Chapter 297: The Path

Luo En did not respond immediately.

Indeed, in the process of practicing 'The Whisper of the Star Eater,' he had felt more than once that greedy impulse from the 'Devourer.'

It was a primitive desire that almost swallowed his rationality completely:

A desire to absorb more starlight energy, a desire to control stronger power, a desire to crush and devour all obstacles.

"I will be vigilant at all times, Professor."

He finally answered, that calm and restrained tone as stable as a precision instrument:

"Rational thinking and logical analysis will always be the benchmark for my decisions.

No matter how powerful the strength, if it cannot be effectively controlled, it is not worth pursuing.

What I need is controllable power, not out-of-control destruction."

Youteer's phantom watched him quietly.

After a moment of silence, the old professor let out a light sigh, his phantom swaying slightly, like a candle flame blown by a breeze:

"You know, Luo En"

His voice was full of emotion, that deep emotion precipitated by thousands of years of time:

"Under normal circumstances, I can exist for at most another thirty or forty years, and then I will dissipate completely under the erosion of time like other Great Wizards.

Although consciousness can be continued after condensing phantom remains, it is ultimately not true immortality."

"But during this period of time, the Grace you fed back to me in the learning process"

He paused, his voice carrying obvious shock:

"That purity and intensity even exceeded Ailan and Cassandra, the two most outstanding students I had back then.

Not to mention Ailan at that time, Cassandra, as you know, was a top genius with first-tier talent."

The old professor's tone became a bit excited, and the light of the phantom fluctuated accordingly:

"Your Grace is not only unbelievably pure, but it also contains some kind of trait. Just a few months of teaching has extended my life by at least ten years!"

Luo En raised his eyebrows slightly; this information indeed exceeded his expectations.

He knew his Grace was indeed a bit special, but he didn't expect the effect to be so significant.

This might be related to his identity as a Primordial Wizard, or it might be because of some trait of the 'Career Panel' itself.

"This also explains why little Yi Fu's 'magic-eating' symptoms could be alleviated by your Grace."

Youteer continued:

"Ordinary Grace can only clear spiritual pollution, but your Grace can penetrate to the soul level, repairing those fundamental defects produced because of artificial modulation.

This kind of ability has almost no precedent even in history."

The old professor's phantom floated slowly in the air, his voice becoming more solemn:

"You are a true outlier, Luo En. Not just because of talent and strength, but because of that unique—balance—you possess."

"Balance?" Luo En repeated, a look of thought appearing in his eyes.

"Yes." Youteer nodded, his phantom becoming clearer:

"Practitioners of 'The Whisper of the Star Eater' are usually influenced by the devouring instincts within, gradually becoming brutal and greedy. But you are different; while pursuing power, you still maintain rationality and restraint."

The old professor's voice carried a near-pious expectation:

"This made me see the possibility. Perhaps you can really master 'The Whisper of the Star Eater,' rather than being mastered by it. This is the fundamental reason why I chose to believe in you."

Youteer paused for a moment, his phantom trembling slightly, as if making some major decision:

"Therefore, I want to reach an agreement with you."

His tone became exceptionally serious, and the silver light condensed accordingly:

"If you can always stick to your path before I dissipate completely, not be alienated by the influence of the meditation method, and still maintain that rationality and restraint"

The old professor took a deep breath, as if saying some extremely important secret:

"I will deliver the 'Serna Phantom Remains Structure' left to me by Kalix back then to you."

This sentence made Luo En's pupils contract instantly.

Serna's phantom remains structure! That was the legacy of a legendary existence once plundered by the 'King of Blood' and later snatched back by Kalix!

"That contains the key to opening the 'Chaotic Blood World'."

Youteer continued, his voice carrying a hint:

"It is much easier than starting from scratch to establish a kingdom, replacing that half-crippled fake king.

A ready-made other world, although full of chaos and blood, has its basic architecture already perfected, only needing a true king to reintegrate it."

The old professor's eyes revealed a sly look:

"And, you should still remember the 'Wang Zuo Seed' you seized from the 'Holy Plate' when you first became a formal wizard, right?"

Luo En's heart moved; Lady Ailan said she would handle it at that time.

Now it seems that this precious trophy fell into Youteer's hands?

However, thinking that Youteer was once Lady Ailan's mentor, this could be understood.

"I have been waiting for the right time to mention this to you."

Youteer's voice carried obvious expectation:

"After you join the Abyss Observation Station, we can conduct in-depth research on the 'Wang Zuo Seed' in the safest environment."

His phantom became brighter:

"That is a complete 'Wang Zuo Seed,' containing fragments of authority at the Supreme Apostle level."

Luo En's breathing became slightly heavier; the value of this information far exceeded his imagination.

A key to another world, the legacy of a top Great Wizard.

Plus the Wang Zuo Seed containing Supreme Apostle authority—the path for his future advancement to higher levels was already clearly visible.

"However, are there any other conditions for this promise?" he asked cautiously.

"The condition is just as I said just now." Youteer's phantom smiled slightly:

"Maintain your current self, don't let power corrode your original heart.

