Chapter 252

Just as Luo En was preparing to leave, the magic board suddenly flickered, and a new transaction message caught his attention.

"Seeking: Senior bloodline modulator to provide consulting services.

Offering: 'Sand Sea Hunter' core extraordinary organ (complete eyeball), possibly with additional tentacle suckers and corrosive liquid storage."

Luo En's footsteps stopped immediately.

"Sand Sea Hunter"—it was exactly one of the bloodline samples he had been searching for!

He quickly returned to his seat and read the details carefully.

The publisher, calling himself "Mist Walker," was offering not just the eyeball, but other key organs as well.

But the trading conditions were quite special—not a simple material exchange, but a search for professional knowledge.

"Need a professional with experience in abyss bloodline modulation to assist in solving a stability problem with an experimental subject.

The experimental subject is derived from a creature of the third layer of the abyss and is currently in a highly unstable state, potentially disintegrating or going berserk at any time.

If an effective stabilization plan can be provided, in addition to the main trade items, tentacle suckers and corrosive liquid storage will be included as an extra reward."

This way of exchanging knowledge for materials was not uncommon in the wizard circle.

Professional knowledge was often more precious than physical objects and difficult to value.

Many powerful wizards would rather exchange rare materials for key information than use simple magic stone transactions.

Luo En responded to this message almost without hesitation:

"Possess experience in abyss creature bloodline modulation and am willing to provide consulting services.

Need to know more about the specific situation of the experimental subject."

The response came quickly:

"Thanks for your interest.

The experimental subject is based on a crawling creature from the third layer of the abyss, which has undergone multiple bloodline enhancements and currently integrates the characteristics of three different creatures from the 'Black Sand Wasteland.'

The problem is that although the experimental subject has obtained the expected ability enhancement, it has simultaneously developed severe instability—specifically, the skin is constantly cracking and reorganizing, the internal organs are frequently shifting positions, and the mental state is extremely chaotic.

It is suspected that this is caused by mutual rejection between bloodlines.

Do you have experience in dealing with such problems?"

Luo En's eyes brightened slightly.

Through the complex bloodline modulation performed using Manticore tissue at the Black Fog School and those tissues from the bloodline altar, he had accumulated quite rich practical experience.

He should be able to solve the problem raised by the other party.

"The rejection problem of multiple bloodline fusion is one of the most common difficulties in bloodline modulation."

Luo En replied:

"According to your description, the problem may lie in improper fusion order and medium selection.

If you can provide more details, including the specific types of bloodlines used, the fusion order, the medium substances used, and the basic state of the experimental subject, I can provide detailed suggestions."

The other party seemed quite satisfied, and the reply became more detailed:

"The base creature is a desert lizard, which first integrated the visual system of the 'Gray-Eyed Scorpion,' followed by the defensive characteristics of the 'Rock-Skin Snake,' and finally attempted to add the cluster consciousness ability of the 'Black Sand Ant.'

The medium used was standard 'Gray Mist Essence' combined with a small amount of 'Memory Crystal Powder.'

The problem appeared after the last fusion; the experimental subject showed obvious rejection reactions, with new carapaces constantly forming on the body surface and then quickly cracking, and the internal organs reorganizing every few hours."

Luo En frowned slightly; this was indeed a tricky problem.

Through the "Broad Knowledge" trait, he quickly integrated all relevant knowledge in his mind and analyzed this difficulty from different angles.

"The core of the problem lies in the cluster consciousness of the 'Black Sand Ant' integrated last, which fundamentally contradicts the characteristics of the first two bloodlines."

He replied:

"Both the 'Gray-Eyed Scorpion' and the 'Rock-Skin Snake' are creatures with strong individual consciousness, while the cluster consciousness of the 'Black Sand Ant' is essentially a distributed thinking mode.

This contradiction causes both the body and mind of the experimental subject to be in a state of constant self-struggle."

"Regarding the solution, I suggest the following points:

Immediately use 'Consciousness Anchor' to stabilize the mental state of the experimental subject to prevent further deterioration;

Introduce a fourth bloodline as a 'harmonizer,' I recommend bloodline fragments of the 'Gray Mist Lizard,' which has extremely strong adaptability...;

In terms of medium, the combination of 'Gray Mist Essence' and 'Memory Crystal Powder' is too rigid; I suggest adding 15% 'Resilience Fluid'...;

Through a special energy field circulation system, help the experimental subject gradually adapt and integrate..."

This series of suggestions clearly exceeded the scheme originally envisioned by the other party.

After a moment of silence, the reply came late:

"Your level of analysis is quite brilliant.

Especially the point about the conflict between cluster consciousness and individual consciousness really hits the nail on the head.

I happen to have a small amount of blood samples of the 'Gray Mist Lizard' and 'Resilience Fluid' here. Would you be willing to have a face-to-face detailed discussion through the isolation system?

