Chapter 278

Yi Fu gently held Youteer's hand: "Grandpa, you will always be our lighthouse."

Luo En watched this warm scene, silently evaluating everything he saw.

The sincere emotion Youteer showed toward his students was something he rarely saw in the Black Fog School.

There, the teacher-student relationship was more of a transaction than true inheritance and concern.

Perhaps, a more realistic reason is...

The ordinary apprentices of the Black Fog School are not qualified to be regarded as inheritance by those high-and-mighty formal wizards?

Daier, on the side, asked curiously:

"Grandpa Youteer, have you really lived for a very, very long time? Are you older than the Great Elder of the sea sirens?"

Youteer shook his head and laughed when he heard this naive question:

"The Great Elder of the sea sirens is probably a Morning Star-level wizard existence, and even with racial advantages, they can only live for seven or eight hundred years.

And I have already forgotten my exact age; I only know that I have witnessed three major changes in the Crystal Spire and have also bid farewell to too many friends and students."

Luo En could perceive the deep loneliness behind Youteer's words.

For an existence like him who has lived for at least thousands of years, the passage of time brings not only the accumulation of knowledge, but also endless partings.

Becoming a long-lived species might be a blessing longed for by mortals.

But for those who have truly experienced it, it might be an unspeakable curse.

Dinner continued in a pleasant atmosphere, and Yi Fu's cooking skills were indeed amazing.

Every dish was full of color, aroma, and taste, and the shape and plating were also works of art.

Luo En tasted a few more bites and had to admit that these dishes were not only beautiful, but also quite excellent in taste.

"Speaking of which, since coming to the Crystal Spire, your performance has indeed lived up to the 'Treasure-level' evaluation."

Youteer turned the topic to Luo En:

"That paper on the mobile simulated combat device has already caused quite a stir in academic circles."

Luo En smiled slightly, maintaining just the right amount of humility:

"Just lucky, the direction of the research happened to coincide with the school's needs.

Moreover, my research is built on the foundation of predecessors; I just integrated and improved some existing theories."

"Luck?" Youteer let out a chuckle:

"Young man, I have already used my authority to read your paper.

That innovative design of the energy circulation system and the unique insights into soul fragment stabilization technology cannot be explained by luck."

"You are overpraising me." Luo En responded respectfully, his heart moving slightly.

He didn't expect his paper to have already spread among the high echelons.

This is both an honor and means that every move he makes at the Crystal Spire is under attention.

"Your courses are also very popular." Seeing this, the black-haired princess smiled and helped out on the side:

"Every time I go to class, it's packed, and even some teaching assistants and lecturers come to audit."

"This is mainly because there are genius students like Her Highness Yi Fu."

Luo En cleverly turned the praise toward the other party:

"Coupled with some innovative teaching methods, it naturally attracts some curious eyes.

I believe what really attracts them is wanting to see why the princess of the Crown Clan would choose a teaching assistant from a marginal school as her mentor."

A thought-provoking look appeared in Youteer's eyes:

"No need to be too humble, Luo En.

In a place like the Crystal Spire, being able to receive so much attention and praise is in itself a proof of strength.

You can simplify complex theories to a surprising degree without losing their depth and precision.

This in itself is a rare teaching talent."

The old man's gaze turned to Yi Fu:

"But what makes me most gratified is that little Yi Fu seems to be in much better condition. The 'Magic Eater' symptoms during this period have indeed eased, haven't they?"

Yi Fu nodded happily, the joy from the bottom of her heart unable to be concealed:

"Yes, Grandpa. Mentor Luo En's grace helped me control the deterioration of the symptoms, and even allowed me to leave the magic-isolated environment for a short time, which is a feeling I have never had in fourteen years."

Youteer's expression became soft:

"For an old man, nothing is more gratifying than seeing a junior recover.

Little Yi Fu's 'Magic Eater' symptoms have troubled us for many years, and the treatments of countless domain experts were of no avail; we were almost in despair. But now... I must thank you for being willing to participate in this attempt."

Luo En nodded slightly:

"This is the result of our mutually beneficial cooperation.

The knowledge Her Highness Yi Fu imparted to me is also invaluable.

Especially those techniques on spiritual power refinement control, as well as astrology and historical knowledge, have been very helpful to me."

A hint of deep meaning flashed in Youteer's eyes:

"Since the topic has reached here, how is your progress in the two subjects of historical research and astrology recently?"

Luo En could only answer honestly:

"The progress is relatively slow. Although I have Her Highness's guidance, it will probably take a long time to truly master the core of these two subjects."

"No need to rush."

Youteer comforted gently:

"These two subjects inherently contain deep-seated dangers and require gradual progress.

Just like observing the abyss, if you stare for too long, the abyss will also look back at you.

Impatience will only bring disaster, not breakthroughs."

Speaking of which, the dessert time after the banquet just happened to end.

