Chapter 170: Insight

【Rare Artifact: Substitute Puppet (Awaiting Activation)】

【Current Energy: 0/100%】

【Effect: Creates a perfect substitute that shares the user's abilities and can bear a portion of the user's soul.

(Holders of the special talent "Dual Soul" will trigger additional hidden effects.)】

【Extreme Range: Initial 100 meters, can be increased as energy increases.】

【Note: More functions can be unlocked after charging.】

A surge of irrepressible excitement rose within Luo En, yet he maintained a calm expression, even deliberately showing a hint of subtle disappointment.

Those official wizards failed to discover the true value of this treasure simply because they could not combine it with the "Dual Soul" talent, and thus could not activate its full potential.

To an ordinary wizard, this was merely an auxiliary tool with many limitations;

But to Luo En, this was a treasure tailored specifically for him.

Not only could he import his second soul into the puppet to realize true clone combat, but he could also take this opportunity to put his gradually forming "Crucible Concept" into practice.

"Thank you for the detailed explanation, Vice Vice Vice Dean." Luo En responded steadily.

"I will make good use of this treasure."

Hayek handed Luo En eight complete magic stones, then passed him a special badge.

"This is a special library permit. With this badge, you may select one book from the Rare Collection within one month. Choose carefully, for once selected, it cannot be changed."

Luo En solemnly accepted the badge; a faint energy fluctuation pulsed where he touched it.

"Thank you for the academy's generous reward."

He nodded slightly, speaking politely, though his eyes were already calculating how to maximize the use of this precious permit.

After all the prizes were distributed, Hayek spoke again:

"Next, I will conduct a dissection demonstration on yesterday's experimental subject. Any participants interested may stay; this is a rare learning opportunity."

"Here it comes. This is the part I've been looking forward to." Luo En thought to himself.

The dissection demonstration not only provided precious first-hand knowledge of extraordinary biology, but it might also be the key to his breakthrough in the "Extraordinary Biology" entry-level bottleneck.

Of course, he wasn't the only one thinking this. Aside from one contestant who had suffered a head injury, everyone else chose to stay.

The chance to witness the dissection techniques of a Moon-rank wizard was rare, and even those at the top of the sequence would not miss it.

Moreover, this experimental subject was a rare abyss creature—a Manticore. Its internal structure and energy system were of high value for studying biological adaptation in abyssal environments.

Luo En deliberately chose a front-row seat, less than two meters from the dissection table, to capture every detail.

The Vice Vice Vice Dean waved his hand, and several elemental servants pushed over a massive dissection table, upon which lay the Manticore carcass defeated yesterday.

Even though it had been dead for some time, the monster still radiated a heart-stopping pressure, as if death could not fully erase its ferocious nature.

"Manticore, a creature unique to the 'Black Sand Barrens' on the third layer of the abyss, known by explorers as the 'Desert Monarch'."

Hayek began his lecture, his voice carrying professional calm:

"They are a hybrid of lion and giant scorpion, possessing partial traits of both, yet they have a unique mana structure that allows them to survive and thrive in the harsh environment of the 'Black Sand Barrens'."

A brilliant energy scalpel suddenly appeared in the Vice Vice Vice Dean's hand—this was also an advanced application of mana, capable of precisely cutting any material without damaging its surrounding structure.

"Observe its skin structure carefully."

Hayek made a perfect incision on the Manticore's torso and pointed to the cut:

"What appears to be ordinary hair is actually micro-mana conduits, capable of absorbing and storing energy from the environment. This is the key to their survival in harsh environments."

Luo En simultaneously activated his Extraordinary Identification and Trace Tracking abilities, observing every detail meticulously.

The Manticore's internal structure was far more complex than its exterior, with organs arranged according to a peculiar energy pattern, completely different from ordinary creatures.

He could see the invisible energy flow paths and the complex interactions between various organs.

"This is its first heart, dedicated to processing ordinary blood circulation."

Hayek skillfully detached a deep red organ larger than a human head: "And this second heart is responsible for mana circulation; it is the core of its energy system."

"Dual-heart structure."

Luo En recorded silently in his mind:

"This design allows it to maintain two completely different circulatory systems simultaneously—one for ordinary physiological functions and the other dedicated to processing extraordinary energy. This is one of the key evolutionary traits for adapting to the abyssal environment."

As the dissection deepened, Luo En felt a marvelous realization surging in his heart.

Those once scattered points of extraordinary biological knowledge were now gradually connecting into an incredibly clear network under the practical demonstration of this complete specimen.

The function of every organ, the path of every energy conduit, and the characteristics of every tissue were forming a three-dimensional, systematic structure in his cognition.

"Its venom gland structure is extremely refined."

Hayek pointed to a green sac-like object inside the scorpion tail:

"It can generate three different toxins simultaneously, adjusting the ratio according to the prey's characteristics. If you observe closely, you will find that the interior of the venom gland has tissue similar to 'memory storage,' storing resistance information of different creatures."

This discovery greatly surprised Luo En, and he couldn't help but raise his hand to ask a question. This unconventional action drew side-glances from the other contestants.

