CHAPTER 146 - Clues for Career Advancement
Azir gestured for Li Lin to follow him, distancing themselves from Kassadin and Sivir.
Before Li Lin could inquire, Azir spoke first, "I can sense... there's something unique about your soul."
Having learned about Xerath and the Darkin, his eyes, akin to a hunting falcon, involuntarily reflected a sharp gleam.
Li Lin shuddered, realizing things were taking an unexpected turn.
Damn, could it be that my identity as a traveler has been exposed?
"I understand. Everyone has their secrets, and no one likes others knowing their plans and thoughts, just like me."
Azir recalled, almost involuntarily, the promise he made to Xerath, the vow to liberate the slaves. Yet, all these plans and thoughts remained personal secrets, undisclosed even to Xerath.
Perhaps this is why he plotted to overthrow my rule...
Azir sighed inwardly, but he harbored no regret.
As an emperor, he owed no explanations to his subjects about his actions.
Holding power firmly in his hands, under his wise leadership, was the key to the empire's enduring prosperity.
At least, that's how he saw it.
Since Xerath couldn't resist impatience and chose his own path, he had become an enemy of the Shuriman Empire from the moment he implemented his plan.
Various thoughts flickered through Azir's mind, then he turned his gaze back to Li Lin.
"I cannot pry into your secrets, nor am I interested in them. You needn't be so guarded against me.
"But I can sense that you are no ordinary mortal. Extraordinary power courses through you; you've just hit a bottleneck for now."
Li Lin fell silent, openly acknowledging Azir's words.
Although their backgrounds were entirely different, guidance from a divine warrior was indeed helpful.
Moreover, his own system, akin to a "riddler," was baffling him about advancing his profession and increasing "mechanical affinity."
At present, it seemed related to allocating points to the "mechanical affinity" skill, yet he couldn't fathom its exact meaning.
"Although you're not a citizen of Shurima, you are one of the few who witnessed my resurrection and ascension ceremony... Going by my previous actions, I would reward you with anything you desire.
"However, with the Sun City just rebuilt, even I don't know how many treasures remain in the treasury. Any rewards can only be given after I've tallied the treasury in the future."
Li Lin nodded, not adhering to the modest tradition of his bloodline. He expressed appreciation and declined politely.
Rejecting the emperor's gift would be a breach of etiquette on one hand. On the other, if he didn't accept, it might pose a significant problem.
This was the emperor's treasury, and given Azir's temperament, even if the treasury were plundered, he would find a way to acquire other valuable magical items for rewards.
"Before that, feel free to ask me about any questions you have regarding your strength. I can help alleviate your concerns."
After pondering for a moment, Li Lin changed the way he presented his issue, "I am an Ionian. In Ionia, there's a particular way people use weapons..."
Azir, during his reign, rarely had people from faraway Ionia travel to his Shurima. Hence, he wasn't well-versed in their methods of training.
He nodded, attentively listening to Li Lin's question.
"In Ionia, there's an emphasis on the unity of person and weapon, simply put, the affinity between oneself and the weapon..."
As soon as he heard this, Azir couldn't help but chuckle, "I understand your problem now... There's a question you need to answer first: what do you think a weapon is?"
"...Uh?" Li Lin was momentarily stunned. "Isn't a weapon a tool for attack and defense?"
"You see, your understanding of it is flawed. How can you enhance the 'affinity' with it?" Azir lectured in the tone of an elder imparting wisdom.
Li Lin's eyes lit up; suddenly, his mind became clear, "Are you suggesting?"
"A weapon is not an external object. Through prolonged training and battles, it becomes a part of your body, a trusted companion. This applies to everyone, even divine warriors."
A part of the body...
A companion...
Li Lin took a deep breath, enlightened.
So, he had been trapped in a misconception all this time.
As a mechanic, creating mechanical constructs is undeniably crucial; it's a part of one's strength.
However, to progress further, considering them merely as cold machines is far from sufficient.
To enhance affinity with the machines, one must perceive them as an extension of the body, as one's senses.
Only then, when manipulating them, will it feel effortless, as if they are an intrinsic part of one's flesh and blood.
Azir noticed the expression on Li Lin's face and smiled slightly, "It seems you've grasped it."
"Thanks to your wisdom, Your Majesty."
...
...
In the subsequent conversation, Li Lin discussed issues related to the reconstruction of the empire with Azir.
After a lengthy chat, Azir realized that Li Lin had unique insights into nation-building—viewing it from the perspective of the people, genuinely caring for them.
Some aspects of this, however, were beyond the comprehension of a ruler perched on high.
For this reason, Azir greatly admired Li Lin and even considered keeping him by his side; the reconstruction of the empire needed talents like him.
However, Li Lin was not interested in politics, and he had a little beauty waiting for him back home. Naturally, he couldn't stay in Shurima.
Expressing regret about this, Azir then brought up the matter of the Void.
Presently, the biggest threats facing Shurima were not only the Void Prophet and his growing Void followers but also the southeastern Sai'Kahleek, known by the northerners as the "Sea of Bones."
It was the territory of the Void Burrower Queen Rek'Sai, leading the Xer'Sai race referred to by the locals as the Shuriman Assassins, posing a significant threat.
Few could escape being preyed upon if they dared to pass through that region when at a loss.
Unfortunately, Azir couldn't divert his attention from these Void creatures at the moment; he lacked the energy to deal with them.
His primary threat remained Xerath, the evil arcane energy entity that had gained the power of Ascended.
To deal with the Void, one must first secure the interior. To tackle the Void, the "thorns" eyeing his empire must be removed.
Despite Li Lin's plea, Azir agreed to dispatch two sand soldiers to accompany them and investigate the current impact of the Void.
If the situation was indeed critical, he would consider it based on the circumstances.
After concluding the conversation with Azir, Li Lin and Kassadin gained his approval and poured all their water flasks into the life water of the Dawn Oasis.
This was akin to an enhanced version of a healing potion; depending on the dosage, it could rapidly recover from any injury.
Although the Sun City's life water had already been reintroduced into the River of Life, flowing back to various parts of Shurima.
However, the healing effect of the external life water ultimately couldn't match the water pouring from the sun disc's source...
Later, Li Lin and Kassadin bid farewell to Azir with a respectful salute and proceeded to the place where they had arranged the Skallashi.
Li Lin had considered in advance that Azir's resurrection would rebuild the Sun City, ensuring the chosen location wouldn't be significantly affected.
As for Sivir...
As she had anticipated, Azir, now an ascended being, had lost his ability to procreate. He didn't want his only bloodline to end, so he prevented her from leaving the Sun City.
In the face of Sivir's resentful gaze, Li Lin at that time expressed his helplessness.
The emperor's will is not something a subject can change at will...
On the outskirts of the Sun City, Li Lin and Kassadin had just boarded the Skallashi when a furious female voice, tinged with anger, halted them.
"Li Lin, you stop right there! Where's my Folding Power Armor?!"
(End of this chapter)
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