Chapter 204: Morning Star Level Experience Card

"What do you intend to do?" Lady Ai Lun asked back: "You and I both know the rules of the Altar; once entered, it cannot be entered again. Unless..."

"Unless we find a special existence."

Wa Lun continued, a flash of complex light in his eyes: "An existence that possesses the strength of an official wizard, yet is not restricted by official wizards."

His gaze looked straight at Lady Ai Lun: "For example, someone who, due to special reasons, usually has strength below that of an official wizard."

Lady Ai Lun's smile froze on her face: "You want me to go in?"

"Yes," Wa Lun nodded, his voice carrying a certain plea:

"Although you have the strength of an official wizard, from the perspective of the rules, you are not yet a true 'official wizard'; the restrictions of the Bloodline Altar should be invalid for you."

"You have a good plan." Lady Ai Lun sneered:

"Let me risk entering an alien space that might already be out of control? On what grounds?"

Wa Lun took a deep breath, seemingly suppressing some emotion:

"Ai Lun, this is not just about the interests of the Crystal Spire. If that clone is truly as powerful as Ai Lue Te said, once it fully develops, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"You still haven't answered my question." Lady Ai Lun's eyes became sharp: "On what grounds should I help you?"

Wa Lun was silent for a moment, finally sighing:

"For Luo En. If the clone goes out of control, the one most likely to be hurt is Luo En himself, and the reason for the problem this time is far from just that Abyssal item of Luo En..."

"You mean, someone is playing tricks?"

Lady Ai Lun took a step closer, the magic power fluctuation driven by the medicine still powerful, but her tone carried a few more traces of concern: "The Bloodline Altar has been tampered with?"

"This possibility cannot be ruled out." Wa Lun pondered:

"Ever since the activities of the 'Eye of the Abyss' within the school were discovered, we have strengthened precautions in all aspects, but because of its special spatial attributes, the Bloodline Altar has always been an area difficult to fully control."

"Let's not talk about these things so much for now." Lady Ai Lun waved her hand, a few traces of anxiety also appearing in her emerald eyes:

"However, you are right; the primary task now is to ensure the safety of the personnel inside the Altar. I will go in, but I have one condition."

"If it doesn't exceed my ability range, I will agree to you." Wa Lun frowned, barely promising.

"Luo En Ralph is my student."

Lady Ai Lun's eyes became sharp: "I hope you promise me that you will not force him to sign a soul contract with the Crystal Spire."

Wa Lun's expression became complex.

As a member of the Crystal Spire, he had the responsibility to discover and recruit all kinds of geniuses.

And according to Ai Lue Te's description, Luo En's potential clearly far exceeded that of ordinary apprentices, even among the elites of the Crystal Spire, he might stand out.

Such talent, according to convention, must be bound to the Crystal Spire through a soul contract.

But on the other hand, he and Ai Lun were old acquaintances.

He knew very well that if he didn't agree to this condition, Ai Lun would never easily compromise.

Moreover, if Luo En was truly as terrifying as Ai Lue Te described, forcibly binding such a potential danger factor might not be a good thing for the Crystal Spire.

"I can promise not to force him to sign a contract, in the form of a 'verbal binding'..."

Wa Lun said cautiously: "But if he is willing... this is his choice; I will not interfere."

A Dim Sun-level wizard, although controlled by soul contracts and clan binding, is the top-level combat power if a Great Wizard does not appear, naturally possessing sufficient authority.

Lady Ai Lun stared at Wa Lun, and upon hearing the mention of "verbal binding," the magic power light on her body flickered to confirm.

After confirming, she nodded slightly:

"Acceptable. Since a 'verbal binding' has been set, if you violate your promise..."

"I know the consequences." Wa Lun interrupted her:

"After all, even after being imprisoned for over a hundred years, you are still at the peak of the Moon-level strength, plus the amplification of the 'Colorful Star Dew,' enough to pose a threat to me."

Moreover, between wizards of the same level, after making a promise to each other, if the verbal binding is violated, there are too many means to target them.

Lady Ai Lun revealed a cold smile: "I'm glad you still remember this point; if you violate your promise, I won't let the opportunity go."

Wa Lun watched the pink-haired female wizard's back disappear into the teleportation portal, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes.

The losses of the Crystal Spire squad had already exceeded the acceptable range; if another accident occurred, it would be difficult for him to answer to the high echelons of the Crystal Spire.

But at the same time, the astonishing potential displayed by Luo En also gave him a turning point.

If he could bring such a genius back to the Crystal Spire, perhaps it could offset the losses of this trip.

"I hope everything goes smoothly." Wa Lun whispered to himself, beginning to prepare to deal with various sudden situations that might arise.

………………

"Dai Er, do you feel it too?" Luo En stopped his steps, his brows slightly locked.

The air in the distance seemed to become viscous, and a hair-raising energy fluctuation came from there.

