Chapter 211

"Don't worry, it's just making the best use of everything." Luo En smiled and pushed the box closer:

"Ailan is very happy that a part of her can help you, and for me now, producing this level of alchemical items is not difficult."

He paused slightly and added with a hint of regret:

"It's just a pity that the Black Mist School has no enchanters; otherwise, after engraving amplification runes, the effect could be even better. Perhaps when you arrive at the Crystal Spire, you can find an opportunity to ask an enchanter to add some runes to it."

Trish carefully took the box, a flash of emotion in her eyes.

She gently stroked the vine patterns on the staff body.

When her fingertips touched that green leaf, the leaf glowed slightly, responding to the forest power in her bloodline.

"It's truly perfect..." She whispered in praise, her voice carrying irrepressible joy:

"It's like it was tailor-made for me; I can feel its resonance with my bloodline."

"However, I do have a small request." Luo En smiled, watching Trish look up in surprise.

He hesitated for a moment; actually, he originally wanted to mention Trish's blood sample, but swallowed the words when they reached his lips.

In the wizard's world, blood is the most private and dangerous existence.

It not only contains the essence of life but is also the most ideal medium for curses.

Even between blood relatives, or even partners who live together day and night, they would not easily let their blood fall into the hands of others.

This is the most basic vigilance in the wizard's world—you never know when others will become enemies.

And mastering your blood is equivalent to mastering the key to your life.

This is also why the clients of bloodline modulation masters are almost all extraordinary slaves or non-human creatures.

Luo En had never heard of any wizard asking a bloodline modulation master to strengthen their own bloodline; that would be no different from handing over their destiny to others to control.

Thinking of this, his gaze flickered slightly, and he turned to say:

"I hope to collect some more blood samples of the Li Yue for my bloodline experiments. The last samples have been used up, and my bloodline research is at a critical stage."

Luo En pondered inwardly; although Trish's Forest Elf bloodline was more valuable to his research, that boundary could not be crossed.

Even on an occasion like a parting gift, making such a request would immediately destroy the trust that had been hard-won between the two.

Moreover, Ke Linna must have already given Trish warnings in this regard.

Never let your blood fall into anyone's hands, even a very close friend.

Trish blinked, then suddenly realized: "So that's it; I was wondering why you would prepare such a precious gift."

She laughed softly, but there was no displeasure in her eyes, instead carrying a hint of relief.

Luo En could capture a flash of relaxation in her eyes.

Obviously, she was also worried that the other party would make a more offensive request, making the originally friendly atmosphere awkward.

"This is simple; Li Yue is waiting for me outside."

Trish agreed casually, her tone much more relaxed.

The blood of a hireling was just a consumable, which would not cause any taboos.

And with Trish's observation skills, she could also see Luo En's strong interest in the bloodlines of non-human creatures; such a request was within reason.

"Then thank you very much." Luo En nodded in thanks, secretly happy in his heart.

This exchange was beneficial to both sides; he obtained precious research materials, and Trish obtained a staff highly compatible with her own bloodline.

Although he didn't obtain the most ideal Forest Elf blood sample, the leopard woman's blood was also valuable enough, especially that special bloodline flowing with the "Monarch Bloodline."

Trish carefully put the staff together with the box into her space bag, her movements as gentle as treating a treasure:

"Since that's the case... I will accept this gift; I will cherish it."

She raised her head, a flash of subtle light in her eyes; it was a complex emotion between being moved and reluctance:

"This staff will always remind me of our agreement, and... the friendship between us."

She said the last word very lightly, almost like a sigh.

In that instant, Trish seemed to take off the disguise of being calm and self-restrained, revealing her true side:

A young girl about to leave a familiar environment, both expectant and uneasy about the unknown future.

Luo En could feel the fluctuations in her heart but did not point them out.

In the wizard's world, showing too much emotion is often seen as a kind of weakness, especially for those who aspire to become strong.

After Trish gave a few simple instructions, she turned and walked toward the door, and a moment later led Li Yue in.

The leopard woman was still wearing that tight leather outfit, and the exquisite patterns on it could be clearly seen in the sunlight.

Only careful observation could reveal that her nails were sharper than before, and a faint purple luster could be vaguely seen—that was proof of successfully integrating the lion-scorpion toxin.

"Master said you need my blood samples."

The leopard woman's voice was low, and there was no emotional fluctuation in her tone.

Luo En nodded, taking out several special blood collection bottles and a small silver knife from the workbench:

"Yes, I need to collect a few tubes; it shouldn't be too much trouble for you."

"Don't worry, Master Ralf."

The leopard woman extended her arm and rolled up her sleeve, revealing skin covered with light brown spots: "Please go ahead."

