Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 573 Promotion and Possession
The next morning.

Ron led Eve and Lilia back into the "Cauldron of Thorns".

Today, the atmosphere in the entire workshop is different.

Those usually noisy "talking crucibles" were unusually quiet today, neatly arranged at the ends of the vines.

The third of the Crystal Thorns guarding the gate also gracefully drooped its branches:
"Lecturer Ralph, Princess Eve, Apprentice Lilia, and Associate Professor Augustus await you in the main hall."

"what?"

Eve blinked, leaned closer to Lilia, and whispered:

"Is the third one being unusually serious today? Is it sick? Usually, it's the one who loves telling corny jokes the most."

Lilia covered her mouth and chuckled softly: "Perhaps...it's something important?"

Ron walked ahead: "It seems today is indeed a bit special."

The three of them descended the spiral staircase.

Upon reaching the core area of ​​the sixth level, the sight before them made them stop in their tracks.

The layout of the entire space has been completely changed.

The crucibles, which were originally hanging randomly, were rearranged to form a ritual array in the air.

Each crucible was filled with a different colored potion:
The deep blue "Fountain of Wisdom" emits a faint light like stars;
The emerald green "dew of life" flows with the vitality of a forest;
The golden "flame of glory" leaped with a radiance like the sun;
The silver "Pure Moon" shimmered with a softness like moonlight...

Their light intertwined in the air, forming a "sacred altar of light" constructed from pure energy.

"Wow……"

Eve's eyes widened:
"These potions... are they all 'symbolic potions'?"

"Symbolic potions" are a very special branch of potion science.

They are used in important ceremonies, giving the ceremonies a deeper meaning.

"Yes."

Lilia's voice trembled slightly:
“I read in a book… that so many symbolic potions are only used on important occasions like an ‘ascension ceremony’…”

"A promotion ceremony?"

Eve turned to look at Ron, her purple eyes filled with confusion:
"Mentor, what is this...?"

Before Ron could answer, Augustus's voice echoed through the space:

"Your Highness Eve von Mange, please come forward."

The old man was wearing a rare deep purple robe today, a "formal dress" that is only worn on the most formal occasions.

The robe was embroidered with runes, each representing a major discovery in the history of potions.

Eve took a deep breath and stepped toward the altar.

She could feel that everyone's eyes were focused on her.

"My colleagues."

Augustus looked around:

"We are gathered here today to witness a special moment."

"According to the ancient rules established by the 'Creator,' each Potions Professor possesses a sacred privilege—'Ascension.'"

His voice echoed through the space:

"This privilege can only be used once a year to promote outstanding apprentices who are exceptionally talented and of high moral character but have not yet completed the formal assessment for various reasons."

A murmur of discussion arose from the surrounding area.

Some were envious, some were surprised, and some were whispering among themselves:

"It's Princess Eve..."

"No wonder, she passed all three trials yesterday..."

"The first person in three hundred years..."

Augustus raised his hand, signaling for silence.

The crucibles in the air began to rotate slowly, releasing an even brighter light.

“Eve von Mange”.

The old man's gaze fell on her:

"Yesterday, you single-handedly passed the 'triple trial' that no one has been able to achieve in the past three hundred years."

"What you have demonstrated is not merely skill or talent, but a profound understanding of the essence of potion-making."

His voice became more solemn:

"You have understood 'listening,' learned 'empathy,' and mastered 'integration.'"

"You have proven that you can break through traditional frameworks and create entirely new possibilities."

"This is precisely the quality a true potion master should possess."

Augustus picked up the badge from the silver tray.

It was a magical herb surrounded by flames, the very symbol of a "professional potion master".

He turned to Eve:
"Therefore, in the presence of all members of the 'Cavity of Thorns,' I, Augustus Werner, in my capacity as Professor of Potions, invoke an ancient covenant..."

His voice was as loud as a bell:

"You are officially granted the qualification of 'Professional Potions Master'!"

As soon as he finished speaking, all the crucibles simultaneously emitted a cheerful chime.

The lights symbolizing the potion converged into a pillar of light, enveloping Eve's figure.

In the light, she seemed to hear countless voices whispering:

"Wisdom guides your hands..."

"Life answers your call..."

"Honor witnesses your achievements..."

"Purity protects your original aspirations..."

Augustus handed the badge to the girl.

"From this day forward, you are no longer an apprentice. You are qualified to sit on equal footing with us and explore the mysteries of potions together."

Eve felt the warmth emanating from the badge.

