City Lord's Mansion

**Three Days Later**

Bai Yi walked out of the laboratory, his face slightly pale and his expression deep in thought. He casually placed a few large boxes next to the cashier and said calmly, "These are all bronze-level potions. Keep them."

The worker bee picked out one of the boxes and set it in front of the metal gate to the left. Bai Yi's voice, infused with a hint of magic, echoed, "Or, your stuff."

With that, he hurriedly walked out.

Irene, who had been serving customers, quickly apologized to them before turning her attention to Luo Ning.

The invitation from the City Lord's Mansion arrived the following day, but Bai Yi, caught up in his research, delayed the response for two days. During this time, he completed his plans for the transformation of the dark side and absorbed all relevant information.

It was clear that this was his area of expertise—the most valuable knowledge he possessed, second only to [Soul Gourmet].

Yet, he hadn't neglected his reputation in these two days. He still made time to spread his name and increase his worth. Now, as he walked through the streets, many familiar faces greeted him enthusiastically. Some even tried to approach, but Bai Yi, in his hurry, merely acknowledged them with a distracted wave.

Clearly, now was not the time for casual conversation. As he continued on his way, he considered the idea of acquiring a vehicle. This world was simply too vast, and perhaps he should ask Sabo for the arrangements for a teleportation array. Once the dark side transformation was complete, it would be capable of supporting ultra-long-distance teleportation. That would simplify everything considerably.

Lost in thought, Bai Yi arrived at another street. The outer city area had begun its recovery, and this street of official institutions had become bustling with activity. Adventurers filled the streets in such numbers that it felt a little abnormal.

Without paying much attention, Bai Yi walked briskly down the middle of the road. The City Lord's Palace, not particularly extravagant but massive in size, stood at the heart of this district. Its outer wall stretched over a kilometer in diameter, with all surrounding institutions built on its edges.

In essence, the city had grown outward from this single building. The City Lord's Palace itself was a blend of natural elements, with most buildings clustered near the street. While the palace served as the meeting ground for important discussions, it also seemed more like a place for the city lord to spend his later years.

Since the city lord, Mossen, was not involved in the day-to-day governance, the Apocalypse Legion took charge of securing the inner city and handling the minor tasks. Mossen, a cultivation fanatic, allowed his subordinates to manage their respective duties, which also enabled Sabo to benefit greatly from the city lord's laxity.

"Mr. White Plague," called out two soldiers from the Apocalypse Legion standing guard at the gates. Upon seeing Bai Yi, they greeted him respectfully.

The human soldier on the left rose and gestured for him to follow. "Mr. Bai Yi, the city lord and the legion commander are waiting for you."

Bai Yi nodded and followed the soldiers inside.

The front hall of the City Lord's Mansion was a functional office building, austere in design. But as they passed through the interior, the scenery outside opened up. The natural features had been preserved—rockeries, artificial waterfalls, pavilions, small lakes, streams, and even a few towers. Only the most remote areas of the palace were walled off, creating a tranquil, secluded paradise.

"Mr. Bai Yi, the city lord is over there," one of the soldiers said, pointing to a pavilion situated on a lake. Mossen was there, seated beside an elderly man in a rocking chair, both deeply engrossed in something.

Neither of them noticed Bai Yi's arrival.

Approaching the pavilion, Bai Yi could hear some exaggerated voices, as if the two were watching a performance.

He chose not to disturb them, waiting patiently for the performance to end.

Time passed, and the devices in their hands started to play a new video.

Bai Yi was momentarily stunned. The technology in use was an imitation of his own monitor—a prototype of a tablet computer. If an idea could be conceived, alchemists could create the unimaginable.

The second video played, and Bai Yi's eyes widened.

[Dongwu City's number one genius, 18-year-old mid-level silver technology alchemist Bai Yi, will host an auction called the New Era in mid-January. This auction will revolutionize the Dawn Federation.]

[Among the items Bai Yi has revealed are controllable ancient god flesh and blood, city defense cannons with precision targeting up to thousands of kilometers, a network that promises to cover the entire Dawn, ensuring instant communication, and a highly affordable train system that spans the entire region.]

[The families of all the congressmen have been invited, with more still expected.]

[Alchemy Grandmaster Sunu has already departed for Dongwu City, reportedly very interested in White Plague.]

[Next]

As the video continued, Bai Yi snapped back to reality, surprised at how quickly Sabo had acted, though he'd had similar thoughts himself.

"Ah, it's good to be young. You are quite creative," came the city lord's voice, sounding almost wistful.

Mossen, without a word, turned off the video and stowed the tablet. His gaze turned to Bai Yi, emotionless.

Bai Yi smiled, though his pale complexion betrayed his exhaustion.

City Lord Eric, a level 77 magic swordsman and one of the top five most powerful figures in the entire federation, regarded him with kind eyes. "Don't overwork yourself," he advised. "Mossen, you can leave now. Bai Yi will stay and chat with me."

Mossen nodded and departed without hesitation, his giant sword slung across his back.

The city lord closed his eyes, his rocking chair creaking gently, a sound that seemed to lull the listener into a calm state.

When Mossen's footsteps faded away, Bai Yi finally spoke, his voice soft but respectful. "Lord City Lord, what can I do for you today?"

A gentle breeze stirred the wind chimes hanging under the eaves, their melody soothing the restless atmosphere.

The city lord took a long pause before he spoke, his cloudy eyes finally meeting Bai Yi's. "The plan we discussed a few days ago went well, and your responses were exemplary. But tell me, how much do you know about that organization?"