Chapter 271

"Please come in." Luo En did not lift his head, but continued to organize the dense manuscripts on the table beside him.

These were all the various design schemes and calculation derivations he had studied for the simulated combat device during this period.

He planned to summarize his research results on this mobile device after a while and exchange them for contribution points.

The door opened, and Franca's somewhat rigid female voice came:

"Wizard Ralph, Her Highness invites you to the Emerald Building today. According to the agreement, today is the day for exchange."

Today was indeed the time for his regular exchange with Princess Yi Fu.

The high-intensity research and analysis work had made his concept of time increasingly blurred.

"Thanks for the reminder, Franca."

He raised his head and carefully put a stack of important notes into his space bag:

"I will be ready immediately."

The half-dragon maid nodded slightly, her silver-gray eyes still as vigilant as usual.

But if one observed carefully, there seemed to be a bit more relaxation in them, which was rare on weekdays.

Luo En keenly captured this subtle change but did not ask more.

Ten minutes later, they left the teacher's residential area and walked onto the street outside.

Luo En immediately noticed that today's atmosphere was very different from usual.

Colorful ribbons and crystal ornaments were hung on both sides of the street, and carefully decorated flower baskets and ornaments were placed in front of the buildings by the roadside.

A certain sweet scent that made people feel happy permeated the air.

The most eye-catching were the various temporary stalls by the roadside, where people were surging and laughing, completely a festive scene.

"Is there any special day these few days?"

Luo En asked, his gaze sweeping over the strangely shaped pastries on a stall.

They would actually change color with the surrounding magic power fluctuations, just like living things.

The corners of Franca's mouth rarely turned up slightly:

"In a few days, it will be the Lans Memorial Day, which is one of the most important festivals in the Central Land in a year, and everyone has already started preparing for the celebration in advance."

Seeing Luo En cast an inquiring look, she took the initiative to explain:

"Lans is the most outstanding one among the ancient alchemists, listed in the Twelve Sages Record, and is a key figure in the 'Creator' quarter."

"Lans? That founder of the Bloodline Modulation Department who invented the Autophagic Slime?"

Luo En raised his eyebrows slightly; of course, he knew this ancient existence of the Third Era.

"As a professional modulator, you should also often use Autophagic Slime for experiments; it seems I don't need to explain too much."

Franca nodded affirmatively.

The two continued to move forward, and when passing through a small square, Luo En noticed an exquisite stone statue standing in the center.

That was a middle-aged man dressed in ancient-style robes.

He held a test tube in his hand, his face calm and wise, and his eyes revealed curiosity about the unknown and passion for exploration.

The words "Lans Hewitt—Life Explorer" were engraved on the base of the statue.

Luo En stopped and looked at the statue carefully.

Although the stone material was simple, the carving technique was extremely exquisite.

This master seemed to have come alive, staring at the ever-changing mysteries of life in the test tube in front of him without stopping for a moment.

"In the Central Land, there has always been a tradition of commemorating wizard sages."

Franca followed Luo En's line of sight and explained:

"The twelve months of each year correspond to twelve sages who have made significant contributions to wizard civilization. Everyone expresses respect in this way and also inherits their wisdom and spirit."

Luo En nodded, agreeing with this tradition:

"It is indeed a very good way of commemoration; I come from a peripheral school, but I lack understanding of this tradition."

"Not only that."

Franca continued, her voice rarely carrying enthusiasm:

"In addition to the twelve months corresponding to the twelve sages, we divide the year into four quarters, each of which is led by a 'Great One,' forming a complete year."

"The quarters of the 'Great Ones'?" Luo En keenly captured this keyword and was somewhat curious.

Franca nodded and took Luo En to a fountain on the other side of the square.

In the center of the fountain were statues of four mysterious figures standing back to back, each of which was magnificent and exuded an indescribable sense of majesty.

"Among all the Great Ones, only four have independent titles—'Progenitor,' 'Creator,' 'Apocalypse,' and 'End of Death'."

Franca's voice was full of reverence:

"They represent the cycle of initiation, construction, enlightenment, and termination, respectively, and are the four cornerstones of the entire wizard civilization."

She pointed to one of the statues.

That was a tall figure with a blurred face, holding countless stars in both hands, as if gestating a new universe.

"'Progenitor,' the beginning of wizards, the source of all laws. Legend has it that only since him has there been the wizard path; he is both the first wizard and the supreme one of the wizard path.

The first quarter—we call it the 'Origin Quarter,' corresponding to birth and initiation."

