Chapter 298

"Lilia Derwent, please stand up."

Vera's gaze falls on a figure in the middle of the conference hall.

It is a tall girl with long purple-black hair, about eighteen years old, with a beautiful appearance.

She slowly stands up, her movements elegant and natural, with not a hint of surprise or excitement on her face, as if this result had long been within her expectations.

Lilia is wearing a deep green apprentice robe, with a silver belt tied around her waist representing her status as an intermediate apprentice.

Those eyes that were once always timidly lowered are now like cold pools on a high mountain, revealing a kind of icy distance that keeps people away.

"Congratulations, Lilia."

Vera nods with a smile, her amber eyes showing clear approval:

"Your talent and speed of progress in potion-making are rare even in the history of the Emerald Tower.

What is even more rare is that you also perform excellently in bloodline studies and biological modulation technology; this combination of cross-disciplinary abilities is extremely precious."

She pauses for a moment, her tone becoming more solemn:

"Especially your unique understanding of plant bloodlines and the innovative thinking you have shown in potion preparation have all shown us your immense potential."

The other apprentices in the conference hall look at Lilia with complex gazes.

There is envy, jealousy, and unwillingness.

But no one dares to openly express doubt, because the Emerald Tower's rating system is known for its rigor, and Lilia's strength is indeed plain for all to see.

Many people know that her mentor is the mysterious Lady Ailan.

That is an existence that even the high echelons of the Emerald Tower must treat with courtesy.

Against this background, any rash provocation could invite dire consequences.

A brown-haired apprentice sitting in the back row complains to his companion via spiritual transmission:

"It's truly ironic; the Black Mist School is already in name only, and the news of that bloodline altar being destroyed is known throughout the Wizard Realm.

Someone from a disintegrated school can actually occupy such a high position here."

"Don't say that," another apprentice responds, his voice carrying obvious caution:

"Her strength is real; I have seen her performance in the advanced potion preparation class with my own eyes.

That kind of mastery over the properties of medicinal materials and precise control over energy flow is indeed not something that can be explained by luck. And..."

He pauses, his tone becoming even more careful:

"I heard that her mentor, Lady Ailan, has an extraordinary background, and even the Dean has to receive her personally. We had better not provoke her lightly."

Although Lilia cannot hear the specific content of these spiritual transmissions, she can feel the complex emotional fluctuations around her.

But she chooses to ignore them.

During her time at the Emerald Tower, she has learned how to protect herself.

Using indifference to mask her inner fragility, and arrogance to hide her unease and loneliness.

This is not her true nature, but it is a necessary means of survival in this highly competitive environment.

"The Emerald Tower has always spoken through strength; anyone has the opportunity to gain the status they deserve through hard work."

Vera's voice draws everyone's attention back:

"Lilia's promotion is based entirely on her actual performance, including her excellent results in high-difficulty potion preparation tests and the innovative potential shown by her original bloodline extraction technology."

Her gaze sweeps across the conference hall, her tone becoming more serious:

"I want to remind everyone that the candidate sequence ranking is updated once a month.

To maintain your position, you must continue to improve.

Pride and complacency will only lead to a fall, and true talent will always receive the recognition it deserves."

Lilia maintains that icy expression throughout, as if the attention and undercurrents around her have nothing to do with her.

She just stands there quietly, waiting for the ceremony to end, with not a ripple in her eyes.

This calm and composed attitude actually makes those apprentices who were originally dissatisfied feel a certain pressure.

"Next, we will announce this month's resource allocation plan..."

After the gathering ends, the apprentices leave the conference hall in twos and threes.

The girl walks at the very end alone; she has no desire for any social contact, and loneliness has become her protective color.

"Lilia, please wait a moment."

Vera's voice comes from behind.

Lilia turns around and looks at the Dean of Academic Affairs expressionlessly.

During her time at the Emerald Tower, Vera is one of the few high-level personnel who has shown her kindness.

"Mentor Vera, do you have any instructions?"

Her voice is as calm as water, with no emotional fluctuations detectable.

"I would like to talk to you about your future development plan."

Vera walks a few steps closer, her amber eyes flickering with the light of thought:

"At your current rate of progress, you will be able to promote to a high-level apprentice in another half a year.

And your attainments in potion-making are already very close to the standard of a professional potion master."

She pauses, her tone becoming more earnest:

"The Emerald Tower is considering arranging a dedicated mentor for you to provide more in-depth personal guidance.

Considering your special talent in bloodline research and the combination of potions, we have several mentors who are highly authoritative in this field to choose from."

Vera's eyes reveal a look of expectation:

"This kind of opportunity is usually only provided to the top ten candidates, but given your special circumstances and significant potential, the school is willing to make an exception to provide you with such treatment."

Hearing this proposal, a flicker of almost imperceptible fluctuation flashes in Lilia's eyes.

But soon, that fluctuation is replaced by deep determination.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mentor Vera."

Her voice remains calm, but the resolution contained within it makes Vera slightly stunned:

"But I already have a mentor; I do not need anyone else's guidance."

"You mean Lady Ailan?"

Vera nods, indicating understanding:

"I know she is a very excellent potion master, but a professional mentor can provide you with more systematic and in-depth..."

