Chapter 174 A Tide of Praise

Over the next few days, guards kept watch over the secret workshop, allowing the artisans to enter but not leave, temporarily sealing off the news.

Many artisans worked overtime to study the new formula for Exotic Blood Potions and began manufacturing them.

Due to the complexity of the formula and a lack of proficiency, even the elite artisans within the secret workshop struggled to produce finished products in a short time. Success once in ten attempts was considered lucky, and they mainly focused on practicing.

Only Bill, as the developer, could precisely control the formula with the aid of the item analysis function, consistently producing finished new Exotic Blood Potions.

After a few more days, King Becky visited the secret workshop again, this time bringing test subjects for the new potion.

Four strong men stood in the center of the room, eyes straight ahead, allowing the artisans, including Zhou Jing, to examine their bodies.

Meanwhile, on stretchers nearby, lay six weak men, pale-faced, coughing blood from time to time.

"I selected ten men from the Royal Guard to take the Type-II potion. These four are the successful ones. The six who failed did not die, but they are coughing blood incessantly and are extremely weak."

Guard Captain Eileen also arrived, standing beside King Becky, explaining the situation.

Zhou Jing nodded upon hearing this... a 40% success rate for enhancement was far higher than the original potion.

The original Exotic Blood Potion, when used by untrained ordinary people, had a success rate of about 4-6%. Normal people could improve the success rate through arduous training and a strong body, but it was estimated to be no more than 20%, only half of the Type-II potion.

His own Star Realm Apostle's initial strength far exceeded that of ordinary people, making him an exception. But for ordinary people, the original potion was a gamble with life, while the Type-II potion not only had a high success rate but also wouldn't cause immediate death upon failure. They were fundamentally different concepts.

The artisans present were all excited, deeply understanding the changes that the difference between the two would bring.

The only question was, how much weaker was the enhancement effect of the Type-II potion compared to the original?

Zhou Jing pretended to examine them, occasionally pinching the muscles of the three enhanced individuals, secretly using Detection on the successfully enhanced.

[Attributes: Physique 14, Resistance 11, Perception 7, Spirit 5, Energy 0]

"About the same attributes as Ross when he was first enhanced... But these enhanced individuals are soldiers of the Royal Guard, well-trained, and their base attributes are higher than Ross's all-5 slate. Previously, the normal Royal Guards detected mostly had Physique 7, Resistance 6, Perception 5... So, calculating it this way, the enhancement effect of the Type-II potion roughly increases the total attributes by 14 points."

Zhou Jing reached a conclusion, his heart stirring.

Ross's total attributes increased by 21 points during his first enhancement, while the enhancement effect of the Type-II potion should only be two-thirds of the original potion.

The enhanced individuals' attributes were not even as good as that idiot Ross...

Its main advantage was safety. In the future, it would likely replace the original potion. Original hunters would probably become increasingly rare, leading to a decline in the average combat power of future transcendents, making them less powerful. Perhaps this also aligned with the empire's needs... Zhou Jing analyzed secretly.

He also examined the failed enhancers, discovering that their attributes were slightly weakened. The sequelae of failed enhancement included damage to multiple organ functions, likely causing a strong warrior's body to collapse, becoming weaker than an ordinary person, and suffering from pain for a long time.

Although they could slowly recover, they would not regain complete health... but it was better than sudden death.

Having gained a concrete understanding of the Type-II Exotic Blood Potion, Zhou Jing noted it in his mind, looked around, and asked curiously, "Why are there no users of the Type-III potion?"

Eileen shook her head, "I had five Royal Guards use the Type-III potion, all of them failed and died, so we didn't continue."

"All died?" Zhou Jing shook his head. It wasn't surprising that the success rate of the Type-III potion was even lower than the original potion.

Eileen paused, and said in a deep voice, "The circumstances of their deaths were different. Some spontaneously combusted, others were charred by electricity."

Zhou Jing raised an eyebrow.

The original potion caused death by spraying blood, but the death methods of the Type-III potion seemed to be related to the enhanced special abilities.

Then, based on the principle of the potion's effect, the user would suffer damage from the special abilities during the enhancement process, such as burning or electrocution. This was the main reason for the decrease in the success rate... If that was the case, wouldn't having relevant elemental resistance improve the success rate of the Type-III potion?

Zhou Jing perked up.

The Type-II potion didn't discriminate and had universal applicability. The Type-III potion, on the other hand, was picky about its users and wasn't suitable for newbies. It seemed more suitable for use by already-enhanced Exotic Blood Warriors, requiring users to have gained certain elemental resistance characteristics in previous enhancements, and then selecting Type-III potions with special ability attributes that matched.

If he were to choose a Type-III potion for Jason, it would be best with electrical abilities, followed by wind element abilities... Zhou Jing thought.

Everyone examined everything once and recorded the results.

Becky revealed a satisfied expression after hearing the results.

