Chapter 263: History, Astrology

Lei Nuozi was startled, almost jumping out of his chair, his expression a mix of surprise and embarrassment:

"Professor? Have you been observing us all along?"

"Observing? That's too rigid a term!"

The person in the portrait—an old man with crane-like hair and a youthful face—waved his hand, revealing a mischievous smile:

"I was just passing by and happened to hear someone praising me, so I paid a little more attention. What, Lei Nuozi, does this 'uninvited guest' make you uncomfortable?"

Although it was just a portrait, Luo En was able to glimpse a corner of the vast ocean through this narrow crack, and the depth of its aura far exceeded any wizard he had seen so far.

Lei Nuozi shook his head quickly, his expression changing from surprise to respect:

"Of course not, Professor. It's just that your appearance is a bit..."

"Sudden? Unexpected? Heart-pounding?"

The old man laughed out loud:

"It is exactly such surprises that make life full of fun! If everything went according to plan, wouldn't this long wizarding career be boring to death?"

His gaze turned to Luo En:

"You are Luo En Ralph, the rare traveler on the True Path of this era, right?"

Luo En stood up respectfully and bowed a standard wizard salute to the portrait:

"Professor Youteer, I have long admired your name."

Youteer's portrait looked Luo En up and down, revealing a satisfied smile:

"Polite, extraordinary demeanor, and the mana on your body is... not bad, very promising."

"Those two little guys, Hayek and Ailan, praised you to the skies. They have always been stingy with praise; being able to make them so highly recommend you, you indeed have unique qualities."

Hearing Youteer refer to the two mentors in such a casual way, Luo En suddenly understood.

Youteer's relationship with those "marginal people" of the Black Fog School was obviously closer than he had previously speculated.

"Are Madam Ailan and Vice Dean Hayek both students you cultivated, Professor?"

Luo En asked, a trace of real curiosity flashing in his eyes.

"That was a long time ago, so long that I can't quite remember the specific years."

A trace of nostalgia flashed in Youteer's eyes:

"Before Cassandra took over as Tower Master, I served as Tower Master for a period of time."

He stroked his white beard, a gentle smile appearing on his face:

"Cassandra, Hayek, Ailan, Valun... those young people were all my students back then, a group of lively and talented children."

Youteer chuckled:

"It's funny to say, the way you see them now, each one is a respected senior, acting all high and mighty, looking like a wise man. But in my eyes, they will always be those little brats who were clumsy in the lab and covered in mess from potions."

Lei Nuozi stood aside, looking a bit awkward; he obviously didn't expect Professor Youteer to appear suddenly and have such a friendly conversation with Luo En.

His expression was both surprised and confused, obviously feeling incredible about this development.

"I heard you just joined the Crystal Spire recently and have already opened a few courses?"

Youteer asked with interest:

"Potionology and bloodline modulation? The idea is quite good; this is exactly what many young wizards lack—cross-disciplinary thinking. Knowledge is not an island, but an interconnected network. Those who can see these connections often go further on the path of seeking knowledge."

Luo En could only respond modestly; everything about him was on record, so this was not surprising.

Subsequently, Youteer's gaze turned to Lei Nuozi again:

"Lei Nuozi, I see you are introducing the situation of the observatory to this young Wizard Ralph? Is he also interested in abyss research?"

Lei Nuozi immediately straightened his body and responded:

"Yes, Professor. Wizard Ralph has shown strong interest in abyss research, especially in the extraction and application of abyssal substances. I think he is a talent very suitable for joining the observatory."

"I think so too."

The old man's voice carried a trace of pleasure, his eyes narrowing slightly, just like seeing a precious collection:

"'Hand of a Hundred Arts,' 'Naturalist,' 'Potion-Body Resonance,' 'Eye of Insight'... such a talent combination is most suitable for abyss research."

"If you decide to join the observatory and meet the contribution value requirements, I would be happy to teach you some extraordinary skills related to 'History' and 'Astrology'."

Youteer suddenly said:

"These pieces of knowledge happen to be able to adapt to your 'Hand of a Hundred Arts' talent."

This promise made Luo En's heart stir.

The historian's ability included directly sensing the past of objects, and even being able to briefly "resonate" with objects that had experienced major historical events to obtain first-hand historical information.