That warmth seeped into her very being, like a living thing.

She could "hear" the whispers left in the badges by countless predecessor potion masters.

That is the sound of inheritance, proof of recognition.

"I……"

Eve's voice trembled slightly as she bowed deeply to Augustus:

"I accept this honor. Thank you for your trust, and I will live up to your expectations."

"very good."

Augustus smiled with satisfaction, then turned to everyone present:

"Ladies and gentlemen, let us applaud the newly promoted professional potion master!"

The entire hall erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

The crucibles were so excited they jumped up and down:

"New colleague! New colleague!"

"Finally, another young potion master has joined us!"

"Long live Princess Eve!"

Lilia clapped excitedly in the crowd, her eyes filled with sincere blessings.

She stepped forward and took Eve's hand:
Congratulations, Eve!

Her voice was soft, but filled with heartfelt joy:

You deserve this honor!

Eve turned and grasped Lilia's hand tightly:

"Thank you, Lilia. Without you... I might never have understood the true meaning of 'resonance'."

"You have also passed the three trials, and a badge awaits you when you are ready."

The two girls looked at each other and smiled.

Ron stood quietly to the side, equally gratified, but his mind was elsewhere.

Eve truly deserves this honor; her talent and hard work are impeccable.

Ron understood that this "promotion" was more of a political gesture.

Augustus's choice to exercise his privileges at this time was essentially an attempt to curry favor with Cassandra, the leader of the conquest movement who was at the height of his power.

He is expressing his position in this way:
The "Cave of Thorns" recognizes the heirs of the Crown Clan and endorses the ideology of the Conquest faction.

This recognition will bring Augustus and the entire "Thoroughbred Cauldron" more political capital and resources.

"The adult world is always so complicated..."

He sighed inwardly.

But at least in this moment, Eve's smile was genuine.

That's enough.

………………

Meanwhile, on the other side is the stoker star.

Because of the time flow ratio of 1:2, time here quickly reached the Walker family's quarterly "bloodline verification".

In the training ground, hundreds of family members formed a circle.

Karen stood on one side of the court, opposite her protégé Darren Walker.

Before obtaining that "dark gold" item, the duel should have been a foregone conclusion.

But now...

"start!"

Darren made the first move, and several iron pillars, driven by the Burning Gold Technique, transformed into long metal whips that roared towards him.

Karen simply raised her right hand calmly.

A dark golden light surged forth, and the raging metal whips began to "calm down," eventually hovering obediently in mid-air.

The audience was silent.

"This...how is this possible?!" Darren's eyes widened.

Karen clenched his fist gently, and the metal whip disintegrated into particles, which then reformed into a longsword that fell into his hand.

Darren gritted his teeth and launched another attack.

This time, he mobilized all the power of his bloodline in an attempt to forcibly regain control of the metal.

Karen simply waved her longsword casually.

A dark golden ripple spread out.

Darren's painstakingly maintained Burning Gold Technique collapsed instantly, and he was blasted away, crashing heavily onto the edge of the training ground.

The outcome has been decided.

An eerie silence fell over the audience, which was then followed by deafening cheers.

The Walker family hasn't produced a genius like this in far too long.

The clan chief sat on the high platform, his gaze fixed on the thin figure in the center of the arena.

This collateral descendant, whom he once regarded as a good-for-nothing, has undergone a complete transformation in a short period of time.

“Take him to my study.”

He whispered instructions to the butler beside him:
"I want to ask him myself what opportunity he encountered."

………………

Late at night, Karen sat alone in her room.

He carefully took out the "Dark Gold," his eyes filled with fervor.

His life has been completely changed since he acquired this treasure.

Those who once mocked him now look up to him with admiration.

The clan chief personally received him and promised him more resources and status.

All of this is because of "it".

Just as he was immersed in his sweet dream, a clear message suddenly came from "Dark Gold":

"Child, do you yearn for more power?"

Karen was stunned: "You...you can talk?!"

“I’ve always been able to. It’s just that you weren’t qualified before.” The voice was gentle yet authoritative.

Karen's heart pounded with excitement: "How should I address you?"

"The name doesn't matter. What matters is that I can give you more. Far more than what's shown on the training ground."

"What do you need me to do?"

"A test. I need to confirm whether you are truly worthy of my power."

Next, the voice described an "opportunity" to Karen:
The rival Ruger family has a poorly guarded outpost where they store high-purity mineral salts.

"As long as you can get your hands on that batch of mineral salt, I can help your bloodline evolve again."

