Cheating in the lottery, expertise, and more expertise!

Bai Yi paused, feeling a twinge of regret. His rapid level progression meant he would miss several opportunities to enhance his mental strength. However, there was no alternative. It had been a year since he received the mission, and if given the chance, he would gladly allow it to continue repeating until he entered Legend and took charge of the Federation. By then, he might possess even more specialties.

After contemplating this, Bai Yi decisively opened the expertise selection. While the rewards were undoubtedly powerful, expertise remained fundamental.

In the nightmare world, Cesis had dozens of specialties. Although many were banned, their power was undeniable.

[You have unlocked Boss Specialty x1.]

[Please choose one of the three specialties.]

Mechanical Deity: You have three dependents. When you select a machine to bind, it will evolve, granting bonuses based on your highest attribute. You can control this machine with your consciousness to a certain extent.

Note: You cannot perform the fourth spirit attachment until the follower dies.

Bai Yi paused, a bit surprised. Granting specialties to a class was intriguing. This reminded him of the Ancient God Scroll. Was this specialty akin to the Descendant God? It was unfortunate that it was limited to machinery; if it had included "alchemical creation," he would have chosen it without hesitation.

Then he thought of the city defense mecha. What would happen if it were possessed by a god? He hesitated momentarily.

He glanced down at the other options.

Hard Armor: Every time your health decreases by 1%, your endurance increases by 1%.

Life Enhancement: Strength +50, Agility +50, Endurance +50.

Bai Yi recalled the specialty he had chosen in the demon dimension:

[Invincible Soul: Your soul resistance is greatly improved, and your soul's recovery ability is +100%.]

He wavered between the Invincible Soul and the Mechanical Deity. Ultimately, he chose the Mechanical Deity. His soul was already strong enough. While he pursued ultimate power, he knew that unique expertise would be invaluable.

Next time, I'll definitely choose the Invincible Soul.

As he contemplated this, he suddenly felt the environment shift. The laboratory vanished, replaced by an expanse of darkness.

Confused, Bai Yi didn't know what was happening until a distinct sense of calling urged him to move forward.

Upon landing, the scene transformed again, revealing a mechanical throne. Its technological level was average, with energy transmission connectors scattered across its old, dilapidated surface. Yet, Bai Yi felt a connection to it; despite its damage, it resonated with him.

He approached, contemplated for a moment, then sat down.

Buzz~

The throne trembled, and three phantoms emerged before him. They flickered in and out of focus, making it difficult to discern their shapes. But Bai Yi recognized them: the three spirit attachments!

He extended his hand, and the phantoms fused with the throne, illuminating it. Threads of energy arced across the worn surface, but he felt no discomfort.

Buzz~

A distant mechanical hum resonated, and the surroundings shattered. Bai Yi returned to reality, stretching out a finger. A gray mist emerged from the tip before retracting, leaving him contemplative. This specialty was intriguing.

He planned to test the benefits of this mechanical companion before deciding to enchant the city defense mecha. Bai Yi could sense that this possession ability was potent, potentially allowing him to summon the mecha from thousands of miles away using the power of idealism. However, this ability came with a caveat: he could not recall the mecha once summoned. Given the mecha's significance to Dongwu City's safety, withdrawing it recklessly could jeopardize the city's security.

It would be manageable if he could construct a city defense mecha himself, but only a sage could create such a thing. Even with maxed-out skills, he couldn't produce it. The key component was legendary alchemical engraving, requiring legendary magical power—an advancement too great for him to achieve at present.

With these thoughts in mind, Bai Yi stood and glanced at his two apprentices, who were engrossed in their studies. They had rooms in the City Lord's Mansion and personal cooks, though they lacked the extraordinary culinary skills of Night Rose.

Zero: [A letter from Miss Diane: I'm going into seclusion. When can you help upgrade my followers?]

Bai Yi paused and replied promptly: [Maybe later. I've been busy lately. But my dearest Miss Diane, have you considered providing a chef? I heard you have a top private chef. How about it?]

Diane: [Forget it, I'll give you one. Just be careful, or I'll move the secret realm entrance to Dongwu City!]

Bai Yi: [Don't worry, I'll visit as soon as I can!]

Diane: [Hmm? When are you free?]

Bai Yi: [I estimate it'll be around the same time you finish your seclusion.]

Diane: [Alright, I'll be off now.]

White Plague: [.]

Diane: [I won't tease you anymore. Please send someone to pick up Ms. Elena. I grew up eating her cooking. Okay, goodbye. Remember to think of me!]

Bai Yi exchanged a few more words, but Diane didn't respond further. She must have entered the undead plane.

Sighing, Bai Yi ordered Bolton to pick up the others. Thankfully, Bolton didn't need to fly; the undead could use the teleportation array. As his subordinate, the Difeng family could utilize it free of charge.

