As Bai Yi crafted the exoskeleton mechanical devices, he felt a surge of experience points accumulate.
[You have made an Exoskeleton Mechanical Device. Experience Points +300. Additional Experience Points +300.]
With the completion of over 7,000 exoskeletons, Bai Yi finally paused to observe his two apprentices. Bato's talent stood out, particularly because of his unique specialization.
[Specialty: Mechanic—You have heightened sensitivity to technology. Your understanding of scientific and technological knowledge is increased by 20%, and your control over machinery is enhanced by 30%.]
Bai Yi envied this talent, noting the special magnetic field surrounding Bato that drew him to machinery.
With Yue Fang's body transformation surpassing 80%, it was clear that the two of them had a strong rapport.
Needless to say, as their levels continued to rise, Bai Yi now possessed five expertise options. While not as formidable as the potential for SSS rank, SS was still impressive.
Unfortunately, the path of mechanical transformation often dulled emotions. However, Bato willingly accepted this fate, and Bai Yi chose not to intervene.
Currently, Yue Fang was at level 40, while Bato had reached level 26. Their progress was commendable.
"Is there anything else you'd like to ask?" Bai Yi inquired.
As his spiritual power surged, a thousand exoskeletons soared from the demon dimension, quickly dispersing to the residence of the Whisper Legion, where L-shaped transformation warriors were busy.
The two apprentices exchanged glances, hesitating.
Yue Fang took the initiative, saluting Bai Yi. "Mr. Bai Yi, I hope you can share the manufacturing methods for super alloys."
Bai Yi paused, considering Yue Fang's request. After a moment, he nodded and summoned a document into his hand.
Yue Fang remained in position, his mechanical voice steady. "Thank you, Lord. Dongwu City will always be my home."
Without hesitation, he turned and left, the sound of mechanical gears echoing as he departed. He understood that this was his moment to shine, and his future looked bright.
Perhaps he would first open an alchemical machinery store in Dongwu City, or he might help in the Armaments Department.
For geniuses like him, neither Bai Yi nor the Federation would interfere excessively with their growth. As long as they remained safe, it was sufficient for them to stand by the Federation when they achieved strength.
Bai Yi then turned his attention to Bato. This once-timid boy had become noticeably more confident, though he still seemed a bit shy in Bai Yi's presence.
"Um, Lord Bai Yi, can I stay like this?" Bato asked cautiously.
Bai Yi smiled and waved his hand. "If you have no further questions, you can go. Feel free to join the Armaments Department or start your own shop."
He felt he had taught them enough. Continuing to instruct them might hinder their individual growth.
While it wasn't impossible to guide them, Bai Yi felt weary of playing the role of teacher.
Both Yue Fang and Bato had begun to emulate him in their pursuits—manufacturing machinery and transformations were bearing his influence, which could overshadow their unique identities and opportunities.
This dynamic was concerning. Even Eric's guidance for Mosson and the growth of top geniuses in the capital typically involved minimal interference. Teachers often left students to explore independently unless they faced significant challenges.
Diane's experience was similar; the Difeng family had gathered all available knowledge on undead mages and arranged a large necromantic plane for her, allowing her to explore in solitude.
Strong individuals shouldn't merely imitate others; they must forge their unique paths.
"Teacher, I would like a bottle of the soul potion," Bato requested after some contemplation.
Bai Yi was taken aback but then smiled. A surge of demonic energy manifested, and a bottle of gold-level soul potion appeared in his hand.
This was the first creation from his recent retreat. He intended to test whether a substantial number of soul crystals could replace the soul crystal nuclei in making legendary potions.
Despite using many soul crystals, he had yet to achieve a breakthrough from gold to legend.
Thus, while this potion contained potent soul energy, it held little value for Bai Yi at his current level.
To his surprise, Bato had already focused on the potion he had crafted a month ago.
"Thank you, Teacher."
Bato accepted the soul potion, bowing deeply before turning to leave.
He felt a mix of reluctance and emotion. His study time had been brief, both in school and under Bai Yi's guidance.
Yet, he preferred this environment over traditional schooling.
"Shall we go together?" Bato asked as they exited.
Yue Fang, now fully mechanized except for his brain and a few organic components, had integrated his growing AI with his consciousness.
"Yes." Bato nodded and slowly made his way out of the city lord's house.
"What do you plan to do next?" Yue Fang inquired, his mechanical voice devoid of emotion. The AI could simulate feelings, but he felt it unnecessary with Bato, whom he knew well.
"I want to open a machinery store and make money. The teacher said an alchemist can survive without anything but can't be without funds." Bato responded confidently.
"Indeed, the 100,000 gold coins given by the city lord have multiplied several times during this period, which should suffice for now." Yue Fang noted, the mechanical glimmer in his eyes reflecting his thoughts.
As soon as he finished speaking, he became contemplative, his mechanical voice tinged with emotion: "Wow, is super alloy really that expensive? How about we partner up? We can split the profits 70-30. Once we earn enough, the store will be yours."
Bato pondered for a moment before nodding. "Absolutely, I'd love that."
