Spellcasting Gods

"I see..." Zhang Cheng nodded thoughtfully.

With such high returns, even he, let alone a businessman who was originally just pursuing profits, felt the urge to pull off a heist.

Of course, not just anyone can trade arcane crystals. Just sourcing them requires a large sum of money, and you also need to maintain good relations with dwarves who are skilled at mining. Otherwise, even if you have the money, you might not be able to buy them.

“Master, I am not a person of many words, nor do I want to say too many words of gratitude, because simple thanks are not enough to express your kindness. Here, this is a small token of my appreciation, please accept it.” Old George had produced a piece of paper covered with tiny writing in his hand at some point, and gently placed it on the table and pushed it over.

"This is……"

Zhang Cheng glanced at it and immediately realized that it was a land deed, or more precisely, a house deed located in the center of Dalaran. Whoever owned this deed owned the house and the surrounding land.

The outside world may not be aware of the value of this property deed, but he knows very well that once Dalaran is built and takes to the skies, its value will immediately increase by dozens of times.

However, as a passerby destined to leave, even the most valuable property is of little use to him.

Old George, clearly unaware of this, explained with considerable pride, “As you can see, this is a property. Although the Kirin Tor Council provides every member with free lodging and food, I feel that a powerful mage like you deserves better. Moreover, I have specially purchased a set of tools for you, so you can accomplish a lot of work without leaving the house.”

"Hehe, you've really gone to a lot of trouble. But I have a small question. What is your purpose in doing this? Or rather, what do you want to get from me? Don't say it's for gratitude or anything like that. You're a businessman, and a businessman's nature is to pursue profit. You would never make any investment in someone who has lost their value, would you agree?" Zhang Cheng gently tapped the contract marked with a violet symbol, looking at the other party with a half-smile.

He's not the kind of greedy fool who would ignore potential hidden dangers and risks just because he sees a benefit.

"Hahaha! Well, you have a keen eye; nothing escapes your notice. Simply put, I hope to cooperate with you on some matters." Old George made no attempt to hide his intentions, openly admitting his ambitions.

"Cooperation? In what way?"

Zhang Cheng didn't refuse outright; instead, he showed a rather interested expression. He was eager to know what kind of ambition this seemingly ordinary old man in his fifties or sixties was hiding.

Old George pondered for a moment, glanced at his youngest daughter sitting beside him, and lowered his voice, saying, "First, I hope you can help look after Jenny. Just a few hours ago, Master Ansrem Ruinvivor agreed to let her stay in Dalaran to study magic with the other apprentices. I'm afraid she'll be bullied by the older apprentices if she's alone. As far as I know, the competition among apprentices is fierce; sometimes, they even resort to despicable means like poisoning to gain a higher position. If she can live with you, the other apprentices should have some reservations."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm afraid I'm not the kind of person who likes to stay in one place for a long time. I'll be leaving Dalaran soon, so I can't help you take care of your daughter." Upon hearing the merchant's request, Zhang Cheng refused without hesitation.

Even he himself didn't know if he would be suddenly taken back by the mysterious parchment scroll in the next second, so he naturally couldn't fulfill his long-term responsibility of traveling to help take care of someone's daughter.

However, old George did not seem to give up and continued to explain: "Sir, I only hope to use your reputation to give Jenny a little protection. Even if she leaves Dalaran in the future, it doesn't matter. As long as Jenny lives in your house, no apprentice will dare to harm her."

"Alright, since you've put it this way, it would be unreasonable of me to disagree. Okay, I agree to your request." Zhang Cheng reluctantly agreed.

For him, it was just a small favor, requiring no effort whatsoever...

Chapter 0032 The Merchant's Ambition (Part 2)

"Thank you so much!

You may not understand why a businessman like me would go to such lengths to make his children become monks.

But I can tell you, this is a shortcut to changing the fate of your family.

As a businessman, I am very rich, but I am always looked down upon by those high-ranking nobles.

Even a destitute nobleman who couldn't afford to eat could rightfully demand that I pay him respects, simply because he had noble blood.

To be honest, I long to change my and my family's status, and I crave the respect of others, especially the respect of nobles.

However, achieving this is very difficult, and there are usually only two ways: one is to rise through military merit to become a member of the nobility, and the other is to become a noble mage.

Unfortunately, none of my children are qualified to become warriors, priests, or paladins, so one path is blocked.

Even if they have the talent, I don't intend to let them risk their lives to fight those damned orcs, gnolls, kobolds, trolls, and undead.

Only the youngest daughter, Jenny, showed extraordinary intelligence from a very young age. While other children took several years to learn to read and write, she did it in just four months.

