Chapter 180: The Returner from the Abyss

In the early morning, Luo En organized all the necessary materials and notes. The two important appointments he applied for were both arranged for today.

"Are all the test samples ready?"

He asked Li Liya, who was carefully packing several specially made glass containers into a portable box with a stable magic array.

"They are all here, Teacher."

Li Liya answered softly, her fingers gently brushing over each container, confirming that the labels were correct:

"Three sets of autophagy slime samples at different stages, two copies for each set, as well as corresponding experimental records and change charts."

Luo En nodded and took down the experimental log he had carefully prepared from the shelf:

"Thank you for your help, Li Liya. You have improved very quickly during this period, and the daily operation of the workshop is thanks to you."

Li Liya lowered her head slightly, a faint blush appearing on her face:

"This is what I should do, Teacher. It is my honor to be able to study by your side."

"Master, good luck!"

Daier also ran in jumping and bouncing, her large purple-blue eyes shimmering with excitement:

"I believe Master will definitely be the best!"

Ailan, as always, said nothing, even though she could already speak.

She used vines to silently help Luo En tidy up the wrinkles on his robe, like a wife sending her husband out to work.

Looking at these faces that cared about him, Luo En felt a little warmth in his heart, like a small stove lit in winter.

"I should set off."

He collected his thoughts and returned to that calm and composed researcher state:

"Li Liya, I leave the workshop to you. If there is an emergency, remember to contact me through Ailan."

"Everything will be taken care of, please rest assured." Li Liya nodded solemnly.

Carrying the blessings of the three, Luo En stepped on the road to the center of the school.

The qualification certification for the bloodline modulator was arranged in a remote stone tower, far away from the main area of the school, surrounded by special isolation arrays.

Luo En knew that this arrangement was to prevent potential bloodline experiment accidents.

Following the instructions on the notice, he came to a spacious room on the third floor of the stone tower.

In the center of the room was a specially made testing table, surrounded by various precision magic instruments and recording devices.

A slightly hoarse voice came from the corner of the room.

"Apprentice Ralf? Arrived on time, not bad."

Luo En turned around and saw a tall, thin man wearing a dark red robe.

This man, who looked about fifty or sixty years old, had white hair and an extremely old face.

The most striking thing was his hands—from his fingertips to his wrists, they were covered with a layer of fine silver scales, shimmering with metallic cold light under the lights.

"Master Maxim."

Luo En bowed respectfully; he recognized this wizard who was rarely seen in the school.

The other party was a famous bloodline modulator from the Crystal Spire in the Central Land, a formal wizard who seemed to have come to the Black Mist Jungle to "retire" a few years ago.

"You know me?" Maxim raised his eyebrows, his voice full of curiosity.

"I have read your thesis in 'Examination of Bloodline Origins' three times."

Luo En replied, his tone carrying respect for the pioneer:

"Especially the theory about the stability of hybrid creatures, which has been a great inspiration for my research."

A flash of surprise crossed Maxim's eyes, and then he nodded slightly:

"Not bad, at least you did your homework in advance. Then, let's start the test, show me your results."

Luo En carefully took out the three sets of autophagy slime samples and placed them on the testing table one by one.

He concisely introduced his experimental process and theoretical basis:

"The first set is basic bloodline fusion, integrating the characteristics of three ordinary creatures; the second set is heterogeneous bloodline fusion, combining ordinary creature and extraordinary creature characteristics; the third set is complex fusion of multiple extraordinary bloodlines, involving three completely different elemental affinities."

Maxim carefully observed each set of samples, the scrutiny in his eyes almost piercing through the glass container.

He picked up a container containing the multiple extraordinary bloodline fusion sample, brought it close to study, and his silver-scaled fingers gently tapped the glass.

"There are traces of your magic power shaping on it, it's not forged, and in terms of stability... it far exceeds expectations."

He commented in a low voice, his voice carrying obvious surprise:

"This kind of fusion difficulty is very high, most beginners need at least a dozen attempts to reach this level, but your records show... this is only the third attempt?"

