Man on the ark, forced to become king

"What I can tell you is that there lies hidden in the southern ice plains something that even emperors would be obsessed with."

"Yes, the reason the emperor mobilized the army group was not for the purpose you think, at least not entirely. He did need to use the army group's strength to blockade that area and then find the person carrying that thing."

"...something that even the emperor was obsessed with?"

The dukes looked at each other, some of them bewildered.

What could possibly drive an emperor who controlled the entire empire to such fanaticism? They didn't believe such a thing existed in the world.

"That thing—"

Kosiché smiled mysteriously, drawing out the last syllable.

"It possesses the power to grant immortality, at least a thousand years."

Chapter 91 Lin Lu: My Best Friend!

"Immortality?"

Information has different values ​​depending on who speaks it. If someone is not of high enough status, even true information can be treated as a joke or a fool.

As the Grand Duke standing at the pinnacle of power, Kosiché clearly held a position that could not be ignored, and no matter how absurd something was that came out of his mouth, it would not be questioned immediately.

Upon hearing this incredible news, the three grand dukes' first reaction was not to refute or question it, but to consider its veracity.

Immortality...

This term is not a distant legend on Terra; many immortal species are active in the world, such as the Sarkaz race.

The Sarkaz's constitution makes them more susceptible to Oripathy than other races, but they are actually a remarkably long-lived race. Special branches within the group, such as the Blood Demons, can typically live for hundreds or even thousands of years, or even longer. However, years of war and their inherently warlike nature have greatly reduced their average lifespan. Most Sarkaz are caught up in the most brutal wars and have no chance to live very long.

Besides the Sarkaz, there is also the Vaiva, a population predominantly female, and many subgroups are naturally long-lived.

Even setting aside these naturally long-lived species, there are examples like the wizards of Letania who extend their lives by learning certain special techniques, but such methods are usually extremely dangerous, have a very low success rate, and are hardly any people willing to try them.

Even so, it is still data that can be used as a reference—it can prove that someone has used external means to break through their own lifespan limit, and more than once.

With lessons learned from the past, those who follow are more easily accepted.

So, unfortunately, is what he said also similar to Letanian witchcraft or the secret rituals in the Sargon jungle?

Undeniably, all of these methods are uncertain. Using them rashly could result in immediate death, turning you into a mindless monster, or leaving you in a state worse than death.

However, the number one thousand years is enough to make people ignore the potential risks involved.

That's a thousand years!

Since the Eagle Empire, the kingdom of Ursus has only existed for a thousand years!

In other words, that thing could allow a person to live from the very beginning of a nation's founding until its twilight!

Those witchcraft and rituals that can only prolong life for a few years, decades, or at most a hundred years are simply incomparable to this.

No wonder even the emperor was envious; who could resist the temptation to live another thousand years?

The emperor couldn't, and the nobles even less could!

Almost no young people can sit at the top of the power. Their bodies are already declining, and their physical strength and energy are rapidly decreasing, but their power and wealth are increasing. They will not refuse the possibility of continuing to control power!

If, as Kosiché says, that thing truly exists and is located on someone in the southern ice fields, then without the emperor's order, the imperial army would immediately seal off the area so tightly that not even a rat could escape!

At that time, the desolate ice plains will become a hotbed of war and a hunting ground on the ice and snow!

The premise is that it actually exists.

"This sounds like a joke; if it's a secret, then it shouldn't be shared."

Duke Nikolai, the owner of Catherine City, pondered for a moment, his expression solemn. His cloudy but still gleaming eyes were fixed on Kosichev, as if trying to see something, and even his breathing became slightly heavier.

Even he couldn't resist the temptation of living another thousand years. If the news was true, then exchanging a city for it would be considered cheap, and everyone else present would become enemies vying for that thing.

"For me, it's wise to use it to exchange for sufficient benefits, because..."

"I don't need it."

As the bright red wine flowed into his mouth, Kosicé gently swirled the wine glass in his hand, his gaze lowered, a half-smile playing on his lips.

The words weren't clear enough, and the attitude was even somewhat arrogant, but everyone present could understand.

The immortal Koschke—if the rumors are true, he indeed doesn't need any so-called life-extending methods, because he has already achieved them and has the right to despise them.

"Since it's your information, I can trust it for now."

Using easily debunked false information to deceive other dukes of similar status is clearly not a wise move, nor is it in line with Kosiché's usual style.

Therefore, this matter is highly credible.

Thinking of this, Nikolai's breathing became more rapid, and he asked urgently, "I don't need to say more about the value of Catherine City. What it has gained should be more than just a few words, right?"

"Tell me, Koschche, what exactly is that thing, and most importantly, can it be shared?"

This is indeed a very crucial question, even more important than more specific intelligence.

