[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces":3,"chapter-the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-67":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Dragon of a Thousand Faces",{"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},2269713,4431,"Chapter 67: Magic","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-67",67,"\u003Cp>\"First, abandon the mistaken notion that magic is merely waving your hands and muttering incantations; approaching a new system with overconfidence and the arrogance of a transmigrator, one that has accumulated countless years across a world, is destined to gain nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuku’s tiny claws sketched and scribbled in midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li En could not cast spells, as Li En’s “magic pet,” he effortlessly conjured a small blackboard illusion, using Li En’s own magic power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In terms you can understand, magic in this world is essentially its scientific system—the accumulated natural laws and methods of altering nature established by predecessors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Kuku entered teaching mode, he seemed to switch directly to another line of thought, and his grammar became fully coherent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This gentle, rapid speech pattern indeed seemed well-suited for instruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His original way of speaking, which delivered fragmented and incomplete information, was somewhat dangerous for a spellcaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En suspected that if language packs didn’t exist in this era, his pragmatic self would have switched to a gentle female teacher’s voice purely for teaching effectiveness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what he said left Li En utterly bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Magic equals science? This—perhaps only a transmigrator could understand or articulate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, Kuku made Li En understand exactly what he meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that magic and Earth science had no differences—only that their historical development and their roles in shaping the world bore certain similarities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Science is humanity’s way of understanding and altering nature, a collection of countless classified bodies of knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this world, intelligent races, in their process of understanding and altering nature, naturally categorized all acquired knowledge as magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Conversely, they used magical knowledge to reshape the world and solve problems—like the magical steam car, the city’s water supply system, which was in fact powered by magical devices, and the regular illumination of magical oil lamps along main thoroughfares.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many wizards were renowned scholars; much specialized knowledge could only be exchanged among wizards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scholars weren’t necessarily wizards, and wizards weren’t necessarily qualified scholars—but a Grand Wizard was always a Grand Scholar!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, in my view, learning magic is actually learning knowledge and the methods of applying it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh, you’re not going to make me learn math too, are you?\" Li En cared more about this—his math skills were quite poor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, it’s a universal foundation. Most spellcasting requires a coordinate system; a complete spell demands the caster supply various information, including coordinates.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing Li En was overwhelmed by the information, Kuku gave an example.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A standard fireball spell should convey to the elements: 'Fireball model, standard mana expenditure, spatial coordinates based on me (the caster), position coordinates 61.68, elevation angle 37, launch in two seconds.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The foundational prerequisites of spellcasting are gestures, incantations, and spell models; before casting, you must determine coordinates and range, then complete the calculation and information transfer through gestures and incantations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En now understood why sorcerers were so hated—sweating over calculations while raising a hand to strike true, unable to explain why they hit, yet hitting more accurately than your own computations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Li En realized Kuku’s initial warning had been correct—his previous learning attitude had been flawed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fairy-tale notion of casually muttering incantations to cast magic simply didn’t apply to reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Kuku’s explanation, a wizard’s incantations and gestures each carried specific meanings—either commanding elements to form desired arrangements, or executing contracts with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some gestures helped complete spell models, others guided spell targeting coordinates; some were merely involuntary spasms—some systems’ wizards, after becoming accustomed to extremely complex, rapid casting, would twitch even when idle, colloquially called “nerve-chicken-claw hands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like programmers who tap their keyboards randomly for no reason?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though it stings, yes—more or less.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed that spellcasters, while babbling and flailing like shamans, might have already sent a telegram to the elements, used auxiliary tools for targeting calculations, and even bargained with the elements over the cost of mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A common first-ring spell required months of study and supplementary knowledge from multiple related disciplines for an average caster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more basic the spell, the more extracurricular knowledge you needed to catch up on; the early stage was the slowest, because most time was spent catching up. When you had to understand the structure of earth and stone just to calculate “turn stone to mud,” and spent half a year learning to be a mason playing with cement, you’d go mad unless you were exceptionally resilient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slightly more advanced spells required textbooks thicker than a single volume; top-tier magic often came with an entire library of reference material.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only have half a month.\" Li En was numb—how much could he possibly learn in such a short time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even I could only teach you one or two first-ring spells.\" Kuku’s tone turned cold when discussing teaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This couldn’t be rushed—Li En’s current temporary spell list was full of low-rank spells he couldn’t use, precisely because of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Li En understood why wizards needed intelligent people—only geniuses could truly make it work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you’re only interested in modern conventional spells,\" Kuku pulled out a monocle from nowhere and adjusted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With this little time, it’s better used for enlightenment—to guide you into the basics.