Chapter 501

"Let me introduce you. This is Enciodis Shivais, the patriarch of the Shivais Family. He is currently Operator on Rhodes Island, codenamed Silver Ash."

Enciodis gave a refined smile; he was already aware of the various astonishing things the other party had done.

This includes, but is not limited to, directly confronting Catastrophe, instantly annihilating the Sarkaz Royal Court, and most dramatically, piercing through Star Pod.

Yelagond is the Guardian God of the snow-capped mountains in the legends of Scherzag, and is the object of everyone's faith. But Mister Zhongli is a living god, a walking legend!

Upon learning that Shi Lei was coming to Silverheart Lake, Enciodis keenly sensed an opportunity. If he could befriend Shi Lei through the Doctor, it would definitely be of great benefit to Scherzag.

"Hello, Mister Zhongli. I have long admired your name, and seeing you today, I can confirm your extraordinary demeanor."

Shi Lei smiled politely. He only became famous in this land after he pierced the Star Pod. In just over a month, people had already come to admire his reputation.

But it's just polite talk, only human nature. He didn't say anything about it, just responded with a smile.

At this moment, Jian also got off the train. Seeing that his master was so polite to Shi Lei, he couldn't help but be secretly shocked.

She stood silently behind Enciodis, carrying her weapon, dutifully fulfilling her duties as his private bodyguard.

"I forgot to introduce you to someone..."

Born in Sargon, but lacking the Originium Arts renowned for their musicality. In her childhood, she was considered a defective product who couldn't use magic. Later, through her relentless efforts and a long period of time, she grew into a powerful Body Cultivator who relied on physical means to win.

More than a decade ago, she participated in the Kazimierz Knight Competition as the 'Black Knight' and dominated the arena with an impressive three-peat.

The Commercial Union did not want the Black Knight to fall just when the third championship trophy was within his grasp. However, the Black Knight refused to fix the match and went on to win the final championship.

The assassination attempt against the Black Knight began the moment she stepped off the podium. Even with the deployment of Iron Great Position of the Armored Unarmored Alliance, all that was accomplished was to keep the trophy.

But humanity has its limits. Having been treated with despicable methods and nearing its end, the weapon was bought by Enciodis from the Commercial Union for a high price.

Jian was unwilling to discuss this past event, so when the master was about to introduce himself, he interrupted him, saying:

"We've met before, no need for introductions. The Inauguration Ceremony is just around the corner, let's get down to business first."

"Ah, yes, yes, everyone, this way please."

Led by Enciodis, the group arrived at a private residence Silverheart Lake.

From the open-air balcony, you can see the foundation work being carried out on the Yelagond Statue. There are quite a few tourists there, waiting for the next performance.

Enciodis treated Shi Lei with the utmost courtesy, inviting Shi Lei to sit in the main seat. The latter knew the significance of this position and, thinking that he was new to the place and there was no need for such formality, compromised and sat below the main seat.

Lisa, Texas, Mudrock, and Yuuto took their seats in order, almost filling the table.

"This is... Spring of Snow Realm?"

Exusiai picked up an unopened bottle of liquor from the table, showing considerable interest in the brand's fine wines:

"The owner had a bottle in his bar, but it's all gone. It's a fine vintage from the 1970s; I thought I'd never see it again."

"I didn't realize you were such an expert."

Enciodis praised him with a smile, then explained to everyone present:

"The Spring of Snow Realm Brewery was founded by my father. After his unexpected death, the brewery almost came to a standstill. I only restarted its operation after the development and expansion of Kalan Trade."

Due to outdated storage techniques, a large portion of the wines stored in the 1970s are no longer drinkable. The rest are now on our dinner tables.

Exusiai knew that the host was only serving this treasured wine out of respect for Shi Lei. She brought the bottle to her nose, sniffed it, and exclaimed sincerely:

"The aroma wafting from the bottle alone is enough to drive anyone crazy, it's truly a fine wine!"

Before Shi Lei and the others arrived, the Doctor had already given Silver Ash a detailed explanation of the intelligence. Enciodis, knowing Exusiai's identity, smiled and continued the conversation:

"While fine wine is suitable for treasuring, its greatest significance lies in sharing. Since you have all come here to enjoy your visit today, I will certainly do my best to entertain you."

On the other side of the open-air balcony, Aktos Perrochi, the patriarch of the Perrochi family, one of the three major families, had already opened the wine and tasted it:

"This wine is indeed quite good, strong enough. Enciodis has finally done something good. But our family's aged wine is no worse than this!"

His subordinate, Guo Luo, awkwardly reminded him:

"Master, the Saintess Maiden hasn't arrived yet. Would it be inappropriate for us to drink first?"

Aktos, with his nonchalant demeanor, didn't see anything wrong with what he was doing.

