Chapter 428: Section 216: The Law of Safeguarding Will
Talking about the need for an alchemist among the survivors, Zong Ge felt a hint of curiosity, “Isn’t Mage Qing Xin proficient in alchemy as well?”
Zi Di shook her head, “Her most skilled Wind Magic is called Wind Boost, which allows merchant caravans to travel faster and lighter.”
Zong Ge immediately understood.
Zi Di sighed, “Even though she is a mage talent cultivated by our Guild, her talent is not that high. How many people from the lower classes possess strong bloodlines?”
Cang Xu offered some comfort, “On the other hand, if Mage Qing Xin’s talent were very strong, she might not have survived until now.”
Then, the Undead Mage took a different turn, “Speaking of Qing Xin, I also got some important intelligence from her.”
“There is a secret meeting of Undead Mages that will be held on Crying Pine Island.”
“It’s a rare meeting, not only for exchanging information but also for trading in Undead Magic and resources for the cultivation of the Undead.”
“I strongly suggest we attend.”
“We need a lot of resources for the cultivation of the Undead series, which is hard to replenish elsewhere. Especially the Soul Crystals, they are irreplaceable for mine and Zi Di’s cultivation, and even for healing our ghosts.”
The Dragon-man youth was silent for a moment, “Where is Crying Pine Island located?”
Zi Di pulled up the Sea Chart and projected it onto the wall, “Crying Pine Island is located here… in this direction, completely opposite to Ice Sculpture Island.”
Cang Xu nodded, “But it’s not far from us, is it?”
He had already prepared his wording.
The Undead Mage continued, “My suggestion is to let me go to Crying Pine Island alone, to attend the meeting of the Undead Mages and exchange for some resources.”
“After the meeting is over and the Undead Mages disperse, we can even stage a battle there.”
“After the battle, the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps successfully slayed the Undead Mages, seized the Iron Lump, and rescued many hostages from the Human Race, Dwarves, and others.”
“Isn’t that a win-win situation?”
The Dragon-man youth’s heart stirred at once, “In that case, the Iron Lump could be used by us. Perhaps, we might even attract Menshi with it?”
Zong Ge’s voice came through, “I agree with going to Crying Pine Island.”
“Because its location is completely opposite to that of Ice Sculpture Island.”
“We can use that to mislead others, a feint.”
“Additionally, having the Iron Lump in working condition would be very helpful to us. We really are in dire need of demon energy ships.”
The Deep Sea Monster Fish was their trump card, not to be easily revealed.
“But if Qing Xin gets on our ship, it means our identities will be exposed!”
“She already knows about Zi Di’s identity, knows about the Undead Mage. Concerning the shipwreck incident with Zi Di and Zhenjin, she may not be clear about it now, but it would be easy for her to find out in the future.”
“If she joins the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps and learns the truth about the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, then she is not far from touching our core secrets.”
Zong Ge continued bluntly, “Therefore, I am very much against this!”
“No matter how much you trust this woman, I will not easily believe her.”
“This is too big of a risk for us!”
Zi Di’s brows furrowed as she retorted, “I can vouch for her. Sister Qing Xin was personally nurtured by my father, and when the Purple Vine Chamber of Commerce was divided, she always stayed incognito, resisting with all her might in her own way. This proves her loyalty.”
“Just looking at how she took care of the blonde mother and child and others before, preferring to take the risk of battle to fully rescue these weaklings, is enough to speak of her kindness.”
Zong Ge snorted coldly, “Zi Di, your trust cannot replace my judgment.”
“Can you know her most genuine inner thoughts?”
“Even if she is loyal, can’t she be controlled?”
“Think back to your rebellion in the melee. If you can’t even assure your own safety, what ability do you have to assure the safety of others?”
“You!” Zi Di glared angrily.
She subconsciously looked towards the Dragon-man youth.
The Dragon-man youth smiled at her and gently patted her shoulder, silently offering comfort.
However, the Dragon-man youth didn’t immediately take a stand; instead, he asked Cang Xu, “What’s your opinion?”
The old Undead Mage cautiously remained silent, but now that the squad leader had named him, he had to say, “I agree with Zong Ge’s view.”
This answer deepened the furrow in Zi Di’s brow.
However, the Dragon-man youth’s expression remained calm throughout, as if he had anticipated this.
Although in terms of relationship, Cang Xu was closer to Zi Di than to Zong Ge.
But with every decision, Cang Xu maintained his rationality and perspective, possessing his own independent thought, unstymied by emotions, status, or other external factors.
Cang Xu continued, “Indeed, Qing Xin isn’t yet worthy of our trust.”
