Chapter 127: Interstellar Silver, Void Gem

The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the workshop's window lattice, painting mottled patterns of light and shadow upon the floor.

Luo En sat upright at his desk, eyes slightly closed, his internal Crimson Blood Flying Dragon bloodline pulsing gently to the rhythm of the "Corona Breathing Technique." Each breath was accompanied by a slight surge of Qi and blood within him.

Ever since completing the bloodline activation and successfully replicating Andre's Crimson Blood Flying Dragon bloodline, he could clearly feel his affinity for fire and light elements significantly increase.

The power of the bloodline flowed through his meridians like a scorching golden-red river, nourishing every inch of his muscles and bones.

【Bloodline Activation EXP +1】

【Current Progress: Bloodline Activation (Entry-level 28/100)】

"Progress is a bit slower than I imagined."

Luo En opened his eyes, his fingers subconsciously brushing the inner side of his left arm. Beneath the skin, faint, fine scale patterns were visible, appearing only under specific angles of light.

Bloodline activation was a long process, requiring day after day of patient cultivation to truly allow the replicated bloodline to perfectly integrate with his own.

Fortunately, he possessed the Alchemist's linkage effect, which allowed him to better absorb the effects of various auxiliary potions and accelerate this process.

With the acquisition of the "Extraordinary Identification" fusion skill, his understanding of extraordinary substances had reached a whole new level.

He could not only see the surface structure but even perceive the internal energy flow and trace element composition.

"Let's first test the actual effects of this new ability." Luo En pondered, his gaze sweeping across the workshop.

He first picked up a withered herb that had been drying on a shelf. As his spiritual power gently touched it, a series of information immediately flooded his mind:

【Twilight Grass, harvested three weeks ago, approximately 60% of medicinal efficacy retained...

Suitable for making calming potions, but no longer suitable for advanced spiritual-type potions.

Contains trace magical elements, mainly concentrated in the root and stem parts.

Harvested in the northeastern region of the Black Mist Jungle, soil is slightly acidic.】

This detailed amount of information far exceeded his previous "Herb Identification" ability.

The latter mainly focused on judging medicinal properties and purity, while now he could even infer the plant's growth environment.

"This is about the same as the identification ability in games. I just don't know if it can still read such accurate information when scanning higher-grade items."

However, some high-grade knowledge in this world should not be looked at blindly.

Just like the "Devourer" recorded in the meditation vision; if one were to accidentally cast the identification skill on It...

Luo En shook his head, not daring to think of such terrible consequences, and turned his gaze to a bottle of potion he had refined himself:

【'Amber Thought Liquid' improved version, 92% purity.

Main ingredients: Moonlight Grass essence, Silver Star Vine extract, and Thought Worm brain fluid.

Medicinal effect expected to last 4 hours and 12 minutes, side effect index is 1.3, far lower than the 3.7 of the standard formula.

Suitable for continuous use, should not be used more than 3 times within 72 hours.

Stable composition, excellent structure, suggested retail price: 15 Magic Stone Fragments.】

【Extraordinary Identification EXP +1】

【Current Progress: Extraordinary Identification (Proficient 4/100)】

It seems the higher the grade of the extraordinary item identified, the faster the EXP increases. Perhaps he could really develop a side career as an appraiser in the future?

Moreover, this deep understanding of his own work gave Luo En a sense of control he had never felt before.

He could even point out which parts of the potion had room for improvement and which ingredients could have their proportions adjusted to obtain better results.

Suddenly, he realized that the Time Guardian pocket watch on his wrist was emitting a faint energy fluctuation, seemingly calling for his attention.

Luo En carefully picked up the pocket watch, focused his attention, and used the "Extraordinary Identification" ability to check it:

【Time Guardian's Pocket Watch (Initial Stage)

Special creation, material is 'Interstellar Silver' and 'Void Gem'.

Energy storage is depleted; it will unlock new functions only after relying on its own absorption to recharge.

Recharging medium needs to match 'Time' attribute energy; under standard plane flux units, 70 to 90 units are required to complete one basic recharge.

Detailed information is currently not identifiable.】

【Extraordinary Identification EXP +3】

【Current Progress: Extraordinary Identification (Proficient 7/100)】

"Interstellar Silver? Void Gem?" Luo En frowned. These were material names he had never heard of.

