“You are all stupid!” thundered Commander Hua. “You are all stuck between the peak cultivation base and the semi-forbidden curse. With your lack of knowledge, you will never step into the Forbidden Curse your whole life.” He glanced at the five officials.

“Commander Hua, you are correct! But the threshold of the Forbidden Curse is not something we can simply touch,” Councilman Tang said.

“Do you know why there are so few Forbidden Mages in this world?” asked Commander Hua coldly.

The five of them were at a loss for words. They were top rankers, but they were still some distance away from the semi-forbidden curse, much less at the level of a real Forbidden Curse. Countless predecessors had claimed that the top positions were just one step away from the Forbidden Curse, but no one knew how to cross this step.

The five of them wanted to step into the Forbidden Curse. That was the pinnacle of magic. But even after many years, their cultivation did not improve further as if they had reached their limits.

Commander Hua Zhanhong was a real Forbidden Mage, and he was also one of the best among the Forbidden Mages. It was rare to hear a Forbidden Mage talk about this gap that they could not overcome.

“People have limits. The highest level of cultivation of any person is the peak of Super Level, and it is impossible to improve any further. The Forbidden Curse should never exist as it violates the laws of nature and destroys the vitality of everything. This is why it is a forbidden curse and not a magic curse,” said Commander Hua.

When he talked, Mo Fan, Zhao Manyan, and Mu Bai sat up straighter. Someone was actually openly talking about the Forbidden Curse. In the book, the Forbidden Curse was akin to a legend. It was very rare to meet someone who had actually achieved it. They could not even mention the names of the Forbidden Curse of some elements.

“Forbidden Mages exist because some people use something or other to break through the laws of nature and become the kind of existence that can bring natural destruction. Forbidden Mages are equivalent to cancer cells. When there are enough of them, the world faces the danger of collapse,” continued Commander Hua.

Every country was not allowed to use the Forbidden Curse without authorization.

Su Lu, who used the Forbidden Curse in Dubai, brought terrible destruction to the city. Tens of thousands of people fell into the Darkness Plane, and not many of them escaped.

“It is the Earth Pistil that can help people break through the laws of nature and become Forbidden Mages,” said Commander Hua pointing to the Earth Fire Pistil on the table.

Councilman Tang, Old He, Li Shou, Jiang Shuihan, and Nanrong Xishan stared at the Earth Fire Pistil in surprise. Even Mo Fan, Mu Bai, and Zhao Manyan seemed perplexed.

“It is the key to unlock the door of the Forbidden Curse. There are not many Forbidden Mages in our country because we used the Earth Pistil we obtained to build cities instead. Although Chairman Shao Zheng has resigned, he was a good leader. It is true that our country needs Forbidden Mages to guard important areas, but the Earth Pistil is needed more importantly to build cities so that more people can have their own homes,” said Commander Hua.

The Earth Pistil was a choice. It could be used to master the Forbidden Curse at the expense of people’s homes.

“So, the Forbidden Mage in our country doesn’t represent power. They represent responsibility! Zhao Jing didn’t want the responsibility. He was greedy for power. He wanted to take away the vitality of a city and use the Earth Fire Pistil for his selfish needs,” explained Commander Hua. “For that matter, I would like to thank the Fanxue Mountain and everything they have sacrificed to protect the Earth Fire Pistil on behalf of the National Army. For everyone from the Fanxue Mountain who fell in the battle, I will personally request for the National Warrior burial ceremony.” Commander Hua directed a military salute.

When the five officials saw the commander expressing gratitude to the Fanxue Mountain, they bowed down respectfully to show their stand as well. If they appeared ungrateful now, they were not far from being made to resign from their posts.

Mu Linsheng stood at the side and watched the six great officials bow in gratitude. He did not know how to react. It was the first time he had received such gratitude and respect from none other than Commander Hua, for that matter. It felt sacred. He could boast about it for a lifetime.

“Commander, you don’t have to do that. We all hope that the country will get through this catastrophe by making concerted efforts,” Mo Fan said.

Commander Hua approached Mo Fan. The other five officials still had their heads lowered in a bow. They didn’t want to anger Commander Hua so they were desperate to prove that they felt sincerely apologetic and grateful.

“Mo Fan, could we talk in private?” asked Commander Hua.

“Of course,” said Mo Fan and turned to the others. “Mu Linsheng, you can continue with the negotiations. I don’t think here will be any more problems.”

“Of course.” Mu Linsheng nodded.

Commander Hua was almost at the door when he turned back and glanced at Mu Bai and Zhao Manyan. “You two can join us, too. I almost underestimated your cultivation.”

Mu Bai and Zhao Manyan followed behind. They were surprised to be noticed and curious to find out what the Commander was going to say to them. Although it was not their first time meeting him, they still felt nervous.

…

On the street, Commander Hua talked to them very casually. Although he was still in his military attire, he did not don his badges. He looked like an ordinary soldier who had returned home to rest and relax.

“What I said inside wasn’t meant for those old dogs,” said Commander Hua. Hearing that made Mo Fan, Mu Bai, and Zhao Manyan happy. It was satisfying to see them scolded like that.

“They won’t be able to step into the Forbidden Curse even if they tried for a lifetime. Even if they had ten Earth Fire Pistil s, they still won’t be able to reach that level,” said Commander Hua. “Those words were meant for you.”

“Commander, you are indeed very wise and considerate. We thought we accidentally fell upon some great secret of cultivation,” said Mo Fan. “Oh… do you want grilled squids? You can get some tasty squids here. I always try some when I have time to visit.”

Mu Bai and Zhao Manyan were embarrassed. How could Mo Fan so casually offer the commander grilled squid?

“Really? Well… I will try some non-spicy ones. I guess a little spicy would be okay, too.” Commander Hua seemed to be torn between the two choices.

Mu Bai and Zhao Manyan were speechless.

The squid was grilled quickly. The owner of the shop actually recognized Mo Fan. He offered an extra skewer to Mo Fan for free. They all sat down by a small coffee shop.

The coffee table was really small. It barely had room for four grown men to sit together.

“Some people are consumed by greed and thirst for power when they become a Forbidden Mage, but some give it their all to protect their country and their people,” explained Commander Hua. “We need the Earth Fire Pistil urgently for now. If everything goes well, it will be used to establish the Forbidden Curse cultivation base for a Fire Mage. Soon, I will be fighting against the Monstrous Claw Emperor that has appeared in the Magic City, so I need a Fire Element Forbidden Mage by my side.”