At that time, you will surpass all the direct descendants and become the true heir of the Walker family.

A greedy flame ignited in Karen's eyes.

But reason still struggled: "But... what if we're discovered..."

"That proves you're only fit to be a coward." The voice suddenly turned icy.
"If you don't dare, I will find a more courageous host."

These words struck Karen's most vulnerable nerve.

He was terrified of losing all of this.

“I…I’ll do it!” he said through gritted teeth.

In the distant central lands, in the northern manor.

Ron closed his eyes and "watched" everything happening on the Stoker Star through his bloodline connection.

When he "heard" Karen's decision, his brow furrowed slightly.

Through the deep connection established by the "ink," he can not only perceive Karen's words and actions, but also directly "taste" her thought patterns.

And now, what he is tasting is...

"Hahaha! I, Karen, am finally going to turn the tables! Once I get that batch of salt, I will be the strongest genius in the Walker family!"

"That good-for-nothing Darren used to bully me all the time. Once I become stronger, I'll make him kneel down and apologize to me!"

"And those elders who look down on me, I'll show them who the real genius is!"

"The position of clan leader...maybe it will be mine someday..."

Karen's thoughts were like a floodgate opening, filled with childish fantasies of revenge and unrealistic ambitions.

To make matters worse, he had no real plan on how to complete the "test".

"Stealing mineral salt...that's easy!"
I'll go find some local thugs and hooligans, give them some money, and let them steal!

"Anyway, I'm rich now. The clan leader just gave me a large advance on cultivation resources..."

"Yes! That's the plan! I can just sit here and wait for news, how easy is that!"

Ron opened his eyes, a look of extreme disgust on his face.

"What an idiot..." He felt his "anti-idiocy" was about to kick in.

The other party's way of thinking is simply disastrous.

Although Karen gained power, she was still essentially the same short-sighted and unwise good-for-nothing.

Hiring thugs to steal from rival families?

This plan is riddled with flaws; it's practically creating leverage against us.

Ron stood up and paced slowly around the room, his thoughts turning like gears.

"Simply giving power is not enough..."

He recalled his experience at the abyss observation station.

Those explorers who gain great power but lack corresponding wisdom often become the biggest troublemakers.

Not only will they fail to complete the mission, but their foolish decisions will also drag the entire team into danger.

"The value of a tool lies not in how sharp it is, but in whether the user knows how to wield it."

Ron recalled what Professor Utter had once said:

"A sword given to a fool is not as good as a stick given to a wise man."

If Karen actually follows his foolish plan, the outcome will inevitably be disastrous.

Not only will the existence of the "ink" be exposed, but it may also alert the noble class of the Stoker Star.

This would completely ruin the entire covert operation.

"but……"

Ron's lips curled into a knowing smile:
"Perhaps this is a testing opportunity."

He sat down again, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

If Karen can demonstrate even the most basic wisdom and caution in this operation, then she is worth continuing to cultivate.

But what if he actually followed that incredibly foolish plan...?

That proves that the original owner of this body has completely lost his or her usefulness.

At that time, "Ink" can complete the possession without any psychological burden.

It is an extreme waste of resources for a foolish soul to occupy a modified, high-quality body.

"Ok, deal."

Ron made a decision to issue new commands to the "Ink" through their bloodline connection:
"Don't interfere with his plans; let him do what he wants."

"I want to see just how stupid he really is."

"If he can pass this test and demonstrate the most basic intelligence..."

“Then I will continue to nurture him slowly through ‘guidance’.”

"But if he fails, if his stupidity crosses the line..."

Ron's eyes turned cold:
"Then let's just seize the body directly, no need to waste any more time."

This decision, though cruel, is the most rational choice.

In an infiltration mission in another world, a foolish agent is worse than having no agent at all.

“Let’s begin, Karen.”

He closed his eyes again:
"Let me see if you deserve to continue living."

On the stoker planet, Karen was completely unaware that he was being "judged." He excitedly began to implement his foolish plan.

The next day, he sneaked out of the family mansion and went to the most chaotic slum in the city.

This place is home to all sorts of thugs and hooligans who make a living by robbing and extorting.

Karen found a leader known as "Scarface," a burly man with a face full of scars and reeking of alcohol.

"What did you say?"

Scarface picked his teeth while scrutinizing the thin, aristocratic young master before him with suspicion.
"You want us to steal from the Luger family's warehouse?"

"Correct!"

