Chapter 35: Lupe's Advice

I guess so.

Upon hearing Qiyana's question, Tarin nodded, then placed his hand on Nidalee's shoulder beside him and said:

"The first person I met when I arrived in Ixtal... or rather, the first being I could communicate with was Nidalee."

The Paka jungle cats, as a former Vastaya race, despite their decline due to environmental and bloodline factors, still possess extremely high intelligence and potential. Therefore, I tamed the pack and became its lord.

Hearing Tarin's words, Qiyana nodded thoughtfully. After confirming that the beast horde was completely under Tarin's command, she mustered a little courage and asked, "And what are your plans for the beast horde?"

"Join Ixtal."

Tarin didn't hide his thoughts. Instead, he reached out and touched the Pacarin cat beside him, which had been waiting for Tarin's command to pounce and tear apart its prey—that is, to tear apart Qiyana, who bore the hunting mark—and said:

"The Pacarin cat possesses a level of intelligence and ability that is far more reliable than that of canines."

The social nature of the Pacarin cat and the inherited memories from the ancient Vastaya people also give it a family-like instinct in its bloodline.

I believe that in this turbulent era to come, the people of Ixtal will not dislike the presence of Pakarin cats as family members.

Upon hearing Tarin's words, Qiyana stared at the Pakarin cat for quite a while.

Whether they were adults, teenagers, or children, they all watched for quite a while.

He then said with deep agreement, "If they truly possess intelligence far surpassing that of dogs, as you say... then they would indeed be the Isytars' best companions. Well, even an inseparable part of them!"

Even with Qiyana's personality, it would be difficult for her to lie and say anything bad about Pakari.

As a large feline, an adult Pacarin cat may not be terrifying, but it is certainly majestic in appearance.

Especially some well-developed Pacarin cats, such as Nidalee—in her beast form, although she is a feline, her tail tip will grow bone spurs that look like elemental ore.

The unique elegance of felines makes them truly pleasing to the eye even with their enormous size.

Not to mention the rocky facial armor that forms on the face after adulthood.

Kiana could even imagine how extravagant the noble young masters and ladies of Ixtal, and the high-ranking officials, would spend to ensure their "partner" had a magnificent jeweled mask if the Pakarin cat were recognized by Ixtal as its national animal.

Wherever there are humans, there is humanity.

Just like the pet beauty and entertainment industries that sprang up elsewhere in Runeterra to cater to the wealthy and powerful, once Pakarin cats truly become the mainstream pets of Ixtal, economically, this translates to a massive amount of Soss tax revenue.

In terms of culture and supporters... this is enough to make every Pacarin cat owner inclined to support Chiana, who brought the Pacarin cat, when faced with issues concerning the future direction of the country.

And young Pacarin cats are even more... It can only be said that felines are born with a subtle charm and cuteness.

Even Qiyana would find it hard to lie and say those furry little things are ugly.

Adorable as a child, yet possessing both elegance and domineering presence as an adult. They also exhibit social characteristics, a strong sense of family, and unwavering loyalty to their mates, family members, and the lord of the pack...

Qiyana quickly realized what this meant.

"I'd be happy to help."

As she said this, Qiyana also looked at Tarin, then slightly looked away and said:

"So, what do you need me to do? Also, when you were talking about the Pakarin cats, you seemed quite interested in the girl next to you? Is she also connected to the Pakarin cat pack?"

"She was the previous leader of the beast horde."

Tallinn explained succinctly.

Upon hearing Tarin's words, Qiyana looked at Nidalee with some surprise.

"The previous leader of the pack... does that mean you were also a shapeshifter?"

Nidalee reacted indifferently to this, merely glancing at Qiyana and humming in response before turning her attention back to Tarin.

Seeing Nidalee's attitude, Qiyana wasn't angry. She nodded thoughtfully and said:

"It would be very useful if the Paka Jungle Cat could become part of Ixtal. But more importantly, I think we should discuss what you plan to do—or rather, what we should do."

Qiyana turned her gaze to Lupe beside her.

Lupe simply nodded like a senior colleague, then led the two to a long table to sit down.

After taking his seat, Tallinn didn't hold back any longer. Instead, he pulled over the blackboard that Lupe and the others had prepared and brought it to the table. Then, he spoke succinctly:

"The main components of Ixtal can be divided into four main groups."

Tarin said, "The royal family of Yuen, Yuentar, the common people of Ixtal, and the true lords and protectors of Ixtal, Skana."

Upon hearing Tarin's words, especially when she heard Skarner's name, Qiyana's eyelids twitched almost imperceptibly. However, seeing Tarin standing there, she simply suppressed her confusion and didn't say anything more.

In response, Tarin said, "Most members of the Yuen royal family are conservatives who believe that maintaining the status quo is sufficient. But you, Qiyana, are an exception, which is why I want to get in touch with you and have high hopes for you."

"That's only natural," Qiyana replied.

"Because my sisters are all boring mediocre people."

"Perhaps." Tarin didn't comment much on Qiyana's family situation, but continued:

"Then there is the Yuntar. This group is quite special, one of the few, who truly understand the truth about Ixtal and know what the outside world has become."

"Within this group, there are also conservatives and radicals. The former are mostly older, and their mental and physical condition makes them more inclined to conservative policies, allowing Ishtar to maintain the status quo."

The latter are mostly young former Yuente apprentices who have only recently become Yuente.

Their understanding is still haunted by the awe they felt upon first encountering outside civilization during the Vidarian Trials. And these young, energetic, and driven individuals are precisely the kind of people we must strive to win over.

Upon hearing Tarin's words, Qiyana nodded thoughtfully, then said, "The young Yuntar... is indeed someone I overlooked before."