"Drink up! Why not? Today, Enciodis is hosting guests. Are we supposed to help him save money? Drink up! Bring out all the other kinds of wine, let's see which one tastes better!"

While they were clamoring to move the wine, Saintess Enia Shivais stayed in the kitchen and did not come out. More accurately, her maid, Yal, refused to go out.

As the true form of Snow Mountain Guardian Yagol, she hides herself beside her representative Saintess. Remote places like Scherzag rarely attract top-tier experts. Unexpectedly, a group of them have arrived today...?

Sensing the presence of four Great Beast nearby, as well as Shi Lei, whose true nature remained completely unknown, Yal broke out in a cold sweat.

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Chapter 575 A Love Stronger Than Gold (4K)

"Saintess Grace, the Inauguration Ceremony casting the statues in Yelagond is about to begin. You really don't need to worry about me; please go and attend to your important matters."

Yal, fearing her presence would be exposed, insisted on not attending.

Saintess Enia had no choice but to let her stay here to recuperate, while she went out to run errands alone.

"Okay, if you're not feeling well, you can see Doctor. Don't push yourself. If you're on your period, remember to drink plenty of hot water."

As the guardian deity of the snowy mountains of Scherzag, Yal, whose true form is Yelagond, had long lost her menstrual function. But since the Saintess had said so, she had no choice but to bite the bullet and accept it, expressing her gratitude to her.

"I'm going out now, that's all for now."

Seeing the Saintess arrive on the balcony, Enciodis greeted Shi Lei with a beaming smile and introduced Shi Lei:

"Mister Zhongli, this is my sister Enia Shivais, the current Saintess of Kalan."

Enia didn't know Shi Lei's identity beforehand, but seeing her brother's flattery, she didn't give him a hard time on the spot, otherwise they would have definitely had a fight.

Despite being siblings, they frequently disagreed on political ideologies and policies toward Scherzag.

"Please wait a moment, everyone. We will begin the banquet after the Inauguration Ceremony remarks."

Enia gave a brief explanation to the guests present, then turned and left the mansion for Silver Heart Lake Plaza. No sooner had she left than the Doctor, who hadn't said much, suddenly spoke up:

"Mister Enciodis, what kind of materials do you use when building your statues?"

"We will select a giant rock from the Sacred Mountain and transport it to Silverheart Lake for careful carving."

"So, what do you think is the shelf life of a statue? That is, how often does it need to be repaired?"

Enciodis didn't understand the Doctor's intention, but still answered honestly:

"I don't know, maybe a few hundred or a thousand years. What, do you have some insight?"

The Doctor smiled upon hearing this, spread his hands, pointed to Shi Lei at the table, and made a bold suggestion:

"I have an idea. How about having Mister Zhongli help you build this statue? There are three main reasons. First, it's faster. What would normally take two or three years could be completed in minutes with Mister Zhongli. Second, the statue would be harder and last longer than those made of other stones. Third, we'd probably have to borrow Mister Zhongli's reputation."

Shi Lei was somewhat confused and asked in return:

"Reputation? What does that mean?"

The Doctor glanced at the distant Silver Heart Lake Plaza, then quickly looked away and explained:

"Today is the Inauguration Ceremony for the Yelagond Statue, which many people already know. If a perfectly formed statue appears shortly after the announcement of the groundbreaking, such a miracle will make the locals believe that Yelagond has manifested itself, and their faith will become even stronger."

"If outsiders know about it, they might come to pay their respects, which would inadvertently solve the problem of Scherzag's lack of recognition that Mister Enciodis had complained about. This would attract more tourists and boost the local tourism industry."

He dared to make such a request because he knew it wouldn't be difficult for Zhongli; he knew the other party didn't care about such reputation; and he could solve the problems facing Scherzag.

For this long-isolated snow-capped Snow Mountain Domain to gain global recognition, expanding its visibility is only the first step.

As the Doctor predicted, Shi Lei did not resist this small favor and readily agreed:

"Sure, I don't mind. Let's get a design drawing of the statue first. I'll make a small one for everyone to see, and once it's finalized, we'll make a larger one."

Enciodis was overjoyed upon hearing this, but Scherzag was not a place where he could make decisions unilaterally. Moreover, the construction of the Yelagond Statue involved religion and needed to be discussed with the Saintess Maiden.

As for Yelagond's own wishes, they seemed less important. He was a legendary Guardian God of the snowy mountains, never revealing his true form in the mortal world. Therefore, Enciodis didn't consider it, and rose to say:

"Mister Zhongli, thank you very much. However, this matter is not up to me; it requires the Saintess's approval. Please wait here for a moment, and I will go and discuss it immediately."

"No rush, didn't she go to give a speech? She'll be back after that, we can talk about it then."