The half-dragon maid stood up tactfully and exchanged a look with the tree spirit beside her:

"If the three of you need to discuss some academic issues, we can go to the backyard to enjoy the garden scenery on the eve of the festival.

The spirit light flowers there have already begun to bloom, which is quite spectacular."

Yi Fu smiled and nodded:

"Thank you, Franca. We do have some topics we want to explore. There are special magic drinks on the viewing platform in the backyard, please help yourself."

Franca bowed slightly and took Ailan and Daier out of the reception hall, leaving only Luo En, Yi Fu, and Youteer.

The atmosphere in the air changed subtly, and Youteer's phantom became more solid.

The surrounding silver light began to flow in a complex pattern, forming an invisible veil, isolating any possible prying and interference.

"Since taboos and secrets have been mentioned." A mysterious light flashed in Youteer's eyes:

"Tonight, I want to share a story with you. A story about ambition, betrayal, and the truth about that existence known as the 'King of Blood'.

These secret anecdotes are hard to find even in the secret archives of the Crystal Spire, but they have profoundly influenced the world pattern we have today."

Yi Fu's eyes lit up, like a child waiting for a story, although her knowledge level had long exceeded her peers:

"Is it about those legends of the Third Era, Grandpa?"

Youteer smiled slightly:

"Smart child. Yes, about the truth of that 'King of Blood' who once made the entire Wizard World tremble."

Luo En's body leaned forward slightly involuntarily, light of thirst for knowledge shining in his eyes.

"King of Blood" was one of the only two Wizard Kings in the Third Era, on par with the "King of Absurdity".

Their deeds left a heavy mark in wizard history, but the detailed content was little known.

"Do you know how the 'King of Blood' rose to power?"

Youteer asked softly, his silver eyes presenting a nearly transparent texture under the candlelight:

"Official records say He climbed to the position of Wizard King step by step through His own efforts and talent.

But in reality, the entire process relied entirely on Him inheriting the Void Remains residual structure of His ancestor—the top Great Wizard 'Lady of Blood' Serna."

"Lady of Blood" Serna...

He searched his memory and found that she was one of the pioneers of the True Knowledge Path revealed by Lady Alan at the time.

An ancient existence from the beginning of the Third Era; he didn't expect she could still be related to a Wizard King.

Surprise flashed in Luo En's eyes, and his spiritual power concentrated subconsciously:

"Void Remains can also be inherited? I thought this was a unique existence form for every Great Wizard, completely different from the concept of inheritance in the ordinary sense."

"Theoretically, that is indeed the case."

Youteer nodded slowly, his silver eyebrows raised slightly:

"Void Remains, as an existence form of Great Wizards transcending the flesh, is usually closely connected to the individual soul structure and cannot be separated at all.

But under specific conditions, especially for those wizard clans with extremely strong bloodline characteristics, certain fragments of Void Remains can indeed be partially inherited or activated by blood-related descendants."

Yi Fu asked curiously: "Is this situation rare?"

Youteer shook his head gently, and the silver light swayed with it:

"Extremely rare. In recorded history, there are no more than five successful cases, and most of them are accompanied by huge risks and costs.

'King of Blood', His name at the time was just Aiden Bradley.

It was precisely through some kind of taboo ritual that He successfully absorbed Serna's remaining Void Remains, thereby strengthening the special talent within His body."

"Then, what are the details of this ritual?" Luo En asked cautiously, light of thirst for knowledge shining in his eyes.

Youteer's expression became serious:

"This is not the focus I want to share tonight, Luo En.

This kind of ritual has been explicitly banned by all major wizard organizations in the Ring Abyss Continent Group.

Not only because of its inherent danger, but also because it involves acts of desecration against the Void Remains of predecessors.

As far as I know, Aiden paid a huge price for this; part of His soul was permanently shattered, leaving irreparable cracks."

Luo En nodded in understanding. Although his heart was still full of curiosity, he knew when to stop.

Yi Fu nodded thoughtfully:

"This sounds like the mechanism of a bloodline lock. Mother once briefly mentioned this concept, but didn't explain it in detail."

"That's right, little Yi Fu." Youteer looked at her approvingly:

"Bloodline lock is an extremely ancient phenomenon in the Wizard World, especially common in those families with powerful bloodline inheritance.

Simply put, when an extremely powerful wizard appears in a family, especially an existence reaching the Great Wizard or even Wizard King level, descendants will often be subject to an invisible limitation, making it difficult to surpass the achievements of their ancestors."

His gaze locked onto the young girl, seemingly intentionally observing her reaction:

"This limitation is not intentional, but a manifestation of the rules.

Just like a river is hard to exceed the height of its source, bloodline inheritance also seems to have some kind of upper limit.

And this upper limit is often set by the most powerful individual in the family, although this process is unconscious on their part."

Luo En, on the side, had his thoughts spinning rapidly; this information was of great value to him.