He looked at Bill, his eyes gleaming. The methods of winning him over that he had been considering these past few days surfaced in his mind, and he no longer hesitated.

"You may leave, but Bill will stay behind," Becky said.

The artisans all knowingly left the room, even the guards went out.

Only Zhou Jing, King Becky, and Guard Captain Eileen remained in the room.

"Your Majesty, what do you want to discuss with me?"

Becky revealed a kind smile, "Master Bill, your contribution is of great significance to the empire. I have already had the Imperial Workshop certify you as a Master-level Alchemist, and on behalf of the royal family, I bestow upon you the title of Chief Imperial Alchemist. In addition, I have decided to gift you five shops in the Furnace District, locations of your choice. In the future, the Imperial Workshop will unconditionally supply you with materials, allowing you to conduct any research you desire. Furthermore, you will be paid a high percentage of the profits each year, based on the total number of new Exotic Blood Potions produced by the Imperial Workshop."

Zhou Jing's spirits lifted.

These rewards were undeniably generous.

Most people pursue nothing more than fame and fortune, and Bill's image was associated with worldliness and profit-seeking. Only great benefits could move him.

So the king was betting heavily. The new Exotic Blood Potion was almost a strategic resource, and the empire would inevitably produce it in large quantities. Paying a percentage of the massive production each year was an unnecessary expense for the empire.

The title of Chief Imperial Alchemist was also a huge honor, officially certified, instantly becoming the official leader of alchemists, achieving both fame and success.

And the gifts of shops and the unconditional supply of research materials were also very practical.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's generosity," Zhou Jing said, feigning a flattered expression.

Becky waved his hand, and slowly said, "Also, I have decided to invite you to reside in the Golden Fortress, with the Royal Guard protecting your safety at all times. To reduce risks, try not to leave the royal capital as much as possible in the future."

"Reside in the Golden Fortress?"

Zhou Jing's heart stirred.

The Golden Fortress was the royal capital's palace, and only the royal family, imperial ministers, and their servants were qualified to live there. Now he was being invited to live there... probably to keep him under their noses for easy surveillance and control, right?

And having the Royal Guard following him at all times was both protection and surveillance. This was obvious.

It seemed that the benefits mentioned earlier were all for this condition. A sweet treat followed by a heavy blow, using a gentle approach to place him under the complete control of the royal family.

Zhou Jing could understand this from another perspective, but whether he accepted it was another matter.

If he were an ordinary person, there would be nothing to hesitate about with such good treatment. Sacrificing some freedom wouldn't matter... However, this body was a Star Realm Apostle, and its pursuits were different. It didn't really have worldly desires.

Seeing that Zhou Jing didn't speak, Becky took a deep breath and said slowly and deliberately, "Master Bill, a talent like you will surely leave a name in history. I wonder if you have any plans to adopt a surname and pass on your bloodline?"

Zhou Jing blinked, "I haven't thought about it... Why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

Becky's tone was earnest, "Because, I hope you will marry into the royal family. As long as you are willing, any eligible female of the Tarn royal family can become your wife."

Zhou Jing was stunned.

Good heavens, wasn't this the aristocratic marriage practice from feudal times in history?

Bill was a rootless wanderer. Making him a "royal relative" and turning him into one of the royal family's own people would ensure that he supported the royal family, had his heart set on the empire, and kept his butt on the royal family's side, so that his brain would follow suit, successfully absorbing talent.

Becky stared intently at Zhou Jing, awaiting his reply. He was confident that this combination of punches would make Bill wholeheartedly devoted.

Even if other tribes approached Bill in the future, no one could offer a higher price than the royal family!

--If he could, he really wanted to lock Bill in a dungeon, train him harshly, and use him as a tool to be exploited at will.

Unfortunately, developing potions required concentration. If he used force, the person could simply slack off, making it difficult to control them.

He still needed Bill to continue improving the new potions, so Becky ultimately decided to use a method of tying him in with benefits, so that Bill would voluntarily contribute his talent.

Not only that, but he also had to promote Bill's achievements and actively increase Bill's reputation... As the number of enhanced individuals increased, it would be impossible to completely hide the existence of the new Exotic Blood Potion. All Becky could do was ensure that the formula remained under his control, so that it couldn't be made anywhere other than the workshop in the royal capital.

At this moment, Zhou Jing opened his mouth and asked curiously, "Any eligible royal female is okay?"

"Of course," Becky nodded decisively.

"Then..." Zhou Jing couldn't help but turn his head to look at Eileen, who was standing beside him.

Eileen had been watching the show expressionlessly, but her expression suddenly changed when she saw this, and her fist immediately hardened.

Becky was stunned.

He didn't expect Bill to have such unique tastes, daring to covet his guard captain.

To be honest, Eileen was indeed charming, and he sometimes had some improper thoughts... But what kind of physical fitness did she have? Would sex turn into a tragic homicide?!

Moreover, Becky didn't dare to force a strong person who protected the safety of others to do something unwillingly.

