Chapter 142 – Runic Badge (1/2)

Chapter 142 – Runic Badge

After the ritual’s ending, Zuo Qiu Ming allotted Ye Wei and Lu Feng each a badge.

“Finally, I am a Runemaster…” Ye Wei tightly grasped the badge, whispered to himself ecstatically.

When Green Moon City learned that Ye Wei had become a Runemaster, the three biggest martial families, and the City Lord now realized how much respect was due to Ye Wei. Upon meeting him, they would have to bow, and anything else required to honor a Runemaster.

“Ye Wei, do you have time to talk?”

Zuo Qiu Ming patted Ye Wei’s shoulder; he welcomed the newly qualified Runemaster with a soft, amicable smile. He desired to speak about the Seven New Runes.

If Ye decided to enlist as a part of the Seven New Runes, authorities in the whole Qing state would have to treat him decorously. As well, he would be bestowed with countless privileges. These incentives were very persuasive, and Ye Wei didn’t even need any encouragement from Mister Zuo.

“Mister Zuo, you don’t even have to ask, I will gratefully oblige!” Ye Wei elatedly smiled as he replied and nodded politely. Then thought to himself, ‘you, an official from the Runemaster Union’s Ning City branch, clearly want to befriend me… Why would I say no?’

“Hahaha! Little boy, you surely present yourself well! Follow me to the second floor please.” Zuo Qiu Ming led Ye Wei out of the side hall towards the staircase. Lu Feng was completely forgotten about; they even left without acknowledging him by not saying goodbye.

Zuo Qiu Ming had sensed the change between Ye Wei and Lu Feng. He understood with Ye Wei being a Runemaster and at the same standing as Lu Feng, the equanimity between them before was erased, now they were enemies. Nonetheless, he instantly chose to affiliate himself with Ye Wei. Lu Feng was good, but not extraordinary; this young boy would one day become an influential figure.

Lu Feng stood all alone in the grand but empty hall. As Ye Wei and Zuo Qiu Ming walked away, his eyes vengefully glared at them. Hate was growing in his heart; revenge was brewing. For now, Lu Feng could only grudgeful glare at the new superstar, his new enemy.

“Very well, Ye Wei, just you wait!” Lu Feng‘s hand trembled. He squeezed the badge tightly as his eyes widened. He flicked his sleeve, impatiently turned, and angrily strode out, each step echoing in the vastness with no one to hear them.

Zuo Qiu Ming led Ye Wei into an elegant sitting room upstairs and sat down.

“So, Ye Wei, it seems you and Lu Feng don’t get along well, am I correct?” Zuo Qiu Ming poured Ye Wei a cup of tea while casually questioning him.

“Yes, you are right.” Ye Wei acknowledged. He thought about Lu Feng’s scheme three years ago, and how he pulled some strings, used the Du family, a general who worked for the City Lord, and a merchant guild’s president to attempt taking over the Ye family’s land. ‘He would have killed us all if it wasn’t for Master Yi…’

“Lu Feng and his master Mu Kun are people you shouldn’t worry about.” Zuo Qiu Ming frowned as he saw Ye Wei growing agitated, but he continued in a wary tone, “however his mother is from a big family, who have influence all across Qing state. I think he came to take the entrance exam mainly for recognition from his mother’s family. Now, that he is a two-star Runemaster, I am pretty sure he will have no problem getting approved and will soon become a part of the Lu family.”

“On the other hand, if the Lu family does not like you then you might be in trouble. They are one of the four biggest martial families in Qing state. Furthermore, multiple returned prime Warriors minister them. Most important, though, they are related to one of the royal families. This is the worst part.” Zuo Qiu Ming looked at Ye Wei and tried to sound as collected as he could, “my advice for you, boy, is to avoid direct conflict with him. Don’t give him and them any reasons to start fights with your family. You have limitless potential; but, only when you have reached a certain status, which is made from connections, then can you sort out your dispute with him! This is my advice for you Ye Wei; I hope you will heed it.”

Working as an official in the Ning City branch had broadened Zuo Qiu Ming’s understanding on the political games the influential and powerful played to get what they wanted. Idealism had no chance in the cut-throat arena of the royals. Zuo Qiu Ming told his opinions as a whole without leaving out any details. He truly hoped the best for Ye Wei and wanted him to do well, but as well remain good.

“Thank you for your sincere advice, Zuo Qiu Ming. I appreciate your kindness.” Ye Wei recognized Zuo Qiu Ming’s sympathetic intentions, and he nodded gratefully.

‘So, for now, I don’t have to worry about Lu Feng, as long as I don’t cross the Lu family, they wouldn’t be so trusting to support their new addition yet…’ although now a three-star Runemaster, Ye Wei humbly understood he was not ready to take on the Lu’s.

“That’s not all I wanted to say. If you are listed as one of the Seven New Runes, even the Lu family won’t be able to touch you!” Zuo Qiu Ming mirthfully smiled, switching the topic to what he truly wanted to speak about.

“Qing State’s Seven New Runes?!” Master Yi had mentioned about them before. So, Ye Wei knew what Zuo Qiu Ming was talking about.

Every state was responsible for protecting their young talents within the sovereignty. The God’s Seven and the Seven New Runes were much more than just titles; they were created so the state and the Runemaster Union could send forces to where the fourteen youngsters were located to keep an eye on them. Humanity could not afford to lose any talented future leaders.

Not only do the God’s Seven and the Seven New Runes protect the youngsters from demons and beasts, if any man threatens both groups of seven, in any way, the offenders will be punished and their whole family killed.

“With your talent, definitely the Seven New Runes will enlist you without any problem!” Zuo Qiu Ming chuckled, “the regional president, strong as he is, passed the entrance exam at the age of eighteen, and you at the age sixteen. By far, you broke his record! If we can’t put you, a sixteen year old three-star Runemaster, on the list I don’t think anyone would deserve to be on it.”

“Are you sure?” Ye Wei felt relief, realizing he might not even have to worry about the Lu’s.