As Bai Yi entered the castle-like hall, he was greeted by an extravagant setup reminiscent of a noble's banquet.
However, today's attendees were solely from the Difeng family, with no outsiders in sight.
Diane walked in alongside Bai Yi, introducing him to the numerous friendly faces around them. The Difeng family was large, and Mesius appeared to be surrounded by his grandchildren.
Among the gathering were several peers and older relatives of Diane. Jiaguan Difeng, who had escorted Bai Yi, was her sixth uncle.
There were also a couple of notably aged uncles, their lifespans nearing their end as they had yet to break through to gold tier. This was a common situation; in this world, higher ranks made it increasingly difficult to conceive children. As a result, the powerful often expanded their networks, marrying spouses of similar ranks while taking lower-ranked women as concubines.
Children born from these unions typically became the backbone of prominent families, a matter of sheer luck. After all, what if they inherited the talents of their golden parents?
This hierarchy explained the differences between direct descendants and branches. Direct descendants generally had greater potential, often thanks to stronger mothers.
Upon spotting a half-elf uncle, Bai Yi couldn't help but think that Metheus must have had quite the adventurous youth.
Judging by the bald heads among some uncles, they likely indulged in Sabo's infamous potions—exchanging their hair for fleeting vitality.
However, Sabo's potions often came with severe side effects. Bai Yi could sense lingering lust emanating from them, suggesting their desires had spiraled out of control, leading them to lose themselves.
This was why the federal government had ultimately banned many of Sabo's concoctions.
Ninety-nine percent of Sabo's drugs had been outlawed due to their adverse effects—critical attack agents that polluted the spirit, power potions that altered the body, and stealth potions that made certain parts vanish entirely, among others.
Though Sabo provided some warnings about side effects, he often downplayed their severity.
Fortunately, his gold-tier potion had no negative impact. As long as a golden mage consumed it, most adverse effects could be neutralized.
Thus, Sabo had managed to avoid serious repercussions, relying on Dongwu City. As long as he didn't cross specific boundaries within the Federation, he would remain safe.
After exchanging greetings, the banquet commenced.
This gathering was even more lavish than the previous five-million-dollar dinner.
Bai Yi was somewhat taken aback by the Difeng family's enthusiasm, particularly from Diane's father, Sta Difeng, and her mother, Sally Renchu.
Sally, also a member of the talented Renchu family, was one reason for the close ties between Yuan Tang and Helen.
The fact that a branch family could mingle with the Difeng family underscored that talent could outweigh status.
As the banquet began, after a few rounds of drinks, Metheus shifted the conversation towards business.
Seated at the head of the table, with Bai Yi and Diane on his right and Sta and Sally to his left, Metheus smiled.
"I'm here to discuss a few matters with you."
[You drink Tianning wine. Strength +1, Agility +1, Endurance +1.]
"Go ahead," Bai Yi replied, raising his glass in response.
Metheus surveyed the individuals to his left, speaking warmly. "There are three secondary cities connected to Dongwu City: Chaoyang City, Wudu City, and Red Lion City. Currently, Red Lion City is under Koman's management, while the other two are overseen by Tifeng."
"The lords of Chaoyang and Wudu City are in the capital for development. I'd like Dongwu City to take on these two cities as well."
Metheus added with a smile, "As before, you can retain 20% of the cities' income. What do you think?"
Bai Yi's expression tightened slightly. Is the Difeng family's influence truly this vast? The lords of the other two cities were formidable; they could peacefully negotiate the distribution of resources.
However, thoughts of Eric reassured him. For elderly golden-tier individuals, even a 1% increase in the chance to break through to legend would be worth any price.
As for the second-tier city lords at the golden level, strength dictated everything. For the parliament, a gold-tier ranking was insufficient to compete. With adequate compensation, safe abdication became the preferred choice.
Bai Yi considered this and nodded. "Three times. I'll ask the military supply officer to assist. He always has inexhaustible resources."