Luo En picked up the silver knife and gently swept it across the leopard woman's arm.

The moment the blade swept across the skin, bright red blood immediately surged out.

But the leopard woman's expression did not change at all, and she didn't even frown.

"Your pain nerves seem to have weakened."

Luo En skillfully introduced the blood into the collection bottle while observing her reaction.

"Yes." Li Yue answered softly, her gaze falling on her bleeding arm:

"Since you helped me integrate the lion-scorpion toxin, many changes have occurred in my senses. I can freely control whether to weaken the pain, which also gives me an advantage in combat."

Luo En filled the first bottle and changed to the second one:

"That piece of tissue integrated very well; it seems your bloodline is still quite compatible with it."

"Thanks to your technology." Li Yue rarely revealed a trace of gratitude:

"In these days, I can clearly feel the improvement in strength. Not only the toxin ability, but the overall combat power is also much stronger than before."

"Third bottle, it will be done soon." He carefully controlled the blood flow.

The leopard woman nodded, her gaze staying very properly on her own arm, not daring to look around at the various facilities in the workshop.

After the blood collection was completed, Luo En took out a small bottle of light green ointment and handed it to the leopard woman:

"Apply it to the wound; it can accelerate healing and won't leave scars."

Li Yue took the medicine bottle and applied it gently to the wound.

The moment the ointment touched the skin, the wound began to heal at a speed visible to the naked eye, and soon only a faint red line remained.

"It's getting late, and I should go back to prepare my luggage."

Trish, who was on the side, stood up, tidied her robe, and put on that mask of being calm and self-restrained again:

"Master Valun said the gargoyle will take off early the day after tomorrow, and I still have many things to prepare."

"No problem, I'll see you out." Luo En also stood up, and the two walked toward the door together.

"Looking forward to our next meeting, both of us as formal wizards."

Trish stood at the door, looking back at Luo En, a faint smile on her face, but a trace of imperceptible reluctance in her eyes.

"Of course." Luo En nodded slightly to her and said softly:

"I wish you all the best at the Crystal Spire. Don't forget our bet; I don't want to win easily."

Trish smiled slightly, that smile carrying a hint of teasing: "You are always so confident; however, I won't lose to you easily."

She paused, her eyes becoming serious, and her tone even heavier:

"Take care of yourself, Luo En. No matter what you plan to do, remember, only by living do you have the opportunity to continue moving forward."

This sentence made Luo En feel a hint of strangeness.

Did Trish sense some of his plans? Or was this just a common parting blessing?

But regardless, this concern was real, which made Luo En feel warm in his heart.

"I will." He responded solemnly: "You too; the competition at the Crystal Spire is likely even more intense than here."

Trish nodded slightly, seemingly wanting to say something more, but eventually just turned and left.

Her back was exceptionally straight in the morning light, and her long brown hair glowed in the sun, like a sunflower facing the sun.

Luo En stood at the door, quietly watching her go away.

This kind of self-restraint is almost a compulsory course for all wizards; emotions are seen as noise that interferes with rational judgment and need to be effectively controlled.

"Master, I can feel that Miss Trish, she..." Ailan's voice came from behind, interrupting Luo En's thoughts.

He turned around and saw the tree spirit standing not far away, that pair of emerald green eyes flickering with insight: "... seems to care about you very much."

Ailan's observation skills were as sharp as ever, always able to gain insight into the hidden emotions of humans.

"Perhaps." Luo En did not deny it, just responded softly:

"She has her path, and I have my path. We may be friends, or we may be competitors, but in the end, we are all pursuing our own strength."

Ailan nodded slightly, her vines swaying gently, as if thinking:

"No matter where the master goes, we will follow."

Luo En nodded with a smile, his gaze cast into the distance.

Just as Trish said, only by living can one continue to move forward;

only by constantly moving forward can one finally reach that supreme realm.

"Finish charging the substitute puppet, Demon Hunter job, become a formal wizard, create the magic sword..." Luo En planned silently:

"No matter what, I must improve my strength as soon as possible to deal with all possible dangers."

The sunset gradually sank below the horizon, draping the Black Mist Jungle in a layer of golden-red radiance; another day was about to pass...

………………

Sending off Trish and Li Yue, Luo En returned to the laboratory deep in the workshop.

He sat in front of the workbench, looking at the row of neatly arranged reagent bottles in front of him, falling into deep thought.

"My spell system is gradually taking shape, but something seems to be missing."

Luo En whispered to himself, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

Since becoming a high-level apprentice, he had gradually begun to build a fairly solid thought circuit.

"Sonic Vibration" as the main attack means, "Ring of Radiance" for versatile tactical support, and the first-ring spell "Flowing Barrier" providing solid defense.

