A light curtain flickered into existence on the wall of Bai Yi's laboratory, revealing his figure on a newly added technological screen. The congressmen paused, glancing over, but quickly resumed their discussions.
Bai Yi was surprised to find that the proposal centered on whether the capital's top talents should allow warriors and assassins to undergo training. Currently, there were six top geniuses in the capital: four were mages, while two were melee specialists—the Glorious Assassin and the Great Swordsman.
The mages included two from the Difeng family, all the mages from the Helen family, and Guan Xin, a fire mage. Warriors and assassins primarily relied on their physical prowess, and trials of life and death often stimulated their potential. Perhaps it was Lady Night's influence that finally made the congressmen recognize the urgency of the situation. In structured training, legal professions tended to progress much faster than physical ones.
For instance, Helen Renchu was a 24-year-old level 75 all-round mage, and Yuantang Difeng was a level 70 mage still under 30. Even Guan Xin, who had lost to Bai Yi, was a 20-year-old level 65 fire mage. The primary advancements for mages came from cultivating magic power and accumulating knowledge, making them the fastest-growing group in these peaceful times.
Listening quietly, Bai Yi sensed this proposal would likely be dismissed. The Lot and Yongyi families were hesitant to take risks; even with Huang Jin in power, they felt insecure under the Sword Saint's protection.
He observed that this session was particularly crowded, with 23 parliamentarians present along with numerous lords from important cities. Half the attendees were absorbed in magical projections or technological videos, including Heddinger.
The debate had evolved into a clash between Heddinger, an Honor Councillor without a family, and the Lot and Yongyi families. The argument was reminiscent of a critical opportunity: one path offered a slow but certain ascent, while the other promised a quick rise with uncertain outcomes. As long as the gods remained absent, it was likely that the two top geniuses would stay in the capital.
As the heated discussion began to wane, Bai Yi knocked on the test bench.
Boom, boom, boom!
The sudden noise captured everyone's attention.
"Please, pause the arguments," Bai Yi said calmly. "Let me share my thoughts. I have a few points to make."
He extended his hand, forming words with his mental power. As the congressmen opened their mouths to respond, Bai Yi interjected, "I've established a connection with the Star Federation. They have sent me vital technologies for Dawn, which I will share with you now."
As soon as he spoke, those poised to speak fell silent, and the prominent figures straightened in their seats, their eyes fixed on Bai Yi with keen interest.
"You mean the Star Federation that manufactures the city defense mecha?" Heddinger asked, surprise evident in his tone.
He had been in Dongwu City but had heard nothing about this development. While the wonders occasionally mentioned the other two federations, the information was fragmented. Most people thought there were only two federations: Dawn and Star.
Bai Yi nodded, maintaining his calm demeanor. "They provided me with six technologies: the manufacturing method for city defense armor, a concept for a more advanced version, a forbidden spell of natural elements, and two stable teleportation arrays."
"Among them are two legends—an alchemist and a wizard. The rest may not be useful to you. After this meeting, we should extend the teleportation array from the capital to the border towns. This is quite urgent."
"This will significantly enhance the Federation's combat and defense capabilities, making legion support a reality."
He paused, retrieving a photo for reference. Both the alchemical and magic teleportation arrays required a crucial component: the time-space stone! While these stones were scarce in the Federation, he recalled a copy containing numerous deposits—this had been a primary resource for players creating the Apocalypse Curtain. However, that copy had yet to manifest, so he would need to search for it.
"The materials required are precious, so we'll need to charge a fee for using the teleportation array during peacetime. Once we implement fees, it will become a business venture."
Bai Yi smiled, raising his head. "Since this is a business, I propose a 20% cut of profits for any company that builds the teleportation array. Does that sound agreeable?"
"Absolutely. Leave it to our Difeng family," an elder voice chimed in. Mithras smiled. "I can offer 30%."
The Coman family added, "With Sunu on board, do you have any objections to the alchemical teleportation array? I'll also offer 30%."
The other families exchanged displeased glances at the two elders but remained silent. After all, the Difeng family's relationship with Bai Yi was unique, and Sunu, now a level 65 master of alchemy, was an asset.
Moreover, the Coman family had recently risen to prominence, becoming the second richest family in the Federation. Competing on price was futile, so they chose to remain quiet.
Bai Yi grinned. "Then it's settled. I'll give the forbidden spell to Mr. Heddinger. If you need it, you can approach him."
There would be no charge for this; even those at the gold level might struggle to learn forbidden spells, let alone cast them. Even ordinary legends hesitated to attempt it, as it was a power bordering on divine.
However, Bai Yi calculated that Helen could control this forbidden spell, given her extraordinary level of 75 at just 24 years old.
"Finally, do any of you have information to share or questions to ask?" Bai Yi inquired.
He instructed the guards to prepare the God's Showcase for a day later. Though these experienced individuals wouldn't conceal information, they likely had secrets they were reluctant to divulge. If they could share anything useful, it would be a boon.
The head of the Renchu family smiled and asked, "Didn't the Lord of Dongwu City mention six pieces of knowledge? Only five have been revealed. What about the sixth?"
Bai Yi pondered briefly before responding, "Arcane—a new magic system. Let me study it first, and I'll share my findings once I understand it better."
He scanned the room, noting that many seemed reluctant to share their insights, and chose to remain silent.
The Sword Master had described the Star Federation from four hundred years ago, and to be honest, there was nothing here that wasn't already available there. If they transmitted less significant information, it would feel embarrassing.