“That’s the case with the current situation.”
“Our mutual trust has a solid foundation on Mysterious Monster Island. As for Qing Xin, in fact, only Miss Zi Di supports her.”
“This matter can’t be rushed.”
“We can very well test and confirm her true intentions, check if there are any means of control upon her.”
“We could also sign a contract with her.”
“There are many spells and Divine Arts that can help us, right?”
“In fact, I’m more in favor of us also signing contracts, using the power of the contracts to protect ourselves, to prevent the Devil’s Coin incident from happening again!”
Cang Xu, who was indeed a veteran Noble Housekeeper, spoke very skillfully.
Firstly, he maintained his own opinion.
Secondly, he agreed with Zong Ge but not completely. He opposed Zi Di, but not entirely. He did not offend either side.
Thirdly, what he said made sense, providing solutions.
Lastly, he had a very reasonable suggestion, proposing that everyone sign contracts to guard against tactics like the Devil’s Coin. This suggestion really struck a chord with the Dragon-man youth!
The Dragon-man youth couldn’t help but nod slightly.
He looked at Zi Di, silently seeking the opinion of his beloved.
Zi Di’s brows relaxed somewhat, and she mused, “Indeed, we need to guard against tactics like the Devil’s Coin, and protect our willpower!”
“In this regard, Divine Arts have always been the first choice.”
“When it comes down to it, there are two types of Divine Protection. The first is temporary, protecting for a limited time, requiring periodic supplementation. The second type is Constant Divine Skill, similar to a Constant Spell, which permanently affixes the effects of the Protection Divine Skill to the body.”
“The first kind requires us to frequently interact with priests or higher clergy, increasing our risk of exposure.”
“The second type is even less suitable; Constant Divine Skills require Advanced Divine Officers, as well as certain casting facilities, often performed in the Holy Temple. Since it permanently imparts a Divine Power, sect inspections are also very strict to prevent aiding the enemy. During the casting process, it is highly likely that the deities themselves will cast their attention.”
“In fact, the deployment of any high-level, large-scale Divine Arts has a higher likelihood of attracting the notice of the deities.”
Fighters derive their power from within themselves, Mages draw from external elements, and the Divine Officers’ power comes from the deities they worship.
Therefore, once powerful Divine Arts are used, the deities naturally become aware.
The Dragon-man youth nodded, “Divine Arts are not suitable for us, too risky. Are there other methods?”
Zi Di nodded, “There are. Apart from Divine Arts, there are spells, Arrays, potions, alchemy tools, and more.”
“For example, an anti-magic array can enhance resistance. When will is twisted, it reduces the control time.”
“There’s also a classic mystical magic: Magic Counter. It can counteract most spells.”
“However, generally speaking, the defensive effects are not very good.”
“Divine Arts and spells both include those that influence will, but the former are far more numerous than the latter. Magic Counter and anti-magic arrays are more targeted at spells.”
“Is there nothing targeted at Divine Arts, like an Anti-Divine Skill mystery?” the Dragon-man youth asked curiously.
Zi Di gave a wry smile, “Deities are special; each deity’s power is unique. That is to say, their Divine Arts are fundamentally different, even if the effects are the same.”
“So, to develop an Anti-Divine Skill, the difficulty and cost are incredibly high. Even if one is developed, it is only targeted at a specific deity and lacks broad applicability. As such, the benefit is too low.”
“What’s worse, the cost to modify Divine Arts is far lower than the research and development cost of an Anti-Divine Skill. Once it’s discovered that Divine Arts are being targeted, a deity needs only to make minor changes to render the corresponding Anti-Divine Skill ineffective. And it doesn’t require the deity themself to act; beings such as Holy Spirits, Angels, and the Red Archbishop can make the modifications.”
“I see,” Zong Ge sighed.
The Dragon-man youth forgot due to amnesia, while Zong Ge focused on cultivating Fighting Energy and spent years in the military, lacking deep knowledge in these areas.
Both of them listened to Zi Di’s explanations with a sense of eye-opening enlightenment.
During Zi Di’s speech, Cang Xu maintained silence.
He knew when to keep a low profile and not to steal the limelight needlessly.
Zi Di continued, “That’s the situation with spells. There are also some arrays that can protect the original will.”
“Essentially, it is Enchantment technology.”
“By enchanting the human body with arrays, the magic runes applied will have a protective effect.”
“Taking it a step further, there is body alchemy.”
“Everyone knows about the Beastman clan’s fist king, Super. He voluntarily infused his right arm with alchemy, creating the Rocket Black Gold Fist, thereby greatly increasing his strength.”