Enciodis nodded in agreement.

Ten minutes later, thunderous applause erupted in Silver Heart Lake Plaza. After delivering her speech, Saintess Enia left the stage amidst cheers from the people of Scherzag. Next up was the cultural and commercial performance organized by her brother.

Enciodis, assuming the Inauguration Ceremony was over, excused himself to relieve himself and left the balcony. He intercepted the saintess at the downstairs gate before Saintess returned to the mansion.

With no one else around, and seeing her brother approach her, Enia spoke without restraint:

"Ha, Lord Enciodis. Why aren't you entertaining your guests? What are you doing here waiting for me? Are you trying to use sweet words to trick me into making a decision?"

This put Enciodis in a somewhat awkward position, his expression slightly embarrassed, and he pursed his lips, saying:

"Stop fooling around, we're talking serious stuff."

Enia remained unfazed upon hearing this, and even countered with a question:

"I asked you what you wanted from me, and wasn't that the important matter? It seems Lord Enciodis is really worried about Scherzag. I misunderstood you."

"I wouldn't dare."

"Ha, is there something in this world that Lord Enciodis dares not do?"

Silver Ash was having a terrible headache. The important guest was right there on the balcony, and he didn't want to continue arguing with his sister.

"Today is the Inauguration Ceremony for the Yelagond Statue. We are building the statue not only for 'that project,' but also in the hope that the people of Scherzag will unite as one. Mister Zhongli, who is here today, is a great man who can pierce the Sky Curtain. He can build the statue in just a few minutes, which would take us years to complete, but we need you to provide the design drawings for reference."

He went down to stop his sister because he was afraid she wouldn't know who the distinguished guest was and might accidentally say something wrong during the meal.

If Scherzag misses this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, who knows how many years its future development will be delayed.

"Pierce through the Sky Curtain?"

Enia was shocked and found it hard to believe. She still vividly remembered the hole in the sky last month.

"That's right, it was him. Amiya said that she and Zhongli were transported to an outer planet by the lich's Space-Time Tunnel, and had no choice but to break the Star Pod."

Enia was taken aback. She stopped her sarcastic remarks to her brother and began to seriously consider the matter:

"Brother, this is a statue for worshipping the gods of Yelagond. Is it appropriate to let an outsider build it?"

"Whether it's suitable or not is not up to us. If it can truly be built, it will be a tremendous miracle for the public. As for other matters, please rest assured. We, Kalan Trade, will share the burden for Manjuin."

Enia bit her lip, struggling internally.

Yelagond's admonition to the people of Scherzag in the mythology is to be diligent and practical. Is it blasphemous to allow an outsider to build idols?

Seeing her hesitation, Enciodis advised:

"In matters of reform and development, perhaps we need a bit of decisive courage. Miracles will make the people and believers of Scherzag even more devout, and I'm sure Yelagond wouldn't blame us even if he knew."

This choice was not found in the classic texts; Enia had to make her own judgment. Knowing she didn't have much time left, she pondered for a moment before replying:

"Whether in the eyes of the people of Scherzag or in the eyes of others, I, as the Saintess, must represent the entirety of Scherzag, not any particular faction or even any particular family. Everything has to start, but the result is also important. This may not have been a good start, but the result is not bad. I hope that Lord Enciodis will never regret the decision he made today."

"Risk is always proportional to reward; success will bring substantial returns. When the Doctor mentioned this suggestion, I considered whether this might be my only chance in this lifetime. Sister, I want to seize it."

Seeing her brother's resolute gaze, Enia sighed inwardly and nodded in acceptance of the suggestion.

"While I cannot definitively refute your choices today, or even the path you've taken in the past, it is ultimately under our guidance that Scherzag has stumbled and struggled to reach where he is today. I only hope that Yelagond, in heaven, will not blame His people."

Having confirmed that both parties had reached a consensus on this matter, Enciodis quickly left and returned to the balcony.

His excuse to urinate lasted a little too long.

Since there were no outsiders present, Enciodis assumed that only heaven and earth knew about this matter, and that he and his sister knew nothing about it.

Little did Shi Lei know that while sitting on the balcony watching the snow, he overheard the entire conversation from several floors away.

There was nothing wrong with the siblings' interaction, nor did they do anything harmful, so he naturally had no need to point it out.

However, there's a passage in Enciodis that mentions 'that project,' but I don't know what it is.

Shortly after Enciodis returned, Saintess Enia came to the balcony. Pretending not to have seen her sister, she mentioned asking Shi Lei to help repair the statue.

Enia expressed her support and sent a maid to fetch the design drawings for the statue, which she then laid out on the table.

Their original plan was to use a large cutting machine or mace to remove a huge rock from the Sacred Mountain and carefully carve it into the image of Yelagond.