[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-above-the-mage":3,"chapter-above-the-mage-above-the-mage-chapter-463":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Above the Mage!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2257467,4404,"Chapter 463: Breaking the Limit!","above-the-mage-chapter-463",463,"\u003Cp>Of course, higher-grade materials themselves have almost no impurities and require little forging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But melting and shaping are still necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, to craft high-grade rune constructs, one must often employ extraordinary power—activating magical forces or alchemical equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, huītóng, as a first-grade material, has a relatively low melting point and can be melted with ordinary fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blacksmith carefully observed the state of the huītóng in the furnace, occasionally adding firestones to keep the flames from dying out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After about fifteen minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The huītóng glowed red once more and was removed from the furnace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dull, powerful sound of hammering echoed through the courtyard again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he had briefly rested during the reheating of the huītóng, the blacksmith’s stamina was clearly diminished, his rhythm noticeably slower than during the previous forging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This process was repeated again and again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After roughly five cycles, the blacksmith retrieved a device resembling a balance scale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The device was exquisitely constructed, with a platform on top for placing the item to be weighed, connected beneath to a lever system and weight apparatus, and equipped with a sliding weight for precise readings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blacksmith placed the huītóng block—forged hundreds of times—onto the scale and fixed his gaze on the markings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seventy-one and two-fifths ounces!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He announced the reading aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without pausing, he swiftly clamped the huītóng and resumed forging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After five or six strikes, he placed the huītóng back onto the scale platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still seventy-one and two-fifths ounces!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several rounds of forging, the weight remained unchanged—this proved the huītóng had met Gao De’s purity standard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Gao De nod, the blacksmith pressed on, glancing at the blueprint Gao De had provided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blueprint detailed the exact shape, dimensions, and all specifications he required.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blacksmith swung the rune hammer again, deforming the chalcopyrite until it gradually took on the shape of the pattern drawn on the blueprint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This process required repeatedly returning the huītóng to the furnace for reheating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, the reheating aimed to alter the material’s state with high heat, enabling more precise subsequent shaping to match the blueprint’s accuracy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was true craftsmanship—a test of the blacksmith’s skill, relying solely on his personal mastery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that mastery came from years of accumulated experience and trial, with no shortcuts possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the vast city of Lagos, there might be fewer than a hundred blacksmiths possessing such skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such exceptional skill, every senior blacksmith earned at least three hundred Jin Quehua coins annually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three hundred Jin Quehua coins might not seem like much, but for an ordinary person, it was already the upper limit of what they could achieve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anything higher typically belonged to extraordinary craftsmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was another tier entirely—for extraordinary craftsmen, three hundred Jin Quehua coins annually was merely entry-level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, to find a blacksmith meeting his requirements, Gao De had spent a small sum at the Lagos Blacksmiths’ Guild to secure one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blacksmith focused entirely; the flat huītóng block, under his hammer blows, slowly adjusted its corner curves, edge thickness, and each side’s length to match the blueprint’s specifications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this process, the frequency of reheating increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relying on decades of accumulated experience, the blacksmith applied force with perfect precision, ensuring every deformation conformed to the blueprint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De watched silently, deeply impressed by the man’s skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After another hundred or so strikes, multiple reheatings and reshapings, the huītóng block had been transformed—becoming a delicate, shoulder-armor-like component.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its lines flowed naturally, as if it had always been meant to be this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged blacksmith exhaled deeply, as if relieved, set down his hammer, picked up his square and angle gauge, compared them carefully with the blueprint, then said to Gao De in a tired but confident voice: “My lord, please check whether this meets your requirements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De did not inspect it further; he simply nodded and said, “You’ve worked hard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that he fully trusted the blacksmith’s skill—he had already activated the Mandora Eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the powerful effect of the third-rank Mandora Eye [Insight], Gao De had already obtained the component’s precise data, far exceeding any measuring tool’s accuracy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can complete at most one component per day with my ability,” the middle-aged blacksmith straightened up, caught his breath, and added to Gao De.