On the stove in the room, a copper pot was grilled by the fire from time to time emitting white gas from the spout. The sound of gurgling boiling water, coupled with the elegant fragrance in the room, made people feel a bit more at ease and comfortable in their hearts.
When Du Wei saw that the fire was ready, he brought the copper pot over with his own hands, and filled a small bowl in front of him with a dark green liquid. The green liquid immediately released a strong aroma of medicine, mixed with a touch of tea. fragrant.
Du Wei sighed, picked up the small bowl, first tested the temperature himself, then turned around and said with a smile: "Okay, old man, it's time to drink the medicine again."
On the sheet behind him, the ninth-level archmage of the Imperial Magic Union, the famous inventor of magic props, and the feared old lunatic in the Magic Union, Master Ali Ke, is lazily huddling under a blanket. .
At this moment, Ali Ke looked haggard and old, not at all like a powerful ninth-level expert, with messy hair, pale face, and thin outline... His cheek muscles had completely slack, drooping there weakly. All of this indicates that this old man has burned the flame of life to the final stage...
"Oh, I hate drinking this kind of thing the most." Eric grumbled.
Du Wei came over, helped Master Alike up with his own hands, fed him half a bowl of medicine, and then said with a smile: "Master, do you know? My brother was much braver when he took medicine when he was eight years old than you are now .”
"Oh. That's right. But I'm over a hundred and eight years old." Alley stuck out his tongue angrily. It seems that the bitterness of the medicine is unbearable: "Will your brother live to my age?"
talking. The old mage lay down again: "Damn it. You got this medicine, why does it taste so bitter... It smells good. But it got into your mouth. It's just terrible!"
"I'm sorry, old guy." Du Wei looked at Eric with a smile: "This is medicine. It's not honey. If you think it's bitter, I can get you a piece of candy."
"Forget it... I'm getting old. Eating sugar is not good for your teeth." Aili Ke muttered. In fact. It's only been two short years, and Aili seems to have aged a lot!
His shriveled cheeks. Showing how much his teeth have fallen out...it's amazing. You must know when I first saw this old lunatic three years ago. He was still standing in the courtyard inside the Magic Union full of energy. Arresting people everywhere to test him!
Aili is old, very fast, very weak!
actually. For a magic master with level nine strength, over a hundred years old is actually not that old. For example, the deaf master Ilness. Even older than Eric. But he was still very strong.
The reason why Ali Ke weakened like this "early" is entirely because he is too obsessed with the research of magic props. He spends almost all of his time in the lab. Conduct all kinds of scary and dangerous research.
over the years. in the lab. Countless flavors of poisonous and harmful magic potions. gas. There are also harmful substances scattered in the air. All seriously corroded the health of Master Ali Ke. Makes him have a powerful magic power. But still unavoidably hurt his body... So. He is better than other magicians. To be weaker.
"Open the window, boy. The sun seems to be pretty good today." Aili Ke muttered.
Du Wei complied, and he opened the window. It is sunny outside. Early spring season. There are already some birds from the south singing and singing. The corner of the yard. Some unknown wildflowers began to bloom vigorously.
But. look back. Du Wei saw it. The old man is limp.
but shrunk back...
Obviously, the season of early spring is not very cold. But it has already made the weak Master Aili Ke somewhat irresistible.
There was a sigh in Du Wei's heart. But he walked over calmly and added a thick carpet to the old mage's body. Then he looked into Ali Ke's eyes: "Shall I push you to take a look in the yard?"
This is a manor outside the imperial capital, an industry under Du Wei's name—in fact, he himself doesn't know how many properties he owns in the imperial capital now. It can only be said that Zack is really a money-making machine, and now Du Wei is in the real estate of the imperial capital. After a small Zach to operate. There are so many that even Du Wei himself can't count.
This manor is located in the northeast of the imperial capital, on the banks of the Lancang Grand Canal.
The yard was built on a small hillside. Sitting in the yard. The fence in front of him is already covered with tender green vines. And far away. under the hillside. It is the Lancang Grand Canal, the famous east-west artery of the empire.
Looking away, above the river at the foot. Some merchant ships were driving back and forth, and in the shallow water near the river bed, groups of trackers were struggling to pull the boats. From a distance, it seemed that the sound of chant could be faintly heard.
This early spring morning. Under the bright sunshine. Everything seemed so alive—except for the old man leaning on the slump.
Eric quietly looked at all the surrounding scenery.
that mountain. That water, that tree, that flower. that sunshine...
There was a hint of greed in the old man's eyes. As if trying to engrave everything deeply into my eyes...
"I can't get enough of it..."
Suddenly, Ali Ke murmured: "It's strange, I always feel that these things. I can't get enough of them."
Du Wei laughed: "Then it's very simple. After you get better, I'll take you to the northwest. Go to the grassland to have a look. Look at the endless green, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The scenery is great. You will like."
