As Bai Yi continued crafting the source of life, he felt the rush of experience points accumulate.
[You have created the Source of Life ×1. Experience Points +10,000. Additional Experience Points +10,000.]
Zero worked quickly, and as Marshall drank the life potion, a stream of personal information flashed in Bai Yi's mind.
[Fang Chong: Botanist, cultivates extraordinary plants in the capital and has hybridized various species for the Federation. Currently 121 years old, he is retired in the capital.]
[Lan Feng: Climatologist, possesses nearly 100% accuracy in predicting future climates and abnormal weather patterns. Currently 103 years old, he is retired in the capital.]
[Wu Feng: Mechanic, proposed several exoskeleton devices, completed by alchemists. He has extensive knowledge of machinery and has created various high-strength alloys. Currently 108 years old, he is retired in Beiyuan City.]
[Anand: History.]
Bai Yi was struck by the wealth of knowledge contained within these names. With so much happening in the Federation—law changes, wars, and various crises—scholars were often overlooked.
Had Marshall not approached him, Bai Yi might not have considered this old man at all.
Only when scholars harnessed the power of arcane arts would they become a force to be reckoned with, deserving of the Federation's attention.
The almost stagnant aura surrounding Marshall began to dissipate, and he appeared more energized. Though still frail and wrinkled, he no longer seemed on the brink of death.
As vitality flowed through him, Marshall opened his eyes.
Buzz—
A wave of spatial energy enveloped Marshall, and magical power coursed over his body.
To Bai Yi's surprise, he transitioned directly into the bronze rank.
This development was understandable; arcane arts were fundamentally about knowledge, and these scholars had dedicated their lives to understanding it.
Mastering the essence of arcane arts allowed them to utilize magic through their extensive research, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary.
Feeling newfound strength, Marshall wanted to express his gratitude but remained silent as Bai Yi concentrated on creating the source of life.
His appreciation would have to be conveyed in person—this was a significant kindness.
"Mr. Marshall, from now on, you will lead the Scholars' House."
Bai Yi spoke calmly, instructing Zero to begin giving orders. The Whisper Legion was not an option; their goals were too grandiose.
The Apocalypse Legion, having suffered the least losses, could currently mobilize about 7,000 troops.
With only 23 million scholars over 800 million citizens in the Federation, and subtracting those with official positions, the number was dwindling.
There were about twenty left, so inviting back 2,000 should be feasible.
"Thank you, Lord. I will not disappoint you in this mission." Marshall bowed deeply, his eyes brightening with renewed hope. This marked a new chapter in his life as a scholar.
"Arcane arts, utilizing knowledge to wield magic—what a noble pursuit, and what a commendable city lord."
He quickened his pace, his steps no longer unsteady. As the surrounding space shimmered, this aged figure vanished.
Bai Yi, still focused on his potion-making, was surprised. Had Marshall just traversed space?
The arcane arts were indeed impressive.
At that moment, the Apocalypse Legion began to mobilize under Sifu's orders.
In the war, the Apocalypse Army had first quelled the rebellion, then supported the West City Gate, defeating foreign enemies before turning to the East City Gate to participate in the grand conflict.
Notably, they emerged with only 20% casualties, earning honor in the process, and were now on the verge of large-scale transformation into silver rank.
They had already reached bronze rank per capita, showcasing their immense potential.
In the repeated reorganizations, those with poor potential were quickly absorbed into the Wucheng and Storm Armies, while the stronger individuals from these legions were prioritized for the Apocalypse Army.
Currently, the Apocalypse Army boasted 8,000 soldiers, including 2,000 silver subordinates, dozens at the silver middle rank, and even a few silver upper ranks. Notably, a dragon fighter had reached level 50.
He served as the deputy commander, eyeing the commander's position.
This legion had great potential, and the recent increase of 2,000 silver troops necessitated swift action to complete their current mission.
With the release of mission funds from the Military Supplies Department, the transmission tower became crowded with soldiers.
The Apocalypse Army, in groups of 100, was teleported to key cities, heading straight for their targets.
For instance, three teams were dispatched to locate three nine-star scholars in the capital, brandishing the flags and badges of Tobu City, which left onlookers stunned.
"Is Dongwu City up to something again?"
This thought echoed among the citizens. Families began reporting to their superiors, awaiting further orders.
As for blocking the current era, who would dare challenge the white epidemic without cause?
What storm could 300 soldiers of the army stir in the capital?
"Aren't we being a bit too bold, Commander?" a soldier cautiously asked a dragon descendant. While everyone knew he was merely the deputy commander, no one wanted to add to the tension.