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forging was not only a technical task but also a physical one; after over two hours of hammering, the blacksmith was utterly exhausted, and further work would compromise precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De understood. “I’ll return at the same time tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supervising seemed like a waste of time, but it was necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rune constructs demanded extreme material precision—no margin for error, especially since Gao De’s design had only a single-digit gap between actual and theoretical robustness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant near-zero tolerance: if the blacksmith so much as missed a single strike out of luck, the final rune construct would fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And since this was their first transaction, trust was nonexistent—he could only feel at ease by supervising in person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll take this component back now,” Gao De said, pointing to the finished “shoulder armor,” and pulled five Jin Quehua coins from his pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was payment for the labor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, only for this one component.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The full set of four components totaled twenty Jin Quehua coins in labor fees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Payment and delivery exchanged simultaneously—the blacksmith had no reason to refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the magnificent sea of magical stars, dozens of simple “constellations” rotated gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around them, countless uncountable starlets drifted freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One errant starlet was suddenly seized by an unseen force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it struggled fiercely, it could not overcome the greater power, and was pulled toward a fragmented constellation already holding over thirty starlets and starlines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A portion of the emerald-green starcloud, formed from magical potion, split off and formed a starline connecting the starlet to the fragmented constellation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this connection was not smooth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The starline began to shake violently from its inception, the frequency increasing rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, the starline snapped completely, and the starlet shot away like a runaway horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still a little short.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fragmented constellation dissolved entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single broken starline did not affect the others, but Gao De’s mental energy was nearly depleted—he could not continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The [Healing Spell]’s magical model contained forty-seven starlets, among the most complex in first-rank spells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So far, his closest attempt was this one—he had successfully connected thirty-seven starlets, still ten short of success.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be patient. There’s still time. Don’t rush,” Gao De murmured to himself, rubbing his slightly swollen temples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew well that Aldrich had placed great pressure on him, making it hard for him to remain perfectly calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From another perspective, must he really fight this “boss”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Purely on cost-benefit grounds, it was unnecessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, defeating Aldrich would bring great merit, accelerating his promotion within the Sea Sentinels and earning the favor of their high-ranking mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the cost of failure was far greater—wounded and fleeing was the least of it; if unlucky, death was entirely possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his current resources, backed by the Zhenbing Tribe, everything he needed would come in time—he had no real need to risk his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he had chosen to do it anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeking glory?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The habit of “striving” is cultivated slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you lack this habit, you cannot suddenly summon it when needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhenbing Tribe’s resources were sufficient for him now—even more than enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even Su Nai, the Zhenbing Tribe’s strongest warrior, was only a fourth-rank mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was his goal merely fourth-rank?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, to look far ahead, he must “strive,” he must “fight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as with basic learning—if you skip studying in freshman year, skip it again in sophomore year, and think you’ll start only in senior year before the college entrance exam—is that even possible? Is it still timely?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, thinking “this bit of resources, this bit of merit isn’t worth risking,” and choosing to retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then when you truly need to fight for your life, you’ll have neither the courage nor the ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the throbbing in his head eased slightly, Gao De cast [Comfortable Deep Sleep+], without another word, and sank into deep slumber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten days seemed ample, but with both rune construct fabrication and mastering [Healing Spell], time was tight—he could not afford delays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the time comes, heaven and earth unite in support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the effect of [Comfortable Deep Sleep+], Gao De had entered deep sleep; his mental energy, like parched earth receiving rain, recovered rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When his mental energy nearly reached full capacity, a powerful vitality unexpectedly surged within Gao De’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gao De, in deep slumber, remained unaware.