Of course, I don't expect you to become any savior, as long as you don't become the next Cassandra, that is enough."

The old professor's tone became a bit gentler:

"In addition, when you reach the Moon-Sun level, if you want to conduct 'Historical Event Infiltration,' I will provide you with necessary support and help."

"That process is extremely dangerous; without an experienced historian to escort you, the mortality rate is close to ninety percent."

"I will try my best not to live up to your expectations, Professor."

He finally answered, his tone carrying sincere respect:

"Although I cannot guarantee that I will never make mistakes, I can promise that rationality and logic will always be the basis of my actions."

"I hope so."

Youteer's phantom nodded slightly:

"However, I also want to remind you of another more urgent matter.

After Cassandra returns, she is very likely to push for a brand-new management system."

The old professor's voice became more serious, and the phantom also became more solid:

"The traditional contribution value system will operate in parallel with the so-called 'War Merit' system, and the forced conscription system might also be restarted.

For a treasure-level genius like you, she is very likely to try to win you over and control you through various means."

"First small favors, letting you taste the sweetness, and then binding your future with greater temptations at the critical moment."

Youteer's phantom paused in the air, his voice carrying a deep warning:

"You need to understand that ordinary soul contracts indeed have the possibility of breaking free for practitioners of the True Path. After all, your soul structure has become exceptionally tough because of the connection with high-level existences.

But if it is a contract bound to a soul anchor..."

He didn't finish, but Luo En had already understood the meaning within.

A contract on an anchor is an absolute shackle that is almost impossible to break free from, even a Great Wizard finds it hard to shake off.

This is like putting an invisible shackle on the soul, never to be broken free.

"I can guess this little guy's plan." Youteer continued to analyze:

"First give some seemingly generous help and resources, letting you develop gratitude and dependence on her. Then seize the opportunity to launch an attack at the critical moment when your strength reaches the Moon-Sun level and you are preparing to charge toward the An-Sun level."

The old professor's voice became cold:

"She will calculate the timing well and apply strong pressure when you are unable to resist."

Luo En listened silently, his impression of Cassandra refreshed again.

Every step of the other party's plan was calculated extremely precisely, completely playing a huge game of chess.

And he was very likely an important chess piece in this game.

"Is there any way to deal with it?" he asked directly, a light of calm thinking flickering in his eyes.

"There are... some unconventional methods."

Youteer's phantom became blurry, seemingly hesitating whether he should say it:

"Historians master a special ability we call 'Historical Mist.' 'Historical Mist' can allow some information about one's past to be selectively obscured, causing people who spy on you to produce memory confusion when targeting specific content."

His voice became more mysterious:

"Simply put, it is to let the other party 'forget' certain traits or experiences about you, thereby circumventing some targeted strategies based on this information."

The old professor's voice became more cautious:

"Of course, this technique also has limitations; it can only perform fuzzy processing on memories, cannot completely erase them, and has limited effects on some Great Wizards with exceptionally powerful souls.

But at the critical moment, even a little bit of advantage might change the entire situation."

Luo En nodded, beginning to think; this ability sounded indeed very useful, and the risk was not small.

If discovered, the consequences of deception might be even more serious than direct confrontation.

"In addition, if you can master soul splitting and phylactery production technology..."

Youteer's words revealed an obvious hint:

"Theoretically, you can transfer your most core consciousness and memories to a secret container; even if the main body is bound by a contract, you can retain a certain degree of autonomy.

But these are all extremely dangerous technologies; once an operation error occurs, lightly, personality splitting; heavily, soul shattering."

This ancient 'mystic' was indeed providing him with possible plans to deal with future crises, although these plans were accompanied by huge risks.

"By the way, I think your 'Master Sword Activation' plan has prospects."

Youteer suddenly changed the topic:

"If you decide to join the Abyss Observation Station, I can provide some technical support.

Especially in the condensation of the Master Sword, that is very likely the key step to forming the prototype of a personal soul anchor."

His phantom moved closer to Luo En:

"A true Master Sword is not just a weapon, but an extension of will, a manifestation of the soul.

If all your abilities and traits can be integrated into it, it can become your most reliable guarantee.

Even when facing the strongest shackles, power that truly belongs to you can never be taken away."

"Combined with the research results of the 'Wang Zuo Seed,' it might be possible to create unprecedented soul armament."

Expectation light flashed in Youteer's eyes:

"Imagine, a magic sword that integrates Apostle authority and all your own abilities—what kind of existence would that be?"

The implication of these words was already quite obvious.

"I will seriously consider this suggestion, Professor." Luo En responded cautiously, not making a promise immediately:

"Your suggestion is extremely precious to me; I need time to carefully weigh the pros and cons."

"Time is running out, young man."

Youteer's phantom began to become transparent, clearly this long projection consumed quite a bit of his energy:

"Cassandra's return will gradually change the power structure of the Crystal Spire. I hope that by then, you have made full preparations."

His voice became exceptionally weak, almost like a whisper:

"... In this world, some choices cannot be turned back once made. But sometimes, not making a choice itself is the most dangerous choice."

