Chapter 64

Richard thought deeply, his gaze falling upon the corner where the lithium mica, now stripped of mud and some impurities, lay. His mind churned as he devised methods to extract cesium metal.

Generally speaking, there are three main approaches to extracting cesium:

The first method is acid dissolution, where the ore is dissolved in acids like hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrobromic acid, or hydrofluoric acid. This dissolution produces a product that is then processed further.

The second is alkali decomposition, where the ore is mixed with calcium carbonate (limestone) and calcium chloride, then heated at high temperatures. The resultant product undergoes further processing.

The third is direct reduction, which involves the use of metallic magnesium to extract magnesium from the ore, which is then processed further.

At this moment, Richard leaned toward the first method. He planned to first separate the insoluble chlorides by using hydrochloric acid, obtaining a mixture of soluble chlorides. He would then decompose the purified precipitates, evaporate the water, and finally obtain pure cesium chloride, which would then be further refined.

Though the process sounded simple enough, the operation would prove to be a long and tedious journey. After confirming several crucial details, Richard began his laborious experiment.

The following days passed quietly. Richard settled into a routine, moving between the laboratory and his bedroom. Whether experimenting or studying spells, his life fell into a calm monotony, with the weather growing colder day by day.

More than half a month later, the small river beside the Baron's black castle had completely frozen over, signaling the arrival of the coldest period of winter.

Richard's peaceful life continued unchanged. He had successfully extracted a considerable amount of cesium, and his reserves grew with time. As for his spellwork, through continuous study, he managed to shorten the casting times of smaller spells like Wind The Dexterous, thus steadily improving his combat capabilities. Meditation and refining also became second nature to him, with the mana core now replenishing his mana faster than before.

If possible, Richard could have lived this quiet life indefinitely, continuing his preparation for the "world model construction" in silence, only to depart one night and embark on a journey around the world.

However, as the saying goes—peaceful lives are made to be broken.

And so…

Night.

The cold wind howled like a ghost's scream, and the entire wilderness was bitterly cold. The ice on the river cracked and groaned, as though the teeth themselves were chattering.

On the ground of the Baron's black castle, hard, frosty white frost spread across the surface, forming a stark contrast against the dark castle walls. A shadow moved stealthily through the expanse of black.

In the side tower's bedroom, the flames in the fireplace blazed fiercely, dispelling the cold.

Richard, clad in thin clothes, sat cross-legged on his bed, meditating.

In this meditative state, his powerful senses extended outward, enveloping the entire castle's corners through multiple layers of the Wind of Eyes spell. The energy elements within this range were slowly drawn in by Richard's mental power, entering his body and being stored in the diamond-shaped mana core.

One point, two points, three points...

The wind outside continued to howl, the flames in the fireplace kept burning, and Richard remained motionless in his meditative position...

Suddenly—

"Thief!"

A voice—a faint voice—was caught by Richard's perception, then rapidly magnified.

In the next second, the faint sound became a thunderous roar in Richard's ears: "Thief!" At the same time, a shadow flashed through his senses.

Richard's mental ocean, where his meditation was taking place, quivered violently, shaking him out of his meditative state.

In the instant he broke from his trance, Richard sprang to his feet. His eyes narrowed sharply. He had already identified the source of the voice—it came from the main tower, and the voice belonged to Baron Leo!

What's going on?!

Though Richard had little interest in Baron Leo, he was, after all, the castle's master. Until Leo left, if anything were to happen to him, it would cause significant trouble. Therefore, Richard couldn't ignore it.

In the next moment, Richard's eyes flashed as he stabilized the chaotic energy in his mana core. He threw on a leather coat, grabbed his longsword, and rushed out of the bedroom, down to the side tower.

With a single breath, he rushed outside and stepped onto the frosty ground. He shouted towards the low building behind the main tower, "Gather at the main tower!" before charging straight into the main castle.

The main castle's hall was empty. Richard paused for a brief moment, then heard heavy footsteps coming from the staircase, the sound of someone struggling to walk, creaking with effort.

Looking up, Richard saw Baron Leo, his face pale, stumbling down the stairs. One of his arms was bleeding profusely.

"What happened?" Richard furrowed his brows and quickly stepped forward to support the Baron, his voice filled with concern.

"Damned thief... sought to assassinate me!" Leo spoke quickly, his voice filled with agitation. "That foul thief endeavored to use knockout smoke to render me unconscious, then strike at me. Yet, the smoke proved too feeble, and when he did assail, I awoke. We did battle for several rounds. The thief, realizing he could not prevail, did wound my arm and fled. I did pursue him, but he vanished. Blast it!..."

As Leo cursed, his voice suddenly faltered, and his body sagged in weakness. Supported by Richard, the Baron slowly sank to the floor of the hall, clearly struggling to stay conscious.

A loud crash sounded as the hall doors were slammed open. Tuku and others had arrived. They were in such a rush that they hadn't put on their armor, instead carrying only weapons.

Upon seeing Richard, Tuku let out a sigh of relief, then asked, "Master Richard, what's going on? Why the sudden midnight assembly?"

"There's a thief who attempted to assassinate the Baron." Richard gestured to Leo, who was sitting on the floor.

Tuku's face immediately grew serious. "What thief would dare to attack the Baron?"

"We don't know yet." Richard shook his head, his voice firm. "You take a few men and immediately notify all the soldiers. Lock down every exit of the castle. The thief escaped after the failed assassination. There's no way he could have left the castle unless he can fly. He's definitely still hiding inside. Search thoroughly and find him."

"Understood." Tuku nodded, quickly leading a group of guards away.

"Cough, cough!" The Baron coughed, his face contorting in pain.

"What is it?" Richard looked at him. "Do you disagree with my approach?"