After Lumine finished her sweet dream of becoming the Lord of the Harem, Ye Xi suggested they go get breakfast.
"Wait! Let me go out first!"
Lumine suddenly burrowed out of the quilt, her exquisite, delicate body completely uncovered and fully revealed to the eye.
She took out her intimate garments and was just about to put them on when she suddenly looked up.
"No looking, it's so weird."
Being watched by Ye Xi while dressing made her feel inexplicably shy.
However, Ye Xi's gaze was full of playfulness. "Tell me, what part didn't I see yesterday?"
"Emm..."
Thinking about it carefully, her memory was quite fuzzy.
However, she had been so active at the time, it seemed... she really hadn't left anything out.
Thinking of this, she had no choice but to speed up her movements.
Lumine hurriedly put on her small garments, then dressed herself neatly.
It was like a perfect ornament being covered by unsightly packaging; the figure bearing fruitful results vanished from Ye Xi's sight.
Lumine put on her shoes, went to the door, and peered outside.
"What kind of scheme are you trying to pull now?"
Ye Xi couldn't figure out this girl's thoughts; why act so sneaky just to go out the door?
"I have to sneak out secretly, I can't be discovered."
"If Paimon finds out, she'll definitely make it known to everyone."
"Once Ah-Qing and Ganyu find out, they'll definitely be on guard against me. How would I help you handle the two of them then?"
"Alright, alright, I'm slipping away first!"
Lumine hunched over and tiptoed out of the room.
Leaving Ye Xi with a face full of speechless exasperation.
When Lumine returned to her room, she realized her worries were superfluous.
That fellow Paimon was sleeping like a little piglet, showing no signs of waking up at all.
One look and it was obvious she drank too much last night and was still dizzy!
On the other side.
After Ye Xi changed his clothes, he sat down at the desk.
"You may come over."
As the voice rang out, a purple shadow shuttled in from the courtyard.
It arrived in front of Ye Xi and split open a rift.
Enjou floated up from the rift to the surface.
"Your Majesty, this subordinate has come at the agreed time."
Things hadn't been fully instructed last night before Lumine barged in, so Ye Xi had arranged to meet again in the morning.
Actually, it was about experimenting with the [Bestow] skill.
Previously, he had used [Bestow] to grant Abyss Power to a Hilichurl.
That Hilichurl's small and weak body instantly enlarged, becoming a "Muscle Hilichurl," capable of thrashing even a Mitachurl.
Moreover, having gained intelligence as a Hilichurl, it could command the three armies.
Although it gained intelligence, it lacked the memories of a Khaenri'ahn citizen, so it could be said to have become a brand-new individual.
So the question arose.
What if he bestowed power upon the higher-ranking Abyss Lector, Abyss Heralds, and Black Serpent Knights?
To be honest, he didn't know what would happen either.
Would they gain stronger power?
Would they lose their previous memories, develop new intelligence, and form a new personality?
Or would they suddenly riot due to the corruption of Abyss Power?
Everything was unknown.
Therefore, he needed to find someone to experiment on.
And this fellow Enjou, although efficient in handling matters, gave off a goofy impression, making it hard to tell what he was thinking.
He might as well use him for the test.
Thinking of this, he spoke, "Enjou, raise your head. I give you the chance to look me in the eye."
"Ah?!"
Enjou instantly felt overwhelmed by favor, his heart a tangled mess.
'Could it be that My King sees my loyalty and is granting me a reward?!'
'To be able to look directly at My King's countenance, is he going to give me an important assignment?!'
Thinking of this, Enjou raised his head in fear and trepidation, looking towards Ye Xi.
He saw Ye Xi's expression filled with pity, that profound gaze as if looking directly into the abyss.
"Sub... This subordinate is truly honored to have this opportunity to look directly at Your Holiness!"
Ye Xi sighed slightly in his heart.
If the experiment had any accidents, Enjou might be gone.
He had to take a good look at Enjou and remember his appearance; at least he had to remember that such a being once existed.
Otherwise, it would be too disrespectful to life.
"Y-Your Majesty, you seem to be in a great mood. Was the effect of that potion last night very good..."
"I wonder which Consort was graced with such favor."
Ye Xi: ...
If he told Enjou it was Lumine, Aether would definitely find out.
Better not to say anything; it was better to keep it a secret for now.
"Cough..."
"Don't ask what shouldn't be asked."
As soon as these words came out, Enjou broke into a cold sweat from fright and hurriedly bowed his head to beg for mercy: "It was this subordinate's offense, please forgive me, My King!"
"Mn."
Ye Xi nodded and asked, "Enjou, are you willing to offer your life for me?"
Hearing Ye Xi's words, Enjou suddenly realized.
'This must be My King's test and trial for me!'
He dared not hesitate in the slightest and replied, "This subordinate is willing to exhaust all thoughts and loyalty for My King, and will not decline even if it means ten thousand deaths!"
"Good."
Ye Xi smiled with satisfaction. "Stick out your hands."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's grace!"
Enjou thought there was a reward, so he hurriedly raised his hands high, but dared not lift his head.
Ye Xi used the [Bestow] ability.