Under the academy's strict hierarchy, apprentices usually should not interrupt a mentor's lecture.

"Do you have a question, Apprentice Ralf?" Hayek, however, was not annoyed, but instead showed a hint of curiosity.

"May I ask, my lord, is this 'memory storage' related to their feeding behavior?"

Luo En inquired cautiously, his eyes flashing with a thirst for knowledge:

"I noticed that the Manticore seems to prioritize targets with weaker vitality when attacking. Is it because it can extract information from its prey to form some kind of biological memory bank?"

This question made Hayek's eyes flash with appreciative light:

"Very keen observation! Indeed, abyss creatures generally have the ability to acquire information through predation. When a Manticore devours prey, it not only digests its flesh and blood but also absorbs partial life information, storing it in this special tissue."

The Vice Vice Vice Dean began to dissect the venom gland more meticulously, showing its internal structure to the apprentices:

"This is also why many abyss creatures are relatively weak when first encountering unfamiliar prey, but can quickly find the most effective attack method upon a second encounter. They can 'learn' the weaknesses and resistances of their prey, constantly evolving their attack strategies."

Subsequently, in the further dissection process, Hayek continued to demonstrate more extraordinary organ structures of the Manticore:

"The Manticore's skeletal structure fuses various minerals, which is related to the special elements in the abyssal environment."

"Its nervous system presents a distributed network rather than being concentrated in the head; this design is to improve its survivability in combat."

Luo En's occasional questions hit the mark, showing an astonishing understanding of extraordinary biological structures:

"The energy node at the junction of the scorpion tail and the lion body presents a special balance structure. This looks like a key bridge for the fusion of two bloodlines. Does this mean the Manticore is not a product of natural evolution, but a product of some ancient bloodline modulation?"

This question made even Hayek look sideways. Clearly, Luo En's understanding had far exceeded the scope of ordinary apprentices, already possessing the demeanor of a mature bloodline modulator.

The attitudes of the other contestants also shifted from initial surprise to admiration; even the steady Holt nodded in recognition of Luo En's insights from time to time.

"Your understanding of extraordinary creatures far exceeds everyone else in your cohort, Apprentice Ralf."

As the dissection neared its end, Hayek evaluated, his tone unconsciously carrying a hint of appreciation:

"This is not just surface knowledge, but an intuition for insight into the essence. Your bloodline modulation level must be quite high, right?"

"Thank you for the compliment, my lord. It is only because of some work in the workshop that I have learned a bit more about these."

Luo En responded modestly, remaining calm on the surface, while internally he felt the breakthrough of his skill.

The Extraordinary Biology skill finally accumulated to a critical point.

A sense of unprecedented realization erupted in his heart, as if the fog had cleared and the sun was shining.

Scattered knowledge points were connected at this moment, forming a complete, systematic cognitive network.

This understanding was not simple memorization or imitation, but a perception from the inside out.

It was as if he had suddenly mastered a brand-new language, able to freely read codes that were completely incomprehensible before.

【Extraordinary Biology Experience +1】

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

【Acquired additional trait: Insight (Able to more intuitively understand the internal structure and energy flow patterns of extraordinary creatures)】

This trait allowed him to clearly understand the structural principles, energy circulation mechanisms, adaptive change laws, and even the bloodline fusion characteristics between different races of extraordinary creatures.

Luo En's heart rate accelerated, but his facial expression remained in a state of calm contemplation, letting no one detect his change.

He immediately tried to activate this newly acquired trait, focusing his attention on the Manticore carcass.

The Manticore's internal structure presented a complete three-dimensional model in his mind.

Every detail was clearly visible, including those invisible energy channels and micro-structures.

He could even "see" the traces of energy flow that had already stagnated, understanding their operational modes and mutual influences before death.

What surprised him even more was that this "Insight" trait complemented "Trace Tracking" perfectly.

Trace Tracking allowed him to identify the bloodline origin and evolutionary path of a creature, while Insight allowed him to understand the internal structure and energy operation Master Mo De of the creature.

Combined, they could construct a complete extraordinary creature atlas, which had immeasurable value for his bloodline modulation research!

"This is the final part, and also the most valuable part."

Hayek carefully took out a purple-black crystal from deep within the Manticore's chest cavity, its surface covered with fine lightning-like textures, with faint light flickering inside:

"The Manticore's energy core, storing all its life information and energy essence. Among abyss creatures, this type of core is often the most precious part, possessing extremely high value for bloodline research."

Luo En stared at the crystal and the various extraordinary organs that had been decomposed, feeling quite interested. He could feel that these types of abyssal creature tissues would be of great use to his bloodline research.

And after the dissection demonstration was completely over, the Vice Vice Vice Dean announced to the contestants:

"The academy will conduct further research on these tissues. If any apprentice has research interest in specific parts, they can apply for a small amount of samples by paying the corresponding magic stones according to the regulations."

Hayek's words fell like timely rain—the academy allowed contestants to apply to purchase partial samples.

To him, this was simply a god-given opportunity.

It wasn't to pry into any secrets, purely for academic and research purposes.

