Seeing how much Spark adored Isha made Li De quite happy. Having a Level 19 Grand Mage as a backer practically allowed him to walk sideways in Green City.
However, the main purpose of today’s visit was to ask this dry old man for help.
Two sun-hours later, as Spark was getting along famously with Isha, Li De cleared his throat lightly.
“Teacher, I came here today mainly to ask for your assistance.”
“Speak quickly. Can’t you see I’m teaching Isha about the history of magic in Glory?”
Spark shot a glare at Li De, his attitude toward him a stark contrast compared to how he treated Isha.
Li De felt somewhat helpless against this old man. He couldn’t beat him in a fight, the elder held a higher rank, and most importantly, though his words were sharp, his heart was kind toward Li De.
It was impossible to deal with him, whether through force or persuasion.
“I need to purchase a batch of magical materials.”
“Is such a trivial matter really worth coming to me for?” Spark said irritably. “If it’s a small quantity, go to the Mage Guild. If it’s a large amount, I’ll send someone from the White Tower to discuss it with you tomorrow.”
“Would materials to build an entire new mage tower count as a lot?”
Spark gave him a surprised look. “You’re expanding the mage tower?”
Li De shrugged and smiled. “I plan to build one in my family’s territory.”
Spark’s face darkened, and he waved dismissively, too lazy to bother.
“I’ll send someone to meet with you tomorrow. The price will be at cost.
By the way, how’s the construction of your magic scroll factory going?”
“The basic framework is done, but the magic arrays haven’t been solidified yet.”
“I’ll send people to help you finish it tomorrow. Anything else?”
“If there’s nothing else, get out of here. Isha, come over. Let Grandpa explain the issue of spell formation again.”
Isha, clever and obedient, fulfilled all of Spark’s expectations of a granddaughter.
Moreover, her extraordinary magical talent made Spark feel like he had struck gold. He wanted to pass on all his knowledge to her.
Li De, who should have been the protagonist, now found himself almost irrelevant within the White Tower.
He could only laugh bitterly.
Li De didn’t disturb the two, who were deeply immersed in their lesson, and after resolving the issue, he went downstairs to sit casually in the first-floor hall.
It had to be said that having Spark, a powerful mage, as a supporter truly placed the White Tower leagues ahead of the Crimson Mage Tower.
Within the White Tower, there were three Advanced Mages, over thirty Intermediate Mages, and an astonishing hundred Formal Mages. Even the number of apprentices reached five hundred.
The meager strength of the Crimson Mage Tower was negligible compared to the White Tower.
Moreover, the White Tower was a crucial component of the Green City Mage Guild, giving Spark immense influence within the organization.
This was a true heavyweight figure, far stronger than Li De, who was merely a nominal boss.
However, if the forces of Dawn City were factored in, Li De could hold his own against the White Tower.
Of course, with Dawn City under his control, Li De’s future potential far surpassed that of the White Tower. After all, he was the progenitor of an entire race.
Though the White Tower was strong, Li De was confident he could surpass it within two years.
That night, nearing midnight, Spark reluctantly let Isha leave but sent her off with a pile of magical books to study on her own.
Isha also liked this grandfather who bore no ill will toward her and kept looking back as she left.
“Teacher, Grandpa Spark is so nice to Isha.”
Hearing the girl’s sweet and innocent words, Li De smiled faintly.
“Yes, the world isn’t always dark. There’s always sunshine, and there are always good people.
Isha is fortunate. Hardships have taught you to grow, and in the future, we’ll be by your side.”
Hearing this, Isha turned her head and looked at Li De’s handsome face illuminated by the warm yellow glow of the magical lamp inside the carriage. A deep smile spread across her lips.
“Mm, Isha will work hard.”
The girl silently added this thought in her heart.
For the first time, Li De directly experienced what it meant to have the backing of a Grand Mage.
What was originally expected to take another week to complete—the construction of the magic scroll factory—was finished in just one day with the help of one Advanced Mage, twenty Intermediate Mages, and fifty Formal Mages.
The efficiency of mages was showcased to its fullest.
Moreover, the alchemical materials Li De needed were almost immediately approved by the leading Level 10 Mage after just a glance. It seemed as though the massive quantity of magical materials Li De wanted to purchase were as common as bread.
“Lord Li De, Master holds you in high regard and hopes you’ll take care of us in the future.”
The leader of the White Tower mage team helping Li De construct the factory was a middle-aged mage in his forties. His robe, marking him as an Advanced Mage, wasn’t inferior to Li De’s.
However, his presence paled in comparison to Li De’s. Even though their ranks were similar, anyone could tell at a glance who held the upper hand when they stood together.
When it came to charisma, few could compare to Li De. Perhaps only the elves of the ancient forest had the qualifications.
“Well then, it’s unfortunate that I haven’t had the chance to exchange ideas with the elite mages of the White Tower.
My teacher told me that the White Tower owes its current success to the collective efforts of all the mages. He also encouraged me to discuss magic with everyone more often in the future.
I hope we can become closer. The Crimson Mage Tower will still need everyone’s support moving forward.”
Li De’s polite words flowed effortlessly, and his tone was particularly pleasant. When it came to diplomacy, he truly hadn’t lost a single exchange.
These mages were all shrewd individuals, not fools.
Upon hearing Li De’s slightly warmer words, the group’s faces lit up with smiles, and their favor toward him skyrocketed.
Many of them had initially planned to simply provide ordinary magical materials and call it a day, but now they were seriously considering whether to bring out their finest materials instead.
After a friendly conversation, Li De agreed with the leading mage to have the requested magical materials delivered to the Crimson Mage Tower in three days.
In return, the other party took a box of Gold Pucks as a deposit and left.
The problem that Li De originally intended to spend half a month solving during this trip to Green City was resolved in just one day, thanks to Spark, his opportunistic teacher.
All that remained over the next few days was transporting the magical materials back to Dawn City.
Having connections certainly made things easier.
To be honest, even the establishment of the magic scroll factory exceeded Li De’s expectations.
He never imagined that Spark would give him such a precious gift, and now he had even directly dispatched the White Tower’s mage team to assist in its construction.
“As the saying goes, it’s easier to get things done when you have connections in high places.”
Li De was very satisfied with the current progress.
The successful establishment of the magic scroll factory officially marked the Crimson Mage Tower entering a stable phase of operations.
For Dawn City, which required strong support, this was undoubtedly excellent news.
Success in both culture and military strength—Dawn City in one hand, the Crimson Mage Tower in the other.
After days of careful planning, the dual power structure he had envisioned had finally taken shape.