Seven days later, the carriage finally arrived at the destination, the imperial capital.
The emperors of the three empires were all named after their countries. The prosperity of the shadow capital was far beyond Chen Rui's expectations. The carriage stopped at a post station in the suburbs, but residents and well-arranged houses could already be seen coming and going. The pavement is paved with high-quality white stone mixed with corresponding materials, which is smoother and stronger than the cement road in another world, and looks extraordinary.
The long-distance horse-drawn carriages at the post station cannot enter the city gate. There is another lighter carriage drawn by camels and horses that can pass in the imperial capital.
Fei Ni stretched her waist: "I've been exhausted these days, and I need to get a good sleep when I get home."
Chen Rui smiled and said, "Lord Rummenigge, thank you for your gift and guidance along the way. I'm going to a relative's house first, so I'm leaving."
Rummenigge nodded: "I hope you can pass the certification of the craftsman as soon as possible. Here is a badge for you to take. If you want to participate in the craftsman competition, even if you have not registered in advance, you can directly participate, as ours. Take a ride and a thank you for drinking your fine wine."
Chen Rui took the badge and bowed to Rummenigge to express his gratitude. Since he was practicing tool making in the forging room, the chat with Fei Ni decreased significantly in the next few days. Fei Ni just waved Chen Rui to say goodbye. Monroe still ignored him, called a buggy, and left with Rummenigge and Fenny.
Chen Rui wanted to see the Shadow Empire. He walked all the way, and the more he walked, the stronger the feeling of the prosperous empire. The Shadow Emperor is a flat city. In terms of scale, even the Dark Moon City was once famous in the Fallen Angel Empire. In its heyday, it was also much inferior. As for the degree of prosperity, the current Dark Moon can barely be regarded as a desolate small town in front of the Shadow Emperor Capital.
The tall and thick city walls had a majestic aura, and the flag of the Black Phoenix Flame King, representing the Asmodeus family, fluttered in the wind. Guards with spears were neatly lined up on the city wall, and all of them were equipped with gleaming silver armor. The checks at the city gate were very standardized and strict, and it was rare to see such blackmail incidents. Due to the approaching of the tool maker competition, there were constantly tool makers rushing to the imperial capital from all over the world. Chen Rui easily passed the inspection as a tool maker apprentice.
Due to the huge area, apart from the main roads, the large and small streets in the imperial capital are as intricate as cobwebs, and the shops and residences are dazzling. Chen Rui had to take out the magic eye compass to assist. Seeing this kind of behavior, some locals couldn't help showing a contemptuous smile of "look at this country bumpkin", and the sense of superiority from the metropolis was undoubtedly revealed.
But it's the same everywhere, where there is glamor there is rot, and prosperity cannot cover up darkness and danger, Chen Rui knows this very well.
The imperial city is divided into an inner city and an outer city. Shops and residential buildings are distributed in the outer city. The inner city is mainly the residences of princes and nobles. The center overlooks the four sides of the mountain and is the location of the tallest building, the palace.
The Custer family is known as the No. 1 business family in the Shadow Empire, and their headquarters is in the inner city. However, according to the news from Ji Ya, the young master Dio, who was rescued by General George, dislikes the "hometown" in the inner courtyard very much. , is now living in a courtyard in the most prosperous southern part of the outer city.
After finally finding the other courtyard, I saw a large number of guards at the door. It seemed that Master Diou became more cautious after he almost lost his life.
Just as Chen Rui entered the gate, he was stopped by the guards.
"Please tell Mr. Deo that Ji Ya's friend has come to see him."
The guard sized him up for a while, then sneered: "Only you? A humble apprentice also wants to see Mr. Dio?"
Another guard laughed and said, "He also said he knew the beautiful Miss Ji Ya!"
"I am indeed Miss Ji Ya's friend, so how about it..." Chen Rui took out a handful of black crystal coins casually: "Whoever invites Miss Ji Ya to meet me at the gate, these black crystal coins will be theirs."
The guards' eyes lit up. There were about ten of these black crystal coins. It was definitely a windfall. Moreover, they only invited Ji Ya to the door. With so many guards around, they were not afraid of this man playing tricks.
Soon, Ji Ya's figure appeared at the gate. Chen Rui didn't break his promise, and gave the black crystal coin to John, the guard who reacted the fastest, which made the eyes of the others turn red.
