Pillar of Yita

”The Super Competitive League has instead assigned this commission to our major guilds,” he continued, ”You know, the major guilds usually have some core craftsmen who remain unseen, and Colin Ishurian Royalty is placing their hopes on these people.”

Fang Hong listened in silence, understanding the situation. However, it was puzzling why he was suddenly asked to participate in an Alchemist professional competition—although his other identity had participated before, there still seemed to be something unusual about this request.

Just as Odin stated, all major guilds have their own core craftsmen who typically remain hidden, along with secretly cultivated new talents. With the vast resources of Ragnarok, how could they possibly not have a single person to represent them and need to resort to him?

He felt the other party’s answer was somewhat perfunctory, or perhaps contained hidden meanings.

However, he did indeed need to go to Fanric, which was the agreed meeting place with others.

He looked at Odin and asked, ”But hasn’t the Continental League lineup been finalized, and I’m not even part of Ragnarok.”

”That’s not important,” Odin shook his head. ”It’s just a minor issue. As long as you are indeed from the Colin Ishurian Alchemy School and have the relevant certification documents, everything else will be arranged for you.”

”But I am a Combat Artisan,” Fang Hong did not disclose that he had previously participated in a Continental League, as it was related to a deeper secret of his. He only asked, ”Isn’t it somewhat improper for a Combat Artisan to participate in a Continental League?”

Odin then straightened up: ”That’s precisely why I brought you here.”

”???”

Fang Hong was completely bewildered.

”The Hall of Thousand Doors is said to have a thousand doors,” Odin replied, looking at him, ”You surely don’t think you can complete this trial in one day, do you? You will need to stay here for at least half a month. During these days, I’ve entrusted Anluose to look after you. If you have the opportunity, you can learn something from that Tower Guard—”

”Mr. Anluose?”

”The Tower Guard and master of Nevade is just one of his identities,” Odin replied, ”but he has many more identities that you will know in the future. One of them is the most outstanding Fairy Master in the Long Lake District, reputed as the first after Luo Zhen, and his alchemy is also quite advanced.”

He paused, bent down to pick up a leaf, and flicked it with his hand, sending the leaf whirling through the air.

Then, turning back, the King of Warriors continued: ”If you can catch his attention and he teaches you something, it will be immensely beneficial in the future.” However, he shook his head, ”Although the hope is slim, even Loofah didn’t catch this master’s eye back then, and I doubt you will either—”

If it’s that difficult, why even mention it?

Fang Hong was left speechless; he felt this person came to pick on him specifically. Nevertheless, he understood the implication—like a salted fish, at least he should have a dream. If that great figure ever took notice of him, who could say what might happen?

Eteliria is full of eccentric individuals, with some secretive skills and knowledge originating from such people, and this Tower Guard was evidently one of them.

However, from Odin’s words, he sensed something extra: ”Mr. Odin, are you leaving?”

”Not for now,” Odin replied, ”but it’s hard to say for others, each of us has our own matters to attend to, we just happened to make time to come here. You can’t expect us to wait here for you for half a month—even Silver Weslan’s chairman, Chenxi, doesn’t have that much face.”

Fang Hong scratched his head.

Although the past week had been somewhat rough, it was also fulfilling. He understood that not many people would have an opportunity like his, to receive direct instruction from so many top Invokers.

Perhaps only Loofah had such an opportunity back then, and Loofah’s later achievements were enough to prove how rare and precious this opportunity was.

Given the chance, he surely wanted more time to learn from these top Invokers. Despite these big shots appearing untouchable online, in reality, they weren’t that aloof.

While interacting with them, he found it easier than dealing with the Descendants of Flor, Jiefulite Red Cloak Team, and the Dragonfire Guild, among others. He got along quite well with most of them.

It was also clear that the others didn’t have much objection to him being a ’half-student.’

Yet after hearing Odin’s words, Fang Hong realized he was rather unrealistic. These top Invokers mostly belonged to guilds, even the Free Summoners had a lot on their plates.

How could they stay for no reason to guide a novice like him?

The fact they could stay here, and come, was mostly due to the face of the King of Warriors.

Fang Hong couldn’t help but look at Odin, who stood silently by the lake, not asking for his opinion when bringing him here from Dulun, but offering tangible benefits instead.

Just opening the Hall of Thousand Doors cost a favor from the Tower Guard owed to Odin. Fang Hong knew well how rare such favors from top Native people were.

He initially harbored some rebellious thoughts towards Odin’s arrangements—as no one wishes to lose their freedom—but at this moment, looking at the King of Warriors, much of his resentment dissipated.

”Alright.”

He nodded gently, which was his way of agreeing to Odin’s request.

If it was a few months ago, he would have outright refused. But after pondering Fenris’ reflection, he was less afraid of his other identity, and had planned to learn how to interact with the military.

With the start of the Continental League about four months away, there seemed to be more than enough time.

Odin saw him nod but showed no sign of relief, just also nodded silently.

”Besides,” he lastly said, ”be cautious, the Southern Region is fraught with troubles now. Until you’ve gained higher Levels, I advise staying away from murky waters like last time.”

”This time you ran into me,” Odin replied, ”but the trouble you stirred in Fenris is no small issue. Toragotos hasn’t been brought to justice; you’re aware of this. And the Blood Oath Alliance is discreetly searching for you; they may believe you’re dead, which is why I didn’t spread the word of your reappearance.”

These were indeed Fang Hong’s own worries; he nodded seriously. Yet hearing Odin mention the Fenris incident, he couldn’t help but recall the scene at the Masongke Creek camp and asked, ”About the Blood Oath Alliance...”

But Odin interrupted him, ”I can tell you something about the Dragon Worship Sect. However, first, you must emerge from the trial of the Hall of Thousand Doors. If your performance is unsatisfactory, it’s better to let go of this matter early.”

Fang Hong froze, understanding Odin’s meaning. Opposing the Dragon Worship Sect was no trivial matter; if he lacked the strength, it’d be best to abandon this thought sooner to avoid dragging himself and others down.

But letting go is easier said than done. Moreover, the word ’give up’ has never existed in Fang Hong’s dictionary.

He simply thought it over and closed his mouth, letting actions speak; he would reconsider after emerging from the Hall of Thousand Doors’ trial. Following the Morning Dawn Star event, he’d stopped boasting, as his previous bragging had failed to alter fate for everyone.

And every boy must grow up at some point.

The night passed without words.

The mist-covered morning of Nevade.

Seemed to usher in another fine day.

The Handwasher insisted it was a good omen because this day would be Fang Hong’s first day heading to the Hall of Thousand Doors—

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