But Luo En was not satisfied with this.

The true wizard path lies not only in mastering existing spells but also in constant innovation and improvement.

His thoughts turned to the spell he first came into contact with—"Slime Splash."

This basic spell that once accompanied him through several crises had now gradually faded out of his combat system.

"The attack distance is too close, the flight speed is too slow, and the control effect is far inferior to 'Sonic Vibration' and 'Spiritual Interference'."

Luo En listed the many defects of this spell: "But the basic construction is very stable; perhaps I can use this as a blueprint to develop new variants."

He recalled the records he had seen in "Apprentice Ladder":

Many powerful spells are actually evolved from basic spells; the key lies in discovering and utilizing the potential of the basic structure.

"If I change the slime to acid, increase the corrosiveness, and at the same time increase the spray speed and range..."

Luo En stood up and walked to a wooden human target in the center of the laboratory.

This target was a prop he specifically used to test offensive spells, and the surface was covered with special magic power sensing materials, capable of recording detailed data of spell impacts.

He took a deep breath, concentrated his spiritual power, and constructed the spell model of "Slime Splash."

But this time, he did not follow the standard structure completely but tried to adjust several key nodes within it.

"Change liquid density, reduce viscosity, increase fluidity..." Luo En adjusted the spell parameters in his heart.

The "Spell Construction" skill at the proficiency level, as well as multiple professions related to spiritual power, were taking effect, helping him quickly complete this basic improvement.

With the injection of spiritual power, a light green glow appeared in his palm, and a ball of liquid slowly formed in his palm.

Unlike the original version, this liquid looked clearer and had stronger fluidity.

"Go!"

Luo En gave a light shout and waved his palm at the wooden dummy.

That ball of liquid shot out like an arrow, at least twice as fast as the original "Slime Splash."

"Snap!"

The liquid hit the wooden dummy and spread rapidly.

A moment later, white smoke began to emerge from the wooden surface, and the area covered by the liquid was being slowly corroded.

"The basic direction is correct, but the effect is still not ideal."

Luo En frowned and evaluated: "The attack speed has increased, but the corrosiveness is far below expectations."

He walked back to the workbench and opened a heavy ancient book, "On Spellcasting Mediums."

This book detailed various medium substances used to amplify spells in wizard history.

"Spellcasting medium..." Luo En whispered, excitement flickering in his eyes.

In the construction of spell models, integrating external substances can significantly amplify spell effects.

This is an extremely ancient technology, from the most elementary apprentice to the top Wizard King, all are constantly exploring the possibilities in this field.

The most basic spellcasting medium is energy crystals, usually made by alchemists.

These crystals store pure magic power inside, capable of providing extra energy during the spellcasting process, enhancing spell power.

"Although energy crystals are the easiest to use, the effect is quite limited." Luo En flipped through the pages and calculated in his heart:

"And the utilization efficiency is extremely low; injecting an ordinary quality energy crystal into a spell can at most increase the power by about 20%, yet it consumes the energy of the entire crystal; compared to various staves, it is completely a waste of resources."

More advanced spellcasting mediums are various substances with special effects.

For example, fire dragon heart blood can significantly enhance the temperature and duration of fire-type spells;

Sky Snake scales can provide more precise guidance for lightning spells;

while Moon Shadow Flower pollen can increase the confusing effect of illusions.

Luo En's gaze fixed on a special record:

"... And for liquid spells, biological secretions are often the most ideal spellcasting mediums.

These liquids processed by special glands in the biological body themselves carry unique magic power imprints, and after combining with the caster's spiritual power, they can produce effects far exceeding pure construction..."

"Biological secretions..." Luo En's eyes lit up, and a clear idea emerged in his heart.

Since Daier completed purification in the bloodline altar and became a pure-blooded sea siren with a golden ring, her body functions had undergone significant evolution.

One of the major characteristics was that the special liquid with strong corrosiveness that she could originally secrete had now also been strengthened.

"Perhaps I can try using Daier's secretions as a spellcasting medium..."

Luo En pondered, then got up and walked out of the workshop.

He found Daier, who was practicing water element control, in the small training ground in the backyard.

The little sea siren was focused on controlling a water ball, letting it change into various shapes in the air.

From simple geometric shapes to complex animal silhouettes, it showcased her increasingly refined control.

"Daier." Luo En called out.

The little sea siren turned back at the sound, surprise flashing in her eyes.

The water ball instantly turned into an exquisite water flower, blooming in the air and then dissipating without a trace.

"Master! Is there anything you need my help with?"

She ran over joyfully, her silver hair flickering with a metallic luster in the sun.

(End of chapter)