Chapter 126

"This altar... is it a gateway to another world?"

Luo En tried hard to control the excitement in his voice, but the light in his eyes was hard to hide:

"If there really is a stable interdimensional rift in the Black Mist Jungle, what a precious resource that would be."

Trish looked at his suddenly eager expression, a knowing smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

"You seem particularly interested in the concept of 'another world,' Luo En."

She said, slightly teasingly:

"However, I must disappoint you; the so-called interdimensional crevice is not the complete, vast other world you imagine; at best, it is merely an afterimage projection produced by the collision of worlds."

Luo En's enthusiasm cooled significantly: "You mean..."

"A true, complete other world is a realm that only formal wizards or even Great Wizards are qualified to enter and explore."

Trish's tone became solemn: "For apprentices like us, merely approaching a true cross-boundary channel would result in being shredded by the surrounding dimensional turbulence, with both body and soul completely destroyed."

She looked at Luo En's now completely calm expression and added:

"But don't be disappointed; even if it is just a crevice, the extraordinary resources and special structures contained within are enough to make large organizations like the Crystal Spire extremely interested. In fact, this is one of the main reasons they established the Black Mist School to garrison here."

"I see." Luo En adjusted his emotions quickly: "Then, what exactly is the function of this altar?"

"This altar possesses magical power."

Trish's eyes shone brightly again:

"It can help with bloodline activation and tracing, making it easier for people to break through bloodline limitations and evolve toward more ancient, purer forms."

Hearing the word "tracing," Luo En's heart skipped a beat.

Isn't this the core function of his previous "tracing" trait?

If he could borrow the power of the altar, perhaps he could make his copied bloodline abilities even more powerful and pure...

"This altar..." Luo En tried to keep his tone steady: "Can everyone enter it?"

Trish shook her head, her expression becoming somewhat regretful:

"Of course not; the quota is extremely limited, and one must obtain approval from the school's high-level leadership. As far as I know, the Black Mist School only has five spots each time, and the remaining spots are given to the Crystal Spire."

Her gaze shimmered with expectation, and her voice carried a trace of imperceptible tension:

"However, considering your recent rise in status, especially after making your 'Potion-Body Resonance' special talent public and successfully entering the candidate wizard sequence, I think you are very likely to obtain a spot."

This remark was both information sharing and a hint—if Luo En obtained a spot, Trish hoped to form some form of alliance with him.

After all, in such an unknown and dangerous environment, having a reliable companion was undoubtedly a huge advantage.

"This altar... how often does it open?" Luo En asked the key question.

"Generally, once every five years." Trish replied:

"The opening time for this time will be in over half a year. This is also why Mentor Corinna has intensified my training recently; she believes I need to raise my strength to a certain level during this time to withstand the altar's trials."

"Trials?" Luo En raised an eyebrow.

"Yes." Trish's expression became serious:

"It is said that the Bloodline Altar is not just a place; it also gives different trials based on the entrant's aptitude and potential."

She added softly: "In the past, some people lost their lives because they couldn't withstand the trials, so the school's review of the quota is extremely strict. Everyone selected must demonstrate sufficient potential and value."

Luo En fell into deep thought.

This was undoubtedly a huge opportunity, but it was also accompanied by huge risks.

However, with the various means and trump cards he currently possessed, especially with a life-saving artifact like the Time Guardian pocket watch, his confidence in dealing with the risks was still quite high.

"Thank you for the reminder, Trish." He finally said: "This information is very important to me."

"It's nothing." Trish smiled, a flash of cunning in her eyes:

"We are from the same hometown, so looking out for each other is only right. Besides, if we both obtain spots, we can look out for each other inside the altar."

Her expression became soft, carrying the shyness and expectation unique to a young girl:

"What I worry about most is the danger that might be encountered during the altar trials; it would be much more reassuring to have a reliable companion like you."

Luo En smiled slightly; this invitation had both a utilitarian side and a sincere one.

As one of the few peers in the candidate wizard sequence and with the connection of being from the same hometown, Trish was indeed an ideal candidate for an ally.

"If we both obtain spots, we will definitely look out for each other."

He promised.

