A mage's journey begins with a battle mage.

Chapter 504 The Archimonde Family's Choice

Kosoroya had nothing to say in response to Jiang Shuzhou's words.

He simply couldn't think of a rebuttal.

"Alright, look at this. Do you think it looks like it?"

After saying that, Jiang Shuzhou used his mental power to hand over a piece of dragon-patterned paper.

"What is this thing?"

At first, Kosoroya was a little confused, but then he felt a chill run down his spine.

"How...how is this possible?"

In his hand was a letter pleading for help written in Rosemary's voice. The letter stated that there were problems within the Empire and that Rosemary's personal safety was threatened. She requested that Jiang Shuzhou send troops to help her quell the rebellion.

Even more so, the power of the covenant still lingers on it.

"Is this true?"

Kosoroya couldn't help but be overwhelmed; the shocking news left him in disbelief.

"Of course it's fake. Do you think Rosemary is that kind of idiot?"

Jiang Shuzhou rolled his eyes. How could something like this possibly be real?

This thing was forged by Jiang Shuzhou over several hours to give himself an excuse to send troops.

With the empire currently experiencing internal political turmoil and various factions harboring ambitions, it is the perfect time to launch a military campaign.

Most importantly, Jiang Shuzhou needed an excuse to avoid a direct confrontation with the alliance.

"Purge the court of corrupt officials" is a very good reason.

Once Rosemary dies, who will be able to tell if this thing is real or fake?

After all, Rosemary and Jiang Shuzhou had fought together in the war, so Jiang Shuzhou naturally wanted to lend a hand to his brother.

Jiang Shuzhou will help Rosemary complete the reforms she didn't finish.

The emperor of the empire had to have the surname Jiang. Of course, the empire also had to change its name. Soss learned a good name; it sounds cultured.

"This...you...oh my god!"

Kosoroya's mind went blank; he had never imagined that the other party's ambitions were so great.

Kosoroya was naturally aware of Jiang Shuzhou's intentions in going to such lengths to forge such a thing.

"So, are you in or not? If you are in, I will set up a special zone for you, your power will remain unchanged, and your family will continue to exist for generations. If you are not in, then sign a confidentiality agreement. As a result, you will naturally become a nobleman without real power."

While Kosoroya was alive, Jiang Shuzhou would naturally protect his family's interests, but if Kosoroya were gone, the Akmond family would be no different from any other family.

The blessings bestowed by a virtuous person will last for five generations.

After several generations, the Archimonde family will return to an ordinary life.

"Think it over carefully, I'm going to give the opening ceremony speech."

Sitting up, Jiang Shuzhou patted Kosoroya on the shoulder and then disappeared into the distance, heading to the opening ceremony's high platform, leaving Kosoroya looking conflicted.

On the high platform, the host was enthusiastically praising Jiang Shuzhou's various achievements.

"Back then, the great alchemist Jiang Shuzhou used a slingshot technique to knock down the angel of the gods. It was an afternoon..."

Although Jiang Shuzhou himself had no recollection of such an event.

He had no recollection of when he had struck the angel down with a stone.

It just goes to show how eager the host is to improve.

"So..."

Just as the host was about to say something, someone gently patted his shoulder.

"Young man, you're quite sensible."

Jiang Shuzhou said with a smile.

"Master, my reverence for you is like..."

"Hey, stop talking, be quiet."

After Jiang Shuzhou spoke, the host fell silent.

"Dear audience members and contestants, it's a pleasure to see you all."

As Jiang Shuzhou spoke, the audience below the stage were filled with excitement.

"My goodness, is this the lord? He looks so imposing!"

"What do you mean by majesty? That's called wisdom!"

"I think it's compassion!"

Just as there are 100 Hamlets in 100 people's minds, so too is Jiang Shuzhou.

His unique abilities meant that when people looked at him, the image they saw was the one that best matched their imagination.

Some people saw Jiang Shuzhou as an old man with white hair and beard, holding a staff in his hand, and whose eyes revealed wisdom.

Some people saw a middle-aged man with a solemn expression.

Others noticed Jiang Shuzhou's youthful appearance.

Everyone has their own perspective; whatever they hope Jiang Shuzhou will be, that's how they will see him.

"As the leader of the alliance, I have been busy with various affairs and have never had time to look at these young people. This is my mistake."

As he spoke, Jiang Shuzhou turned his gaze to the young contestants. Seeing their respectful and admiring looks, Jiang Shuzhou smiled.

Although some of these people are actually older than Jiang Shuzhou, they are all young people to Jiang Shuzhou.

"I noticed that this competition has added more alchemy-related projects compared to previous years, which is great."

Jiang Shuzhou nodded in agreement and then continued.

"You must remember that mages are not just barbarians who only know how to cast spells, but pioneers who explore and study the truth and create new things. We are leaders and trailblazers."

"The reason why mages are the most powerful of all professions is not because they are inherently strong. On the contrary, mages are inherently weak. It is only through their persistent exploration and creation that mages have become the strongest of all professions."

"Being a monk is not just a profession, but also a spirit, and we must promote this spirit..."

Jiang Shuzhou had already mastered the art of the new eight-legged essay.

The rest of the talk consisted of some polite remarks about mages. Jiang Shuzhou encouraged the audience, gave out another batch of prizes, and then left.

Staying too long is not good, mainly because Jiang Shuzhou is not so free now; he still has an empire waiting to be overthrown.

In the private room, Kosoroya made up his mind.

He decided to take a gamble, after all, Jiang Shuzhou never disappointed, and his own achievements proved it.

"What, have you made up your mind?"

Just as Kosoroya finished weighing the pros and cons, Jiang Shuzhou returned.

"I've made up my mind, Master Jiang. On behalf of the Archimonde family, I join your ranks. Under your will, the Archimonde family will become your sharpest blade!"

Kosoroya said solemnly.

"Very good, you are very pragmatic and have a lot of courage."

Looking at the ministers who had made up their minds and were ready to follow him in purging the court of corrupt officials, Jiang Shuzhou nodded in satisfaction.

The Akimund family will be removed from the list in the future.

"My first task is to help me collect a list of the main members of each family, as well as information on the planes and lands they control. I will find it useful."

"Your will."

"The second task is to go back and lead a group of nobles to support a certain prince. We don't need to let him seize the throne; just make sure he doesn't die."

Kosorooya took a deep breath and nodded.

"The last task is to open up border smuggling channels and work with me to fund some insurgents."