Karen lowered her voice, trying to sound like a "savvy employer":
"I will give you one hundred pure gold coins as a reward! As long as you can steal the salt from the warehouse!"

Scarface's eyes lit up.

One hundred pure gold coins would be enough for them to squander for several years.

"Deal!" He slammed his hand on the table. "Men, let's get started tonight!"

Karen was secretly delighted, feeling that her plan was absolutely flawless.

He was completely unaware of the many hidden dangers this employment method harbored:

The target was not scouted beforehand;

No evacuation route was planned;

No consideration was given to how to dispose of the stolen goods;

Even more fatally, he didn't even ask for secrecy; he just brazenly discussed the deal in the tavern...

That night, the gang of thugs, drunk, stormed into the warehouse.

They caused widespread destruction and also stole other valuables.

The commotion immediately alerted the guards of the Luger family.

After a chaotic battle, all the thugs were captured.

Under severe torture, they quickly revealed their employer—Karen Walker.

In the central region, Ron opened his eyes.

His expression remained unchanged, as if he had expected this outcome.

"They can't even be cautious enough..."

He shook his head:
"It seems this body needs a new owner."

Through his perception of "ink," he could clearly "see" Karen's current state:
Locked in the dungeon, trembling with fear, he looked like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

That "genius" who once became so arrogant that he thought he could become the clan leader.

Now, they've even lost the courage to stand up.

"As expected, he's still a piece of trash at heart."

Ron gave the final order:
"Ink, prepare to possess my body."

"He failed the test."

Deep inside the dungeon, Karen huddled in a damp, dark corner.

The letter of accusation from the Luger family has been delivered, and the patriarch, in a fit of rage, has threatened to execute him.

"I...I'm going to die..."

Karen trembled, tears mixed with dirt streaming down her face.

Just then, the "dark gold" in my arms transmitted a thought:
"My child, you have really disappointed me."

The gentleness in his voice was gone, replaced by cold mockery.

“I gave you a chance, but you wasted it in the most foolish way.”

Karen grasped at this last straw:
"Please...please save me! I don't want to die!"

"save you?"

The voice emitted a contemptuous laugh:
"What right does a piece of trash who can't even pass the most basic test have to be saved?"

These words shattered Karen's last psychological defenses.

He started wailing.

Just when his spirits were at their lowest point, "Dark Gold" spoke again.

"but……"

This time, its voice became mysterious and alluring:
"I can give you a second chance."

The prerequisite is that you must completely surrender your soul.

"As long as... as long as I can survive..."

Karen choked up as she said:

"I'm willing to do anything..."

The light exploded.

Countless tiny black threads emerged from the "dark gold," burrowing into Karen's seven orifices like a swarm of hungry snakes.

He tried to scream, but no sound came out.

Those black threads spread and eroded his brain, tearing his pitiful consciousness to shreds.

Then, the thin boy rolled out of the dungeon, his eyes turning extremely cold.

………………

Over the next few days, "Ink" continued to familiarize itself with the body.

It absorbed all of Karen's memories and learned all his habits and tone of voice.

Meanwhile, under Ron's remote guidance, it began to work on creating that crucial piece of "evidence".

Ron possesses the skill of [Historical Research].

In that awe-inspiring historical retrospective, he witnessed firsthand the "revitalization" rituals performed by the St. Regis of the Stars, a ritual imbued with a cruel sense of order.

It was a dark art of exquisite precision that was horrifying.

Although it is evil, every step has been refined over thousands of years, and the energy is stable, orderly, and controllable.

The priests transformed pain and despair into power, and honed resentment into perfect tools.

It is a terrifying skill, yet also a sacred art that cannot be profaned.

What he needs to do now is create something completely opposite.

"Ink" successfully "picked up" a small piece of high-purity mineral salt from the chaos in the Ruger family warehouse.

This piece of salt contains a powerful force of resentment, making it an extremely precious material.

Now, it wants to turn this "treasure" into a "failed desecration".

………………

Late at night, "Ink" placed mineral salt in its palm.

A dark golden light surged from its body, the faintest and most subtle manifestation of the power of chaos.

The sole function of this force is "pollution".

It is like the most delicate scalpel, cutting into the originally orderly structure of resentment inside the mineral salt.

The priests' millennia-old "activation" patterns were disrupted, energy nodes were misplaced, and rune circuits were distorted.

The whole process was extremely ingenious.

"Ink" is not creating a new system; on the contrary, it is destroying an old order.