But more importantly, the information regarding recharging and unlocking functions undoubtedly pointed him in the direction of enhancing the pocket watch's capabilities.

"'Time' attribute energy... It seems I need to find a place or material that can provide this special energy."

Luo En pondered, carefully putting the pocket watch away.

"Let's first go to Lizard Alley to find out where exactly it was excavated; maybe there will be some clues..."

After a moment of contemplation, Luo En organized his thoughts and prepared to set off for the school's central area to attend today's alchemy weekly test.

Several days had passed since he transferred to 【Alchemy Apprentice】, and today happened to be the weekly test time arranged by Mentor Tang Pusen.

"Xiang Ailan, I'm going to attend the weekly test; I should be back before noon."

Luo En said to the tree spirit who was tending to the plants in the courtyard.

Xiang Ailan nodded, her vines swaying subtly:

"I wish Master all the best; I will look after the workshop."

Luo En smiled and nodded gently at the tree spirit.

Leaving the workshop, he walked quickly toward the school's central area.

The morning mist of the Black Mist Jungle had not yet dissipated. In the thin fog, there were occasionally figures of apprentices walking hurriedly, but most remained silent, focused on their own thoughts.

In the Wizard World, time and energy were the most precious resources; no one was willing to waste them on meaningless socializing.

Arriving at the central area, Luo En headed straight for the alchemy testing room.

Pushing open the heavy oak door, six or seven apprentices were already waiting inside, and Mentor Tang Pusen was organizing testing materials at a long table.

"Ah, Luo En, you've come just in time."

Tang Pusen saw him, a satisfied smile appearing on his face:

"Today's test is alchemy energy sealing. As you know, this is the most basic but also the most important technique in elementary alchemy."

Luo En smiled slightly: "Yes, Mentor Tang Pusen, I am ready."

"Very good, your spot is over there, the materials are already prepared."

Tang Pusen nodded, pointing to a workbench:

"The requirement for this test is: complete the sealing of a standard energy core within one hour. Stability and purity will be the main criteria for grading."

Luo En arrived at the designated spot and saw various alchemy materials placed on the workbench:

A common stone as a base, several basic mineral powders as conductors, and a small bottle of refined magic liquid used to provide initial energy.

These were standard configurations, and the core difficulty lay in how to construct the energy sealing array and maintain its stability.

"Is everyone ready?"

Tang Pusen looked around, and seeing no objections, announced:

"The test begins now, one hour on the clock."

Luo En took a deep breath and immediately entered a focused state.

Unlike his previous private attempts in the workshop, this time he had already successfully completed energy sealing and had thus been promoted to 【Alchemy Apprentice】, mastering deeper-level techniques.

He first used "Extraordinary Identification" to carefully examine the stone base, confirmed its energy structure and elemental composition, and then precisely calculated the optimal energy path layout.

"Three cycles, nine-layer rhythm."

Luo En chanted in his heart, his fingers brushing lightly over the stone surface, his spiritual power weaving a complex energy network like fine threads.

Under the blessing of the "Resonance" additional trait, his control over energy became more precise, just like an experienced pianist who could feel the subtle changes in every note.

The energy balance points that previously required repeated attempts could now be found at the optimal position almost instinctively.

Mineral powders were added one by one, each according to a specific ratio and order, forming fine energy conduits on the stone surface.

Luo En noticed that compared to the last experiment, his understanding of the materials was deeper, allowing him to control the addition amount and order more precisely, making the energy flow of the entire system smoother.

The refined magic liquid was carefully dripped into key nodes, providing basic energy for the entire system.

As the last drop of liquid fell, the stone surface began to flicker with a faint blue light, and energy was circulating along the preset path.

Half an hour later, Luo En had completed all preparations, and the next step was the most critical sealing step.

This required extremely high spiritual power control and precise grasp of energy balance; a slight carelessness would cause all previous work to fall short.

Closing his eyes, he mobilized all his spiritual power to construct the final sealing structure.

This was a process that needed to be precise to the micron; any slight deviation could cause the entire structure to collapse.

"Seal!"

