Chapter 502: Deep Exchange and the Sparks of Inspiration~
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 502: Deep Exchange and the Sparks of Inspiration~
"Sure~ What is it then?"
Sister Bai didn't hesitate, asking with a look of anticipation.
She admitted she had no talent for research related to the Transcendent. She hadn't discovered anything significant with her spellbook research, her alchemy was half-baked, and she hadn't been studying Runology for long. The only way she could truly help was likely through her Transcendent-level life stage and her Five Senses Perception, which granted her the higher perspective of Real Time.
"It wasn't originally a standalone spell effect, and I didn't intend to use it this way. It's called a Leaf of Knowledge—a leaf from my Tree of Knowledge." As I spoke, an illusory leaf drifted up from my hand.
Then, I lowered my voice. "But since that last trip to the Small World, my Tree of Knowledge spellbook has changed its name. You should know what Dean Bev had me do back then, right?"
"Mhm." Sister Bai nodded. That was the time I was sent to take over the [Transcendent Knowledge].
"Now, my Tree of Knowledge spellbook..." I snapped my fingers, and a Soundproofing Spell enveloped Sister Bai and me. "It should be called the Tree of Great Knowledge."
"Xiao Han, you gained that much from the trip?" A flash of shock crossed Bai Yu's eyes. She didn't question the truth of my words for a second; she knew Xiao Han wouldn't lie to her about this.
But immediately after, a deeper realization struck her, leaving her even more stunned... If Xiao Han's derived spell had become a Great Spellbook, then didn't that mean... Xiao Han had two Great Spellbooks?
After all, she had received Xiao Han's blessing last time, and the timing didn't match up. So... was it really possible?
Xiao Han, who hadn't even reached the Transcendent level, possessed Great Spellbooks that even Transcendent Witches didn't have—and she had two of them!
While she didn't have a deep conceptual understanding of what a Great Spellbook truly represented, Bai Yu was well aware of its value.
Once she realized this, a wave of lingering fear washed over her...
This was the true definition of "a man's wealth being his own ruin"!
"Xiao Han, you haven't told anyone else about this, right?"
"Of course not. I wouldn't bring this up on my own. However... the two Deans I know each know about one of them. They're aware of it. After all, my possession of Great Spellbooks is inextricably linked to them—that time in the Fool's Village Secret Realm, and the time in the Small World... I expect those Deans probably know as well. It couldn't be helped."
"The Deans know too?" Upon hearing my words, Bai Yu actually breathed a sigh of relief. If the Deans knew and the matter was tied to them, the trouble she would face would be significantly reduced. The fact that I hadn't run into any major trouble yet was proof enough.
"Don't be so nervous~ I'm an investee that Dean Mei thinks highly of. As long as I don't go looking for trouble, no one will mess with me. So, Sister Bai, you can rest easy for now~" I said with a smile.
"If just hearing this much makes you feel like the pressure is overwhelming, then I won't dare confide in you anymore~" Seeing Sister Bai's serious expression, I reached out and playfully flicked the tip of her nose.
"How could that be? It's just that your Sister Bai hasn't seen much of the world." Bai Yu took a deep breath, letting my hand flick her nose as she realized her own mistake.
She wanted to be Xiao Han's listener, someone to share her burdens, not someone who added to her stress. She had been too impatient. Acting like that wasn't sharing the pressure; it was doubling it, and then self-righteously trying to help carry it. It was meaningless.
But Xiao Han's fortuitous encounters and growth had truly exceeded her understanding. Likewise, she hadn't known Xiao Han had such a relationship with the Deans.
After a long silence, Bai Yu spoke again.
"Even if I haven't seen such grand scenes, I at least have my strength. If you run into trouble, Xiao Han, you must learn to rely on me, okay?"
"I know~ Next time someone tries something funny, I'll just dive into Sister Bai's arms, act spoiled, and tattle on them. I'll say they're bullying me. How's that?"
"Deal~" Sister Bai agreed with a smile, though I doubted I could actually bring myself to do something like that.
"Then it's a promise~ Anyway, enough of that. Honestly, Sister Bai, you distracted me so much I almost forgot the main point." I shook the illusory leaf floating in my hand. Countless runes flowed across its surface, making it look incredibly high-end—which it was.
As a part of the Tree of Great Knowledge, the Leaf of Knowledge was a temporary substitute for the planned "Knowledge Seed." It was a completely different concept from the simple Knowledge Shadow spell effect I had released during the Joint Exam.