I've always firmly believed that she will be the one to change the fate of our family, and I'm willing to give everything I have for that.

After saying this, old George put down his wine glass, stood up and bowed respectfully, and asked Jenny to also stand up and bow.

Although the girl didn't understand her father's good intentions at all, she was still obedient and put down her soup bowl, quietly saying thank you.

"Change your destiny...?"

Zhang Cheng stared blankly at the businessman whose eyes revealed intense resentment, and suddenly understood something.

As mentioned before, human society in Azeroth is a typical feudal society, where nobles are the powerful figures at the top of the pyramid.

Although merchants are wealthy, their social status is far lower than that of nobles, and they are constantly subjected to various forms of exploitation and oppression.

The most typical example is that Stormwind City officials defaulted on the payment of the Stonemasons Guild, which eventually led the latter to launch an armed uprising to protect their interests.

If they treat their own people this way, one can only imagine how they treat merchants who travel between towns and countries.

Perhaps only by establishing armed conglomerates like the goblins can those who covet the wealth of merchants be deterred.

What if you have money but don't feel secure?

The answer is simple: use money to change your social class and become one of the rulers.

After thinking it through, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but smile and shake his head, sighing softly, "You've made a decision, a dangerous decision."

It's important to understand that becoming a mage from an apprentice involves countless trials and temptations, and is not much safer than becoming an Alliance soldier; in fact, it can be even more dangerous. It's not simply a matter of being smart enough.

Due to the frequent use of magic, the spatial shielding around Dalaran is far more vulnerable than in other places.

This means that the Burning Legion's demons, void creatures, and other evil forces that cannot be described in words could reach out at any time and affect a mage or apprentice.

Are you sure you want to leave your daughter in a place like this, just for the possibility of her becoming a mage?

In fact, if the parchment scroll hadn't provided a simple career template and a wealth of magical knowledge, he wasn't sure if he would have been able to start from scratch and safely navigate the perilous apprenticeship.

“That’s right! It is because of our humility that we strive for greatness; it is because of our transience that we strive for eternity; it is because of our insignificance that we strive for godlike power. Weren’t the human mages of the past constantly researching and learning in such an atmosphere, ultimately surpassing the High Elves and establishing the status of the Dalaran Magic Kingdom? Now, I am also willing to gamble on little Jenny’s future and destiny.” Old George responded resolutely.

"Alright, I hope you won't regret your decision. Now, tell me, what else would you like to collaborate with me on?" Seeing that the other party was determined, Zhang Cheng decisively changed the subject.

One of his few virtues is that he never engages in pointless arguments.

Because he learned a lesson at a very young age: never try to persuade others with words, especially someone with a complete worldview and values.

Only harsh reality and failure can change a person.

Old George hesitated for a moment before quickly saying, "I need your help to see if we can procure more alchemical potions, especially healing potions. You see, Stormwind in the south, Refuge Valley in Arathi Highlands, and Southshore are all facing various threats. To save the lives of those experienced veterans as much as possible, many commanders equip them with two bottles when they go out on dangerous missions. They are being used up very quickly, leading to a serious shortage."

"So you're planning to take this opportunity to make a quick buck?"

"No, making money is not my goal. My goal is to see if I can recruit a few reliable warriors to protect my caravan."

As the saying goes, "Once bitten by a snake, twice shy."

Old George, having been infiltrated by syndicate spies, was no longer willing to trust those temporarily hired guards who had actually set their sights on the army.

"Hehe, you've come to the right person this time. I happen to know a little alchemy. As long as you can get your hands on Tranquilizing Flowers and Silverleaf Grass, I can concoct a batch of basic healing potions within a few days. How about it, are you interested?" Zhang Cheng asked with a smile.

"What? You can do alchemy?! That's wonderful! No problem, I'll go find someone I know to borrow a batch right now. Also, if you need any herbs, please make a list for me, and I'll do my best to gather them. As for the price, I guarantee it will be three times the Kirin Tor Council's purchase price." Old George excitedly offered his terms.

Without a second thought, Zhang Cheng nodded in agreement, saying, "Okay, I accept your offer. Besides Tranquilizing Flower and Silverleaf Grass, I also need some Ground Root Grass and Swiftthistle. Also, if it's convenient, could you please get me some herb seeds as well?"

Clearly, the reason he agreed so readily wasn't for the money at all, but to prepare for his departure.

After all, all the raw materials for alchemy recipes come from Azeroth. Once he returns to Earth and loses the raw materials, the alchemy profession will be useless, unless he can bring the seeds back to cultivate them artificially.

"Seeds? You're planning to cultivate them artificially?"

