Chapter 220

"It seems there is a return after all." Luo En calculated the gains and losses silently in his heart.

The benefits of being at the top of the sequence were obvious; in addition to higher prestige and influence, there was more resource allocation and freedom.

This was undoubtedly a powerful guarantee for the True Path breakthrough he was about to attempt.

And the information Hayek revealed about abyss material as a medium gave him a whole new possibility for the "Flowing Barrier."

"Activated autonomous defense and flow... even possessing erosive capabilities..."

Luo En muttered to himself, already conceiving how to apply this characteristic to his own barrier.

Most of the abyss material obtained previously had been used for the Substitute Puppet's charging, but he still had some unused samples in his hand.

Perhaps he could try using a portion of it for the "Flowing Barrier" experiment.

"It's just that the activity of the abyss material is so intense; how to ensure it won't go out of control or cause self-contamination during use is a question worth deep thought."

Luo En frowned, thinking about this thorny problem.

Walking out of the Central Tower, Luo En decided to return directly to the workshop to start the experiment.

There were only two months left until the Star Ring Convergence, and he had to seize every minute to prepare.

Inside the workshop, Lilia was organizing a batch of newly arrived medicinal herbs.

Seeing Luo En return, a flash of joy crossed her eyes, but she quickly returned to calm: "Teacher, you're back. Dinner will be ready soon."

"No rush." Luo En shook his head and walked straight to the laboratory:

"I'm going to conduct some new experiments, which might take a while. If I don't come out, you guys eat first."

Lilia nodded silently without asking further.

Since that meeting with Lady Ellen, she had become more reticent, but also more focused and diligent.

It seemed she wanted to learn as much knowledge as possible from Luo En within the limited time.

Luo En arrived at the laboratory, carefully locked the door, then took out the metal box gifted by Hayek and carefully checked its contents.

The materials in the box were far richer than he had expected—metal powders of various colors and textures, crystal fragments that were crystal clear, and even several unknown substances emitting strange auras.

Each medium was packed in a separate small bottle, labeled with a concise name and main characteristics on the bottle.

"Iridium powder—extremely high physical defense, capable of resisting most direct impacts."

"Star-Shine Crystal—energy absorption and conversion characteristics, suitable for resisting energy attacks."

"Spirit-Energy Sand—high sensitivity, capable of capturing weak energy fluctuations and changes."

Luo En examined these media one by one, and his experimental plan gradually became clear.

"Start with the most basic 'multiple medium combination'."

He muttered to himself, taking out the Iridium powder, Star-Shine Crystal, and Spirit-Energy Sand, preparing for the first set of experiments.

In fact, in his own previous exploration, he had already mastered some essentials of multiple media, but this time after consulting Hayek, he gained more inspiration and specific configuration ratios.

Following the method Hayek taught, Luo En began trying to mix these three media in specific proportions.

This process required extremely high precision—even a slight deviation in the ratio of each medium would result in significantly different final barrier effects.

"Iridium powder as the main body, providing basic defense; Star-Shine Crystal as auxiliary, responsible for energy conversion; Spirit-Energy Sand as a sensing medium, enhancing the barrier's reaction speed."

He carefully mixed these materials while injecting spiritual power for preliminary fusion.

This pre-processing could allow the energy characteristics between different media to adapt to each other, laying the foundation for subsequent spell construction.

When the three media were fully mixed, Luo En took a deep breath and began to construct the spell model for the "Flowing Barrier."

The "Spell Construction" skill at the proficient level allowed him to easily control this process.

Spiritual power guided the energy flow like fine threads, weaving the mixed media into a perfect protective network.

"Go!"

With his soft command, the mixed media flew from his palm, rapidly unfolding around him to form a translucent barrier.

This barrier presented a strange flowing texture, with faint light flickering on the surface, the result of the interaction of the three media characteristics.

Luo En carefully sensed the energy flow of the barrier.

Compared to the ordinary "Flowing Barrier," this multiple-medium version had significantly improved stability and strength.

More importantly, its energy efficiency was higher, and the same spiritual power input could achieve a longer duration.

"Now, test the defensive effect."

He took out a specially made small crossbow and fired a series of arrows at the barrier.

