Chapter 182: Flowing Protective Wall

The crystal ball taken out by Hayek from the inside of his robe emitted a peculiar halo in the dim room.

The complex structure of the internal spell model was like an exquisite three-dimensional labyrinth, making Luo En hold his breath and stare.

"These are two quite mature spell models, both of which are research results from my youth."

Hayek said softly, his tone without any emotional fluctuation, as if he were just stating a simple fact:

"As a higher apprentice who is growing rapidly, you need a more diverse spell system."

He pointed to the spell model on the left in the crystal ball, which was a composite structure intertwined with multiple elemental energies, looking like a constantly rotating vortex:

"Mixed Elemental Missile—a highly plastic advanced attack spell. Every time an elemental attribute is fused, the power and penetration will be significantly improved, but the control difficulty will also increase exponentially."

Hayek's fingers gently brushed over the surface of the crystal ball, and the model immediately responded, showing the effects of different elemental combinations:

"The most basic dual-element combination, such as fire and wind, can produce a high-temperature cutting effect; fire and earth form an explosive impact;

And more complex multi-element fusion can even form composite attacks in various special states."

In these demonstrations, Luo En could clearly see the subtle relationship between elements catalyzing and countering each other.

This was completely consistent with the theory he learned in "Basics of Elemental Guidance," but the actual application was far more exquisite and complex than the theory.

"With your current spiritual power control precision, you can control up to two elements at the same time, which is enough to deal with most situations."

Hayek evaluated calmly.

Subsequently, he pointed to the spell model on the right, which was a more dense and complex energy grid structure, with the surface presenting a semi-transparent barrier state:

"Flowing Protective Wall—unlike ordinary shields, it needs to be cast through a specific medium, and the strength of the generated protective wall depends directly on the characteristics of the medium."

The model in the crystal ball changed, showing the effects of using different media:

"The protective wall formed by ordinary water has strong flexibility and can absorb impact;

Metal powder provides higher physical defense;

And some special materials, such as spar powder, can even give the protective wall the ability to resist specific energy attacks."

Luo En noticed that the energy structure of this spell model appeared more precise and flexible.

There were as many as dozens of energy distribution points, each of which could be adjusted independently, which gave the entire spell amazing adaptability.

"When the spiritual power control precision is high enough, you can shape the protective wall, making it a semi-solid tool, which can not only defend but also trap enemies or create temporary passages and platforms."

Hayek's tone carried pride:

"I once used this spell on the fifth layer of the abyss, the 'Eternal Night Sea,' to block an attack by a Void Wanderer. At that time, I used a special metal as a medium to form a completely closed protective ball, successfully protecting the entire exploration team."

Luo En carefully weighed the two options.

He already had quite a few attack spells, from the initial Sonic Oscillation to the Ring of Radiance, plus the Erosion Movement he was researching, which had already formed a relatively complete attack system.

And in terms of defense, his means were obviously insufficient, especially when facing the upcoming Bloodline Altar trip.

And mentioning rare materials, he now had a treasure like soul steel, and the amazing plasticity of soul steel was undoubtedly perfectly matched with the "Flowing Protective Wall."

After weighing, he made a decision: "I choose Flowing Protective Wall, my lord."

Hayek nodded slightly, seemingly not surprised by this choice:

"The importance of defense often only appears at critical moments. Especially in an environment full of unknown variables like the Bloodline Altar, having one more line of defense means one more chance of survival."

The spell model on the right in the crystal ball enlarged, becoming clearer, and the various energy nodes and flow paths were also more prominent:

"The basic construction of Flowing Protective Wall is relatively simple, but the essence lies in precise energy distribution and medium interaction. At first, you may only be able to maintain a flat barrier, but as your proficiency increases, you will be able to shape more complex forms."

Luo En firmly remembered every detail of this spell model in his heart.

This kind of directly taught spell model was an invaluable treasure for any apprentice, capable of bypassing the arduous process of self-exploration and greatly shortening the mastery time.

And, the other party did not explicitly say that he could only obtain one spell model. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to pay other rewards in the future to exchange with Hayek for that "Mixed Elemental Missile" that he was also extremely greedy for.

"Speaking of the Bloodline Altar..." Hayek's voice suddenly became lower, and his eyes became deep:

"Since you chose the 'Abyss Creature Illustrated Handbook,' you have already embarked on the path of exploring the essence of the abyss. This is good, because the connection between the Bloodline Altar and the abyss is much closer than most people imagine."