The opening of the teleportation array excited players, as it significantly enhanced their support speed. If another war akin to the one at Dongwu City were to erupt, it wouldn't just involve 200,000 players but an army of a million, with an average rank of bronze—a formidable force.

Unfortunately, this did not include players from Xiling City, as they only had access to the magic teleportation array. Longer distances incurred higher costs: one thousand kilometers cost fifty silver coins, ten thousand kilometers five gold coins, and eighty thousand kilometers forty gold coins.

At forty gold coins—equivalent to twelve thousand RMB—few players would be willing to pay.

However, once the alchemical teleportation array was operational, prices would be halved, though they would still remain high.

Bai Yi stepped out of the laboratory. It was January 18, 1538, in the Dawn Calendar, and snow continued to fall from the sky. In the wilderness, the snow had become a disaster, accumulating over a meter deep. Yet, in a place enveloped in order, this snow posed no fatal threat. Once a wizard reached gold level, they could manipulate celestial phenomena, and a gold-level swordsman could tear through clouds.

For the civilians of Dawn, the snowstorm merely brought low temperatures.

Sabo had established numerous medical clinics in the outer city area. While his initial intention was profit, he ultimately saved the residents of Dongwu City from the risk of illness.

As Bai Yi walked by, several waiters saluted respectfully. Their task was to clear the snow from the City Lord's Mansion, focusing primarily on the buildings. The garden now lay blanketed in white. Since Luo Ning enjoyed playing in the snow, Bai Yi had asked her to manage the garden. Even in winter, she decorated the City Lord's Mansion in her own whimsical style.

This indulgence reflected her youthful spirit.

Bai Yi smiled at the sight of Luo Ning's joy and the array of uniquely shaped snowmen. It seemed she had finally relaxed her initial vigilance and attachment.

As he approached, the two girls playing in the snow looked up.

"Boss brother!" Luo Ning greeted him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Boss brother?" Irene eyed Bai Yi suspiciously, a hint of mischief in her gaze. "Boss, capitalists are already annoying enough, and little Luo Ning isn't even an adult yet. You can't turn into a beast!"

Irene dramatically covered her forehead. "Damn it, you hit me! Are you angry and embarrassed after being exposed? I'll tell Miss Diane you're a damn capitalist!"

Bai Yi was speechless. As expected, Irene was a mischievous child disguised as an elf.

He chuckled at the contrast between her and the other moonlight elves, feeling a sense of amusement.

Then a smile crept onto his face, and he said, "A year ago, you borrowed money from me to buy knowledge. The original loan was just over 140,000 yuan. You've repaid part of it, but you still owe me some."

"Also, I'm a priest with money now. A mere 140,000 isn't enough to suppress my righteous heart. Here!" Irene exclaimed, relief flooding her face.

She quickly produced a Dawn Badge from her space ring, flaunting her balance with a smug grin.

Bai Yi observed, surprised at her substantial amount of private funds—over 500,000!

"Let's see," he said. "You've repaid part of it through work, but you still owe me 120,000. With interest, that totals 1,360,700 gold coins. After your payment of 500,000, you now owe me 807,000. I'll write off 7,000, so you owe 800,000 gold coins. Remember to pay it back quickly."

Irene's eyes widened. "I don't understand!"

Bai Yi smiled. "It's simple. You haven't repaid for half a year, so overdue payments incur 50% interest each month. Do the math yourself."

Irene looked incredulous. "Where's that rule from?"

Bai Yi chuckled, "Aren't I a capitalist? Of course, I have to calculate it as usury."

Irene's eyes darted rapidly, and suddenly a flattering smile appeared on her face. She tucked away her Dawn Badge and sweetly called out, "Boss brother~ You're the best! How can you be a capitalist? You're the greatest city lord, and my admiration for you is like..."

Bai Yi felt a chill run down his spine and quickly interrupted, "Get out of here!"

Irene turned and dashed away. "Okay, goodbye! It's better not to see you again, you damn capitalist!"

Bai Yi smiled at Luo Ning, who was trying to suppress her laughter. Teasing elves, especially one with such a stark contrast, was entertaining.

When Luo Ning caught his gaze, she quickly stopped smiling, lowered her head, and said shyly, "Boss brother, I didn't scold you."

"Luoning," Bai Yi asked gently, stroking her head, "how do you think a person can improve their luck?"

Luo Ning pondered for a moment and shook her head. "I don't know. I can't control luck. While divination is related, a fortune teller can't make someone lucky; they can only glimpse parts of the future."

Bai Yi still had an eight-star random title and two random rewards to draw. Otherwise, he wouldn't need to consult Luo Ning.

His luck had always been at 1. Logically, an increase in rank should enhance luck, but both panels remained unchanged at 1, indicating the luck of an ordinary person. It was concerning, as luck typically improved with growth and the development of extraordinary abilities.

