Chapter 15: Rain
The reason why the World Source acquisition went so smoothly was because there were too many powerful beings in this world, and also because Su Xiao's current strength far surpassed before.
If it were in the past, obtaining 400% World Source as a condition would be something to give up on directly, let alone the fact that the more it overflows, the higher the final settlement cap.
Beside the discussion table, Su Xiao appeared to be thinking, but in reality, he had roughly sorted out the subsequent plans. This time, the plan had only one sentence:
Fight to the heart's content.
That's right. The subsequent World Source gains would depend on how fiercely he killed, and also, he somewhat regretted not having killed all those Archbishops, Soul Mentors, Ten Rising Stars, and Elders earlier. If he had, the World Source gains would be close to 400%.
But on second thought, there were still three days until the Black Tide. During this period, he could go to the Rune Family's stronghold, the Southern Continent·Abyss Spread Zone 0·Beast Arena, to fight there. He needed to confirm one thing: whether repeatedly killing Abyss Descendants could yield World Source from this world.
If it were possible, then the three Elder-level members of the Rune Family would be the top choice for farming World Reputation. Of course, normally, farming World Source like this would be impossible. The problem was that this world was under the arbitration of the Void Tree. If Su Xiao and Kaisa worked together, then...
This idea became increasingly feasible. Su Xiao's gaze turned to the Ancient Patriarch·Hatu, and he said:
"If I go to your Beast Arena to fight your clansmen, will you stop me?"
"Of course, not."
In the Ancient Patriarch·Hatu's dark golden vertical pupils, there was a hint of nostalgia for a hearty and thrilling battle. Before he recovered to the "Supreme Peak," he couldn't find this feeling anymore. It was like a person starving to the extreme, no matter how much they gorged on delicacies, they couldn't alleviate half of their hunger.
"Don't underestimate those three under my command."
The Ancient Patriarch·Hatu grinned. This was the Rune Family, an extremely powerful existence even among the Abyss Descendants.
The surrounding mist surged, and a sense of spatial teleportation came. Su Xiao naturally wouldn't use this teleportation. A crystal layer formed beneath his feet.
Boom!
With a dull thud, Su Xiao disappeared from his spot. When he reappeared, he was already in the front district of the Royal Palace.
Looking at the space tower in the distance, which was emitting a sharp alarm, Su Xiao acted as if nothing had happened. He walked to the front of the Royal Hall and saw Bubu Wang, Amu, and Baha waiting there.
Just as he entered the Royal Hall, he saw the Captain of the Guard waiting respectfully. After the group went upstairs, Bubu Wang, Amu, and Baha were stopped outside the old king's bedroom door.
Entering the bedroom, a strong medicinal smell made Su Xiao frown slightly. It was clearly being used to mask the decaying odor that appeared after the old king's Primordial Life Force had dried up.
"Bai Ye, in the end, you were forced to join forces with them."
The old king sat leaning against the headboard. Compared to the last time they met, the old king was even more emaciated. The few strands of golden hair inherited from the Saint·Ades family that could still be seen before had all turned withered white.
"..."
Su Xiao didn't speak, only looked at the wall clock on the wall. He sensed some kind of residual aura on it.
"In the Second Era, Alchemy Masters were almost equal to Alchemy Grandmasters. I'm not sure what the Alchemy Civilization of the Second Era did to Alchemy, but the decline of traditional Alchemy is clearly recorded. Your Alchemy is among the top in the Star Realm, so even if you're not an Alchemist, you have mastered a very high level of Alchemy."
When Old King·Roald·Saint·Ades said this, it seemed to have consumed a lot of his energy, causing him to cough dryly repeatedly.
"In that case, coming here is like walking into a trap. Joining forces with them is wise, but be careful. After the goal is achieved, the three of them will first join hands to eliminate you."
"Understood."
"Good that you understand. The reason I called you here this time is that I guessed things would have developed to this point. If you really are going to the 'Sea of Life,' take Viniya with you."
As the old king spoke, he looked at the maid who had been serving him. This Ms. Viniya, who was at the Absolute Strength level but willingly served as a maid here, seemed to have an extraordinary background.
"The three of them will agree. Or rather, they have been looking for Viniya all along, because she comes from the end of the 'Sea of Life,' that terrifying forbidden zone that buries all secrets."
"..."