Luo En instantly felt the deep meaning in the Vice Dean's words, and his breathing unconsciously became slow, just like an explorer standing at the entrance of an unknown cave.

"Most people think the Bloodline Altar is just a special trial place, but in reality, its essence is far more complex than that."

Hayek's voice lowered, his eyes revealing deep light:

"The Bloodline Altar is actually a residual trace of an ancient Wizard King conquering the world."

Luo En frowned slightly: "Residual trace of conquering the world?"

"To be precise, it is the collision afterimage produced when the world conquered by that Wizard King was forcibly pulled into our world."

Hayek explained:

"Dimensional fusion is by no means an easy task. The moment two worlds collide, dimensional turbulence tears the spatial structure, resulting in only a part of the conquered world successfully merging, and the debris scattered in the collision is what we now know as the Bloodline Altar."

A flash of rare worry crossed Hayek's eyes:

"Worse still, over time, this afterimage resonated with the abyss, and certain areas have been infected by abyss power, carrying obvious abyss characteristics."

A flash of inspiration crossed Luo En's mind:

"So the trial of the Bloodline Altar is actually a preview of abyss exploration?"

"You thought correctly." Hayek confirmed without concealment:

"In fact, all wizards who aspire to higher realms, whether it is the Crystal Spire in the Central Land or the Black Mist School on the edge, eventually cannot avoid the abyss exploration level. Because only there can one find the key to breaking through the existing rule restrictions."

Luo En's thoughts flashed like lightning across the terrifying silver scales Maxim showed some time ago, which were permanent imprints and warnings left by the abyss.

However, even in the face of such risks, wizards seem to be unable to resist the temptation of the abyss—this in itself is enough to explain the severity and temptation of the problem.

"In the Bloodline Altar, you will face three challenges."

Hayek continued, his voice carrying a warning:

"Infection and curses of abyss power, vengeful spirits of the conquered world, and abnormal phenomena of dimensional turbulence itself. These three are often intertwined, forming unpredictable and dangerous situations."

Luo En's brain operated at high speed, trying to integrate this new information with known abyss theories.

Maxim's reminder, as well as those seemingly mysterious descriptions in the "Abyss Creature Illustrated Handbook," now began to form a clearer picture in his heart.

"I have many more questions, my lord."

Luo En couldn't help but ask: "About the connection between the abyss and the wizard path, and why—"

"Since you have chosen the 'Abyss Creature Illustrated Handbook'." Hayek raised his hand to interrupt him, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority:

"Then many answers should naturally be sought from it. Selwyn Aldrich is one of the few wizards who truly understands the essence of the abyss and can retreat completely. His works are far more valuable than the few words of someone like me who started halfway."

The Vice Dean looked at Luo En meaningfully:

"When you can truly understand the full content of that book, your understanding of the wizard path will also rise to a brand new level."

When the meeting was about to end, Hayek added another sentence, his tone carrying a peculiar complex emotion:

"Remember, in the Bloodline Altar, teamwork is not an optional fancy concept. The allocation of those five spots is by no means random, and everyone bears specific duties and significance."

Luo En, who stepped out of the room, was surging with excitement, and the joy of the spell model was almost drowned out by the heavy information about the Bloodline Altar.

A strong desire for knowledge burned in his heart, but it was also accompanied by caution and vigilance.

He had already understood from Maxim's painful experience that exploration of the abyss was no child's play, and every step must be carefully verified and steady.

In the hall, other high-sequence members were still talking. Seeing Luo En approaching, they gradually quieted down.

Holt took the initiative to step forward, his usually stern face now carrying rare relaxation:

"When I saw you at the herb shop a year ago, I didn't expect you to occupy the 6th seat in the sequence. It's quite an amazing achievement."

This was both praise and implied a subtle reminder—any sudden rising star would attract more attention and precautions.

"Hehe, this is all thanks to the guidance of seniors, especially the help of you and Mentor Suo Lun, and of course, the special talent I possess."

Luo En was neither overly modest to the point of appearing pretentious, nor did he rashly appear too confident to be offensive.

Holt nodded slightly, approving of this answer:

"Speaking of which, I have successfully used 'Heart of the Earth' to reshape the Earth Elemental Colossus, increasing its overall combat power by at least 30%."