As Luo En's spiritual power was injected, the stone base suddenly lit up with a bright blue light, energy fluctuations formed visible ripples in the air, then quickly converged, finally condensing into a stable core.

The entire process was smooth and fluid, nearly twenty minutes ahead of the expected time.

Luo En opened his eyes and looked at his work with satisfaction—a perfect energy core emitting a uniform blue light.

This finished product was more stable and pure than any of his previous attempts, showing the further deepening of his understanding of alchemy.

【Alchemy EXP +1】

【Current Progress: Alchemy (Proficient 4/100)】

"Finished?" Tang Pusen walked to Luo En's side, looking at his results with some surprise: "So fast? Let me see."

The old alchemist carefully picked up the energy core and carefully checked every detail.

His brow first frowned slightly, seemingly looking for possible defects, then gradually smoothed out, and finally, a rare appreciation appeared in his eyes.

"Stability is close to perfect, purity is at least 30% higher than the standard requirement, and the most rare thing is the harmony of energy flow... This is completely no longer a beginner-level work, Luo En."

Tang Pusen's praise drew surprised gazes from other apprentices; some even stopped their work to look curiously.

"Thank you for your affirmation, Mentor." Luo En simply said:

"This is all thanks to your careful guidance, as well as some extra efforts I have made in theory recently."

Tang Pusen shook his head, a certain determination flashing in his eyes:

"No, guidance alone cannot reach this level. Luo En, I think you are ready to enter higher-level learning. Your perception and control of energy have already exceeded the scope of basic courses."

He carefully examined Luo En's work, then took out a small crystal instrument and moved it around the energy core.

The numbers on the instrument kept changing, finally stopping at a high value that even surprised Tang Pusen.

"Speaking of learning ability..." Tang Pusen looked at Luo En meaningfully:

"I noticed that you seem to have a sharper perception of materials recently. Is this pure talent, or have you learned some new technique?"

Luo En felt a chill in his heart, not expecting Tang Pusen's observation to be so sharp.

He pondered for a moment and decided to reveal some information moderately, neither completely concealing nor telling the whole story.

"Indeed, Mentor. With my in-depth study of pharmacology and alchemy, I found that my perception of materials has become sharper. This may be the result of the two disciplines promoting each other, allowing me to understand the essential characteristics of materials more comprehensively."

Tang Pusen nodded thoughtfully:

"Interesting development. Indeed, there are often deep connections between different disciplines that can produce unexpected synergistic effects. And you, Luo En, seem to be born with the talent to discover and utilize these connections."

After the test ended, Luo En collected his energy core, as well as the alchemy activator awarded for being first in the weekly test, and left the testing room in a pleasant mood.

Just as he was preparing to head to the library, a large-mouthed parrot with black-gray plumage fluttered down from the sky:

"Apprentice Luo En... Apprentice Luo En... Lady Lai La requests you to go to the Elemental Affinity classroom immediately."

Seeing this parrot call his name, he didn't feel particularly surprised; this was one of the public messengers raised by the school.

However, today was not the day for the Elemental Affinity class, so Luo En frowned and asked:

"May I ask what is the matter?"

"Lady Lai La did not specify the exact reason, only saying it is... regarding the adjustment of your elemental course schedule."

The large-mouthed parrot answered respectfully, its attitude much more polite than toward ordinary apprentices, clearly because Luo En had already entered the candidate wizard sequence.

"I understand, thank you for the notification."

Luo En nodded politely to thank it, receiving the parrot's flattered gaze.

He then changed direction and walked toward the Elemental Affinity classroom.

Along the way, he pondered the possible reasons for Mentor Lai La's temporary summons.

Since obtaining the Crimson Blood Flying Dragon bloodline, his affinity for fire and light elements had indeed improved significantly, and his performance in recent classes had also received her appreciation.

But to be called suddenly, was there some special task, or was there a problem with his performance?

Luo En couldn't be sure and could only quicken his pace to reach the classroom as soon as possible.

Arriving at the Elemental Affinity classroom, the door was already open, and Lai La was standing by the window, sunlight filtering through the stained glass onto her, casting a halo over her long hair.

"Luo En, I heard you were accepting Tang Pusen's weekly test in the teaching area today, so I thought I would just have the messenger notify you to come over."

