Spellcasting Gods

“Sir Mason, don’t you think you’re being presumptuous and rude?” Daenerys frowned as she glanced at the test tube, which was as thick as a finger.

This was the first time she had ever met a man who could ignore her alluring curves and beauty, and instead be interested in her blood.

Zhang Cheng shrugged dismissively: "Impolite? No, no, no, I just don't want to waste time on meaningless topics. You know, this world holds countless secrets waiting for me to uncover, and there's an endless amount of knowledge waiting for me to learn, so please don't take these little things too seriously."

Daenerys stared at the young man who was only a few steps away from her with her purple eyes, as if trying to see through his true thoughts.

After about two or three minutes, a smile suddenly appeared on her serious face: "Okay, I have to admit you're a weirdo, weirder than anyone I've ever met. But undeniably, you're also an interesting person, and most importantly, I haven't sensed even the slightest bit of hostility from you. However, since this is our first meeting, shouldn't you show a little sincerity? At least answer my earlier question: how did you tame a dragon?"

“No problem! My method for taming dragons is simple: I sign a powerful magical contract with the dragon when it is born. With this contract, I can make the dragon obey commands and even understand the thoughts in my mind.” Zhang Cheng didn’t try to hide anything and gave the answer directly.

In any case, besides him, no one else in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire can use arcane energy, and even if outsiders knew about it, they would not be able to replicate the whole process.

"So all those rumors outside are true? You're a powerful and evil wizard?" Daenerys's face showed surprise.

She seemed a little incredulous that someone would so easily reveal their secret.

"Hahahaha! A powerful and evil wizard? Is that how those ignorant fools describe me?" Zhang Cheng laughed as he took the steaming breakfast from the maid's hands.

Having been exposed to the sea breeze all night and being extremely hungry, he paid no attention to the stares of those around him and sat down to eat.

Taking advantage of this moment, Daenerys put on a coat to cover her alluring figure, then sat down on the other side of the table and asked, "You seem to disdain those who comment on you?"

"Of course!" Zhang Cheng nodded without hesitation.

"Did you know? Magic is not, as many people believe, an ethereal power that cannot be controlled by mortals."

On the contrary, it is a skill and a science, just like growing crops, building ships, and smelting metals.

Valyria, the birthplace of House Targaryen, once mastered this art, which enabled them to tame dragons, create Valyrian steel that remains unsolved to this day, and even possess the unique stonemasonry techniques of Dragonstone Castle.

The ability to remain unburnt might have been a magical technique possessed by the Valyrians, and your ancestors used this technique to pass on the power of remaining unburnt to their descendants.

I am a person with a strong thirst for knowledge, and I really hope that one day I can uncover the secrets that have been covered up by history.

For example, why did the Children of the Forest disappear? What kind of supernatural powers did they possess?

For example, why was Valyria destroyed overnight?

Why did the dragon disappear? And why did it die?

Do those terrifying White Walkers north of the Wall really exist?

For those who truly understand, magic is never a vague prophecy, nor a gift from the gods, but a power gained through exploration and learning.

So please don't confuse me with those trashy wizards you encountered in the Temple of Immortality. They didn't even understand why their powers disappeared or suddenly reappeared, so what right do they have to claim they've mastered the power of magic...?

Chapter 0149 The Root Causes of the Outbreak of War

Undoubtedly, Zhang Cheng's views were novel and easy to understand for Daenerys, completely different from those of the magic users she had encountered before.

Most importantly, she did not sense any strong desire, greed, or ambition in Zhang Cheng's gaze.

As a princess of a fallen kingdom who had been fleeing and wandering since birth, living a life of dependence on others, she possessed a more delicate observational ability than ordinary women.

In her eyes, all those who approached her could be basically divided into three categories: those interested in her beauty and body, those interested in her Targaryen family identity, and those interested in the three dragons around her.

But Zhang Cheng was clearly not in these three categories, so he naturally attracted Daenerys's attention, or rather, her curiosity. In addition, since both of them had hatched dragon eggs, they were brought closer to each other.

At least in Daenerys's subconscious, she believed that the other person had similarities to her, and unconsciously began to let down her guard and enter a relaxed chat state like friends.