And astrologers could predict energy tides and key time nodes by observing changes in star signs, and in specific conditions, they could even capture the faint fluctuations of fate.

If these two abilities were combined with Luo En's existing skills, they would bring unprecedented depth and breadth to his research.

And these ancient and powerful skills were often only passed down within specific families or organizations, and outsiders basically had no chance to see them.

"This is my honor, Professor."

Luo En responded sincerely, his eyes revealing undisguised yearning:

"If I have the opportunity to learn from you, it will be one of the most precious experiences in my wizarding career."

Youteer nodded with satisfaction, looking at Luo En's reaction, a trace of understanding flashing in his eyes, and then he changed the subject:

"By the way, according to the literature extraction records, you should have read the 'Abyss Creature Illustrated Handbook,' right?"

This Great Wizard seemed to know his research content like the back of his hand.

"Yes, Professor. I obtained an engraved copy when I was at the Black Fog School, which is very helpful for abyss research."

"Engraved copy? That's far from it."

Youteer waved his hand dismissively:

"I have an original copy written by Aldrich himself. If you are really interested in abyss research, perhaps you will have the opportunity to read this true treasure."

The difference between a manuscript version and a circulating version was often not just the amount of content, but the fact that the most core and dangerous knowledge often only existed in the original manuscript.

"I am very much looking forward to that day, Professor." Luo En could only say so; this was perhaps the reaction the other party was happy to see.

Youteer smiled:

"Alright, I won't disturb your continued tour. The world of young people is always full of possibilities. I look forward to seeing your growth on the wizarding path, Ralph."

The portrait returned to a static state, and the mana fluctuations in the room gradually returned to normal, as if everything just now was just an illusion.

Lei Nuozi still looked surprised, seemingly still digesting everything that had just happened:

"The Professor rarely talks to newcomers, let alone promises to teach knowledge. It seems he thinks very highly of you."

Luo En smiled modestly:

"I think this is more out of respect for my mentors; after all, they were all students of the Professor."

Lei Nuozi shook his head:

"No, a Great Wizard wouldn't do things reluctantly for the sake of face. If he shows interest in you, he must have seen some quality in you."

He checked the time:

"The tour is coming to an end. Consider my suggestion; joining the observatory will be of great help to your research. But now, I think you might need to go back and prepare for the trial class?"

Luo En nodded; indeed, tomorrow was his first trial class at the Crystal Spire.

This was an important opportunity for him to showcase himself in this new environment, and he couldn't afford to be careless.

"Thank you for your guidance, Wizard Lei Nuozi."

Luo En stood up to say goodbye: "I will seriously consider joining the observatory."

Returning to his residence, Luo En queried the contribution value system of the Crystal Spire through the mana terminal.

The terminal screen displayed a complex list, detailing various items and knowledge that could be exchanged, as well as the corresponding contribution value requirements:

【Mana Amplification Crystal Blueprint】 — 1000 contribution value

An auxiliary prop that can temporarily increase a caster's mana output.

【Mind Expansion Potion Formula】 — 2000 contribution value

A high-grade potion formula that can temporarily expand thinking capacity.

After use, it can process more information simultaneously, suitable for complex spell research and multi-threaded thinking.

A legacy formula from ancient alchemists.

【Space Device Construction Technology (Improved Version)】 — 5000 contribution value

Advanced technology for creating personal exclusive space storage devices.

Larger capacity and higher stability than general space bags on the market, and can be customized and expanded according to personal needs.

【Potential Awakening Stone】 — 10000 contribution value

An extremely rare extraordinary item.

Can help the user awaken hidden talents.

Success rate is about 30%, and each person can only use it once in their lifetime.

The awakened talent level may not exceed the intermediate second tier.

【Mind Purification Ritual】 — 12000 contribution value

An ancient ritual that can temporarily clear spiritual pollution.

The duration of the effect is proportional to the practitioner's mental power.

A research result from ancient wizards fighting abyssal pollution.

【Bloodline Atavism Ritual】 — 20000 contribution value

A special ritual to awaken sleeping talents deep in the bloodline.

The success rate varies according to individual bloodline purity, and can only be attempted once in a lifetime.

Can awaken any talent within three generations of direct ancestors.

【Soul Anchoring Technology Part I】 — 60000 contribution value

Can anchor part of the soul in a safe place before exploring dangerous areas to prevent the soul from being completely lost.

