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Chapter 188: Refining the Saint-Grade Bloodline Potion
🕑 Added 2024-09-14 05:35:06 +0000 UTCIt was a bit like a carrot-and-stick situation; the best trainee at the training ground was undoubtedly Lawrence! So Rhett’s intention was clear—he planned to increase support for Lawrence.
Tadel realized this, and after glancing at the young man sweating and training hard with a determined expression, he nodded and said, "Understood, Lord Rhett."
After Rhett left, Tadel approached the group. Kurs sneaked over and asked, "Hey, Tadel, what did the lord just say?"
Tadel whispered in Kurs' ear, "From now on, the most outstanding trainee among these recruits will have their resources doubled."
"Huh?" Kurs widened his eyes in realization and understood why his good friend had suddenly looked at Lawrence. He too turned to the young man practicing swordplay, recalling his rapid progress over the past two years. It became clear to him what the lord intended.
"This is a clear decision to heavily invest in Lawrence’s growth..." Kurs muttered.
He then watched Lawrence for a few more minutes before saying, "Lawrence, increase your training weight by another 50 kilograms!"
Lawrence's eyelid twitched at the command, but there was no fear in his eyes. He gritted his teeth and replied, "Yes, sir!"
Time passed, and summer turned to autumn.
In the blink of an eye, more than two months had passed.
The heat had dissipated, and the air in Dark Eagle City had a hint of coolness.
Since Rhett became an earl and a fifth-level magus, his presence in the territory was like a mountain, providing unparalleled stability.
No outlaws or cunning villains dared to cause trouble in the territory. Even if they tried, Rhett would quickly suppress them with ruthless methods, leaving no room for chaos.
During these two months, nothing major happened. Most of Rhett's focus was on comprehending the mysteries of magic, while he also supervised the construction and operation of Dark Eagle City and Deep Rock Village.
Currently, Dark Eagle City was primarily focused on completing the residential areas for commoners, while the commercial district was under construction. The previous Nightingale Tavern, Iron Brothers Blacksmith Shop, and various skilled craftsmen, tailors, and other artisans had all relocated to the commercial district of Dark Eagle City.
On July 25th, Rhett strolled by Cold Crystal Lake, breathing in the crisp autumn air. The flowers and plants along the road had unknowingly turned golden. As he enjoyed the autumn scenery, he arrived at the lakeside.
From a distance, he could see a tall wall surrounding a hundred meters of the area around Cold Crystal Lake. This was a wall he had added later to block any prying eyes.
Once inside, his eyes took in the lush, colorful magical plants growing freely, unaffected by the seasons.
The magical plant cultivation field was now filled with earth and water-element plants.
The primary colors were blue and yellow, with shades ranging from deep blue, light blue, and azure to deep yellow, pale yellow, and sandy yellow.
After observing for a while, Rhett nodded and summoned the Sand Spirit.
A few days ago, Relay had purchased a new batch of earth-element plant seeds, which had just been planted—30 medium-level Sandberry plants and 600 Ironrock Trees.
The Ironrock Trees were particularly valuable, as their wood was not inferior to wrought iron and even surpassed it in some ways. Unlike iron ore, which required smelting and forging, Ironrock Tree wood could be used directly as building material. It would play an indispensable role in the territory's construction.
A yellowish shadow gradually formed, taking on a plump shape. Following Rhett's instructions, it lazily wandered around the magical plant cultivation area, showing none of the Snow Spirit's energetic enthusiasm.
As the Sand Spirit passed by each cluster of earth-element plants, a wisp of yellow sand dispersed, transforming into tiny particles that merged into the plants. These earth-element plants gently swayed, seemingly in joy.
With the task completed, Rhett absorbed the Sand Spirit back into his body. He carefully sensed that when the Sand Spirit disappeared, it felt as if it had returned to a state of nothingness, completely undetectable. It seemed to be parasitically residing in some corner of his body, only perceivable through their special connection.
Frowning in thought, Rhett couldn't figure it out, so he left the magical plant cultivation field and headed to the nearby alchemy lab.
The lab now had three floors.
Rhett had designed it with some amusement, modeling it after the structure of the Circular Tower.
