Chương 16: Hall of Knowledge
Bai Yi adjusted his black gloves, his eyes deep in thought.
He was well-known throughout Dongwu City, not only for his innovative energy guns but also for a slew of other inventions. One of his creations, the combat power detector, was particularly popular among wealthy merchants. This large screen could automatically detect the levels and occupations of anyone entering the store, capturing magical energies beyond a creature's usual output. The device doubled as a high-tech surveillance system, storing images for up to a month.
While other alchemists had attempted to replicate the detector, Bai Yi's original design had already spread throughout the Dawn Federation within just six months. It even sparked the development of a prototype television by Federation alchemists, leading to the circulation of short, lively films among the aristocracy. This fame brought him both wealth and complications—many city lords and influential families extended offers to bring him into their circles.
However, Bai Yi had no plans to leave. Certain unresolved issues, like his curiosity about the mysterious Old Wolf, kept him anchored in Dongwu City. Besides, news of his breakthrough to silver-level alchemist was sure to ripple through the city, further enhancing his reputation.
The surge in his status made him a hot commodity in the city's underground power struggle. The Will family, hot on the trail of the Scarlet Sect, had recently become a key player in these affairs, while another group, the Night Rose, seemed eager to recruit Bai Yi, given his formidable skills and potential. Yet, he remained cautious—the Night Rose was renowned for its secrecy and influence, with operatives woven deeply into city life.
Bai Yi shrugged off these reflections and returned to work, picking up a fresh combat power detector from a corner of his lab. As he approached the counter, a swarm of bee-like drones emerged from his coat, installing the new screen in mere moments. He glanced over his shoulder and noticed Orr, the lich supervisor of his workshop, watching him intently.
"I'll bring you some soul essence next time. Do well, and you might get a raise," Bai Yi said, with a slight smirk.
"Really?" Orr's blue flames flickered with excitement. After half a year under Bai Yi's management, he seemed hopeful his employer had finally softened.
Bai Yi's reply was interrupted when he noticed an intense gaze from the end of the room. He spotted the elf woman, her white hair gleaming and blue eyes filled with a cautious optimism.
"Well, keep at it. If things go well, I'll make sure you're compensated," Bai Yi added, sidestepping her silent plea.
He turned to leave, but Orr called out, "Wait, you mentioned soul essence?"
Without breaking stride, Bai Yi replied, "It's the 11th; payroll isn't until the 30th. Wouldn't want to set a bad precedent, right?"
The elf woman's hopeful expression faded, and even Orr's blue flames dimmed in exasperation. "Capitalist!" Orr growled, his flames turning a furious shade of red. "Shameless fraudster! You'll pay for this!"
Bai Yi simply waved him off, well accustomed to these outbursts. Deceiving a level-50 lich into managing a workshop was one thing, but overpaying? That was another story.
After all, as a fledgling silver-level alchemist, his newfound assets of 550,000 coins felt plentiful on the surface, yet expenses piled up quickly in the world of supernatural trade.
Bai Yi then turned his attention to the two Will family members leaving the area, their steps brisk. The streets behind them were already being cleared of debris, and the crowds of onlookers had thinned, unease lingering in their gazes.
Though the vast Dongwu City housed over two million residents and a military force of nearly four hundred thousand, the mood in the streets had turned somber. The prosperity of this border town, which had flourished through three years of relative peace, felt shaken.
As Bai Yi moved through the city's bustling commercial district, many locals greeted him warmly, especially the smaller families and wealthy merchants eager to gain favor with the renowned alchemist. His inventions, particularly his advanced energy weapons, were highly sought after, and maintaining these connections ensured he stayed at the forefront of the latest trades.
He soon reached the quieter, more official street that housed Dongwu City's governing institutions—the City Lord's Mansion, the General's Mansion, the Law Enforcement Headquarters, the Court of Justice, the Adventurer's Guild, and the Hall of Knowledge.
This street commanded a sense of solemnity that silenced laughter and hushed conversations. Bai Yi moved along the edges, his eyes fixed on a tall, classical tower bearing the wooden sign: *Hall of Knowledge*. Here, knowledge was currency, a repository of wisdom where one could either buy rare knowledge or sell it at a premium.
"Mr. White Plague, welcome to the Hall of Knowledge."
A cold, mechanical voice greeted him as he stepped inside. The tower's high-tech sensors were reputed to capture even the subtlest energies, undetectable even by the strongest gold-level powers. Every time one entered, their data was updated within the Federation's vast database, a security measure that bordered on intrusive.
For Bai Yi, this was of little concern. In an age where talent was treasured, an alchemist's value was based not on secrecy, but on innovation.
As he took in the sight of shelves lined with ancient tomes and magical artifacts, a flicker of anticipation crossed his face. In an era where supernatural forces held sway, the Federation's seemingly peaceful unity still carried an undercurrent of vigilance against potential threats.
The scene shifted subtly as a mechanized figure approached him, gliding smoothly across the floor.
"Mr. Bai Yi," it spoke, bowing slightly. "Are you here to sell knowledge or to purchase it?"
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