Chapter 255 Affiliated Organizations and Autonomy

The Codex of Wisdom.

Su Nan's heart skipped a beat. While startled, he couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement.

He had already been contemplating how to establish contact with other wizard factions, and now an opportunity had presented itself.

Among the large wizard factions in the multiverse that could rival the Obsidian Throne in terms of comprehensive strength, only three stood out: the Deep Blue Alliance, the Codex of Wisdom, and the Starry Spire.

The Codex of Wisdom, in particular, was renowned for its expertise in puppet crafting, magical item creation, potion brewing, and biological modification. It was the undisputed master of these auxiliary disciplines.

Su Nan had always been inclined to collaborate with the Codex of Wisdom.

To fully harness the power of the Cube, expertise in these four fields was essential. Naturally, partnering with the Codex to acquire more knowledge and legacies seemed like the best course of action.

Such a partnership would also accelerate the development of the Star Alliance.

The Star Alliance was his foundation. The stronger it became, the better his prospects would be.

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Su Nan quickly made up his mind. He said, "This isn't the ideal place for a conversation. If you don't mind, why not come to my domain as a guest? It would give me the honor of playing host."

"Yes, yes, Master! Su Nan's Dragonwood is beautiful, meow!" Amy chimed in, waving her little paws enthusiastically.

Myesha patted Amy's head gently, her gaze soft. She turned to Su Nan and said, "In that case, I will gladly accept your hospitality."

The group then set off for Dragonwood.

Upon seeing the lush and verdant forests of Dragonwood, Myesha nodded almost imperceptibly, though her expression remained calm.

Ecological sanctuaries were not uncommon in the Codex of Wisdom. Such extradimensional spaces were not on par with demiplanes, which only True Spirit wizards could create. However, wizards of Tier-3 could attempt to construct sanctuaries like this.

In fact, she herself had several ecological sanctuaries.

However, as they entered Zone 2 and came across more than a dozen Flameburst Dragons, a hint of surprise finally appeared on Myesha's face.

Not only sub-dragon species but also fully-fledged dragons?

A sanctuary of this caliber was indeed rare!

As the group passed over Starlight Academy, gazing down at the bustling campus and the numerous apprentices moving like ant trails, a flicker of intrigue flashed in Myesha's eyes.

A wizard academy, a wizard tower, Su Nan as a Tier-2 crystallized wizard, and the capability to repel invasions by the Obsidian Throne—these elements together meant the Star Alliance had all the hallmarks of a legitimate wizard faction.

With this realization, Myesha glanced at Su Nan, silently revising her estimation of him upward.

This display was no accident.

To negotiate with a behemoth like the Codex of Wisdom, it was essential to demonstrate value. Only then could Su Nan secure favorable terms.

Otherwise, they could have teleported straight to the wizard tower upon entering Dragonwood instead of taking the scenic route.

Before long, the group arrived at the Starlight Wizard Tower.

Upon entering the reception hall, they found Lize waiting.

"This is my deputy, Lize Russell," Su Nan introduced, before turning to Lize and introducing Myesha.

Myesha's gaze flickered slightly in surprise as she studied Lize, evidently taken aback that the deputy of the Star Alliance's leader was a specter.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lady Myesha," Lize said with a slight bow.

Su Nan had already briefed her on the situation during their journey. Knowing that Myesha was a True Spirit wizard, Lize showed the appropriate level of respect.

After some brief pleasantries, the three of them took their seats.

Understanding that serious matters were about to be discussed, Amy obediently lay beside Myesha, refraining from interrupting.

Su Nan got straight to the point. "Lady Myesha, what kind of assistance were you referring to earlier?"

Instead of answering directly, Myesha countered with a question. "How much do you know about the Codex of Wisdom?"

"Somewhat familiar," Su Nan replied with a faint smile. "The Codex of Wisdom excels in crafting. Its puppets, potions, and magical items are renowned throughout the wizarding world. Its headquarters is located in the Holy Tree Cluster, and its highest governing body is the Wisdom Council. Beneath it are Grand Scholars and Senior Scholars, who form the upper and middle echelons, while lower-ranking wizards are collectively known as Scholars."