Su Xiao didn't speak, only looked at the Maid·Viniya. At this moment, Maid·Viniya had a somewhat confused look in her eyes. The hand holding the velvet cloth suddenly paused, as if she had been frozen.
"She is, entrusted to you."
As the old king spoke, he took off the ring on his index finger and handed it to Su Xiao.
[You have obtained Alchemical Maid.]
[Alchemical Maid]
Origin: Second Era·Alchemy Civilization.
Quality: Eternal Rank.
Category: Maid/Secondary Alchemy Assistant/Alchemical Life.
Durability: 820/820 points.
Equipment Requirement: Alchemy Lv.90.
Equipment Effect 1: False Emotion (Core·Passive), Alchemical Maid·Viniya will generate different false emotions based on different holders, distinguishing herself from mechanical maids in essence.
Tip: This Alchemical Maid has no emotions in essence, as no relevant construction was made during her initial creation.
Equipment Effect 2: Alchemical Life (Passive), as Alchemical Maid·Viniya is not a combat type, she only possesses the comprehensive combat power of the early Absolute Strength stage. She is an Alchemy Assistant and Life Maid created by a top-tier Alchemy Grandmaster.
Current Life Skill Level: Lv.92 (Including daily care, cooking, cleaning, clothing coordination, etc.)
Equipment Effect 3: Genderless Trait (Passive), this Alchemical Life has two states, Alchemical Butler and Alchemical Maid. Each owner can only make a selection once. Due to the creator's serious personality, even in the Alchemical Maid state, Alchemical Maid·Viniya still has no reproductive ability or reproductive organs, only the appearance of female characteristics.
Alchemical Butler: Possesses stronger comprehensive combat power and Alchemical Biology assistance ability.
Alchemical Maid: Possesses stronger Alchemical Potion assistance ability and higher life skill level ability.
Tip: If you choose "Alchemical Butler," this equipment will be renamed to "Alchemical Butler."
Warning: This equipment is in a state where ownership cannot be obtained. The previous owner, Alchemy Grandmaster·Coin·Morber, is not dead. After his death, you can fully obtain the ownership of the Alchemical Maid.
Rating: 6000++++++ points (Eternal Rank equipment rating is 1~6000 points).
Introduction: This is the original version of the Alchemical Servant. That's right, this is the original form of the Alchemical Servant that once swept through the Second Era Void. However, due to its overly excellent performance, there was no room for an upgrade. Coupled with its high manufacturing cost, it greatly troubled the high-level officials of the Alchemy Guild at the time. Later, after much discussion between the granddaughter of Alchemy Grandmaster·Coin·Morber and this Alchemy Grandmaster, the "Original Version Alchemical Servant" was created. In response, Alchemy Grandmaster·Coin·Morber's price was that the Alchemy Guild must never publicly claim that the Alchemical Servant was his work, and he refused the 35% net profit share of the "Original Version Alchemical Servant."
Price: 28,500 Soul Coins.
...
Looking at the first half of [Alchemical Maid], Su Xiao's feeling was that Alchemical Life Science was incredibly useful. It could actually create a maid or butler of this caliber in the later stages.
But when he saw that the old king didn't have ownership, only the corresponding medium to keep Alchemical Maid·Viniya by his side to serve, and that her true owner was still her creator, Alchemy Grandmaster·Coin·Morber, Su Xiao sensed trouble.
Coin·Morber.
This name might be a bit unfamiliar. Then [Coin's Alchemy Notes] might ring a bell. This person was one of the five most famous Alchemy Mentors of the Second Era·Alchemy Civilization. He had numerous achievements in "Alchemy Mechanism Science" and "Alchemy Biology," and in his later years, he contributed to the writing of the "Alchemy Codex."
Most of the knowledge inheritance regarding Alchemy Mechanism Science and Biology in the "Alchemy Codex" came from this Alchemy Mentor. In this regard, he was the undisputed most learned person of the Second Era·Alchemy Civilization.
Now, this legendary Alchemist was actually not dead. Seeing that Alchemical Maid·Viniya hadn't fallen into forced hibernation, only feeling confused, it clearly meant that Coin·Morber was in this world.
However, the distance from Alchemical Maid·Viniya was too far, so far that Alchemical Maid·Viniya couldn't even sense this owner. Such a great distance made Su Xiao think of the end of the "Sea of Life."