She turned and smiled slightly, her eyes filled with appreciation:

"I have been following your performance in recent courses, especially your control over light and fire elements; the progress is very significant."

"Thank you for your affirmation, Senior Laila." Luo En responded only politely.

Laila walked to the elemental pool in the center of the classroom, where elemental light spots of various colors floated like a miniature galaxy:

"Do you know? Elemental affinity is not just the ability to master a single element; more importantly, it is understanding the connection and transformation between elements."

She waved her hand gently, and the light and fire elemental spots in the pool began to approach each other, eventually merging into a brighter golden-red glow:

"For example, the combination of light and fire can produce more powerful effects. This is a high-grade elemental manipulation, usually only involved in advanced courses."

Luo En observed intently, having already guessed the other party's intention—she might be about to teach him more advanced elemental knowledge.

"I originally intended to wait until you finished all the basic courses before having a mentor guide you into the study of elemental fusion."

Laila looked straight into Luo En's eyes, her expression becoming more solemn:

"But your speed of progress has exceeded our expectations, especially your dual affinity for light and fire elements; this is a quite rare talent."

She walked to the bookshelf, took out an ancient book, and opened it gently, revealing a page of complex elemental fusion diagrams:

"Among all the students I have taught, very few can naturally display an affinity for two complementary elements like you. This reminds me of an ancient theory—Elemental Dual-State Resonance."

Luo En listened earnestly; although he was not familiar with this theory, he could feel that this was some kind of important knowledge.

"The so-called Elemental Dual-State Resonance refers to when a person possesses high affinity for two complementary elements simultaneously, they can establish a special energy circuit between the two elements, causing the elemental powers to enhance rather than cancel each other out."

Laila explained, her fingers stroking the diagram on the page:

"In ancient times, some great elemental wizards created many astonishing spells precisely through in-depth research into Elemental Dual-State Resonance."

She took out a crystal ball containing a spell model from the inside of her robe, inside which floated a complex golden-red energy structure, like a solidified flower of flame:

"Under normal circumstances, even entering advanced courses, one needs to pay a considerable amount of magic stone fragments to obtain a complete spell model, but considering you have already shown enough value and potential—"

Laila handed the crystal ball to Luo En:

"This is a prototype spell called 'Ring of Radiance,' which combines the blinding effect of the light element and the scorching ability of the fire element; it is an extremely practical defensive and offensive spell."

Luo En took the crystal ball with both hands, feeling the energy fluctuations emitted by the spell model inside; it was both warm and bright, as dazzling as a miniature sun.

At this moment, his heart was somewhat excited; spell models are the foundation of spell construction, and possessing a ready-made model can greatly shorten the time to master new spells.

Moreover, such composite spells that fuse two elements are usually only eligible for study by high-level apprentices.

Luo En was just about to express his gratitude sincerely, but Laila smiled slightly, blocking his words:

"No need to be too polite; we wizards have always believed that 'knowledge should flow to the place where it can best exert its value.' Your talent and hard work make you qualified to obtain this knowledge."

"However, the spell prototype is only a basic framework; you need to perfect and adjust it according to your own understanding and ability."

Her expression became serious:

"This process may take weeks or even months, especially for a fusion spell; the balance of every link is crucial."

Luo En nodded: "I understand, Mentor. I will study this spell model with all my might and not let down your trust."

"Very good." Laila nodded with satisfaction, then added:

"In addition, I have already suggested to the mentor to promote your elemental affinity course directly to the advanced stage. If you can successfully master the 'Ring of Radiance,' that will be the best support for this decision."

Because he had already experienced one grade skip, he only felt a slight joy in his heart; after politely thanking her and learning the specific teaching arrangements, he took his leave.

The course arrangements for the advanced stage are different from the basic stage, mainly focusing on two aspects:

One is elemental fusion, and the other is the practical application of elemental spells.

Because fewer people are studying it, the courses will be more sparse, generally once every two weeks, but the density and difficulty of each session will be greatly increased.

And after he left, Laila used a reagent to detect spiritual pollution; seeing the much lighter color on it, a satisfied smile appeared on her face.

It's a pity that as a high-level apprentice, she can only get a share of the pie at the basic course stage; if only there were a few more geniuses like this...

(End of chapter)