Aili seemed to smile, and then he looked at Du Wei calmly: "Okay, boy, don't comfort me. I know my body... Don't forget, you have a lot of knowledge about pharmacy. Let me teach you Where is the land?"
talking. old man struggling to sit
He got up, then Gurly bent down slightly, and stretched out his skinny fingers. Trying to touch the side of the soft collapse, a small white wild flower rose out of the soil.
The delicate white petals made the old man's eyebrows show a strange look.
Du Wei's heart softened, and he walked over to pick the flower for him.
"No." Ali Ke suddenly shook his head. He gently blocked Du Wei's hand. Whispered: "Don't pick it... Once you pick it, it will die."
The old man's words seemed to carry a trace of complexity, and his fingers finally barely touched the petals. He is so light. Gently, lightly touch the petals a few times with your fingertips, the taste in your eyes. There seemed to be a faint longing—then, he withdrew his fingers and lay down again.
"Let it live well." Allison sighed.
Du Wei felt that his eyes were a little moist. He coughed and pretended to turn sideways. Quickly wiped the corners of his eyes.
at this time. However, Eric was lying on the soft bed, closed his eyes, and said with a smile: "Boy, you haven't told me yet. How did you persuade that old fox, Yagodoug, to accept your conditions? I didn't think about it either. On the square. He actually helped you."
"It's very simple." Du Wei said with a smile: "I only said three words to him that day, and he agreed."
"Which three sentences?"
"Well, the first sentence: the magic union has always been at odds with the church, right?"
"Yes, magicians have always hated those wands."
"Second sentence: If the regent inherits the throne, then the emperor of the empire will call the Pope "Godfather". Is the magic union willing to see the church so beautiful and arrogant?"
"Well... Of course I don't want to, at least not happy."
"The third sentence is: Prince Charlie is willing to worship Chairman Yagodoug as his teacher. Learn magic knowledge."
Master Ali Ke was stunned for a moment, then he looked at Du Wei's expression and burst out laughing.
"It's so interesting! Du Wei! You cunning guy. In this way, the old magic stick in the church lost an emperor's godson, and our magic union chairman gained an emperor's apprentice! This will allow the magic union to overwhelm the church. As expected, the old fox will not refuse the opportunity."
Aili thought about it seriously: "But, since the royal family doesn't want the emperor to be the Pope's godson, they are willing to let the emperor become the apprentice of the chairman of the Magic Union?"
"It's different." Du Wei sighed: "The magic sticks of the church have a desire for power. The church always wants to grab more power and power. But the magic union is different. The magic union has little ambition, and the magician They don't have much desire for secular power. For the royal family, they would rather let the magic union grow bigger than see the church too arrogant. Because the only requirement of the magicians for power is to guarantee the privileges and superiority of the magicians The status above the law, in addition, the magic union will not pose any threat to the rule of the royal family."
"It's a good idea." Alley laughed a little, then closed his mouth and stopped talking about this topic.
After a while, the old man had already closed his eyes, and seemed to be a little drowsy.
Du Wei heaved a sigh of relief. He added some calming and sleep-promoting ingredients to the bowl of medicine he had prepared for Aili just now. Old Master Arico hardly fell asleep last night... the pain tortured his nerves!
The various poisonous substances that have corroded his body all the year round and precipitated in his body finally broke through a certain critical point after many years, and even the great magician could not suppress the rebellion of various toxins in his body.
Eric is very sick! His heart, his lungs, and his nerves were all corroded by toxins and became extremely fragile. When the pain broke out, even every breath and heartbeat had to make him endure unimaginable pain. pain!
The problem is, Ali Ke, who has a good understanding of magic potions, is surprised to refuse to take "Ice Berry"!
The reason is that he wants to keep his sanity in his last moments!
These days, he has been using all his waking hours to sort out his lifelong magic research experience and write them into a book!
So, no matter how painful it was, the old man insisted on refusing to take the ice berry that has analgesic effect! He would rather let the pain torment his aging body, but also must maintain a clear mind.
"Du Wei..."
Just as Du Wei pushed Master Ali Ke back into the room. Just as he was about to leave quietly, Aili Ke suddenly opened his eyes a little, and shouted slightly indistinctly.
Du Wei immediately leaned over and said in a low voice, "Do you have any other orders?"
"Promise me a few things."
Du Wei sighed. He smiled and said, "You can talk to me after you wake up."
Ailike smiled weakly: "I'm worried, I'm afraid I will fall asleep at any time and won't be able to wake up. You and I both know that this kind of thing is likely to happen."
Du Wei pursed his lips and didn't answer the words.
"The booklet I compiled from my lifelong research experience has already been given to you..." Ailike sighed: "You help me send it to your magic society... Let more people share it. You are very good Yes. The magician's research results. It should be taken out to benefit more people. Instead of hiding it in one's own box and letting it slowly rot."
"Yes. I will carefully study your life experience. Then I will teach it to more magicians." Du Wei smiled: "I will open a new course in the Magic Academy."
"And... my two apprentices." Ailike sighed: "I have already explained to them. After I die, let them leave the Magic Union. They will live under your hands. I am worried about me. After they die, they have no backer, and the old guy Yagodoug will bully them. If it is under your hands, I will feel more at ease."
