Chapter 1098: Beaten into seclusion
The yellowed pages introduced Russell’s biography. “Russell, born in 1981 AD,
was one of the greatest sorcerers of his era.
“He had dedicated himself to the develop
nt of the magus order and
advocated recruiting civilians and foreign nationalities as new sorcerers so as
to introduce new blood into the sorcerers’ lineage.
“During The Cataclysm, he had led the magus order to search for new lands
with civilians to restart civilization. At that time, Russell was the idol of
everyone.
“However, Russell was not only a great sorcerer but also one of the most
powerful archmages in sorcerer history.
“He was one of the wielders of and a past protector of the black Eye of True
Sight.
“He dedicated his entire life to mastering the Meteor Shower spell, secondarily
supplementing it with Resist Fire and Fire Dragon..”
Russell’s biography was over a 1,0oo words long. Ren Xiaosu only realized after
reading for a while that the man was really powerful. Even the author of The
Sorcerer Chronicles was a fan of the guy.
However, his inclusive ideology was not in line with the blueprint of the magus
order of that era. That was why the Introduction to Sorcery was edited seven
times to the point where even the author’s name was not printed anymore.
Meanwhile, The Sorcerer Chronicles in front of him, which dated back 80 years
ago and had written Russell’s biography, could be considered fortunate to have
survived the censors.h.i.+p.
Ren Xiaosu skimmed through Russell’s biography. However, the earlier
portions were all about what this guy had done before. For example, it talked
about how the young Russell was a cheerful and energetic person, how he
helped his cla.s.smates, how he organized young sorcerers, and how he
established a new sorcerer a.s.sociation.
It was clear that Russell was very good at networking. At that time, he was
likely very active in the magus world.
It was written in the book. “Russell has the most outstanding talent in the
history of sorcerers, so much so that a large number of young magi who
gathered around hinm saw him as a role model for their own progression.
“With the arrival of a new era, Russell could not stand the feudal conservatism
of the magus order’s old guard and started gathering forces around him to seek
a revolution.
The magus order of the old era believed the Magi should prioritize protecting
their pure bloodlines, as well as protecting the secret of the Eye of True Sight
from being exposed. The old era’s magus order insisted the fate of the Magi
was tied to the Eye of True Sight, and that outsiders should not interfere as it
could very well lead to the Eye of True Sight becoming lost through the
generations.
“However, Russell believed that if the Magi wanted to be recognized by the
world, they must insist on having an inclusive mindset. Only by having more
and more people becoming sorcerers and influencing the world could they
stand and face the world.
“The interests of the old guard clashed with the young magi of the new era. A
large number of young sorcerers did not hesitate to go against their own clans
and follow in Russell’s footsteps.
“During this period, Russell had great charm and gained many followers.”
However, Russell underwent a midlife crisis, changing his personality.
The author of The Sorcerer Chronicles wrote, “When Russell was 47 years old,
he suddenly decided to resign from his position as the head of the Sorcerer
a.s.sociation. It was so sudden that no one was prepared for it. His good friend,
Tingens, wrote many letters to try to persuade Russell to continue leading the
New Sorcerer a.s.sociation forward. However, Russell did not agree to resuming
his role. Instead, he settled down and decided he wanted to study nonverbal
spells.”
The Sorcerer Chronicles did not mention the reason for Russell’s change of
heart.
Upon reading this, Ren Xiaosu nodded to himself. It all made sense now. From
these events alone, he could confimm that Russell was indeed the Introduction
to Sorcery’s author.
As for why Russell’s personality had suddenly changed, Ren Xiaosu seriously
suspected Ren He had beaten Russell into seclusion.
Ren Xiaosu thought to himself, ‘Ren He was really brutal. He actually turned an
optimistic and cheerful social b.u.t.terfly into a recluse who spent all his time
researching…
It was quite a pity. Through the Introduction to Sorcery, it could be concluded
that Russell had still been unable to figure out a way to cast nonverbal spells even after researching for a long time. This was in spite of the fact he
possessed the black Eye of True Sight.
“But why didn’t this book mention anything about the two black Eyes of True
Sight? Ren Xiaosu wondered. “Melgor said he read about it in this book”
Ren Xiaosu flipped to the back and realized that between pages 31 and 61 of the
book was a compilation of letters between Russell and his good friend,
Tingens.
Tingens: Dear Russell, ever since you resigned from your position as the head
of the New Sorcerer a.s.sociation, the aristocrats have returnmed to their old
ways. They’re trying to drive away the foreign sorcerers so that they can
protect the pure bloodlines of the Magi and the Eye of True Sight. They feel
that sorcerers should not reveal themselves to the world. Our efforts have all
been in vain…
Russell wrote: Dear Tingens, I’nm aware of your worries. However, I’m currently
too preoccupied with researching nonverbal spells, so I don’t have the energy
to manage the New Sorcerer a.s.sociation. I hope you can choose a new leader to
lead you all forward..
Tingens: Respected Russell, please frankly tell me what caused this great
change in you. I’ll be dropping by to visit on the 15th of next month. I hope you won’t turn me away then..
Russel: Tingens, I don’t wish to see anyone right now. Life is short, and I have
to explore the infinite mysteries of sorcery within my limited lifespan. It’s
greatly distressing me.
Tingens: Dear Russell, I’m fine with not going over to bother you, but I hope
you can tell me what this is all about. Did a sorcerer from the old aristocracy
take your family hostage?
This time, the contents of Russell’s letter finally mentioned the most crucial
clue. “Dear Tingens, I encountered that powerful Central Plains rider, and he
took a black Eye of True Sight from me. You and I both understand what this
means. I’m no match for him.”
To put it more simply, “I can’t f.u.c.king defeat him. The black Eye of True Sight
has been taken away, and I’m embarra.s.sed to continue on as the leader of the
Sorcerer a.s.sociation!
“Get someone better, I’m way too ashamed!”
It was no wonder The Sorcerer Chronicles author did not mention this affair.
The author clearly had these verifiable exchanges and knew the reason for
Russell’s change of heart, yet he did not mention a word about it in the biography.
Ren Xiaosu suddenly felt like he understood the author’s thought process.
Imagine how it would feel when you realize your idol had suddenly been beaten
into seclusion.
The reason why The Sorcerer Chronicles author did not mention this was
because he had also been plunged into depression!
In truth, Ren Xiaosu found this matter quite surprising. He did not expect Ren
He to be such a terrifying figure in that era.
He continued reading and suddenly had his attention captured by another
exchange of letters.
Tingens: Dear Russell, I’m very sorry to hear about this. I feel very sad for you
too… but I don’t understand why that Central Plains rider would want to take
the Eye of True Sight away from you.
Russell: He said he wants to use the Eye of True Sight to save his child.