"It's simple," the official's voice answered from the Communication Crystal: "You bring something to the tournament, and we'll help you deal with Rolin."

"You? The Super Competitive League?" Fang Hong asked: "How do you plan to deal with him?"

"That's our secret, a business secret, you must have heard of it?"

Fang Hong frowned: "Then what do you want me to bring?"

"Don't worry, it's just a Record Crystal."

Fang Hong instinctively felt something was off. He wasn't very good at dealing with people, but that didn't mean he was a fool. On the contrary, sometimes he was calmer than most. A Record Crystal—what evidence did the other party want to capture? If this was aboveboard, the Super Competitive League could directly cooperate with the Tournament Organizers, even considering their tense relationship with the Southern Alliance. Having a stranger sneakily bring a Record Crystal to the tournament didn't seem like anything good.

If something went wrong, once exposed, it would be a huge scandal, significantly damaging the relationship between Stargate Port and Colin Ishurian. The Super Competitive League couldn't be unaware of this, Fang Hong didn't believe they would pin their hopes on such a far-fetched possibility unless they were ten percent sure.

What certainty? Severing ties? That would be too clumsy; if the Elfendo Council stepped in to investigate, they would easily uncover the trick. Unless their intention lay elsewhere, and there was some mystery within the Crystal. When Fang Hong thought of this, he already sensed the scent of a trap.

However, surprisingly, he felt very calm and not angry at all. Perhaps because he had never intended to trust the other party in the first place, his heart was untroubled—even a bit amused.

But why did they want to deal with Rolin?

To elevate the Shadow Throne?

Does this mean they aren't linked to the Dragon Worship Sect?

He couldn't figure this out immediately, since without confirming the other party's intentions, he couldn't rule out this as a possible distraction. But even so, this conversation provided him with much insight, revealing many crucial pieces of information.

At least, the Shadow Throne's involvement in the tournament indeed had something fishy.

He became more alert, but didn't show it outwardly. The other party was still waiting for his answer on the other side of the Communication Crystal, but Fang Hong had already made up his mind, simply replying: "I still believe I can win the tournament on my own, without external assistance."

"It's good for young people to have confidence in themselves," the other side seemed a bit surprised, and after a while, replied: "But I hope you have thought it through; for an Invoker, maintaining a friendly relationship with the League is beneficial for your future path."

This sounded like kindly advice, but it was actually a blatant threat. Fang Hong couldn't help but think of the fate of that team in the Holy Pact Mountain incident, roughly guessing the League's usual approach: disqualification and various restrictions.

Back then, there was military intervention behind the scenes, but now, even though he was still marked by the military, if he faced harassment from the League, it indeed made him hesitate for a moment. However, he quickly calmed down; even if the Super Competitive League could cover the sky with one hand, there was nothing they could do against a Free Adventurer—he never intended to pursue a career as a professional Invoker or compete in major tournaments.

"I understand," he replied calmly, "but I've already made up my mind."

The other side seemed about to say something more, but Fang Hong had already cut the communication.

...

In the room, a middle-aged man silently watched the dark red glow on the Communication Crystal in his hand gradually fade, the afterglow fading from his pale, sickly face, leaving only a calm expression devoid of anger or joy.

"Ingrate." He muttered, then pushed the door open. Walking down a long corridor, Pudra-Goan was waiting outside.

This hawk-nosed Potion Studies Master, with a face radiating a faint golden light, glanced at him with lead-gray eyes and said: "Sonan, the old stubborn man, still isn't willing to relent, but his attitude has softened a bit. His opinion actually represents that of the Council members; Elfendo ultimately doesn't want to break with the Royal Household."

"That's also the Duke's intention, right?" The middle-aged man glanced outside the window, where in the distance, a faint ridge line could be vaguely seen, with the pale green mountains northward, toward Dulun's direction. To this day, the Phoenix Family still played a crucial role in stabilizing the southern situation, preventing it from spiraling out of control. Pudra nodded.

"The nobles of Eteliria are always like this, cowardly and pedantic. But the old Dwarf's wavering attitude is precisely our opportunity to act."

"Indeed, how are things on your side?"

The middle-aged man shook his head: "The target is very shrewd, didn't take the bait." If Fang Hong were here, hearing someone actually praise him as 'shrewd,' he might be so pleased that he'd jump three feet high, then excitedly go to Miss Sicape to claim credit. Unfortunately, he wasn't here.

Pudra felt a bit regretful too: "It's a pity, I heard he was close with Odin and also had connections with Ye Hua..."

"There's nothing to regret," the middle-aged man replied: "Handwasher has always been cautious in selling information, not entirely trustworthy. He's not truly on our side. Don't forget the last time he fooled us; sooner or later we'll have to settle that score with him."

"But I worry whether he's concealing any information we don't know about?"

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