The Cry of a Phoenix, Shattering Kunshan Jade

Eli dared to guarantee that if it were anyone else, memorizing all this stuff in one lifetime might require living for several centuries.

Luckily, Laozi was clever and possessed a photographic memory. At least over the past half month, his progress had been remarkable.

Nicolas Flamel had praised him more than once despite himself. This kid was fucking genius!

Of course, such progress was not merely the result of a good memory. As a transmigrator deeply familiar with the blessings of the 996 work schedule, Eli upheld the belief that only grind kings were strong. He studied from dawn until dusk every day.

Other than eating and sleeping, he even brought books with him when he went to take a dump.

He shut himself in the laboratory every day, and Nicolas Flamel had come over more than once just to make sure he had not died.

Perenelle had subjected Nicolas Flamel to domestic violence several times, warning him not to torment her precious grandson like this.

That was right. Perenelle liked Eli immensely and had directly acknowledged him as her grandson.

Nicolas Flamel agreed. After all, Eli was also his heir.

Eli felt that he had come out ahead in this deal. Becoming the grandson of two ancestors at least from the Ming Dynasty era—this was some truly outrageous seniority.

It was worth mentioning that Eli had already begun training as an Animagus.

After writing to ask Professor McGonagall for advice, she believed he already met the requirements for Animagus training, though she still felt he was far too young.

However, under Eli's persistence, Professor McGonagall told him that he had to notify her when he transformed.

That was because every Animagus practitioner throughout history had needed someone to watch over them during their first transformation.

This was to prevent their animal minds from going out of control and doing something foolish that endangered their lives.

When the Flamels learned that Eli was preparing to train as an Animagus, they said they could help him completely.

Do not think these two elders only knew alchemy. Living for several hundred years was no joke.

Besides, they had many alchemical items that could assist Eli.

For example, creating a thunderstorm.

And so, Eli had already placed a Mandrake Leaf in his mouth and begun his vow of silence.

"Grandpa Nick, how can alchemy create something like an assembly line in a Muggle factory?"

As Eli thought, an automatically writing quill beside him continuously recorded his ideas.

He had made it under Nicolas Flamel's guidance.

It could connect to his mind and write automatically. It was practically a godly tool for writing.

Nicolas Flamel took a look and answered without even thinking, "Very simple. Just create several interconnected mechanical devices. It would be best to have the assistance of Transfiguration. Once you finish studying that section, you'll be able to master it. It isn't complicated."

Eli nodded.

Nicolas Flamel turned to look at Eli in surprise. "You want to start a factory?"

Eli nodded firmly, then told Nicolas Flamel about his idea for a potion factory.

After hearing him out, Nicolas Flamel looked at Eli approvingly. "A very good idea. If it succeeds, you could practically control the potion market in the Wizarding World."

His expression became solemn again. "But do you understand the dangers involved?"

Eli thought for a while, then shook his head. Nicolas Flamel sighed.

"If you want to control the market, you will inevitably impact many powers. Pure-blood Families, potion-makers—if you fail, even the Ministry of Magic will target you."

"Don't think these people are harmless. Which of those prominent families passed down through the ages does not have blood on its hands? If you touch their interests, they will definitely find every possible way to kill you!"

Eli had actually anticipated such a situation. Whether in the Muggle World or the Wizarding World, commercial wars had never been limited to business alone.

Especially not in the Wizarding World, where magic reigned supreme.

But he did not want to give up. Whether he could succeed or not, he had to take a shot, didn't he?

He wrote on the parchment, "There will definitely be difficulties. As long as I want to obtain my own benefits, I will certainly encounter them. But I am not afraid. Someone has to be the first to eat crabs, so I might as well be that person!"

Nicolas Flamel made no effort to hide his appreciation for Eli. Had those words not just been a test for him?

If Eli had given up over a few words like that, then Nicolas Flamel would have reconsidered whether he had chosen the wrong heir.

"Good. An extraordinary person must possess extraordinary courage. Since you have such an idea, I will support you with everything I have! I'm old. I may not be able to fight others anymore, but Laozi has plenty of money!"

Eli felt an aura of obscene wealth wash over him. Nicolas Flamel only lacked several finger-thick gold chains around his neck.

Never doubt the wealth of an alchemy master, especially an ancestral-level alchemy titan like Nicolas Flamel. Turning stone into gold was effortless for him.

Eli did not even dare imagine how much gold Nicolas Flamel had made with the Philosopher's Stone.

With Nicolas Flamel's help, his factory now had everything ready except the final push!

Eli continued refining his plans for the potion factory.

It was certain that other forces would suppress him, so the first thing he had to do was avoid being suddenly strangled at the throat.

Therefore, he planned to keep the raw materials firmly under his own control as well!

When other forces tried to sanction him by restricting raw materials, Eli would have control over their production and would not panic at all.

