Sorcerer: I want to be an Academic Prodigy-Chapter 690 - 653: Return and Change_2

Ivan did not reprimand or look down on the three of them. As a teacher, he often acted like a hands-off manager, with only one attitude toward his students—letting nature take its course.

He would neither scold them nor drive them away.

Through his inquiries, Ivan discovered that Lorna was now married. Her partner was from a prominent sorcerer family, but they hadn’t had any children yet.

"Sorcerer Ivan."

"You’ve all become lords now. Not bad, not bad. You’ve done this sorcerer proud."

"Hehe, after joining your Black Star Legion, everything became easier. We didn’t let you down in the end."

Over the years, the swamp ant and the Silkworm Queen both successfully ascended to the rank of lords. Seeing the return of the Black Flame King, the two of them couldn’t wait to pay their respects.

The swamp ant was a four-winged swamp king ant, Ivan’s former first bodyguard who had accompanied him for years.

The Silkworm Queen was a rapid wood silkworm. Back when she sought refuge with Ivan, he was merely a sorcerer apprentice. Time flew by, and the once tiny mutated silkworm from Mulberry Ridge had grown into a formidable power in her own right.

Both of them being insect-type creatures, their evolution to lord-level was an achievement of incredible difficulty.

As they said, it was fortunate to have the Secret Technique *Three Create All Things*. Fortunate to have the Black Star Legion. With these advantages, especially the ever-growing power of their Legion Leader Ivan, the two managed to break the limits of species restrictions and evolve into lord-level beings.

"Sorcerer Ivan, next time you travel somewhere, please don’t forget to take me with you. I still want to explore the world by your side." The swamp ant entreated eagerly.

"Of course. I’ll arrange for you to take on a commander’s role in the Black Star Legion, but there’s no rush for now." Ivan didn’t reject him outright.

He didn’t want to demoralize the swamp ant. At his current power level, the gap between their strengths was vast. The swamp ant would find it challenging to keep up with him on his journeys.

No wonder people said that the higher one ascends on the path of cultivation, the fewer companions they’ll have until they’re left entirely alone.

Compared to the swamp ant’s enthusiasm, the Silkworm Queen was more laid-back, outright saying she preferred to stay and guard the Rainbow Domain.

Ivan didn’t make a fuss about it either. He had always been lenient toward those who had rendered great service to him, continuing to provide protection whenever necessary.

After being away for so many years, the Rainbow Domain had undergone significant changes, most notably in terms of power.

Among the changes, the most remarkable was Jenny. Jenny had ascended from a Level 4 lord to a Level 5 Ancient King, now standing as the second strongest under Ivan.

"You’ve worked hard managing everything while I was gone, Jenny."

"Sorcerer Ivan, we are one and the same. Why be so formal?"

"Haha, you’re right. Now, tell me about your recent experiences. Your sudden advancement exceeded my expectations—I’m quite curious, to say the least."

"No problem, but it’s a long story, so you’ll need to hear it slowly."

Jenny was a part of Ivan, and along with Locke, who was far away in the Endless Spirit Workshop, they formed the One Body Three Manifestations.

Jenny had a unique identity. She was a direct descendant of the Mother of Earth Core. The Mother of Earth Core was a pivotal figure in the Danaila Plane. Though tragically slain while defending the plane, she left behind an exceedingly rich legacy.

For centuries, the Mother of Earth Core’s lineage produced only one descendant—Jenny. Naturally, she reaped countless benefits from this heritage.

Jenny’s "long story" could be summed up in a few words: inheriting the legacy and progressing steadily through cultivation.

Compared to others, her path had always been smooth. With the additional support of *Three Create All Things*, reaching the Ancient King rank was merely a matter of time.

"A bit aggressive."

"I—"

"It’s fine, it’s still within acceptable limits. Taking a little risk isn’t a big deal."

Ivan understood Jenny’s intentions. She simply felt pressured by his meteoric rise in power. For someone who always saw herself as a protector, her urgency was hardly surprising.