"And those apprentices of the Yu'en Academy who are about to undergo their assessments."

Tallinn reminded:

"They embarked on the Vidalian Trials with great enthusiasm, but suddenly learned that the outside world was completely different from the post-apocalyptic wasteland they had previously known. This shock to their minds shook them, who had long cultivated under conservatism, and thus they temporarily became confused and neutral."

"This is a valuable window of opportunity. If used properly, it can help discover many capable pioneers and like-minded individuals."

Upon hearing this, Qiyana nodded thoughtfully.

On the contrary, Lupe, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but sigh after hearing Tallinn's idea.

This caught the attention of Tarin and Qiyana.

In response, Lu Pei pursed her lips, then said with some complicated emotion:

"I... when I was still Yuntar, I was also a member of the conservatives. Yes, I believe the two esteemed lords can see that."

Upon hearing this, Tarin nodded in understanding, while Qiyana remained calm and noncommittal.

Ultimately, Qiyana didn't think much of Lupe...

An old, incompetent former Yuntar who dragged his family into the abyss, lost power, lacked the spirit and ability to resist, and was completely bound by the ancient laws of Ixtal.

Qiana was even more interested in her sister Lune, who had started the rebellion, than Lupe.

Unfortunately, Qiyana's arrogance means she won't cast much light on losers.

After all… Lupe's knowledge system, while profound for ordinary people, was… for Qiyana…

The axioms of the earth and rocks happen to be one of the primordial axioms that Qiyana knows best.

Seemingly sensing the message conveyed in Tarin and Qiyana's gazes, Lupe spoke after a brief silence:

"The Yuntars have claimed for generations that beyond the Green Wall of Ixtal is a post-apocalyptic wasteland, because the truth of this world cannot be simply explained or articulated."

This is especially true for Yuntar, who has the power to influence the fate of a city-state. As the ruler of this city-state, Yuntar must see things for himself, and he must have enough wisdom to set aside his initial reaction and gain the final understanding.

Those who are overwhelmed by these truths and lose their minds, unable to maintain their mental peace, and controlled by their emotions...

They are not qualified to become a Yuntar either.

"So you selected a bunch of pedantic fools who don't even know what ambition is to become Yuntar?"

Qiyana sneered, "How ridiculous."

"Sigh..." Lupe could only sigh.

In the past, Lupe would certainly have been the strongest opponent of Chiana and Tarlin's series of plans.

Because Lupe is the kind of person Tarlin described, whose body and mind no longer support having any further ideas.

But now... the situation is different.

Lupe could sense that his time was running out.

Some powerful Yuntars, nourished by elemental magic, might live for over a hundred years, but that's about it—

Although Runeterra is a world of magic, the power to grant immortality is extremely rare. Even the High Elementals of Ixtal have lifespans not much different from ordinary people.

At the same time, most forms of immortality represent some unknown curse.

However, none of this has anything to do with Lupe.

Lupe's current thoughts are very simple—

If she cannot bring her family back to Ixokeng, or even back to the elemental towers where the Yuntars teach, in the last ten years of her life, or even less, then without the resources for teaching and the inheritance of knowledge, her family may truly fade into obscurity in this border village and be forgotten by people.

It was precisely because of this urgency that, although Lupe mentally agreed with the conservatism of the Yuntars, he did not hesitate in the slightest when it came to action.

Then, Lupe added, "If that's the case, perhaps Mr. Tarlin could apply to undergo the Vidarion Trials."

"Um?"

Upon hearing this, Tarin and Qiyana both turned their gazes toward Lupe.

This was something Tallinn had never imagined.

Thinking it over, Tallinn asked, "Is it feasible?"

"OK."

Lupe nodded and said:

"The trials of the Vidarion are completely open to the public. Unless one has committed an unforgivable crime, even commoners and slaves can have the opportunity to undergo the Vidarion trials as long as they pass the relevant exams and become members of Yuntar after passing the trials."

Upon hearing this, Tallinn frowned slightly, then asked, "When are the relevant exams usually held?"

"It begins every spring, once a quarter, and continues for three years."

Lupe replied—

Clearly, this is her experience as a Yuntar.

Although several decades have passed, given Ixtal's conservative nature, it is estimated that not much has changed.

"There's not enough time," Tallinn shook his head.

"After completing the founding of Ixtal, I may not stay here for long, because there are many other city-states in Runeterra hiding some unknown disasters that I cannot turn a blind eye to."

"..." Upon hearing this, Lupe fell silent for a moment, then looked at Qiyana beside him and said, "Then we can only rely on Qiyana Alai's recommendation."

Upon hearing Lupe's words, Qiyana raised an eyebrow and said, "Is there anything else I need to do?"

"Yes," Lupe nodded and said.

"To prevent the loss of talent, Yuntar and the Yun royal family can make recommendations in their own name."

However, unlike examinations, this kind of recommendation needs to be considered by the Yuntars to determine whether the recommended person possesses genuine talent.

"And based on the axioms of life that Mr. Tarlin possesses... I think it wouldn't be difficult to pass the considerations of the Yuental people."

Upon hearing Lupe's words, Qiyana nodded thoughtfully, then looked at Lupe and teased her with a smile:

"Not bad, Lupe. I thought you were a stubborn and conservative Yuen... but it seems you're quite quick-witted."

Upon hearing this, Lu Pei's face also showed bitterness, and then he said with a wry smile, "When people are in dire straits, their minds always become more active than usual..."

Qiyana didn't seem to care, and simply smiled as she looked at Tarin beside her, saying:

"So, before making the recommendation, what role should I assign you?"