Then she pointed to the second statue—a figure with hands spread out, with countless buildings and artifacts rising from the palms.

"'Creator,' the shaper of all things, the guardian of structure and order. He can transform primitive chaotic energy into an orderly form of existence.

The second quarter—'Creation Quarter,' we are currently in this period, corresponding to construction and innovation."

The third statue was a mysterious figure holding a scroll, surrounded by countless knowledge runes.

"'Apocalypse,' the transmitter of the light of wisdom, the revealer of knowledge. He can see through the essence of all things and reveal the deepest mysteries.

The third quarter—'Enlightenment Quarter,' corresponding to realization and inheritance."

The last statue was a blurred figure holding a scythe and wearing a black robe, whose face could not be seen clearly, but gave people a sense of boundless solemnity.

"'End of Death,' the end of the cycle, and also the beginning of a new life. He is in charge of the end of everything, while gestating new possibilities.

The fourth quarter—'Termination Quarter,' corresponding to return to silence and transformation."

Of course, these statues only shaped the fleeting glimpses of the sages and Great Ones during their human period.

The sculptors naturally could not restore their void forms or even higher-level transcendent postures.

Franca gently stroked the crystal ornaments on the edge of the fountain, a fiery color flashing in her eyes:

"These four 'Great Ones' have already transcended the boundaries of Wizard Kings, and their existence has almost become a symbol, a concept. As for other Wizard Kings, no matter how powerful they are, they can only be named after their specialties or achievements, such as 'King of Absurdity,' 'King of Illusions,' 'King of Blood,' etc."

Luo En listened quietly, his thoughts surging in his heart.

This practice of linking the four most powerful Great Ones with time cycles not only reflected awe for power but also implied a certain understanding of cosmic laws by wizard civilization.

Origin, construction, enlightenment, termination, an eternal cycle, like the breathing of the universe itself.

"Speaking of which, why does the Central Land distinguish time in this way, instead of the conventional spring, summer, autumn, and winter or dry and wet seasons of the outside world?"

Luo En asked, a look of contemplation appearing in his eyes.

Franca pointed to the distance, where the magic light ribbons flowed in the air like rivers:

"You should have already noticed that because magic power is unusually active in the Central Land, there are almost no seasonal changes in the traditional sense.

Temperature, humidity, and light are all maintained in a relatively constant state, which makes it difficult for us to perceive the passage of time through natural changes."

Her voice carried a hint of unconcealable pride:

"So the predecessors created this time system centered on sages and 'Great Ones,' not only to commemorate those great existences but also to provide people with a way to perceive the flow of time."

Luo En nodded slightly, a flash of appreciation in his eyes:

"Perfectly combining respect with practicality is indeed a clever solution."

The two continued to move forward, passing through several gorgeously decorated streets.

Luo En kept seeing various displays and celebration activities related to Lans.

There were temporary experimental display stands, allowing ordinary people to observe some basic alchemy reactions at close range;

There were performers dressed as Lans, telling various anecdotes about this ancient sage;

More were various foods and ornaments themed around Autophagic Slime.

Especially eye-catching were those exquisitely shaped "Autophagic Slime Cakes."

This kind of pastry not only looked like an Autophagic Slime, but what was even more amazing was that they could change color with changes in temperature and the surrounding environment.

From light green to deep purple, ever-changing.

"Those pastries are really interesting." Luo En pointed to the colorful snacks on a stall:

"They remind me of those real Autophagic Slimes in my experiments."

"This is also a way to commemorate Lans."

Franca explained:

"After all, one of the greatest inventions of Alchemist Lans is the Autophagic Slime. Its invention greatly promoted the development of bloodline studies, and it can even be said that without the Autophagic Slime, modern bloodline studies might have lagged behind by at least one era."

Luo En pondered for a moment and then asked: "How long will the official festival celebration last?"

"Three days." Franca answered:

"The most important of which is the triennial 'Rainbow Ring' competition, where bloodline modulators from all over will showcase their talents in bloodline modulation. According to tradition, mentors of the Crystal Spire and some outstanding high-level apprentices are eligible to participate."

"Sounds very interesting."

Luo En was quite interested: "What is the competition format?"

"Contestants will receive the same basic materials and a clear modulation goal, and then complete the bloodline modulation within the specified time. The judging standard is to determine the degree of success through the color change of the Autophagic Slime."

Franca explained, and then added meaningfully:

"Her Highness believes you should participate; she said this is a good opportunity to showcase your talents."

Luo En smiled slightly and did not respond immediately.

