Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 3224: Chapter 3225: The Great Sage

”Is the guest interested in the Golden Silk Stomach Bag?” Pixi asked curiously when he saw Angel constantly staring at the display.

Angel smiled, ”This is my first time seeing a spatial artifact transplanted inside the body. Indeed, I’m quite curious. But compared to the exhibits, I’m actually more interested in your ’concept invention to obtain investment’ approach.”

Angel’s words only expressed his view, but Pixi felt inexplicably comfortable hearing them.

It was as if everything from the product to the concept was being acknowledged.

Because of this, Pixi initially just wanted to casually find a topic to avoid awkwardness; however, now he seriously began talking with Angel about the origins of the display’s investment.

”This ’concept invention investment’ was actually proposed by the greatest sage in Pirush’s history, Pika. At that time, Sage Pika proposed the idea of revitalizing the Pirush race through ’invention and creation,’ but initially, it did not receive much support.”

”Because many Pirush people did not understand what ’invention and creation’ could bring to their lives.”

”So, Sage Pika launched a nationwide activity called ’You invent, I invest.’”

”When Pirush people had solid Crystalline in their hands, they finally felt the real sensation.”

Angel: ”Did Sage Pika use his own money to support this activity?”

Pixi nodded: ”That’s right. At that time, no one thought Sage Pika could change the circumstances of Pirush. Even the nobility were unwilling to pay for this tiny hope. So, Sage Pika used a lifetime’s worth of savings to host such a nationwide activity.”

”This activity was mocked by everyone at the beginning. Moreover, many unemployed people at the bottom used various absurd means to deceive the Sage.”

”Resulting in a lot of Crystalline flowing out without any return.”

”But the Sage never gave up; he continuously supported inventions. As long as you propose an idea for an invention, even if it’s not excellent, he would still give Crystalline.”

”Because of the Sage’s perseverance, many people were moved. Gradually, people started to make inventions and actually created quite a few things. Though none could surpass Sage Pika’s creations, they stimulated the vitality of civilian inventions, which continues to this day.”

Originally, Angel didn’t have much concept of this late Sage Pika, but now hearing Pixi’s story, he was extremely impressed by the Sage.

Who could have thought that from a race generally characterized by an ill nature lasting countless years, such a transformative great sage would emerge.

He not only unearthed Pirush’s inventive talent but also strived to change the entire race’s status. What he did was enough to bless future generations.

Sitting in Sage Pika’s position, even if Angel wanted to change Pirush’s status, it would be challenging to find a starting point.

For Sage Pika to achieve this level alone, indeed demands profound admiration.

Angel: ”Perhaps, at first, those who mocked him, those who cheated the event funding, were all seen by him.”

Pixi: ”...Why would the guest say that?”

Angel: ”With Sage Pika’s wisdom and foresight, how could he not see the Dust at hand?”

Pixi was silent for two seconds, then asked: ”Then why do you think Sage Pika, despite seeing, still willingly paid the cost?”

Angel smiled: ”You should know the answer.”

Pixi remained silent but looked at the verbose Pirush scholar on the display stage, then at the plaza filled with inventions, and the long queues of people from various clans on it.

Without Sage Pika, today’s prosperity would be unseen.

He whispered: ”Enlightenment.”

The nationwide event initially mocked, cursed, and deceived not only let Pirush recognize inventions but also enlightened the entire people of Pirush.

It was a true enlightening event.

Even if deceived, even if mocked, as long as there’s a spark, it can ignite the grasslands.

And when the stars of flames scorch the sky, the deceivers and mockers will also become beneficiaries of enlightenment. Even if they stubbornly deny, when their descendants face the choice, they might steer them onto the path of invention, away from their deceitful old ways.

Others see only temporary gains and losses, while Sage Pika foresaw a potentially glowing future.

This is true great love, a grand vision pledged for Pirush’s future.

Therefore, how could Sage Pika mind being deceived?

Pixi: ”The Duke once also mentioned that the activity initiated by Sage Pika was an enlightening event. Previously, I understood it superficially, but today, I’ve witnessed another perspective.”