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had, after a long absence, entered a tranquil dream—a serene magical forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Verdant trees scattered everywhere formed a world unto themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A great sun rose in the east, golden light falling like threads, bathing the green leaves in a faint halo of radiance and Jin Guang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the trees, bathed in sunlight, appeared vibrant and full of life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De’s perspective was now that of one among these many verdant trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt the sun’s warmth, sensed the surge of life, and instinctively stretched his branches and leaves toward the light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a vigorous, upward process, brimming with vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each growth brought an indescribable joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De gradually became lost in it, growing ever upward under nature’s and the sun’s care, growing, growing, feeling the upward force of life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the resonant chime, Gao De jolted awake, his mind clearer than ever, as if all dust had been swept away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose from bed, gazing dazedly around, still immersed in his dream, not fully returned to reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, Gao De seemed to realize something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He closed his eyes again to confirm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant, Gao De clearly felt a powerful force, unlike anything he had ever experienced, rising from the depths of his soul, making him slightly dizzy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the apprentice stage, meditation could strengthen mental power; at that time, Gao De visualized a lotus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after advancing to a full mage, the cultivation method returned to simplicity—there was no distinction between guidance techniques and meditation, nor any scripture to boost mental power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lotus he had meditated into no longer existed, for it had merely been a tool, not a real thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mental power resides within the soul; the stronger the soul, the stronger the mental power, and vice versa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mental power: 200.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, the limit had been broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De’s mental power cap had surpassed the upper limit of a first-ring mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barrier long seen as an impassable chasm had been crossed silently and smoothly, even in his sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it wasn’t truly as simple as just sleeping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nourishment,” Gao De murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the special effect of the cultivation scripture, The Green Wood Eternal Life Scripture—the nourishment granted by the breakthrough of his chosen sacred object, Yujiatexila—unilaterally and painlessly pushing him past his mental power limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Gao De returned to the Northern Frontier, Yujiatexila’s growth progress had already reached Stage One magical plant (619.5\u002F1200 months).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had brought back a new batch of entirely unique ordinary tree seeds and magical tree seeds, including one Stage Two magical tree seed: Black Iron Elm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Planting each new ordinary tree seed granted Yujiatexila roughly six months of growth progress; each new Stage One magical tree seed granted twenty-eight months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Stage Two magical tree seed granted nearly one hundred thirty months of growth progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he planted and germinated all the seeds he had brought, it would be enough for Yujiatexila to leap directly into Stage Two magical plant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, it was Yujiatexila’s ascension to Stage Two magical plant that granted the nourishment enabling Gao De to break past the mental power cap of 199.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond breaking his mental power cap, he also sensed his lifespan had changed from 15\u002F190 to 15\u002F335.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I’m getting younger the longer I live, Gao De thought to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this reflection, he immediately sat cross-legged, entering a focused state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De began constructing the [Healing Spell] spell model once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because spell power was a blue bar, mental power governed spell control and spell learning—it determined one’s casting skill, stability in consecutive casting, and even the speed of learning new spells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, after breaking the limit, logically, the difficulty of constructing spell models should have decreased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reality confirmed this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De’s mental power after breaking the limit had already reached the level of a second-ring mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was the weakest tier among second-ring mages, it was still second-ring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under these conditions, constructing a first-ring spell model was like a first-ring mage learning a cantrip—effortless and natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The [Healing Spell], which had stumped him for days, now snapped into place in one smooth motion—truly a double blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De suppressed his joy, quietly activated Wind Spirit Moon Shadow, and gently tapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First-ring origin joy -1, remaining: 4 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Healing Spell+] (Evocation, First-Ring):\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By touch, healing energy is infused into the wounded, rapidly stopping bleeding, forming scabs, and healing wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This spell is ineffective against undead and construct beings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Additional: A portion of the recipient’s latent vitality is briefly awakened (e.g., a gravely injured person may retain basic mobility for a short time after casting), aiding recovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2221,"2026-06-19T14:28:50.414Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","5643aec48b614cdac4ddfff9aafbac3f972105b4e565dcaefbff138d2545645d","above-the-mage-chapter-464","above-the-mage-chapter-462",529,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fabove-the-mage-cover.jpg"]