Chapter 174: I Am a Noble

To the side of the main alchemy hall.

Inside the secret chamber.

Nigel unsealed the confinement array of the secret chamber.

Then the two sat cross-legged on the cultivation seats.

“A few days ago, the test results for Soul’s Dawn came out.”

“It is a perfect potion, with no issues whatsoever.”

“Of course, these were things we had already confirmed before; now it’s just official recognition.”

As he spoke, Nigel’s tone gradually became low and melodious.

Then, Nigel’s eyes, deep as the sea, fixed on Gunie.

“So do you know… the immense significance of this mystic pattern potion?”

“I know a little,” Gunie nodded lightly.

“If the Soul Mystic Pattern Potion is mass-produced, it can give rise to many experts.”

“Especially for spellcasters, the substantial increase in soul transcendent traits can further elevate the strength of many transcendents.”

“It could even comprehensively enhance the power of the Yulan Empire.”

Gunie elaborated thus.

“You… underestimate Soul’s Dawn too much.”

Nigel said in a deep voice.

“After all, your rank is too low; you haven’t felt the terror and power of a strengthened soul.”

“Soul’s Dawn will change the entire era.”

“Change the entire era? Is it that exaggerated?” Gunie rubbed his temples slightly.

Not having held a high position, Gunie hadn’t seen much and certainly hadn’t considered matters as broadly as a strong figure like Nigel.

More importantly, Gunie’s perspective and depth of understanding of Soul’s Dawn were vastly different from Nigel’s.

With the system, Gunie could accomplish many things; even without the Soul Mystic Pattern Potion, he could find some peculiar transcendent plant seeds and cultivate them to obtain extraordinary transcendent treasures to enhance his soul transcendent traits.

Just like planting the Elf Life Tree or the Prison Nether Tree.

Gunie had many ways to grow stronger; the Soul Mystic Pattern Potion was just one of them.

But for many spellcasters,

the existence of Soul’s Dawn

had completely opened a path to the level of soul transformation.

Achieving a great leap from nothing to something.

At this level,

Soul’s Dawn would indeed change the entire era.

“Your achievements cannot be replaced by these rewards.”

“More importantly…”

Nigel chuckled lightly.

“You are very strong.”

“And this means that when you become powerful, if you are willing, you can fully become a high-ranking member of the Vanguard.”

“You know, even ordinary transcendent masters find it hard to become high-ranking members of the Vanguard.”

“Though they are strong, they lack achievements and prestige.”

“But you are different; the mere birth of Soul’s Dawn has made your name firmly remembered by all congressional-level members in the Congress.”

“Even the Emperor of the Yulan Empire has praised you highly.”

“And regarding this reward proposal, do you know what interesting thing happened?”

“What?” Gunie asked curiously.

“All thirty-plus members voted unanimously in favor, with no opposition.”

At this, Nigel couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

“This hasn’t happened in decades.”

Compared to the unanimous vote of the congressional members, Gunie was actually more concerned about what the reward was.

Nigel seemed to read Gunie’s mind.

He said directly, “This time, your reward consists of three parts.”

“The first part is a hereditary title and territory.”

As he spoke, Nigel took out a scroll map about a meter wide and, Gunie estimated, over two meters long, and spread it on the floor to one side.

As the scroll unrolled, the land of “Oya Continent,” which had nurtured countless transcendent lives,沉淀了几十万年的历史时光, and carried too many stories and legends, unfolded clearly before Gunie’s eyes for the first time.

There were rich and fertile plains.

There were vast, sun-scorched deserts.

There were winding, quietly flowing rivers.

There were high-altitude grasslands beyond human reach.

There were mountain ranges inhabited by powerful transcendent creatures.

There was also the vast, deep, endless ocean, containing countless riches and now carrying steam-powered ships on long voyages.

An indescribable feeling rushed over him.

Even though this was not the land of his birth, standing on this soil and gazing at the vast yet detailed territory, Gunie could not help but be captivated.

As he unrolled it, Nigel explained.

“You have been granted a hereditary count by the Congress. This title is already quite high in the northern part of the empire.”

“Hereditary count.” Gunie rubbed his fingers. “Now, I’m a noble too.”

“At the same time, you are granted the right to choose a noble territory of your own in Anke Province.”

“Territory… is truly a good thing,” Gunie murmured softly.

“Territory is indeed a good thing, and you are about to have one of your own,” Nigel said with a slight smile.

“In this area,”

Nigel took out a slender ruler and pointed to a region.

“Here is the Anke Province where we currently are.”

“And your territory must be designated within this area.”

Gunie looked over; the area Nigel pointed to was the northwestern part of Anke Province.

“Here… it’s clearly close to the Otto Mountains in the north, and if the highland ridge in the northwest sees alien races descend, this place would likely be affected too!” Gunie pondered.

“You are right.” Nigel nodded lightly.

“The truly fertile and habitable lands were already taken by the great nobles long ago.”

“What remains is either barren land or territory vulnerable to attacks from the north.”

“Then…” Gunie narrowed his eyes slightly.

“Choose the area closest to the northern Otto Mountains, this region right here.” Gunie pointed to a very broad area near the northern Otto Mountains.

“Oh?” Nigel raised an eyebrow and looked over.

“Anyway, for a long time, I probably won’t visit my so-called territory.”

“And when I really need to build my territory, I’ll be strong enough, so I won’t have to worry about those transcendent alien experts from the north.”

“Being close to the north makes it easier to explore broader territories. Maybe one day I can incorporate the entire Otto Mountains into my territory,” Gunie said half-jokingly.

Nigel was stunned for a moment, then laughed.

“That’s true.”

“By the way, my territory has not a single garrison soldier; won’t it be invaded?” Gunie asked.

Gunie knew well that wars among nobles often involved territorial annexation.

“In theory, it could be occupied, but in practice…”

Nigel pointed to the entire Anke Province.

“Every autumn, beast tides of various sizes erupt, and defending these relic cities is already somewhat difficult.”

“Your territory is more likely to be overrun with transcendent beasts.”

“No noble would be foolish enough to come to this barren north, occupy your land, and face those beast tides.”

“You should know, Anke Province has quite a few abandoned noble territories.”

“Then I have nothing to worry about.” Gunie smiled.

“The first part, the noble title and territory, is settled. Now for the second part,” Nigel continued.