Angel’s thoughts were already on the verge of running wild until Dox’s voice echoed in his ear, pulling back the reins that had gone astray.
"What exactly did you exchange with the Black Earl earlier? Tell me about it so I can have something to reference." Dox had listened for a long time, yet couldn’t understand what the Black Earl and Angel were discussing. Eventually, their conversation became so encrypted that it got under Dox’s skin. After repeatedly holding back, he couldn’t resist and approached Angel inquiring.
Angel glanced at the Black Earl. The latter remained silent, seemingly indifferent to Angel revealing their exchange.
In fact, the Black Earl truly didn’t mind. He had mentioned earlier that his clone skill was more suitable for Dox, and this was true; given it’s related to the bloodline, it’s easier to accept this kind of bodily separation... However, his clone skill is different from ordinary clone skills: the separation of body is one thing, but each clone’s consciousness is independent, which is quite frightening. Once controlled poorly, the clones are likely to seek independence.
Of course, the Black Earl could use various methods to restrict the consciousness of the clones, but the more he restricts, the less significant his clones become.
Wouldn’t that make it just like any other clone skill?
Therefore, the Black Earl didn’t limit the clones, allowing them to develop freely. Without restrictions, each clone of the Black Earl possessed the depth of his knowledge.
As for ensuring that the clones still behave primarily as extensions of the "main body," he naturally has his methods, which is one reason why his cloning technique is an independently created spell technique.
That is to say, even if Dox truly wants to learn his clone skill, without solving the issue of independent consciousness, the clone skill would just be an ordinary clone skill.
Angel, however, is different. He has already clarified his situation. He does not blindly follow learning because no matter how he learns, it’s impossible to surpass the Black Earl on the current foundation. Angel’s intention is to delve into different areas of knowledge and extract the essence from various fields, possibly ending up with something completely unrelated to cloning when he creates his technique.
But even so, as long as Angel extracts relevant knowledge from the clone skill, the Black Earl can see the highlights in Angel’s creative spell.
Perhaps this is the mutual support between geniuses.
Dox may also qualify as a genius, but the Black Earl does not believe his clone skill will yield anything new in Dox’s hands.
So, he doesn’t mind Angel leaking this information to Dox.
If Dox indeed decides to exchange knowledge on the clone skill, it saves time, as Angel could simply arrange to exchange it together. Teaching two at once is a win-win for him.
However, indifference doesn’t mean agreement.
He wants to see how Angel handles this situation.
"Exchange of knowledge." Angel said to Dox: "As for what knowledge, you can ask the lord yourself after leaving. Don’t be swayed just because the Black Earl says this knowledge is more suited to you. You might already be familiar with similar knowledge. Don’t harbor too high expectations."
"If you also want to engage in knowledge exchange, I suggest prioritizing the knowledge you currently lack instead of following my choice."
After hearing this, Dox contemplated for a moment and finally nodded, agreeing with Angel’s words.
The Black Earl also agreed with Angel’s approach.
Though he didn’t mind Angel sharing with Dox, since Dox decided prior to leave for exchange, Angel telling about their exchange now breaches the Black Earl’s proposed rule.
The Black Earl can tolerate breaking rules, but would remember this incident. Consequently, his evaluation of Angel might slightly decrease... Why not drastically? Because Angel showed his skill.
No matter how low Angel’s emotional intelligence, or how offensive his temperament, as long as his alchemy technique remains and doesn’t directly oppose the Noah Clan, the Black Earl will choose to maintain good relationships.
The distinction between surface-level good and genuinely good depends on Angel.
At least this time, Angel responded appropriately, didn’t break the rules, and gave Dox advice within limits, balancing sincerity with honesty.
The Black Earl prefers friends from the Academy Faction, especially those with skills.
Their discussions concluded, and Angel finally raised his head, preparing to speak to the Wise Sovereign about their decision.
Only upon raising his head did he realize the Wise Sovereign was continuously staring at him... behind him.
Angel turned to look and was first bewildered when he saw the scene behind him, then gradually frowned.
The Wood Spirit was still hiding behind him. Previously, the Wood Spirit dared not hide in Angel’s shadow because Earl Mi resided within.
But at present, the Wood Spirit ran into the shadow, playing with Earl Mi.
To be precise, not playing with "Earl Mi" but with the Blue Lantern Flower sprouting within the shadow.
The Blue Lantern Flower was controlled by Earl Mi, continuously swaying its body, shedding a multitude of bubbles.
The Wood Spirit seemed to enjoy those bubbles, frequently popping one. At first, it poked at the outer bubbles but gradually, as the outer bubbles vanished, and after several seconds of hesitation, the Wood Spirit stepped into Angel’s shadow, nestled next to the Blue Lantern Flower, and immediately manipulated branches to poke any bubble that was blown out.
The entire scene was harmonious.
But in Angel’s heart, there was a sense of strangeness.
The Wood Spirit’s affinity for the Blue Lantern Flower was normal, as although the Blue Lantern Flower was created by Earl Mi, it indeed is a plant.
Being fellow plants, the Wood Spirit naturally gravitates toward the Blue Lantern Flower.
Additionally, in the Underground Aqueduct, the Wood Spirit never encountered any plant, so seeing a "companion" for the first time felt more endearing.
This is understandable.
However, what puzzled Angel and was less comprehensible was... Earl Mi’s actions.
Earl Mi acts purposefully in everything. Generally, if Angel issues an order, Earl Mi prioritizes execution; if Angel doesn’t order, then protecting Angel becomes the priority.
Under the Seed of Distortion’s control, Earl Mi acts entirely on command without doing anything unnecessary.
But now, what is Earl Mi doing?
Letting his Blue Lantern Flower grow, blowing bubbles to amuse the Wood Spirit?
Judging from the current situation, there seems to be nothing... but upon deep reflection, one discovers Earl Mi is gradually developing spirit intelligence?
It is precisely for this reason Angel’s brow furrows tightly.
Previously, there were vague signs of this, but this time, the signs are more pronounced.
He doesn’t know whether this is fortuitous or ominous?