Chapter 143

Chapter 143

Those who choose to transform into aberrant beings do so with the resolve of certain death and an obsession that transcends the soul.

The elf's obsession is to carry on the civilization, serving as the sole ember left from a civilization that has been physically extinguished. It carries a mission.

So when new land suitable for the seed of civilization appears before it, even it cannot remain calm.

Not to mention Ji Xinghai could provide proof of his magical abilities; even if he couldn't, it would still be worth a try.

"I must honestly tell you that I can't go back yet. There are three more internal exams at the academy, and one between academies." Ji Xinghai, sensing the change in the elf's mindset, took a step back and spoke of his own shortcomings.

"For you, it's not a big problem," the elf, an experienced examiner, judged.

"The process must be completed."

"It's just a few months."

This was quite clear.

Ji Xinghai introduced the ability of the Taotie Food Canon: "I'm afraid you'll have to endure some inconvenience. But you can also use this opportunity to get acquainted with my fellow humans. The era of flourishing magic is too distant for us living in the age of technology; people no longer believe those ancient legends. Your existence is a long-awaited miracle in my world."

"A long-awaited miracle." The elf repeated these words, its body emitting a faint glow, the signs of age on its face smoothed away. The reading room slowly closed.

Suddenly expelled from the reading room, the rugged man with the magic book looked around in a daze, only to see Ji Xinghai standing there, facing a tall and handsome red-haired elf that perfectly fit human aesthetics.

The red-haired elf extended its hand, its fingers like fine jade touching Ji Xinghai's forehead, a spark of starlight flickering.

Ji Xinghai was surprised; his soul felt combed, a sense of indescribable ease.

The elf gave him a slight smile.

"Magic! Summoning! Companion magic creature! Ahhhhhhhh—"

Humans went crazy.

Ji Xinghai's live stream accommodated at least one-fifth of the planet's population, and its complexity rivaled that of the United Nations. Thus, everyone in the world witnessed the entire process of him inducing the elf and saw the final result.

The magic reading room was originally a resource space similar to the snow mountain space, designed to give students a slight buff. The chosen lucky ones were supposed to receive treatment like the rugged man—being selected by a magic creature to begin their magical studies. Of course, this cheat was limited, as the study period lasted only an hour and required self-learning, but it was enough to make outsiders envious.

But what did Ji Xinghai want to do?

He actually wanted to secure such an opportunity for every person in his civilization?

Not just benefiting JiuZhou, judging from his conversation with the elf, he clearly intended to promote it worldwide upon his return.

While they were deeply moved, even those who disliked him couldn't say anything negative. Choosing to benefit all in the face of personal gain is easy to say but hard to do. It goes against human nature.

"But does our world have a magic civilization?"

"Hai Ge says there is, so there definitely is; it's just that ordinary people like us don't come into contact with it. Anyway, I believe in feng shui and fortune-telling. Hmm, this could be considered Eastern-style magic, right?"

"I always knew what was written in novels was true. The age of magic declined because the spiritual energy dissipated, but now it's reviving. You people from JiuZhou are truly lucky, being the first to benefit."

"Damn, how can one become a citizen of JiuZhou?"

"In fact, I've seen sea monsters, real sea monsters, so I believe there was once a glorious magical civilization. It's just been sealed away until now, waiting to be reactivated."

"It doesn't matter if there was a magic age before; what matters is that there will be one now. Ah, if only we had more spaces like this one."

"You're really dreaming big, aren't you?"

"Dreaming about cultivating immortality. Not for anything else, but because I don't want to ride a broomstick; I want to fly on a sword. Sword cultivators are so cool."

"Poor warning, I'll choose alchemy instead. Or maybe herbal magic would work too."

If the audience's dreams were to reach the ears of the Hungry Academy, they would surely jump up and curse.

There are only three beneficial resource spaces, one per academy, and two have already been swindled away. These academies haven't suffered such losses before. What more does he want? Is he trying to reach the heavens?

The two academies that have suffered significant losses are already jumping madly. They corner the Hungry Academy in a spatial blind spot: "Why are you completely unaffected?"

"Probably because I'm treated like braised carp over there?" The Hungry Academy, which loves to eat and enjoys local delicacies wherever it goes, responds.

Braised carp, endlessly picked at, and then criticized for having too little meat.

Celebration and revelry are the reactions of the public, while the government's response is more nuanced.

"This resource space is not simple," representatives from various countries in the virtual meeting room conclude. "We've received similar spaces before, but never with the control entirely in someone else's hands."

This indirectly reflects the importance and uncontrollability of this resource space.

Ji Xinghai, who usually does as he pleases, did not hesitate to tell a colossal lie to attract the other party, indicating its worth.

It's understandable, given that this is the complete inheritance of a magical civilization. If not for Ji Xinghai hinting at future global access, several Western countries would have wanted to merge with JiuZhou.

"The best part about this space is that it contains only knowledge, no people. We don't mind adding another civilization to our heritage." If this magical civilization came with surviving intelligent beings, they would worry about being invaded in return.

Examples of refugees turning the tables and taking over their hosts warn humanity not to give charity lightly and to be cautious when dealing with refugees.