"Okay, I will make good use of the two magicians." Du Wei immediately agreed.
"And..." Ali Ke suddenly opened his eyes round with all his might. Staring at Du Wei closely.
his voice
trembling. It seems that he is struggling to support his mind: "I know... the magic union is too conservative. But I hope you understand. In fact, many conservative magicians are not bad people, they are just too rigid in tradition. So, although the magic union In the future... maybe I will fight against you. But, please look at me, don't embarrass the Magic Union too much... After all, your teacher, Master Gandolf, and I are both from the Magic Union. If... If in the future, you There was a fierce conflict with the magic union, boy.
I know how powerful you are. If you use your means, I am worried that one day with your ability, you will be able to completely wipe this ancient guild from the mainland. But I beg you... I beg you to promise me one thing! "
"I..." Du Wei immediately understood the pleading in Lai Eric's eyes. He made a promise without hesitation: "I promise you! Even when the situation is at its worst, I will definitely let the magic union continue to exist! I will definitely leave a way for it to survive."
Eric showed a reassuring smile. He lay down and closed his eyes.
Du Wei was about to walk away, but Ali Ke called again: "Du Wei."
Du Wei smiled: "Okay, old man, get a good night's sleep, if you have anything else to say, you can tell me at night."
"No, I think it's more reassuring to say it." Ai Like had an old face, but now he smiled like a child: "I still have one last wish, which is about myself."
Du Wei nodded and smiled gently: "Okay, tell me, I'll help you finish it."
"Uh..." The old man's smile suddenly became a little shy: "Actually, I also have vanity... The magic academy you built put the statue of Master Gandolf at the first place in the corridor... You said , as long as you are willing to contribute your own magic achievements and spread the magic civilization... Then, there is also a chance to be made into a statue and placed behind Master Gandolf, right?"
Du Wei was stunned for a moment, he didn't expect this open-minded old man to have such a childish side, he smiled and said: "Don't worry, Master, you have made so many contributions to the Magic Academy, and you have also contributed all your life experience... I promise, your statue will be placed in the second place in the corridor!"
"Haha, I'm very happy." Aili finally closed his eyes: "I have been busy with research all my life, but unfortunately I don't have time to accept too many apprentices. There are only two incompetent guys, but I haven't learned much from me. But I After my death, my whole life can be put in the academy so that more magicians can learn, then I will feel at ease. Although no one will call me a teacher for those younger boys, my statue is placed there , everyone knows that they learned from my old man Aric... Haha, I am very happy!"
The old man seemed to be tired, he waved his hand lightly: "Okay, get out, kid, I'm going to sleep..."
"Well, I will bring you the hickory nuts you like to eat at night." Du Wei whispered with a smile, and then he watched the old guy close his eyes and fall into a deep sleep—breathing calmly, as if like a Like a sleeping child.
Du Wei's eyes were very gentle, then he left the room gently and closed the door.
Master Eric fell asleep...
Moreover, as he himself guessed.
He fell asleep and didn't wake up again...
In the spring of nine hundred and sixty-five years of the Roland Empire, the mainland magic guild, the ninth-level archmage, Master Aric, died of illness in his sleep. He walked peacefully, with a satisfied smile on his face. Because, all his wishes have been given to the boy he trusts.
He left with no regrets.
The death of this magician who devoted his whole life to magic research did not cause much repercussions, because compared to Gandolf, his reputation is not too great. Among the folks, few people know the name of this archmage who has been hiding in the tower of the Magic Union for research all year round.
However, this master has left countless precious legacy to this continent!
He has researched all his life in the refining of various magic tools, and countless inventions. Like... the broomsticks of the Knights of the Air, blah blah blah...
The precious legacy he left behind has brought about a huge change in the fate of this continent!
Just two days after Master Ali Ke passed away, Du Wei came outside the corridor of the Academy of Magic.
On the promenade, after the statue of Master Gandolph, a new statue was placed.
Master Aric's smiling face came to life under the knife of the master sculptor, still wearing the dirty and worn-out robe, with a scruffy beard.
"Master Ali Ke, a ninth-level magician in the mainland, a master of refining equipment, has made an indelible contribution to the magic civilization of the mainland throughout his life, and the precious magic legacy he left behind will be passed down in countless generations to come. Shine the light on the path of magic for us!"
Under the statue, this text was written by Du Wei himself.
Looking at this statue, Du Wei felt a little sad in his heart. He stretched out his hand, gently stroked Eric's beard on the statue, and said in a low voice: "Old man, you are really ruthless... It is true, you really are sleeping. I won't wake up anymore... But don't worry, I will fulfill your wish for you!"
After finishing speaking, Du Wei stood in front of the statue of Master Eric for a while, then he straightened his clothes, crossed his hands respectfully and quietly, and bowed deeply to the statue. This is a standard The tradition of the magician, the gesture of the disciple saluting the teacher! !
"Although I haven't really worshiped under your school, you have taught me a lot. Aili can... teacher!"