Pixi had also wondered how Sage Pika could be deceived, but he never pondered further. Now, as Angel brought it up, he instead had an epiphany.

Originally, Pixi found Angel quite favorable, and now he looked at Angel with increasingly appreciative eyes.

”Anyway,” Pixi pointed to the display stage: ”Currently, the ’investment invention’ the guest sees is actually an improved version innovated by Duke Pishu.”

The improvements are not much; the inventors remain Pirush, the concept of investing in inventions has not changed, the only change is: the investor.

Previously, both investors and inventors were solely Pirush.

So-called ”investment invention” was merely internal circulation.

But now it’s different; foreign clans are introduced to invest. This way, profits will be larger, fiscal pressure reduced, which is very beneficial for Pirush’s development.

However, the risk is greater than before, as previous losses were internal affairs, now if an invention significantly fails, it could turn into a diplomatic incident.

Still, the high risk has its advantages, providing Pirush a chance to establish good relationships with other clans more quickly.

Therefore, overall, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

After speaking, Pixi looked at the bustling display stage and commented with some sentiment: ”Back then, when Sage Pika organized the ’You invent, I invest’ nationwide activity, he often said this phrase.”

”—Invention can create value.”

”Yet this was never realized.”

”Now, the Duke has improved this activity and truly achieved value creation through invention, but...” Pixi’s expression dimmed: ”Unfortunately, Sage Pika didn’t live to see this scene.”

Angel: ”There may be some regret, but perhaps Sage Pika had already foreseen the current situation.”

Pixi turned to Angel.

Angel continued: ”When Sage Pika proposed ’invention can create value,’ he was certainly aware that given Pirush’s reputation at the time, they couldn’t achieve value creation. But he still articulated the concept because he knew that once the path of ’invention’ was pursued, Pirush’s reputation would gradually change.”

”Until the various clans can accept Pirush’s creations, then value will overflow.”

”And this... requires time.”

Pika Shu was well aware he wouldn’t live to see this day, but he painted this grand picture for all the Pirush.

Years have passed since.

Even though the Pirush are still despised by various clans, their inventions and creations have already been recognized.

Thus, when someone from the Pirush proposed using the concept of invention to attract venture capital, the other clans were willing to participate.

Though it’s unfortunate, there’s no helping it.

...Time waits for no one.

Angel’s statement wasn’t meant to comfort Pixi, but simply out of respect for Pika Shu, leading to his current heartfelt speech.

Yet his sentiment deeply moved Pixi.

He felt once again...a sense of recognition.

”Previously, the Duke mentioned that the clans of the Mirror Domain still view the Pirush with tinted lenses. Prejudice makes it difficult for them to truly see the Pirush’s transmutation.”

”You, sir, come from the Outer Domain, not having lived in the Mirror Domain long-term, thus not having prejudice, enabling you to see the strengths of the Pirush more objectively.”

This time, Pixi didn’t even use ”guest” to address him, instead directly calling him ”sir” to show respect, indicating his view of Angel had changed dramatically since their first meeting.

However, upon hearing Pixi’s words, Angel was indifferent, silently thinking: The Pirush have strengths, indeed, but their shortcomings are more evident...

Just look at those hostile vendors, and consider those cowardly guards.

Even though the Pirush upper echelons have transcended low-level interests, most of the Pirush lower levels haven’t changed their inherent nature. Under such circumstances, there’s a long road ahead to eliminate clan prejudice against the Pirush.

Out of politeness, Angel didn’t voice his thoughts, but others weren’t as courteous.

A cold snort came from the side: ”The Pirush have indeed changed, but why do I feel they’re changing for the worse?”

Angel turned his head to see Luigi weaving through the crowd, striding quickly toward them.

Luigi approached Pixi, expressionless, and said, ”Don’t blame others for their prejudices; how did that Pipixia treat guests? Kicking someone without a word and blacklisting them—this is improvement?”

Hearing someone opposing, Pixi originally wanted to argue a few sentences, but upon seeing the speaker was Luigi, whom he owed a favor to, he immediately wilted.

