Chapter 542: The Empire Treasury

Chapter 542: The Empire Treasury

The crowd’s attention briefly lingered on Prince Everdon before refocusing on the bizarre multi-headed dragon. Despite its grotesque appearance, it was undeniable that the creature’s aura was growing stronger by the second.

Several imperial guardians, after a careful assessment, widened their eyes and exclaimed:

"Peak Epic?"

"An Ancient Dragon level?"

"If it really is, how did the Crown Prince manage it?"

Before they could ponder further, the creature let out a roar and charged at Rayne once more.

This time, Rayne didn’t stay in his human form. Instead, he immediately transformed into his Sixth Form, becoming a colossal Dark Silver Ancient Dragon, and engaged the creature in hand-to-hand combat.

Earlier, Rayne had sent the elves back to his manor and then returned to the small mythical realm, where he blasted the experimental creature out with a single blow.

"Ladies and gentlemen, shouldn’t we lend a hand to His Majesty Rayne?" Elder Ivan said to the nearby elders as he watched the powerful and sleek Dark Silver Dragon fiercely battle the multi-headed dragon.

"It seems the Crown Prince’s accusations don’t hold water."

"Let’s work together! This is the Imperial Capital, and it’s best to quell the situation quickly."

"..."

With that, the imperial guardians acted in unison. Some attacked the creature directly, while others cast large-scale concealment spells to obscure the scene, preventing it from spreading.

After all, this was the Imperial Capital Temeril, the symbol of the Dragon Empire’s prestige.

With the guardians joining in, the battle became a foregone conclusion.

Although the creature’s energy fluctuations had reached Peak Epic, its combat skills were lacking. In the struggle, it was on par with Rayne’s incarnation as a Dark Silver Ancient Dragon.

With so many imperial guardians working together, the creature let out a mournful cry and plummeted heavily from the sky within ten seconds.

Rayne delivered the final blow, following the creature’s descent and plunging his massive, sharp dragon claws deep into its chest, ending its life.

"Boom!!!"

The two massive creatures fell from the sky like meteors, landing on the courtyard lawn of the Crown Prince’s manor. A small mushroom cloud of dust and debris spread out.

Taking advantage of the chaos, Everton, without a second thought for the creature’s fate, rushed toward his secret chamber. He had a node key that could return him to the small mythical realm, but he needed to destroy the teleportation array immediately.

Otherwise, if everything inside was exposed, even as a prince, he might be placed under house arrest.

As for the position he had once coveted, it would be a distant dream.

As long as he severed the connection between his manor and the mythical realm, he could deny everything that followed.

In the dust and smoke, as Rayne’s dragon claws pierced the creature, a system prompt suddenly appeared:

[Ding! Detected host contact with special blood essence, found some absorbable dragon gene fragments. Absorb? Yes/No?]

(Note: Absorbing these dragon gene fragments will significantly enhance the host’s dragon bloodline concentration.)

"Hmm? There are gene fragments that can be absorbed? And only some?" Rayne was taken aback, then overjoyed.

"What kind of blood essences did that guy mix into the Super Evolution Elixir?"

He knew his current bloodline concentration was already at the ‘superior’ level, making any further enhancement extremely difficult.

Rayne had never imagined that he could gain an increase in his dragon bloodline concentration from this creature.

He was well aware that the Brotherhood of Dragonhide was an organization through which Prince Everdon obtained blood essences from different dragon bloodline offspring through various unsavory means.

"Most of those dragon bloodline essences are very diluted. How many offspring must have been involved to refine these?"

It seems Rayne had underestimated both the scale of the Brotherhood of Dragonhide and the ugly monster Renfriar’s talent in alchemy.

Without hesitation, Rayne chose “Yes!”

Immediately, the System Prompt flashed on the screen:

【Congratulations! With the enhancement of your bloodline power, you have unlocked the Mutation Dragon Bloodline Seventh Form (Extreme Ancient Dragon Form)!】

【Host's bloodline mutation: the special ability 'Three Heads' has been upgraded to 'Multiple Heads'】

【In the Seventh Form, the Host will possess the special ability 'Multiple Heads.'】

【Effect of Multiple Heads: In addition to the host's original head, the host can choose and grow additional dragon heads with different attributes, thereby obtaining the corresponding abilities of those dragons, including but not limited to dragon breath, innate abilities, and hand-to-hand combat abilities.】

【Note: Currently, the Host has the Void Dragon Head, Corrupt Dragon Head, Ancestral Dragon Head, and Red Dragon Head.】

【Note: The maximum number of dragon heads currently is five.】

【In the Seventh Form, the Host will continue to possess the Void Dragon's special ability 'Phasing.'】

【Mutation Dragon Bloodline Seventh Form (Extreme Ancient Dragon Form): Upon activation, the body transforms into a dragon form, with a size 200% larger than the regular dragon form. Strength, agility, and other attributes are enhanced, and the host is immune to all toxins and diseases below the high-tier level, as well as all wizardry damage below 350 degrees.】

（Note: Duration is positively correlated with bloodline concentration and physical constitution.）

“Multiple Heads?”

