Chapter 167

Hayek stood in the center of the arena, his eyes slightly closed, feeling the energy fluctuations remaining around him.

The aftermath of the battle was still echoing in all parts of the arena, and there were scorched marks in the corners.

In the center was a mess of sand, and that massive manticore corpse lay horizontally in the middle of the arena like a small hill.

"Strange... The soul resilience of abyssal creatures is usually much stronger than that of ordinary creatures; logically speaking, it shouldn't dissipate so quickly."

The Vice Dean's brows furrowed slightly, his fingers brushing gently through the air.

A miniature detection magic array formed in the air, then turned into fine energy threads, piercing into the manticore's corpse.

After the magic threads shuttled through the corpse for a few seconds, they jumped with a special rhythm, transmitting the detection results to Hayek.

After the battle ended, a considerable amount of soul energy should have remained on the arena floor.

Especially for a gold-ring-level mixed-modulation creature like this, its soul energy should logically take several days or even a week to dissipate completely.

However, at this moment, those energies were already so thin that they were almost non-existent, as if they had been rapidly absorbed by some invisible force.

"Perhaps its energy structure was inherently unstable?"

Hayek muttered to himself, then shook his head:

"It's not that there haven't been similar situations, it's just rare."

This experiment had provided enough valuable data—this mass-produced manticore ordered from a supplier at an abyssal breeding base had stability far lower than expected.

The instability of its internal structure even affected the soul energy's preservation time, which was a serious defect for an experimental creature.

"It seems there's no need to buy from there in the future."

Hayek pondered secretly, already thinking about finding a better supplier as an alternative.

Even for a Moon-level wizard like him, the price of this kind of abyssal mixed-modulation creature was by no means cheap.

But by using the public account reimbursement from the Crystal Spire, he had no burden at all, and could even leak a little oil into his own hands.

Thinking of this, Hayek raised his hand gently, his fingertips drawing several complex magical trajectories.

Following the formation of these trajectories, the soil and sand around the arena began to move on their own, gradually returning to the flat state before the battle.

The scorched marks were easily wiped away by a magical storm, the broken rocks re-aggregated, and even the pits corroded were filled by newly born soil.

This precise-to-the-millimeter level of material manipulation was one of the hallmark abilities of a formal wizard.

Finally, Hayek turned his attention to the manticore's corpse.

He drew a complex hexagram magic array in the air with both hands, every strand of magical power containing the tempering of his hundreds of years of wizarding career.

Blue-white magical threads shrouded the manticore's massive corpse like a spider web, gradually seeping into every inch of its tissue.

Various decay processes would be frozen, while remaining active energy would be sealed, ensuring that when the dissection guidance took place a day later, this corpse would still maintain sufficient freshness and research value.

"Life force is exceptionally powerful; this is the characteristic of abyssal creatures."

Hayek nodded with satisfaction:

"Even if the soul energy dissipates a bit quickly, the tissue activity is still very high, enough to support the entire process of dissection guidance."

His gaze swept across the arena one last time, and after confirming that everything had returned to its original state, he flicked his sleeves gently, and a magical ripple spread outward, and all maintenance magic arrays were extinguished.

"Tomorrow's dissection guidance will be very interesting, especially for that young potionist."

For such an apprentice who displayed rare all-around talent, although Hayek felt a bit regretful that he couldn't include him in his own sect.

But as Vice Dean, he also had a special authority—organizing dissection courses.

By teaching knowledge face-to-face to many wizard seeds full of potential, he could also harvest quite considerable grace.

No amount of political maneuvering or resource contention could compare to this direct and effective way of obtaining "grace."

In the extraordinary world, power is the final standard for measuring everything.

And "grace" is the key to maintaining this power.

For him, guiding this batch of gifted young people, especially those outstanding ones like Luo En, Huo Erte, and Trish, would harvest even more considerable "grace."

Such elites among elites could often understand the taught knowledge more deeply, thereby producing purer "grace."

"After distributing the prizes tomorrow, I'll conduct the dissection guidance; I haven't really seen this abyssal creature much myself, it's worth studying carefully, maybe I can get some unexpected gains this time."

Hayek took one last look at the manticore corpse wrapped in the energy shield and turned to leave the arena.

Behind him, the light blue energy shield emitted a faint light, perfectly preserving the terrifying mixed-modulation creature, and elemental servants had automatically stepped forward to prepare to drag it to the designated location.

………………

When night fell completely over the Black Fog Jungle, the lights inside the workshop were still bright.

Luo En pushed open the workshop door, and Dai'er followed happily behind.