That pressure was like substance, pressing so hard one couldn't breathe.

It was almost indistinguishable from the aura of an official wizard, even more strange and dangerous in some aspects.

Dai Er also felt this abnormality, and those pure golden pupils that had just evolved contracted slightly:

"Master, what is over there? It feels so scary."

"I'm not sure, but it's definitely dangerous."

Luo En calmly assessed the situation, his fingers subconsciously touching the substitute puppet at his waist, feeling the faint but continuous vibration.

He turned to Trish and Huo Huo Erte beside him:

"The energy fluctuations ahead are approaching the level of an official wizard; I suggest you leave now."

A flash of hesitation crossed Huo Huo Erte's eyes, his fingers subconsciously rubbing the colossus core that had just been reconstructed:

"Three people joining forces, perhaps we can..."

"No." Luo En interrupted his words, his tone rarely firm:

"That kind of energy fluctuation has already exceeded the scope that a high-level apprentice can deal with. Continuing forward will only distract me."

Trish keenly observed the change in Luo En's expression, a flash of realization crossing her brown eyes: "You intend to face it alone?"

She paused for a moment, "Or is there something over there related to you?"

Luo En did not answer directly, but a trace of rare solemnity flashed in his eyes:

"I do have some things that must be handled."

In his perception, the vibration of the substitute puppet at his waist became more and more obvious, as if attracted by the existence in the distance.

Trish and Huo Huo Erte exchanged a look, both reading the same information from each other's eyes—Luo En had made up his mind, and they really couldn't help.

"I have collected several special Abyssal plant seeds, as well as moss that can directly perceive emotions."

Trish sighed, her fingers lightly stroking the storage bag at her waist:

"Although it's a pity not to have reached the deepest part, the harvest has already exceeded expectations."

Huo Huo Erte also nodded, his eyes carrying a few traces of helplessness:

"My Earth Elemental Colossus needs to readjust the fusion ratio with the crystallized bone; its current state is indeed not suitable for high-intensity combat."

He looked at Luo En, a trace of worry revealing itself in his eyes:

"If you insist on moving forward, at least promise us one thing."

"What?"

"Once you find you are no match, use the emblem to leave immediately."

Huo Huo Erte's voice was unusually serious: "Don't be brave; nothing is more important than being alive."

Luo En smiled slightly and nodded in agreement: "I will."

Trish looked at Luo En one last time, her brown hair appearing particularly dark under the blood-colored light: "Don't do anything stupid."

Without waiting for a response, she had already activated the emblem in her hand.

A white light flashed, and her figure disappeared in place.

Huo Huo Erte also activated the emblem immediately after, leaving a whisper before disappearing:

"Come out alive; perhaps the top of the sequence will change hands soon."

The two teammates left one after another, leaving only Luo En and Dai Er on the platform.

The light at the edge of the crystal enclosure seemed to become more strange, like the breathing rhythm of some Abyssal creature.

"Master... the thing over there seems to be looking for you."

Dai Er said tremblingly, a trace of unease flashing in her pure golden eyes.

"Dai Er, you go back into the space bag first."

Luo En ordered softly, his voice calm but not allowing refusal: "The things that follow are beyond your ability to deal with."

The little sea siren hesitated, wanting to say something but swallowing it back, finally nodding and obediently drilling into the space bag.

After everyone left, Luo En took a deep breath, feeling the power in his body flowing in his blood vessels.

"It's time," Luo En muttered to himself in his heart.

He took out the silver Time Guardian pocket watch, his fingertips lightly stroking the exquisite patterns on the surface, feeling the profound energy contained within.

This was one of his strongest trump cards, capable of achieving a short but fatal time stagnation.

At the same time, he extended his consciousness to the Thousand-Change Phantom, awakening the terrifying spell perfectly recorded—Mentor Yu Ni's "Breath of the Phoenix."

It was a spell far beyond his current control ability, like a trickle of water wanting to control a huge flood.

Once released, even he could not predict its final range and intensity of destruction.

But at this moment, he needed this kind of extreme destructive power.

Luo En reached out and took the substitute puppet hanging on his waist ring, feeling the energy fluctuations within.

"Letting you absorb such a special existence, I wonder how much charging it can increase..."

Luo En pondered to himself, his eyes becoming sharp.

He began to approach the source of the energy fluctuations cautiously, every step extremely careful, his mental power highly concentrated, ready to deal with any sudden situation at any time.

Finally, passing through the last channel shrouded in fog, Luo En saw the existence emanating terrifying pressure—

A huge red-gold cocoon-like object suspended in the center of the crystal platform, over three meters in diameter, with energy patterns like living things constantly flowing on the surface.

Those patterns formed complex designs, sometimes like human blood vessels, sometimes like some ancient runes, emitting heart-palpitating energy fluctuations.