Yue Fang felt a rush of emotion but quickly regained his mechanical composure: "Alchemists can be costly. However, making money is also swift. If we utilize the exclusive technology of the city lord, what's the quickest way to generate revenue?"
"Just avoid harming the gods or disrupting the natural order." Bato replied earnestly.
"That's not quite right. I've programmed my AI to prevent me from causing harm to Tobu City or becoming an enemy of Bai Yi. His laws are binding for me."
"That's a solid plan."
Bai Yi observed the two departing figures, contemplating. Initially, his intention in training Yue Fang had been to create a laborer; however, with their growth and the development of Dongwu City, he had changed his perspective.
A silver-level Yue Fang was still too small a contribution for the current Dongwu City; the real impact would be felt when he reached gold rank.
If he were to go out of control, Bai Yi could always capture him back to draw out his soul. While mechanical transformations couldn't bind to a god, soulless machines controlled by AI could, as they were merely tools.
It would be ideal for them to remain under control. A golden, fully mechanized warrior would be formidable enough to guard a border city, and low-level legends would hesitate to challenge such an entity.
As for Bai Yi's dark side, it had already reached the combat power of a low-level legend and could continue to grow.
His bright side, however, was now a saint with infinite potential. Even if that young man were given a game panel, he wouldn't surpass Bai Yi's progress, so there was no need for concern.
Reflecting on these thoughts, Bai Yi shifted his gaze from the departing apprentices and retrieved two potion bottles from the demon dimension: one containing his pure soul potion and the other a powerful soul-enhancing potion created by Hedinger.
Hedinger's potion, derived from the essence of a soul lantern, was not to be underestimated among legendary potions.
Bai Yi noted the soul lantern's energy was currently at 630%.
The potential for another soul lantern was within reach.
However, facing ancient gods or abyssal lords was another matter. The abyssal lords lacked souls, while the ancient gods' souls were tainted with disturbing energies.
Bai Yi pondered the implications: how much soul energy would be lost without a soul lantern?
He decided to set aside the soul-purifying potion, which could suppress dark side invasions during critical moments. Even though the saint's soul was currently immune to 80% of such incursions, complete safety was never guaranteed.
"There's no point in rushing alchemy. It can only be mastered over time."
At that moment, Zero delivered surprising news.
Shortly after his inquiry, a gray-haired old man with a crutch entered Huxin Pavilion, carefully followed by an L-type reform soldier.
The old man's eyes were cloudy, yet a spark of life shone within them as he regarded Bai Yi with admiration, gratitude, and a hint of embarrassment.
He lowered his gaze, placing a hand over his chest. "I didn't anticipate the city lord would know my name. It's truly an honor."
He paused, regaining his composure, then continued, "However, I fear I was born in the wrong era. I've wasted a hundred years."
His voice was weak, reflecting the struggles of a 150-year-old man in this age.
Ordinary citizens consumed magical high-yield crops, which, while lacking negative effects, were devoid of flavor and nutrition—akin to eating grass.
If they failed to breakthrough to extraordinary status during their youth, such crops might dictate their fate for the rest of their lives.
The average lifespan for civilians hovered around 50 years.
"Now, I've witnessed the reforms in the Federation and the emergence of arcane arts. I may not have the right to seek this, but I wish to try. I want to continue seeing the Federation's future."
His voice weakened further with each word, the weight of his emotions evident. "I heard that the city lord has mastered the elves' source of life, and I wish to ask for a share."
As the surrounding space began to shimmer, Bai Yi sensed the turbulence of dimensional energy, feeling a trace of dimensionality wash over him.
"Yes."
At the moment Bai Yi spoke, his mental strength surged, enveloping the old man.
To his surprise, the dimensional turbulence beneath the spatial fluctuations was a realm even legends couldn't enter. Yet, this old man before him could easily unlock the door to dimensional turbulence.
Bai Yi quickly gathered information on the old scholar.
[Marshall: A spatial scholar who can perceive spatial lines through knowledge and vision. He has assisted Dongwu City in identifying various dimensions. At 153 years old, he is the only nine-star scholar in Dongwu City.]
Bai Yi hurried to the laboratory. If these elderly scholars possessed arcane knowledge, their value could increase significantly.
While Marshall might not become a powerful entity, he could reach silver rank with a lifespan extending to 300 years, potentially evolving into a formidable force during that time.
If he could navigate dimensional turbulence, his understanding of space would be exceptionally advanced.
He might even assist in researching spatial folding technology for ships or wormhole mechanics.
At this moment, Bai Yi was filled with ideas. The advancement of arcane arts in this new dawn surpassed his expectations.
Scholars were on the brink of resurgence, and the newly restructured Federation would soon experience another wave of transformation.
Bai Yi contemplated the implications. If the Federation fully recognized the strength of these scholars and sought to uncover more ancient knowledge, Dongwu City's power would undoubtedly rise.
After a moment's hesitation, he decided against having Zero send a message to the parliament to gather information on these centenarians.
The Federation operated as one; there was no distinction between serving Dongwu City and serving the Federation.
(End of this chapter)