Bai Yi ignored the patient's interruption. Maku, the Transformer, adhered strictly to the alchemist's ethics: patients were not meant to die in his clinic. Unless, of course, they refused to pay—then the alchemist might be all too eager to share his ultimate transformation result: themselves.
"Yes, normal evil thoughts can be transformed, but they require divine blood and energy. The blood of ancient gods is the most effective. Other sources haven't been tested yet, but we've found that after absorbing divine blood, the evil thoughts stabilize," Maku explained, his eyes gleaming with interest.
Bai Yi paused, contemplating the risks. "But absorbing divine blood carries its own dangers. It can become a bomb. If not handled carefully, it might explode, obliterating the evil thoughts and everything around it."
"Blood of gods," Maku murmured, his mind racing. The blood of ancient gods held immense power, capable of assimilating all living things. If evil thoughts were semi-finished products, they could evolve into divine creatures, becoming a unique blend of divinity and malevolence.
However, acquiring divine blood was a challenge. Once mixed with ambient magic, it often transformed into artifacts with unpredictable effects—most of which were dangerous. Ordinary mortals faced severe consequences if they attempted to wield such powers.
"This is my knife technique for surgery," Maku said, pulling out a worn booklet titled [月解]. Bai Yi could tell it had been well-used.
Bai Yi took the booklet, scanning its contents.
[Name: Yuejie]
Attribute: Active skill.
Effect: Stabilizes the blade, increases sharpness by 30 points, inflicts 20% more pain.
Restriction: Ineffective on blades longer than 20 cm.
Introduction: "This will be a perfect operation. Your screams are the perfect accompaniment to my work. Don't worry, my knife is very steady." — Marku.
Bai Yi's eyes lit up. This technique represented the core of Maku's expertise, essential for any alchemist involved in transformation. While he didn't perform surgery often, this skill would be invaluable in combat.
"Impressive! You are indeed a master alchemist," Bai Yi said with a smile.
"Hahaha, you flatter me! But let's elevate this exchange. How about a competition in transformation surgery? We can transform those outside for free, and the one who produces the best results wins," Maku proposed, excitement in his voice.
Bai Yi shook his head. "No, the secret of a transformer isn't about whose transformation is stronger, but rather about stability."
Maku looked puzzled. "Stable? You've transformed into an evil thought—how can that be stable?"
Bai Yi smiled, countering, "Can an unstable evil thought communicate calmly? Or refrain from killing the spirit I just faced?"
Maku seemed to consider this, his expression thoughtful. "But the transformation of experimental subjects is about experimentation. We are merely discovering paths through them."
Bai Yi spread his hands. "Have you considered how the masters of evil transformation who pursued reckless power met their ends? Innovations too extreme only serve future generations. I seek stability."
Maku remained silent, acknowledging Bai Yi's point, yet unconvinced. "Then let's split the operations. I'll lead the first, you the second. We'll see whose surgery is superior."
Bai Yi agreed. "What direction should we take?"
"Anything goes. I just pursue perfection," Maku replied, calling out, "Yue Fang! Have you completed the operation?"
A young man rushed in, head down, his blood-stained white coat giving him a frantic appearance.
"Master," he said softly, clearly nervous.
Bai Yi assessed him. [Comparing Charm Attributes.]
[Alchemist's Charm: -7, Yue Fang's Charm: 5.]
[Your charm is 700% of the other party's, gaining 100% of their information.]
[Name: Yue Fang]
Race: Human
Occupation: Alchemist
Level: 19
Attributes: Strength 8, Agility 9, Endurance 10, Intelligence 36, Spirit 40, Charm 5, Luck 10.
Legend Degree: 3
Rank: Mid-Bronze
Skills: Basic Alchemy and Transformation, Basic Alchemy, Full Level Housekeeping.
Expertise: Absolute Transformation: Understanding of transformation knowledge +30%, success rate +10%.
Comment: A transformation engineer lost in Sin City; he may shine in the future but is currently an unknown apprentice, trembling in his circumstances.
Bai Yi noted Yue Fang's potential. Despite his fearfulness, he exhibited SS-level potential. Given time, he could become a formidable gold-level transformer—perhaps a worthy recruit for Bai Yi's corps.
"Go find two volunteers," Maku instructed. "Tell them it's a competition for transformation, but only one can survive."
Yue Fang nodded, anxiety evident in his demeanor. "Yes, Master."
As he hurried off, Maku remarked, "He's talented, but too timid."
Bai Yi countered, "I see potential in him. I'd like to make a trade with you."
Maku raised an eyebrow. "Trade? For what?"
Bai Yi revealed a handful of black feathers. "These."
Maku's eyes sparkled at the sight of the legendary material, but he hesitated. "No, I have an attachment to my apprentice."
Bai Yi pressed, "Double the offer."
More feathers appeared in the air, shimmering with potential. Maku's resolve wavered.
"Ten soul crystals (large)," Bai Yi added, finalizing his offer.
"Deal!" Maku agreed, taking the feathers. "He's a worthy apprentice; it seems you have good judgment."
Bai Yi handed over the soul crystals, satisfied. He had plenty in his possession, and this exchange felt beneficial.
Just then, a gentle knock interrupted them. "Master, I've brought the candidates."
Yue Fang entered, flanked by two ragged humans, their eyes alight with excitement at the prospect of transformation.
"Don't call me Master anymore. I'm no longer your Master," Maku said, his voice cold as metal scraping together.
Yue Fang's heart raced. "Master, if I've done something wrong, I can fix it! I can work harder!"
Marku's expression softened for a moment, but Bai Yi interjected, "You misunderstood. Your master sold you to me."
Yue Fang froze, confusion swirling in his eyes. Bai Yi's presence, while unsettling, was not intimidating in the same way it was to players.
"Since this is your decision, I won't resist. I will be obedient," Yue Fang declared, kneeling and bowing his head.
Bai Yi and Maku exchanged bewildered glances, caught off guard by the apprentice's response.