Luo En nodded: "Yes, after the first two failures, I adjusted the energy guidance path and fusion rate, and succeeded on the third time."

"Gifted..." Maxim put the container back and looked around at the other samples:

"Of course, you have a foundation as a potion master, which largely explains your progress speed. But even so, this kind of insight into the essence of bloodline is quite rare."

The subsequent tests were more in-depth.

Maxim asked Luo En to demonstrate a simple bloodline modulation process on the spot.

Luo En calmly took out the prepared materials and performed a precise small-scale demonstration on the testing table.

Throughout the process, every one of his movements was precise and elegant, and his control of spiritual power showed precision far beyond his peers.

Those subtle energy guidances were like the fingertips of a pianist, each touch being just right.

"Very good." Maxim nodded with satisfaction:

"Your technique is quite proficient, especially that instinctive grasp of energy nodes, which usually takes years of experience to form."

He signed his name on the certification document and stamped it with a seal with complex runes:

"Congratulations, Apprentice Ralf, you are now officially a bloodline modulator, and this qualification is recognized throughout the Ring Abyss Continent group."

"Thank you for your recognition, Master Maxim." Luo En responded modestly.

After Maxim handed the document to Luo En, he did not intend to leave immediately.

He walked to the window, his silver-scaled fingers gently tapping the window frame, as if thinking about something.

"I heard that you have been very interested in abyss creatures recently."

Maxim suddenly spoke, his voice becoming low and serious: "Even purchased a large part of the manticore's tissue from that gladiatorial contest?"

Luo En felt a chill in his heart, but remained calm on the surface:

"Yes, as research materials. The adaptability and unique energy structure of abyss creatures have important reference value for bloodline modulation theory."

Maxim turned around and pulled down his collar. This time, Luo En noticed that not only were his hands covered with scales, but one side of his neck was also covered with similar mutation traces, extending to the right cheek.

"See these?"

Maxim pointed to his mutation, his voice carrying a trace of self-mockery:

"This is the price of being obsessed with abyss research. Twenty years ago, I was one of the most promising young wizards in the Crystal Spire, thinking I could control everything, until that abyss exploration."

He rolled up his sleeves, revealing more silver scales on his arms.

These silver scales were arranged in a disorderly manner, like a fish with exploded scales, making people feel uncomfortable at a glance, obviously not a benign mutation.

The red-robed wizard said while showing his terrifying deformed diseased body:

"The sixth layer, the Domain of the Labyrinth, I only stayed there for less than three hours, but paid a lifelong price for it. Even with my strength as a Morning Star Wizard at that time, I almost died in it."

Luo En listened quietly; this was a rare opportunity to hear first-hand abyss exploration experience from a survivor.

"Being able to retreat completely is already a blessing in misfortune."

Maxim continued:

"Even with these permanent deformity traces, I am considered one of the two extremely lucky people. Many companions who traveled with us, some were lost in the labyrinth, and some returned with more severe pollution than me, and eventually... went crazy."

A flash of painful memory crossed the white-haired man's eyes:

"The abyss not only changes our appearance but also changes our inner self. That kind of erosion is gradual and subtle, and when you notice it, it is often too late."

He looked directly into Luo En's eyes:

"I learned through some channels that you not only collected abyss creature tissues but also obtained that 'Abyss Creature Illustrated Handbook.' Young man, I don't know what kind of ambition you have for the abyss, but I must warn you: research involving the abyss must be careful and more careful. Do not repeat my mistakes, and do not end up in a worse situation than me."

Luo En took a deep breath:

"Thank you for your reminder, Master Maxim. I promise you that my research will always remain cautious and rational."

Maxim stared at Luo En for a long time, and finally nodded slightly:

"I hope so. Otherwise, at some quiet moment in the middle of the night, when you look in the mirror and find that your body or thoughts have quietly changed, only then will you truly understand my words today."

He took a small bottle from his robe and handed it to Luo En:

"This is a special testing potion that can show early signs of abyss curses. If your research continues, using it regularly for self-testing might help you discover danger in time."

Luo En took the potion and felt the peculiar energy fluctuation in the bottle:

"Thank you very much for your generosity, Master Maxim. This is invaluable to me."