I am waiting in Special Communication Room 3."

Luo En was slightly surprised; although this invitation was a bit abrupt, it was understandable.

When dealing with complex extraordinary problems, written communication is often not as effective as direct conversation.

Moreover, after learning about the other party's professional level, he was also quite willing to further communicate with them.

Through the central system, Luo En was guided to Special Communication Room 3.

It was a translucent space wrapped in a special energy barrier, allowing limited visual communication but completely shielding energy fluctuations and mental probes.

Opposite him, a blurred figure had been waiting for a long time.

Across the energy barrier, Luo En could only see the silhouette of a tall man wearing a dark robe, his facial features completely obscured by a layer of special energy.

"Thank you for accepting the invitation."

The other party's voice came through a special device, carrying a certain deliberate distortion:

"I am 'Mist Walker,' a scholar studying abyss bloodlines. The professional knowledge you displayed makes me feel very curious—not everyone can accurately point out the fundamental conflict between 'cluster consciousness' and 'individual consciousness'."

"Bloodline fusion of abyss creatures has always been one of the focuses of my research." He replied simply, neither humble nor arrogant.

"What is the specific formula for the 'Consciousness Anchor' you mentioned earlier?"

The other party asked suddenly, clearly testing Luo En's professional knowledge.

"The standard formula includes moonstone powder, soul grass essence, memory crystal fragments, and star dew as a base."

Luo En answered calmly:

"But when dealing with abyss creatures, I suggest replacing moonstone with 'Abyss Quartz' and adding a small amount of 'Dream Nectar' as a stabilizer, which can better adapt to the fluctuation characteristics of abyss energy."

His answer clearly satisfied the other party, and the other party's posture seemed to relax a bit:

"You do have rich experience. Regarding my experimental subject, the stabilization measures I have tried include using 'Balance Crystal' and 'Soul Rope,' but the effects have been very limited. In your opinion, after introducing the bloodline of the 'Gray Mist Lizard,' about how long will it take to see obvious stabilization effects?"

"This depends on the basic state and degree of rejection of the experimental subject."

Luo En thought for a moment and tried his best to transform the process of his "Bloodline Shaping" skill into an extremely professional practical explanation:

"Generally speaking, initial stabilization should appear within 24 to 48 hours, and complete fusion will take 7 to 10 days. But the key is to establish a gradually adaptive environment, promote the natural fusion between bloodlines through the circulation of the energy field, rather than forcibly suppressing the rejection reaction..."

The subsequent exchange lasted for nearly two hours, and both sides discussed various theoretical and practical problems of bloodline fusion in depth.

Through the "Broad Knowledge" trait, Luo En displayed a breadth of knowledge far exceeding that of ordinary people, and because of the "Bloodline Shaping" skill, he also showed extraordinary practical depth.

He carefully controlled the display of information, neither deliberately hiding his clumsiness nor exposing the insight abilities and operational means brought by his "skills" and "additional traits."

The other party was clearly very satisfied with this exchange and finally made a decision:

"Your suggestions are extremely valuable. As the agreed reward, the Sand Sea Hunter's eyeball, tentacle suckers, and corrosive liquid storage will be yours. I will arrange delivery through the system immediately."

A moment later, three specially made containers appeared on the trading platform.

The most eye-catching was the huge transparent sphere in the center, inside which floated a creepy giant eyeball.

This eyeball was as large as an adult's head, its surface covered with a layer of black scales, and the pupil presented a strange spiral shape, seemingly constantly rotating, making one feel a burst of dizziness just by looking at it.

Dozens of thick nerve ducts extended from the back of the eyeball, and it was also connected to some unrecognizable tissue remnants.

In the second container was a mass of wriggling black matter—the tentacle suckers of the Sand Sea Hunter.

Its surface was covered with countless tiny suckers, and in the center was a terrifying mouth structure filled with serrated teeth.

Even though it was isolated in the container, this mass of tentacles was still constantly wriggling, seemingly looking for possible prey.

The last container held a viscous liquid that constantly changed colors—the corrosive liquid storage.

This was one of the most terrifying weapons of the Sand Sea Hunter, capable of secreting powerful corrosive substances that could dissolve the tissues and bones of most creatures in an instant.

Luo En carefully inspected these three "treasures."

Through extraordinary identification and insight traits, he could clearly see the complex energy flow inside the eyeball, as well as the unique mechanism that converted abyss pollution into power.

"These samples are preserved very well and have sufficient activity."

He expressed his gratitude sincerely: "This will be of great help to my research."

"Before you leave, may I be so bold as to ask your name?"

The other party asked suddenly: "I rarely meet a peer who is so proficient in abyss bloodline studies."