First, the Leaf of Knowledge inherited the "Permanent" effect of the Great Spellbook. At any time, I could dominate the Knowledge Shadow to facilitate the flow and exchange of information, as well as share the knowledge and data within the Tree of Great Knowledge.
The three Fool's Dream spirits following me were a perfect example. Having received the blessing of my Leaf of Knowledge, they could use the Knowledge Shadow to complete their basic studies of Transcendent Knowledge.
A typical Knowledge Shadow, once outside my range of control, was essentially just a glorified Illusion Clone. It couldn't share my cognition or the knowledge within the Tree of Great Knowledge; its very existence relied on the subconscious of the target.
But if there was one thing that distinguished this state of the Knowledge Shadow from an Illusion Clone... it was that it was more controllable and offered many other conveniences in subtle ways.
The most important point, in my opinion, was "Knowledge Sharing." If it could be paired with the Ley Line Information Identification Art, it would be the first complete step toward my vision.
Then came the issue of dissemination and promotion.
"Here~ this is the Leaf of Knowledge." I waved the leaf in my hand and explained to Sister Bai, "Once used, it forms a rune-style mark, similar to a tattoo, on the spot where it's applied. Sister Bai, where do you want it?"
"It forms a rune tattoo?" Bai Yu was a bit surprised, though not because she disliked tattoos.
In the Transcendent world, Transcendent power often affected biological individuals, and the convergence of power was frequently anchored by marks like runes.
When runes manifested on a living body, they generally appeared as "tattoos." Some races were even born with racial runes, also known as Innate Runes, which carried the power or information of their species.
"Since this is your most important thing, Xiao Han... can it go here?" After thinking for a moment, Sister Bai unfastened the top button of her shirt. As the fabric pulled back, a glimpse of fair skin vividly occupied my entire field of vision.
"I want to keep something so important on my chest. Is that okay?" Sister Bai asked again.
"Sure, sure!" My face flushed a faint crimson, but I agreed readily. "Then I won't be shy~"
I didn't hesitate. It wasn't like I hadn't been pressed against these things before. I knew my way around, okay?
As the Leaf of Knowledge merged seamlessly into Sister Bai's chest, a jade-green rune surfaced between her breasts.
The color looked vibrant against her fair skin, making me want to... ahem...
I just wanted to check if there were any issues.
After ensuring everything was fine, I reluctantly helped Sister Bai fasten her button.
"All done~ Sister Bai, give it a try~ The ability granted by the Leaf of Knowledge is to summon a Knowledge Shadow. That's the Illusion Clone spellbook you gave me back then. Now, that spellbook has been used as a derivative material to become part of the Tree of Great Knowledge. You don't mind, do you?"
"How could I? Since I gave it to you, it's yours to do with as you please."
Following my explanation, Sister Bai began to experiment. She didn't even need me to teach her; she summoned the Knowledge Shadow with just a thought.
Sister Bai looked at the Knowledge Shadow in wonder. The figure had a slightly different aura than the real Xiao Han—it felt as if this version of Xiao Han was closer to her secret fantasies...
With just a simple test, Bai Yu understood the general effect of the spell. This Knowledge Shadow could be dominated by Xiao Han, but its formation was also influenced by her own subconscious perceptions.
"Sister Bai, are you thinking about something weird? You better not do anything strange to the Illusion Clone, okay? I'll know everything!" I said, sounding a warning.
"You'll know? Then how is that any different from doing it directly to you?" Sister Bai stood up and circled the Knowledge Shadow. Even though she knew it was an illusion that only existed within her perception, it felt so real!
"Does Sister Bai have something on her mind~? If you want to make a move, the main body is right there. Let me tell you a secret: the main body is ready at any time. Even if Sister Bai pushed her down on the sofa right now, she'd just play coy for a bit before her head filled with nothing but lewd thoughts~"
"Is that true~ Xiao Han?"
Hearing the Knowledge Shadow say something so shocking, Sister Bai looked surprised. She turned toward me, looking at me alongside the Knowledge Shadow.
"How... how could that be! I bet that's just your own fantasy, Sister Bai! And you, Knowledge Shadow! Whose side are you on anyway?!"
"I'm on Sister Bai's side~ I'm giving you an assist. If you can't say the words stuck in your heart, I can help you. This is a boldness that can only exist here with Sister Bai~ This is exactly what you're thinking, isn't it?" The Knowledge Shadow "betrayed" me without a second thought.
On the surface, I had to act angry...
But deep down, I was giving her a huge thumbs-up. Great job, Knowledge Shadow!
As expected of the "subconscious me."
However... the fact that she could say it so bluntly also meant that Sister Bai really did have those thoughts.