"No."

Lilia interrupts her, her voice carrying obvious emotional fluctuations for the first time:

"Lady Ailan is indeed my mentor, but my more important mentor is someone else.

He taught me the core concepts of potion-making and taught me how to truly understand the essence of medicinal materials and the flow of energy."

Her eyes reveal a look of gratitude, but soon return to coldness:

"I will never accept anyone to take his place, not even the most authoritative mentor in the Emerald Tower."

Vera keenly notices the change in Lilia's words.

The kind of almost pious respect and deep attachment that this girl, who is usually as cold as frost, reveals in her eyes when mentioning that mysterious mentor is something no disguise can cover.

"I understand your thoughts."

Vera finally just nods:

"The bond between teacher and student is indeed precious. Since you already have a suitable guide, we will of course respect your choice."

She pauses:

Although everything appeared orderly on the surface, the undercurrents of the game had never ceased.

After all, you are one of us now, and we hope to see you achieve greater accomplishments."

Lilia bows her head slightly; this is one of the rare moments she shows politeness at the Emerald Tower:

"Thank you for your understanding, Mentor Vera. I will work hard not to let the school down."

"Then, you go back and rest first."

Vera says softly:

"I look forward to seeing your performance in tomorrow's advanced potion experiment class."

………………

The warm light of the herb shop soon appears in her field of vision, causing a warm current to surge in Lilia's heart.

Pushing open the shop door, the familiar fragrance of herbs rushes to meet her.

The atmosphere inside the shop tonight seems somewhat unusual.

Lady Ailan is sitting in her old rocking chair.

But unlike her usual naps, she is holding a newspaper and reading it carefully with great interest.

A rare, satisfied smile appears on her wrinkled face.

Lilia has not seen this expression for a long time.

Since coming to the Emerald Forest, Lady Ailan has always seemed a bit preoccupied and rarely shows such heartfelt joy.

"My lady, I'm back."

Lilia says softly, while habitually starting to organize the various medicinal materials and utensils on the counter.

After spending so much time together, she has become completely familiar with the various work processes in the shop, and she can complete every task independently.

"Oh, Lilia is back."

Lady Ailan looks up and puts the newspaper aside:

"How was the gathering today? I heard you were promoted to the twentieth position? News travels really fast."

"Yes, my lady."

Lilia nods, but her tone remains flat, as if discussing a trivial matter:

"Mentor Vera also proposed to arrange a dedicated personal mentor for me, but I refused."

"Refused?" Lady Ailan raises her eyebrows:

"Tell me, why?"

Lilia's hands pause for a moment, then she continues to organize the medicinal materials in front of her.

Her voice is so soft it is almost like talking to herself:

"Because I already have the best mentor. Although he is not by my side now, what he taught me is something no one else can replace."

Lady Ailan is stunned.

She can certainly hear the deep attachment contained in Lilia's words.

"A very wise choice."

Lady Ailan chuckles, her voice carrying some pride:

"Those mentors at the Emerald Tower are knowledgeable, but their teaching style is too rigid and traditional.

For a student like you who already has a solid foundation, it might actually constrain your development."

She pauses, her tone becoming more earnest:

"Furthermore, a true teacher-student relationship is not just a simple transfer of knowledge, but a connection of hearts and a resonance of ideas.

Once this connection is established, it should not be easily broken."

"By the way, I have some good news to share with you."

Lady Ailan picks up the newspaper again, the smile on her face becoming even brighter:

"It's about that boy, Luo En. You will definitely be interested."

Hearing this name, Lilia's body trembles slightly, and the movement of her hands organizing the medicinal materials also pauses.

For over a year, this is the first time Lady Ailan has taken the initiative to mention Luo En in front of her.

Although she has been silently following news of her mentor and collecting information about him through various channels.

But Lady Ailan seems to have deliberately avoided discussing this topic in front of her.

Perhaps she didn't want to touch upon her inner longing, or perhaps she was worried about affecting her focus on her studies.

"Mentor, he... what happened to him?"

Lilia tries hard to maintain a calm tone, but a hint of trembling still leaks into her voice.

"Look at this."

Lady Ailan hands her the newspaper, her finger pointing at the eye-catching headline on the front page:

"The headline of the 'Central Land Academic Weekly' specifically reports on the outstanding young wizards who have recently emerged from the Crystal Spire. Guess who is ranked at the top?"

Lilia takes the newspaper with trembling hands, her gaze immediately drawn to a photo on the side of the front page.

It is a familiar yet strange figure.

In the photo, Luo En is wearing the formal wizard robe of the Crystal Spire, his expression still calm, but that composed demeanor reveals a powerful self-confidence.

The headline below the photo is written in eye-catching font:

"Treasure-Grade Genius Luo En Ralph: One of the Most Worthy New Stars in the Central Land Recently"

Lilia's heart begins to race, and her blood seems to boil in her veins.

The term "Treasure-Grade" is not unfamiliar to her; in her studies at the Emerald Tower, she learned about the talent rating system of the Wizard Realm.

Being rated as Treasure-Grade means his ranking has entered the top five hundred in the entire history of wizards!

