Chapter 1032 - 858: West Coast Gathering_2

The azure rule veins surged from all directions like tides, not attacking his spirit tendrils, but attempting to infiltrate every crevice, wrapping his Spiritual Power Crystal entirely within the deep blue water pressure.

Duke steadied his mind, using the Light Divine Status as an anchor point, methodically guiding, compressing, and integrating those omnipresent veins of Water Rule layer by layer into the lattice structure of the crystal.

When the final strand of azure light completely merged with the crystal surface, a water-blue branch on the Skill Tree took shape next to the Wind Rules branch, with its internal veins slowly rippling like waves on the water, each rotation leaving a faint moist sheen on the branch’s surface.

[Water Rules: LV1 (1/10000)].

In the Spiritual Sea, there were two brand new branches on the Skill Tree.

Six distinct rule auras intertwined within his body, forming an unprecedentedly complex network.

The minimum threshold for the Six-Color Divine Light had been reached, and the next step was similar to when advancing from two colors to four colors—to gradually push and integrate training from four colors to six colors.

...

Five months later, in a small tavern in the Seventh District of the Central Islands, five young wizards sat in a window-side booth, with several steaming cups of herbal tea and two platters of snacks for tea on the table.

The tavern was not large; it was a semi-public gathering place within the Seventh District, exclusively for official members of the Six-Ring Tower. The lighting was soft, and simple soundproof runes were engraved on the walls to prevent eavesdropping, without the stiffness of a formal meeting room.

Sunlight filtered through the translucent crystal windows, casting mottled light and shadow on the dark wooden tabletop.

Since everyone present was an official member of the Six-Ring Tower, the owner had specially arranged the quietest spot for them.

Vera sat in the center of the booth, leaning against a dark red cushion, holding a steaming cup of herbal tea.

Today she wore a simple-cut dark green casual outfit, but the cuffs and neckline were still embroidered with the unique vine patterns of the Thorn Holy Tower.

Her gold hair cascaded casually over her shoulders, and her gaze appeared particularly deep under the soft lights.

She was now a Level 3 Junior Mage, ranking firmly among the top three of the younger generation in the Thorn Holy Tower.

This gathering was initiated by her.

Leon sat opposite Vera, his robust build making the single seat sofa appear somewhat cramped.

He wore a loose-fitting dark gray training outfit, with the neckline hanging loosely open, revealing bronzed collarbones and several old scars.

Leaning on the armrest of the sofa, Leon crossed his arms over his chest, exuding a laziness and satisfaction that follows high-intensity training.

After advancing to Level 3 Initial Stage, his Holy Silver Battle Body improved, placing him at the top of his tier in physical strength.

But his personality hadn’t changed much; he began muttering before even settling down.

"Vera, is Duke coming or not?" Leon tapped his knuckles against the table, and the herbal tea in the cup swayed.

"He just sent me a message; he’s on his way and should arrive shortly." Vera glanced at the Six-Ring Badge by her side, maintaining her composed and steady tone, but there was a subtle hint of amusement in her eyes, "He’s been in retreat for a whole five months—rumor has it he’s touched another threshold. You all know how he is when it comes to training."

Edmond sat next to Vera, holding a cup of hot cocoa, his deep blue magic robe’s cuffs emblazoned with the badge of White Cliff Academy.

He, too, had recently advanced to Level 3 Initial Stage and was among the top young talents in the Seville Empire on the East Coast.

His temperament had become much more stable over the years; at present, he quietly listened to the others, occasionally taking sips of hot cocoa, his gaze sweeping over each person behind his glasses, seemingly contemplating silently.

Morris sat in the furthest corner, his gray robe enveloping him completely; his pale face lacked much color, and his hollow eyes were half-closed as though in a slumber, or perhaps merely excluding all unwanted topics in this manner.

Those familiar with him knew someone who topped the Illusion Tower’s assessment could never truly be dazing off.

Having advanced to Level 3 with the fastest speed in nearly a century at the Doomsday Bell, the awakening of Death Rules made him a highly formidable presence; he was now a core member of Doomsday Bell.

Adrian Visenfels sat beside Leon, stirring his cup of black tea methodically with a silver spoon.

He wore a meticulously crafted robe of crimson and sea blue, with cuffs engraved with the Visenfels Clan’s emblem. Even in this semi-public tavern, he maintained impeccable and elegant manners.

Adrian was the direct heir of the Visenfels Clan on the West Coast, with his High-Level Water-Fire Dual Affinity Talent unseen in the West Coast for nearly a century.

After advancing to Level 3, he had mastered both rules of water and fire, increasing his stature within the clan. It was rumored his father had begun delegating some of the clan’s businesses to him.

"I always feel Duke isn’t that simple..." Adrian set the silver spoon down, folding his hands on his lap.

He shifted his gaze from Vera to the window casually, then raised his eyebrows slightly, "Speak of the devil, there he is."

The tavern door swung open, and the wind chimes suspended above emitted a crisp, clear sound.

Duke walked in, wearing a deep gray casual outfit, his strides unhurried.

He didn’t intentionally release any aura, keeping his spirit and rule fluctuations wholly contained, appearing as just another young wizard to ordinary eyes.

However, the five present were elites of their tier, sensing something unusual almost simultaneously.

The newcomer’s aura was astoundingly subtle, so subtle it seemed not to have entered from outside but resembled a deeply still tarn with smoothed ripples concealing something weighty beneath its serene surface.

Engendering an indescribable sense of profound depth.

"Sorry for being late." Duke settled in the vacant seat next to Vera, naturally picking up the untouched cup of tea in front of her.

Morris’ hollow eyes opened slightly, glancing briefly at Duke, pausing a breath before closing again, though his mouth curled faintly, too minor to see but familiar to those who knew him as his way of expressing surprise.

Adrian’s hand paused mid-air momentarily before resuming his tea-stirring unperturbedly.

Edmond nudged his glasses, casting his customary calm gaze swiftly at Duke, evidently evaluating quietly.

Leon, unreservedly, pointed directly at Duke, his loud voice making the teacups on the table tremble slightly, "What’s with your aura? You’re still Level 3 Initial Stage, yet you feel completely different from before! Did you secretly train something new? Spill!"

"What could I secretly train? I’m just a lone soul, unlike those from grand families like you." Duke took a sip from the tea cup, "You didn’t come all this way just for tea, having brought Edmond and Morris over implies there’s something important to discuss."

His words were calm, sweeping his gaze over Morris and Edmond.

These two seldom acted around the Central Islands, calling them both to a tavern wasn’t just a casual meet-up.

"Indeed, it’s official business." Vera set her tea cup aside, folding her hands on the table, her gaze sweeping over each face present with her typically cool and composed demeanor.

"The Wizard Council just passed the official plan for a special training proposal yesterday, codenamed Path of Divine Revelation. The plan’s details have not yet been publicly disclosed to all members, but key personnel in major organizations have started receiving notifications. Today’s gathering is to ensure you all understand the specifics of this plan firsthand."