While speaking, the two had already arrived at the Emerald Building.

Unlike usual, the building also added some decorations for the festival today.

Exquisite crystal wind chimes hung at the entrance, tinkling in the breeze;

Several alchemy flowers that were usually rare were planted in the courtyard, blooming with strange lights of various colors at this time;

Even the guard golems wore festive wreaths, adding a touch of liveliness to this building that usually appeared serious.

Princess Yi Fu was already waiting in the reception hall, wearing a pale blue long dress today.

Her black hair hung down on her shoulders like a waterfall, and those amethyst-like eyes seemed even brighter than usual.

"Mentor Ralph!"

Seeing Luo En come in, Princess Yi Fu stood up immediately, her face filled with unconcealable joy:

"You look in good spirits today."

Luo En nodded slightly, keenly capturing Princess Yi Fu's state today.

She indeed looked much better than usual, with a rosy complexion, light movements, and even her voice was more powerful than usual.

"Her Highness seems to be in a good mood; is it because the festival is coming?"

Luo En asked, his voice gentle.

"Yes, but that's not all; as for the specifics, please let me keep you in suspense for now."

Princess Yi Fu's gaze turned to the exquisite instrument the other party took out.

It was exactly the "Silent Furnace" that Luo En had borrowed from her before.

"The effect of the 'Silent Furnace' is unexpectedly good."

Luo En said with a smile: "It is worthy of being one of the treasures of the Crown Clan; now it is returned to its owner."

"I am also very happy that it could be of help to you."

Princess Yi Fu smiled and signaled Luo En to sit down, then turned to Franca:

"Please prepare some tea and snacks for us, thank you."

Franca bowed slightly and quietly exited the room.

When the footsteps faded away and it was confirmed that there was no one else, Princess Yi Fu's expression became more serious.

"Today, I want to impart some more core knowledge to you."

She said softly, wisdom light flickering in her amethyst eyes:

"About the true mysteries of historians and astrologers."

Luo En straightened up slightly, a look of expectation flashing in his eyes: "I am all ears."

"Before officially starting, I must remind you of one thing."

Princess Yi Fu's voice lowered, carrying a rare seriousness:

"This knowledge carries 'weight,' which will exert a certain pressure on the spirit and may even trigger pollution. This is also one of the reasons why history and astrology have not become mainstream wizard skills."

Luo En remembered the uncomfortable spiritual pressure he felt when reading the "Abyss Creature Illustrated Guide," as well as the various warnings that were repeatedly emphasized.

"I understand; both stargazing and peeking into history are prone to attracting attention that shouldn't be attracted."

In fact, such things had been emerging one after another since he started practicing the "Whispers of the Star Eater," so he naturally had psychological preparations early on.

"Exactly so."

Princess Yi Fu nodded approvingly:

"The dissemination of these skills requires strict control; otherwise, it is very easy to lead to large-scale distortion and pollution events.

Several of the most tragic collective distortion events in wizard history are almost all related to the improper dissemination of such knowledge."

She took out an ancient wooden box from under the table and opened it gently.

The box was lined with a layer of soft black velvet, and a thin booklet lay in the center.

The cover was yellowed and had no title, but there seemed to be some subtle patterns flowing on it.

"This is what I got from Grandpa, um... Professor Youteer."

Princess Yi Fu explained softly, carefully taking out the booklet:

"It records some of the most basic but also the most core stargazing techniques, especially how to protect yourself from being noticed by those ancient existences while peeking into the mysteries of the starry sky."

She opened the booklet and showed Luo En the strange symbols and charts on the inner pages:

"Stargazing is not just seeing the changes in star signs, but a way to communicate with high-dimensional consciousness. Behind every star, there may be some indescribable existence hidden.

Most will ignore us, but there are also some... that will become interested in observers who gaze at the starry sky."

Luo En took the booklet, and as he read, he felt a subtle pressure beginning to accumulate in his mind.

Those words were not like ordinary ink, but like some living things crawling on the paper, each symbol seeming to carry weight, leaving a brand on the reader's consciousness.

The booklet detailed various star observation techniques, as well as how to interpret those mysterious celestial movement laws.

Unlike ordinary celestial research, the content here focused more on those "gaps" and "interfaces" that were difficult to perceive with the naked eye.

Between the stars, sometimes it was not truly empty, but hidden with many ancient existences.

A paragraph of text attracted Luo En's attention.

"When you gaze at the starry sky, be sure to remember—never stare directly at those 'dark areas'..."

(End of chapter)