Maxim waved his hand: "Remember, young man, true wisdom lies not only in the pursuit of knowledge but also in knowing when to stop."

Carrying this heavy warning and precious potion, Luo En left the stone tower, his thoughts surging.

Maxim's words echoed in his heart, and those visible deformity traces were such powerful warnings.

But at the same time, he also realized that even after experiencing such a disaster, Maxim had not completely given up on research, but had only become more cautious.

"Moderate vigilance is exactly what I need,"

Luo En pondered in his heart: "Neither blindly taking risks nor stopping due to fear."

After leaving the stone tower, Luo En immediately went to the next destination—the higher apprentice certification place arranged for him by Suo Lun.

Unlike the bloodline modulator certification, the higher apprentice certification is more formal and challenging.

Following the instructions in the letter he received in advance, he came to a room surrounded by special runes on the fifth floor of the Central Tower.

After the guard at the door confirmed his identity, he respectfully opened the heavy oak door.

The interior of the room was spacious and solemn, with a huge crystal platform in the center, surrounded by energy control columns of various shapes.

There was a recorder in gray robes at each of the four corners of the room, holding a specially made recording instrument, specifically used to measure and record spiritual power fluctuations.

Suo Lun Griffith was already waiting inside, and there were two other mentors Luo En was not very familiar with beside him.

One was an old woman who was short but had sharp eyes, and the other was a middle-aged man whose left eye was covered by a metal eye patch.

"Luo En Ralf." Suo Lun took a step forward, his tone calm and formal:

"Today we will formally test your spiritual power level and spell control ability to confirm whether you meet the standards of a higher apprentice."

"Thank you for your arrangement, Lord Griffith." Luo En bowed slightly, his voice steady.

Suo Lun briefly introduced to his two colleagues: "This is Mentor Mariana Hall, responsible for spiritual power theory research; this is Mentor Derek Anson, responsible for spell stability testing."

The two mentors nodded in greeting, their eyes carrying scrutiny.

Mariana seemed particularly curious about this young higher apprentice candidate, and those old but bright eyes seemed to be able to see through every thought of Luo En.

"First is the basic spiritual power measurement."

Suo Lun pointed to the central crystal platform: "Please stand on it, release your spiritual power, and let it flow naturally."

Luo En stepped onto the crystal platform, took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and began to release his spiritual power.

As his spiritual power gradually unfolded, the crystal platform began to emit a soft blue light, the light gradually became brighter, and eventually formed a bright energy ball, wrapping Luo En himself in it.

The recorders at the four corners of the room immediately became busy, and the instruments in their hands constantly made slight buzzing sounds, recording various parameters of spiritual power.

"Spiritual power scale reached 4.2... this has already exceeded the standard line for higher apprentices."

Mariana Hall commented with surprise: "And the purity and stability are quite excellent, with almost no impurities or fluctuations."

Suo Lun nodded, seemingly not surprised by this result:

"Next is the spell control test. Luo En, please demonstrate the three spells you have mastered, paying special attention to the stability and precision of energy flow."

Luo En began to demonstrate his spells in turn: Sonic Oscillation, Slime Splash, and Ring of Radiance.

But unlike ordinary spellcasting, he deliberately slowed down the construction speed during the demonstration, allowing the three mentors present to clearly observe every step of energy flow and spell structure.

"Look at this spell construction process."

Derek Anson commented in a low voice, his eyebrows under the metal eye patch slightly raised:

"The position of every energy node is precise to an unbelievable degree. This kind of control... doesn't look like an apprentice, but more like an experienced spell constructor."

"The most surprising thing is the thinking network structure he formed."

Mariana added:

"Most apprentices' thinking networks are often sparse and fragile when they first reach the higher apprentice standard, and it takes years to stabilize and encrypt. But his network... is already quite dense and solid."

When Luo En completed the demonstration of the Ring of Radiance, the entire room was shrouded in warm golden-red light.

Under his control, the ring changed shape, from a simple circle to a shield, and then to a glowing long sword, every deformation being smooth and precise, without the slightest energy leakage.

