Chapter 306

In the dead of night, the blue glow of the magic lamps in the laboratory was as cold and hollow as the eyes of the dead.

Luo En stood before the lab bench, clutching the crystal vial containing the blood of Fan Chou.

Through the crystal wall, the drop of dark red liquid shimmered with an eerie, deep purple luster, as if countless microscopic tentacles were swimming within it.

"Begin analysis."

"Ink" awoke from its dormant state, its black, gelatinous body beginning to pulse rhythmically.

Luo En carefully dripped the blood onto the surface of the slime.

In an instant, the temperature in the laboratory seemed to drop by several degrees.

"Ink" reacted more violently than ever before.

Its body contracted sharply, then expanded rapidly, the silver patterns on its surface flickering with an erratic light.

"Interesting."

Luo En activated "Supernatural Identification," observing everything through the unique vision of his skill.

In his eyes, the blood was no longer a simple red liquid, but a complex, layered structure:

The outermost layer consisted of standard dragon-species traits, a fierce vitality leaping within the blood like burning flames;

The middle layer was filled with the aura of shadows and dark elements, those black energy filaments winding like snakes, carrying an ancient and dangerous implication;

And in the deepest layer...

Luo En's pupils contracted slightly.

Deep within the blood, he saw things that should not have existed.

Twisted energy forms that defied natural laws radiated the chaotic aura unique to the Abyss.

"This isn't just dragon-species blood."

He muttered to himself, his mind rapidly analyzing the implications of this discovery:

"The 'Preservation of Germplasm' families... so that's it. They aren't preserving pure bloodlines; they are preserving a kind of pure substance that has been 'seasoned' by the Abyss."

Just then, "Ink" let out a shrill, piercing shriek.

It was a tremor that acted directly upon the spirit.

The slime's body began to convulse violently, as if suffering immense agony.

Luo En immediately realized the danger.

The shadow energy in Fan Chou's blood was reacting uncontrollably with the laboratory environment.

Even worse, the solar energy within his own body began to activate autonomously, as if sensing the threat of a natural enemy.

The magic power in the air became chaotic, and the instruments on the lab bench emitted ominous humming sounds.

The collision of two opposing elemental energies in such a confined space could have catastrophic consequences.

"Damn it..."

Luo En quickly activated the emergency isolation array, but it was too late.

The conflict between the yin and yang energies had already exceeded the tolerance of his standard defenses.

The entire laboratory began to tremble slightly, and the runes on the walls flashed with dangerous red light.

At this critical juncture, "Ink" made an unexpected move.

Instead of trying to analyze the blood sample, it unfolded its body completely.

Like a giant net, it wrapped itself around the out-of-control blood drop.

Countless fine patterns began to emerge on the surface of the slime's body.

These were not patterns Luo En had taught it, but a defensive instinct it had activated autonomously in the face of life-or-death danger.

The price was heavy.

"Ink's" body became transparent and fragile, its once-shining silver patterns dim and lusterless.

To protect its master and the laboratory, it had absorbed the full damage caused by the collision of the two opposing energies.

As the energy storm subsided, the laboratory returned to silence.

Luo En stood amidst the wreckage, looking at the dying "Ink."

"Record experimental data."

He spoke quickly to the recording crystal in the corner:

"Sample ID w-001, Source: Kadu Clan bloodline.

Experimental result: Severe energy conflict, unsuitable for direct fusion.

Conclusion: There is an essential repulsion between high-level bloodlines of different attributes; other solutions must be sought."

Then, while feeding nutrient solution to the slime, he gently stroked "Ink's" weak body, his voice filled with concern:

"You've suffered for me, partner. Get some rest."

Just as he was preparing to clean up the lab, a soft knock from Lady Lady Ailan came at the door.

"Master, Princess Yi Fu has sent over a research file."

"Come in."

Lady Lady Ailan pushed the door open, her emerald figure appearing exceptionally vivid in the magic lamp light.

Her gaze swept over the chaotic scene in the lab, but she asked no questions.

As Luo En's assistant, she was long accustomed to various "experimental accidents."

"Sent by Fan Chou?"

Luo En took the exquisite crystal box, noticing a small note attached to it.

In Yi Fu's elegant handwriting, it read:

"Mentor, these are my mother's early research notes; perhaps they can point you toward a new direction.

Additionally, Fan Chou is very interested in the experimental results. She says that if you need more samples, she is willing to provide a more detailed bloodline analysis report.

—Yi Fu"

"By the looks of it, they might have anticipated some of my experimental progress."

Luo En smiled slightly. It seemed the water surrounding the so-called "Preservation of Germplasm" and its associated ancient bloodlines was much deeper than he had imagined.

Opening the box, he found a beautifully bound research manuscript.

The cover was made of some ancient leather he could not identify, and the runes upon it emitted a faint, warm sensation when touched.