Metheus accepted the proposal with a smile. "Your changes are commendable. We can anticipate a bright future together. Additionally, due to your contributions to the Federation, the parliament has decided to grant you the right to purchase treasures three times. Will you have time later?"
"Absolutely, I can go anytime." Bai Yi's eyes sparkled. The federal treasury held untold treasures, including artifacts collected by extraordinary beings throughout history, as well as remnants from the New God era.
While this was a purchase, it felt akin to a gift, given the incredibly low prices.
The market price of soul crystal nuclei was often determined by this purchasing authority.
Metheus nodded, though a flicker of hesitation crossed his face. Ultimately, he chose to remain silent, continuing to dine with a smile.
Yet Bai Yi could sense the underlying tension. The parliament seemed unable to resist the allure of Sabo's potent elixirs.
"Madness · Blooming is indeed formidable. The synergy of warfare and individual strength is nearly flawless. How could they not covet such power?"
Even though there were few alchemists within the dawn, they existed—like Sunu, a master of alchemical technology.
There were others too, but their energy levels were generally lower, leading to limited recognition.
However, Metheus remained concerned about the relationship between Tifeng and Bai Yi, ensuring that he emphasized the benefits of Bai Yi's contributions throughout the conversation.
Bai Yi, undeterred, was eager to visit the federal treasury. If it truly contained numerous high-value items, he wouldn't hesitate to exchange some benefits for the wild blooms.
After all, many politicians within the parliament desired the Federation to survive the dark ages.
In major cities, the oppression of federal laws might be more pronounced, and though certain grievances may arise, they would likely not manifest in the cities restructured by the parliament.
With the recent reallocation of cities, nearly the entirety of the Federation's assets now lay under parliamentary control, aside from the four border cities and a handful of secondary ones.
The boundary between public strength and parliamentary authority was becoming increasingly blurred.
While some might act cautiously for the Federation, they would undoubtedly prioritize their family's interests.
These families were intrinsically linked to Tobu City. After all, the economy of Tobu City needed to facilitate trade.
The Federation, as a unified entity, held value for Bai Yi.
Now at the forefront of the Federation, his interests aligned with its strength.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a golden glow, the three to four-hour banquet finally reached its conclusion.
Metheus stood, looking at Bai Yi. "Shall we proceed?"
Bai Yi nodded, glancing at Diane, who appeared content yet composed. "Do you wish to join us?"
Although etiquette might not be strictly observed in the current era, members of powerful families rarely acted rudely. Even Diane, amidst her elders, maintained her decorum.
Diane eagerly replied, "Yes, let's go!"
Bai Yi and Diane followed Metheus out of the hall. The moment they stepped outside, Diane sighed in relief.
"Finally, I'm free!"
"This is your home. Why would you feel less comfortable than me?"
"What about you? How could I ignore all those eyes on me? They may have been silent while eating, but their stares were impossible to disregard!"
"That was indeed a bit excessive."
"A bit? It felt like they were rushing me to marry!" Diane exclaimed, her eyes glimmering with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
As they continued their conversation, a magical wave enveloped them, and Metheus led them toward the center of the city and into a chamber within the parliament hall.
The Federal treasury lay in the basement of the Sword Saint's Residence, the safest location in the Federation. Accessing the treasury didn't require entry; instead, selections were made through a magical projection in this chamber, mirroring the treasures within the vault.
As long as contribution points were paid, a designated individual with parliamentary authority would retrieve the requested items.
Though the process was somewhat cumbersome, it reflected the immense value of the treasury. Few could access it without substantial authority.
When the magical fluctuations peaked, the surrounding scenery shifted dramatically. Light faded momentarily, only to return with a completely transformed environment.
The area was expansive, divided into seven distinct sections: mineral resources, botanical materials, flesh and blood materials, equipment, energy sources, and areas containing mysterious items, likely remnants of ancient gods or artifacts of unknown effects.