Still the familiar charming witch, the usual maid outfit has long been replaced by a long skirt made of expensive materials. The slightly tight clothes make the plump bust more prominent. Although the waist is slightly swaying naturally, but the movement The time is full of temptation, as if a look can make a male's blood rush.
As soon as Ji Ya appeared, she immediately attracted the attention of the guards around her, and she was even more jealous of John who went to communicate first. It was really lucky to be able to talk to Miss Ji Ya and get the black crystal coins.
Ji Ya looked at this big demon who claimed to be a friend, showing doubts, and was about to ask, but the other party had already spoken: "Miss Ji Ya, don't you remember me? I am Arthur, a friend of old Gauss."
When Ji Ya heard the old Gauss's name, she looked stunned, looked at Chen Rui again, and nodded: "That's right, come with me."
Chen Rui followed Ji Ya into the other courtyard. Although it was called the other courtyard, the level of luxury was far superior to that of Dark Moon's palace. Ji Ya took him to a relatively secluded corner and said, "Who are you? Why haven't I seen you?"
"You don't care who I am, my current name is Arthur. I was ordered by the eldest princess to take over the work of old Gauss, and also to investigate the whereabouts of old Gauss." Chen Rui gave Ji Ya a sheet of Xia A magic letter personally signed, which ordered Ji Ya to obey all the arrangements of "Arthur".
After reading it, Ji Ya handed back the magic letter with both hands, and bowed respectfully to Chen Rui: "Master Arthur."
Chen Rui nodded, took the magic letter, and exerted his power for a while. The letter turned into ashes and dissipated. Ji Ya's eyes moved slightly. Although her power was imprisoned by the magic ring, her eyesight was still there. Power, I'm afraid it is not something that high-level demons can display.
There are many people with the same name in the devil world, and there are not many named Arthur. The question is, when did there be such a person beside the eldest princess
"I got some information from the eldest princess, but I want to listen to your report first." Chen Rui frowned and said, "Also, how did old Gauss disappear?"
Ji Ya collected herself and started talking.
Sacramento, founder of the Custer family. Custer is a celebrity in the Shadow Empire. He was originally an ordinary craftsman. Relying on his flexible mind and bold strategies, he started from a small magic shop and has grown into a huge Custer family. The current patriarch, Crozier, is also an amazing figure. When the "Rebellion of Kings" occurred in the Shadow Empire, he decisively chose Princess Catherine, who was not favored at the time, and provided a lot of money and material support. In the end, Catherine Swept down the rebellion and ascended to the throne of emperor. The status of the Custer family, which possesses the "Minor of the Dragon", is more stable, firmly occupying the position of the number one business family.
Crozier was seriously injured in his early years, and now he is approaching his twilight years, frail and sick, so he naturally has the idea of handing over the family responsibility to the next generation. Crozier has three sons and a daughter. The eldest son died in the turmoil of the imperial capital in his early years. The second son Deo became the eldest. The third son is Faramo, and the youngest daughter is Celine.
According to age, Deo is the first heir, Faramo is the second, and Celine is the third. In fact, Crozier is not satisfied with these children. Dio is mediocre, loves beauty, and is reckless. Back then, he almost turned against his family because of a political marriage. Faramo was cowardly by nature, and married Marlene, the younger sister of Valen, the second general of the Shadow Empire. I like it, but I am under 20 years old now, and have too little experience and experience to inherit the family business.
Dio went out to play in the name of inspection. As a result, he disappeared for several months. Crozier has been worried. After explaining the process of being assassinated after returning this time, Crozier put the biggest suspicion on Faramo. , because if Dio dies, the biggest beneficiary will be Faramo.
Crozier himself has also gone through a fierce family inheritance struggle. Originally, he did not expect these children to respect and love each other and live in peace. It's just that Faramo has been tightly controlled by his wife Marlene, and behind Marlene is the second general representing the royal family. If he really inherits the family, then the huge family business will probably fall into the hands of "foreign relatives" in the future. So Crozier has always had a knot in his heart.
The old Gauss, who knew all of this, used targeted tactics to make Crozier more suspicious of Faramo, and the balance gradually turned to Dio's side. Of course, the pressure from General Warren was still too great to ignore.
The Custer family started as a magic store, and is currently the officially designated provider of ordnance and magic supplies. Over the years, they have maintained a good relationship with the Artisan Alliance of the Shadow Empire. Sponsored by the special family.
