"I wonder if there's a second Life Evolution Instrument out there."
Yi Tianxing asked calmly.
Despite its shortcomings, the artifact's power and uniqueness could not be denied. It allowed one to awaken life apertures directly—no techniques or pills needed. If its defects could be addressed, it could become a treasure capable of upholding a nation's fate, perhaps even more.
Even if its risks couldn't be eliminated, it could still be selectively used:
Help some awaken new apertures
Serve as a fallback after the Life Map is formed
Or add extra abilities at critical moments, even if future growth was blocked
The only true drawback: no further apertures could ever be awakened.
Of course, this was all theoretical. Even Yi Tianxing wasn't sure what would happen without testing it himself. But that didn't stop him from wanting to obtain one.
"I'm not sure," Magneto replied."I only possess one—and I've already refined it into my lifebound treasure.I couldn't give it up even if I wanted to.I can't say whether more exist.But if Emperor Yi desires it, I'm sure you'll find a way to discover the truth."
There was no room for negotiation—this artifact was the very foundation of his mutant kingdom. It couldn't be handed over under any circumstances.
"Naturally," Yi Tianxing nodded with a calm smile.
Then he shifted the topic:
"Professor Charles, how much do you know about Great Yi?"
"Though I haven't personally been to Great Yi," Charles replied with a warm smile,"Just from what I've seen here in White Crow City, your dynasty's prosperity and strength have far exceeded expectations.Your accomplishments are truly admirable."
He didn't hide his admiration at all.
"Then—would you be willing to join my Great Yi Dynasty?"
Yi Tianxing suddenly extended an invitation.
Both Charles and Magneto were visibly stunned.They hadn't expected a recruitment attempt—especially not so directly.
"Great Yi is home to hundreds of billions of human citizens, countless war soldiers, and generals like rain.The people live in peace and security, unafraid of disaster.Our dynasty is tolerant of all paths—we have even established the Immortal Academy."
"This academy is dedicated to teaching and the inheritance of all forms of knowledge.If you wish to educate and nurture others, it would be the perfect place for you.You won't be disappointed."
Yi Tianxing spoke plainly, without trying to pressure or flatter.
It was merely a spontaneous invitation, made out of instinct.Whether Charles accepted or not wasn't something he could control, nor would he try to.Everyone must be free to choose their own path.
"Immortal Academy... may I ask what it's like?"
Charles's eyes lit up with genuine interest.
He had always loved teaching and protecting the next generation.The academy concept deeply resonated with him.
Yi Tianxing gave a simple explanation of the academy's purpose and structure.
Even though it wasn't detailed, it was enough to shock both Charles and Magneto.They had never imagined such an academy could exist—it was simply unprecedented.
But in the end, Charles gently shook his head.
"Thank you for the offer, Emperor Yi.But I've already begun building a new Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and it's nearly complete.I can't abandon my students—especially the children among the mutants.I must stay with them."
His refusal was soft but firm.
"No problem.Such things must always be voluntary—no one can be forced."
Yi Tianxing nodded without disappointment and let the matter drop.
A twisted melon doesn't taste sweet.
"Emperor Yi," Charles continued,"I also have a treasure—perhaps you'd be willing to exchange it for war soldiers?"
He then revealed a snow-white tablecloth. At first glance, it seemed completely ordinary.
But then—shiiing!
With a wave of his hand, light shimmered across the cloth, and a table filled with steaming hot dishes appeared.
There were chickens, ducks, fish, meats of every kind—all glowing with culinary brilliance. The aroma was intoxicating.
"A magical tablecloth that produces food...This must be the Gourmet's Tablecloth," Yi Tianxing said, eyes shining.
He had immediately recognized it.
According to legend, the Gourmet's Tablecloth could produce any dish upon request—instantly.It was a chef's dream and a foodie's treasure.
Yi Tianxing picked up a pair of chopsticks and took a bite.
The taste was real—flavorful and full of vitality. He could feel his gourmet cells reacting with joy, and even his strength increasing.
There was no doubt—the food was genuine.
For most cultivators, this might seem like a novelty.But for those who traveled often or valued convenience, it was incredibly practical.And for food lovers—it was absolutely priceless.
"Indeed, this is the Gourmet's Tablecloth," Charles said with a chuckle."It can produce any dish you desire.Though it has no offensive or defensive capabilities, it is a rare and fascinating treasure.I wonder how many war soldiers it might be worth?"
To him, the tablecloth wasn't very useful.It didn't help him fight, and he wasn't obsessed with gourmet living.But if it could be exchanged for war soldiers, then it was perfect.
"Let's see… while it's not a combat treasure, it is intriguing.I'll value it at one million war soldiers.Are you satisfied with that?"
Yi Tianxing considered briefly before offering a fair valuation.
"Yes, absolutely!"Both Charles and Magneto beamed with delight.
In their eyes, the tablecloth was little more than a luxury item—useful, but not vital.Trading it for one million soldiers was like winning a lottery.
They couldn't be happier.
Yi Tianxing didn't waste time.He immediately released another million soldiers and continued to happily sample the gourmet dishes, savoring each bite with elegant restraint.
Once the transfer was complete, he allowed the two guests to take their leave.
"A true talent…What a shame he cannot be mine,"
Yi Tianxing murmured as he watched Charles depart.
There was a hint of regret in his tone—but also acceptance.
He returned to his quiet chamber.
The treasures he had just obtained from the two war cities were extraordinary.But the one he was most eager to test—was the Chaos Origin Stone.
Now that he had the time, he could no longer wait to see what it would do when fused with the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower.
In the quiet room, with a single thought, he summoned his lifebound treasure:a glowing purple tower, radiating mysterious patterns across its 35 layers.
From its peak, strands of divine light cascaded down, bending the very air around it.Its aura distorted space itself.
Ding ding ding!
The tower rang crisply—it seemed restless with anticipation.
"Let's see what happens when you fuse with the Chaos Origin Stone…"
Yi Tianxing's eyes glowed with anticipation.
He drew out the stone. The moment it appeared, the tower surged toward it, as if starved.
A sharp chime rang out—
CLANG!
The tower hovered over the Origin Stone.Streams of chaotic liquid light began to flow from the stone, seemingly alive, merging seamlessly into the tower's structure.
The tower's glow deepened. The textures across its surface became more profound, more solid.
"The tower's durability is increasing…Its defense is growing stronger."
As its owner, Yi Tianxing could sense every subtle change.
The Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower was already known for its near-indestructibility.Its defense was peerless among lifebound treasures of its level.
And now—even that was improving.
The tower had never needed infused divine materials before.Its internal space allowed it to grow naturally.
But the Chaos Origin Stone enhanced it at a foundational level.It was infusing the tower with a trace of immortality—a self-restoring property.
Even if shattered in battle, the tower would now reform itself.