Byrne returned to the Snow Mountain where the Alchemy Council gathered.
He ascended the Snow Mountain and arrived outside the palace.
The sparkling palace roof was covered with thick snow, but upon closer inspection, one could see it was not rely a natural accumulation but a ticulously carved snowcap, adorned with various exquisite patterns, Divine Eagles soaring across the sky, endless streams coursing through the Snow Mountain, and the Lotus symbolizing good fortune.
"Chairman, I am here."
Byrne murmured to himself and finally stepped into the resplendent palace, greeted by a warm and fresh air that stood in stark contrast to the harsh cold outside.
The palace interior boasted glimring murals, columns with carved beams and painted rafters, with a massive crystal chandelier hanging from the do ceiling, emitting a soft yet bright light that illuminated the entire space as if it were daylight.
Byrne looked toward the highest place in the palace, the throne, which for decades had belonged to only one person.
As always, the mysterious and unfathomable Chairman was there.
Beneath the cloak, the Chairman's mystifying visage was shrouded in a thin layer of white Fog, making it exceptionally vague and elusive.
Those eyes hidden in the white, hazy Fog seed like the unfathomable depths of the ocean, flashing an indescribable glow that commanded awe.
The Chairman's figure was tall and erect, emanating an ineffable aura, ancient and mysterious, betraying a sense of indisputable authority and oppressive force.
Byrne nodded slightly and said,
"I have arrived."
"Regarding the trade matter you spoke of last ti, I have given it serious thought... and my coming here is to confirm the details with you, Chairman."
The enigmatic Chairman on the throne gazed at Byrne and spoke slowly, "Have you finally decided, Mithril?"
"I gave you more than a decade to ponder, whether to join my grand endeavor, without any coercion. I believed that you would inevitably co."
"Now it seems you have finally co to your senses, Mithril. Rest assured, I will grant you the power of 'that' artifact so that your lifespan will be extended enough to continue living after aiding in my breakthrough."
Byrne nodded lightly, then suddenly posed a critical question.
"Chairman, may I see its existence? I have never truly seen it, only knowing its na as the 'Philosopher's Stone.'
"It is hard for to trust in sothing I have never seen; at least, right now, it provides little certainty in my heart."
He paused, then continued firmly,
"I cannot decide whether to gamble my life on an illusory thing."
Finally, the Chairman decided to reveal the legendary Philosopher's Stone.
"Very well, I will show it to you."
Byrne promptly saw an object materialize out of thin air, instinctively widened his eyes, and felt an imnse power!
"Is this the Philosopher's Stone?"
A Stone floated in midair, radiating an allure that captivated the gaze of any onlooker.
Compared to those red and purple unfinished products, the true Philosopher's Stone displayed a perfect red!
The Stone had a color as hot and pure as raging flas, yet as tender as the last hue of red in a sunset's afterglow, deep and enchanting.
Its surface flowed with a delicate luster, as if it contained the universe's oldest and most mysterious forces. Each refraction of light caused a subtle resonance in the surrounding space, involuntarily intoxicating one with its unique and captivating charm.
This gemstone was not only a Miracle birthed from the alchemy system but also a symbol of wisdom and power. Its story had been passed down through countless legends and songs, revered by the world as the ultimate treasure!
Even the composed Byrne couldn't help but reach out.
He was sowhat tempted to touch that supre Stone.
But an invisible force blocked his palm, Byrne was taken aback montarily, then regained his clarity, realizing it was the Chairman's power at work.
"Worthy of being the highest expression of perfection in alchemy, an unparalleled masterpiece, the only thing comparable to it would be 'creating life and soul.'"
Not only did the Philosopher's Stone possess awe-inspiring beauty, it also harbored unfathomable power; legend had it that it could grant the bearer extraordinary wisdom and insight, as well as unleash the greatest potential of Extraordinary Exponents. It could even endow ordinary humans with extraordinary power, turning them into heroes who could change the world.
Byrne soon heard the Chairman's calm explanation from the throne.