He planned to concoct some luck-increasing potions during his free time, hoping they would yield positive results.

"Let me ask you another question. If I obtain a treasure, will the power of destiny shift?" Bai Yi asked, taking Luo Ning's hand and flying toward the pavilion in the middle of the lake. It was also blanketed in white, but at least there was a place to sit.

"Yes, destiny is vast, recording a person's life. Any gains and choices will influence one's destiny," Luo Ning affirmed. "For example, the day you became city lord, your destiny increased by one-tenth."

She paused, struggling to articulate her thoughts. "But this growth is minimal. If an ordinary person ascends to a high-ranking position like city lord, their fate multiplies significantly."

She concluded seriously, "So, Boss Brother, your fate is quite peculiar! Not only is it fierce, but it's also very strange!"

Bai Yi pondered this. He suspected it was tied to the panel, but he couldn't be certain.

Yet, none of it mattered. What truly mattered was the lottery later.

He let the young girl sit on the stone bench while he took a seat opposite her. Raising his hand, he summoned alchemical energy to form a turntable, adorned with patterns representing various forms of wealth and power.

"What if it's like this? If you draw a lottery and whatever you win belongs to you, would your fate change from one moment to the next?" Bai Yi asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Luo Ning nodded without hesitation. "Yes, every choice is linked to fate, and every moment of the future is uncertain."

Bai Yi sighed with a smile. "Now I have something that gives me a choice, but I don't know what I might draw."

As he spoke, the words and patterns on the turntable began to blur.

He placed a finger at the center of the disc and said earnestly, "I'm about to press it to start the lottery. Can you help me watch my fate? This is very important."

Luo Ning hesitated, fear creeping into her voice. "Uh, but... what if your fate backfires? I can only watch for thirty seconds. If I don't leave in time, it might hurt!"

Bai Yi paused, then smiled. His mental power surged, and a startled lower-bronze waiter flew over.

"Let's adjust. My prize is divided into three levels: 1,000 gold coins for the low level, 10,000 for the middle, and 100,000 for the high level. What do you think of his fate?"

As he spoke, the waiter's expression shifted from fear to surprise. A bonus for no reason?

Luo Ning observed the chaotic destiny swirling above the waiter's head and nodded. "That's fine. His destiny power is weak and very apparent."

Bai Yi grinned, placing the magical roulette wheel beside Luo Ning. More magic surged from him to form a finger and a button.

"Alright, let's start. When you press the button, it's time to draw the lottery. Wait until this person's destiny reaches a high level before letting me draw."

Bai Yi's eyes sparkled with anticipation. The random reward from the Girl of Destiny was a significant part of the prize this time, and he planned to test the waters with random rewards.

"Okay, I'll be serious," Luo Ning said, observing the nervous waiter. His eyes gradually turned light gold, emanating a mysterious glow.

Time passed slowly, and doubts began to form in Luo Ning's mind.

"Boss, are you really sure about giving him money?" she asked.

Bai Yi replied, "Of course! I wouldn't joke about something like this."

"Strange," Luo Ning muttered, her golden eyes growing brighter. A hint of star power swirled around, making the pavilion appear enchanting.

The waiter's expression shifted to one of anxiety, as he anticipated what was to come. He averted his gaze, staring at the floor and waiting nervously.

As time slowly ticked by, the heavy snow, like feathers from the sky, finally began to settle.

"BOSS!"

[You have opened a random reward x1.]

[You gain the Expertise Awakening Permission x1.]

[Expertise Awakening: You can awaken unselected expertise and choose one from them.]

Bai Yi was stunned. This... This is incredible!

He looked at Luo Ning, excitement bubbling within him. A lottery cheat! Everything on the panel was predictable—this was undoubtedly a game-changing reward!

This permission had no restrictions. In other words, he could also use it on the dark side, allowing him to select the extremely evil body he had been contemplating. The combat effectiveness of his dark side would double since it wouldn't have any fatal weaknesses and could withstand even a shot to the head.

Luo Ning asked apprehensively, "So, Boss brother, how is it?"

Bai Yi reached out, ruffling her hair. "Little Luo Ning is amazing! You're my favorite!"

Luo Ning blushed, murmuring shyly, "It would be great if I could help the boss brother."

Bai Yi generously handed the waiter a Dawn Badge. In the waiter's surprised and ecstatic gaze, he said, "Keep this quiet. Sometimes, strength and money are linked. Now, step back."

The waiter nodded repeatedly, bowing as he exited the pavilion. "I understand. Thank you, Lord City Lord!"

Once the waiter left, Bai Yi eagerly turned to another weak waiter, looking at Luo Ning with anticipation. "Can we continue?"

Luo Ning glanced at him, then nodded gently. "Okay."

(End of this chapter)