When saying this, a flash of imperceptible pride crossed his eyes, a natural expression of a sense of achievement:

"In this way, our combat power guarantee in the Bloodline Altar will be more reliable."

Luo En's heart moved. Holt took the initiative to mention teamwork, which coincided with Hayek's hint earlier.

Clearly, compared to fighting alone, the school hoped that participants could form a whole that cooperated with each other.

"Your Earth Elemental Colossus is one of the most powerful elemental structures I have ever seen," Luo En habitually commercial-blew:

"Having such combat power support really makes people feel at ease."

After a brief conversation, Luo En politely said goodbye to Holt and noticed Trish standing not far away.

"It seems we will become companions again." Trish said as she approached.

Her voice carried a subtle complex emotion—both the joy of obtaining a spot and a faint anxiety about Luo En, this "competitor's" promotion speed.

Those brown eyes shimmered with amber luster under the magic crystal lamp, as if trying to see through the thoughts under Luo En's calm appearance.

"Yes, I hope we can support each other."

Luo En responded calmly, then remembered something and took out a carefully sealed crystal bottle from his arms:

"This is the last batch of natural affinity potions, according to the previously agreed formula. All refined with the best materials, the effect should be much stronger than the ordinary version."

Trish took the box, carefully opened it and took a look, a satisfied smile appearing on her face: "Thank you, the quality looks quite good."

She put the potion away, but did not leave immediately, but after a slight hesitation, she spoke again:

"Actually, I have another request... about Liyue."

Luo En raised his eyebrows slightly, a bit surprised by this topic shift:

"Your leopard girl?"

He recalled the silent alien guard, and in his impression, she was always standing behind Trish, following like a shadow but rarely speaking.

"Yes." Trish nodded, her voice lowered a bit:

"During the Bloody Gladiatorial Contest, Liyue had been in contact with the manticore's toxin. She held on and seemed to have developed some kind of resistance to that toxin. I tried to help her with preliminary bloodline modulation, wanting to strengthen this characteristic, but the effect was not ideal."

She approached a step and whispered:

"I hope to ask you—a real bloodline modulator to help. I suspect that Liyue has some kind of special recessive bloodline that needs more professional guidance to be activated."

Such a living case involving special bloodline activation was exactly the practical material Luo En urgently needed at this time.

"This is indeed an interesting topic."

Luo En nodded, a flash of interest in his eyes:

"I am very happy to provide help, which can also accumulate more practical experience for my research."

"Great!" Trish showed obvious joy:

"Do you have time to go now? I live with my mentor, and she has already given permission, so we can go directly to the residence to conduct it."

When mentioning her mentor, Trish's expression became subtle:

"Speaking of which, my relationship with Mentor Corinna might be somewhat similar to your... mentor-apprentice coexistence mode with Li Liya."

When she mentioned Li Liya's name, her eyebrows wrinkled slightly imperceptibly, and it flashed away.

If Luo En were not extremely sensitive to micro-expressions, he would almost not notice this subtle change.

"It's just that our relationship might be more... formal. After all, she is my officially recognized mentor, while Li Liya is just your apprentice."

Trish's tone carried a deliberate understatement, seemingly emphasizing some kind of difference.

"I need to go back to the workshop to prepare some necessary tools and materials, and check relevant materials to do some preparation. Do you think tomorrow is okay?"

Luo En said, already conceiving a bloodline modulation plan for the leopard girl in his mind.

He had already studied the characteristics of the manticore poison gland thoroughly, and how to fuse this characteristic with the special bloodline was a very challenging topic.

Trish gave him an address: "Tomorrow... I will wait for you in advance. To avoid unnecessary trouble, please do not mention this address to others."

Before parting, she seemed to want to say something else, but eventually just smiled slightly and turned away, leaving a faint fragrance floating in the air.

………………

Luo En walked out of the Central Tower and took a deep breath, feeling the subtle expansion in his lungs.

The conversation with Trish lingered in his mind for a while, but was soon replaced by more urgent matters.

The bloodline modulation of the leopard girl Liyue was indeed an interesting research topic, perhaps it could provide precious practical materials for his academic accumulation, but there were more important things waiting for him right now.

"The final stage meditation method prepared by Lady Ailan..."