The two had just stepped into the foyer when Lilliya hurried up to meet them, her face full of expectation and worry.

"Teacher! You have returned safely!"

The girl's voice carried undisguised joy, but her eyes hid a trace of worry:

"How was the competition? Did those battle servants and the Vice Dean's experimental subject hurt you..."

Her words revealed the worry she had been feeling these days.

Ever since she knew Luo En was going to participate in that dangerous Bloody Gladiator Tournament, the girl had been worried; after all, everything she currently had was deeply bound to the workshop.

Although reason told her that with the teacher's ability, there shouldn't be much danger, emotionally, she still couldn't help but worry.

Luo En looked at the girl who was relieved because of his safe return, and his heart lake rippled slightly.

"Champion." He said this simple word softly, his voice full of ease.

Although it was just a simple word, it made Lilliya's eyes widen instantly, her mouth slightly agape.

Subsequently, a brilliant smile that Luo En had never seen before bloomed on her face.

Seeing the usually calm and introverted student so happy, Luo En couldn't help but laugh out loud.

This reaction was more enthusiastic than his own, but it was also reasonable; after all, this victory meant that the workshop's reputation would be further enhanced.

"I knew it! I knew Teacher would definitely be able to do it!"

Her voice trembled slightly, her hands unconsciously clasped together:

"Your preparation during this time was so thorough, and Dai'er's training was so hard, of course you would become the champion!"

"Dai'er and I just performed at the level we should have."

Luo En said casually, but the corners of his mouth lifted unconsciously.

This was his rare moment of relaxation; in this small workshop, he generally wouldn't maintain that calm and restrained image at all times.

Dai'er puffed out her chest proudly, her face carrying a child-like smugness:

"Master is the most amazing person I have ever seen! He knows all the weaknesses of the enemy, and all his attacks were just right! I just acted according to Master's instructions."

Lilliya couldn't wait to pull the two toward the dining room, her face full of undisguised excitement:

"I have already prepared a sumptuous dinner, guessing that you would win a great victory, so I specially celebrated. There is roast fish, mushroom soup, and Dai'er's favorite sweet berries..."

Looking at Lilliya's happy back, Luo En's heart moved slightly.

This girl came to rely on him after a family tragedy and was accepted as an assistant because she possessed special talent; now, she had undoubtedly fully integrated into the group.

Lilliya placed the last plate of food on the table, and the dining room was filled with an enticing aroma.

Luo En, Dai'er, and Lilliya sat around the table, the candlelight adding a touch of warmth to this simple celebratory dinner.

"Teacher, try this roast fish."

Lilliya carefully forked the largest piece of fish meat into Luo En's bowl, her eyes shimmering with expectation:

"I used that special herb you mentioned last time, it should make the taste more unique."

Luo En tasted it and nodded in approval: "The taste is indeed good, the herb pairing is just right."

Dai'er had long been unable to wait and started eating in large mouthfuls, her cheeks slightly bulging because they were stuffed with food, like a greedy little squirrel.

She swallowed the food in her mouth and looked at Lilliya with bright eyes:

"Sister Lili, you should have seen Master's performance in the beast-fighting arena! He was too amazing! That big monster—"

Dai'er gestured with both hands:

"It was this big! The stinger on its tail was as sharp as a sword! But Master wasn't afraid at all; he stood there as if he had already seen through everything."

Luo En shook his head slightly, a smile appearing at the corners of his mouth:

"I just discovered the pattern through observation; anyone observant could do it."

"That's not true!" Dai'er put down her knife and fork again:

"Master's sound wave attack was too amazing! Although it was invisible to the naked eye, that big monster was hit until it shook its head, and its nose even bled!"

She excitedly imitated the manticore's painful expression, shaking her head exaggeratedly, causing Lilliya to laugh out loud.

The girl looked at Luo En curiously: "Teacher, was that experimental subject really as terrifying as Dai'er described?"

Luo En put down the spoon in his hand, his expression becoming serious:

"Even more dangerous than Dai'er described. That was a manticore from the abyss; even if it only exerted part of its strength, it would be enough to tear an ordinary high-level apprentice into pieces."

His gaze drifted toward the darkness outside the window, as if still recalling that life-and-death struggle:

"If it weren't for everyone finally forming a temporary cooperation, I'm afraid the casualties would have been even more severe."

Dai'er puffed out her chest proudly: "But my Thousand Strikes of Water Blades hit it until it howled!"

She imitated the action of casting a spell, her voice full of pride:

"All the techniques Master taught me came in handy! Especially the water wing gliding, which made me the only servant capable of flexible movement!"