Although the floors didn't correspond directly, the overall structure was quite similar, both in exterior colors and internal layout—about 70 to 80 percent identical.
From the first to the third floor, a spiral staircase connected them. Rhett stepped on the wooden floor and headed directly to the top floor.
Before he could knock, the gray door opened from the inside.
"Lord Rhett, I heard your footsteps as you came upstairs." Henke greeted him with a smile, wearing a loose robe.
Rhett shrugged. "Good morning, Henke. How is the progress on the Black Raven’s Curse?"
"Good morning." At the mention of the project, Henke's face fell. He shook his head and sighed, slumping into a chair. "I'm stuck at a critical step—getting the properties to mix in just the right proportion and then elevating them to their optimal state. I just can’t manage it."
"Perhaps my alchemy skills aren't up to the task," Henke said dejectedly.
Rhett was silent for a moment before raising an eyebrow. "You’ve worked hard. Take a good rest tonight, and don't go wandering off."
"Wandering off?" Henke replied, "I’ve been cooped up in this room for a month working on Black Raven’s Curse."
Rhett glanced around the lab, noting the cluttered furniture, alchemy instruments, and the colorful, unknown liquids on the floor—it indeed looked like a room that hadn’t been left in a while.
He then recalled that the alchemist from Ice City would be visiting that evening. If he invited the guest to observe the process, this messy room wouldn’t leave a good impression.
So he suggested to Henke, "I recommend you tidy up the room. Who knows, maybe a clean environment will spark some new inspiration?"
"Huh?" Henke looked surprised. "You know, great alchemists never bother with that."
"Yes, and when you become great, you can ignore it too," Rhett replied with a stern look. "But for now, clean up the room!"
"Alright, Lord Rhett!" Seeing Rhett’s firm tone, Henke reluctantly got up and started tidying the room.
After personally watching Henke clean and organize the lab until everything was in its proper place, Rhett left, satisfied.
Henke, now sitting in front of his cauldron, stared at the murky liquid, bewildered by his lord’s insistence on cleanliness.
Having dealt with that, Rhett decided to check on Taylors on the first floor.
Since the alchemy lab was completed, Taylors had requested to move out of the castle and live in the lab with Mina, which Rhett had no objections to.
When he arrived, he found that his concerns were unnecessary. With Mina’s help, Taylors’ lab was much tidier overall.
As Rhett finished his inspection and prepared to leave, Taylors suddenly called out to him.
"Father!"
"Hmm?" Rhett turned, noticing Taylors looking a bit hesitant. "It seems like you have something to say?"
"Well, Father, the Panlong story you gave me—I’ve finished reading it with Mina," Taylors said, scratching his head in embarrassment but with excitement in his eyes. "As I thought, the protagonist, Linley, is still far from reaching the Saint realm, so there must be a sequel. Father, could you share the next part with me?"
I haven’t even started writing it yet… Rhett raised an eyebrow, exhaled, and ruffled Taylors’ golden hair with a smile. "It’s a small matter. Be patient for a few days."
Taylors’ eyes lit up. "Thank you, Father!"
As the sun set and the moon rose, the cool autumn wind rustled through the early-falling leaves.
By this time, the workers and castle servants had all retired for the night, leaving only the armored patrol guards circling the key areas.
Dark Eagle City welcomed two unexpected guests—a burly middle-aged man and an elderly man with a staff.
"Whoa! They’ve started building a city here? Just a few years ago, this place was still an empty plain," the middle-aged man marveled.
This was none other than Wodelge. After his exclamation, he curiously surveyed the surroundings before turning to the elder beside him. "Should we head straight to the mountains? I know where the Dark-patterned Eagle's old nest is."
The elder wore a blue mage’s robe, with a strange design of an arrow piercing through the heart of a dragon-headed beast on the back. He frowned slightly. "We should first learn more about this territory. It seems a new earl has risen here, planning to control the Dark-patterned Eagle range. Quite ambitious!"
Wodelge also squinted his eyes, deep in thought, and nodded.
Suddenly.
"Who goes there?" A sharp voice rang out in the night.
Tad, tad, tad
A rapid series of footsteps approached. Tadel, with a fierce look in his eyes, quickly arrived with a patrol unit, having noticed the commotion.