"Ahem, I don't object, but that depends on Eileen's wishes..." Becky hesitated, and said helplessly, "But I suggest you reconsider."

He was almost directly saying -- For the sake of your small body, please don't court death, okay?

Eileen calmed down, crossed her arms, and directly refused, "You're quite bold. I don't hate it... but I'm not interested in men."

That's a lie, you've clearly taken a fancy to Jason. You just think Bill's physique isn't good enough, right?

Zhou Jing slandered inwardly.

Becky coughed, pulled the topic back on track, and said in a deep voice, "Master Bill, are you willing to marry into the royal family?"

...You've already asked me this, if I refuse, wouldn't I be splattered with blood on the spot?

"Yes, of course I'm willing!"

Zhou Jing replied quickly, as if afraid that the king would regret it if he spoke too slowly.

Seeing this, Becky nodded with satisfaction, and smiled kindly, "You stay in the workshop first. Once I announce your appointment, I will send the guard to pick you up and take you to reside in the Golden Fortress."

He chatted with Zhou Jing for a while to build a relationship, before taking the guard and returning home.

Zhou Jing put on an act of sending him to the door, but was stopped by the guard, so he slowly walked back to his room.

Closing the door, Zhou Jing's expression collapsed.

"Tsk, this is not good. The royal family wants to completely bind me to their camp."

The conditions offered by the king were enough to stun most people, but his own Star Realm Apostle's pursuits were different.

Zhou Jing secretly analyzed his own possible future situation.

Normal artisans could end the closed development and regain their freedom after completing a project, but he could forget about it. In the future, he would definitely be closely monitored, living under the control of the royal family, and having to be followed by the guard wherever he went, making it difficult to leave the royal capital.

His personal freedom would be restricted, and he could only become a tool for the royal family to develop potions.

Although continuing down the path of an alchemist could earn some Star Realm Points and Informatization Particles, the gains would slowly decrease, because with the technological level of the Exotic Beast World, there was ultimately a limit to the results of potion development.

The goal of having Bill learn alchemy was to quickly become famous, earn Informatization Particles, and increase the progress of the Apostle Constellation. The current results were not a loss in themselves, the only problem was that a big tree attracted the wind, and there were gains and losses.

Restricted freedom was not in line with his own interests. Bill's value was not only in making potions. Now there was a possibility of becoming an Eternal Apostle, so he needed to have Bill learn something more useful to the main body, such as trying to cultivate witchcraft to obtain a new transcendent system.

Being trapped in the royal capital, being monitored by others, he couldn't study witchcraft, and he couldn't even think about going out to find the Spirits of Nature.

"So I need to think of a way to get rid of the situation of being controlled by the royal family..."

Zhou Jing thought back and forth, and suddenly had a whimsical idea.

Why not... just die heroically? Transition the ability to the next Star Realm Apostle?

He clicked his tongue, but still abandoned this unreliable idea.

...Forget it, Bill has reached this stage, and he is very valuable. Now that the conditions for Constellation haven't been met, he can't become an Eternal Apostle. Dying easily would be a big loss.

Moreover, even if he reached the Constellation progress, Zhou Jing didn't want to settle it for the time being, because unlike before, he wasn't in a hurry to "clear the game" now.

He preferred to earn more Informatization Particles to improve the settlement evaluation, and to let Bill continue to grow, so that he could choose better abilities during the free conversion, saving a lot of resources and earning more.

"Let's use a more wholesome way to solve the problem... but for now, let's agree to the royal family's conditions first. No matter what I do later, at least I'll get this wave of achievements first.

After that, it seems I need to actively contact Roman... This person doesn't know that I know some of his secrets, maybe I can take some action to make Roman think he can use me, and in turn use his power..."

Zhou Jing's eyes rolled, and his thoughts changed.

...

Just a few days later, the royal family decisively announced something that quickly swept through the entire royal capital.

King Becky Tarn appointed Bill as the Chief Imperial Alchemist, and also announced that Bill would marry into the royal family!

Because of the closed development period, Bill's name had disappeared for a few months. Many residents of the royal capital had already forgotten this once-famous "Aphrodisiac Master".

But there were also many people who remembered Bill -- most of them were customers who had bought Stamina Potions, and they often missed their former vigor in the days when Bill disappeared.

Once these two messages were released, the entire royal capital was in an uproar.

Because the news of the new Exotic Blood Potion was temporarily still being blocked, in the eyes of the residents of the royal capital, this was just someone who made aphrodisiacs rising to power, making it extremely puzzling, and prompting them to guess at various possibilities.

Someone who makes aphrodisiacs is actually qualified to become the Chief Imperial Alchemist, so did he make the king feel incredibly great?!

Also, this person can actually marry into the royal family? Could it be that all the men of the royal family are impotent and need Bill to help them stand up again?!

For a time, various open-minded and saucy rumors were rampant.

The rumors were not the same, but one thing became the consensus of the residents of the royal capital...

Bill is really awesome!