From the Ship of Fools to Earl of Wugang

With Thomas's help, Edmund gradually learned a great deal about the pioneer's deeds and explorations.

Yang briefly recorded the relics he encountered during his scientific expedition and his experiences in the Dionysian plays, but the extraordinary knowledge undoubtedly attracted him more.

Mr. Yang clearly came into contact with extraordinary knowledge far beyond what he could have accessed through his own means after his scientific expedition, and systematically organized it in his notes. The latter half of these notes involves a large number of fundamental extraordinary concepts.

In his notes, he revealed that the source of the extraordinary lies in the Ten Pillars, from which countless threads emanate. These metaphysical entities flow out of the non-material "spirit world" and form what are known as "pathways."

According to the notes, Robert Young is a "herbalist" of the "Path of Abundance," which is a first-order transcendent.

According to him, the path to abundance is one of the "fundamental paths," from which a series of "derived paths" can be derived.

Mr. Yang explained that the "fundamental pathways" refer to the basic pathways based on the supreme being "Siheng" in the spiritual realm, and all normal mortals who want to come into contact with the extraordinary must start from these pathways. The "derived pathways," on the other hand, are newer pathways that branch off from, specialize in, or merge with the fundamental pathways, and can be selected starting from the second stage.

The concept of "Siheng" attracted Edmund's attention even more, after all, he also had a gift from "Lingtianweng".

Mr. Yang quoted the contents of a classic text that Edmund had not read, defining it as a collective term for the supreme beings in the spirit world. They correspond to persons who transcend the ordinary through specific means, possess the influence of one or more pillars and the means involved, and can exert influence on the entire pillar network.

The true name and status of "Bacchus" are vaguely described in the notes, and Mr. Yang obviously did not know much about it either, but he classified it as "Siheng" or something close to Siheng.

Edmund memorized this knowledge and then pondered it repeatedly in his mind.

He then turned to the notes for more detailed records about the "Bacchus epic," especially about the exchange of the reward "Blood of Bacchus."

This section complements the parchment notebook he found in a secret compartment of his study, but its style is more calm and systematic.

It is worth noting that Mr. Yang mentioned that the Blood of Bacchus can be exchanged for some 'special creations' that are almost impossible to obtain in reality—even those that seem to defy the logic of reality.

Edmund's thoughts instantly drifted to an unresolved question: the third material required for the Traveler's Ascension Ceremony: agate that is both blue and black and cut into a regular 22-sided cube.

But if the blood of Bacchus, the god of wine, can be exchanged for "special creations," is it possible that these creations contain special materials with extremely high geometric precision?

This is a direction worth exploring in depth.

After a busy morning, the two hurriedly finished their lunch, and Edmund once again pulled the butler into his extraordinary studies.

The remaining notes were actually read through very quickly, but the subsequent digestion and practice were another matter entirely.

After reading the notes, Thomas, as Edmund had requested, produced the letters that were bound with thin string.

Thomas untied the rope, releasing envelopes of various bindings: "Since moving back to the mansion, the master has been corresponding frequently. These letters span more than ten years, and the correspondents come from all walks of life."

Edmund picked up a few letters at random and saw words such as "Geology Department of xxx University", "xx Shipping Association", and "Ancient Documents Research Association".

"You can look through them one by one," Thomas said, standing to the side. "I'll introduce you to the communicator's identity."

As Edmund reached out to read the letter, the butler began to explain.

"This is Professor Joseph White, a retired professor of geology at the Veridya Federal University, a good friend of the master from his youth..." "These are priests from several churches; the master once tried to obtain certain unpublished ancient geographical records through them..." "These are shipping merchants and travelers who frequently travel to remote seas and bring back some unverified maritime tales..."

Edmund's golden touch didn't react to most of the letters; he flipped through them while considering.

Scholars, church figures, businessmen, travelers—who among these people might have a deeper connection with the extraordinary?

The situation changed when he came across a stack of letters from the Moral Association. All the letters were signed by the same person: Edgar von Schinkel, Count of Twilight Harbor, Duchy of Plichny.

"Mr. Yang and this Earl correspond frequently?" Edmund picked up the letter.

Thomas's expression became somewhat subtle: "Yes. This count is very persistent, quite impressive."

Edmund unfolded the finest stationery: *Dear Mr. Robert Young: If you would be so kind as to visit my home, I guarantee, in the name of my family, that I will cover all expenses for your hospitality. I have compiled all the documents concerning the ancient ruins of our family legend, and I believe that a geologist of your erudition will be able to discern the secrets within. Those secrets slumbering underground should not be buried with the decline of our family; if you would so be so kind as to offer your guidance, you will surely receive the respect and reward you deserve. *Sincerely, Edgar von Schinkel*

Edmund put down the letter: "A respectable nobleman?"

Thomas nodded: "The Duchy of Plichni is a relatively peripheral region within the Moral Union, but the Count is in dire financial straits and is trying to unearth the 'family treasure' to revive his family business."

Edmund continued reading the next letter. The second one, written six months later, was still on good paper, but the handwriting appeared slightly hurried:

*...Your evidence is insufficient. I have found a contract from a hundred years ago, as well as testimonies from several reliable locals! These prove that the legend is not unfounded! I am not begging for charity, Mr. Yang. I am inviting you to participate in a project that could revitalize your family! Please reconsider. Edgar von Schinkel*

Edmund shook the flimsy letter: "Sounds like a gambler going all in."

Thomas did not refute this: "The master believes there are contradictions among these 'evidence' and that the geographical information lacks a systematic approach."

Edmund picked up the third letter, written on cheap paper. The ink, slightly smudged, was devoid of pleasantries; it went straight to the point:

*...You say the existing maps are insufficient? I can send people to survey them! Manpower is not a problem; I have enough servants at my disposal! The earldom's dormant wealth awaits someone who truly understands its secrets! 'From the castle, head towards the sunset over the cape, where schools of fish and seagulls gather'—the direction is quite clear. Mr. Yang, you can no longer back down!*

Edmund raised an eyebrow; this letter had lost all aristocratic restraint.

"Has Mr. Yang replied?" he asked.

Thomas recalled: "In his previous letter, the Master pointed out, in a subtle way, that the Earl was being too hasty. The Master believed that even if the treasure did exist, a hasty excavation might not only fail but could also alert 'something more troublesome than the creditors.'"

"Something more troublesome than creditors..." Edmund murmured, "Is Mr. Yang implying supernatural danger?"

Thomas nodded: "Knowing the master as I do, he is most likely referring to something like that."