His gaze was stern as he scrutinized the two men, preparing to question them.
But Wodelge fixed his eyes on the insignia on Tadel's chest—a fledgling eagle—and said in surprise, "A follower of Viscount Rhett?"
Before he could say more, the alchemist from Ice City calmly assessed the situation, observing the attire of the people around him, and slowly said, "Correction—it should be Earl Rhett now…"
"Earl Rhett?!" Wodelge's voice rose in surprise. He stared at the construction of Dark Eagle City and suddenly understood.
"So this is the city Earl Rhett is building!"
"No wonder! The connection between Fledgling Eagle Town and Dark Eagle City should have tipped me off!"
Seeing the rough-looking man speak with such joy and realization, Tadel’s vigilance eased. From what he could gather, these two seemed to be acquaintances of the lord.
He said, "That’s correct. This is Earl Rhett’s territory. May I ask who you are?"
"I am Wodelge, leader of the Flame Lion Mercenary Group, and a friend of your lord." Wodelge introduced himself with a serious expression, then added respectfully, "And this beside me is a grand magus from Ice City, as well as an alchemy master!"
Hiss
Instantly, Tadel and the knights behind him gasped, their eyes wide in shock and growing awe as they looked at the elderly man in blue robes.
A grand magus and an alchemy master?
That was a person even their lord would not dare offend!
They had only heard of such a figure in legends, and now, to see one in person?
Tadel swallowed hard, forcing himself to remain calm.
There was no helping it—this high-ranking figure made him nervous.
"Well then… please follow me. Dark Rock Castle is to the east. I’ll inform the lord immediately!"
"Thank you, Captain." Wodelge laughed heartily.
"You’re welcome."
As he led them along the main road that cut through the territory, Tadel couldn’t help but marvel.
He had only heard of Wodelge from the lord, during a casual conversation half a month ago, and had kept it in mind.
But he had never heard of a grand magus from Ice City. Still, on the way back, he couldn’t help but wonder—could their lord really know such a person?
Unbelievable...
As Tadel led the guests along the main road, an idle figure strolled through the center of town.
This figure was none other than Rhett, who, knowing from his future vision what sort of visitors would arrive tonight, had prepared by taking a casual walk outside.
Seeing Tadel approaching with a group of knights, Rhett paused and said, "Tadel, what’s going on…? Hmm? Wodelge!"
Feigning pleasant surprise, Rhett shifted his attention from Tadel to the rugged man at the rear of the group.
The man carried a large bundle in his left hand, a quiver and bow on his back, a sword in his right, and wore a gray leather outfit. Upon seeing Rhett, he broke into a wide grin.
"Hahaha, Rhett! It’s been a year and a half since we last met!"
He laughed loudly, walked up to Rhett, and gave him a hearty hug. Then he said with a mix of joy and admiration:
"I can’t believe it! In just a year and a half, you’ve broken through to the fifth level as a magus and become an earl of the Southwest Frontier. Congratulations!"
"Just a stroke of luck," Rhett replied with a smile. "You’re not doing too badly yourself. I’m sure you’re not far from your next breakthrough."
"Haha, I’m still a long way off!" Wodelge waved his hand dismissively, well aware of his own situation.
He glanced around and casually asked, "What are you doing out here alone at this hour?"
"Just enjoying the autumn breeze," Rhett replied with a slight smile. "But running into you was a pleasant surprise."
With that, Rhett dismissed Tadel and his men to continue their patrols.
Then, he turned his attention to the distinguished-looking man in the blue robe. His expression shifted to one of seriousness and curiosity as he asked Wodelge, "And this is…?"
Wodelge straightened up and took a step back, introducing the man formally:
"Earl Rhett, allow me to introduce the alchemy master from Ice City I mentioned before—Essad Roland."
Rhett’s pupils contracted as he feigned astonishment.
His expression became more respectful as he greeted the man, "It’s an honor to meet you, Master Essad. I’ve heard about your deeds in the fight against the Dragonkin and hold you in the highest regard!"