This answer seemed to satisfy Trish, and a bright smile bloomed on her face:

"Great! I hope we both obtain this opportunity."

She lowered her voice again and added mysteriously:

"Mentor Corinna is very interested in you, especially your 'Potion-Body Resonance' talent. If you really obtain a spot, she might personally provide you with some guidance; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

"Then I will definitely cherish it doubly."

Luo En responded on the surface, but was extremely vigilant inwardly.

The two chatted about some recent learning experiences and school anecdotes, and the atmosphere became relaxed.

Luo En discovered that Trish seemed more cheerful and lively than before.

The original reserve and coldness had diminished, replaced by a vibrant vitality, perhaps also influenced by the activation of her Forest Elf bloodline.

"In a while, the candidate wizard sequence will hold a quarterly meeting, which all sequence members and several of the school's main mentors and vice-deans will attend."

Before parting, Trish reminded him again: "Mentor Corinna will also attend; that will be an important opportunity for you to demonstrate your value."

"I will prepare well." Luo En nodded: "I also wish you greater progress in your bloodline activation."

Trish nodded with a smile, and Liyue bowed respectfully to Luo En.

Luo En watched them leave until their figures disappeared at the end of the path in the Black Mist Jungle before withdrawing his gaze and turning back into the workshop.

"Bloodline Altar... power of tracing..."

A thoughtful light shimmered in his eyes: "This might be the perfect opportunity for me to further purify my Red Blood Flying Dragon branch bloodline."

Back in the workshop, Ailan was still tidying up the tea set Trish had left behind.

"Master." Her vines swayed gently: "The energy on her made me feel both close and afraid; why is that?"

"According to ancient texts, tree spirits and Forest Elves were once close partners; the bloodline memory sleeping within you may have sensed this."

Luo En explained: "As for the fear... perhaps it is because it was mixed with a trace of Moon Elf component; the royal family exerts a natural pressure on lower-ranking existences in the same chain."

He looked thoughtfully at Ailan's gradually humanizing body and suddenly had an idea:

"Ailan, if there were an opportunity to activate the deeper bloodline within you, would you be willing to try? There might be some risks."

Ailan's vines trembled at an unprecedented frequency, and expectation shimmered in those green eyes:

"If it is a ritual presided over by Master, I am willing to try any possibility."

Luo En felt a warmth in his heart and reached out to stroke Ailan's vines:

"I will do my best to help you, just as you have always helped me."

The news of the Bloodline Altar provided him with a clear time node—over half a year later, exactly one full year after his apprenticeship ended.

Within this limited time, he had to maximize his strength.

He looked up at the calendar, and a flame ignited in his heart.

"Over half a year, not a long time, but not a short one either." He muttered to himself:

"I must make my value stand out completely during this time and become one of those five people."

Night fell, but the workshop remained brightly lit.

A figure was busy in front of the workbench; the desk was piled high with various ancient books and notes, and the schedule on the wall was densely filled with arrangements for the next half year...

………………

"The key to energy solidification lies in frequency resonance..."

Luo En's fingers slid gently over the yellowed pages of the thick ancient book, his eyes absorbing every detail without a moment's pause.

Since he began learning alchemy, he had developed the habit of setting aside at least two hours every day specifically for theoretical study.

A corner of the workshop had long been set aside by him as a dedicated alchemy research area.

Unlike the neat and orderly layout of the potion area, it looked quite chaotic here:

Various strange-looking devices were scattered everywhere, semi-finished alchemical products were carefully stored in special containers, and the walls were covered with energy flow diagrams and element affinity tables he had drawn himself.

"Three cycles, nine-fold rhythm, twenty-seven seals..."

Luo En muttered, while sketching complex rune structures in his notebook.

The energy containment technology taught by Thompson last week was extremely exquisite, but the explanations in class were ultimately limited.

To truly master this technology, Luo En had to consult a large amount of supplementary material and conduct attempt after attempt in practice.

He picked up an ordinary stone from the table and gently stroked its surface with his fingers.

In the eyes of an ordinary person, this was just a featureless gray stone, but Luo En could feel the faint earth-element energy contained within it.

"Let's begin."

