The parchment felt warm to his touch, as if imbued with subtle magic that recognized its new owner. The royal seal pulsed once with golden light as his fingers closed around the scroll.An officer—a distinguished member of the elite cavalry with medals of valor adorning his chest—approached him with measured steps. The officer's armor clinked softly with each movement, the sound of fine craftsmanship.With ceremonial precision, he draped a magnificent cloak made of soft animal fur over Guo Jiang's shoulders. The fur was white as fresh snow with streaks of gold, harvested from the rare celestial foxes that roamed the highest mountains.The cloak touched his skin with unexpected warmth despite the cool evening air. Magic was woven into every thread of the garment, offering protection against both physical and magical attacks."The Enchanter of Vellenor, please honor us by ascending the golden carriage prepared for your journey," the soldier's hand pointed ahead, into the distance where

"A golden phoenix carving for the Grand Enchanter of the Kingdom of Vellenor!" the protocol officer shouted loudly, his voice carrying to every corner of the vast hall.His announcement was followed by curious glances from the assembled guests, wondering what treasures might be contained within the ornate gift received by the Enchanter. Whispers spread through the crowd like ripples in a pond.With a friendly smile that revealed nothing of his inner thoughts, Guo Jiang accepted the gifts while expressing his gratitude. He was assisted by two servants in royal livery, who stacked the gifts that seemed to grow taller as the night grew late and the endless stream of guests arrived.A man wearing golden armor that gleamed like the sun itself approached Guo Jiang with purposeful strides. His armor was complete with all the spiritual attire of a sword-wielding knight, including a blade whose hilt was adorned with precious stones.His voice was loud and harsh when he spoke. "Congratulations

Guo Jiang shook his head slightly, his jade pendant swinging gently with the movement. "Please explain, my friend! The currents of this court run deep and hidden from my sight."Hogret began to speak in hushed tones, his words carrying valuable secrets. Guo Jiang listened patiently, his keen mind absorbing every detail of the complex situation being revealed to him.The crux of the matter was this. The Orange Dragon Order and the Golden Armor Order were the two largest orders in Vellenor that supported the king. These two formidable organizations had long harbored ambitions to place one of their own as the Royal Enchanter, replacing the previous Enchanter who had died in the war against Udristan, a neighboring country.This devastating war has been going on for a long time, fighting over a gem mine – a resource located in the middle of the border between two countries. The precious stones were said to enhance magical abilities tenfold.The Orange Dragon Order had intended to nominate

But within the king's palace, in a special meeting room that was soundproof, magic-proof, and tightly guarded by special guards around the area like sentinels watching over forbidden secrets.The king sat on his throne carved from ancient oak and inlaid with precious stones, while two men stood bowed before him, conversing with him in voices barely above a whisper."So, what do you think after seeing the new Enchanter of the Vellenor Kingdom?" asked King Elyot with a cheerful expression that masked the calculating mind beneath like a wolf wearing sheep's clothing.The King was very happy after such a long time, since the death of the old Enchanter in the war that had left the kingdom vulnerable as a fortress without walls. Now he felt that there was a powerful wizard who would protect the royal family, as well as watch over them and give advice with his abilities as a wizard whose strength rivaled the legends of old.The two men looked at each other with eyes that spoke volumes of sha

Guo Jiang stopped before an invisible boundary that no one was allowed to cross without the King's permission, the very air seeming to thicken with unspoken rules.A Eunuch or palace eunuch appeared and bowed with practiced subservience. He met Guo Jiang and conveyed the King's request that the Grand Enchanter wait until the King had finished dressing before meeting him and receiving his orders for the day, his voice soft as silk and twice as smooth.King Elyot was indeed known as someone who liked to dress up and show off his wealth like a peacock displaying its plumage. Of course, this took a little longer, as the king completed his routine of donning his royal robes, complete with various symbols of honor, ending with a huge cloak made of tiger fur—which made him look very luxurious and imposing as a mountain dressed in gold.The sound of footsteps could be heard entering the hall like distant thunder approaching, and when Guo Jiang looked up, he saw a figure with a tall crown ador