Chapter 280

Luo En nodded politely:

"Everyone can be swayed by impulse in competition, Lecturer Muller. Being able to face one's own mistakes honestly is in itself worthy of respect."

Muller took out more than a dozen magic stones from his space bag and handed them to the contestants who might have been affected by him:

"This is a small token of my heart, hoping to make up for the inconvenience and risks I brought to everyone."

This sincere apology and substantial compensation made the expressions of the surrounding contestants gradually soften.

Muller's career might be hit by today's incident, but at least he didn't completely lose his credibility among his peers.

In the subsequent exchanges, Luo En exchanged contact badges with every modulator present, including Muller.

Although today's competition had some twists and turns, it unexpectedly became an excellent opportunity for networking.

A successful wizard, in addition to the refinement of personal power, also needs an extensive interpersonal network.

Princess Yi Fu had already come to Luo En's side, undisguised pride shining in her amethyst eyes:

"Congratulations, Mentor! Your performance was truly unparalleled! It seems that everyone present today has remembered your name."

"Thank you." Luo En smiled slightly, his gaze lingering on the "Lans Experimental Notes" in his hand:

"This notebook will be of great help to my research, perhaps more valuable in the long run than those fame and applause."

Princess Yi Fu nodded in understanding:

"I think Grandpa would also be proud of you.

He always said that true genius does not lie in a gorgeous appearance or moving words, but in the understanding of knowledge and the refinement of skills.

Your performance today perfectly interpreted this point."

The surrounding audience gradually dispersed, but the discussion about Luo En continued to ferment in the crowd.

"Did you see Teaching Assistant Ralph's performance? Especially that precise energy control, it's simply incredible!"

A young apprentice wearing crystal glasses said excitedly to his companion, his eyes full of worship.

"Not only that, did you notice his calmness when resolving Muller's crisis?"

The companion responded: "If it were an ordinary Morning Star wizard, facing that kind of explosive critical energy mixture, I'm afraid they wouldn't even have time to think."

Not far away, a group of tourists from afar were also discussing today's competition.

"This Teaching Assistant Ralph is really a surprise. I heard he comes from a marginal school?"

A middle-aged man dressed in exotic clothing asked.

"It is said so, he is a wizard from the Black Fog Forest side." The companion replied:

"Being able to reach this level in such a short time is indeed a rare genius.

I heard he has already obtained a 'Treasure-level' evaluation, which is a potential assessment close to Tower Master Cassandra."

"Judging from today's performance, this evaluation is clearly well-deserved."

A fat man dressed in merchant clothing interjected:

"It seems the Central Land has added another newcomer worth paying attention to."

These evaluations and praises spread like ripples in the crowd.

Gradually forming a preliminary impression of "Luo En Ralph":

A young wizard from a marginal school but with extraordinary talent, exquisite skills, and calm and composed, unruffled in the face of danger.

And in the academic circle of the Central Land, Luo En's name also began to gain wider recognition.

Previously, his reputation was mainly limited to the high-level circle of the School Alliance; now, this name officially stepped into a broader circle.

As the old wizard proverb says: Theory is easy to obtain, practice is king.

All academic achievements and theoretical innovations ultimately need to be verified in practical application.

And today, Luo En proved his strength and insights with practical actions through a public competition.

Princess Yi Fu smiled slightly and said to Luo En in a low voice:

"Mentor, it seems you have successfully attracted a lot of attention. This will be a great help for your subsequent research and development."

Luo En nodded slightly:

"Fame is a double-edged sword; it can open the door to opportunity, but it will also attract unnecessary attention. The key lies in how to harness it, rather than being harnessed by it."

When he was about to leave, William and Elliot also came to congratulate him specifically.

"Teaching Assistant Ralph, your performance today was impressive."

William said sincerely, a rare gentle smile appearing on his usually serious face:

"Especially the calm response at the critical moment, showing maturity and professional quality beyond your age."

Elliot nodded in agreement:

"As you have shown, true strength does not need pompous decoration; solid research results will shine on their own."

Luo En nodded slightly to accept the congratulations and bid farewell to the two of them and Valen, who was waiting silently behind them.

"Speaking of which, I noticed that Ms. Franca has not appeared since the competition started."

He asked casually while checking the energy fluctuations of his notebook:

"This seems a bit abnormal, given her degree of protection for Her Highness."

Princess Yi Fu raised her head, a touch of softness appearing in her amethyst eyes:

"I gave her a few days off. During the Lans Festival, her father and brother came to Dawn Port; they haven't been reunited for several years."

Luo En raised his eyebrows, keenly sensing the abnormality of this arrangement:

"The security standards of the Wang Guan Clan have always been strict, I thought..."

Princess Yi Fu shook her head gently, a mischievous smile rarely appearing on her face:

"Mentor, I'm actually not as fragile as you think.