Essad’s eyes gleamed with interest, and he nodded with a smile. "Not many nobles are like you. Indeed, it’s often the newly risen ones who harbor the greatest hatred for the beastmen. Those from long-established lines, too accustomed to comfort, may lose their edge."
Rhett chuckled lightly and extended an invitation. "The night is deep, Master Essad, Wodelge—why don’t you both join me at my castle?"
Wodelge hesitated, glancing at Essad.
"Perhaps another time. My purpose here concerns the Dark-patterned Eagles," Essad replied after a moment of thought. "The last time Wodelge brought me a large number of Dark-patterned Eagle corpses, it was a great help in my research on toxins against the Dragonkin!"
"So this time, I’ve come personally to check on the Dark-patterned Eagles in this range."
Hearing this, Rhett pretended to understand and readily offered to guide them to the heart of the Dark-patterned Eagle range.
The moon hung high, and the gentle wind rustled through the forest and mountains, blending with the sounds of insects and the crisp crunch of fallen leaves to create the melody of an autumn night.
Rhett led the way to the lone peak, with Wodelge and Essad close behind. At the foot of the mountain, they stopped and looked up at the dozen or so Dark-patterned Eagles circling overhead, their faces lighting up with delight.
"Just as I thought, there are still Dark-patterned Eagles here—hahaha!" Essad, who had remained composed until now, suddenly burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the night.
His gaze remained fixed on the lone peak as he muttered to himself, "I knew it! Dark-patterned Eagles are creatures of habit. They wouldn’t easily leave a place they’ve lived for hundreds of years!"
Do magical beasts really get attached to places? I’ve never heard of that… Rhett scratched the back of his head and asked deliberately, "Master Essad, is your goal to breed these Dark-patterned Eagles?"
"Exactly!" Essad turned and looked at Rhett with piercing eyes, his expression full of enthusiasm. "The dark-element plants around the base of the mountain were clearly planted deliberately—an arrangement made by you, I presume? Did you expect me to come?"
Rhett quickly shook his head, explaining, "Not at all. Whether you came or not, I had already decided to breed these Dark-patterned Eagles."
Essad raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Tell me your plan."
Rhett pondered for a moment before explaining slowly:
"My idea is similar to yours—to gradually breed these Dark-patterned Eagles, expand their numbers, and eventually provide materials for your research, contributing to the fight against the Dragonkin at the Coldstream Line."
"My eldest son, Tuck, has tamed a Dark-patterned Eagle. If we can somehow make it the leader of the flock, it would give us a natural advantage in controlling this breeding ground."
"Excellent!" Essad’s expression shifted several times as he listened to Rhett’s explanation. He went from being intrigued to delighted, and finally, to feeling gratified.
He couldn’t help but pat Rhett on the shoulder and say, "I’m pleased to hear you think this way!"
"But your plan may not go as smoothly as you hope."
Rhett perked up. Any guidance from an alchemy master would be invaluable, and he was all ears.
"I’d love to hear more!"
Essad glanced around, surveying the lone peak and the magical plants, then said:
"The breeding cycle of magical beasts is relatively long, much slower than that of ordinary animals. If you rely on natural reproduction, given the small number of eagles, you won’t see results in the short term.
That’s why, before coming here, I prepared a special powder that stimulates breeding in Dark-patterned Eagles. Just sprinkle it on the dark-element plants, and as long as the eagles eat them, their reproduction rate will increase significantly."
Hiss
Rhett took a sharp breath. A potion that could entice magical beasts to willingly consume it and increase their reproduction rate?
That sounded incredible!
"As expected of an alchemy master—creating something like this!" Rhett marveled inwardly. But to confirm a suspicion, he asked:
"Master Essad, is this powder expensive to produce? If it’s relatively affordable, I have alchemists in my territory who could perhaps make it as well!"
"You? I don’t think so." Essad shot Rhett a curious look and shook his head, then added confidently:
"Without the skills of an alchemy master, you wouldn’t even get close. Besides, not every alchemy master can do what I do!"
Of course, you’re the best… Rhett thought, suppressing a smile.
"And the cost of making this powder is exorbitant. A single dose costs more than several Dark-patterned Eagles on the market.
I don’t mean to belittle you, but your current financial situation wouldn’t be able to support this."
