Luo Ning's eyes sparkled with excitement. Despite the midday sun streaming in, stars began to swirl around the cards in her hand, glowing brightly with a celestial energy.
As the purple aura spread, a golden glow emerged in her pupils, radiating a sense of the sacred and the transcendent.
With ease, she opened her movements, revealing twelve cards suspended in front of her, arranged in a unique sequence. Starlight shimmered on the first card, connecting all twelve with a radiant purple glow.
Each card bore intricate patterns that formed an enigmatic shape.
Luo Ning extended her hand, and the designs on the twelve cards shifted rapidly, eventually coalescing into something indistinct.
With a surge of enthusiasm, she reached for the first card on the left, which glowed with golden light and flew into her palm.
The pattern on the card resembled a cryptic code, drawing surprised looks from both Luo Ning and Elsha as they glanced at Bai Yi.
Before Bai Yi could inquire, Luo Ning exclaimed, "Boss, your power has multiplied tenfold! You can't peek at this. Look, there's nothing visible on it!"
As she spoke, the golden light in her eyes intensified, fixated on the top of Bai Yi's head. After a brief moment of concentration, she murmured, "No, that fierce presence is gone."
Bai Yi wasn't surprised. Given the significance of what a saint represented, the implications of his status were substantial.
As the first saint of this era, he had inherited much of the saintly fortune. If Luo Ning could see everything clearly, the saintly collective would likely not withstand an event akin to a cosmic explosion.
According to the information available about saints, even the God of Fate might struggle to alter such a profound destiny.
However, Bai Yi felt a pang of regret. During the city defense battle, he had activated [Abandoned Domain: Soul] once, sensing a malicious gaze lingering upon him.
The creatures within that domain had not accepted him as their master. He had initially hoped that Luo Ning could assist him with this issue, but now it seemed that opportunity had slipped away.
Moreover, the possibility of Luo Ning predicting the inheritance he sought appeared unlikely.
While the lucky draw still influenced his fate, Bai Yi realized that bestowing 100,000 gold coins could dramatically impact someone's life.
A fortune teller might not foresee the God himself, but they could certainly predict that a city would be razed by an unpredictable deity.
The disparity in their futures was glaring.
There's a well-known saying among fortune tellers: if a city's inhabitants suddenly lose their future, it's best to leave immediately. Trying to alter a fate beyond one's control will only ensnare you within it.
This notion stemmed from the ancient god era, where a fortune teller predicted doom for a kingdom, and after their departure, a god descended and destroyed it.
Witnessing the rise and fall of kingdoms, the fortune teller's words have echoed through time.
"Just like last time, let's transfer this. It should be fine to glimpse the fate of the waitstaff."
Bai Yi mused that perhaps in three years, he could use a similar method to foresee the inheritance of the saint.
"Alright," Luo Ning replied, tucking the card into Elsa's arms. "Master, this is for you. That knowledge is incredibly valuable."
Elsa blinked in surprise, a sense of relief washing over her. "But this is what I found for you!"
"No, I only need a crystal ball. I love my crystal ball! Boss, let's go!" Luo Ning interrupted, grabbing Bai Yi and rushing outside.
Elsa stared at the card she received from the legendary fortune teller's cemetery.
The trials set by legendary fortune tellers to choose their inheritors were perilous. Even as the strongest diviner at dawn, Elsa had barely passed all the challenges.
After a moment of contemplation, a smile crept onto her face. "Oh well, it will be hers when I'm gone."
She tucked the cards away and gazed at the Tree of Life outside. "The changes are truly remarkable."
"Boss, you're really unlucky," Luo Ning remarked five hours later, squinting at the sun overhead and stifling a yawn.
This time was even more exaggerated than before. The messenger before them transitioned from anxiousness to excitement, then confusion, and finally to silence. The power of fate remained unchanged.
In Luo Ning's eyes, if this truly was a random reward, the messenger wouldn't even have a thousand gold coins, rendering the reward insignificant to Bai Yi.