In the short span of a meal, the two talked about magic, then about rule, and then about the current chaotic situation...

"So, Mason, what do you think is the root cause of the war in Westeros? Incest between the Lannister siblings? Or is it because Robert Baratheon is a despicable usurper?" Daenerys asked, resting her chin on her hands.

Hearing this question, which was clearly subjective, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but laugh and shake his head: "Hehe, no, none of those."

First of all, I personally think it is very inappropriate to describe Robert Baratheon as a usurper.

Don't forget, although he overthrew the Targaryen dynasty, your ancestor Aegon the Conqueror also forcibly occupied Westeros in the same way.

If he was a usurper, then who were your ancestors?

Secondly, Robert Baratheon's grandmother was a Targaryen princess.

To some extent, he also has Targaryen blood flowing through his veins and possesses the right of succession to the Iron Throne, so the title of usurper, which carries obvious insult and contempt, cannot be placed on his head.

Please remember, Daenerys, when evaluating someone, it's best not to let too much personal emotion get in the way, or it will seriously affect your judgment.

As for the controversial close relationship between the Lannister siblings, it was merely the prelude to the outbreak of war.

Believe me, even if Cersei does give birth to Robert's child, the war will still break out.

In fact, the main root cause of the frequent wars, large and small, that broke out in Westeros was its hierarchical feudal system.

"A system?" Daenerys's eyes widened in surprise.

She never expected such a conclusion to come out of the other person's mouth.

“Yes! The system!” Zhang Cheng repeated without hesitation.

To give this political idiot a clear understanding, he patiently explained, "You don't know, do you? From the moment the First Men landed in Westeros and established settlement after settlement, Westeros was built by families, gradually swallowing up the surrounding lands to form villages or towns."

As this form of expansion continues to grow year by year, various frictions are bound to arise between them. When these frictions accumulate to a certain extent, it is inevitable that force will be used to determine the ownership of interests.

The result is that large families gradually gain control over a region by constantly annexing smaller families; you can simply understand this as the birth of the first lord.

As more and more lords appeared, they quickly realized that the strength of their opponents was not much different from their own. If they used force, it would likely result in mutual destruction, and then a third party would benefit from the situation.

To avoid this situation, the lords began to form alliances and marriages, using blood ties to ensure their loyalty to each other, and finally elected the most powerful person as their leader, which is what you understand as a king.

Although your ancestor Aegon the Conqueror used the power of dragons to forcibly destroy the original kingdoms and establish a nominally unified nation, he did not fundamentally change this system.

To give a very simple example, how much land and population can the ruler of the Iron Throne directly control?

Perhaps only the area around King's Landing, and the territories that were originally part of the Storm Kingdom?

What about the vast land and population that remain?

They are all under the rule of other families!

If the Targaryen family continues to ensure the dragons hatch and grow normally, they may be able to maintain a fragile peace. However, if the dragons encounter problems, the undercurrents hidden beneath the surface will soon erupt.

Think carefully about how many incompetent or tyrannical kings have appeared in the history of House Targaryen.

But why were none of them overthrown, except for your father, Aerys?

The reason is simple: it's not because of the crazy things he did as rumored, but because he no longer had the protection of the dragon.

Without the intervention of magic or dragons, the lord who possesses more land, people, and food can support more well-trained and equipped soldiers, who will become a force that disrupts the balance.

Look at Westeros now. King Joffrey only has a few thousand city guards under his command, but what about those powerful lords?

The Lannisters in the West have an army of 40,000 to 50,000, while the Tyrells in the Reach can raise an army of over 60,000.

This means that, to some extent, dear King Joffrey had long been a powerless puppet. Neither the Lannisters nor the Tyrells treated him as a true king, but rather as a valuable pawn.

From that slightly playful tone, Daenerys sensed that Zhang Cheng not only lacked respect for Joffrey, but was also filled with contempt.

Not only Joffrey, but also the Tyrells and the Lannisters.

Having figured this out, a sly smile quickly appeared on her face. She suddenly leaned closer, winked, and said, "Since you dislike the person you're currently serving so much, why don't you stay and help me?"

"Oh? Stay and help you?" Zhang Cheng curled the corners of his mouth, asking with a playful expression.