The space around the giant cocoon was clearly twisted, as if affected by some invisible gravitational field, forming layers of ripple-like waves.

When Luo En entered this area, the huge red-gold cocoon suddenly vibrated violently, as if sensing the approach of a natural enemy.

The patterns on the surface of the cocoon began to flow faster, and fine cracks appeared on the originally smooth shell, seemingly as if the existence inside was eager to break free from its shackles.

Luo En instantly understood—the existence inside the cocoon sensed his arrival and was accelerating the metamorphosis process, trying to complete the final procedure ahead of time.

Just like Oliver and Cynthia he had seen before, it wanted to be prepared for battle before its most vulnerable state was discovered.

No time to hesitate.

"Bite the second hand!"

Luo En muttered the activation phrase, opening the watch's ability.

A sharp black energy shot out from the dial, instantly covering the designated target.

—Time Stagnation.

In this brief 0.5 seconds, the small area where the giant cocoon was located fell into stillness.

The air solidified, dust suspended, and even the surface of the constantly wriggling giant cocoon suddenly stopped moving, as if poured into transparent amber.

Luo En did not hesitate in the slightest, immediately launching the terrifying spell recorded by the Thousand-Change Phantom:

—Record: Breath of the Phoenix!

A lifelike fire bird flew out from his palm, every feather detailed as real, every inch of flame burning with pure destructive power.

That was not ordinary flame, but a fluid high-energy polymer, containing terrifying power far exceeding Luo En's own ability.

The fire bird drew a beautiful arc in the air, carrying an unstoppable momentum, pouncing straight toward the giant cocoon trapped by time stagnation.

On the surface of the giant cocoon, an eye also burning with red-gold flames peered out from within.

That eye revealed an inhuman coldness and violence, but upon seeing the fire bird pouncing toward it, a flash of undisguised fear crossed it instantly.

The existence inside the cocoon seemed to want to break free from its shackles, but it clearly could not compete with the power of time stagnation.

And it was in the middle of metamorphosis, causing it to be in the most vulnerable intermediate state,

Just like a fly sealed in amber, it could only watch as the disaster descended.

"No—"

A twisted yet familiar voice came from inside the cocoon, filled with despair and unwillingness.

But the fire bird could no longer be stopped.

The moment it hit the giant cocoon, the entire crystal platform seemed to be torn apart.

A blinding white light erupted from the point of contact, strong enough to burn one's eyeballs.

After the white light was a strange silence, as if time and space were frozen at that moment.

Then, a loud bang!

A huge explosion comparable to a meteorite impact swept through the entire area.

Invisible shockwaves spread in all directions with the cocoon as the center.

Where it passed, crystal pillars shattered, the ground cracked, and the air itself seemed to be ignited, forming circles of scorching energy rings.

Following closely was a red-gold fireball over several meters in diameter, its internal energy concentration high enough to twist the surrounding light, forming a strange gravitational mirror effect.

In the fireball, various strange forms could be vaguely seen flashing by—human faces, claws, tentacles, eyes... as if countless lives were being torn and reorganized at the same moment.

Luo En activated the Flowing Barrier the moment the explosion occurred, wrapping himself completely within it.

Even though he was over a hundred meters away from the center of the explosion, the terrifying impact almost caused his defense to collapse.

The Flowing Barrier was compressed to the limit, the surface covered with thousands of cracks, looking like it could shatter at any moment.

Luo En inside the barrier could clearly feel the astonishing heat and pressure coming from the outside, as if he were in a giant furnace.

His skin turned red due to the high temperature, and the sweat oozing from his forehead was evaporated before it could fall.

His lungs felt like they were filled with lead, and every breath became extremely difficult.

The aftermath of the explosion lasted for nearly thirty seconds, its intensity so great and its destructive power so terrifying that it far exceeded any spell effect Luo En had seen at close range before.

When everything finally calmed down, the entire crystal platform was unrecognizable.

The originally flat ground had turned into a giant concave pit nearly a hundred meters in diameter, countless crystal pillars at the edges collapsed and broken, and the once orderly enclosure structure was gone.

The crystals in the central area of the concave pit were thoroughly melted by the high temperature, forming a thin layer of glass-like substance, emitting suffocating heat.

Luo En slowly deactivated his defense, cold sweat already soaking his back.

If he hadn't activated his strongest defense in advance, that blow just now would have been enough to thoroughly annihilate him and all life forms within hundreds of meters around.

"Is this the blow of an official wizard level, and it's only at the peak of Morning Star, not reaching the Moon level..."

Luo En muttered to himself, his eyes filled with both shock and a trace of longing.

Ending the extra thoughts in his brain, he began to check the battlefield cautiously.

Nothing was left in the central area of the explosion, and not even a trace of energy fluctuation could be felt.

"Did I succeed?" Luo En exhaled, but still maintained a high state of vigilance.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 205 =====