Instantly, a stream of black mist shrouded Enjou's hands.
The black mist was slightly different from the black mist of Forbidden Knowledge; it quickly invaded the body along Enjou's meridians.
"Ugh—!"
Enjou couldn't help but let out a muffled groan.
He had absolutely no idea what was happening!
However, he was horrified to discover that the power within his body seemed to be becoming increasingly thick.
That terrifying Abyss Power was surging and flowing through his veins!
"Enjou, how do you feel?"
"My King, sub... this subordinate feels power constantly becoming stronger! It feels like it's about to gush out!"
"Oh? Is your consciousness clear?"
This was the most critical point. If strength increased but the original intelligence was lost, it would be equivalent to erasing the person Enjou!
"Consciousness?"
Enjou was stunned for a moment and began to think internally. Suddenly, he felt incomparably shocked!
"Y-Your Majesty, this subordinate feels his train of thought becoming increasingly clear! Better than ever before!"
"How can it be so miraculous! My previously dull brain seems to be getting sharper and sharper!"
"This subordinate... this subordinate can comprehend My King's intentions faster in the future!"
Sensing the changes in his brain, the shock in Enjou's heart was unparalleled!
Not only did his strength increase, but it also enhanced his thinking; what kind of method was this?!
But regardless of the method, he understood one thing.
That was—'This is the wisdom bestowed upon me by My King, to allow me to keep up with My King's train of thought more easily, to understand the future plan of unifying the Four Nations, and to provide better counsel!'
Thinking of this, Enjou was extremely agitated and hurriedly exclaimed with emotion, "Ah~! What a great method, My King! This subordinate is willing to offer you loyalty!"
Hearing this, Ye Xi couldn't help but ponder.
It actually enhanced IQ while enhancing strength?
Regardless, as long as the intelligence was retained, it was good.
Just as he was thinking, an ethereal notification sound suddenly came from his mind.
[Ding~]
[System spontaneously uses 'Appraise' skill!]
The next moment, an appraisal panel suddenly appeared in front of Ye Xi.
[Abyss Lector: Enjou]
[Level: 37—38]
[Elemental Attribute: Pyro]
[Elemental Resistance: All Types 10%!]
[Shield Value: 72]
As soon as this panel appeared, Ye Xi was startled.
The [Appraise] skill could actually appraise people!
The most critical thing was that this was the first time Ye Xi had heard of this "Level Concept"!
Could this level be the same as in the game?
He remembered that the level cap was 100.
'Wait, then what is my level...'
He used [Appraise] on himself.
Subsequently, the appraisal panel changed.
[Descender: Ye Xi]
[Level: 112—113]
[Elemental Attributes: Electro, Anemo, Dendro, Abyss Power]
Seeing this level, Ye Xi was a bit surprised.
Because the maximum level for ordinary humans should be 100, yet he had actually broken through this limit by a full 12 levels!
While Ye Xi was thinking, Enjou beside him suddenly cried out in surprise.
"Your Majesty! My body!"
Ye Xi closed the panel and looked over, instantly startled in his heart.
He saw that Enjou's body, which had once been eroded by Abyss Power, had actually reverted to a human shape!
Enjou looked very refined, dressed like a gentleman, polite and courteous.
The eyes behind the round-frame glasses were narrowed into a slit, as if they weren't open.
A squinty-eyed monster!
"It's too amazing, Your Majesty!"
"This subordinate can actually control the Abyss Power and condense it."
"Although the power will be restricted, I can restore my former appearance!"
Ye Xi noticed that even Enjou's voice had become more magnetic, lacking that raspiness of an Abyss monster.
"So that's how it is. Restoring the monster appearance can liberate full power, is it..."
He ended the [Bestow] ability.
In the end, Enjou's level stayed at an astonishing [Level 77]!
And his All-Elemental Resistance reached a terrifying [65%].
This should already be an upper-middle level in the current world, and most elemental attacks would be unable to harm him!
He was truly shocked by the ability [Bestow].
Previously, he thought this skill was extremely sinful and would make people unfortunate.
He had intended to seal it away, but he didn't expect it to be so heaven-defying!
Feeling the power no longer being transmitted, Enjou hurriedly prostrated at Ye Xi's feet.
"Thank you for My King's holy grace!"
"This subordinate will make good use of this power to serve My King!"
"This body will be used by My King to comprehend My King's great wisdom!"
Ye Xi nodded. "Enjou, I permit you to address me as 'Lord' from now on."
"!!!"
Enjou was greatly shocked; even his squinty eyes opened up, his gaze full of disbelief.
He hurriedly kowtowed in thanks: "Lord Ye Xi! This subordinate is eternally grateful for the glory you have bestowed!"
"Mn."
Ye Xi pondered slightly, suddenly remembering something.
An experiment cannot draw conclusions from a single individual; there must be a comparison.
The consumption of using [Bestow] was huge; right now, he felt he could only complete it one more time.
Thinking of this, he commanded, "Enjou, I still need a few personnel with relatively strong power from the Abyss Order."
"Go find some suitable candidates and bring them before me."
"Bring one person first today!"