“That’s right! As you can see! I have three dragons that are growing up! And an invincible army of Unsullied! Before long, I will conquer the entire Slaver’s Bay and then gather enough ships to return to Westeros. As long as you stay, I guarantee you can get everything you want from me.”

Daenerys stood up and began to paint a grand picture of her plans, completely unaware that, in the other person's eyes, her political abilities were practically no different from those of her incestuous husband, Joffrey…

Chapter 0150 Awakening

Looking into Daenerys's captivating, expectant eyes, few men would refuse such an invitation. Jorah Mormont even revealed undisguised envy and jealousy.

He probably dreams of the day he can hear the queen he serves say something similar to him.

Unfortunately, ever since Zhang Cheng experienced the excitement of absorbing pure arcane energy, his immunity to women has basically reached MAX. To be precise, the former's stimulation of the nerves and brain is far greater than that of sexual intercourse, so he is not easily aroused physiologically.

This means that when most men experience a surge in hormones that begin to impair their judgment, their brains remain clear. Unless someone uses supernatural forces to influence their mind, theoretically, they will not develop feelings for or strong desires for a particular woman simply because their body is secreting hormones.

Despite Daenerys Targaryen's stunning beauty and alluring body enhanced by Khal Drogo, exuding a blend of girlish innocence and mature womanhood, none of this could change her.

Zhang Cheng merely glanced at the chaotic streets outside the window and said in a completely emotionless voice, "Sorry, you can't give me what I want. Besides, what can I do by staying? Watch you drag the entire Slave Bay into the abyss of chaos? Directly declaring the abolition of slavery, I really don't know if you have any political common sense at all."

"What do you mean? Did I do something wrong by liberating slaves?" Daenerys's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a furrowed brow.

She can tolerate others pointing out her mistakes, but she will never allow anyone to overturn her beliefs.

“No, there’s nothing wrong with liberating slaves. The problem is that you chose the wrong time and did it in a completely irresponsible way.” Zhang Cheng pointed out the most crucial issue directly.

"Wrong time? Irresponsible?" Daenerys repeated her words, seemingly not quite understanding their meaning.

Zhang Cheng smiled and shook his head, explaining, "The wrong time refers to the fact that you rashly announced the abolition of slavery before you had fully taken control of all the cities in Slave Bay."

What benefits do you gain from doing this, other than making the slave owners of other city-states realize who their real enemy is and giving them time to unite and fight back?

Perhaps the slaves will only offer a tiny, insignificant token of gratitude?

Anyone with even a modicum of strategic knowledge would have chosen to first unify Slave Bay, gradually eliminate most of the slave owners, and finally announce the abolition of slavery. But you did the exact opposite.

As for irresponsibility, have you considered how you will fill the vacuum of rights after the abolition of slavery?

Have you ever thought about what will sustain trade and tax revenue after the slave trade is destroyed?

Without sufficient tax revenue, how will you purchase food to feed your massive army and the starving slaves?

If you haven't seriously considered any of the above, then I can tell you that even if you conquer Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen by force, all you'll end up with is a huge mess.

Those slaves you liberate will starve to death because they have nothing to eat. Before they die, they may even resent you for liberating them, since at least they had something to eat when they were slaves.

Your army will slowly lose its fighting capacity due to insufficient funds to feed it, and may even be bribed, triggering a terrible rebellion.

Without a stable power structure, many people will stop at nothing to seize power and profit, even resorting to cruel methods such as assassination, poisoning, and large-scale purges. In the end, those who climb to the top are all ruthless and ambitious.

Do you really think you've freed the slaves?

No, dear Daenerys, you were just like a spoiled child, crushing an anthill you didn't like with your foot without a second thought for whether the poor ants inside could survive.

You are not a qualified ruler, and you don't understand politics or what the people at the bottom really need.

You may have suffered a lot and experienced many hardships, but in essence, you are still that high and mighty princess, not an ordinary person struggling to make a living.

Alright, enough of the after-dinner chat. Now, please give me some of your blood; I need to get back in time.

Daenerys was completely stunned by this analysis and stood motionless. For the first time, she realized that her spur-of-the-moment decision could lead to such serious consequences.