Crozier was running out of time, so he had to make a quick decision, and finally made a decision, that is, each of the three children who participated in the competition would choose one person as a supporter, and whoever chose would win the competition. Whoever ranks higher among the contestants will become the real number one heir. If they can win the competition, they will undisputedly take the position of the real heir!
This support is two-sided, and must be agreed by the tool maker himself. It not only tests the heir's eyesight, but also the comprehensive ability in various aspects such as means and strategies.
As soon as Crozier's decision was announced, Dio and Faramo immediately started intensive preparations, but Celine, who was the least likely to inherit the family business, seemed unhurried.
Old Gauss was well versed in the principle of knowing oneself and the enemy. Under his suggestion, Dio used the internal relationship of the Craftsman Alliance to obtain the first-hand information about the craftsmen who signed up for the competition. Shrunk down to two people.
A direct disciple of Master Leo of the Imperial City Toolmaker Alliance, and a famous talented toolmaker Savich in the Imperial Capital who has risen in recent years.
The other is Robert, a senior tool maker, the champion of the last tool maker competition, and the most hopeful to become a master.
Of course, the Artifact Maker Contest will also attract the Artifact Makers from the Fallen Angel Empire and the Blood Fiend Empire. Apart from these two, there are also powerful factions, and they may be unknown, but since only one Supporters, so it is necessary to choose the candidate with the greatest chance of winning, at least, rank as much as possible higher than the other two competitors.
Old Goss is most optimistic about Robert, the previous champion. He did what he liked and launched a series of win-win offensives. It has to be said that the old Goss has been Shia's most trusted confidant for so many years, and his methods are quite commendable. When he succeeded, old Gauss suddenly disappeared. After this incident happened, Robert immediately changed his original plan and switched to Faramo's side. It can be seen that the biggest suspect for the "vaporization" of old Gauss is Faramo.
Dio has sent many times to search for and sent people to track and monitor Faramo, but nothing has been found.
At present, the tool maker competition is imminent, and Dio can only put the object of wooing on Savage based on the original analysis of the original old Gauss. Savich became famous when he was young, and behind him is a senior master like Leo. He has always looked above the top, is extremely proud, and acts unscrupulously. Dio tried many methods, and finally narrowed the relationship with Savich. They are going to set up a feast in the other courtyard tonight, entertain Savage, and discuss the final cooperation agreement.
After Chen Rui learned about these situations from Ji Ya, he pondered for a while and asked Ji Ya to take him to see Dio.
Dio is a tall, thin mutant demon with the power of a high-level demon. He looks only in his twenties, but in fact he is over two hundred years old. He looks a bit haggard. I don't know if it's because of too much pressure recently, or because he is addicted to alcohol and sex. due to.
Without the plan of the old Gauss, Dio only felt that everything was difficult. Now, when Ji Ya said that Dark Moon had a new supporter, his spirits were lifted. When he saw Chen Rui dressed as an apprentice of an instrument maker, he frowned. .
However, Dio finally had some knowledge. He knew that the people who could be sent to support by the eldest princess of the Dark Moon were definitely not mediocre. This suit was just a cover-up. It's hard work!"
Chen Rui nodded, and after the two sides exchanged polite greetings for a while, Dio ordered the maid to leave.
"I've already heard from Ji Ya about your family and the Artisan Contest." Chen Rui pondered, "Are you planning to invite Savage tonight? How confident are you?"
"I don't know. Savage accepted all the benefits of sending them over, but he just refused to formally agree to them. It's much more difficult to deal with than that Robert." When Robert was mentioned, Dio gritted his teeth, "Robert is not What a good guy, he actually voted for Faramo in the end!"
"It depends on the means." Chen Rui shook his head. If this is the test that Crozier gave to the three children, then it has only just begun. Even if you successfully invite Savice, you may not be sure of winning."
"Then what should we do?" Dio showed an anxious expression. In fact, it doesn't matter who wins the final winner of the tool maker competition, as long as the contestants he supports can overwhelm his younger brother and younger sister. Of course, he can directly become the heir. good.
Chen Rui smiled slightly: "Don't worry, I have my own way."
The rewards of this craft maker competition are very generous, especially some rare materials, which are the key to making "Lei Yin". He has already reached the master level, and he will naturally not let go of such a good opportunity.