The old professor's phantom became more ethereal:

"I have lived long enough, witnessing too many rises and falls.

But you are different; you still have infinite possibilities.

No matter what path you choose, understand that power is just a means; never let the means become the purpose."

Following this meaningful sentence, Youteer's phantom remains projection dissipated completely.

The silver light expanded like water waves, finally merging into the air, leaving only a subtle energy fluctuation.

Luo En stood alone in the containment room, various information echoing in his mind.

From the Hall of Oblivion to other-world conquest, from the power struggle within the school to the life-and-death choice of personal fate, every piece of information was like a heavy hammer striking his soul.

But at the same time, he also felt an unprecedented sense of clarity.

Just like a person walking in the fog suddenly seeing a lighthouse in the distance, although the road was still rugged, the direction was already clear.

"Serna's phantom remains structure, Wang Zuo Seed, Chaotic Blood World"

Luo En began to construct complex deduction models in his mind, analyzing various possible development paths.

If he accepted Youteer's protection and planning, the path to obtaining power was right before his eyes, but he would also bear the corresponding responsibility;

If he refused, he might be able to keep a low profile for a while, but sooner or later he would still have to face the pressure from the Conquest Faction.

"However, this choice is not one that needs to be made now; I have at least decades of buffer time."

He analyzed the situation rationally:

"Youteer's condition is to stick to the path and not be alienated by the meditation method.

Whether there is this promise or not, this itself is something I should do."

Luo En took a deep breath, beginning to organize his thoughts.

As a rational researcher, he knew that emotional decisions often led to disastrous consequences.

No matter how timely Youteer's reminder was, no matter how dangerous the road ahead was, he had to remain calm and logical.

"First, what needs to be confirmed is that traces of erasure indeed exist in my memory."

He formulated an investigation plan in his heart:

"Can try using the newly acquired 'Induction Power' trait to see if some clues can be found.

If someone was really devoured by the Land of Oblivion, then traces would definitely be left on some items or locations."

………………

As the sun set, the core area of the Emerald Great Forest was plated with a layer of warm golden radiance.

Ancient towering trees embraced each other, various strange vine plants growing on the thick trunks, emitting faint magic brilliance.

Under the protection of these natural barriers, the Emerald Tower stood quietly in the center of an open forest clearing.

This main building of the wizard school was not a traditional stone high tower, but a giant ancient tree specially cultivated.

Its main trunk diameter exceeded fifty meters, and the height reached an astonishing three hundred meters, the canopy like a huge emerald-green canopy, shielding the entire settlement from wind and rain.

What was most breathtaking was that the interior of this ancient tree had been completely hollowed out and redesigned, forming a multi-layered building system with perfect functions.

Spiral stairs spiraled up along the inner wall of the trunk, every layer having different functions—laboratories, libraries, conference halls, residential areas, everything one expects to find.

Embedded within the natural patterns on the surface of the tree trunk are countless glowing magic crystals, providing illumination and energy to the interior.

And even more miraculously, this ancient tree remains full of vitality.

Its new branches and leaves automatically adjust their shape according to the residents' needs, providing them with the most comfortable living environment.

Scattered across the open space around the ancient tree are dozens of small buildings of various designs.

Some are exquisite huts woven from living vines, some are dwellings carved directly into the interior of giant mushrooms, and others are treehouses suspended in mid-air, connected to each other by flexible vine bridges.

Throughout the entire settlement, various exotic creatures coexist harmoniously with humans.

Huge beetles faithfully take on the work of carrying heavy objects, their back shells often loaded with various experimental equipment or daily necessities;

colorful birds fly freely in the air, delivering messages for the residents;

even those seemingly ordinary flowers and plants possess magical abilities—some can forecast weather changes, while others can purify harmful substances in the air.

In this vibrant environment, an important gathering is being held in the main conference hall inside the ancient tree.

Dozens of young apprentices are sitting on living chairs arranged according to their rank.

These chairs are actually small, specially cultivated plants that can automatically adjust their shape and firmness according to the sitter's physique and preferences.

The intensity of the light emitted by the chairs directly corresponds to the sitter's status and potential rating within the school.

The front-row seats near the podium glow as brilliantly as stars; those are the positions reserved for true geniuses.

"Everyone, today we are announcing the quarterly update to the candidate wizard sequence."

Standing on the podium is a slender half-elf woman with the typical lineage of the Emerald Tower:

her long green hair hangs to her waist like a waterfall, her fair skin has a faint greenish tint, and her amber eyes flicker with the wisdom of an ancient forest.

As the Dean of Academic Affairs for the Emerald Tower, every word from Mentor Vera carries immense weight.

"After rigorous evaluation and assessment, we have decided to promote Lilia Derwent to the twentieth position in the candidate sequence."

As soon as Vera finished speaking, a subtle rustling sound echoed through the conference hall.

This is the apprentices communicating privately through their spiritual power.

In a place like the Emerald Tower that emphasizes etiquette, discussing things aloud is considered extremely impolite.

Cedric, the blond male apprentice sitting in the twenty-first position, shows no change in his expression, but there is an imperceptible gloom in his blue eyes.

(End of chapter)