Requires Dark Sun grade mental power to attempt.

Luo En studied these options he was most interested in carefully, marveling at the value contained within.

Especially those technologies related to soul and bloodline, almost every one of them could become the key to breaking through bottlenecks.

But accumulating contribution value was not an easy task.

Those truly core pieces of knowledge and technology all required thousands or tens of thousands of contribution points.

Below the list, Luo En saw an explanation about contribution value calculation and title evaluation:

【Contribution Value and Title Evaluation】

Contribution value is an important standard for measuring a wizard's contribution to the Crystal Spire.

Title evaluation is based on the accumulated total contribution value, with specific standards as follows:

Teaching Assistant: No requirement for accumulated contribution value

Lecturer: Accumulated contribution value 5000

Associate Professor: Accumulated contribution value 30000, and requires recommendation from more than ten Vice Tower Masters

Full Professor: Accumulated contribution value 100000, and requires approval by half of the Main Tower Masters

【Main Ways to Obtain Contribution Value】

1. Teaching: According to course difficulty and student evaluation, 100-500 contribution points can be obtained per academic year

2. Research: According to the value and innovation of research results, 100-3000 contribution points can be obtained

3. Cultivating Outstanding Students: For every student cultivated who enters the Crystal Spire talent pool, 500-3000 contribution points can be obtained

4. Special Contribution: Such as solving major problems for the school, bringing back rare materials, etc., contribution value is evaluated by the Review Committee, with no upper limit

Luo En closed the terminal thoughtfully.

This system was designed quite ingeniously, not only encouraging wizards to actively contribute to the school but also guiding them to invest their energy into truly valuable research and teaching through the differentiated allocation of contribution values.

For him, the trial class starting tomorrow was even more important.

After all, the Abyss Observatory also required a title of Lecturer or above to apply for joining.

"The most efficient sources of contribution value are cultivating outstanding students and creating academic achievements." Luo En calculated in his heart:

"If the trial class this week can attract a few truly talented students, perhaps it can provide me with a shortcut."

………………

The sky was slightly bright, and the peaks of the Crystal Spire had been dyed golden by the rising sun.

The teaching building of the Central Academy—a magnificent building made of blue-white crystal, shaped like an open giant book.

Each floor represented different academic fields, from basic element theory to advanced plane research, everything was available.

Today, this building, which was quiet all year round, was exceptionally lively.

The corridor leading to the "Comprehensive Application" classroom on the third floor was crowded with apprentices, who were focused and whispering about the upcoming course.

"Look at that number of people!"

Jack looked at the crowded crowd at the classroom door in shock, unable to help but swallow his saliva:

"The last time I saw this scene was at the guest lecture by the 'Astrology Prediction' master last year!"

Li Si was also a bit surprised, but quickly reacted:

"Sure enough, a Treasure Grade genius, and a Primal Wizard, this combination is indeed extremely attractive."

However, what really caused the commotion was not these ordinary apprentices, but a group of special figures who arrived a few minutes ago.

Nanny golems wearing the exclusive attire of the Crown Clan escorted a young girl wearing a pale purple long dress as they walked slowly.

Wherever they passed, the apprentices stepped aside, their eyes full of curiosity and awe.

"Princess Yi Fu..." Li Si exclaimed in a low voice, quickly lowering her head to salute:

"She really came!"

Princess Yi Fu walked quietly toward the classroom, accompanied by the maid Franka.

Her temperament was elegant and introverted, and she exuded a sense of maturity that did not match her age.

The most eye-catching thing was the exquisite crystal bracelet on her wrist, which was emitting a faint blue light.

With the arrival of Princess Yi Fu's group, the atmosphere in the classroom became even more tense.

Ordinary apprentices dared not get too close, but couldn't help but look at this princess who was rarely seen in her true form with curious eyes.

"I heard her natural mana pool is countless times that of ordinary people, and she can directly release first-ring spells without meditation."

"She could recite the entire content of 'Element Confluence Theory' when she was five, and could point out seven errors in the book."

"It's a pity because of that 'Mana Devour' symptom, otherwise she might have become a formal wizard long ago."

"Mother and daughter are both geniuses; it is said that although she is only fourteen, her estimated talent ranking is close to the top one hundred, even higher than the Tower Master at that time."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 264 =====