An ordinary barrier might fluctuate under such dense attacks, but this reinforced version remained almost motionless, the arrows bouncing off the moment they touched the barrier's surface.

"Physical defense effect meets expectations."

Luo En nodded with satisfaction, then took out an energy emitter, adjusted it to medium intensity, and fired an energy beam at the barrier.

The result was equally satisfying—the barrier not only absorbed this energy attack, but more surprisingly, the energy of the beam formed a beautiful ripple on the barrier's surface,

and was then evenly dispersed throughout the entire barrier structure without creating any fluctuations or unstable points.

"Energy conversion efficiency exceeds expectations." Luo En wrote this finding in his experimental record:

"The ratio of Star-Shine Crystal could perhaps be increased further to further improve energy absorption and conversion capabilities."

Next, Luo En tried several different medium combinations, each targeting different defensive needs.

Some strengthened physical defense, some enhanced magic resistance, and others improved sensing ability or mobility.

After a series of experiments, he gradually figured out a medium ratio scheme most suitable for himself:

Iridium powder 40%, providing basic physical defense;

Star-Shine Crystal 30%, responsible for energy conversion and magic resistance; Spirit-Energy Sand 30%, enhancing sensing and reaction speed.

"First stage of experiments complete." Luo En nodded with satisfaction.

【Flowing Barrier experience +1】

【Current progress: Flowing Barrier (Proficient 69/100)】

"Significant progress, but still a distance from mastery."

Luo En looked at the panel prompt, already planning the next stage of the practice plan.

He carefully organized and recorded the results of today's experiment, then packed up the experimental equipment and left the laboratory.

………………

At dawn, Luo En got up early and set up a set of precision astronomical observation equipment on the stargazing platform on the top floor of the workshop.

Today was an important node, sixty-five days away from the Star Ring Convergence.

According to ancient astrological theory, the star alignment on this day would reveal important information about the upcoming Star Ring Convergence.

"Hope the weather cooperates."

Luo En looked up at the sky; at this moment, the morning light had not yet completely dispelled the night, and several bright stars were still clearly visible.

A set of complex instruments made of bronze and crystal was placed on the stargazing platform.

This was borrowed from a high-level apprentice specializing in astronomy, for which Luo En spent a large number of magic stone fragments.

In the center of the instrument was a multi-faceted prism capable of refracting starlight, surrounded by twelve copper rings engraved with ancient runes, and the outermost layer was a circle of sapphire pointers recording the trajectories of celestial phenomena.

This set of equipment could not only record the positions and movement trajectories of stars but also capture energy fluctuations and connections between celestial phenomena that were difficult for the naked eye to perceive.

For Luo En, who was preparing to attempt the True Path, this information was crucial.

According to records in "The Forgotten Path," the star configuration during the Star Ring Convergence would directly affect the strength and stability of the channel to high-level existences.

If this information could be understood in advance, corresponding protective and enhancement measures could be better prepared.

As the sun's light was gradually swallowed by the horizon, the stars in the night sky became brighter.

Luo En began to adjust the instrument, ensuring that each copper ring was aligned with specific star clusters, especially those associated with the "Hermit Star" and the "Annihilation Star Cluster."

When the last copper ring was in place, Luo En activated the energy core in the center of the instrument.

As it activated, the entire set of equipment began to emit a faint humming sound, the copper rings turned slowly, and the crystal prism refracted strange light.

Those rays of light were not just simple reflections of starlight, but more like some complex energy encoding, containing secret information from the depths of the universe.

Luo En focused on observing these lights and the movement patterns of the copper rings, while recording the data on the parchment beside him.

As time passed, a clear star map gradually took shape.

"Interesting..." Luo En muttered to himself, his fingertips lightly touching the flickering points of light:

"These trajectory patterns are different from what Lady Ellen predicted."

According to the records, the upcoming Star Ring Convergence would be more intense than usual, and the duration would also be longer.

This meant that the channel connecting to high-level existences would be more stable, and the success rate would theoretically increase.

However, there were also some disturbing signs—the energy fluctuations of the "Annihilation Star Cluster" were abnormally active, which usually indicated stronger spiritual pollution and higher risks.

"Looks like I need to prepare some extra purification measures." Luo En thought.

After finishing this, he continued to practice according to his daily plan.