Bai Yi felt a bit helpless. His time was precious, yet he found himself waiting for a random reward. Would he really draw a gold coin?
But the potion that alters luck came to mind. He planned to try it after the lottery; if it could boost his luck, that would be ideal. If not, he would simply have to accept it.
Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Luo Ning suddenly turned her head, staring intently at the Tree of Life.
"Boss brother," she said, her brow furrowing as she hesitated to voice her thoughts.
Bai Yi followed her gaze but saw nothing. "What's wrong?"
After a moment of contemplation, Luo Ning shook her head. "I thought I saw Sister Erin's inheritance test approaching, but it seems I was mistaken."
At that moment, Erin leaped down from the Tree of Life, having enjoyed a refreshing nap in its branches—a favorite pastime among the elves.
Feeling an unfamiliar gaze, she turned and spotted Bai Yi, instinctively shrinking back before darting into her room.
The nap had ended, and it was time for homework.
Bai Yi wondered aloud, "What kind of trial is she undergoing? Could it be linked to a small world?"
"How did you know, Boss?" Luo Ning's eyes widened in disbelief.
Bai Yi shrugged. Having experienced two small worlds and ventured into the saint inheritance space, he had developed a sensitivity to such matters. He couldn't shake the feeling that a confrontation with Charles and Pusheng was imminent.
"I just guessed." Bai Yi felt a bit exasperated. If there were any remnants of this disappearing profession, they would likely be found in small worlds formed either spontaneously or through professional endeavors.
"You're right, but I only saw a vague figure coming to take Sister Erin away. I foresaw an entrance but couldn't see anything more."
Luo Ning appeared disheartened. "I feel like I'm losing my touch. I can't seem to see as many futures as before; it's as if everything has changed."
"That's already impressive," Bai Yi reassured her, gently ruffling her hair.
"The God of Fate, with all his power, can't alter his own demise, can he? And you're not a god; you're the most talented fortune teller here!"
Luo Ning's expression brightened, her mood lifting as Bai Yi's words encouraged her. "I'm not that powerful, though."
As she spoke, her demeanor changed. "Boss, look!"
[You have activated a random reward.]
[You have received the Stone of the Saint × 1.]
[Name: The Stone of the Saint.
Attribute: Inheritance.
Effect: Choose one of the saint's powers left within the stone.
Usage Requirements: Saint.
Introduction: Saints are ever-changing; this may be a transaction, but it can also be a gift.]
Bai Yi paused, slightly disappointed that it wasn't an awakening specialty, but he couldn't complain too much.
The value of this item was considerable. The power left by a saint—be it knowledge, strength, or anything else—held immense worth.
As evidenced by the [Star Sea Battleship], it represented a warship capable of traversing the starry sea, undeniably god-like in nature.
"How is it?" Luo Ning asked, her eyes filled with anticipation.
"Excellent! Truly befitting the best fortune teller in the Federation." Bai Yi praised, tossing a dawn badge to a nearby waiter.
The startled waiter caught it, bowing repeatedly in gratitude before sprinting away, cheering as he did. His excitement drew the envious gazes of those around him.
After all, everyone had a tendency to flaunt their success. The previous three waiters had already shared news of this hidden reward.
Now, the waitstaff were particularly attentive to Luo Ning, their enthusiasm reaching new heights.
Luo Ning blushed slightly, replying shyly, "I wish I could help the boss's brother."
Though she was still adjusting to such direct praise, her eyes gleamed with happiness.
Bai Yi considered the stone in his possession. He recalled the suit he wore, which granted a charm value of +50 and featured exquisite effects. However, for Bai Yi, it felt somewhat lackluster.
While it was a legendary item, it didn't compare to the curse resistance offered by his epidemic doctor set.
His interest in charm value was low. It would be better to auction it off or place it in the merit store to entice players or legion warriors.
He knew well that the special effects of this attire would captivate players.