"Before, Viniya was mixed among the tens of thousands of maids in the Royal Palace, doing work far from the crowds, even jobs that wouldn't see another person for over a decade. I hid her very well. But I'm about to die, and my control over the Royal Palace is rapidly declining.
In the past month, I could only keep her by my side. After a few days together, she seems to generate some false emotions, like worrying about my health, being concerned about my life. But these are all false. I can be sure."
As the old king spoke, Alchemical Maid·Viniya looked at him. Viniya's appearance wasn't stunning. At first glance, she only felt gentle and comfortable to look at. The more one looked at her, the more one felt, oh, this person is actually a very pleasant-looking beauty. It could only be said that Mr. Coin·Morber was very serious, but his aesthetic sense was indeed beyond reproach.
"Bai Ye, do you think I can hold on until tomorrow night?"
The old king sat up. The light in the room was a bit dim, which made the old king's eyes appear very bright. It was hard to imagine that these were the eyes of a dying man.
"No."
"Let's make a bet, with this ring as the wager. You can take Viniya away first. If I'm still alive at this time tomorrow night, you must ensure my son survives this upheaval."
"Deal."
Leaving these words, Su Xiao stood up and walked out of the bedroom. He didn't use any means on the old king, because he was certain that the old king would be hard-pressed to survive tonight. The other's Primordial Life Force wasn't just depleted; it was beginning to rot. The fact that he could still stay conscious and hadn't become a corpse was already supported by an astonishingly strong will.
When only Old King·Roald·Saint·Ades was left alone in the room, a hint of worry appeared in his eyes.
"My son, don't blame your father. The countless lives in this world are more important than you and me, father and son."
Having said this, he coughed violently. Covering his mouth with one hand, dark red blood with black clots seeped through his fingers. The maid in the adjacent secret room quickly pushed open the door. This head maid, with pain in her eyes, was the one who had been taking care of the old king all along.
Or rather, most of the time, Alchemical Maid·Viniya just sat by the window in a daze. It was the head maid who took care of the old king. Only when outsiders were present, to hide the truth, would Viniya stand by the old king's bed, pretending to be taking care of him.
"You..."
The head maid's eyes were red. The old king smiled with a relaxed expression and said, "Everyone dies. Don't be sad. I will help you clear away the disasters, so you can live in a world not ruled by evil gods, madmen, and beasts."
...
In front of the Royal Hall, Su Xiao summoned the Lord's Train. After Bubu Wang, Amu, and Baha got on, they all looked at Alchemical Maid·Viniya. Viniya looked around, and the more she looked, the deeper her delicate brows furrowed.
After searching for a while, she finally found the wardrobe. She looked inside for a moment and found a suitable set of clothes. This was left behind when the Dark Maiden borrowed the Lord's Train for a while while clearing the Abyss Spawn around Sanctuary City in the Ancient Dragon Kingdom.
Viniya was quite particular about the cleanliness inside the train. First, she used the train's quick wash and dry device to wash a full set of clothes. Then she took these clothes, entered the bathroom, took a thorough bath, and then put on the completely dried clothes. She picked up various cleaning tools that she had never seen before but could use after a preliminary try, and began to clean the inside of the Lord's Train.
During this time, Bubu Wang wanted to make a cup of milk tea. Halfway through, he was stopped by Viniya. Viniya studied for about five minutes and then started making milk tea for Bubu Wang at the beverage station. In just a few minutes, a cup of milk tea made entirely from raw materials, without any semi-finished products, was successfully made. Obviously, Viniya had improved the method, otherwise, it wouldn't have been this fast.
After Bubu Wang took a sip, his eyes lit up.
"Woof."
Bubu Wang just wanted Su Xiao to have a taste, but then remembered that his master wasn't interested in this kind of drink, so he called Amu instead.
"Woof."
"Moo."
Amu pinched the small cup of milk tea and slurped it down. The cup was empty. Amu scratched his head. Too little. It was digested as soon as it entered his mouth. He couldn't tell what flavor it was.
The train started. Half an hour later, Su Xiao, Bubu Wang, Amu, and Baha were each holding a milk tea cup that fit their body size. Su Xiao frowned, looked at Bubu Wang who was drinking very happily, and tentatively took a sip. His furrowed brow relaxed a bit.