Rayne looked at the special ability displayed in the System Prompt and couldn’t help but feel a mix of amusement and frustration.

He had been trying hard to avoid others mistaking him for a Multi-Headed Dragon Bloodline, and now, his special ability 'Three Heads' had been upgraded to 'Multiple Heads.'

“Well, the increase in combat power is the most important thing. Other matters can be set aside for now.”

Rayne thought for a moment and then dismissed the issue.

After all, at his current level of strength, unless he faced a divine incarnation or some unknown resurrected behemoth, there were very few enemies who could force him to use the multiple heads ability even in his Ancient Dragon form.

Additionally, this special ability allowed him to perform powerful combined attacks, similar to those that required multiple dragons working together, such as the Red Dragon secret technique—“Core Melt Flame.”

That technique required three Ancient Dragon-level Red Dragons to perform a powerful killing move.

The last time, he had only been able to briefly possess this ability after Menya used 'Dragon Blood Sacrifice.' Now, he could maintain this ability for a longer period.

When Rayne transformed back into human form and slowly walked out of the smoke and dust, Prince Everdon, who had completely destroyed the secret chamber, approached with a grim face.

Just as the two were about to clash head-on, several royal elders descended from the sky, led by Elder Ivan.

Elder Ivan’s expression was serious as he stepped forward and said:

“Crown Prince, His Majesty Rayne, both of you are of noble standing. Can we put this matter to rest for now?”

“Elder Ivan, I have no issue with it.”

Rayne had just rescued Anna’s mother, Dareen Hawkmoon, and was in a great mood.

Moreover, Prince Everdon’s secret actions had inadvertently benefited him, which naturally made him even happier.

Finally, for Menya’s sake, Rayne didn’t plan to pursue this matter further with the Crown Prince.

After all, from another perspective, he was also the Crown Prince’s 'great-uncle'!

Well, thinking about it, it did feel a bit embarrassing. After all, how old was he? And now he had a great-grandnephew who was older than him!

Of course, if the other party didn’t let up, then he would have no choice.

“Don’t get too cocky. You think you can hide your multi-headed dragon bloodline with test subjects? This matter will eventually come to light!” Prince Everdon stepped forward, suppressing his anger, and stared intently at Rayne, speaking in a low voice.

“Why don’t you ask the others?” Rayne smiled and glanced around.

“You!!” Everton naturally noticed the scrutinizing gazes of the crowd directed at him, which only made him even more furious!

After Rayne finished speaking, he strode past Everton and went to greet Elder Ivan and the others.

Still standing in place, Everton began to calm down and quickly reflected on the entire situation.

After much consideration, he turned to Buchanan with a scowl and asked:

“Buchanan, tell me, how did Rayne find out about the location of the spatial node?”

“Logically, it should have been impossible for them to discover it. Your Highness, I never let anyone get close to that location. Even for special items, I personally pushed them up after the servants delivered them to the warehouse.”

Confronted with the Crown Prince’s questioning gaze, Buchanan’s forehead immediately broke out in a cold sweat, and he immediately bowed in response.

“Never mind, we’ll discuss this later. Go to the Imperial Capital estate quickly and have someone activate the backup ward array. I need to know the extent of the damage.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Several minutes later.

Rayne returned to the carriage.

“Lord Rayne, you just went—” The commotion outside was so loud that Olena, sitting inside the carriage, naturally saw and heard it.

At this moment, her expression was still somewhat unnatural, as if she hadn’t fully recovered.

“Haha, I did something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but never had the chance.”

“By the way, Olena, we need to return to the mansion first. We’ll head to the Empire Treasury in an hour. Is that alright?”

“Of course, it’s fine.” Olena quickly returned to her previous efficient state and nodded.

Before heading to the Empire Treasury, Rayne needed to properly arrange accommodations for the dozens of Elven women, including Anna’s mother.

He wasn’t unaware of the possibility of escorting them to Ferdinand Forest, but after some thought, he decided to notify the Elven ambassador in the Imperial Capital first, so they could contact Ferdinand Forest.

Meanwhile, he would contact the master alchemists of the Royal Alchemists’ Guild to help adjust the Elven women’s conditions, ensuring that when Anna reunites with her mother, it wouldn’t be too distressing.

At the mansion, the sudden arrival of over twenty somewhat dazed Elven women naturally shocked everyone.

However, both the beautiful woman Jennifer and the barbarian girl Lagrelle knew about Anna’s existence and immediately made the connection.

By the time Rayne returned to the mansion, Jennifer had already arranged for the maids to give the Elven women a basic cleaning.

Soon, two alchemy masters from the Royal Alchemists’ Guild arrived to conduct a diagnosis. They quickly confirmed that the Elven women were only affected by the long-term use of sleep-inducing potions. With the discontinuation of the potions and the aid of healing potions, they would gradually return to normal.

After everything was settled, Rayne and Olena headed to the Empire Treasury once again.

Imperial Capital Inner Ring.

Empire Treasury Gate.

This was a grand building similar to a temple, appearing to have only three floors but covering a significant area. The exterior walls were made of grayish-white marble, giving it a majestic and imposing appearance.

Due to the extreme value of the items stored here, to prevent any accidents, all exchanges required the presence of the guardian.

