Chapter 99 - 98: The Industrial Chain Expands Again
“The inauguration ceremony?”
Bai Qi was somewhat puzzled when he heard president Qin and professor Dong’s words. However, Zhuge Chen seemed to have some understanding. “Professor Dong, are you talking about the inauguration ceremony of the Star Mechanics Academy Undead Department?”
President Qin nodded and said, “We will discuss the specifics once Celestial Brilliance arrives. After all, he is the honorary dean of the Undead Department and we need his consent for such matters.”
“Undead Department? Is the Star Mechanics Academy really going to open an Undead Department?”
Bai Qi suddenly understood. Although there were rumors of Gusu City investing heavily in the Undead Department when Bai Qiucha decided to reside in Gusu City, the authorities never made an official statement and the matter eventually fizzled out.
However, if president Qin’s words were anything to go by, was this news real?
“Yes, Undead Hill is almost fully developed, providing Gusu City with a stable source of undead creatures, which is enough to support an Undead Department.”
President Qin said, “Actually, Celestial Brilliance wanted to announce this when he arrived earlier, but there was an uprising at Undead Hill and the emergence of Lamentation Tower, so the matter was put on hold.”
So there was such backstory. He had wondered why Celestial Brilliance would settle in Gusu City with his son for no apparent reason.
The smile on President Qin’s face was unmistakable. “But now it seems, this turns out to be a good thing. If it were not for the Gemini Tower, we wouldn’t have known about a possible evolution path for the Undead Department.” “You have surely brought a great honor to Gusu City this time.”
Bai Qi smiled sheepishly, “I was just lucky. But president, can I skip the inauguration ceremony? You can directly file a patent for me.”
Celestial Brilliance was already unhappy when Bai Qi performed mechanical modifications on Alpha. A few days ago, he had even hit Bai Qiucha with a surprise attack. Bai Qi considered himself lucky that Celestial Brilliance hadn’t directly confronted him yet. Now wouldn’t approaching him be just looking for a beating?
One should keep a low profile in life, not always seeking fame or trending on social media – collecting patent fees quietly would suffice.
As for Celestial Brilliance, it was better to avoid him if he could.
If it was impossible to avoid, he could at least wait until he himself became a legend.
Right then, a giant black bird descended from the sky and landed in Bai Qi’s yard. A dignified middle-aged man stepped off the bird – if it wasn’t Celestial Brilliance Bai Heguang, then who could it be?
Shit, speak of the devil and he appears, could he react any faster?
It seemed that one really shouldn’t mention someone behind their back, or they would get a shock.
“President Qin, professor Dong.”
Bai Heguang entered the training room, greeted President Qin and Professor Dong, and then his gaze fell on Bai Qi.
“We meet again.”
“Ha ha… indeed.”
Bai Qi scratched his head awkwardly. Can I say I’m not too keen on seeing you?
Seeing Bai Qi’s expression, Bai Heguang frowned, then suddenly tossed a wooden box into Bai Qi’s hands.
“This is the mythical material from the Thirteenth Bureau for you. I brought it back on my way.”
You just toss mythical material that casually?!
Is every title legend this casual?
Bai Qi collected the box in his hand with some apprehension, muttering in his heart.
“I was wondering why you came so quickly, turns out you came to deliver mythical material.”
Upon hearing this, President Qin chuckled and said, “Perfect timing. I wanted to discuss some serious matters with you.”
President Qin pulled Bai Heguang towards an ice skeleton, “Take a look, what’s different from a regular ice skeleton?”
Bai Heguang glanced over, “Apart from the slightly unstable energy fluctuations, there is no difference. What’s the matter, president, are you planning to do research using ice skeletons?”
Although Bai Heguang was addressing president Qin, his eyes were often darting towards Bai Qi, the meaning was pretty clear.
Big shot, what did the mechanical engineering department ever do to you to hold such a grudge?
Bai Qi wore an innocent expression, turning to president Qin for help.
“It’s not about planning to do research, but research has already been successful.”
President Qin shook his head, pushing Bai Qi to the front, “Bai Qi, repeat what you did just now.”
“Uh, okay.”
With a hard scalp, Bai Qi walked past Bai Heguang, repeated the steps he had done previously, then let Alpha input energy and activate. A regular skeleton soldier appeared in front of Bai Heguang.
After watching Bai Qi’s operation, Bai Heguang’s normally calm face finally showed a hint of surprise. President Qin then informed Bai Heguang of the conclusions Bai Qi had previously drawn.
“Rune Evolution?”
Bai Heguang grabbed the ice skeleton. The ice skeleton, which was already medium-grade servant level, was like a giant doll in Bai Heguang’s hands, completely at his mercy.
“I see. Accelerating absorption of external attribute energy through runes to promote personal evolution. It indeed is a novel approach.”
After hearing Bai Heguang’s remarks, Bai Qi finally breathed a sigh of relief. If Bai Heguang acknowledged this method, then he shouldn’t hold a grudge against Bai Qi for using undead creatures to conduct research, right?
After all, it was really not very pleasant to be coveted by a Titled Legendary.