It makes the resentment in the mineral salt become manic, contradictory, and self-contradictory.

The energy circuit, which should have been running smoothly, is now riddled with "faulty" nodes and "disrespectful" structures.

It's like an inexperienced apprentice trying to imitate a master's masterpiece, only to end up with a clumsy, ill-fitting forgery.

When the "transformation" was complete, the appearance of the mineral salt remained almost unchanged.

However, the internal energy structure has become a chaotic mess.

Any priest skilled in the "revitalization" ritual would immediately detect this "incongruity" with a little examination.

They will see a clumsy attempt to imitate their skills, but one that is riddled with flaws.

It's like a group of top classical musicians hearing a piece of noise that's out of tune, rhythmically chaotic, yet clearly trying to play their music.

Their first reaction was definitely not, "This is divine music from the future."

Instead, it's "Which fool is so stupid as to insult our art?!"

The "ink" carefully put away this piece of "evidence".

Now, all that's left is the final performance.

At dawn, two Walker family guards opened the dungeon door.

"Come out, the chieftain wants to see you."

One of them said coldly, his eyes filled with disgust.

In their eyes, this good-for-nothing not only ruined himself, but almost destroyed his entire family.

But when "Karen" emerged from the shadows, both guards were stunned.

Although the person in front of me still had the grime left from my imprisonment, his eyes were unusually calm.

That calmness wasn't like a numb acceptance of fate, but rather a serenity that transcended fear.

"Let's go."

Karen's voice was perfectly steady, without any inflection.

Throughout the journey, he neither begged for mercy nor offered any explanation; he simply followed the guards silently.

This unusual behavior sent chills down the spines of both guards.

All the core members of the Walker family had gathered in the patriarch's study.

The clan chief himself sat in the main seat, his face ashen, like a volcano about to erupt.

The other elders stood on either side, their eyes filled with anger and disappointment.

When "Karen" was brought in, everyone expected to see a cowardly woman weeping and begging for mercy on her knees.

After all, his actions only made matters worse for the already precarious Walker family.

The attempted theft was a minor matter; offending the Luger family, who were at the height of their power, was fatal.

The other party is eyeing them covetously, waiting to seize the opportunity to completely devour the Walker family.

However, "Karen" simply bowed slightly and spoke in a tone so calm it was devoid of any emotion:

“Uncle, I was the only one who carried out the attack on the Luger family warehouse. I am willing to take full responsibility for it.”

These words caused a stir among the family elders present.

The clan leader slammed his fist heavily on the armrest:

"Take responsibility? What will you take responsibility for?! Do you know what conditions the Luger family offered?"

Three mining areas! And a compensation of 100,000 pure gold coins! This is enough to severely damage our family's finances!

Karen did not back down; instead, she raised her head and looked directly into the chieftain's eyes.
“Uncle, I did this not to covet that little bit of salt, but simply to 'cleanse' and 'offer a gift' for the family.”

"What nonsense!"

An elder roared, his white beard trembling with rage:

"You've dragged your family into danger, and you still dare to speak so eloquently!"

Karen ignored him and slowly took out the modified mineral salt sample from her bosom.

It's only the size of a fingernail and looks quite ordinary.

But when it appeared, all the nobles with pure bloodlines present felt an extremely unstable and manic wave of resentment.

The vibration was as harsh as a fingernail scraping glass, making one instinctively uncomfortable.

The patriarch's pupils suddenly contracted.

"what is this?"

Karen's voice was very low, as if she were telling a shocking secret:
“Uncle, have you ever thought about this? When we ‘nobles’ smelt ores, we rely on the ‘activation’ ritual bestowed by the priest to draw out the resentment within the mineral salts and transform it into ‘fire that burns gold’.”

This is a sacred law, and the foundation of our power.

He paused, his eyes turning sharp as knives:

"The Kruger family is attempting to bypass the priest's ritual and 'catalyze' the resentment within the primordial mineral salt on their own!"

Their attempt to encroach upon the realm of the gods—what a grave sin that is on the planet of the stoker!

Upon hearing this, the air in the entire room seemed to freeze.

Secretly fueling resentment?

This is no longer a simple family feud, but a direct challenge to the entire priestly rule system!

On the planet of the Furnace, the priestly class holds the core secrets of the "revitalization" ritual, which is the foundation of their power.

Any attempt to bypass them or to manipulate the power of resentment will be considered the most serious blasphemy, enough to bring about the extermination of one's clan.