As Rayne and Olena passed through multiple layers of scrutiny and entered the hall, a beautiful female attendant quickly approached and bowed.

“Respected Lord Rayne, welcome.”

“Since this is our first meeting, allow me to briefly introduce you. The treasures are stored in different sections based on their type.”

“May I ask, are you here to exchange potions, magical artifacts, or spells?”

“Potions,” Rayne said.

On the way, Olena had already given him a brief introduction. The Empire Treasury was a general term, and the building actually contained multiple secondary treasuries, each dedicated to storing items of different types.

“Very well, Lord Rayne, please follow me.”

“Lady Olena, please wait in the adjacent lounge. According to regulations, only Lord Rayne can proceed alone,” the female attendant said to Olena.

“Certainly,” Olena nodded.

Soon, Rayne followed the attendant down a corridor to the right and entered a smaller hall. Inside, there was only one counter, manned by a female wizard who had clearly reached the Liquefaction stage.

Upon seeing Rayne’s arrival, she immediately stood up and bowed.

“Do you have any potions that can enhance a Dawn Wizard’s psi energy?” Rayne asked straightforwardly.

"Of course, Lord Rayne, please wait a moment."

"Here is a summary of the potions currently available in the Empire Treasury that meet your criteria: the Transcendent Wisdom Elixir and the Ancient Spirit Fission Elixir." The female wizard quickly began to detail each one.

Half an hour later.

Rayne exchanged for the potions and returned to the secret chamber at the Bishu Construct Guild. He chose the Transcendent Wisdom Elixir, an ancient potion that can steadily enhance a Dawn Wizard's psi energy. However, like most rare potions, its initial effect is the best, and subsequent effects diminish significantly.

Rayne chose it because it has a relatively stable effect with minimal side effects. Potions that can steadily increase a Dawn Wizard's psi energy are extremely rare, even in the Empire Treasury. They are generally divided into two categories.

The first category includes potions for which the Empire has the recipe and can produce in limited quantities. These potions have been tested and are highly reliable, such as the Transcendent Wisdom Elixir that Rayne exchanged for.

The second category includes potions found in ancient ruins or those that are extremely rare, sometimes even unique. The effects of these potions are hard to guarantee, like the Spirit Fission Elixir.

At the moment, Rayne's psi energy, as shown on his attribute panel, had reached 295 points. Ten of these points were rewards for advancing to a Goblin Engineering Expert, and the other two were consumed when he rescued the Elves in the small Mythical Realm.

Although he did not restore points during the battle with the test subject, the process of rescuing the Elves and using 'Shadow Traverse' had been extremely draining. After all, the psi energy consumption for directly traversing and carrying others is completely different, increasing exponentially.

"Let's see how much psi energy this Transcendent Wisdom Elixir can boost."

After making some preparations, Rayne drank the potion, which emitted a deep blue glow, in one go!

A refreshing and sweet fruit-like taste filled his mouth, and as it slid down his throat and into his stomach, Rayne felt a warm sensation a few seconds later. This warmth was like winter sunlight or a hot spring after a snowfall, giving him a sense of inexplicable comfort.

At the same time, a cool sensation began to surge from within his body and gradually flowed into his mind.

And the System Prompt sounded:

[Congratulations! Your mental attribute has been enhanced!]

[Congratulations! Your mental attribute has been enhanced!]

After the potion's effects had fully worn off, Rayne checked his attribute panel, which now displayed:

Mental: 310 (92% Refined)

"A total of fifteen points?"

"Pretty good."

"From this, it seems the Transcendent Wisdom Elixir increased my total psi energy by about 5%." Rayne smiled, looking at his mental attribute, which had finally crossed the 300-point mark.

Feeling the changes in his body, Rayne quickly decided to try the Steel Heart Fifth Layer again to see how much he had improved.

Suddenly, Rayne's expression changed, and he was momentarily stunned.

"This level of mystic energy particle fluctuation..."

"Clearly, it has improved significantly compared to before."

Although Claire had reminded him of this point more than half a year ago, this time the improvement was much more substantial.

To put it another way, if the previous improvement was around two decimal places per day, this time it was at the first decimal place. This might seem small, but over time, it would be quite significant.

The same phenomenon occurred across the empire.

Not only in the Imperial Capital Temeril, but also in the Bitterwind Tundra to the north, the shores of the Summer Sea to the east, the Cyrodiil Plateau to the northwest, and even in the distant Federation, many powerful individuals showed signs of surprise.

Some of them, upon realizing something, immediately frowned, showing signs of worry.

Meanwhile.

Inside the palace, in a mysterious underground space.

A majestic voice echoed, reaching the ears of every royal powerhouse in the palace: "In two days, I will attempt to reach demigod status again. Gather the empire's strongest to return to the Imperial Capital as soon as possible."

"Great, Father Emperor is a hurdle Rayne can't possibly overcome!" Prince Everdon was delighted upon hearing this.

In a luxurious room in the palace, Menya's beautiful eyes suddenly widened. "His Majesty has awakened?! But isn't this decision a bit hasty?"

"His Majesty is..." Elder Ivan's expression was complex.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end