Each section radiated an alluring aura, drawing Bai Yi's attention. There was something enticing in every area.
Metheus, unconcerned with the youthful banter, spoke gently. "Select an area infused with spiritual or magical power. The items will manifest within that section, and their respective prices will be displayed."
Bai Yi nodded and decisively chose the mineral resource area.
Suddenly, a dazzling array of precious materials filled his vision, illuminating his surroundings.
While there was only one type of mineral, thousands of species lined the shelves.
Bai Yi recognized many minerals from records, including rare resources from the New God Era that had never surfaced within the Federation's 80,000-kilometer radius.
These were exceedingly valuable, and Bai Yi's eyes fell upon one particular mineral.
[Name: Stone of Desire.
Attribute: Material.
Effect: Crystallization of desire, containing immense power.
Introduction: The ore born of desire may be miraculous.
Price: 1 million contribution points.]
Bai Yi disregarded the price. This item was undeniably epic; with his fully developed evil thoughts, he could easily confirm its potential to create an upper-limit legendary evil thought.
Even if his dark side were to corrode, it would undoubtedly enhance his attributes significantly.
However, within the world of Black Death and Pathogens, he could only suppress the dark side's growth, with no means to strengthen it.
He spotted another appealing stone.
[Name: Divine Blood Stone.
Attribute: Material.
Effect: Blood of the God of War.
Introduction: A remnant of a god's injury.
Price: 3 million contribution points.]
Pausing for a moment, Bai Yi then glanced at a nearby large soul crystal nucleus, hesitating briefly before continuing to explore the other items.
God's blood could yield numerous outcomes when combined with magic, such as divine plants, stones, and pearls.
These items were akin to artifacts, and Bai Yi now had two primary goals: to break through to the golden tier on the bright side and to transform the dark side into evil.
Once his dark side evolved into a divine evil, his combat power would double. If he encountered Charles and Puson again, he would be better equipped to confront them—unless they too had opportunities equal to his.
After thoroughly examining this area, Bai Yi ultimately selected the Divine Blood Stone.
The price was a minor concern; he no longer had to worry about finances. Moreover, the gods' items were priced at 3 million—a value he recognized as reasonable, especially given that ancient god flesh and blood had also been priced similarly.
Determined to explore the other six areas, Bai Yi was truly awed by the abundance of divine artifacts and peculiar treasures.
For instance, Diane wandered over to a mysterious item, but she remained tight-lipped about its nature.
[Name: Shenli Pearl.
Attribute: Unknown.
Effect: Unknown.
Introduction: Contains tremendous power, but its source cannot be identified.
Price: 500,000 contribution points.]
Numerous high-value items were shrouded in mystery. The Federation wasn't omniscient; they could hardly trace many of the gods' artifacts.
Yet, with his panel, Bai Yi could gain insights into these enigmatic offerings.
[Name: Death Pearl.
Attribute: Equipment.
Effect: ???
Introduction: The blood of death—dare you believe that death can bleed?
Price: 100,000 gold coins.]
After experiencing the dawn of existence, the Federation had encountered countless conflicts. Peace was merely a fleeting occurrence.
As the world expanded, the creatures born from that expansion brought about chaos, leading to the ultimate downfall of civilizations.
Bai Yi recalled his performance outside Dongwu City, and his eyes glimmered with determination. He was eager to grow stronger; the high-level wars wouldn't wait for the Sword Saint to perish.
The ancient gods lurked, peering into the world, manipulating events from the shadows. It was essential that no taboos emerged.
After selecting three items, spending nearly 10 million contribution points, Bai Yi exhaled deeply.
Having grasped the value of the federal treasury, it was time to address Metheus's concerns.
With a smile, Bai Yi asked, "Grandpa Metheus, if you have something to discuss, what is the parliament's bottom line?"
(End of this chapter)