"Rest assured, Lady Allen," Ron nodded solemnly:
"I will never sign any contract lightly that involves ’favors’."
"Moreover, you’ve met old Valen and that boy Eliot, they can be trusted for now," Lady Allen added.
The two then discussed precautions regarding the Central Lands.
This included how to handle relations with various Schools and practical information like which areas are most suitable for private research.
The conversation lasted about half an hour, during which Ron inquired in detail about Lady Allen’s subsequent plans and Lilia’s learning progress.
Before the call ended, Lady Allen’s expression softened unusually:
"Remember, young man, never easily abandon your principles and bottom line no matter what difficulties you encounter. Power only has meaning when it’s in your own hands; otherwise, it’s just a tool in others’."
Ron nodded deeply, which was indeed the belief he had always upheld:
"I will remember your teachings, Lady. I wish you and Lilia a smooth journey, may the light of wisdom always guide your path."
The elderly woman uncharacteristically did not respond with harsh words to such a formal farewell, only slightly nodding: "Take care."
After the communication ended, Ron stood on the balcony, gazing at the dusk over Dawn Harbor, his mind filled with thoughts.
In the following hours, he contacted Hayek, Soron, and Yuni separately.
They all expressed a certain level of concern for Ron’s situation at the Crystal Tower.
"Young man, the Central Lands indeed possess countless resources and opportunities that we Schools on the fringe lack."
Hayek’s image appeared slightly blurry within the Crystal, but his voice remained clear:
"But remember, behind every opportunity there, there’s a corresponding cost."
"Master Valen is a good person, and now that you’ve advanced, even if bound by his clan, he won’t compromise on matters of principle."
Hayek added, trust in his old friend showing on his aged face:
"Although Eliot is young, he also has his own persistence and bottom line. If it’s those two, the situation should be better than I originally expected."
Soron was more direct:
"If their contractual terms are too harsh, you can refuse.
With your identity as a Primordial Wizard and displayed talent, even without aligning with the Crystal Tower, numerous Schools would open their doors to you."
Yuni’s advice was more practical:
"First, understand their true intentions before making a decision. There are numerous factions within the Crystal Tower, with overlapping interests.
Master Valen and Eliot belong to a relatively mild faction, but behind them, there are more unseen forces competing."
The advice from the three Masters was largely consistent, giving Ron a clearer judgment in his mind.
.........
At the highest level of the Crystal Tower, in a grand circular conference hall, an immaculate spherical Crystal hovered in mid-air, projecting several silhouettes.
They came from different places yet gathered here for a common topic.
"Is the information confirmed? Has the newly ascended Primordial Wizard arrived?"
The voice was deep and authoritative, the speaker’s face hidden in the mist of interwoven light and shadows.
"Confirmed without error."
Another silhouette responded, his voice sounding younger and full of vitality:
"The energy screening gate of Dawn Harbor has already provided golden feedback."
"Interesting, very interesting."
A third silhouette spoke, a female voice:
"In this era, it’s remarkable that someone can still traverse the Path of Truth and successfully advance to Primordial Wizard, it’s a miracle in itself."
"Everyone also saw little Melanie’s report."
A fourth silhouette spoke up, voice hoarse and jarring:
"According to the detection, the magical power fluctuations on this young Wizard are indeed extraordinary..."
Silence enveloped the conference hall.
Finally, the authoritative voice spoke again:
"I just connected to the Tower Master’s communication device, asked her opinion and advice on this new arrival."
This sentence immediately attracted the attention of the others, all eyes focused on him, waiting for the follow-up information.
"Her reply was brief, just one sentence..."
The silhouette paused, seemingly savoring the deep meaning of the answer:
"Treat normally."