Rhett suddenly understood. Right—this man was willing to spend money to fight the Dragonkin, even if it meant making a loss. Breeding Dark-patterned Eagles wasn’t about profit for him—it was about revenge...
He hadn’t forgotten that the man before him was a devoted father. His tone softened with respect as he said, "Master Essad, rest assured—I won’t let you down!"
Essad’s expression grew serious as he met Rhett’s gaze. After a moment, he smiled faintly. "I believe in you."
"Since you’re helping me, I should offer you something in return."
Here it comes—the Saint-Grade Bloodline Potion failure is coming… Rhett’s heart raced, but he kept his expression serious.
At the same time, he activated his system.
[Do you want to start a Realistic Simulation? Each day of simulation consumes 1 Destiny Point.]
"Yes, simulate for one day."
Buzz
A ripple passed through his vision, and Rhett felt a wave of calm wash over him.
He met Essad’s smiling eyes and said, "Thank you, Master Essad!"
Essad paused in surprise, then chuckled. "You’re not shy, are you? I haven’t even told you what I’m giving you."
Rhett remained silent, eager for Essad to hand over the gift so he could begin the refining process.
This was a simulation, so he didn’t need to worry about making a good impression or how his words and actions might affect future relations.
Soon enough, Essad produced a vial containing a radiant yellow liquid. It seemed almost alive, like a bottle full of starlight.
It was as if countless fireflies were swirling inside the liquid, mesmerizing both Rhett and Wodelge.
Rhett was taken aback by its beauty. "What is this potion?"
"Heh, this is a Saint-Grade Bloodline Potion," Essad said with a faint smile before quickly adding, "But unfortunately, it’s a failure."
Beside him, Wodelge’s eyes widened in disbelief, then slowly closed in regret. He realized that it made sense—no one would casually give away a Saint-Grade Bloodline Potion...
Rhett’s expression was one of shock, followed by joy.
Essad noticed and asked thoughtfully, "You seem pleased? But it’s just a failure…"
"Even a failure is a precious gift, especially since it comes from you. Of course, I’m happy!" Rhett replied earnestly, offering polite words. Then he added:
"More importantly, my alchemists have long dreamed of studying bloodline potions. As their lord, I can finally fulfill their wish."
"Hmm, that makes sense. Even a failed bloodline potion is a treasure to some alchemists!" Essad nodded in agreement.
"In that case, it’s yours now." Essad handed over the potion.
Rhett’s heart raced as he eagerly accepted it. Without waiting for further conversation, he immediately uncorked the vial and drank it down.
"Rhett, you!" Essad was stunned. He had clearly warned Rhett that this was a failed potion, and the consequences of consuming it were something a fifth-level magus should understand.
"Why would he risk his life?" Essad wondered.
But Rhett quickly sat down in a meditative posture, and Essad could only remain silent, preparing to collect his remains later...
Wodelge, standing nearby, was also left speechless, staring in shock as his friend drank the potion and sat cross-legged, his mind in turmoil.
What… is he doing? Isn’t this a suicidal move?
Both men were perplexed, unable to comprehend Rhett’s sudden decision.
Only Rhett himself, now seated, could feel the violent surge of power coursing through him like a volcano that had been dormant for millennia. The overwhelming force of the bloodline was tearing through his body, brutally altering every fiber of his being.
The radiant yellow liquid rampaged through him, and Rhett let out pained groans, blood trickling from the corners of his mouth.
"Ugh!" Rhett spat out a mouthful of blood, his expression twisted in agony. The failed bloodline potion was far more violent than he had expected, reminding him of the time he had refined the Earthrock Lizard bloodline potion, only this time, the intensity was even greater.
The bloodline energy surged relentlessly, and Rhett endured the excruciating pain, all while sensing subtle yet profound changes within his body.
It was like a phoenix undergoing rebirth—if he could survive this, the rewards would be immense.
But he knew he was doomed.
Half an hour passed, and the bloodline energy showed no signs of abating.
Rhett’s face contorted in pain as his body began to fail him. His blood vessels burst one by one, and his mind was on the verge of collapse.
