Chapter 189

"Mentor Yuni, I have been researching the advanced application of the 'Ring of Radiance' recently, but I have encountered a bottleneck."

The gray-robed apprentice's tone was humble, his expression sincere: "If it's convenient, could you please provide some guidance?"

Yuni's pair of purple eyes sharply sized up the other party, seemingly able to reach the depths of his heart.

After a moment of silence, she nodded slightly.

"Of course, Apprentice Ralph, it's rare to see a young person with such passion for elemental studies."

Yuni's voice was soft; for this young man before her, she would always give more patience:

"And your recent progress is indeed eye-catching; I am very happy to provide some guidance."

She took Luo En to an empty training ground, surrounded by complex protective magic arrays.

Several high-level apprentices were practicing spells in the distance; seeing Yuni, they stopped their actions one after another, respectfully saluting before retreating to the side.

"The Ring of Radiance is a spell prototype with extremely strong plasticity; everyone can evolve their own direction."

Yuni explained, those purple eyes shimmering with the light of wisdom:

"It not only has basic defensive and offensive functions but can also achieve more complex applications through elemental shaping."

"For example?" Luo En pretended to ask curiously, while his heart was already poised, ready to activate the recording capability of the "Thousand-Change Phantom."

Ever since mastering the recording capability of the "Thousand-Change Phantom," he had been looking for suitable opportunities to record powerful spells as emergency means.

"For example, you can condense light flames into specific forms to achieve more precise directional attacks."

Yuni said, a flash of pride in her eyes: "When I was young, I once developed this spell into the 'Breath of the Phoenix,' which was one of my major signature skills."

Luo En's eyes flashed with anticipation: "Could I have the honor of witnessing it, Mentor Yuni?"

Yuni chuckled: "I haven't cast this spell for a long time, however, since you are interested..."

The air in the training ground suddenly became tense.

Yuni's figure straightened slightly, and a kind of heart-palpitating focus emerged in those purple eyes.

She did not deliberately display it, but Luo En could still feel an invisible pressure emanating from her, making one instinctively hold their breath.

The old woman raised her right hand and tapped lightly; just with this simple action, Luo En could feel that the energy particles in the air were being precisely reorganized, forming a complex and harmonious structure.

Golden-red light spots began to condense at Yuni's fingertips, brighter and purer than Luo En's Ring of Radiance.

These light spots were not gathered in a disorderly manner but ran according to some precise trajectory, forming a perfect energy vortex.

"Watch closely, because this is the training ground, I can only show you casually." Yuni said softly, her tone as calm as if discussing the weather.

With a light thought from her, that mass of light instantly deformed, actually turning into a lifelike firebird.

That firebird was not a simple outline, but a complete form with perfect details.

Every feather was clearly distinguishable, every movement fluid and natural, and even the eyes shimmered with lively light, as if it truly possessed life.

"This kind of form shaping requires extremely high precision in spiritual power control."

Yuni explained, her voice still calm, but her eyes had become extremely focused:

"Not only must one master the overall energy flow, but one must also precisely control the energy density of every detail point."

Under Yuni's guidance, the firebird of light flames spread its wings and flew high, circling above the training ground.

Several other apprentices training in the distance had completely stopped their actions, staring at this scene in a daze.

At this moment, Luo En quietly activated the recording capability of the "Thousand-Change Phantom," attempting to capture the core structure and energy pattern of this spell.

"This firebird form is not a simple energy aggregation, but a special energy field structure." Yuni continued to explain, while pointing lightly.

That firebird form of light flames immediately responded, drawing a graceful arc in the air.

Then it suddenly dived downward, pointing directly at a metal target in the center of the training ground.

Other apprentices on the training ground retreated in a hurry, some even beginning to construct defensive spells to prevent the explosion aftermath from affecting themselves.

However, to everyone's surprise, the moment the firebird struck the target, the energy impact it erupted was completely restricted to a range of less than two meters in diameter!

That was a kind of near-perfect energy control—the explosion was intense enough, and the sturdy magic-resistant metal target instantly melted into a pool of molten iron.