Luo En thought for a moment and decided to tell the other party only his surname, which could be considered a tacit understanding among wizards:

"Ralph, from the Black Fog School."

The figure opposite seemed to vibrate slightly:

"I seem to have heard of the surname Ralph. I am Lei Nuozi; if you don't mind, perhaps we will have the opportunity to communicate again on other occasions."

Luo En's heart stirred; this name was particularly familiar—wasn't it the Morning Star-level wizard who was about to board the ship that the airship administrator mentioned just now?

This was an unexpected coincidence.

However, thinking about it, it was not surprising; in this remote outpost, the number of formal wizards was not large, and meeting was within reason.

"Wizard Lei Nuozi, it is my honor to communicate with you."

Luo En responded politely, his heart beginning to think about the role this "accidental encounter" might bring.

Lei Nuozi did not seem to say much more, simply ending the conversation:

"I hope the materials I provided will be helpful to your research. Perhaps we will meet again soon. I wish you a pleasant stay in Town 69."

As the conversation ended, the energy barrier gradually returned to a completely opaque state, and Luo En could no longer see the other party's figure.

This was the value of knowledge!

He looked with satisfaction at the three precious abyss organs he had obtained without spending a penny, and had already begun to conceive how to integrate them into the "Lion Head" core of the Chimera in his mind.

These organs were undoubtedly the most ideal materials, and the abyss adaptability and energy conversion ability contained within them were exactly what he needed.

Leaving the Silent Market, Luo En met up with Ethan, who was waiting outside:

"The transactions are all completed; we can leave now."

Ethan was visibly relieved; he did not seem very comfortable in the Shadow Zone:

"Great, Wizard Lord. Should we return directly to the airship, or would you like to visit other areas of Town 69?"

"Let's return to the airship."

Luo En decided, his thoughts already flying toward the upcoming experiment:

"I need to process these materials as soon as possible."

On the way, Luo En's thoughts revolved around the accidental encounter just now.

Wizard Lei Nuozi, a Morning Star-level wizard proficient in bloodline modulation, was about to become his neighbor on the ship... this might be a rare opportunity for exchange.

Especially as he was about to head to the unfamiliar Central Land, being able to get to know an experienced senior was undoubtedly lucky.

After returning to the airship, Luo En immediately began to organize the newly obtained materials.

He set up a temporary workbench in the experimental area of the suite and took out a specially made preservation device to ensure that those abyss organs could maintain their best state.

Just as he had finished his work, the service crystal suddenly lit up:

"Wizard Ralph, the captain invites you to the reception room on floor A. Wizard Lei Nuozi has arrived and hopes to have dinner with you."

Luo En smiled slightly; this "accidental encounter" indeed had a follow-up very quickly.

He tidied up his clothes to ensure his image was decent for a formal wizard, and then headed to the reception room.

The reception room was decorated elegantly and comfortably, with a beautifully carved round table in the center, on which various delicacies and fine wines had already been placed.

The captain—a uniformed man with a somewhat short and stocky build—stood at the door to welcome him.

"Wizard Ralph, welcome to this small gathering."

The captain said enthusiastically: "Wizard Lei Nuozi has just boarded the ship, and I think this is a good opportunity for the two wizards to get to know each other."

Luo En nodded politely and looked past the captain into the room.

Beside the round table, a tall middle-aged man was sipping wine from a glass.

He was wearing a dark blue robe with a wizard emblem similar to Luo En's but with a different pattern hanging on his chest.

"Wizard Lei Nuozi, this is Wizard Ralph, from the Black Fog School, who is on his way to the Central Land."

The captain introduced.

Lei Nuozi turned slowly, revealing a sharp-featured face, and those sharp blue eyes gave Luo En a feeling of familiarity.

The moment their eyes met, Lei Nuozi' expression clearly froze.

"Ralph..." his voice carried a hint of undisguised surprise: "I didn't expect to see you here."

Luo En smiled internally; he had already confirmed his guess:

This Wizard Lei Nuozi was indeed the "Mist Walker" in the Shadow Zone.

"Wizard Lei Nuozi."

A friendly smile appeared on the young wizard's face:

"It seems I had the honor of meeting you in Town 69 just now?"

Lei Nuozi' eyebrows raised slightly, and then a smile also appeared:

"It seems that our kind of 'caution' is a bit redundant in this small place."

The captain clearly did not understand the subtle conversation between the two wizards, but he smiled kindly:

"Great! It seems the two of you already know each other, which will make the journey more pleasant. Please sit down and enjoy dinner; I have prepared some small airship specialties."

Both were extraordinary beings who had completed life leaps; for them, eating such ordinary food was more of a table etiquette.

"Wizard Lei Nuozi, you seem to have your own unique insights into abyss creatures."

Luo En ate a little and then casually found a topic suitable for cutting in.

(End of chapter)