He had already bought a plot of land for cultivating herbs.

Furthermore, to guard against his opponents resorting to desperate and underhanded methods, Eli needed to set up defensive spells around the factory grounds.

That was no problem at all for someone with Voldemort's memories. They contained every kind of vicious curse.

There were even some that Eli might not dare use.

The remaining issue was staffing, but that could be solved later.

If all else failed, were there not House-elves?

House-elves were not only quite capable, but more importantly, they would unconditionally obey their masters completely. It was an imprint etched into their souls.

Establishing a potion factory and controlling the potion market was just around the corner!

At that thought, Eli felt full of energy. Whenever he was energized, he wanted to study, and whenever he studied, he wanted to sleep...

The Flamels had been helping with Eli's Animagus training all along, and nothing had gone wrong.

Eli also focused on researching ancient alchemical Runes.

These Runes had actually evolved from ancient Runes, a language with an enormous connection to magic.

Many spells were, in fact, Runes.

Hogwarts also offered this course as an elective, but because it was so tedious, hardly anyone chose it.

Eli was also deeply interested in these Runes. According to Voldemort's memories and Dumbledore's notes, many powerful ancient spells required Runes.

This ancient magic was incredibly terrifying in power and was often used in warfare in ancient times.

Many spells even required multiple Wizards to sustain them together.

It was somewhat similar to the formations in cultivation novels from his previous life.

Moreover, Runes also involved the essence of magic.

Eli, who aspired to become the strongest mage of ancient Nara... naturally would not miss this field of knowledge.

At dinner, Perenelle had to use a feather duster to chase Eli out of the laboratory to eat.

The House-elves' cooking was indeed excellent. The moment Eli smelled it, he felt hungry.

A noise suddenly came from the door, followed by a knock.

"Stanley, go open the door for the guests."

The House-elf suddenly appeared and opened the door for them.

"Oh, Nick, I hope I can still mooch a dinner off you."

Hearing those shameless words, Eli looked over curiously. Dumbledore!

Professor McGonagall was behind him as well!

"I have to say, you came at a really bad time. Oh, of course I'm not talking about you, Minerva. Come in quickly."

Perenelle warmly ushered them inside.

"Hi, Eli. How have you been feeling lately?"

"Very good. Very fulfilled."

Eli answered honestly.

He could now speak and eat without concern because the Mandrake Leaf had been successfully removed and brewed into a potion.

Now all he needed was a thunderstorm.

So far, Eli's Animagus training had gone very smoothly. Every sunset, when he recited the incantation, he could clearly feel a strong second heartbeat.

"This time, Albus and I came specifically for your first transformation. With Albus here, I'm sure everything will go smoothly!"

Professor McGonagall looked somewhat excited. After all, her student was about to complete his Animagus transformation during the summer after first year. It gave her an immense sense of accomplishment.

Eli was flattered and hurriedly stood up. "Thank you so much, Professors!"

Dumbledore smiled. "You don't need to thank us so much. This is what we should do as professors, and it is also the result of your own hard work!"

Eli slowly sat back down, deeply moved.

For his Animagus transformation, Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore had actually made a special trip themselves.

His cheap father, after all, had secretly learned Animagus transformation with several of his shady friends back then.

Still, he was a little confused. "But how did you know it would be today?"

Eli guessed that perhaps there was some magic for predicting the weather, or maybe they planned to use an alchemical item.

Dumbledore blinked at him. "Actually, Muggle weather forecasts are pretty good, though they fooled me many times before."

Eli immediately felt thunder rolling through his heart.

Dumbledore, you're a great wizard, and you're telling me you checked the weather forecast?

That old fox was really something else!

But the weather forecast proved accurate this time. Thunder soon began rumbling outside.

They immediately went to where the potion was stored. By then, the liquid in the bottle had completely turned red.

"No problem. We can begin!"

After Professor McGonagall inspected it and confirmed that everything was correct, Dumbledore suddenly took out his Wand.

Very few people had ever seen Dumbledore take out his Wand.

Nicolas Flamel also brought out a pile of alchemical equipment. After exchanging a glance, the two began their preparations.

This place was already located in an open area, making it an excellent place for transformation.

Dumbledore waved his Wand, and the surrounding space distorted. Even Muggle satellites could no longer spy on this place.

Once Nicolas Flamel set up his alchemical equipment, Dumbledore's protective barrier instantly became several times stronger.

Anything capable of strengthening the spells of a Wizard like Dumbledore had to be an extremely powerful alchemical creation.

Professor McGonagall also took out her Wand and stood ready.

"Eli, begin!"

Dumbledore said seriously.

Eli nodded, his expression grave, and drank the red potion from the bottle in one gulp.

Then he pointed his Wand at his heart. "Amato, Animo, Animato, Animagus!"