Players were drawn to beautiful items, especially with its effect:
[Destined Protagonist: Increases your charm value by 30% for a brief period, attracting surrounding light that can be controlled for 30 seconds. Cooldown: 10 minutes.]
With such an effect, this equipment could easily fetch ten times its value in the eyes of players.
The light could distort perception. Bai Yi tested it, and the surrounding light warped, forming a colorful Oriental dragon around him, allowing him to conjure multiple dragons within the 30-second timeframe.
In battles of his caliber, such adornments held little value. Who could truly discern such illusions amidst the chaos of combat?
However, players would find it irresistible.
If paired with flying skills, how many heavenly players could withstand that challenge?
He resolved to list the item in the military merit store, setting its price at 10 million merits, making it a lifelong goal for aspiring players.
Lost in thought, Bai Yi announced, "I'll create a few outfits for you. Let's call Irene and choose the styles together."
Having successfully crafted epidemic medical suits, Bai Yi could now achieve the same effect in any design. Aside from material scarcity, he faced few limitations.
Luo Ning's eyes lit up as she quickly dashed off to find Erin. "Okay, I'll go now!"
Bai Yi contemplated the Stone of the Saint, deciding to activate it first. Whether he handed it over or not didn't matter; it was a relic from the last era, and any transaction was merely a formality.
[You have activated the Stone of the Saint × 1.]
[Please choose one of the following three inheritances:
Treasure
Knowledge
Power.]
Bai Yi hesitated at the power option. Did it offer a direct bonus or pertain to expertise?
Would the treasure yield a map or an actual treasure from the Stone of the Saints?
After some reflection, Bai Yi chose the option for power.
The treasure could be too unstable. If it were merely a treasure map, it would be of little use. Knowledge from other saints was also unhelpful until he reached a greater sage status.
As soon as he made his choice, a stone materialized before him, slowly melting away.
New options emerged.
[Please choose one of the options below:
Saint's Rune + Task × 1.
The power of the saint can be controlled + Task × 1.]
Bai Yi mulled over the options. Was the rune the kind he had imagined?
After deliberation, he chose the second option, intrigued by the notion of control. Those three words were enticing.
Upon selection, the stone that had melted before him began to reshape into a statue.
The statue depicted a woman in a curled posture, embodying both insecurity and fear.
Simultaneously, a task and a piece of information sprang to life in his mind.
Bai Yi regarded the mark of the saint that suddenly began to glow in his hand, taken aback.
[Name: The power of the saint can be controlled.
Attribute: Energy.
Effect: You can control the immense power of the saint until it is exhausted.]
[Name: Dimension.
Attribute: Special Transaction Task.
Mission Description: Go to the Dimensional Turbulence, locate the grotesque power corresponding to Ulrich, and leave the statue there.
Mission Reward: Access to Ulrich's Knowledge Treasury.
Failure Punishment: None.
Task Limitation Period: None.
Introduction: Perhaps the world truly doesn't need us, but I wish to retire without dying—Ulrich.]
Bai Yi felt a wave of heaviness wash over him. This was likely tied to a saint with lingering vitality.
He considered the implications but ultimately decided not to dwell on it. Entering the dimensional turbulence was impossible for him now; it would have to wait until he ascended to godhood.
After all, there was no statute of limitations for the task, so he could let it rest for the time being.
With thoughts of Luo Ning and Erin approaching, Bai Yi stored the statue away and headed toward the laboratory.
The two apprentices, Yue Fang and Bato, were still assisting in the Armaments Department. Bai Yi planned to step back and let them progress according to their own ideas.
While they could practice independently now, Bai Yi had yet to finalize a few matters. Teaching them both—mechanical transformation and alchemical technology—was manageable.
Bai Yi waved a hand, sending more than a dozen light orbs flying toward the excited girls.
"Use your spiritual power and magic to manifest them in the picture and design them yourself."
(End of this chapter)