"Perhaps I can verify the harvest from that day first."

Arriving in the training room, he first began to mobilize spiritual power in his consciousness, activating the spell model recorded from Hayek in "Thousand-Change Phantom."

When these spell memories were called out, Luo En was surprised to find that simply playing these records in his mind did not consume any energy, as easy and natural as recalling ordinary memories.

Energy consumption only occurred during actual release; this discovery made his eyes light up.

"This means I can play these records for analysis an infinite number of times..." Luo En muttered softly, excitement flashing in his eyes.

By repeatedly playing the "Flowing Barrier" spell model demonstrated by Hayek in his mind, Luo En began to analyze the structural details in detail:

The distribution of those energy nodes, the synergy paths of various medium substances, and the automatic adjustment mechanism when an attack arrived.

Every time he played it, new details were noticed; every round of analysis, new insights emerged.

Multiple professional bonuses exerted amazing linkage effects at this moment:

"Broad Knowledge" allowed him to perfectly associate every detail he saw with existing knowledge;

"Conception" allowed him to clearly foresee the trajectory of changes in the spell structure;

And the perception enhancement brought by the Demon Hunter Knight allowed him to capture subtle energy flows that were difficult for the naked eye to perceive...

And more characteristics and bonuses...

"Interesting, if the media are processed in layers, a multiple barrier effect can be formed..."

Luo En was immersed in an ocean of knowledge.

Those spell structures that were originally obscure and difficult to understand now became so clear and easy to understand, like reading a book he had flipped through countless times.

Subsequently, he turned his attention to the record of Trish's "Breath of the Phoenix."

Unlike the "Flowing Barrier," this spell was more complex and exquisite, with the core lying in the precise shaping of the firebird form and the high compression of energy.

"So that's it... Mentor Trish's firebird is not just a simple decoration, but a highly efficient energy distribution method." Luo En suddenly realized.

Those seemingly beautiful feathers were actually the product of compressing destructive energy to the limit.

Each feather contained high temperatures sufficient to melt metal, and when the entire firebird form launched an attack, these energies would be released instantly, causing astonishing destructive power.

"Perhaps I can apply this shaping technique to the 'Ring of Radiance'..." Luo En muttered to himself, stood up, and decided to practice immediately.

Arriving at the training ground, Luo En took a deep breath and began to construct the spell model for the "Ring of Radiance."

The skill at the proficient level allowed him to easily complete the basic construction, but this time, he tried to add the shaping concept obtained from "Breath of the Phoenix."

The ring took shape in his palm, then gradually changed under his control—no longer a simple ring shape, but transformed into a light bird with spread wings.

Compared to Trish's firebird, this light bird appeared immature and rough, but it already had the initial form.

"Not refined enough..." Luo En frowned, canceled the spell, and tried again.

The second time, the light bird's wings became clearer;

The third time, the outline of the feathers began to emerge;

The fourth time, the details of the eyes and beak were improved...

Every attempt, Luo En was refining his control precision over energy, making the light bird's form closer and closer to the ideal state.

At the same time, he was also exploring how to efficiently compress energy into various parts of the light bird, especially the energy lines representing the feathers.

【Ring of Radiance experience +1】

……

With constant practice, Luo En felt that his mastery of the "Ring of Radiance" was approaching a critical point step by step.

That feeling was like climbing a high mountain, already able to see the outline of the summit, just missing the last stretch of climbing.

"Still missing something..."

He closed his eyes, playing Hayek's "Flowing Barrier" and Trish's "Breath of the Phoenix" in his mind at the same time, trying to find inspiration from the comparison between the two.

A moment later, he suddenly realized—the key lay in "hierarchical compression" of energy.

The reason Trish's firebird was so powerful was not only because of its exquisite form, but also because each layer of energy was compressed to the limit, and then more layers were superimposed.

This "hierarchical compression" technology had the same effect as Hayek's "structural differentiation," just with different application directions—one for attack, one for defense.

With this realization, Luo En reconstructed the "Ring of Radiance," and this time, he paid special attention to the hierarchical compression of energy.

After the ring was formed, it didn't simply change form, but first compressed the energy into several layers.

Each layer had a specific energy density and flow pattern, and then they were combined into the form of a light bird according to the designed path.