His feeling was, this thing has such an aftertaste? And the taste of this tea was a bit familiar. He took another sip and suddenly thought, wait...
He had Amu bring the container for the Black Maple Tea. He pulled out the stopper. Very good, a third of it was already gone. This milk tea was made very well. In the future, make less of it. It wasted too much Maple Tea. Even with the Black Maple Tree, there wasn't that much Maple Tea produced.
At this moment, Bubu Wang's eyes were especially bright as he looked at the Maple Tea can. Milk tea made with Black Maple Tea was really delicious~
When Su Xiao returned to the headquarters, it was almost nine o'clock. He pushed open the office door, and the room was pitch black. In the past, Vice Minister·To·Enta would have already turned on the lights, had someone prepare a late-night snack, and sorted out the documents that needed approval for the day, placing them in order on the desk, only needing a signature.
Vice Minister·To·Enta didn't do it today. Or rather, what he did before was, of course, not something befitting his position as Vice Minister. It was the work of an assistant and secretary. But after Su Xiao took office, To·Enta didn't arrange any personnel for these two aspects. In other words, the Vice Minister·To·Enta by Su Xiao's side was actually the old king's spy.
This was actually normal. How could the old king, a top-tier schemer, give such an important position as the Minister of the "Imperial Special Affairs Department" to an outsider who had only been in this world for a few days without any preparation?
Amu turned on the light, and the room became bright. Sitting in the leather chair behind the desk, Su Xiao breathed in the cool night air from the window. It was already late summer. The night air at this time was cool but also exceptionally fresh. He picked up the note on the desk:
'Your subordinate resigned from the position of Vice Minister five days ago. I did not inform you in advance, please forgive me.'
Five days ago. It seemed that in the old king's arrangements, To·Enta had another position. However, Su Xiao's sudden appearance gave To·Enta a more important task.
Alchemical Maid·Viniya closed the window. The sound of half-dead insects outside quieted down a lot. After leaning back and resting for a moment, Su Xiao opened the notification list and checked the main mission that had appeared earlier.
[You have activated a new main mission.]
[Faction Mission·Setting Sail.]
Difficulty Level: Lv.99.
Mission Brief: Set sail for the "Sea of Life."
Mission Duration: 5 natural days.
Mission Reward: Reincarnation Emblem ×1 piece.
Mission Penalty: Forced execution.
...
Seeing this mission reward, Su Xiao was completely relieved. At the difficulty gradient of main missions between "Super·Top Supreme" and "Supreme Peak," [Reincarnation Emblem] was no longer rare. Correspondingly, the reward range for main missions at this difficulty skyrocketed.
He needed to find a way to get a refresh permission for the "Honor Shop" soon, to spend some of the more than 20 [Reincarnation Emblems] on hand, maximizing his strength improvement to ensure a greater chance of advancing to "Supreme Peak" later.
He checked the time. It was quite ample. After approving the important documents, Su Xiao led Bubu Wang, Amu, Baha, and Alchemical Maid·Viniya downstairs and back to the Lord's Train.
With nothing to do for the time being, Alchemical Maid·Viniya came to the frontmost carriage. Her body slowly leaned back, and she was enveloped by the charging device created by Bubu Wang, falling into hibernation. Using the stored energy of the Lord's Train for biological energy replenishment, Alchemical Maid·Viniya hadn't been replenished for a long time, and her biological energy reserve was only 9%.
Su Xiao, on the other hand, went to the bedroom in the rear carriage. After taking a shower, he fell asleep immediately. He didn't know when he would be able to rest this well again. His plan was to set off at noon the next day for the Southern Continent's Abyss Spread Zone 0·Beast Arena.
He didn't know how long he had slept when he was awakened by the sound of a communicator. He sat up, dazed for a moment, and looked at the more than a dozen communicators placed on the bedside table. He picked one up and answered. Hmm, no sound. Wrong one. But by this time, he had also gotten past the dazed state of waking up. He picked up the communicator that was ringing incessantly.
"Speak."
"Lord Bai Ye, can you come to the Royal Palace now?"
To·Enta's voice came from the communicator.
"..."
Su Xiao checked the time. It was seven in the morning. He said, "Alright."
With that, he hung up the communication. The train started and headed straight for the Royal Palace.