But the explosion aftermath seemed to have hit an invisible barrier, stopping abruptly at the edge, not hurting anyone around, and even the small grass a few meters away from the target remained motionless.

"This... simply unbelievable."

Luo En praised sincerely; the recording of the Thousand-Change Phantom was complete, but his shock was real.

Yuni smiled indifferently, waving her hand lightly, and the residual energy particles were like being brushed away by an invisible hand, instantly dissipating into nothingness.

This precise control over energy was breathtaking.

From the eruption within a specified range to the convergence at the particle level, it all appeared fluid and natural, without the slightest stiffness.

"This control precision..." Luo En carefully observed every tiny movement of Yuni: "Is this an advanced application of the 'Ring of Radiance'?"

"Not only that." Yuni glanced at Luo En, a flash of appreciation in her eyes:

"True mastery does not lie in the spell itself, but in the caster's understanding and perception of energy. Only when you can perceive every bit of energy flow as if it were your own finger can you truly be said to have mastered this spell."

This sentence resonated strongly in Luo En's heart.

He suddenly realized that his "Thousand-Change Phantom" recording capability, while powerful, had fundamental limitations:

It could replicate the form and power of a spell, but it could not replicate the kind of near-instinctive fine control of the caster.

"If I release this recorded spell in actual combat..." Luo En pondered secretly:

"The erupting energy is very likely to go out of control, not only harming the enemy but also potentially harming myself and my allies. Facing a formal wizard who is prepared, this kind of spell lacking fine control might backfire."

The recording capability of the Thousand-Change Phantom was indeed a powerful trump card, but over-relying on it while ignoring the improvement of one's own basic skills was no different from taking a shortcut and losing one's foundation.

"Thank you for your guidance, Mentor Yuni." Luo En bowed respectfully, his voice filled with sincerity: "Today's demonstration has benefited me greatly."

Yuni nodded slightly, those purple eyes seeming to see something:

"Remember, young man, the essence of a spell does not lie in its form or power, but in the caster's understanding and control of energy. Any ability obtained from external forces is not as reliable as skills truly integrated into one's own flesh and blood."

After leaving the training ground, Luo En's thoughts could not calm down for a long time.

The "Breath of the Phoenix" recorded by the Thousand-Change Phantom was indeed a powerful trump card, but it also made him more clearly recognize his own shortcomings.

"External objects are external objects after all."

Luo En already had his own realization: "True power must originate from one's own understanding and control; the recording capability of the Thousand-Change Phantom can serve as an emergency means, but it cannot become a reliance."

He looked at his palm, lightly condensing a miniature Ring of Radiance.

Compared to Yuni's spell, his Ring of Radiance appeared rough and simple, but this was the power he truly understood and mastered.

………………

On the second floor of the workshop, Luo En was focused on manipulating a mass of golden liquid suspended in front of him.

The trait of "Material Transmutation" shortened this complex refining process, which would have required at least four hours, to one and a half hours.

Luo En's hands danced gracefully in the air, looking not like he was refining magic potions, but rather like he was conducting a delicate symphony.

The golden liquid danced with the changes in his hand gestures, sometimes rotating, sometimes separating, sometimes fusing again.

On the shelf next to him, dozens of different types of magic potions were already neatly arranged, each reflecting Luo En's recent breakthroughs in potion-making.

"Teacher, are you planning to refine the entire school's potion quota all at once?"

Li Liya asked half-jokingly, while handing over a cup of ice-cold herbal tea.

Luo En took the teacup, taking a light sip, his gaze still not leaving that mass of golden liquid:

"The challenges of the bloodline altar are unknown; preparation is never too much."

This was perhaps the "fear of insufficient firepower" rooted in his soul.

Li Liya nodded, her gaze sweeping over those meticulously refined magic potions: "Then you have already prepared so many, is it enough?"

Luo En smiled lightly: "Whether it's enough depends on the difficulty of the trial, but at least I need to prepare as much as possible."