His gaze fell on the emblem pinned to Myesha's chest: a silver book opened to its center, with a matching silver key hovering above the pages.

"If I'm not mistaken, you must be a Grand Scholar of the Codex of Wisdom."

This time, Myesha was genuinely surprised.

Not only did he understand the organizational structure of the Codex, but he also recognized her status as a Grand Scholar just from her insignia.

This wasn't mere familiarity; this was an in-depth understanding!

Even Lize was inwardly astonished.

She hadn't expected Su Nan to be so knowledgeable about the Codex of Wisdom, in addition to the Obsidian Throne.

After two millennia of isolation for the Starlight Continent, where had he obtained such detailed intelligence?

Myesha quickly composed herself, her gaze sharpening slightly. "Since you're so well-versed in the Codex of Wisdom, then you must already have a good idea of my proposal."

At this point, there was no need for Su Nan to feign ignorance. "The Star Alliance could become an affiliated organization of the Codex, gaining its protection and access to internal trade. In return, we would provide an annual tribute of resources to the Codex."

This was indeed his plan.

Initially, Su Nan had considered fully surrendering the Star Alliance's autonomy to join a larger wizard faction, ensuring survival at the cost of independence.

But as the Star Alliance grew stronger, so did his ambitions. Simply becoming a member of a large faction no longer satisfied him.

Even if he could rise to a high-ranking position within such a faction, it wouldn't offer the same benefits as directly controlling a wizard faction.

His rapid progress in recent years was largely due to his ability to harness the full resources of the Star Alliance.

Unless absolutely necessary, Su Nan had no intention of relinquishing the Star Alliance's autonomy.

Thus, after building the wizard tower and advancing to a Tier-2 wizard, he resolved to seek affiliation rather than full integration.

This arrangement would allow the Star Alliance to retain its independence while gaining protection against the Obsidian Throne.

In the future, if they chose to declare independence, they wouldn't be overly constrained.

Myesha studied Su Nan closely.

In the multiverse, the Codex of Wisdom was the only wizard faction with affiliated organizations.

This was because the Codex could produce abundant resources to trade with its affiliates. Using this advantage, the Codex had attracted many small and mid-sized factions, effectively binding them to its cause.

Even though the Codex had fewer wizards and overall strength compared to other large factions, it remained a formidable presence.

Su Nan's immediate suggestion of this arrangement made it clear he had been preparing for this possibility.

Perhaps even without her appearance, he would have sought to establish contact with the Codex of Wisdom.

"I can propose your inclusion as an affiliate to the Wisdom Council, but I can't guarantee approval," Myesha said.

"The Star Alliance could increase its tribute offerings," Su Nan offered.

"It's not about the resources," Myesha replied, shaking her head. "The resources we collect from affiliates are relatively modest. The Codex values the strength and potential of its affiliates more than material contributions."

Su Nan's expression shifted slightly as realization dawned.

That made sense.

The combined tributes of all affiliates likely didn't match the output of two or three secondary planes.

The true aim of the Codex in forming such affiliations was to gather allies, bolstering its position against other large factions.

Myesha's next words confirmed his thoughts.

"Not all wizard factions qualify to become affiliates of the Codex. We seek either considerable strength or exceptional potential."

"Without meeting one of these criteria, no amount of tribute will grant affiliation."

Su Nan understood and asked calmly, "How can the Star Alliance demonstrate its potential?"

Clearly, the Star Alliance was far from meeting the standard of a Tier-2 faction, leaving only the second path available.

"The Starlight Continent's planar seal is about to break," Myesha explained. "The Obsidian Throne's retaliation will come soon. If the Star Alliance can display sufficient power during the conflict, my chances of convincing the Wisdom Council will greatly improve."

Hearing this, Lize, who had remained silent until now, couldn't help but interject.

"Isn't that an unreasonable demand? If we had the strength to resist the Obsidian Throne, we wouldn't need to become an affiliate of the Codex in the first place."

Myesha remained unperturbed. "The Obsidian Throne is currently focused on invading the Crescent Moon Cluster, aiming to claim it as a second planar stronghold. With most of their forces tied up, they won't have much attention to spare for the Starlight Continent."

"Their post-seal attacks may be more challenging than before, but they shouldn't be insurmountable for the Star Alliance."

