"In the end, we still need to start from the human body to solve this issue. We need to explain the exact physical differences between extraordinary individuals who can perceive arcane energy and ordinary people who cannot, as well as inanimate objects that lack life force." Nan Yuhai paused for two seconds before adding, "We need data. If necessary, we should even see it with our own eyes."
"See it with our own eyes? Do you mean..."
"An autopsy or autopsy data," Nan Yuhai calmly voiced his thoughts again, while the others gasped. The ancient kingdom of Norton had a strong tradition of valuing funerals and the bodies of the deceased. This practice of elaborate burial extended into later generations, and most countries influenced by Norton still have laws against desecrating corpses. Although the punishments vary, tampering with corpses is absolutely taboo in Norton's cultural system. The bodies of extraordinary individuals, in particular, are the greatest of these taboos. The death of an extraordinary person is not rare. They indeed have longer lifespans than ordinary people, but they also have a greater tendency to get themselves killed. Moreover, the times are far from peaceful, and wars frequently break out between various kingdoms. In theory, finding the bodies of extraordinary individuals should not be difficult, but due to their special physical characteristics, the more powerful the individual, the more likely their corpse will attract some unspeakable entities. There have been incidents of mutated corpses of extraordinary individuals destroying cities, and the world-class calamity known as the "Sword Demon of Xita" still looms large. Such incidents of revived extraordinary beings are always bad omens. Therefore, the bodies of extraordinary individuals are typically cremated on the spot, and if necessary, are purified within three days.
"We can't possibly obtain the body of an extraordinary individual. You know the rules for handling remains; we can't just... kill one right now." Johan spread his hands helplessly. "Perhaps enhancing ordinary people's ability to perceive arcane energy is a better direction to pursue. After all, there are already secret potions that can raise the limits of an arcane master. If we could moderate the active ingredients, maybe it could help improve ordinary people's abilities."
"Setting aside how rare such potions are, the large powers that truly possess these potions would never offer them for our research," Eric interjected. He was aware of potions that could enhance an arcane master's limits. During his most difficult and uncertain times, he had also hoped to enhance his own talents. He had once come across a book in the library that mentioned these potions, but from those descriptions, he also understood that such things were forever out of reach for commoners like him.
The meeting had reached an impasse. Both of their proposed approaches were blocked by significant obstacles.
"Why is it so quiet now?" A relaxed voice came from outside the meeting room. Wen Xian, Li Xian, and Ai Wei opened the door and walked in.
"You were just having a heated discussion. Why the sudden silence?" Wen Xian smiled at the young men, who immediately stood up from their chairs. "Welcome, Your Highnesses, welcome, General."
"No need to be so formal. Just call me Dean from now on. These two are the directors. That's how you should address us in the future." Wen Xian used a gust of air to help the three who had bowed in greeting rise back to their feet. "I overheard you discussing research on secret potions?"
"Yes, that's one of our ideas. Secret potions can enhance arcane masters, so we thought that by reducing the concentration of active ingredients, it might be possible to help ordinary people improve their ability to sense arcane energy," Eric replied.
"Interesting. Any other ideas?" Wen Xian, along with Li Xian and Ai Wei, found chairs and sat down, and the three young men did the same.
"The human body. I want to explore the human body, especially that of extraordinary individuals," Nan Yuhai said without hesitation. "We need autopsy data. Ideally, we could perform autopsies ourselves and observe directly."
"That's quite a radical idea. The bodies of extraordinary individuals can't be preserved for long, or no one knows what kind of changes might occur. Coupled with the traditions of elaborate burial and the taboo against desecrating the bodies of the deceased, public opinion would be difficult to sway." Wen Xian shook his head. He understood the desire for knowledge about the human body and how such desires could drive the progress of biological studies. At the same time, he knew how devastating the ideological upheaval would be if deep-seated customs were broken. Norton was a vibrant nation, a place where innovation thrived. However, it was also the cradle of old traditions, which fostered a certain stubbornness.
"But there should be data available. I know a well-known priest from the Church of Life who has conducted in-depth research, particularly on the human body. I believe he has comprehensive data. As for the secret potions..." Wen Xian paused for a few seconds before continuing, "The Norton royal treasury still holds some secret potions. I can provide them for your research."
Hearing Wen Xian's words, Eric's expression shifted from shock to excitement and then to gratitude. Johan was thrilled from start to finish, while Nan Yuhai remained calm, though a hint of joy was visible in his eyes.
"Thank you so much! Your Highn—no, Dean!" Eric was almost at a loss for words, overwhelmed by his emotions.
"Your research is meaningful. I look forward to seeing your results. Keep up the good work!" With that, Wen Xian and the other two left the meeting room, leaving the three young men to resume their discussions.
In a villa's living room, a ceramic bottle with strange patterns covering its surface sat on the table.
"Is this the secret potion?" Li Xian pointed at the bottle, which was sealed with a powerful arcane barrier, preventing anyone from peeking inside or stealing its contents. It was even shatterproof.
"Yes, the secret potion. Thanks to that kids' seminar, I remembered these bottles and jars." Wen Xian casually lifted the seal on the bottle, and a radiant, indescribable light instantly filled the room, as if the sun had risen within its walls.
Yet, the light did not affect the spiritual sight of the three in the room. Before the light even faded, Li Xian exclaimed in shock, "Star Dust!"
"What did you say?" Wen Xian wanted to confirm the term Li Xian had shouted.
"You have to tell me where you got this stuff," Li Xian's expression turned deadly serious—more serious than it had ever been, even during their previous confrontations.
"Would you believe me if I told you it was an ancestral inheritance?" Wen Xian shook the bottle. The light had come suddenly and disappeared just as quickly. The fine, powdery crystals inside the bottle were still visible without any need for external light because they emitted a faint glow on their own. "No lie. These secret potions are part of the Norton royal family's heritage, passed down to us by our teacher, the Great Sage. Judging by your reaction, you recognize this stuff?"
"I do. This substance is tightly regulated in our world, and it's highly dangerous and forbidden." Li Xian's face remained tense as he stared at the glowing crystalline powder inside the bottle, as if it were some sort of monstrous beast. "Without the help of auxiliary technology and medicine, taking even a small amount of this is incredibly irresponsible—not only for those around you but for the entire planet."
"Indeed, there have been incidents of people going mad after consuming secret potions. A few hundred years ago, an arcane master attempted to surpass what he believed to be the ultimate limit by consuming an excessive amount of secret potions. The energy within him spiraled out of control. Fortunately, he conducted his experiment in a secluded laboratory in the wilderness. Although the explosion affected nearby villages and towns, there were no casualties aside from the master, whose remains were obliterated. In a way, it was a blessing in disguise," Ai Wei shared a story she had come across. The incident had occurred while Wen Xian was still in seclusion, and Ai Wei had only recently awakened.
"Just a simple explosion? It barely affected the surrounding area... That's not how I remember Star Dust," Li Xian remarked, taking the bottle from Wen Xian to inspect it closely. "In our world, Star Dust caused massive upheavals. Creatures who lost control after using this substance didn't just flatten a city—they could watch themselves do it, as if they were gods..."