In fact, Grandpa has lodged a wisp of Void Remains power in me. Even an ordinary Dark Sun-level wizard would find it difficult to cause me real harm."

Her gaze moved slightly, looking at the two nanny golems floating beside her:

"Franca's duty is more of superficial vigilance and daily care. As for these two 'friends', their protective capabilities far exceed what their superficial form shows."

Luo En did not respond directly, but under the "Extraordinary Identification" activated at this moment, he could indeed perceive the energy flow in Princess Yi Fu that was different from ordinary people.

That was an ancient and powerful protective force field, like an invisible fortress, firmly guarding the young girl inside.

If one were to describe it, that energy texture was closest to the Void Remains essence he had perceived in Youteer before, but more restrained and peaceful.

"Professor Youteer's foresight is admirable."

Luo En finally commented: "Superficially it seems casual, but behind the scenes, it is always thoughtful to the extreme."

Princess Yi Fu's mouth rose slightly: "Grandpa is like this, seemingly absent-minded, but actually attentive everywhere."

She changed the subject, craftiness appearing in her amethyst eyes:

"Just like you, Mentor. Always so calm, composed, as if everything is under control."

Luo En smiled noncommittally and carefully put the "Lans Experimental Notes" into his space bag.

It is rumored that Lans once conducted thousands of experiments on the Autophagic Slime, including attempts to fuse the characteristics of abyss creatures with surface world creatures.

This is precisely one of the key areas of his current research.

Walking out of the backstage award area, Luo En noticed that the audience at the competition venue was already sparse, and most people had dispersed into celebration activities all over the city.

The festival atmosphere spread in every corner of the city.

Cheerful music and people's laughter came from afar, and the air was filled with the aroma of various delicacies and the energy fluctuations of magic fireworks.

"Mentor! Mentor!"

A familiar voice interrupted Luo En's thoughts.

He turned his head and saw the silver-haired teenager Herman rushing over with other members of the "Elite Group", his face full of excitement.

Six young people passed through the sparse crowd and quickly gathered around Luo En.

Herman couldn't hide his excitement as soon as he opened his mouth:

"Mentor, the competition just now was truly wonderful!

Especially your performance in the final stage, I saved it all with a recording crystal! That way of controlling bloodline energy..."

The red-haired girl Lucia immediately took over, light of worship shining in her eyes:

"Really, Mentor.

I have only seen descriptions of that level of precision in bloodline study textbooks, but witnessing it with my own eyes is a completely different kind of shock! Even senior bloodline modulators in professional laboratories might not reach this level."

Lis stood in the front row of the group, holding an exquisite crystal box with both hands.

Under the cute freckles, her cheeks were slightly flushed because of excitement:

"Mentor, this is a gift we prepared together, I hope you like it."

Luo En raised his eyebrows slightly and took the crystal box.

The moment he opened the lid, a subtle magic power fluctuation immediately spread.

It was a strangely shaped pastry, presenting a subtle blue-purple color.

Its surface was dotted with tiny flashing crystals, and the whole looked like both an artwork and a miniature experimental sample.

"Autophagic Slime Cake?" Luo En was slightly surprised, then understood:

"It's made quite exquisitely, but, I noticed that you seem to have added some of your own understanding to the traditional method?"

Pride appeared on Herman's thin face:

"Exactly! This is made by combining Hernock syrup and Moonlight Grass essence.

Not only does it retain the appearance characteristics of the Autophagic Slime, but it can also present seven different taste changes in the mouth, each representing different energy attributes."

"The main ingredients are all edible-grade extraordinary plant extracts."

Albert, who had always been not very talkative, suddenly added; the oldest apprentice in the group spoke quickly:

"We conducted multiple safety tests, and every ingredient underwent detailed energy analysis."

Luo En's gaze swept over the faces of the six students one by one, and each of them revealed a look of expectation and nervousness intertwined.

This pure emotion from the students was the purest source of "Grace".

Even as rational as he was, he felt a warm current flow through his heart at this moment, like the first ray of sunshine on a summer morning.

"Thank you very much."

He said briefly yet sincerely, carefully putting the crystal box into his space bag:

"This is one of the most creative gifts I have ever received. Even from an academic perspective, this multi-layered fusion material application is quite exquisite."

Princess Yi Fu stood on the side, her eyes full of envy.

She then nodded slightly to the six students:

"Being able to get the recognition of such excellent and attentive students, Mentor Luo En is indeed very lucky."

"We are the lucky ones, Your Highness!"

Lis responded immediately, awe in her voice:

"Being able to follow Mentor Luo En to learn is our greatest honor. Mentor's understanding of knowledge and teaching method have benefited us a lot."

Lis's words were not empty flattery.

Since following Luo En to learn, her potionology level had improved by at least two levels, and she finally found an advancement path suitable for her aptitude.