"And if the attacks prove too overwhelming, I can assist in repelling them as repayment for your care of Amy."

Lize fell silent.

Myesha's reasoning was thorough and her stance clear.

If the Obsidian Throne's assault became unmanageable, she would intervene.

With a True Spirit wizard's support, driving back the invaders would be feasible.

However, doing so would settle the debt of gratitude. She wouldn't provide further aid in securing the affiliation or intervene in future conflicts with the Obsidian Throne.

After a moment's consideration, Su Nan smiled. "That's fair. I accept your proposal, Lady Myesha."

It was a reasonable arrangement. There was nothing to complain about.

Myesha wasn't obligated to help him beyond this.

Securing a promise from a True Spirit wizard as repayment for Amy's care was already an excellent deal.

If the worst-case scenario really happens, Su Nan thought, giving up the Star Alliance's autonomy and joining the Codex of Wisdom or another major wizard faction wouldn't be the end of the road. It would ensure survival, at the very least.

Seeing Su Nan accept her proposal, Myesha's eyes flashed with approval.

She admired those who understood their limits and could face reality with clarity.

Partly because of this admiration and her intent to invest in Su Nan's potential, Myesha added, "Although I can't provide extensive help, I can lend you a small hand. Before the Obsidian Throne's next assault, I can grant you partial access to the Codex of Wisdom's internal trading network. I'll offer resources to you at internal prices, provided the quantities remain limited."

Su Nan's eyes lit up. This was the kind of immediate assistance he needed most.

"If possible, I want Spirit Orbs!" Su Nan said earnestly.

While there were many resources he needed, most wouldn't translate into immediate power. Spirit Orbs, however, were an exception. With enough of them, he could rapidly fill his talent crystal model and advance to a Tier-3 wizard.

Such an advancement would significantly bolster the Star Alliance's overall strength as well.

Myesha wasn't surprised by his choice. "Even at internal prices, Spirit Orbs aren't cheap," she said calmly.

"How much?"

"Ten magic crystals per orb."

Lize, who had been listening quietly, couldn't help but twitch slightly at the mention of magic crystals instead of magic stones.

It made sense. Spirit Orbs were exceptionally rare and highly sought after by wizards below Tier-3. The cost for such treasures was naturally steep.

Yet Su Nan's expression betrayed a hint of satisfaction.

For other resources, he might not have much stock, but magic crystals were a different story.

Back when he had been synthesizing magic stone progenitors, he had successfully created magic crystals. As long as he had enough lesser-grade magic stones, he could synthesize as many magic crystals as he needed.

"How many can I trade for at once?" Su Nan asked.

Myesha blinked, slightly taken aback. His tone had a casual confidence that hinted at significant wealth.

Could Su Nan have a large stockpile of magic crystals?

But magic crystals were a byproduct of magic stone mines, and even then, they constituted less than 1% of a mine's output. Given the state of the Starlight Continent, there shouldn't even be magic stone mines left, let alone an abundance of magic crystals.

Her curiosity piqued, Myesha didn't press further. "Up to fifty orbs," she said. "I can authorize that myself."

"Then I'll take fifty!" Su Nan said, barely able to contain his joy.

A True Spirit wizard indeed had a generous hand.

Under normal circumstances, even if the Star Alliance became an affiliate of the Codex of Wisdom, it would be nearly impossible to secure this many Spirit Orbs in one transaction.

These orbs were highly sought after and often in short supply, with demand far outstripping availability.

With fifty Spirit Orbs, the time required to fill his talent crystal model would be drastically reduced.

After finalizing the deal, both parties were in high spirits.

Su Nan arranged for Myesha to stay in a guest room within the tower. After so many years apart, she and Amy would likely have much to catch up on.

Once Myesha had left with Amy, Lize turned to Su Nan, her brows furrowed. "Are you sure about this?"

Su Nan nodded slightly. "This is the best outcome we could have hoped for. As long as we withstand the first wave of attacks after the

planar seal breaks, we'll be free to chart our course."

Lize sighed. "But that first wave of attacks—how confident are you in repelling it?"

"That," Su Nan replied with a faint smile, "depends on how well we prepare from now on."