As soon as the incantation left his lips, Eli immediately felt a second powerful heartbeat sound within his body.

It boomed like a drumbeat, combining with his original heartbeat to form a strange rhythm.

His blood seemed to boil, every inch of bone and every bit of flesh trembling with unprecedented vitality.

Even his soul seemed to tremble as powerful spiritual energy surged without end.

Eli felt as though he had been pulled into the Soul Space once more. It was still a vast expanse of bleak white.

But before him was an additional mass of firelight.

"What is this?"

The firelight grew increasingly intense, and the entire Soul Space rippled with terrifying flames.

There seemed to be a living creature moving within it.

Outside, the others began to sense the powerful magical fluctuations coming from Eli.

Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall's expressions changed drastically. They exchanged a glance, and both saw shock in the other's eyes.

At that moment, Eli's body had become extraordinarily active, even reaching an extremely unstable state.

Within the Soul Space, Eli stared blankly at the creature in the heart of the flames. It was so sacred, so inviolable.

At last, he gradually saw the creature in the firelight clearly. It was a bird, its feathers radiant in five colors, each step gleaming with light.

As someone from China, how could he not know what it was?

It was the totem of a people, the faith of a civilization!

"A Phoenix!"

Even his soul trembled. He had died and believed he would never again have any connection to his homeland, yet ancient blood had still chosen him!

To merge with the deity of his people was the glory of his generation. What was there to fear?

Eli walked resolutely into the flames, approaching this myth.

The Phoenix looked deeply at him. It acknowledged this descendant's courage, gave a piercing cry, and rapidly rushed toward Eli.

The two began to assimilate!

Outside, golden-red flames began to emerge around Eli's body, and the temperature gradually rose.

"What exactly is happening?!"

Nicolas Flamel shouted anxiously.

Dumbledore was equally stunned.

"Eli is likely undergoing a magical creature transformation!"

Professor McGonagall's grave voice rang out.

Since ancient times, no one's Animagus form had ever been a magical creature!

Even if there had been, they would have died during their first transformation.

Dumbledore muttered, "No, it's more than that..."

The firelight violently expanded, and Eli's figure was completely engulfed by golden-red flames.

The terrifying heat forced them to use magic to resist it.

Even the nearby ground had begun to harden and crack.

"What should we do now?!"

Perenelle was so anxious that she was nearly crying, as was Professor McGonagall.

Once an Animagus transformation began, it could not be stopped.

"He can only rely on himself! Either he lives, or..."

Dumbledore stared fixedly at that terrifying mass of flame, anticipation and madness flashing in his eyes!

Eli was suffering as well. The horrifying heat was melting him away, his flesh and bones being destroyed inch by inch.

His magic was draining at an incredible rate, and was even beginning to run short!

"Damn it, was he going to fail?!"

His magic was about to run out, the flames were gradually slipping out of control, his soul trembled violently, and his body began to collapse!

Death was only one step away.

The unbearable pain and grievous damage to his body gradually robbed him of consciousness. The flames were going out of control. Once the world fell completely dark, he would die forever!

At last, his magic was exhausted, and everything collapsed...

The flames began to disperse, and the terrifying heat pierced through the spell, leaving them drenched in sweat.

"Did he succeed?"

They restrained the urge to rush forward.

But when the flames finally faded, that familiar figure did not appear.

"Ah..." Perenelle let out a silent cry.

Professor McGonagall's face went ashen, her body swaying as though she might collapse beneath her overwhelming grief.

Only Dumbledore stared fixedly at the pile of ashes on the ground.

Suddenly, something in the ashes seemed to move, and the surrounding magic began to surge madly toward it.

"Nick, use the Philosopher's Stone! Do something, quickly!"

Dumbledore suddenly roared.

Nicolas Flamel tremblingly took out the crimson Philosopher's Stone. He and Dumbledore pointed their Wands at it.

The Philosopher's Stone slowly rose into the air, emitting terrifying magical fluctuations. A beam of red light flowed from the stone into the pile of ashes.

It was as though light had entered the world. Eli shook off his confusion, and his desire to live made him desperately try to open his eyes.

At the same time, a myth began to take shape.

Golden-red flames ignited once more, swiftly sweeping outward.

The sky was completely illuminated. Heaven and earth seemed to awaken, casting down countless rays of rosy light.

This holy heavenly phenomenon drew the attention of the world.

As the creature at its center took form, a soul-stirring chant slowly echoed between heaven and earth.

The phoenixes flew, their wings beating as they soared to heaven.

A gentle king had many fortunate men; Heaven commanded the noble lord, beloved by the common people.

The phoenix cried upon that lofty ridge.

The paulownia grew beneath the morning sun.

Lush and flourishing, harmonious and melodious...

With a cry that pierced heaven and earth, the myth was born!