"The magic that turned tea into honey was impressive, coupled with a theoretically feasible magical system, which is why the elves were deceived. It's strange; was that magic? I remember Ji's talent isn't transformation."

"These are not the key points. The biggest issue now is that Ji Xinghai attracted them with the idea of 'a once glorious age of magic.' Where do we find this magic age? If they discover the deception, won't the elves rebel?"

Everyone looked at each other, then turned to the representative from JiuZhou, who seemed calm and prepared.

"On this point, I think Ji Xinghai has given us a clue." The representative from JiuZhou traced a few lines in the air, and an image of Ji Xinghai's conversation with the elf appeared in the center of the meeting room.

The representative extracted a sentence: "That flourishing age of magic is too far removed from us. People living in the technological era no longer believe those ancient legends. Your existence is a long-awaited reunion with that world."

"The first keyword is 'a hundred flowers blooming,' which means that era was one of vigorous debate, with magic appearing in various forms in the world. The second keyword is 'no longer believing those ancient legends,' so the age of magic declined and became legend, out of reach for ordinary people who thought it was just mythology."

The JiuZhou representative shrugged. "Isn't this exactly what solves our problem?"

Considering a certain possibility, the representatives from various countries fell silent.

"So you...?"

"This is the solution proposed by our side of JiuZhou." The JiuZhou representative gestured again, and new content appeared in the center of the meeting room, translated into the languages of all countries. Upon seeing the content, the faces of the representatives showed an indescribable expression of strangeness.

"My goodness, this is really... This is absolutely crazy."

"Indeed very crazy, but very worthwhile, isn't it?"

The JiuZhou representative smiled slightly. She, having just taken over her predecessor's responsibilities, performed excellently, remaining calm and composed yet sharp.

"Gentlemen, I must remind you that magic scrolls have already appeared in the books of ordinary people in JiuZhou, and perhaps soon elves will come into contact with our civilization through these individuals."

Has it already begun?

The scene erupted into chaos as each representative contacted their logistical teams. This proposal was too crazy; they could not make a decision on their own.

She held the microphone, smiling but with sharp eyes. "Each of our countries has had practitioners, and the age of magic is not far from us. It just wasn't as glorious or conspicuous. They preferred to hide in the shadows, accompanying our civilization through countless days and nights.

"However, they exist, don't they?

"This is not a lie; lies always get exposed eventually.

"It is just a truth that is somewhat hidden."

Time flowed in the meeting room, every second tugging at everyone's hearts. There was little time left to hesitate; once they missed this best opportunity, they might miss this chance altogether.

"I must remind you again that this may be the only chance for our civilization to enter the fast lane. Our understanding of evolution is still too shallow, and we are not ready to show ourselves to the outside world, yet interstellar civilizations are too close to avoid."

"What is there to hesitate about? I vote in favor." Unexpectedly, the first to speak was the Federation representative, the old-fashioned gentleman stroking his meticulously groomed beard, his eyes gleaming.

Every era has its turning point; once seized, it can soar, and if missed, it can fall back. Civilization is like rowing upstream; if you do not advance, you retreat.

This big cake, no matter what, they in the Federation must take a large slice.

With the Federation responding, others no longer hesitated and expressed their support.

The voting results came quickly, with supporters winning overwhelmingly, and the JiuZhou proposal was passed.

But this was just the first step. They had different tasks and needed to perfect the details and complete the final steps within 24 hours.

Inside the simulation, Ji Xinghai had returned to his room. After completing the plan to lure the elves, he put it out of his mind—honestly, if that world couldn't seize this opportunity, it was their own fate, not much related to him.

It was the last door that mattered more to him.

He quickly replenished his depleted hunger value and opened the door.

A deep blue sky without stars greeted him, and looking up, he saw a mountain shaped like an eagle's beak, with what seemed to be a giant tree growing at the top. Beneath the tree stood a pointed-roof building lit by orange lights.

The orange lights extended from the mountaintop down to the foot, where Ji Xinghai stood, his hand on the doorknob. He glanced back at the window; outside was still midday.

Just a door away, even time had changed?

Ji Xinghai frowned, looking at the long queue of black-robed figures holding lamps. Only then did he notice that among them were tree-like creatures resembling bamboo stalks, floating hexagonal lanterns, and talking birds.

What was this? Had he just mentioned a magical civilization, and now it was being shown to him?

"You're too late," said a black cat with golden eyes, stepping through the air and landing as an elegant woman in black, handing him a black robe and an oil lamp. "Hurry up and change; you can't forget these for the pilgrimage."

The black robe and oil lamp floated over and automatically dressed Ji Xinghai in the robe.

Just as he was about to say something, the woman in black added, "Hurry up; there are too many incompetent fellows today."

The light from the oil lamp reflected in those eyes, turning them golden. Ji Xinghai was momentarily dazed, and when he came to, he was already standing in line, holding the lamp like everyone else.

His body was restrained by something, some force trying to control him.

Ji Xinghai lifted his eyelids; around him, there were things guarding him, and behind him stood a tall, thin student, her eyes bloodshot and her face as pale as if she had been dead for three days.