Given her good intentions, Ivan couldn’t bear to blame her.

"Ah, your power keeps growing, and no matter how Locke and I try, it feels like we can’t catch up to you."

Jenny then confessed with some guilt how she felt the pressure his strength brought, clearly a sign of his overwhelming advancement, leaving her slightly disheartened.

"Haha, isn’t that natural? If I didn’t grow stronger, how would you two manage to follow in my footsteps?"

Seeing her so dispirited, Ivan couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

He had emphasized it to Jenny multiple times—he was, after all, a mighty figure in his own right, one of the top individuals in the sorcerer world. He had no need for anyone’s protection, but Jenny just couldn’t put her mind at ease.

Wasn’t this needless worrying?

"But I—" Jenny tried to argue.

"Alright, alright, just focus on cultivating step by step from now on. Don’t concern yourself with my situation. If there’s anything I need, I’ll let you and Locke know directly without hesitation."

Ivan cut her off mid-sentence.

A fleeting burst of his aura made the difference in their strengths crystal clear to Jenny.

"Speaking of which, I encountered something unexpected when I first returned to Danaila—I saw the Mother of Earth Core." Ivan said, changing the subject.

"What? That’s impossible." Jenny, well aware of the Mother of Earth Core’s fate, exclaimed in disbelief.

"You’re right. It wasn’t actually the Mother of Earth Core, but the great being she had always served—the Mother of All Things." Ivan revealed without reservation. Other than Jenny, he wouldn’t mention this to anyone else.

"Did something happen?" Jenny asked, knitting her brows.

Ivan nodded and didn’t hide the details from Jenny, as she was deeply connected to the Mother of Earth Core’s lineage.

Particularly the two ancient goddesses, the Dark Night Mother Goddess and the Sea Mother, would often share bits and pieces of information with Jenny.

Jenny didn’t share everything with Ivan either, as some details were inconsequential.

"That journey of yours was so dangerous. You must never go to that Elf Plane again."

After hearing his account, Jenny finally relaxed, though quietly ashamed. While she had been leisurely enjoying her time, Sorcerer Ivan had faced countless perils. Locke, too, was off journeying far and wide. Her role as a part of Ivan felt utterly unworthy in comparison.

"See? You’re overthinking again."

"I’ve told you again and again—Danaila is our foundation. Your presence here is vital. Without you holding the fort, how could I feel at ease exploring the unknown?"

Ivan couldn’t help being exasperated as he read her thoughts. Was this the innate disposition of the Mother of Earth Core’s lineage?

Jenny was at a loss for words.

"This time, my sole goal upon returning is to condense the Throne, break the history of the sorcerer world, and ascend to become the first True King Wizard."

After a pause, Ivan revealed his immediate ambition.

Jenny’s expression grew resolute. She looked at him intently, momentarily unsure of what to say.

"Compared to Ancient Kings, Thrones are the true paragons of power. Whether in the Star Realm River, Danaila, or the Elf Plane, only those with Thrones hold dominion over the universe as the ultimate rulers."

"Sorcerer Ivan, let me know how I may assist you."

"Of course, your help and Locke’s will be essential."

The history of the sorcerer world spanned over four millennia. More than three thousand years had passed since the first Arcane Wizard appeared. Yet, not a single wizard had ascended to a Throne, a testament to how incredibly difficult it was to become a True King Wizard.

Ivan naturally needed the unity of all three of them, leaving no resource or opportunity untapped.

Speaking of which, his recent meeting with the Mother of All Things hadn’t been without gains. The Mother’s gaze symbolized her favor, a blessing every living being in Danaila dreamed of.

The grand will’s favor that surrounded him had grown significantly stronger, effectively increasing his "fortune."

As a result, his luck within the Danaila Plane would improve, benefiting him in all aspects, even aiding in the process of condensing the Throne.

Additionally, the world tree seed he carried had exhibited signs of revitalization, though he hadn’t inspected it closely yet.

To be fair, the Mother of All Things was far more honorable than the cunning grand will of the Elf Plane.