"Xiao Han, it seems your spell is a bit disobedient?" Sister Bai leaned in close to me, speaking with a smile. "Looks like it needs some more training."
"Yeah, it definitely needs some training." I nodded quickly, though I knew perfectly well that the Knowledge Shadow was being too obedient. Training the Knowledge Shadow was just a roundabout way of training... ahem, me~
"So, how do you need me to cooperate? From what I can see so far, Xiao Han, this ability seems to be just a modified Illusion Clone." Sister Bai asked, based on what was visible.
"Mhm... she can share the knowledge and information within my Tree of Great Knowledge, and... any information you acquire can also be recorded into the tree by me," I explained immediately.
"Oh?" Sister Bai paused, instantly realizing the terrifying potential of this ability!
Knowledge sharing! Information recording!
She remembered Xiao Han telling her that the Tree of Knowledge spell was derived from the Memory Bookshelf spellbook. Therefore, this spell should have inherited those effects. Combined with this current method... was Xiao Han no longer satisfied with her original ways of acquiring knowledge and starting to take it by force?
However, Bai Yu was more than happy to participate in this acquisition and sharing of knowledge.
But she quickly thought of another issue. The Memory Bookshelf spellbook had its limits; knowledge couldn't be acquired infinitely. If she gathered knowledge this way, she would eventually face a backlash from the sheer volume!
"Wait, Xiao Han, isn't this way of acquiring knowledge too fast? I mean, if the knowledge exceeds a certain limit, you'll face a backlash!"
"Eh? Are you worried about me already?" I was surprised by how quickly Sister Bai reacted. "That problem actually bothered me a long time ago~ but it's basically solved now. My speed of knowledge acquisition is far lower than the speed at which the limit expands~ After all... this is the Great Tree of Knowledge~"
"I see. Xiao Han, you're amazing."
Realizing her worry was for nothing, Sister Bai let out a long sigh of relief. It was a wasted concern, but a welcome one.
She didn't pry any further. That was a domain she couldn't touch for the time being, and she knew she wasn't a professional.
"That's right~ I'm super amazing!"
I indulged in a rare moment of conceit; it didn't matter since it was just Sister Bai.
"And I plan to keep perfecting the Leaf of Knowledge. It should be able to do much more. Plus, I have an ambition—the Leaf of Knowledge is too restricted. I can't rely on this method to spread it."
"So you really are thinking about dissemination~" Sister Bai listened intently.
"Of course~ That's the only way to maximize the benefits. Limited by the Tree of Great Knowledge itself, I hope to derive a carrier that isn't as costly as the Leaf of Knowledge to spread the spell's effects. I'm at that stage now, but I'm stuck..."
"It's okay. Xiao Han is so smart, you'll definitely find a way." Sister Bai stroked my head comfortingly.
"Mhm... these things can't be rushed. Besides, my Leaf of Knowledge isn't fully perfected yet. Can you help me test something else? Sister Bai, aren't you curious... about what that 'Ley Line magic' everyone says I've mastered actually is? That's also related to the Tree of Great Knowledge~"
"That's related to it too?" This time, Sister Bai was even more shocked.
"Yes. The Tree of Great Knowledge spellbook... after I created it, I decided to make it the core of my future Transcendent development~ It's just so inclusive of everything. It has even given me a feeling I can't describe with words—a miracle! Yes! It's a miracle!"
"I see. Then shall we start perfecting it now?" Sister Bai asked tentatively.
"No rush, Sister Bai. We have plenty of time~ An entire break. We have a whole vacation's worth of free time..." I interrupted her, turning around and pinning her down onto the sofa.
I pressed one hand against Sister Bai's shoulder while the other braced against the back of the sofa. One of my knees was planted on the soft cushion, right between her legs...
Then I spoke again, my voice carrying a hint of charm and anticipation.
"Many things can't be rushed, and many things require inspiration. I feel like I need a complete release to soothe the numbness in my body and mind. Perhaps through a deep exchange between us, we might strike the sparks of inspiration~ Such things are rare and precious. Sister Bai, are you willing to try with me? Right here..."
"...Okay!" Sister Bai was stunned for a moment. Then, she reached out to wrap her arms around my waist. With a wave of her other hand, the villa's curtains drew shut, and an Isolation Spell enveloped the entire building. The dimness of the villa added a different kind of allure to the moment.
That soft "Okay~" echoed in my ear, stirring ripples in my heart.
The Knowledge Shadow nearby tactfully vanished on the spot.
Inside the vast, darkened villa, only two figures remained, intimately intertwined.