The term "Grandpa" elicited an amused reaction from Metheus, who had been deep in thought. The parliament found itself in a bind, wanting what Bai Yi possessed while hesitating due to his demonstrated power.
After all, maintaining a positive relationship with Bai Yi was crucial for the parliament, making it wise for Metheus to explore this power that could potentially deter any threats to the Federation.
"What's the bottom line?" Diane asked, her curiosity piqued.
She had overheard discussions while cooking and wondered if she had missed something significant.
"Did you see the battle in Tobu City?" Bai Yi inquired gently.
"Of course! I was amazed by your strength!" Diane replied, her eyes shining with admiration. Once reliant on others, she now found herself in a position of power.
"The transformation during the battle was impressive, and the Federation is interested in it. Let Grandpa Metheus handle the details," Bai Yi said, not hiding his intentions from Diane. Although she might not be the sharpest, he appreciated her growth.
Diane nodded, realization dawning upon her. "Then why didn't you just say so?"
"It's a bit complicated. I'll explain later." Bai Yi glanced at Metheus, who was observing the exchange with interest.
"How much do you want?" Metheus asked with a smile, clearly enjoying the newfound camaraderie.
Given their familial ties, it was only natural for Metheus to seek a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Bai Yi thought for a moment before extending his hand. "Five items."
Metheus knew that within those items lay epic weapons, evidenced by the equipment from the [Junlin]. The value of eight such pieces was substantial.
After careful consideration, Metheus nodded. "That's acceptable, but you can't choose all epic equipment."
"I'm not interested in that," Bai Yi replied quickly. He had skimmed through the items and found little that piqued his interest.
He already possessed exclusive weapons on his dark side and could craft weapons on the bright side, significantly diminishing his need for conventional equipment.
What he truly sought were high-order materials—having more would never be a burden.
With five more, he wouldn't have to search for materials to transform the [Divine Bone]. After all, acquiring artifacts from the gods was challenging, and he needed to expedite his progress.
Once he made his selections, the surrounding scenery faded. As the three of them exited, Bai Yi produced the long-prepared [Madness · Blooming].
Metheus paused to accept it. "Someone will deliver the goods in about ten minutes. Please wait."
He glanced at Bai Yi with a mix of emotions but chose not to elaborate, turning his attention back to Diane. "Don't forget what you promised me. Now, let's get to it."
Looking at the sky, he hesitated. "In three days, I'll enter seclusion."
Diane nodded, a hint of frustration in her voice. "I know, I know! I didn't object."
Metheus nodded at Bai Yi, and with a flash of spatial energy, he vanished.
Bai Yi, intrigued, turned to Diane. "What did you promise him? What's happening?"
Diane beamed with pride. "You mentioned reform, right? I consulted with my brother and grandfather, and gradually connected with other allies to initiate the Federation's reform."
She added with a hint of dissatisfaction, "But Grandpa's condition for supporting me is that my seclusion time will double in the future. I used to emerge after leveling up once, but now it's twice. I can only cancel this double seclusion once I reach legend status."
Bai Yi found her determination both amusing and touching. He had only felt such unconditional support from two people: Diane and Luo Ning. While Luo Ning's attachment was evident, Diane's was rooted in affection.
Bai Yi couldn't help but kiss Diane gently. "You're not stupid; this is good."
Diane blushed and looked taken aback. Though the parliament hall was usually empty, she didn't resist Bai Yi's closeness.
Quickly recovering, she retorted, "What's stupid about it? I united so many forces to push for the Federation's reform!"
"Alright, you're the smartest," Bai Yi replied with a smile.
"Not stupid!" Diane rolled her eyes. "When did you discuss the purchase of your transformation knowledge?"
"No need for discussion," Bai Yi said as they settled on the lion statue outside the conference hall.
With the garrison soldiers watching them with curious expressions, he explained, "Once the Federation sees this transformation, they'll definitely want it. This special transformation for warfare can empower the Federation."
"I can't refuse what's at stake. Exchanging knowledge is the best course of action."
Diane contemplated this, sensing a deeper implication but feeling that it was not as straightforward as it seemed.
"Don't dwell on it for now. If you want to understand more, I'll gather some books for you. You'll learn a lot," Bai Yi promised gently, caressing Diane's face.