A flash of appreciation crossed Suo Lun's eyes:

"This kind of spell can usually only maintain a fixed form, and you seem to have given it extremely high plasticity."

The test lasted for nearly half an hour. In addition to basic spells, Luo En was also asked to demonstrate his fine control of spiritual power.

"Alright, the test is over."

Suo Lun finally announced, and after a brief exchange with the other two mentors, he turned to Luo En:

"Apprentice Ralf, according to today's test results, we unanimously believe that you have reached or even exceeded the various standards for higher apprentices."

He took out a formal certification document, signed his name on it, and handed it to the other two mentors for confirmation:

"From today on, you are officially a higher apprentice of the Black Mist School. This means you will gain more resources and permissions, and it also means higher expectations and responsibilities."

"Thank you for the guidance and recognition of all mentors."

Luo En respectfully took the document stamped with the three people's seals, feeling a sense of satisfaction in his heart.

When the two mentors were about to leave, Derek Anson suddenly stopped and turned to Luo En:

"Young man, your Ring of Radiance is a bit special. That flame characteristic... is not an effect that ordinary fire element spells can achieve. Did you make some improvements?"

Luo En nodded cautiously: "Yes, Lord Anson. I tried to specially fuse light elements and fire elements to create a composite energy form that is more stable and plastic."

Derek nodded slightly, the metal eye patch shimmering with cold light under the light:

"Interesting direction. Spell improvement is the only way to become a formal wizard, and you seem to have taken the first step."

After the two mentors and several recorders left, only Luo En and Suo Lun remained in the room.

Suo Lun's expression became more relaxed than before:

"Your performance is impressive, Luo En. Especially that precise control of spiritual power, which is at the top level even among higher apprentices."

Luo En lowered his head modestly: "This is thanks to your careful guidance, Lord Griffith."

Suo Lun shook his head, a flash of complex light in his eyes:

"No, this is your own talent and effort. I just provided some directions."

He hesitated slightly, as if considering whether to say the next words:

"Luo En, I think you should know that the quarterly evaluation meeting of the sequence is coming soon."

"Yes, my lord, I am preparing for this."

"With your current achievements—the dual identity of higher apprentice and bloodline modulator, plus your performance in the gladiatorial contest, you have a high probability of entering the top ten or even top five seats."

Suo Lun's voice was low and cautious: "This means you will be able to steadily obtain a spot at the Bloodline Altar."

Luo En's heartbeat accelerated slightly, but he remained calm on the surface:

"That would be a great honor."

Suo Lun's eyes became deeper:

"The Bloodline Altar... is a double-edged sword. It can bring huge improvements, but it is also full of risks. Many people went in, but failed to come out the way they were at the beginning."

Luo En could feel the hints and concerns in Suo Lun's words, which surprised him a little.

All along, Suo Lun's impression on him was that of a serious mentor who did things by the book and rarely showed personal emotions.

"I will keep your reminder in mind, Lord Griffith."

Luo En responded sincerely: "Whether it is researching abyss creature samples or participating in the Bloodline Altar, I will maintain the necessary caution."

Suo Lun seemed satisfied with this answer, and he nodded gently:

"Very good. Wisdom lies not only in the pursuit of knowledge but also in knowing when to stop."

This sentence was almost exactly the same as what Master Maxim said earlier, which shocked Luo En.

Two senior wizards giving the same warning by coincidence might not be a coincidence.

"Finally, about the sequence evaluation meeting."

Suo Lun's expression became formal again: "I will try my best to fight for the position you deserve. Your talent deserves more recognition."

Luo En nodded gratefully: "Thank you for your support, Lord Griffith."

Leaving the Central Tower, his mood was extremely complex.

On one hand, he felt a little satisfied with the success of today's dual certification;

On the other hand, the warnings from Maxim and Suo Lun forced him to re-examine his research direction and progress.

The sunset glow spilled on his shoulders, and Luo En looked at the two certification documents in his hands:

Higher apprentice and bloodline modulator, undoubtedly, he had taken another big step toward becoming a true wizard.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 181 =====