A Top Scholar in Everything-Chapter 219: A Sudden Problem

A few items in the box.

The medal is an honor medal, usually only awarded to those who have contributed to the Imperial. The document and stamp are proof of Baron status.

The sealed letter belongs to the Third Prince.

Baiyu was just wondering.

Even though his achievements this time are significant, the noble titles are hereditary and the Imperial nobility slots are strictly controlled, with very few granted to ordinary people.

Now it seems, it’s evident the Third Prince was maneuvering behind the scenes.

In all likelihood.

A lot of costs must have been incurred.

Since the prince currently has little real power.

And to appoint a new noble, it requires approval from many agencies, plus at least two Dukes or the Emperor himself to sign off in agreement.

"Just suspecting that I’m from Eternal Sleep City, or connected to it, and having taken such measures—this Third Prince does have some boldness."

Apart from meeting once at the Shelter last time, Baiyu has had basically no contact with the Third Prince since.

He thought the prince had already forgotten about him.

However.

Upon reflection, the investment potential he holds is indeed substantial.

First, he is the chosen heir to a Legendary Ship, and then there’s his ability to communicate with the spirits of the Shelter, truly activating it.

The first point, the entire Imperial has only dozens of Legendary Ships, most of which are still in the Spirit Realm, having been unheard of for years.

The second.

This is a special ability possessed only by Eternal Sleep City.

Communicate with the spirits of the Shelter.

Become the true City Lord of the Shelter.

This ability is tightly controlled by Eternal Sleep City, never leaked—even the royal family has no means of possessing it. Other countries have people like this, essentially mirroring Eternal Sleep City’s pattern.

Thus Baiyu’s uniqueness is highlighted.

The Third Prince considerably increased his efforts, clearly favoring these two aspects.

The established nobility are almost entirely hereditary, passed down from generation to generation; ordinary people trying to become nobility can only become "Pioneer Nobility."

Explore the Spirit Realm, make contributions to the Imperial, and so on.

All of these.

Count as Pioneer Nobility.

"The various privileges held by Imperial nobility can all be found on the Imperial’s official website. Regarding this event, I have a few questions to ask."

August politely invited Baiyu to sit.

Nearby.

A strange two-headed dog climbed onto the table, licking the gold block in August’s hand.

Damn.

The Houste hound capable of lie detection!

Baiyu’s pupils contracted.

The last time the Anomaly Bureau General Office used the hunting dog, it hasn’t even been three months yet—doesn’t this dog need three months to recuperate after using its ability each time?

"This is the prescribed procedural system arranged from above. As personnel of the Church, I am responsible for this matter and should strictly adhere to Imperial regulations."

August gently placed the hunting dog on the tabletop.

Yuwen Ba, An Ruyi, and Lin Qingsong quickly gathered around.

Qiong Jiu, Pang Fei, and the Anomaly Bureau General Office have all accepted various investigations and inquiries in recent days, understanding the matter’s general situation.

Now.

They just have some minor questions they want to clarify.

However, according to Yuwen Ba, he didn’t want to question Baiyu like this, but couldn’t resist someone from above demanding it, even personally asking August to preside.

As for who this someone is.

Naturally, it’s the Imperial side.

The Third Prince’s maneuvering for Baiyu’s identity also caught the attention of some high-level Imperial figures.

Linjiang’s top student in the Maple Leaf County’s college exam, chosen heir to a Legendary Ship—each identity demands attention.

"According to my records, you previously purchased many Extraordinary items; what became of these?"

"Some were for study, others I refined into Professional Magic Elixirs."

"Ah, it’s the Professional Magic Elixir associated with light, right? I’ve heard it can emit light—quite a peculiar ability. However, I’ve never seen such a Professional Magic Elixir—is it an incomplete sequence?"

Regarding Professional Magic Elixirs.

Our Church has three complete sequences: Rationalist, craftsman, and Demon Hunter.

If you can provide the recipe for this Professional Magic Elixir, we can trade any one of these three sequences for it, offering you a fully crafted Sequence Nine Magic Elixir.

As for subsequent sequences, you can also obtain them from the Church."

August proposed a tempting offer.

Baiyu slightly raised an eyebrow: "I’m already an Extraordinary, can I still consume other sequence’s Professional Magic Elixirs?"

"Certainly not directly."

August explained: "As long as you haven’t reached Sequence Seven as an Extraordinary, you can use a special method—combined with suppressive gases—to wash away the extraordinary substances in your body, including gestating spirituality, returning you to an ordinary state.

Afterward, consuming other elixirs won’t affect you."

This was Baiyu’s first time hearing such an explanation.

But even if it assuredly allows one to exclusively study another sequence, he would never agree.

Not even considering whether August’s method carries risks, agreeing means exchanging a Magic Elixir Recipe for a finished elixir.

It’s a major loss.

Of course.

For average Extraordinary individuals, trading an unknown subsequent sequence’s recipe for a full sequence’s initial elixir is relatively beneficial.

But Baiyu is different.

He possesses the scholar’s space; Baiyu believes he can develop subsequent Prayer Technique apprentices’ elixirs on his own.

This is secondary.

Another major reason—agreeing would place him under another’s control.

Choosing the Magic Elixirs from the Church of the God of Steam and Mechanics means you’ll always depend on them for subsequent elixirs, won’t you? At that point, you’re just at their mercy.

Trying to obtain these elixirs from elsewhere.

It’s the Church of the God of Steam and Mechanics’ bread and butter, not something that can be acquired just saying so.

Just like the Holy Light Church’s judgment sequence and redemption sequence.

Over the years, there’s never been anyone reported as circumventing the church, obtaining them by other means.

"I’m sorry, but I find the risk of respecialization too great, so I’m not considering it. But if you can show sufficient sincerity, I might sell this Magic Elixir Recipe."

Baiyu replied frankly.

"Oh? Could you tell me where you obtained this elixir?"

"It’s a personal secret, not convenient to disclose."

Baiyu answered lightly.

Now he has the status of Baron and backing from the Third Prince, so answering like this leaves no room for anyone to force the matter. This is the benefit of accepting the Third Prince’s invitations.

For now, the Third Prince’s intentions are still unclear—benefits should be accepted first.

By the time they truly expect him to work for them, further discussion can ensue. With a Legendary Ship, scholar’s space, and even Black Moon Divine Country as his cards, Baiyu’s not short of alternatives.

Even if he offends a Prince, he can survive.

At most, he sacrifices his peaceful, serene study environment in Linjiang.

August nodded, unsurprised by this, as it’s a normal response that cannot be forced onto anyone.

Yet.

The previously somewhat relaxed atmosphere abruptly intensified with his next question.

"Are you a Black Moon Apostle?"

August asked with rapid and swift speech, his eyes carrying a warm smile fixedly resting on Baiyu.

The Houste hound in his hand was licking the gold block, occasionally raising its head, pupils glowing with eerie green light.

It must be said.

August’s move was very clever.

Though not an interrogation, this question put Baiyu in a tough spot immediately.

If the answer is yes, naturally no more need be said.

Cultists are despised and killed by everyone.

Neither the Third Prince nor the title of Baron could save him.

If not, the Houste hound will immediately issue an alert, exposing the lie.

If silent, maintaining silence... that equates to implied confession.

August, this guy, is here with no good intentions.

The Holy Light Church and the Church of the God of Steam and Mechanics are inherently incompatible; his Extraordinary Abilities resemble several professions from the Holy Light Church—is it due to this reason?

While this thought flashed through Baiyu’s mind, he donned a puzzled expression: "What is a Black Moon Apostle?"

This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