Besides, they were indeed at fault this time; that Pipixia customer service pulled off a mystifying operation and offended Luigi, the big shot.

Pixi could only take the scolding.

Seeing Pixi lower his head, Luigi didn’t bother to scold further, but instead turned to Angel: ”What are you planning to do now? Check out Pirush’s specialties first, or... go meet someone?”

”Meet someone? Who?” Angel asked, puzzled.

Luigi didn’t keep him in suspense and said directly, ”Pika Sage.”

”Aren’t you interested in the Thunderous Eye? I just asked, Pika Sage is the one safeguarding it.” Luigi said, ”If you want to see the Thunderous Eye, you can only go to him, and moreover...”

Luigi hesitated halfway through, leaned close to Angel’s ear, and whispered, ”Moreover, Laplace has already synced what just happened to you... This matter can be discussed with the Sage.”

Regarding the arrival of the Calamity Puppet Xulifar, Angel personally felt that Glaipnir’s approach was just right; first, strategize with the Mirror Dragon, then use the reputation of the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom to advertise to various clans.

But upon further thought, revealing the news to some clans in advance wasn’t a big deal either.

The premise being that this clan has wise leaders; otherwise, chaos could easily ensue.

Currently, Pirush has only two leading figures: Pika Sage and Duke Pishu. Angel doesn’t know what their personalities are like, but as descendants of Pika Shu, and Luigi giving considerable respect to Pika Sage, perhaps it’s worth a look?

As for whether to discuss further after meeting, that’s another matter.

With this thought, Angel nodded: ”Okay.”

Pausing, Angel added: ”Are you planning to go with us? Aren’t you going to find that who... and cause some trouble?”

”The one who blacklisted me is called Pipixia.” Luigi: ”He lives up to his name, not only blind but heartless too. I’ve already found him.”

”You found him already? It’s over just like that?” Angel asked, doubtingly.

Previously, Luigi was adamant about taking action upon finding him, but at the Pirush outpost, he hadn’t been there long, so could it be over this quickly?

Luigi snorted: ”Not over yet, I found him first and marked him. I’ll look for him again when I have time later.”

Angel: ”???” What’s this all about?

Luigi: ”I figured it out on my way here, instead of venting by beating him up, it’s better to keep him in fear daily, I’ll scare him for a few days first. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be rewarding enough.”

Angel: ”...”

...

Although Angel had already decided to meet Pika Sage, plans rarely keep up with changes. When they arrived at Pika Sage’s residence, the Pirush guards at the entrance stopped them.

According to them, Pika Sage was currently talking with a high-ranking member of the Crystal Eye Clan.

Temporary entrance was not possible.

Through Pixi, they learned that Pika Sage brought the Thunderous Eye this time due to a commission by the Crystal Eye Clan.

”The Crystal Eye Clan desires a defense incomparable Crystalline shell while wanting the highly offensive Thunderous Eye.” Luigi shrugged: ”No idea what the Crystal Eye Clan high ranks want, but their ambitions are not small.”

”I estimate they won’t reach an agreement in a day; wanting to purchase the Thunderous Eye won’t be possible without major concessions.” Luigi continued, looking at Pixi: ”Moreover, Pika Sage won’t be negotiating with them, Pixi is the actual one discussing prices. He hasn’t met with the Crystal Eye Clan yet; reaching an agreement might take till the gathering’s end.”

Pixi nodded and bowed but didn’t dare respond.

However, despite his silence, he observed something: whether Luigi or Laplace, they seemed to value this Human Wizard?

Who could his identity be?

If it were in the past, Pixi might not care about a human’s identity. However, Angel’s words resonated with him greatly, sparking his curiosity about Angel’s identity.

Angel didn’t know what Pixi was thinking; even if he did know, he wouldn’t care much, he’d just say it outright.

His identity might be very famous in the Southern Domain, but in the Mirror Domain... just an unknown passerby.

”I heard you mention to Pixi earlier that you’re interested in the Golden Silk Stomach Bag? How about we head over to the market to check it out first, then come back later?”