The next day, in the heart of Nockmirch, Xu Xiao met with Kelrak, the commander of the Blood Shadow Legion.
Noxus legion commander typically commands five warbands, each with around three thousand members.
As a veteran general of Noxus, Kelrak commanded a fully-equipped legion, making him a powerful commander with significant military strength.
After learning of Xu Xiao's formidable power, this general, who held real power, did not adopt any condescending attitude during the meeting, which was a sign of respect for Xu Xiao.
"So it was you who let the Demacia mages go. That's really something!"
In the Blood Shadow Legion's reception room, Kelrak and Xu Xiao chatted amiably, especially after hearing that the commotion in Demacia was caused by the person in front of them, they exclaimed in surprise.
No one understands Demacia's power better than his enemies; those guys are practically natural enemies when it comes to dealing with mages.
To escape from the capital of Demacia and cause such a commotion is something that not everyone can do.
"It's just a small matter, nothing to brag about," Xu Xiao said casually, not taking it seriously at all.
If his magic runes had been completed to the point where he could only escape and protect himself, he wouldn't have slunk away; instead, he would have taught Demacia a lesson.
"No! Don't say that, it's already amazing. It's a pity those mages didn't come along..." Kelrak with some regret.
"I was the one who told them to disband. I'm not used to being a babysitter. Leading a bunch of burdens would slow us down, and eventually no one would be able to escape. If we split up, many people should be able to get here, right?"
Xu Xiao looked up at the man in front of him, who was also a powerful figure who had taken alchemical drugs and was armed with a large number of Wenwu.
It's roughly the same standard as Katarina. In a head-on fight, Katarina might not be able to kill her opponent, but an assassination might be a different story.
"You're right, your choice was wise. Most of the mages who escaped this time joined Noxus, and we gave the rest food and weapons so they could survive on their own."
"This is Noxus's benevolence; everyone should have the right to choose, instead of being labeled from birth."
Kelrak tried his best to show Noxus's open-mindedness and its completely different attitude towards mages, while subtly mocking Demacia's system, hoping to provoke Xu Xiao's dislike.
Xu Xiao had seen countless instances of this kind of provocative rhetoric before and was no longer bothered to play along.
"I want to Noxus, but not as a subordinate, but in a free and powerful position. Can you tell me what I need to give in return?"
"This..." Kelrak didn't expect Xu Xiao to be so direct. He had never seen anyone make such a request on their first meeting.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the reception room froze.
"What are you hesitating about? Can't you make a decision?" Xu Xiao frowned. He didn't have much time to play mind games with these people.
He wouldn't have considered negotiating if he hadn't been worried that seizing power by force would provoke even stronger resistance and waste more time.
After all, Xu Xiao preferred the more efficient method of plundering and sweeping away enemies rather than exchanging them.
"Are you serious?" Kelrak asked incredulously, confirming again.
"Of course, do you think I'm joking?"
Xu Xiao nodded somewhat impatiently, then waved his hand, and an Arcane barrier enveloped the guest room.
Several guards instantly fell into a deep sleep due to the interference of magic, leaving only Kelrak awake.
"You! What are you doing?" Kelrak drew his sword, but Xu Xiao stopped him.
"It's just that we don't want others to hear our conversation, there's no need to be so nervous."
"You'd better be!" Kelrak sheathed his sword, but placed his hand on it, staring intently at Xu Xiao.
"Alright, let's start answering my questions, shall we?"
"Absolutely impossible! Power and status in Noxus are earned through one's own abilities, and anyone holding a high position must pay a corresponding price for the country."
Kelrak shook his head, a mocking smile playing on his lips.
Even the former dictator, Emperor Darkwill, must be responsible for the strength of this nation. When he becomes senile and old, the people of Noxus will dethrone him.
"What gives you the right to enjoy freedom when you have power? Just because you escaped from Demacia's prison?"
Kelrak's voice was full of sarcasm. If one could have a high-ranking, powerful, and free position, what would all the hard work and struggle amount to?
Does this mean I'm good at enduring hardship, or that I'm an idiot?
"Take a look at this first, then draw your conclusion."
Xu Xiao, however, didn't care about Kelrak's attitude and threw a bottle of purple potion over.
Kelrak casually took it, examined it closely, and asked in surprise, "An alchemical potion?"
"Of course, what else could there be besides this? You can try it; this is the current original version, which can grant you Superman strength."
"After you've experienced it, then answer my question." Xu Xiao looked directly at Kelrak, his eyes full of honesty.
The alchemical potion in Kelrak's hand was an alchemical potion that Xu Xiao had created in the last two days, combining his knowledge of previous gene potions with the potion-making techniques of this world.
There are many points of convergence between alchemy and science; simply solving the transformation between different power systems is an attempt of extraordinary significance.
Although this alchemical potion cannot unleash its full power due to limitations in materials and laws, Xu Xiao estimates that it can roughly reach about 70% of the power of the Homelander.
For the people of this world, especially the Noxus who thirst for power, this is undoubtedly a huge temptation.
"What? You're scared? Afraid I'll hurt you?" Seeing that Kelrak was unmoved by the potion, Xu Xiao found it somewhat amusing.
"Don't worry, if I wanted to kill you, it wouldn't be much harder than crushing an ant; I wouldn't use such a despicable method as poisoning."
"This is a rare opportunity. Although this potion is newly concocted and its side effects haven't been tested yet, I can tell you frankly that it will be more powerful than any alchemical potion you've ever risked taking before, enough to give you the power to gamble your life away."
Seeing Xu Xiao's unwavering confidence, and considering the Magic Power he displayed with a mere wave of his hand, Kelrak's expression softened considerably.
I believe you!
He tilted his head back and drank the magic potion in one gulp, then quietly felt the potion take effect.
1, 2, 3... 30!
"Why isn't it working yet?" Kelrak asked anxiously.
"Don't rush, because you're drinking it directly, it will take a little longer to take effect. Let the medicine digest for a while."
Xu Xiao sat on the sofa, his senses fully activated. He could already feel the power that was about to erupt from within Kelrak.
"3, 2, 1! The show is about to begin!"
"Ah!!!!"
Kelrak uncontrollably knelt on the ground, and surges of power erupted from his body, immediately beginning to take effect in a miraculous way.