Diane hesitated, then asked, "Well, there are no exams, right?"
Bai Yi chuckled, slightly exasperated. "Just read when you have time. If you don't want to, don't. There are no exams."
Diane eagerly nodded. "That's perfect!"
As Bai Yi contemplated organizing political information, he suddenly recalled something. "I'll create an AI assistant for you. Despite being a mage, having an AI will be invaluable. Also, the transformation I promised you last time is now complete."
Diane's eyes lit up. "Really? I've been looking forward to it! I caught a bone dragon on my plane, and I want you to help me transform it. It will look amazing!"
"That's not a problem."
"I also captured witches and demons. Their current state is golden, but they're just skeletons looking rather unattractive. Please make them look more impressive. And I want a mechanical skeleton warrior! Can you do that?"
"Hold on, the witch can't be transformed. What level is the bone dragon?" Bai Yi interrupted, feeling a bit exasperated.
"Gold, of course! What's the point of catching it if it's not gold?" Diane replied matter-of-factly.
Bai Yi couldn't help but twitch at the corners of his mouth. While Bolton's transformation was also at the gold level, even with full power, it couldn't compete with the golden bone dragon.
And as for the witches and demons—casters didn't need mechanical transformations.
"You don't need to say anything. When I get in, you can summon everything possible. I'll help you change it. The goal of transformation is strength, not just aesthetics."
"Isn't there a transformation that can be both beautiful and powerful?" Diane asked curiously.
"Yes, they all look great." Bai Yi noticed a golden subordinate approaching him with a clear objective.
Bai Yi took Diane's hand and jumped off the lion statue, walking toward the soldier.
There was little communication as he retrieved the space ring and checked the eight treasures. After confirming everything was in order, a smile spread across Bai Yi's face.
These items were worth more than 20 million contribution points. If auctioned, they could fetch even higher prices—at least three pieces, assuming a wealthy buyer emerged.
Bai Yi produced a dark bead from the collection and handed it to Diane.
"This is the God of Death's essence. The supreme god of the undead is the God of Death. While the bonus for undead mages isn't particularly high, the potential remains."
Although he was uncertain about the effects of the Death Pearl, he knew that undead mages held tremendous potential and power over various spells.
Diane appeared stunned, instinctively asking, "How did you acquire this?"
"I noticed you were eyeing it, so I bought it," Bai Yi replied with a smile. "And... happy birthday!"
Diane's eyes widened in realization as she calculated the timing. The war had indeed ended just in time for her birthday.
She looked at the bead with mixed emotions before turning her gaze to Bai Yi. Suddenly, she reached out and hugged him, listening to his heartbeat. "I love it."
Bai Yi embraced her back, whispering, "Me too."
Diane was taken aback, her eyes sparkling. "Are you talking about the bead or me?"
Bai Yi lowered his head, not answering, yet his silence spoke volumes.
Bai Yi spent a total of seven days in the capital, accompanying Diane.
The environment at the Difeng household was astonishing; it was essentially an entire plane dedicated to the dead.
This plane, ravaged by the world of the dead, was a breeding ground for new spirits, making it an ideal sanctuary for undead mages.
Despite the scarcity of spiritual bodies, it was manageable. The Difeng family, known for their soul business, would not lack for spiritual energy.
The transformations Diane requested were primarily for skeletons and low-level undead. Over the course of seven days, Bai Yi modified only a hundred of them.
This wasn't due to a lack of willingness on Bai Yi's part, but because it simply wasn't necessary.
The fighting style of undead mages contrasted sharply with that of alchemists. The same-level bone dragon, bolstered by Diane's support, could easily overpower the mechanical dragon Bolton.
As for witches and demons—casters didn't require mechanical enhancements for their abilities.
Bai Yi reassured Diane, "When I get in, you can summon all that you want. I'll assist with the transformations. The aim of transformation is strength, not just appearance."
"Isn't there a transformation that can be both powerful and beautiful?" Diane asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes, they can all be striking." Bai Yi noticed a golden subordinate approaching, clearly with intent.
Bai Yi led Diane toward the soldier, his mind racing with thoughts of their journey ahead.
As he prepared for the next steps, the anticipation of what lay ahead filled the air.
(End of this chapter)