She forces herself to remain calm and begins to read the specific content of the report:

"Report: In the list of new stars recently announced by the Crystal Spire, Wizard Luo En Ralph, who came from the Black Mist School, has been rated as 'Treasure-Grade,' becoming the first wizard to receive this rating in nearly a century.

During this year's Lans Memorial Day celebration, Wizard Ralph performed excellently in the 'Rainbow Ring' bloodline modulation competition, winning the crown with near-perfect technique...

In addition, Wizard Ralph has also achieved remarkable results in other academic research.

His paper on the 'Mobile Simulated Combat Device' was rated as an outstanding achievement of the year by the Academic Review Committee, earning over 1200 points in academic contribution value.

The innovative concepts proposed in this paper are considered to have the potential to completely change the training methods of extraordinary beings...

According to internal news from the Crystal Spire, Wizard Ralph is currently serving as a teaching assistant.

The potion-making and bloodline modulation courses he offers are very popular with students, and even some senior lecturers go to audit them.

Students unanimously agree that his teaching methods are ingenious and can make the most complex theories simple and easy to understand...

In addition, according to reliable sources, Wizard Ralph has also established a teacher-student relationship with Princess Yi Fu of the Wang Guan Clan.

A mentor who can be recognized by a princess of the Wang Guan Clan, his academic status and personal charm are evident..."

The more Lilia reads, the more shocked she feels; every achievement makes her feel heartfelt pride and joy, as if she had a part in these honors.

When she reads the news that he has become Princess Yi Fu's mentor, a complex emotion surges in her heart.

She feels proud that Luo En can be recognized by such a noble student, yet she also feels a faint, indescribable sense of loss.

"Treasure-Grade..."

She repeats the term softly:

"A genius ranked in the top five hundred in the entire history of wizards... Mentor Luo En, he..."

"Yes, that boy is truly promising."

Lady Ailan nods with satisfaction:

"I knew he wouldn't disappoint. With his talent and hard work, reaching this height was only a matter of time."

"Do you know, Lilia?"

Lady Ailan's voice becomes even gentler:

"Although you are in different places now, I can feel that you are both becoming more excellent in your own ways."

Lilia grips the newspaper tightly, feeling her eyes moisten.

Seeing her mentor achieve such brilliant success in the distant Central Land, she feels both immensely proud of him and a deep sense of loss and inferiority.

The gap between them is becoming wider and wider.

She tried her best to reach the twentieth position in the Emerald Tower's candidate sequence, while he has already become a genius attracting the attention of the entire Wizard Realm.

She is still struggling here with some basic academic problems, while he has already begun to mentor a princess of the Wang Guan Clan.

This contrast makes her feel a deep sense of powerlessness.

She begins to doubt whether she is still qualified to stand by his side?

Whether she still has the opportunity to become his true student again?

"Don't think too much, silly girl." Lady Ailan seems to see through her thoughts:

"Everyone has their own path and rhythm.

Luo En's achievements are indeed remarkable, but your progress is equally worthy of praise.

Being able to gain a foothold in a place like the Emerald Tower is not an easy thing."

"Alright, stop daydreaming."

Lady Ailan coughs lightly, waking Lilia from her contemplation:

"Go to the backyard and organize those Moonlight Grasses; a customer ordered a batch today. Remember to classify them according to magic content; the price difference between different grades is significant."

"Yes, my lady."

Lilia carefully puts the newspaper aside and gets up to walk to the backyard.

But the heartfelt, warm smile on her face is completely different from the icy disguise she wears at the Emerald Tower.

Lady Ailan watches her back and nods with satisfaction.

This stubborn girl has finally revealed her true expression again, no longer that heartbreakingly cold look.

After Lilia's figure disappears into the backyard, Lady Ailan slowly stands up and walks toward an old wooden box in the corner of the shop.

Stored there are some personal items she has never shown anyone, all memories related to that painful experience in the past.

Every item carries a heavy history, and also carries the pain in her heart that can never heal.

She carefully opens the wooden box and takes out a broken staff.

Only half of this staff remains; the broken end shows a strange spiral cut, and black scorch marks still remain on the edges.

Most of the runes on the surface of the staff have dimmed, and only a deep purple crystal at the top still emits a faint and sorrowful light.

Lady Ailan gently strokes the surface of the staff, complex emotions flashing in her eyes.

There is nostalgia, pain, and even a deep sense of guilt and self-reproach.

"If I had discovered it earlier back then..."

She mutters to herself in her heart, her voice so soft that she can barely hear it herself:

"Perhaps the result would have been completely different. Perhaps she could still..."

Thinking of this, Lady Ailan forcibly interrupts this dangerous memory.

Those memories are like poisonous thorns buried deep in her heart; a light touch brings heart-wrenching pain.

"Knock, knock, knock."

Lady Ailan carefully puts the staff back into the wooden box, and some extremely strange existence is revealed.

It is a humanoid shadow wrapped in a layer of translucent gray mist.

Deep within the gray mist, one can vaguely see the outline of a skeleton, with two ghostly blue flames burning in its hollow eye sockets.

That is... a Spirit Realm Messenger.

(End of chapter)