Upon hearing this, President Qin’s eyes lit up and he said, “Oh- Can this method be applied to creatures of the Soul Race or other types of pets?” Bai Heguang shook his head and said, “It might be possible for the Soul Race, but it would probably be difficult for others to merge with runes.”
After hearing Bai Heguang’s explanation, President Qin also felt a bit regretful. If rune evolution could become widespread, the Federation’s strength would absolutely leap forward, and they wouldn’t have to worry about the threat from the Ferocious Beast Tribe anymore.
However, having an alternative method of evolution was always a good thing. Compared to other complex training methods, rune evolution was definitely simpler.
“Now that you, Heguang, have verified that this path is viable, I plan to have Bai Qi display it at the Undead Department’s opening ceremony. What do you think, Heguang?”
Bai Heguang looked at Bai Qi upon hearing this, shook his head, and said, “Rune evolution has not yet been verified on higher level skeletons. It’s hard to convince people with just the evolution of some low-level skeleton soldiers, so I don’t recommend exposing it so soon.”
President Qin nodded upon hearing this and said, “That’s true. If there isn’t enough experimental data, those guys at the patent office won’t easily approve
However, I can establish a specialized research group within the Undead Department, with you as the group leader. As long as the universal applicability of rune evolution on skeletons and even Soul Race creatures is verified, I will personally help you apply for the patent.”
When Bai Heguang said this, everyone present was somewhat surprised.
A specialized research group? Celestial Brilliance really hoped for this path of rune evolution.
No, it should be said that he really had high hopes for Bai Qi.
“This is also good. When the time comes for training, it can open the eyes of those old geezers.”
President Qin touched his beard with a smile, growing fonder of Bai Qi by the second.
“Since you, Bai Chuanqi, are interested in establishing a specialized group, why not let our Rune Department join in?”
Professor Dong responded with a warm smile, saying, “After all, runes aren’t something that can be learned in a short amount of time.”
Bai Heguang nodded upon hearing this, saying, “That would be even better.”
The two quickly reached a consensus, leaving Bai Qi stunned.
So this meant they didn’t even plan to ask for his opinion?
What happened to human rights? What about freedom?
Ding dong! Ding dong!
At that moment, a hurried doorbell ring echoed from the entrance. Zhuge Chen immediately reacted, rushing out to open the door and quickly returning with a pudgy middle-aged man who looked about seventy to eighty percent similar to him.
“Bai Qi, 1 heard from Zhuge Chen that you’ve researched a new mode of evolution for skeleton soldiers? Hurry and show me. If the evolution can be stable, your uncle guarantees that you’ll definitely become the youngest tycoon in the Federation!”
Zhuge Xu’s voice came rushing in before he was even fully through the door.
Another one? Can’t they all just come together? He was already becoming an icy skeleton farm, and with a few more visitors, he could open as a bone yard.
Bai Qi looked at Zhuge Xu’s excited face somewhat speechlessly. Before he could respond, Zhuge Xu noticed Celestial Brilliance and the others.
“Ah, I see Bai Chuanqi, President Qin, and Professor Dong are all here. Sorry, sorry, didn’t notice you all because I was in such a rush.”
Zhuge Xu plastered on a smile and apologized to the others, then gave Zhuge Chen behind him a glare.
You little brat, why didn’t you tell me earlier that Celestial Brilliance was here!
Zhuge Chen shrugged his shoulders innocently. Can’t blame me, it’s not like I knew he was coming. If you disagree, go straight to Celestial Brilliance and settle the score.
After the two men exchanged looks, Zhuge Xu quickly grasped the situation.
He pondered for a moment, then said, “Had no idea you all think so highly of the project Bai Qi is researching. If that’s the case, I, Zhuge Xu, will have no choice but to shamelessly join in.”
“The Elf House will provide the funds and materials for the Specialized Rune Evolution Research Group, but we’ll also be tasked with selling the research outputs. We’ll split the profits and the students from the Undead Department can take up internships at the Elf House or affiliated gyms, without any conditions. What do you all think?”
On hearing Zhuge Xu’s proposition, Bai Qi couldn’t help but voice his admiration.
Wow, it’s less a case of forcing his way in, and more of a win-win cooperation.
The Undead Department is in charge of basic training, the Elf House provides resources and pets, the Specialized Research Group is responsible for evolution research, the gym provides practical training and advanced grooming, and Bai Qi handles the endorsements.
He hadn’t even signed the last contract, and the industrial chain had already expanded?
Indeed, after hearing Zhuge Xu’s proposal, Celestial Brilliance and the others also showed quite an interest. President Qin even began discussing the details of the collaboration with Zhuge Xu right away.
As for Bai Qi, he was completely ignored.
Bai Qi glanced at Zhuge Chen, who was on the side, his eyes gleaming with dollar signs, and wisely retreated, taking out the box that Celestial Brilliance had given him.
What does this mythical level material look like?
When Bai Qi opened the box, a shining spinal bone that looked like crystal appeared before him.
This is a mythical level material?
Feeling the faint aura of dominance emanating from the spine, Bai Qi instinctively reached out and touched it.
Hum-
A dragon’s humming sound rang in Bai Qi’s ears, and in his mind appeared the image of a giant dragon made entirely of crystal bones.
Crystal dragon bone?