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know what the origin of magic is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En had no idea—he simply shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The ancient dragon race. The ancient Dragon Kings were Lords of the Elements; ancient dragons were their children, naturally able to command elements. Their language became what we call Dragon Tongue Magic—this is why wizards must painstakingly study Dragon Tongue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient beasts were Children of the World, ancient dragons were Children of the Elements? These ancient creatures truly had innate advantages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dragon-blooded are the children of dragons, inheriting and receiving Dragon Tongue Magic suited to them. The elves stole and modified it from the dragon-blooded, forming the progenitor of modern magic: Ancient Elven Magic. Later, wizards acquired it, and as ownership changed, it transformed into several distinct systems.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This lineage was quite clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Magic has never been a single system—in fact, every race and tribe, according to their own nature and history, has developed its own magical system. Magic is the collective knowledge of a race’s perception of, alteration of, and shaping of the world they need.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En now understood why Kuku had begun speaking of ancient history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Each race has its own suitable magical system—or rather, its own transcendent system. The existing vocational system and soul-energy system suit 'humanized races' capable of learning and advancing. But though you are a humanized race, you are also a dragon-blooded.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since normal magical systems couldn’t be rushed, perhaps try another race’s system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragon-blooded were naturally hybrids of dragon lineage and other races—calling Li En a beastman was also accurate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Kuku’s ability to tailor instruction to such a degree might explain his title as Sage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Modern magic—you can learn it from your fiancée’s master, but it will take much time. Yet if you only wish to awaken your bloodline and learn true Dragon Tongue Magic, it won’t take long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, for dragons and dragon-blooded, spellcasting is instinct—they have little culture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dragon Tongue Magic isn’t necessarily superior to modern magic; accurately speaking, magic always progresses, like civilization. But Dragon Tongue and Dragon Language Magic generally possess immense power with low mana cost, making them ideal for combat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what was there to hesitate about? Learn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can I learn it in two weeks?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Impossible. Every magical system is a race’s way of perceiving and altering the world. I can only grant you the eligibility to begin, to open the door.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Learning is always your own task; even the finest mentor can only guide you to the threshold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How far you go, whether you achieve results—depends entirely on yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The unique aspect of Dragon Tongue Magic is that after you enter the threshold, you won’t need a teacher much at all. You can learn and master it yourself—it’s the origin of Dragonblood Sorcerers, and every dragon’s Dragon Language\u002FDragon Tongue Magic is unique.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But finally, Kuku reverted to his usual tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph. After all, Dragon Magic isn’t learned—it’s seized! You’ll understand later! You’ll understand!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En fell silent. You’re a Dragon Tongue Mage too, aren’t you? Are you also a dragon-blooded?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dragon Magic isn’t learned—it’s stolen! You’ll understand! You’ll understand!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En felt increasingly uneasy—why did these so-called ancient races seem so absurd? Was this world really so unbalanced?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Recently I’ve encountered beasts… you’re not going to tell me there’s Beast Magic too, are you?\" Li En unconsciously recalled that gravity field—it had resembled magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is. But humans—especially beast-transformed—must absolutely not touch it! Absolutely!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A night of teaching completely reversed Li En’s impetuous mindset and revealed much to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, he now had a clear direction, no longer treating it as mere supernatural witchcraft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuku wasn’t talking about magic alone anymore—he was speaking of the world’s civilization and transcendent systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having gained so much, Li En felt somewhat guilty. He pondered, then spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you… want anything?\" Even though Kuku claimed he needed nothing, Li En still felt he should offer something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Kuku, it seemed, had been waiting for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gaaah! Take Kuku to your fiancée’s master’s library! Kuku wants to see new magic! New magic!\" New magic was already being logged in Kuku’s records.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Steam technology! Alchemy! Kuku is very interested.\" In truth, Kuku was interested in all new technologies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alchemical potions! And new industrial products!\" This was the pride of an alchemical master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Beast—the one you fought! Kuku wants a specimen! To study!\" This one was a bit difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine. Li En was numb—each request seemed increasingly troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet for some reason, Li En himself found himself looking forward to Kuku’s research results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as Li En worked late into the night, in the wilderness beyond Huicheng, a slender figure was also traveling through the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From a traveler’s perspective, the young woman’s ornate robe was far too lavish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her attire—a spotless, lace-embroidered gown with more decorative ribbons than actual fabric—offered more ornamentation than protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her black boots slanted outward as she sat sideways on a giant serpent’s back, gazing at the towering city gate, and exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Has 'Deer' not awakened yet? Looks like we made it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coiled around her ornate staff was a brilliantly colored giant serpent, and this contract beast spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some scent… but faint… Huh? There’s another 'beast's' scent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Another beast’s scent? Another Beast Cult or a Magic Girl? Either way, we must hurry!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1744,"2026-06-19T21:45:41.002Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","adaefad537b64a514e1e892d391f5a1e71aa188fc196b1f67ffcb3ea730d7f2c","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-68","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-66",362,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-cover.jpg"]