This kind of substantial progress was incomparable to any false flattery.

Looking at the shining eyes of this group of young students, Luo En took the opportunity to invite:

"Since everyone is here, why not go and experience the celebration activities together? I remember there are many characteristic programs in Dawn Square."

This proposal was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up a ripple of joy.

The students' eyes lit up immediately, and even Herman, who had always been steady, couldn't help but reveal expectation:

"Mentor, you are willing to be with us? It is said that this year's 'Illusion Garden' is particularly spectacular, using brand new perception-misleading technology!"

"I also heard that the 'Elemental Song and Dance Troupe' brought the latest choreographed 'Dance of Elements', which is said to be able to perfectly simulate even spatial folds!"

Lucia also couldn't help but add excitedly.

Luo En nodded slightly: "Today is a festival, relaxation and celebration are its meaning in the first place."

He turned to Princess Yi Fu, with inquiry in his eyes:

"Is Your Highness willing to accompany us? Of course, if this makes you feel uncomfortable..."

To his surprise, the young girl nodded in agreement almost without hesitation:

"I would be very happy."

Longing that could not be concealed appeared in her amethyst eyes: "This is my first time personally participating in the celebration activities of the Lans Festival."

"Then, we have the honor to be Your Highness's guides."

The group left the competition venue and merged into the crowd of the Lans Festival.

The streets of Dawn Port were decorated like a dream by countless colored magic lamps.

Light spots like a starry sky in the tree canopy flickered slightly, as if being under the sky.

All kinds of magic lanterns floated above the streets, each projecting unique light and shadow patterns.

Some were 3D displays of ancient patterns, while others were recreations of important scenes in Lans's own life.

The air was filled with all kinds of intoxicating scents—the sweet fragrance of honey flowers, the richness of crystal flame roast meat, the clarity of star dew tea.

And countless illusion performances, weaving together into a symphony of senses.

The stalls on both sides of the street were dazzling, selling all kinds of rare items and delicacies that could only be seen during the festival.

"Look over there!" Lucia suddenly pointed excitedly to an open square in the distance:

"It's the performance of the 'Elemental Song and Dance Troupe'!"

The group followed the crowd toward the square.

The square was already crowded with spectators, but Princess Yi Fu's identity clearly gave them some kind of privilege.

When the crowd noticed the Wang Guan Clan emblem on the golems around her, they automatically cleared a path to the front row.

Several dancers dressed in light clothing were already standing in the center of the performance area.

Subtle rune patterns flickered on their skin.

That was a kind of elemental imprint, which could allow the wearer to form a deeper connection with specific elements.

As the music started, the dancers began their performance.

Every movement was precise to the millimeter, and every rotation carried deep meaning.

With the dancing, the four basic elements of earth, water, fire, and wind formed dizzying and fantastic patterns around them.

Fire turned into a phoenix circling in the air, every flap of its wings scattering golden-red sparks;

Water turned into a dragon shuttling between them, its scales reflecting rainbow luster;

Earth elements condensed into the silhouette of an ancient castle, rotating slowly in the air;

And air formed countless transparent bridges, connecting all elements into a harmonious whole.

Luo En's gaze observed every detail attentively.

Through "Extraordinary Identification", he could clearly see that the dancers used themselves as a medium to guide and shape the natural flow of elemental energy.

Compared to traditional forced control, this method is several times more efficient and consumes less.

"This is a unique skill from the 'Land of Quicksand'."

Princess Yi Fu on the side noticed his confusion and explained softly:

"They have a unique philosophical view, believing that elements are not inanimate tools, but partners with primitive consciousness.

This dance is actually a form of dialogue with elements, letting elements voluntarily show their most perfect posture."

"Interesting philosophy."

Luo En nodded thoughtfully, his mind already beginning to connect this concept with his own research:

"Energy does exist with some kind of 'preference' or 'nature', and forcing it to go against its nature often results in massive consumption.

If one can understand and comply with this nature, the efficiency will indeed be much higher."

"Just like the potion configuration principle Mentor taught us."

Lis suddenly realized, light of understanding shining in her eyes:

"Not forcing the mixing of materials, but understanding their characteristics, guiding them to naturally fuse, reducing repulsion reactions and energy loss."

Herman also nodded in agreement:

"Exactly. This is also why the 'Sobering Potion' improved by Mentor can increase efficacy without increasing materials.

Because what changed is not the material itself, but the way energy flows."

Luo En nodded slightly, satisfied with the students' understanding, and he already felt the grace beginning to surge.

This ability to think by analogy is the quality he values most.

But compared to this primary understanding, he was already conceiving deeper applications in his heart.

If this philosophy of "complying with nature" is applied to abyss energy control, perhaps it can reduce the risk of spiritual pollution and provide new ideas for the "Furnace Concept".

(End of chapter)