After all, bloodline modulation had always been one of his key directions, and tissue samples of abyss creatures were almost impossible to find in the Black Mist Forest.

Moreover, this Manticore had already been professionally dissected, and the functions of each part had clear guidance, making its research value simply immeasurable.

The acquisition of the 【Insight】 trait also gave him an understanding of the Manticore's bloodline structure.

If he could bring some samples back to the workshop for research, perhaps he could find an ideal filling choice for the Chimera's second consciousness core.

Even if the potential was insufficient and it wasn't integrated in the end, it could still serve as a data reference.

"Vice Vice Vice Dean, my lord."

Luo En took the initiative to step forward, his voice calm:

"I have research interest in several parts of the Manticore and hope to apply to purchase samples."

Hayek raised his eyebrows slightly, clearly surprised by his proactive request, but not repelled.

"Oh? Which parts are you interested in?"

A thought flashed through Luo En's mind like lightning—he couldn't appear too greedy.

Those most precious tissues were often the ones the academy wanted to keep for research the most.

"Mainly the second heart, partial venom glands, and a small amount of blood and tissue samples."

He answered calmly, his tone devoid of any excessive eagerness, just out of normal academic research needs:

"These parts have considerable reference value for several bloodline studies I am currently conducting."

Hayek pondered for a moment, his gaze lingering on Luo En for a few seconds, as if evaluating something.

"The second heart is the core organ of the Manticore's mana system and is very valuable."

He pointed out seriously, his voice devoid of any emotion, merely stating facts:

"Even as the arena champion, this requires paying a considerable amount of magic stone fragments."

"I understand, my lord."

Luo En nodded: "For the sake of research, I am willing to pay the necessary price. The value of knowledge far exceeds material wealth."

Hayek looked at Su Xing beside him, who nodded slightly to indicate approval.

The two mentors seemed to have used mental transmission for some private communication.

"As the arena champion, you indeed enjoy priority for application."

Hayek said slowly, his voice carrying a little less severity and a little more instructional tone:

"The energy core needs to be retained by the academy for research, but the second heart can be given to you."

He paused, his right hand unconsciously rubbing the sleeve of his robe, and added:

"However, it requires paying twenty-five magic stone fragments. The venom gland part and other tissue samples will be another fifteen fragments."

Forty magic stone fragments—Luo En quickly calculated the cost and benefit of this transaction in his mind.

This price wasn't cheap, but for the precious organs of an abyss creature, it was already a quite favorable price.

One must know that in the black market, such samples often sold for hundreds of fragments, and the purity and integrity were often difficult to guarantee.

"I accept this price." Luo En didn't hesitate, taking out the magic stone fragments he had prepared long ago from his bosom.

As the arena champion, he had just received a reward of eight complete magic stones, which could be exchanged for eight hundred magic stone fragments or more, so paying this fee was more than enough.

Hayek took the magic stone fragments, touched them with his fingertips, and nodded:

"I hope you gain something. The tissues of these abyss creatures usually have extremely strong activity, and both preservation and research require special means."

He waved his hand to signal his assistant to pack the designated tissue samples into preservation containers.

Those containers were translucent milky white, covered with runes specifically used to inhibit energy leakage, capable of effectively maintaining sample activity and preventing rapid decay.

"I will arrange for someone to send the samples to your workshop."

Hayek added officially:

"Remember, these samples are for personal research use only and must not be transferred at will or used for other purposes."

"Of course, my lord."

Luo En responded respectfully: "I will strictly abide by the academy's regulations."

This was not empty talk; he indeed had no intention of transferring these precious samples.

Every cell of these abyssal tissues was precious research data and a potential source of power.

After the transaction was completed, Luo En noticed that several other contestants also began to submit applications one after another.

But unlike him, most people's requests focused on some peripheral tissues of lower value, as if they were just to obtain some souvenirs.

Only Trish also applied for a small portion of venom glands, her eyes flashing with light different from ordinary people, clearly having her own research plan;

While Holt showed strong interest in the skeletal structure, which was quite consistent with his identity as an earth-element spell specialist.

What caught Luo En's attention even more was that in the corner, several apprentices he wasn't very familiar with were also picking certain specific tissues, with cold light and undisguised desire for modification flashing in the depths of their eyes.

One of them even couldn't wait to touch a small piece of muscle tissue with his finger after obtaining it, revealing a near-obsessive fanaticism in his eyes.

"It seems quite a few people have a strong interest in this kind of one-time biological modification."

Luo En evaluated in his heart: "The slaves in their hands are going to suffer."

However, everyone has the right to choose their own path, and no matter where that path leads, it has nothing to do with him; he only cares about his own research and goals.

After the dissection demonstration officially ended, the apprentices began to leave one after another.

Luo En finally confirmed the delivery arrangement for the samples.

This harvest exceeded expectations; not only did he obtain the precious abyssal secret treasure, the Substitute Puppet, but he also successfully purchased rare Manticore tissue samples and achieved a breakthrough in his skills during the dissection process.

Just as he turned around, he suddenly felt a faint gaze fall on his back.

(End of Chapter)