This thought stirred a tremor of expectation and anxiety in his heart.

The first stage of "Babble of the Star Eater" had already brought him unprecedented power improvement, and the second and final stages would inevitably lead him into deeper mysterious realms.

But at the same time, the other party's unusually cautious attitude also forced him to attach more importance to the risks hidden within.

And that "Abyss Creature Illustrated Handbook"... With Hayek's hint, he began to realize that the value of this classic was far beyond imagination.

If it really contained Selwyn Aldrich's insight into the essence of the abyss, then for the upcoming Bloodline Altar trip, it would undoubtedly be a crucial preparation.

Thinking of this, Luo En quickened his pace.

When he returned to the workshop, the sky was approaching dusk.

The clouds in the distance were dyed bright orange-red by the sunset, like flames burning on the skyline, bringing short-lived warm colors to this jungle shrouded in shadows.

Pushing open the workshop door, a familiar breath that made people feel at ease rushed toward him.

The fresh fragrance of herbs, the warm breath of wood, and the fragrance of Ailan's special desserts were faintly discernible.

"Teacher, you are back!" Li Liya's voice came from the side, and she seemed to have been waiting in the hall.

Luo En turned his head and saw the girl with undisguised surprise on her face, holding a box in her hand—it was the exquisite black sealing box that Lady Ailan had handed to her.

"I have completed your commission, Teacher."

She walked up quickly and respectfully handed over the sealing box and the letter:

"Lady Ailan asked me to hand it to you in person."

Luo En nodded, took the two items, and felt the peculiar energy fluctuation emanating from the black sealing box.

Even through the carefully designed seal, he could still feel the deep power contained within—it was a mysterious aura related to the essence of the starry sky.

"Did Lady Ailan have anything else to say?" Luo En asked while checking the integrity of the seal.

Li Liya nodded, her expression becoming serious:

"Madam specifically instructed that the final stage of 'Babble of the Star Eater' is extremely dangerous, do not try it easily without enough preparation."

She paused, as if recalling Lady Ailan's original words:

"And... she said, the road she couldn't finish back then, I hope you can successfully reach the end."

Luo En was slightly startled when he heard this, and then fell into deep thought.

The meaning hidden behind this sentence made him think of the complex emotions that flashed in the old woman's eyes when he asked Lady Ailan last time.

It seems that Lady Ailan also tried it back then, but stopped halfway for some reason. Perhaps... this has some connection with her special state?

"She looks... how?" Luo En suddenly asked, his voice carrying a trace of rare concern.

Li Liya was slightly startled, and then understood what the teacher was asking:

"Madam looks the same as usual, and her spirit is even better. In addition, when she mentioned you, there was a special... pride in her eyes."

She said the last word very lightly, but Luo En heard it clearly.

He nodded gently and carefully put away the sealing box and the letter:

"I understand. By the way, is everything normal in the workshop?"

Li Liya quickly switched to the role of an assistant, reporting concisely and orderly:

"Everything is going according to plan, Teacher. Daier's daily training has not been interrupted, and the new water element technique has been mastered by 70%; Sister Ailan's state is also very stable, she is tending to those rare herbs in the courtyard; as for the workshop orders..."

She took out a carefully organized account book from her arms:

"All records are here, including every income and expenditure. Recently, several higher apprentices are particularly interested in the 'Sober' potion you improved and asked if they could buy it in bulk."

Luo En took the account book, browsed it quickly, and was satisfied with Li Liya's management ability:

"Well done. The order for 'Sober' potion can be accepted, but the output must be strictly controlled, and each customer is limited to three bottles."

He put the account book aside: "I have important research to conduct next. Unless there is something particularly urgent, please do not disturb me."

Li Liya nodded respectfully: "Understood, Teacher. I will arrange everything to ensure you are not disturbed."

Luo En watched Li Liya's departing figure, secretly evaluating the growth of this apprentice.

In just a few months, she had grown from that trembling candidate apprentice into a capable assistant who could stand on her own.

It was not just the improvement of potion skills, but more importantly, the ability to grasp the overall situation and execution.

If Daier was the breakthrough in combat power and Ailan was the guardian of the workshop, then Li Liya was the core gear that made the entire operation system run perfectly.

After thinking for a moment, Luo En turned and walked toward his secret room.

In the most secret corner of this workshop, there was a special room that only he could enter.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 183 =====