The early morning sun rose. Today, the atmosphere in the Royal Hall was both chaotic and tinged with a sense of sorrow. All high-ranking officials of the Empire had arrived at the Royal City overnight via teleportation arrays and were rushing to the Royal Palace. These once-powerful figures, who remained unfazed even when mountains crumbled before them, now had expressions of barely concealed panic, because their sky was truly about to fall.
The Lord's Train stopped in front of the Royal Hall. There weren't many in the Empire who dared to drive a train here, so although some present looked angry, they didn't say anything.
Seeing this train, the Vice Prime Minister·Enmu, who had been pacing back and forth, immediately stepped forward. As soon as Su Xiao got off, Vice Prime Minister·Enmu grabbed his arm and said urgently:
"Hurry, follow me to the bedchamber."
They went unimpeded to the front hall. The tall double metal doors were pushed open. This bedchamber, covering several hundred square meters, had one wall made entirely of floor-to-ceiling windows. Now, the heavy curtains were drawn tight, and the lights in the room were very bright.
On the large bed, Old King·Roald·Saint·Ades was half-lying down. Beside him was his son, now his only son, the Great Prince·Baelish·Saint·Ades.
By the bedside, the Great Prince was holding his father's hand, tears uncontrollably falling. Present were dozens of the old king's close ministers. None of them were qualified to approach; they knelt at a distance. Among them, many were silently weeping. Some, though their heads were lowered, had very determined eyes.
Only the Great Commander·Litanvig, Vice Prime Minister·Enmu, Minister·Viliam, former Vice Minister·To·Enta, and Su Xiao were by the bedside.
Seeing Su Xiao arrive, the old king said in a weak voice:
"Bai Ye, it seems you have won."
As he spoke, the old king could feel his consciousness drifting away, beyond his control. He looked at his only son, the soon-to-be-crowned Great Prince.
"Don't cry, child. Everyone has a day to die. Dying surrounded by family and friends is also a kind of happiness."
The old king smiled, barely sat up a little, and with a somewhat trembling hand, took the crown handed to him by the head maid.
"Baelish·Saint·Ades, in the name of the Empire's thirtieth king, I crown you as the Empire's thirty-first king."
After saying this, the old king used both hands to place the crown on the Great Prince's head. The Great Prince's lips trembled, and finally, with a sobbing voice, he said:
"Father, I can't do it. I can't tell whether my subjects are loyal or treacherous. I'm afraid I can't hold on to the achievements you've painstakingly built over the years. I'm afraid..."
"Don't be afraid!"
The old king's hand forcefully patted the Great Prince's shoulder, then gently said:
"Silly child, what distinction between loyal and treacherous is there? Your subjects are people. If they are people, they have human hearts. Human hearts are fickle. The so-called distinction between loyal ministers and treacherous villains is nothing but people's wishful thinking. It's not that if you deem someone a loyal minister, they will be a loyal minister for the rest of their lives. Everyone can be brave and loyal at one time, but gradually fall into treachery and evil. In the future, when your subjects are loyal, use them heavily. When they are treacherous, eliminate them immediately."
The old king's words were earnest and heartfelt. The Great Prince nodded. He seemed to want to say something more but hesitated. The old king said sternly:
"You are the king. Your questions don't need to consider whether others are willing to listen."
"Father, I need someone to assist me."
"Father has naturally prepared people for you. After you succeed, Vice Prime Minister·Enmu will continue to assist you."
"But... Enmu is already very old. What about after him?"
"Great Commander·Litanvig."
"And, and after that?"
"To·Enta."
"And further after that?"
"Minister·Viliam."
"Then..."
"Silly child, you won't outlive Viliam. He is a powerful one who has obtained the power of the Abyss."
The old king's hand gently pressed on the Great Prince's head, his eyes no longer hiding his doting affection.
"Silly child..."
Having said this, the old king leaned back. With the Great Prince's support, he gradually lay down. Slowly, his hand fell limply.
"Father~, Father? Father!!"
The Great Prince's miserable wail echoed out of the bedchamber. Half of the ministers outside couldn't help but cry out loud.
No one knew how long passed, but faint crying began to spread throughout the entire Royal City·Inserton. And the cries of tens of thousands of people converged, growing louder and louder.
Crack!
Lightning flashed. Drizzling rain fell, as if the entire Royal City was weeping.