He pointed to different potions on the shelf, introducing them one by one:

"Strengthening potion—capable of temporarily improving physique and recovery, especially effective for endurance battles;

Mental Shield—capable of resisting a certain degree of mental interference and pollution, indispensable when facing abyssal creatures;

Spirit-Seeing Dew—improves spirit-seeing, allowing one to see the traces of ghosts more clearly;

Magic Recovery Liquid—quickly restores consumed magic power, a key supply in endurance battles..."

Besides magic potions, Luo En also prepared a large number of alchemy items:

Energy crystals, alchemy flashbangs, isolation amulets, tracking markers, etc.

Although the individual power of these items was limited, flexible application could create unexpected tactical effects.

"Teacher, your preparation is truly thorough."

Li Liya praised sincerely, then sighed lightly with worry: "I only hope these things won't be needed in the end."

Luo En smiled slightly: "I hope so, but don't hold onto luck."

For the final step, he lightly closed his hands, and that mass of golden liquid instantly formed a perfect sphere, then slowly descended into a crystal bottle already prepared.

Luo En carefully sealed the bottle, looking with satisfaction at the uniform light emanating from the liquid inside.

【Material Transmutation (Proficient) Experience +1】

"Teacher, are you sure you don't need my help?"

Li Liya looked at Luo En taking out another set of herbs, asking with some worry: "You have been working for eight consecutive hours."

"Refining one last batch of Mental Shields, then I'll rest."

Luo En answered gently: "You can go take care of Daier's dinner first; Ailan said her training consumed a lot today."

Li Liya nodded; although her face still carried worry, she turned and left.

Luo En continued to focus on the refining work, while in his mind, he recalled his preparations in terms of attack means.

Magic potions and alchemy items were certainly important, but in the face of real danger, powerful attack capability was often the most direct guarantee.

Fortunately, he had recently obtained an important "trump card"—alchemy explosives.

The process of obtaining this powerful item was not simple.

Through his relationship with Mentor Tang Pusen, he finally persuaded the other party to teach him this formula that could only be circulated internally.

"Three complete magic stones, plus two bottles of high-purity 'Amber Thinking Liquid' refined by your own hands." Tang Pusen's voice echoed in his ear:

"This is the bottom price, no bargaining."

Three magic stones accounted for a large portion of Luo En's current savings; after all, although his income was high, the expenses for various experiments were also quite large.

Even so, considering the role alchemy explosives might play in the bloodline altar trial, this transaction was still very worthwhile.

"Deal." Luo En agreed without hesitation at the time.

In the days that followed, under Tang Pusen's guidance, Luo En learned the basic principles and safety precautions of alchemy explosives.

This powerful alchemy item could release a huge explosive impact after activation, causing effective damage to enemies in a large range.

"The key lies in the stable sealing and directional release of energy."

Tang Pusen's tone was extremely severe; after all, one carelessness with explosives would harm others and himself:

"If the sealing is unstable, the explosives might detonate prematurely; if the release is not directional enough, the explosive energy will be scattered and wasted, greatly reducing the effect."

Luo En's first attempt failed; the energy suddenly fluctuated during the sealing process, nearly causing a small explosion.

Fortunately, Tang Pusen was experienced and stabilized the situation in time.

"Slower, young man." Tang Pusen's gaze was even more severe:

"Alchemy explosives are not conquered by brute force, but require precise guidance. Just like taming a horse, what you need is not forced control, but establishing some kind of harmonious relationship with it."

This metaphor actually inspired him; in subsequent attempts, Luo En no longer tried to forcibly suppress energy fluctuations, but followed their natural flow, only guiding and correcting at key nodes.

Finally, an iron-gray metal sphere stably suspended in the air after taking shape.

Its surface was engraved with complex energy guidance patterns, sealing huge energy inside sufficient to destroy a castle.

"Not bad, considering this is your first successful attempt."

Tang Pusen evaluated, carefully checking the quality of the finished product:

"The patterns are still a bit rough, but the overall structure is stable, and the activation mechanism is reliable enough."

………………

"Magic stone reserves are less than half..." Ending his thoughts, Luo En looked at those three explosives with some heartache, whispering:

"Hopefully, I can find worthwhile returns in the bloodline altar."

(End of chapter)