Yes, is there a problem?

Old Joe quickly waved his hand: "No, it's no problem. As far as I know, it seems that only druids know how to cultivate herbs. I need to spend some time finding out."

"Then go quickly, I'll be waiting for your good news." Zhang Cheng picked up his glass, finished the last of his drink, and stood up to walk towards where Garrick was...

Chapter 0033 Jaina

Seeing someone approaching his location, Garrick immediately struggled to stand up.

However, the intense pain made it impossible for him to maintain his balance. After several attempts, he finally had no choice but to sit back down, and said with a bitter self-deprecating tone, "Well, I guess I'm half disabled now. According to the lady who examined my wound, I won't be able to fight or do heavy physical labor for at least half a month. If the curse cannot be completely cleansed, then amputation will be what awaits me."

"Amputation? Is it that serious?" Zhang Cheng frowned subconsciously.

Although he had anticipated that the black arrows fired by the Forsaken elites were anything but ordinary, he never expected them to be so severe as to result in amputation.

This is Dalaran, the magical kingdom. If even the mages of the Kirin Tor Council are powerless, then the Forsaken's progress in cursing research is terrifying.

“It’s just a possibility; it depends on how well I recover over the next week or so. Also, she recommended a powerful potion to dispel the curse, but a small bottle costs seventy silver coins, which I can’t afford,” Garrick explained with a sigh.

As a young farmer and militiaman from a small rural town, the most he had ever seen in his life were dirty copper coins; he only received a few silver coins when he was paid his salary.

As for the Lordaeron gold coins bearing the image of Terenas Menethil II, he had never even seen one in his entire life.

"Hahaha! Relax, problems that can be solved with money aren't problems at all. Here, I have some money here, take it and get your injuries treated first."

Upon learning that the other party's curse wasn't a technical issue, but rather a lack of money, Zhang Cheng laughed and pulled out a few gold coins from his pocket, stuffing them into the other party's hand.

He had recently inherited Risen's estate, which contained hundreds of gold and silver coins that filled a leather pouch, so he was not short of money at all, at least not while in Azeroth.

"No! No! No! This won't do!" Feeling the cool touch in his palm, Garrick blushed and pushed the gold coin back.

Perhaps it was his pride, or perhaps he was embarrassed, but in any case, this young man in his early twenties seemed to psychologically resist accepting gifts from others.

"Alright, enough talk, here you go. Remember, recover from your injuries as soon as possible. We might be heading back to town soon to deal with the plague." Without waiting for a reply, Zhang Cheng forcefully stuffed the money into the other man's pocket, then turned and left the "Hero's Home" inn.

He was young too, and he understood that people in their teens and twenties often make foolish mistakes, sometimes even valuing their dignity more than their lives, only to regret it when irreparable consequences occur...

Standing on the somewhat deserted streets of Dalaran, Zhang Cheng found himself holding a staff inlaid with fiery red crystals.

Without a doubt, this is the reward for the "Merchant's Ambition" quest, obtained from the famous Firestone Staff in the Deadmines dungeon of the game.

What puzzled him was how this thing was delivered to him, and why he hadn't noticed it at all.

Just as he was looking down, pondering whether he had missed any details, a portal suddenly appeared directly in front of him. Less than a second later, an irresistible suction force dragged him inside.

Darkness, starlight, and colorful vortexes—before he could figure out what was happening, he found himself in the center of a round table with six chairs.

Of the six chairs, four were empty, and only two were occupied. One of them was the Archmage Anslem Ruinvivor, and the other was a beautiful woman with long blonde hair.

Despite her youthful appearance, she exudes a powerful magic, as if she were completely one with the element of water. Coupled with her intelligent eyes, she is sure to be the center of attention wherever she goes.

"Uh... Your Excellency Archmage, may I ask why you summoned me so soon? Is there something important you need?" Zhang Cheng asked cautiously, feigning innocence.

Ansrem Ruinvivor glanced at the woman sitting opposite him and nodded slightly: "Yes, I need you to explain your views on the Forsaken's research into the new magical plague, so that some people with illusions can understand that there is no such thing as peace between us and the Horde, or at least they have no intention of coexisting peacefully with us."

“Young mage, please don’t take Ruinvivor’s words to heart. Just tell me what you know. I firmly believe that orcs are not monsters. They have the same right to live in this world as us,” the woman suddenly interjected.

"Who are you?" Zhang Cheng turned to the other person with a puzzled expression.

“Jaina, Jaina Proudmoore,” the woman said with a smile.

boom!

Zhang Cheng felt as if he had been hit hard on the head with a hammer.