Despite feeling the immense power building within him, the bloodline energy continued to alter his body, driving him to the brink of destruction.
Rhett’s skin was soaked in blood, and he was close to death from the relentless onslaught of the bloodline energy.
"Master Essad, is there anything we can do to save Rhett?" Wodelge asked desperately, unable to watch his friend suffer. He turned to Essad for help.
The latter simply shook his head. "There’s nothing we can do. The power of a Saint-Grade bloodline potion is beyond me."
"Sigh." Essad let out a long sigh, his eyes filled with sorrow as he gazed at the Dark-patterned Eagles above.
Half an hour later.
Rhett suddenly opened his eyes wide and roared, "No!"
Boom
Blood splattered, and flesh exploded.
The space rippled.
[Realistic Simulation has ended. Please select one attribute to retain.]
[1. Physique]
[2. Dou Qi]
[3. Spiritual Power]
"Of course, physique… no, physique this time!"
Rhett sighed in relief, nearly making the mistake of instinctively choosing the third option, as he had done many times before. Fortunately, he caught himself in time.
A torrent of power surged into his body, and Rhett felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him.
The changes in his body were incredible!
He could feel a fundamental transformation deep within, an invisible force reshaping his very being, gentle yet powerful, a far cry from the earlier violence!
A few seconds later, the transformation was complete. Rhett felt a subtle but profound difference in his body, a significant enhancement to his life force, though there was still a sense of incompleteness.
So, he resumed the simulation, consuming the bloodline potion again.
Master Essad and Wodelge were once again shocked, saddened, and regretful…
Only Rhett endured the pain alone.
After three rounds of realistic simulations.
[Realistic Simulation has ended. Please select one attribute to retain.]
[1. Physique]
[2. Dou Qi]
[3. Spiritual Power]
"I choose physique!"
Boom A surge of power filled him once more, filling in the gaps from the previous transformations.
Rhett’s eyes gleamed with newfound clarity, his body feeling ethereal, as if he were floating.
He sensed that his body had now reached the limit of what the Saint-Grade bloodline potion could provide. Continuing to take the failed potion would have no further effect.
To be sure, Rhett ran another simulation.
As he suspected, he exploded without any further improvement, confirming that there would be no more gains from the potion.
Rhett was more than satisfied!
The bloodline potion could enhance one’s talent, and now Rhett estimated that he had achieved a high level of talent. His cultivation speed would undoubtedly increase significantly, and the destiny points required for simulation would be greatly reduced.
This shift would lead to a brighter future for Rhett!
Moreover, he had an innate sense of the Saint-Grade bloodline’s magical abilities, which he would need time to fully master.
The changes brought by the simulation were so subtle that as long as Rhett could control his excitement, nothing would appear amiss on the surface.
Indeed, Master Essad noticed nothing unusual and assumed Rhett was simply not interested in the potion. He asked in surprise, "Earl Rhett? Are you not satisfied with this Saint-Grade bloodline potion? Even as a failure, it’s worth a fortune!"
Wodelge also chimed in, "That’s right, Rhett. Even if you can’t use it, you could trade it to an alchemist for something else."
"Trade it? For what? Nothing could be more valuable than an alchemy master’s insights!" Rhett thought, then turned his gaze away from the potion in Essad’s hand.
With a hesitant expression, Rhett finally said, "Actually… my alchemists have always had a dream of advancing in their craft, of pursuing greatness. I believe that if they could receive guidance from an alchemy master, it would be of immense benefit to them."
He changed his approach from the previous simulations, shifting from a desire for the potion to a desire for alchemical knowledge.
After all, alchemical knowledge was incredibly valuable to both individuals and organizations, and no one would casually share it with outsiders.
This was a rare opportunity, and Rhett intended to seize it!
"Oh?" Master Essad raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. After a moment of thought, he understood and hesitated.
Half a minute later, Essad looked calm as he pulled out a small notebook from his robe and said:
"Are you sure you want to give up this potion in exchange for my alchemical notes?"
"Yes!"
Essad nodded. "This notebook contains my journey as a low-level alchemist, along with a large number of notes and some reflections from when I first became a mid-level alchemist. It should be enough for now."
Rhett was overjoyed.
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