Luo En took a deep breath, wrapped his hands around the stone, and began to guide his spiritual power to construct the containment array.

This was his seventh attempt this week; the previous six had all ended in failure—the energy either leaked or the structure collapsed.

But this time, with the experience of the previous failures and the sudden inspiration from last night, his operation was more precise and fluid.

His spiritual power wove a complex energy network around the stone, layer by layer, fitting perfectly.

"Three cycles..." Beads of sweat seeped from his forehead, but his hands were as steady as a rock:

"Rhythm..." The energy network gradually solidified, and the stone began to emit a faint glow:

"Seal!"

The moment the final seal was completed, the stone suddenly lit up, and the energy inside was perfectly contained, forming a stable energy core.

"Success!" Luo En couldn't hide his excitement and carefully checked every detail of the containment structure.

Unlike previous attempts, this energy core was extremely stable, without any leakage or fluctuation.

【Alchemy experience +1】

【Breakthrough! Alchemy (Entry 50/50) → Alchemy (Proficient 1/100)】

【Obtained additional trait: Resonance (Efficiency of perception and control over extraordinary energy increased)】

This breakthrough came so naturally, as if it were the best reward for his dedicated study during this period.

Luo En could clearly feel that his perception of energy had become sharper and his control more precise, as if he had suddenly gained a pair of eyes specifically for perceiving energy in the dark.

He couldn't wait to call up his profession panel in his mind:

【Profession advancement conditions met:

1. Alchemy (Proficient) √

2. Complete one alchemy task √】

【Do you wish to advance to—Alchemy Apprentice?】

"Confirm." He whispered in his mind.

A familiar stream of warm energy surged from his heart and spread throughout his body, but the feeling this time was slightly different from before.

The energy seemed purer, and the flow more orderly, like water flowing through precise calculations.

【Advancement successful!】

【Obtained profession: Alchemy Apprentice (One Star)】

【Basic attribute increase:

Spirit 3.6 → 3.7 (+0.1)

Magic 1.5 → 1.6 (+0.1)】

【Profession special bonus: -

Perception of microscopic molecules slightly increased

Ability to grasp material properties slightly increased】

【Obtained profession skill: Material Analysis (Entry)】

The attribute bonuses obtained after advancement were already very small, but this was also within reason.

After all, this behavior of his was essentially "bug-abusing," and he was already very gratified to have any improvement.

What's more, for later attribute increases, perhaps every 0.1 difference would be worth countless times more than before.

Luo En waited for the new profession skill to appear, but unexpectedly, a special prompt appeared on the panel:

【Detected profession linkage: Potion Master + Alchemy Apprentice】

【Stability slightly increased when brewing potions and performing alchemy】

【Skill fusion triggered:

Herb Identification (Proficient) + Material Analysis (Entry) → Extraordinary Identification (Proficient 1/100)】

Luo En widened his eyes.

This was the first time he had encountered a situation of skill fusion; it was clearly a special interactive effect produced by two similar professions.

Immediately afterward, a cool sensation flowed over his eyes, and his vision suddenly became exceptionally clear.

Not only that, but when his gaze fell on surrounding objects, he could instinctively perceive their material composition, energy structure, and even the manufacturing process.

He picked up an ordinary stone, and with just a light look, he could distinguish that it contained trace amounts of iron.

It was formed approximately three hundred years ago during a volcanic eruption, and he could even feel the faint magic resonance hidden within it.

"This is Extraordinary Identification..." Luo En was filled with wonder inwardly.

This new ability clearly far exceeded the original Herb Identification, no longer limited to herbs and potion materials, but extended to almost all extraordinary substances.

The basic analysis ability of alchemy and the precise identification of potion science were perfectly combined, creating a special insight that was almost like "looking directly at the essence."

He couldn't help but recall those professional appraisers in the black market; even the most senior appraisers needed various tools to assist them and often only specialized in one type of item.

And now, he could perform all-around extraordinary substance identification with just his naked eye.

"No wonder I haven't heard of a dedicated 'Appraiser' extraordinary profession..."

Luo En thought thoughtfully:

"The combination of Potion Master and Alchemist itself can produce effects far superior to a dedicated appraiser."

(End of chapter)