"Didn't you hear the orders from the legion commander? We're to invite these scholars back to Dongwu City immediately. And remember, I'm just the deputy commander!"
"I know, Commander, but this is the capital. Isn't that going to cause a stir?" The soldier glanced around nervously.
"Shut up! Just follow orders! If you talk too much, you'll be assigned to the cooking class." Metwei scolded in a low voice before raising his voice. "Hurry up!"
He began channeling magic, using the communication device to inform the other seventeen teams: "Speed up! Complete this task quickly and find the commander for the next battle!"
The synchronized footsteps echoed as the law enforcement team approached. An elf at the forefront scrutinized the soldiers near the transmission tower. "What's going on here?"
The team member pointed helplessly at the alchemy teleportation array. "They've already left."
"What were they doing?"
"Kidnapping, apparently. They're from Dongwu City. Without an order, we can't intervene, right?"
The law enforcement captain turned to her team member. "Has there been any order from above?"
The team member hesitated, then noticed the communicator lighting up. He showed it to the captain: "Here it is."
[Stop them!]
The captain ordered, "Report back honestly. Everyone, disperse!"
Such occurrences had also transpired in other cities. Initially indifferent when receiving reports, the realization that an old man was involved at the high-level table prompted alarm.
"This is serious!" They issued an order to intervene, but it was futile. The Apocalypse Army's directive was merely to invite the elderly scholars back. In the eyes of the legion, freshly returned from battle, the only order was clear: bring the scholars back alive.
The rest was secondary. Each city was only five minutes away; a ten-second delay in tying them up was manageable.
In ten minutes, a flurry of reports emerged, disseminating swiftly.
Zero:[Ten city lords, parliaments, and metropolitan law enforcement teams have sent call applications.]
Panel:[You have created the Source of Life ×34. Experience Points +340,000. Additional Experience Points +340,000.]
Bai Yi:[Refused and replied. After discussion, these individuals moved voluntarily; any claims of coercion are rumors.]
Zero:[Surveillance videos ×15.]
Bai Yi:[Response: I guarantee with the reputation of the master of alchemy that these videos are fabricated, and the PS technology is shameful! I refuse to communicate with them.]
Zero:[Acknowledged, and refused to accept all messages from the other party.]
Bai Yi watched as the last bottle of potion took shape, exhaling in relief and smiling.
After storing the items, he pushed open the laboratory door. Yue Fang and Bato were already waiting outside. Nearby, the Tree of Life stood tall, surrounded by over a hundred individuals on beds, wheelchairs, and stools.
The soldiers from the Apocalypse Army had taken precautions, binding the young ones to prevent any trouble.
The elderly individuals looked calm. They were aware of their limitations and recognized the significance of the white epidemic in Dongwu City.
They couldn't resist; fear and struggle were futile.
Some of these individuals had not started families, but those who had would have spent over a century contributing to society. Whether or not they had extraordinary abilities, their numbers would still be considerable.
Bai Yi paused, observing the scene, and remarked lightly, "Why are we still tying them up?"
Sifu and Metwei exchanged glances but complied, starting to untie the elderly.
"That's enough for now," Bai Yi interjected.
The two soldiers were momentarily taken aback but responded respectfully, "Yes, Lord."
Turning to the group of elderly scholars, Bai Yi spoke warmly, "Hello, everyone. My name is Bai Yi. You may have heard of me. I'm here to discuss something important."
"The way the Lord of Dongwu City invites people is quite unique," an elderly voice chimed in. It was an old woman reclining on a bed. "But whatever your intentions, it has nothing to do with these young ones. Please let them go."
Bai Yi smiled, recognizing her as a prominent researcher known for creating a type of milk he enjoyed. Her innovative work involved crossbreeding animals with magical beasts.
"You're mistaken. As nine-star scholars, you represent the pinnacle of ordinary academic achievement in the Federation. With the advent of arcane arts, you have the potential to shine brightly, but your lives are at risk."
"I've mastered part of the elven inheritance and developed a potion called the Source of Life. This potion can extend your lives by five years."
As he spoke, Bai Yi's mental strength surged, placing twenty bottles of the Source of Life into the hands of the elderly scholars, ready for immediate use.
"I feel remorse for your contributions to the Federation, so I won't pressure you. Instead, I offer you a choice."
"Upon drinking the potion, you will enter the extraordinary realm and have the opportunity to stay in Dongwu City to help establish a great arcane institution. Alternatively, I can return you to your homes to live out your days quietly."
As his words hung in the air, the scholars' eyes widened with surprise and disbelief.
Was this really not a kidnapping?
(End of this chapter)