Sabo: Guess what I found?

As Bai Yi examined the evaluation column, he contemplated the implications of the Root level, which surpassed even the Epic tier. Root-level weapons are beyond the reach of mortals; they are primarily formed by the natural world and embody certain universal rules. Both Root-level and artifacts of the same rank are genuine treasures, but artifacts can vary significantly in strength. Even gods have levels, categorized by their quality of divine power and the amount of faith they wield, ranking from Weak Divine Power to Great Divine Power.

Only Fate has reached the Great Divine Power, while other deities—such as the God of War, the God of Death, the Dragon God, and the Goddess of Life—are considered new gods with substantial divine abilities. The Ancient Gods have their own classification system, but since the rise of the new gods, the superhumans of Shea have tended to categorize new gods when documenting the Ancient Gods. This classification system, while not perfect, serves its purpose.

However, the power of artifacts varies with each divine power stage. Not bothering with the comments suggesting the Blade of Evil might defect, Bai Yi focused on its current growth rate of just 1%. Even if he invested resources, it wouldn't reach the Epic level within a decade. When the Blade absorbed blood essence, it should have drawn from over 500 liters, providing an extraordinary energy boost. Yet, it had only increased by 1%. If it hadn't drained so quickly, he could have retained that golden blood essence.

"The insatiable Evil Blade—next time, I'll break you," he muttered, a low threat that made the blade vanish back into the dark heart.

Contemplating his next step, Bai Yi decided to upgrade the AI first, enhancing its ability to absorb knowledge and analyze intelligence. He entered the laboratory, removed his contact lenses, activated various instruments, and began the upgrade. His two apprentices quietly set aside their tasks, drawn in by the process.

This upgrade lasted two days, during which the number of players in Dongwu City significantly decreased. The cities to the south, west, and north had initiated partial wars, with some Ancient Gods testing the strength of the border city. The lords of the border cities had read the user manual for the Wonder provided by Bai Yi and were eager to create battlefields for players, minimizing local soldier casualties.

The intensity of these tentative invasion battles was manageable, allowing players to hone their skills. When the true invasions occurred, and players had leveled up significantly, that would mark the start of real warfare.

As Bai Yi completed the AI upgrade, Moon Watching walked away thoughtfully, realizing he needed a stronger AI assistant. Meanwhile, Barto, still confused by the manufacturing processes, recorded everything using the AI's alter ego. This would enhance his alchemy skills once he grasped the concepts.

After this, Bai Yi paused his alchemical production to delve into arcane arts, planning to specialize in mechanical magic research and experiment with various new abilities. However, he opted to study outside the laboratory. Although he didn't dislike the lab, a change of scenery was refreshing.

Magic flowed through his body, scattering any lingering dust. In this world, extraordinary beings rarely bathe with water; most mages use cleaning spells to maintain their hygiene. Alchemists, by contrast, often spray alchemical potions on themselves, erasing dirt. Bai Yi had a device in his lab that thoroughly cleansed his clothes and body before tests. He could also use magic to ensure he was dust-free, a quick three-second process.

A lounge chair made from the branches of the Tree of Life had been placed in the Huxin Pavilion, attracting elemental energies and exuding vitality. After experiencing it twice, Bai Yi decided to gift it to Eric, who was still young and didn't need it.

Suddenly, the beehive emerged from the demon dimension, transforming into a throne. A wealth of information about the esoteric arts unfolded before Bai Yi, drawing him into deep study.

Nearby, Erin and Luo Ning were engrossed in conversation with two elves, while the transplantation of the Tree of Life commenced, facilitated by elves from various life clans. To Bai Yi's surprise, the transplantation included not just seedlings but three adult Trees of Life, each over ten meters tall.

This transplant lasted three days, adding vitality to the backyard of the city lord's house. The life and wood elements in the area surged, creating an atmosphere that felt uplifting and serene. Erin, being an elf, was especially delighted; if Luo Ning hadn't stopped her, she might have attempted to live in the Tree of Life.

In the distant past, many elves resided directly in the Tree of Life, as it brought them comfort and a sense of divine connection. Burton, however, was concerned; the bone dragon had returned to rest on the inner city wall, as the life energy there was uncomfortable for undead creatures.

"Lord, the Tree of Life transplantation is complete. Here's the manual for planting and reproducing the Tree of Life," reported a green-haired elf, handing over a new, thick book.

"Thank you for your hard work," Bai Yi replied with a smile. "Please convey my regards to Mr. Hull."

"Of course. I won't disturb you further, Lord." The elf gracefully departed with several other green-haired elves.