The chieftain abruptly stood up, staring intently at the salt sample in "Karen's" hand, which emanated an ominous aura:
"Are you telling the truth?!"

Karen's answer was flawless:

“I dare not say, Uncle.”

That's why I sent people to 'investigate,' hoping to obtain more conclusive evidence.

He bowed his head slightly, his posture humble.
"But I was outnumbered and outgunned, and the people I employed were stupid, turning a secret investigation into a clumsy theft."

This was my mistake, and I am willing to bear all the consequences.

This statement cleverly redefines "theft" as "investigation" and elevates "crime" to "loyalty."

An elder frowned and said:

"With such a small sample, how can you prove that the Luger family is secretly instigating resentment?"

Perhaps it's just ordinary mineral salt, only of poor quality.

Karen shook her head:
“The elder is right, so I will not ‘prove’ anything.”

"I am simply presenting this 'suspicious sample' and my 'concerns' to Your Highness."

As for whether the Luger family is guilty, that is the High Priest's judgment, not something a junior like me can comment on.

Everyone present felt a chill run down their spines.

They quickly realized how malicious the plan was.

The clan chief slowly sat back in his chair, rubbed his temples, and began to rapidly consider the feasibility of the plan:
First, there is the change in identity.

The Walker family was no longer "criminals"; they transformed into "overzealous but loyal guardians."

All their actions can be interpreted as upholding the rule of the priests.

Politically, this immediately secured the moral high ground.

Secondly, there is the unavoidable censorship.

For accusations of "unauthorized instigation of resentment".

In order to maintain their authority, the priestly class had to conduct investigations.

Whether they believe in the Walker family or not, they have to make a gesture.

Therefore, the Ruger family could not refuse this investigation.

The most insidious part is that this is a trap from which you are destined to lose.

If the Luger family is indeed up to no good, then this investigation will be their utter destruction, leading to their extermination.

Even if they are innocent, there is absolutely no way they can escape unscathed.

The priests' scrutiny was inevitably harsh, brutal, and destructive.

To demonstrate authority, and to make all nobles understand the cost of challenging divine authority, even if it is just the slightest, insignificant flaw:
For example, unclear accounts, the concealment of small quantities of unreported mineral salt, or omissions in the records of a warehouse manager will all be magnified infinitely.

Ultimately, the Luger family will still face severe punishment.

This plan is like forcing the opponent to jump into a trap where they will get hurt no matter what.

Even more ingenious is the "knife" that executes all of this.

That was the "priest class" that the Walker family could not afford to offend and that the Luger family could not resist either.

"But……"

Another elder hesitated:

"If the priest believes we are making false accusations, wouldn't our guilt be even greater?"

Karen had anticipated this problem:

"So we don't 'accuse', we only 'report'."

His voice grew even colder:

We must be careful with our wording.

Instead of saying 'the Luger family was secretly fueling resentment,' we should say 'during the investigation of the Luger family's theft case, this suspicious sample was unexpectedly discovered. We dare not make a hasty judgment, and therefore present it to the High Priest for a decision.'

"In this way, we are merely 'loyal reporters,' not 'reckless accusers.'"

Even if the priest believes there is nothing wrong with the sample, he will not blame us for being cautious.

"Besides, Uncle, do you really believe that the High Priest would think there is 'no problem'?"

This suggestion was like the finishing touch.

The fluctuations of resentment in that salt sample were indeed unusually chaotic.

Even if the Luger family did not do it on their own initiative, the priests would still believe that they had serious problems with the storage and management of the salt.

And this kind of "problem" is also a sin.

Seeing her uncle's changing expression, "Karen" knew he was already tempted, so she threw out the final bait:

“Uncle, this is a high-stakes gamble. If we lose, we might receive a minor reprimand for the ‘reporting error.’ But if we win…”

A cold smile curled at the corners of his lips:

“We can not only completely crush the Luger family, but also gain the favor of the High Priest because of this ‘loyalty’.”

The three mining areas that were originally supposed to be compensated might actually become spoils of war we obtain from the Ruger family.

"What we have lost, we will repay a hundredfold."

The room fell into a long silence.

Everyone is weighing the risks and benefits of this plan.

Finally, the clan chief took a deep breath and made a decision:

"Just do as you say."

He stood up and looked around at all the elders present:
"Prepare gifts immediately; I will personally visit the High Priest."

Karen, come with me. This is your achievement, and you should present it to me personally.

Karen bowed respectfully: "Yes, Uncle."

(End of this chapter)