Bai Yi turned to the Yongyi and Hull families, the two elven houses. "I'd like to request a batch of Trees of Life. Can you arrange this? Additionally, I need the planting, cultivation, and reproduction methods for the Trees of Life."
The Hel family had shown some dissatisfaction when Bai Yi became the lord of Dongwu City, but after he uncovered two lost elven inheritances—the Source of Life and the Sigh of Life—their attitude shifted dramatically.
"Okay, five days at most," Dili Heer hesitated but eventually stated, "Ten."
Bai Yi nodded, satisfied. "That will suffice."
He addressed the other members again. "You may continue. I will begin translating the knowledge from the Star Federation now."
With that, Bai Yi cut off the communication and decided to focus on the translations before addressing other matters.
Knock, knock, knock.
He sensed a knock on the door and replied calmly, "Come in."
Yue Fang, whose body was more mechanized, entered alongside Barto. Yue Fang, only sixteen, exuded confidence and respect, having found his path in the ocean of knowledge. His initial caution had faded as he embraced order.
Barto, younger at fourteen, displayed respect mixed with a hint of fear—common among those who had risen from humble beginnings after witnessing too much darkness.
Bai Yi considered this and summoned a swarm of gold-eating insects to corrode the left wall of the laboratory. As the stone vanished, the two rooms connected, creating a spacious area.
"You'll conduct experiments over there from now on. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me when I'm available. You can also observe my experiments; I'll do my best to explain, though it may be advanced for you."
As Bai Yi spoke, the gold-eating insects retracted, disappearing into the demon dimension.
The two bowed slightly, then turned to head toward the designated laboratory. They exchanged a look of understanding, and Yue Fang asked, "Lord City Lord..."
Just as they opened their mouths, the door swung open, and the Armament Department began moving in alchemical equipment, placing it around the room.
Yue Fang fell silent, eagerly selecting his experimental tools. Barto's fear diminished as he realized the city lord was gentler than he had anticipated.
Bai Yi ignored their reactions and swiftly resumed his translations. He prioritized the two teleportation arrays and the forbidden spells, as these were essential to share. Next came the two city defense mechas, followed by the arcane system. He estimated that the translations would take about a week to complete.
As he immersed himself in the work, he noted the recent tranquility in Shia, possibly due to the overwhelming power of the gods.
After a day without being summoned, Wei Lu entered the treasury of the Whispering Legion. He asked questions that no one knew the answers to, but after finishing, he exited the city with a serious expression, seemingly ready to fulfill the task assigned by the God's Showcase.
After Bai Yi delivered the teleportation arrays and forbidden spells to the three council members, the entire Dawn began to mobilize.
The time-space stone had become a strategic resource for Dawn. This once-available material on the black market was now strictly regulated, prohibited even from being sold in that context.
Everyone understood the significance of the teleportation arrays.
In just a few days, construction of a teleportation array began, centered around the capital.
Although stable teleportation arrays had limitations, the distance depended on the availability of time-space stones. A direct teleportation array was necessary between the capital and the four border cities, followed by connections among those cities to facilitate mutual support.
Subsequent arrays would be established for the heavy cities and border towns, eventually expanding to other areas.
These teleportation arrays utilized magical technology from the Difeng family, as the technological arrays were more advanced.
Before Sunu fully mastered the knowledge, he could only watch as the Difeng family secured the initial teleportation rights for these cities.
Of course, the technological teleportation arrays had advantages as well. While their one-way transmission distance was shorter than that of magical arrays, they offered greater stability and connection flexibility. A city needed only one teleportation array, allowing individuals to choose their destination freely once they arrived.
In contrast, magical teleportation arrays were more volatile, with higher requirements for use. If the range exceeded 10,000 kilometers, individuals below the bronze level would experience negative effects.
In essence, one option was direct and fast but expensive, while the other, slower and requiring multiple transfers, was stable and accessible to ordinary citizens.
Bai Yi found that the translation process took even less time than anticipated. Some alchemical inscriptions could be translated automatically through Zero's mark. Except for three pieces of knowledge requiring manual copying, he allowed Zero to record the rest for easy access later.
In just five days, all the knowledge was translated. The most surprising revelation was the arcane system.
This arcane seemed akin to the concepts in Blue Star literary works, leveraging knowledge to access the extraordinary and ultimately achieving greatness through scholarly power.
This knowledge was revolutionary, as it had low qualification requirements. Top scholars, previously limited to fields like history, could potentially create a new system using their expertise.
Before Bai Yi could delve further into his research, a prompt lit up on his panel:
[Job tasks have been completed. Rewards are being converted.]
[Task: Boss's Ambition. (Completed)]
Task Features: Position Task.
Mission Description: Obtain at least one promotion and greater rights within the specified time.
Fixed Rewards: Boss Expertise × 1, Legendary Degree × 5, Skill Points × 10, Free Attribute Points × 10.
Bonus: Calculating your power and authority.
Position: Lord of Dongwu Castle.
During your tenure as city lord, Dongwu City's population increased by 107%, its economy by 1030%, military strength by 700%, and potential by 300%.
The power of the Lord of Dongwu City increased by 78%.
Additional rewards are being converted and merged.
You have obtained: Boss Expertise × 1, Skill Points × 30, Legendary Degree × 5, Special Skill Points × 3, Free Attribute Points × 30, Random Eight-Star Title × 1, Random Rewards × 2, Experience Value +8 million.
Rewards have been issued.
Mission Evaluation: You are now the most difficult boss. For players, you are a world-class boss!
[You have upgraded. Your level has reached level 62.]
[Congratulations on breaking through to the golden median.]
(End of this chapter)