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Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K. Rowling.
I own nothing but the original characters I make.
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
-Author notes-
Chapter 227: The Grand Chancellor
James ended up having to wait almost half an hour before the guard returned and announced that the Grand Chancellor had authorized his entrance.
This person held one of the highest ranks in the palace and acted as the Emperor's right hand, so no one would question his decision.
However, as soon as the main gates were opened and James could take a look inside the palace's garden, he spotted a lot of armed guards paying attention to him.
He didn't see that many when he was hovering over the place, so this was a sign of their caution when it came to foreign visitors.
Regardless, he didn't pay them any mind and glanced at the palace itself. It was truly a majestic structure, and magic had no doubt been heavily used during its construction, given that some of its features would be impossible to build otherwise.
And this was just the part that could be seen from the outside, as James was aware of the massive city hidden underground.
He had once visited during his previous life and was very impressed with the dedication that these people had put into creating something like this.
The guards did not open their mouths the entire time, but James could occasionally spot some smug smiles on their faces after seeing his reaction.
Once inside, James was welcomed by an elderly man wearing a set of pure white robes with gold decorations.
With a single glance, one could immediately tell that this person held a high position in the palace by just looking at the way he carried himself.
"The Chancellor, I presume?" James said.
The man made a gesture to the guards, and they took a few steps back away from James.
"And you must be James Potter… I have to admit that when I was told we were receiving a visit from a Master Alchemist, I expected someone older."
"Sorry to disappoint."
"No, Mister Potter, you did not disappoint me at all. Since the moment you crossed our barrier, I could feel the intensity of your magic, and those artifacts that you are carrying on your person. You see… I am also an alchemist myself."
The eyes of the old Chancellor were scanning him constantly, and James could feel that he was being carefully analyzed...very meticulously.
'He kinda reminds me of Dumbledore.' James could not help but make the comparison.
Not just because of their age, but also because this innocent-looking old man was hiding a tremendous amount of power underneath.
"Is it true, though?" the Chancellor asked.
James raised an eyebrow, wondering what the man was referring to. He had no idea what Lady Rose had told these people, so they would grant him the privilege to visit the palace, as it was usually a forbidden place for any Westerner.
"Are you truly in possession of a Primordial Flame?" the old man asked.
"Are you requesting a demonstration?" James asked.
"I don't mean to put your ability into question. This is just a simple request from a curious old man. For you see…" The Chancellor rose, palm up, and a gentle green flame appeared on top of it.
For once, James looked surprised. "You have the Primordial Jade Spirit Flame."
In the entire world, only five Primordial Flames existed, and only one person at a time could call upon them. It was just when one user died that another could form a connection with that particular flame.
James was aware that this Jade Flame was in the possession of some alchemist in China, but didn't know it was the Grand Chancellor of the Kunlun Palace, as these things were always kept a secret.
The Chancellor smiled. "So you know about it." The flame disappeared.
"Very well." James opened his palm, and a moment later, a pure white flame manifested above it.
Everyone present could feel the immense pressure emanating from the small flame.
The guards were starting to sweat, despite the fact that the flame produced no heat at all.
The old alchemist had his eyes glued to it. "It truly is the Primordial Argent Flame… I never thought I would see it like this in person."
He got slightly closer. "As the manuscript mentioned, it emits no heat at all."
"No. Unless I want it to," James said.
If he did, this whole palace would melt.
The Chancellor understood the hidden meaning in his words very well and let out a nervous chuckle.
"Thank you for showing me something so wonderful."
"No problem." James dispelled the flame. "I would love it if we could talk about business now."
"Of course. I was told that you were interested in one particular item in the possession of the Emperor," the Chancellor said.
"Yes. Will the Emperor receive me?"
"I trust that you brought something to offer in exchange. The Emperor is a very busy person, and I would hate to waste his time. After all… the item of your interest is extremely precious to him, and he will not easily part with it."
James could tell that the Chancellor was trying to be nice to him. After all, if he tried to come here and demand something from their ruler without offering anything in return, that would be a grievous offense and could easily escalate to violence.
"I don't think he will be disappointed with my offer," James assured the man.
"I surely hope so." The old wizard nodded. "This way, please." He then guided James towards another long set of stairs.
James had to restrain a groan. 'They really like stairs here…'
He walked right behind the Chancellor while a dozen or so armed guards followed them closely behind.
After moving through several long corridors and climbing three more sets of stairs, the Chancellor stopped before a huge golden door and turned around to look at James.
"Mister Potter… whatever you do, try not to offend this person."
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