Lilliya's eyes flashed with admiration: "Dai'er, you are really brave."

"That person named Huo Erte was also very amazing!"

Dai'er said vaguely while stuffing mushroom soup into her mouth:

"He controlled the earth elemental colossus to block directly in front of the manticore, even though it was slapped to pieces..."

Luo En nodded:

"Senior Huo Erte is indeed worthy of respect; his tactical literacy and adaptability are quite outstanding."

He seemed to have thought of something and shook his head lightly:

"It's just a pity that Trish's Liyue was seriously injured; that kind of abyssal toxin is very troublesome."

Lilliya's eyes flashed with worry: "Is Liyue's situation serious?"

"The school should have a way to heal her, it just takes time."

Luo En sipped his tea, his face calm:

"Trish also has some attainments in natural healing, plus the school's resources, it shouldn't be a problem."

Speaking of natural healing, his gaze couldn't help but look outward, where a tall ancient tree stood, looking exceptionally mysterious in the moonlight.

Dai'er seemed to notice where Luo En was looking, put down her bowl, her voice carrying longing:

"When will Mother Ailan wake up? I miss her so much."

Lilliya gently touched Dai'er's head:

"According to Teacher's observation, it should be soon. Maybe by the time we come back from collecting our prizes tomorrow, Sister Ailan will have already woken up?"

"Really?" Dai'er's eyes lit up instantly, turning to Luo En for confirmation.

Luo En nodded slightly: "Indeed, judging from the progress of the transformation, Ailan is very likely to complete the final change within these two days."

"Will she be more amazing than the previous Mother Ailan?" Dai'er asked curiously.

"Of course." Luo En smiled lightly:

"The transformed Ailan will be much stronger at manipulating plants, and our workshop's defense will be greatly strengthened as a result."

Lilliya nodded thoughtfully:

"No wonder Sister Ailan was so looking forward to this transformation; this is indeed a true rebirth for her."

After the meal, the girl skillfully began to clear the messy dishes on the table; seeing Luo En stand up, she reached out to wipe her apron and asked with some concern:

"Do you need to rest? I have already prepared hot water and..."

"Thank you for your concern, Lilliya, but I need some private time now."

Luo En interrupted her gently:

"There are some important matters that need to be handled."

Lilliya immediately understood the meaning and nodded sensibly:

"I understand, Teacher. If you need any help, please call me at any time."

She knew that the teacher often needed to focus on some confidential research, and the best help at this time was not to disturb him.

Luo En nodded with satisfaction; he liked this kind of high-EQ student, then turned to Dai'er:

"You also need to rest well; today's battle consumed a lot of energy. Although your performance was very outstanding, your body also needs time to recover. How about going to take a bath with your Sister Lili later?"

The little sea siren nodded, although her eyes were still full of excitement, she could also feel the exhaustion after a day of fierce fighting:

"As you command, Master. I will immediately enter the bathroom battlefield with Sister Lili!"

After speaking, she pulled the apron-wearing girl beside her somewhat hurriedly; Lilliya was a bit flustered:

"Wait, little Dai'er, I haven't finished cleaning up..."

………………

In the steamy bathroom, water flowed murmuringly.

Dai'er soaked happily in the special large bathtub, her long silver hair floating on the water surface like a piece of fine silver silk.

She dove into the water from time to time, and emerged from the water surface from time to time, her face overflowing with pure joy.

"Sister Lili, come in quickly! The water temperature is just right!"

The little sea siren slapped the water surface, splashing a spray of water.

Lilliya was carefully untying her clothes on the side, smiling slightly upon hearing this:

"Don't be so anxious, I'll be there right away."

She slowly put down the last piece of covering, revealing a well-proportioned and slender body, and stepped into the water pool carefully.

Dai'er's gaze was immediately attracted, and a flash of curiosity flickered in her purple-blue eyes.

Lilliya's figure had already developed quite maturely, with beautiful curves, and her skin was as smooth and delicate as fine porcelain.

In contrast, although the sea siren had grown rapidly these days, her body still maintained the slenderness of a child.

"Sister Lili."

Dai'er couldn't help but swim closer, envy flickering in her eyes:

"Your body is really beautiful!"

She reached out her small hand, curiously pointing toward the two objects on the girl's chest:

"Why don't I have this?"

Lilliya's cheeks instantly dyed with a blush, and she hurriedly covered herself with her arms:

"Dai'er! It's too rude to stare like that."

Although her tone carried reproach, her eyes revealed a trace of gentleness:

"You are still young, you will naturally develop in a few years."

(End of chapter)