"Correct, this is the Philosopher's Stone, the ultimate alchemical product of legend, the pinnacle of all alchemical tools."
"An endless universe harbors four fundantal prival forces, and one of them is the power of miracle. The Philosopher's Stone is the condensed form of the power of miracle."
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"It is a miracle itself."
"It is nearly an omnipotent Wishing Stone, as long as there is a sufficient amount of the Philosopher's Stone, anything can be done..."
The Chairman's tone finally had a slight fluctuation, as if his emotions were also stirred up.
"Even becoming a god is not impossible!"
"However, it took many years to finally make a small portion of the Philosopher's Stone, and my ti is running out. It's very difficult to gather more resources to refine more of the Philosopher's Stone."
Byrne suddenly recalled the many fragnted souls he had once seen in the purplish-red stone and instinctively furrowed his brow slightly.
He dared not probe into the composition of the Philosopher's Stone because the Chairman was right there, and if he analyzed it without permission, he might infuriate the Chairman on the spot.
Although Byrne's strength was now not weak, he was very clear that he was no match for the Chairman.
That mysterious and unpredictable person was likely the most powerful being in the Eastern Four Kingdoms.
Byrne pondered for a mont and asked, "Chairman, since you already have the omnipotent Philosopher's Stone, why do you still need my help to break through?"
The Chairman gave his answer.
"Of course, it's a matter of conversion rate and cost-effectiveness. I could use all of the Philosopher's Stone to complete the breakthrough, but I don't want to do that."
"Listen, Mithril, I can use half of the Philosopher's Stone I currently possess to restore your lifespan and then keep the remaining half."
Such a powerful Philosopher's Stone was indeed a critically important and scarce resource. After listening, Byrne nodded lightly and finally asked the most crucial thing.
"So, what is my reward?"
The Chairman did not hesitate to make a promise.
"Once I beco a stronger being, I can protect the Fischer family for hundreds of years to co. Although I won't be able to enter the Eastern Four Kingdoms directly at that ti, I have many ways to help you beco stronger."
"Rest assured, Fischer, I can establish The Oath with you."
In the depths of his heart, Byrne knew clearly that the Chairman's level of power was very likely high-level Monarch, aning he would probably help him beco a Heavenly Enlightennt powerful expert.
Without a doubt, those of the Heavenly Enlightennt Level, also known as 'demi-gods,' possess the power to change the world and nearly all leave their nas in history.
And Extraordinary Exponents at the Monarch Level are hardly worth ntioning in front of them.
If they don't employ the mighty power of a Forbidden rare artifact, or a similar special power, even dozens of Monarch Level experts working together would hardly be a real threat to a Heavenly Enlightennt Level legendary expert.
Protection for hundreds of years from a Heavenly Enlightennt strong expert?
Byrne fell into deep thought, and at the sa ti, he sniffed a hint of conspiracy in the air.
"Actually, I have a proposal."
"Oh?"
He looked deeply at the Chairman and continued, "I hope you can give the Philosopher's Stone to my daughter, Lilian."
"Her life is coming to an end, and rather than extending my own life, I wish for Lilian to live on... I have lived long enough."
He paused for a mont before adding, "For an Eternal Being with exceptional mory, living too long might just be a terrible and tragic Curse."
Nevertheless, another thought existed in Byrne's mind.
Perhaps the power of the Philosopher's Stone could awaken the great Lord of the Lost?
Maybe...
The temptation from both thoughts, whether to keep his daughter Lilian alive or to awaken Him, made the transaction irresistible to Byrne!
At that mont, the Chairman suddenly laughed out loud.
"Hehe, I see, Mithril, no, Byrne Fischer... you are indeed such a person."
"You've always been this way, hmm, I can agree to your request."
Byrne was silent, not responding.
He finally understood sothing—why the Chairman didn't contemplate forcing him but instead let him "take the bait" willingly because the allure of the Philosopher's Stone was truly too great!
Byrne nodded slightly and said calmly, "Very well, Chairman, let us establish The Oath."
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