Bai Yi pondered the Tree of Life while considering the core of the esoteric arts. He focused, and a ten-meter-long emerald-green dragon materialized beside him, life energy swirling around it. As he guided the energy, it erupted, causing young shoots buried in the snow to sprout.

"Wow! Boss, I want to learn that!" Erin exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. She wanted to master such a remarkable life skill, envying Luo Ning.

Bai Yi chuckled, realizing she might be hinting at being a capitalist. "Sure."

"Boss, Grandma Elena wants me to eat!" Luo Ning interjected, his excitement palpable.

"Alright, let's go eat first!" Bai Yi responded, following Luo Ning. By the time they arrived, Erin was already seated, anticipating her meal.

Elena, a kind-faced grandmother in her eighties, moved slowly but gracefully. Though many professions existed, chefs were unique—ideal for those lacking talent but wishing to practice a mainstream profession. While it's not particularly difficult for a chef to become extraordinary, continuous promotion is challenging.

"Ms. Elena, let's eat together," Bai Yi invited.

"No, this food isn't suitable for me," she replied with a smile, occasionally gazing into the distance, perhaps reminiscing. However, she accepted her connection to Bai Yi and Dian, knowing that the child she nurtured would eventually come here.

Bai Yi didn't press further, appreciating the quality of the ingredients.

[You eat the Star River Rabbit; agility +1.]

Bai Yi marveled at Elena's skill in selecting ingredients tailored to each diner's needs. If the meal cost wasn't an issue, everything she prepared would benefit him. Typically, after four or five meals, he would receive feedback on his panel, a hallmark of a top chef.

Suddenly, Luo Ning's eyes widened as he experienced a surge of mental strength from a top-tier recipe. Stars appeared around him, captivating the attention of the three.

Elena's cloudy eyes sparkled with joy; she cherished seeing her cooking help others. Luo Ning, feeling bashful under their gaze, murmured, "Um, don't look at me; it makes me shy."

Bai Yi, reflecting on the situation, understood why those with extraordinary backgrounds progressed so swiftly. Consuming meals tailored to their needs from a young age ensured that, barring exceptional talent, their achievements would be noteworthy. Yet, such meals cost 50,000 gold coins—affordable only through hunting or special means.

After dining, Bai Yi left the city lord's house and made his way to the mage school. The student population was growing, with Sabo expanding the school in the outer city. Bai Yi believed in developing Dongwu City with his insights rather than squandering resources, seeking to elevate it to the status of a grand ancient capital.

Upon reaching the principal's office, he found Eric and Hedinger engaged in conversation over tea. Their discussion shifted to Bai Yi, and soon another parliamentary meeting commenced, focusing on the arcane arts. While arcane arts proved valuable, Bai Yi emphasized that one shouldn't dismiss the value of traditional mage professions.

Mages, in his view, were not inferior to arcane practitioners. Mastery in magic relied heavily on intelligence and spirit, while arcane mastery prioritized spirit and magic. Mages possessed a certain advantage over arcane practitioners of equal level during direct confrontations.

The arcane arts required extensive knowledge and longer growth periods, but their qualification demands were less stringent. Additionally, alchemists, fortune tellers, and mages could all practice arcane arts. Thus, the parliament ultimately recognized arcane arts as the sixth major profession in the Dawn era.

The Hall of Knowledge prepared to incorporate arcane arts into its curriculum, although the Federation advised against alchemists and mages practicing both simultaneously. The vast knowledge systems of alchemy and magic were challenging to master, even for someone as skilled as Bai Yi. Practicing both simultaneously could hinder progress.

Bai Yi intended to explore arcane arts to enhance his understanding of the soul. Meanwhile, an unspoken agreement existed between Dawn and the Star Federation: while the professions of arcane arts were separate, scholars would be the first to learn. Once they gained sufficient knowledge, they would be integrated into the schools, minimizing disruption while showcasing the brilliance of arcane arts.

As the meeting concluded, Bai Yi noticed the sun tilting in the sky, signaling a transition. With knowledge matters settled for now, he decided to return to the city lord's house to craft some equipment with consistent attributes.

Suddenly, a sharp voice interrupted his thoughts. Sabo had appeared nearby, looking excited. "My dear lord, guess what I found?"

"What?" Bai Yi asked, his demeanor serious as he noted Sabo's stealth. The fact that Sabo could approach within ten meters without detection was concerning.

Sabo grinned mysteriously. "I found two devil games, but they seem a bit… alert?"

"We need to discuss how to secure their treasures," Bai Yi replied, sensing a brewing opportunity.

(End of this chapter)