This method was extremely consuming of spiritual power, requiring the caster to have extremely high precision in spiritual power control.

But the effect was also amazing—the formed light bird not only looked more realistic and vivid, but the energy intensity also increased by at least 30%.

When Luo En controlled this brand-new light bird to fly toward the target, he clearly felt the difference.

Where the light bird passed, the air was slightly distorted due to the high-intensity energy.

Even the metal target on the training ground turned into a pool of liquid metal the moment it made contact.

【Ring of Radiance experience +1】

【Current progress: Ring of Radiance (Proficient 99/100)】

"Just one step away." A flash of excitement crossed Luo En's eyes.

He decided to attempt a further breakthrough—not only to complete the shaping of the light bird but also to give it a directional burst capability similar to "Breath of the Phoenix."

This attempt was more difficult because it required the caster to precisely control the timing and direction of energy release while shaping.

Once mastered, this technology would significantly improve the attack precision and power of the "Ring of Radiance."

Luo En focused his attention, constructed a brand-new light bird, and then carefully buried an "explosion point" at its core.

When the light bird construction was completed, Luo En took a deep breath and gave the command: "Go!"

The light bird spread its wings and flew high, tracing a graceful arc over the training ground, then dived toward the target.

At the moment of contact, Luo En activated the buried "explosion point."

The light bird did not simply hit the target as usual, but exploded at the moment of contact, turning into countless light blades, precisely piercing into the target.

The energy did not spread in all directions, but was almost entirely concentrated within a range of less than two meters in diameter, causing astonishing destructive power.

The target was not only melted but also completely vaporized by this concentrated energy, leaving only a deep pit emitting blue smoke.

【Ring of Radiance experience +1】

【Breakthrough! Ring of Radiance (Proficient 100/100) -> Ring of Radiance (Mastery max)】

【Characteristic advancement: Light-Flame Transformation -> Compressed Explosion

(On the basis of maintaining the original shaping ability, it can concentrate compressed energy more easily in the shaped form, significantly increasing destructive power)】

"Success!" Luo En praised softly, feeling the power surging within him.

The "Ring of Radiance" finally broke through to the mastery level, bringing not only an increase in power but also a brand-new understanding and control method of energy.

With the advancement of "Light-Flame Transformation" to "Compressed Explosion," the strategic value of this spell had achieved a qualitative leap.

Now, Luo En could not only shape the "Ring of Radiance" into various forms but also bury a "Compressed Explosion" mechanism within these forms, allowing it to release concentrated destructive energy at critical moments.

This ability was particularly effective when facing high-defense targets, as almost no protection could fully withstand such concentrated energy impact.

At the same time, Luo En realized that he was one step closer to the realm of a Formal Wizard.

Not only because of the breakthrough in skills but also because of a deeper understanding of the essence of energy.

The fundamental difference between a Formal Wizard and a High-Level Apprentice, besides the absolute gap in spiritual power, was the perception, understanding, and control of energy.

Luo En could clearly feel that with the mastery of "Ring of Radiance," his affinity and control over light elements had been greatly improved.

"Next, I should try to apply these new insights to other spells to form a more complete combat system."

Luo En thought, already starting to plan the next training plan.

But before that, he decided to return to his consciousness to play Hayek's "Flowing Barrier" record again, to see if he could find new ideas to improve this spell with the epiphany he just had.

Closing his eyes, Luo En called up the record in his spiritual world again and began to analyze it frame by frame.

This time, with the new perspective brought by "Compressed Explosion," he discovered some details he had previously ignored.

Those seemingly simple medium substances were actually mixed in specific proportions, forming a perfect energy guidance network.

"If this guidance network is combined with my 'Compressed Explosion' mechanism, perhaps a brand-new defensive counterattack system can be created."

Luo En thought excitedly, a bold idea already emerging in his mind.

A variant of the "Flowing Barrier" that could not only passively absorb attack energy but also compress and reflect it back.

This would transform the barrier from a purely defensive tool into an offensive-defensive tactical piece of equipment.

"Worth a try." Luo En made a decision, preparing to start this new project in the coming days.

Looking at the time, it was already late at night.

He felt a wave of exhaustion, but his heart was filled with the satisfaction brought by progress.

(End of chapter)