on their side? Even if this young man seems not very loyal and would lean towards whoever offers more, as long as you provide something too, he would return fairly.

Thus, loyalty becomes less crucial, with ability being the most important factor.

As for the result of the Avak Domain mentioned by the Second Prince…

The truth is Michael has clarified which Spirit Energy legacy the Avak Domain possesses compared to the Grand Duchy.

He organized a copy and sent it to Marquis Barton, asking Barton to inquire Ian whether he wants to know the content of Inaga’s Legacy.

Can Ian refuse? Of course, he accepts!

Moreover, it lets Ian breathe a sigh of relief.

The Spirit Energy legacy of the Grand Duchy is precisely about the Spirit Seed of Fire and its derivative technologies.

Once this legacy is obtained, even if he exposes the artificial soul within his territory, it can be entirely explained!

Indeed, it’s a great gift, and Ian thanks Marquis Barton repeatedly on the spot, praising the Second Prince’s generosity.

Seeing Ian happy, someone like Marquis Barton also feels quite pleasant — Ian’s genuine flattery is quite rare, bringing a sense of accomplishment.

Thus, after lunch, as Ian prepares to board the Siren, Barton offers the final piece of information at the door of his office.

“Choosing the identity of the Dragon Worship Cult is actually a good thing.”

Marquis Barton explains: “Although the Empire is allied with Canaan Moore, inside the elves, multiple factions are always entangled with each other, and the ten major forces behind the Elf Council are roughly divided into two.”

“Your friend Anfa, behind the Ashlight Sect, is one of the ten great king-blood tribes of the old Elven Royal Court, and it’s the faction within the Elf Council that leans towards the Empire—our true ally. Contacting Anfa privately is a good thing, because the official Canaan Moore Exploration Team, half of them lean more towards the Azure Sky Royal Court.”

“Why not explore the ancient ruins from another perspective with the Dragon Worship? It’s likely safer than the Canaan Moore’s official Exploration Team, which is bound to have internal conflict.”

Actually, more than that.

As Ian truly steps aboard the Siren, he realizes the internal war within the Elf Council doesn’t need to wait until entering the Exotic Species Research Institute ancient ruins; it has already started.

Because Ian, not even five hundred steps onto the Siren, encounters three assassins from different forces, an imperial spy, a trap luring magical beasts close, and an Alchemy Master hiding significant secrets himself.

And… in the cabin, a strange package faintly shining with golden light within the silver glow.

“There are quite a few monsters and demons on this ship, aren’t there.”

Watching the back of Master Gravie, Ian can’t help his thoughts: “All sides plotting, wary and watchful, seemingly about to fight at any moment, yet maintaining a subtle balance.”

“I’m starting to doubt if this ship can indeed make it to Canaan Moore.”