The concept of bloodline lock not only explained why clans could not completely dominate various schools, but also indirectly revealed certain operating laws between bloodline inheritances.

This was of direct help to some of his research.

"Currently, there is only one known way to unlock the bloodline lock."

Youteer continued to explain:

"That is to wait for their most powerful bloodline ancestor to pass away, and then descendants can break through this invisible shackle.

This is also why in some ancient wizard families, the phenomenon of 'intergenerational leap' appears; only after the older generation passes away can the new generation of geniuses truly rise."

The two people listening fell into deep thought simultaneously; Youteer's words triggered their respective reflections.

Luo En associated it with the relationship between Cassandra, Yi Fu, and the "King of Absurdity", while Yi Fu was thinking about her own situation.

"Let's get back to it, we've strayed a bit from tonight's theme."

Youteer shook his head gently, pulling the topic back on track:

"'King of Blood' was on par with the 'King of Absurdity' in the Third Era, but the two have always had a deep-seated hostile relationship.

This stems from their completely different paths of rise and sources of power."

Yi Fu gently bit her lower lip, light of thirst for knowledge shining in her amethyst eyes:

"Have they had direct conflicts?"

Youteer shook his head:

"Basically not after becoming Wizard Kings. Confrontations between the Great Ones are rarely presented in the form of direct conflicts.

They are more inclined to compete in indirect influence and the struggle for achievements between civilizations.

But before becoming Wizard Kings, Aiden was always afraid that His mortal enemy, who was best at 'Cursing' and became a Great Wizard one step ahead of Him, would target Him by reaching His bloodline descendants to weaken or even destroy Him."

Youteer's voice lowered, and undisguised disgust flashed in his eyes:

"So, He made a heinous decision... to slaughter all members of His own clan.

Regardless of distance, as long as they had the same blood flowing in their bodies, they were all sought out and cruelly killed by Him one by one."

Yi Fu couldn't help but gasp, her slender fingers tightly gripping the corner of the table:

"He... killed His own relatives? Including children and the elderly?"

"All of them." Youteer nodded heavily:

"From newborn infants to elderly elders, from close brothers and sisters to distant relatives He had never met.

He sent out countless hunting teams to launch a ten-year bloody pursuit across the entire Ring Abyss Continent Group.

The reason was that if there was no bloodline continuation, then the bloodline curse would lose its target."

Luo En's expression remained calm, but he was shocked by this extreme behavior in his heart.

Even for the sake of power, this kind of crazy act that completely disregarded the bottom line showed the degree of psychological distortion of the "King of Blood".

"Not only that." Youteer shook his head, his white eyebrows tightly knitted:

"After becoming a Wizard King, He even tried to erase all historical records about Serna, faking that His rise relied entirely on His own efforts.

Sending people to sneak into the archives of various schools to steal or tamper with relevant documents;

Bribing or threatening those in the know, forcing them to remain silent;

Even trying to interfere with the records of the 'Court of Truth', wanting to completely cover up His reliance on the power of His ancestors and shape a flawless image."

"But this ultimately failed?" Luo En keenly grasped the key.

"Of course." There was sarcasm in Youteer's voice:

"As a top Great Wizard recorded by the 'Court of Truth', and also a Primal Wizard who successfully practiced the True Knowledge Path, Serna's deeds were too important and had been deeply imprinted in the collective memory of the Wizard World.

The 'Court of Truth's' protection of history was far firmer and more powerful than Aiden imagined.

This plan ultimately failed completely, not only failing to erase the truth, but instead causing the reputation of the 'King of Blood' to deteriorate rapidly, becoming notorious."

Luo En noticed that as Youteer told this history, the progress bar of his "Historical Research" skill grew quietly.

These taboo knowledge clearly far exceeded the value of ordinary classics, directly touching the deep truth of history.

"Even so, the 'King of Blood' ultimately achieved Wizard King and conquered the 'Land of Chaotic Blood'."

Youteer's voice turned low:

"But ironically, that world was also built on the achievements of Great Wizard Serna.

Many years ago, it was Serna who first discovered and explored this alien plane full of blood and chaos, leaving behind detailed research materials.

Aiden was just standing on the shoulders of his predecessors, completing the final conquest."

"This made Him appear even more ridiculous in the eyes of other Wizard Kings." Youteer sighed:

"Therefore, He also became the most despised and isolated existence among Wizard Kings. No matter where He went, those deep-seated doubts and ridicule followed like a shadow."

Yi Fu asked curiously: "So, other Wizard Kings don't take Him seriously?"

Youteer smiled slightly, craftiness flashing in his eyes:

"In fact, He is the weakest among all Wizard Kings.

This is not only because His rise was full of various speculations, and inheriting Void Remains also caused His soul to be unstable.

And after becoming a Wizard King, He spent a lot of energy eliminating potential threats, rather than continuing to deepen His understanding and mastery of the essence of power."

(End of chapter)