Hearing this, Enjou's gaze became incomparably solemn: "Yes! My Lord!"
After speaking, he escaped into the rift in the ground.
Inside the stronghold of the Khaenri'ah homeland.
Countless people of the Abyss Order were busy here.
Enjou walked out of the rift, instantly causing everyone to stop the work in their hands.
"Who! Who are you! To dare come to the homeland of Khaenri'ah!"
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
"Wait! He... he is Enjou!"
As soon as these words came out, the panicked crowd instantly went into an uproar.
"What?! Enjou?!"
"How is that possible! How could he recover his original appearance!"
"Enjou, what did you do! How did you recover!"
In an instant, everyone gathered around.
Enjou held his hands behind his back, his face full of pride. "My King has a holy edict to convey!"
Upon hearing the words "holy edict," the people present immediately quieted down.
"My King intends to rebuild the Royal Guard! To prepare early for the invasion of the Four Nations!"
"Just now, My King gave me supreme power, doubling the Abyss Power within my body and restoring my appearance from back then!"
"Those chosen by the King can receive generous gifts just like me!"
"Who among you wants to offer your life for My King! To dedicate all strength! And even your life! In the journey to restore the glory of Khaenri'ah!"
Enjou's speech instantly detonated the entire venue.
Hundreds of Abyss monsters scrambled to raise their fists.
"Enjou! Me! Pick me!"
"I am willing to offer everything for My King!"
"Please give me a chance!"
"...."
In the front row, a few Abyss Heralds stood out.
"Enjou, you and I were once old friends. Now that there is an opportunity for loyalty, please recommend me to My King!"
"Cough... Enjou, although we had slight misunderstandings before, our hearts of loyalty to His Majesty the King are the same!"
"Enjou..."
At this moment, a group of people all wanted to obtain this opportunity.
For this, dignity and face were all thrown behind them.
This was a chance to obtain power!
Moreover, one could restore their original appearance!
No matter who it was, after being tainted by Abyss Power, they couldn't bear to look directly at their own face.
This was also a chance for redemption!
Most importantly, whoever could stand out would become a heavily relied-upon person by Ye Xi's side.
Enjou nodded and scrutinized the crowd before him.
"My King does not want mediocrities; he wants combat power worth cultivating!"
"Among the Black Serpent Knights..."
"You, you'll do! Follow me first!"
Among the Black Serpent Knights to the side, there was a relatively calm person who looked very special.
Thus, Enjou chose him.
That person was slightly stunned, then arrived at Enjou's side with a single leap.
This agile skill was enough to prove he was extraordinary.
Seeing this, everyone was incomparably envious.
Just as they were about to compete again, Enjou took a step forward and left Khaenri'ah with the Black Serpent Knight.
Ye Family Compound.
Ye Xi looked at the Black Serpent Knight before him and used [Appraise].
[Black Serpent Knight · Windcutter: Nabelin]
[Level: 44]
[Attack Attribute: Anemo]
[Elemental Resistance: Anemo Res: 50%! Physical Res: 30%! Others 10%!]
Seeing this appraisal data, Ye Xi couldn't help but sigh.
As expected of a former member of the Royal Guard, their own level was already very high!
"Nabelin, stick out your hands!"
"Yes!"
Nabelin emitted a hoarse voice, knelt before Ye Xi, and raised hands cupped above the head.
[Bestow]
Ye Xi used the skill again, and the level column in the appraisal results instantly rose rapidly.
A few minutes later.
The level stopped at [70].
Various resistances reached 60%, and Anemo Resistance even reached 90%!
This meant that Anemo Elemental Power would do negligible damage to Nabelin!
Ye Xi felt a trace of exhaustion and ended the skill.
And Nabelin's appearance also underwent a huge change.
Enjou, standing to the side, was dumbfounded.
"You! How are you a woman—!"
Ye Xi was also quite surprised.
Among the Khaenri'ah Royal Guard, generally, all were male swordsmen; they shouldn't be selecting from women!
Nabelin's face was pale; she hurriedly prostrated before Ye Xi, trembling as she said, "My King, this subordinate was forced by helplessness back then to disguise as a man to enter the Guard. This matter... this subordinate hid it for hundreds of years!"
"Please, Your Majesty... punish..."
She originally wanted to say grant death, but she was truly so afraid of death!
When the disaster of Khaenri'ah arrived back then, she was infected by Abyss Power and was truly terrified to the extreme!
And during the disaster, she had only protected a small child, although that child had already turned into a Hilichurl...
It was precisely because of the fear of death just now that she hesitated for a moment when everyone was scrambling to offer loyalty.
Unexpectedly, she was actually chosen by Enjou.
Enjou to the side was instantly incomparably furious: "You actually dared to deceive My Lord! Why didn't you report it in advance just now! Wasting My Lord's power!"
Nabelin dared not speak.
Enjou knelt on the ground: "Lord Ye Xi, it was this subordinate's poor judgment! Please punish me, My Lord!"
Just as the two of them were pale-faced and panicked, Ye Xi laughed.
"Isn't this a good thing?"
As soon as these words came out, both of them were full of astonishment.
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