“When his right arm was being alchemized, five extremely precious gem materials were used. One of them had a powerful effect of guarding will.”
“Therefore, one function of the Rocket Black Gold Fist is to ensure his autonomous will.”
“For us, the most appropriate method is potions.”
“We already have a strong pharmaceutical capability, thanks to the Magic Agate Medicinal Bath.”
“Of course, we are still incapable of high-level potions, but we have no lack of production capacity or potion recipes for low-level potions. We are just missing some corresponding materials.”
“In critical moments in the future, we can temporarily protect our will by drinking potions.”
Cang Xu added, “I agree with this plan.”
Zong Ge asked, “This plan can’t defend against sneak attacks. Spells, arrays, potions… What about the last item, alchemy tools?”
Zi Di answered, “The Rocket Black Gold Fist can actually be considered an alchemy tool.”
“Tools that can protect will are scarce, and the vast majority are advanced tools.”
“The reasons are the same as with spells.”
“It’s very difficult to guard against those Divine Arts that can alter and twist will.”
“You could say, they are priceless and hard to find.”
“However…” Zi Di hesitated for a moment, “I have heard that the Heart of Ice, a specialty of Ice Sculpture Island, might be able to.”
“The Heart of Ice has many uses.”
“It can be consumed directly. After consumption, a person becomes extremely rational, all emotions are frozen, and both spiritual power and willpower are greatly enhanced.”
“Of course, it can also be used to make potions. There are at least nine potions made with it as the main ingredient in Ice Sculpture City. The most famous is the Ice-Lotus Flower Potion.”
“This potion is tailored for Snow Elves. After taking it, their ability to cast Ice Magic is enhanced, reaching as high as 30%!”
“The side effect is that after taking the potion, the Snow Elves have a lot of dandruff, very much so.”
“The Heart of Ice can also be used to create alchemy tools.”
“The most successful product is the Heart of Ice Headband. Wearing it allows mages to always remain calm, amplifies spiritual power, and speeds up spellcasting. Naturally, it also protects the will.”
The Dragon-man youth smiled, “Looks like, our goal for heading to Ice Sculpture Island has increased by one.”
But Zi Di shook her head, “It will be difficult for us to obtain the Heart of Ice, its yield is very low. It’s better not to get our hopes up.”
The four continued to discuss other matters.
Such as issuing consolation money; rewarding and promoting those who stood out; and how to negotiate with Hun Tong to exchange for the survivors’ needed supplies.
Ultimately, the four decided to head to Crying Pine Island first, then turn towards Ice Sculpture Island.
What to do with Qing Xin depended on whether they could confirm her true state in the process and whether they could make the survivors trust her.
To ensure the safety of the operation, Zi Di took the initiative to propose using the equipment from the auction to fully equip Cang Xu.
This proposal was accepted by the other three.
When it was barely light, the Dragon-man youth secretly returned to the dock.
As the sun rose slowly, fully separating from the horizon, Hun Tong finally opened his eyes.
The pain in his body had eased a lot, thanks to the Healing Potion.
The Divine Officer of the Wealth Sect had died, and currently, the clergy on the new island were not capable enough to treat Hun Tong effectively.
Hun Tong felt quite comfortable.
Although he had slept for only a few hours, his energy and physical ability had been greatly replenished.
He slowly sat up, shaking the brass bell on the bedside.
Soon, a servant knocked on the door, and after getting permission, entered to help Hun Tong dress and wash.
The lead servant was Hun Tong’s personal housekeeper.
The housekeeper’s expression was somewhat stiff, and with a dry voice, he said, “Master, you instructed last night to report immediately any intelligence regarding salvage treasure. May I report now?”
But having slept a few more hours, Hun Tong no longer felt as anxious as before.
He reclaimed his noble composure.
At that moment, looking at himself in the mirror, adjusting his collar, he said, “What’s the hurry, those spoils of war aren’t going anywhere.”
“But…” the personal housekeeper began to speak but was interrupted by Hun Tong.
Hun Tong pointed to the window, commanding, “Open it.”
The personal housekeeper hurried to open the window.
The view outside was very beautiful.
The light of the Sunrise shone on the sea’s surface, sparkling like fish scales.
The sea breeze blew in gently, making Hun Tong’s mood wonderful.
The only thing that marred the beauty were the ruins of houses wrecked by the war.
It was somewhat upsetting to Hun Tong’s eyes.
He encouraged himself in his heart, “No matter, I have money!”
“I have a lot of money.”
“Give me some time, and the new island will be rebuilt more comprehensively, more beautifully.”