If it is a substance, it may be able to be divided equally; if it is a ritual or spell, it may be able to be reused.

The worst-case scenario is that the item is disposable and can only be used by one person.

if that is the case……

Apart from Kosiché, the dukes would become potential enemies and rivals. Nicholas did not want to give up, and he knew that others would not give up either. The attention of the three dukes and the emperor was all focused on the southern ice plains, enough to turn the place upside down and make everything unknown, even if no more people joined.

If possible, Duke Nicholas hoped that the item could be used by three people, so that they could form an alliance. Although there would be some losses, the combined power they could wield would surely be able to bypass the Emperor and other potential adversaries.

Having spent his life in the world of fame and fortune, Nikolai knew better than anyone that only what he had in his hands was truly his. No matter how wonderful the pie was, it was all empty talk if he couldn't get it. Therefore, he did not reject cooperation with others to increase the success rate to one hundred percent.

"Of course, it can be shared. To be precise, it is a thing, and also a person, that can give living beings a long life, and there is no risk involved."

Under the solemn gazes of the others, Kosiche nodded, outwardly remaining calm, but inwardly he was secretly amused.

Did he lie? No.

Talulah is currently circling around the southern ice plains. If something happens to her, it's almost certain that she'll lure Lin Lu there.

Lin Lu—he does indeed possess the ability to grant immortality.

The power of the Golden Tree once briefly resided in the body and soul, and even now, its influence remains, though it is difficult to pinpoint exactly. As someone who actually experienced it, he analyzed certain characteristics related to the power of the Golden Tree back then. That boundless vitality would undoubtedly grant one a long lifespan.

In a sense, what he said was true; there really was a chance for immortality in the southern ice plains, but the emperor was unaware of it.

Looking at the three grand dukes lost in thought, Kosiché suddenly felt a sense of anticipation, wondering what their fate would be.

The chance of achieving immortality certainly exists, but whether he has the ability to obtain it is none of his concern.

If those three guys get their heads twisted off by that man... that would be a really satisfying thing.

"Someone who can grant immortality?"

This sounds even more outrageous, but Kosic said it with such conviction that it didn't seem like he was lying.

If it were a human, it would be much more difficult...

Ulrich and Nikolai pondered in silence, while Romanov, unlike the other two, was more straightforward. He immediately said, "If you haven't lied to us, what's rightfully yours will be handed over to you in full. However, that will have to wait until we find the relevant evidence. Until then, unless you can provide more evidence, it will take some time."

"Of course I can. If I dare to say that, how could I not have evidence? It's just that I don't have it with me right now."

Kosiché remained completely calm, displaying an expression of confidence, and waved his hand, saying, "Once I return to my territory, I will send people to show you the evidence, and then I will get what I deserve."

Payment afterward—that's impossible.

No one knew better than him that these old guys had absolutely no chance of getting what they wanted. They had no chance of winning against that man, and even their survival was uncertain.

If someone dies, or suffers heavy losses, who will compensate for the loss of Catherine City?

So Kosic had already devised a plan to deal with this, just waiting for someone to raise the issue.

He doesn't have the power of the Golden Tree now, nor does he want to in the future, but it's quite simple for him to create a deceptive contraption using secret methods. With his abilities, no one will notice anything amiss. As for whether it will be exposed later...

Ha, we'll have to wait until after the fact whether these people are still qualified to sit with him.

"So, very good."

This statement was unexpected by everyone. Ulrich, lost in thought, looked up and nodded with a slight surprise.

"More evidence would be great, we will wait."

"No need to wait any longer, I have already brought Lord Kosiché's things over."

Suddenly, an unfamiliar male voice rang out in the reception room, startling everyone.

This was a high-level meeting involving the Duke, and all the servants were ordered not to approach the area, let alone break in.

No one dared to risk incurring the wrath of the four Grand Dukes by recklessly barging in; those who did usually didn't live to see the next day.

But this time, of all people, there was one, and it seems to be someone from Kosichek.

After a brief moment of astonishment, Nikolai, Ulrich, and Romanov all turned to look at Koschche, only to find that his face had suddenly turned gloomy and his body seemed to tense up.

On the table beside him, a leaf that looked like it was made of pure gold appeared out of nowhere, shimmering softly in the dim light, making one want to get closer.

Most importantly, the leaves contain an indescribable life force. Even if they are sitting far away, and even if none of the dukes have mastered advanced Originium Arts, they can feel that refreshing aura that makes them feel relaxed.

Could that be the evidence?

No one cared who the intruder was from Kosichean, or how they got in. The three dukes' eyes were all fixed on the small golden leaf, their greed growing ever stronger.

Unlike the desires of others, Kosichello felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, his whole body was cold, his body was stiff and he dared not move at all, and he had already begun to curse in his heart.