Most striking was the seal in the center of the cover.

A crooked hexagram—the personal mark of Cassandra.

*Theory of Life Essence Reconstruction*

Just seeing the title filled Luo En with anticipation.

After confirming there were no hidden traps, he carefully opened the first page and was immediately deeply drawn into the content.

"The essence of life lies in the transmission and reorganization of information. Every bloodline factor is a witness and recorder of life's history..."

"Traditional bloodline modulation only performs simple additions, deletions, and modifications within an existing framework, like changing a few notes on a set musical score. Bloodline reconstruction, however, aims to recompose the entire symphony..."

"The key lies in understanding: a bloodline is not a static existence, but a dynamic system. It undergoes adaptive changes based on environment, stress, and even the influence of will..."

As he read deeper, Luo En felt an unprecedented sense of inspiration.

Cassandra's theoretical system was extremely rigorous, with every concept supported by detailed experimental data.

These theories almost perfectly aligned with the advancement direction of the "Bloodline Shaping" skill on his professional panel.

【Bloodline Shaping (Proficient) EXP +1】

The prompt from the professional panel made Luo En realize the value of this manuscript far exceeded his imagination.

The manuscript detailed the three core steps of bloodline reconstruction:

Phase One: Information Deconstruction

"Decompose bloodline factors into the most basic information units, like breaking a book down into individual words.

This process requires extremely precise operation; any loss of information could lead to irreversible consequences..."

Phase Two: Potential Awakening

"Every bloodline contains potential information far beyond what is visible on the surface.

Through specific stimulation and guidance, one can activate genetic fragments that usually lie dormant in the long passage of time.

Like awakening a sleeping giant, it is full of hope but also accompanied by risk..."

Phase Three: Structural Reorganization

"Reorganize bloodline information according to a new blueprint to create a stronger, more stable new bloodline.

This step is the core of the entire process and determines the ultimate success or failure..."

However, the final part of the manuscript made Luo En's mood heavy:

"The theory is perfect, but the practice is unimaginably difficult.

I conducted seventeen complete experiments, only three of which achieved partial success, and only one of those reached the expected effect..."

"The biggest obstacle is the lack of reference samples.

Bloodline reconstruction is like drawing a map; you must know the specific location of the destination to plan the route.

Without a high-level bloodline as a 'template,' any attempt is merely groping in the dark..."

"My one success relied on obtaining a dragon-species fragment from the Second Epoch.

Although it was only the size of a fingernail, the complete genetic information contained within provided a precious reference..."

In the margins of the manuscript, Cassandra had added a line of small text:

"The price was the death of six experimental subjects. Every failure meant the end of a life, a heavy burden I cannot release..."

This line was written in a different color ink, and the handwriting was slightly shaky, clearly added a long time later.

Luo En stared at this line for a long time, his mind conjuring images of the "volunteers" who had died miserably on the experimental tables.

In this world of wizards, every step forward in knowledge must be paved with blood and bone.

However, judging by Cassandra's current demeanor, she didn't seem like someone who would be moved in the slightest by the death of experimental subjects...

It seemed that, just as Yu Yu Te Er had said, the other party had been thoroughly alienated.

He closed the manuscript, his eyes revealing complex emotions.

He only hoped that when he looked back at his own journals in hundreds or even thousands of years, he wouldn't feel like a stranger to himself or find it laughable.

"Without a sufficiently stable, high-level bloodline sample as a template..."

Withdrawing his scattered thoughts, Luo En stroked the cover of the manuscript and began to conceive a solution in his mind:

"It seems I'll have to wait until I join the Abyss Observation Station to see if Professor Yu Yu Te Er has any relevant channels."

He tucked the manuscript carefully into his space bag and began to clean up the lab.

………………

In the morning, the waiting area of the Crystal Spire's administrative hall was filled with applicants of all identities.

Luo En, dressed in a brand-new black wizard robe, sat quietly in a corner, observing the crowd.

As a researcher, he always hoped to read more information from the details.

Sitting across from him was a pale young man missing two fingers on his right hand.

That was the mark left by a failed alchemy experiment.

He was applying for a demotion and transfer, from a dangerous experimental post to relatively safe theoretical research.

Not far away, a gray-haired old man was arguing with a clerk.

From the intermittent conversation, Luo En gathered that he wanted to apply for early retirement but was told he hadn't reached the required God God Age.

The old man's eyes were filled with exhaustion and fear; he had clearly been terrified by certain dangerous missions.

This was the true face of the Crystal Spire.

Beneath the glamorous academic facade lay countless sacrifices and costs.

"Wizard Larlf, please go to window number three."

A crisp voice interrupted Luo En's observations.

The clerk was a woman who looked to be in her twenties, with short golden hair, emerald eyes, and skin slightly pale from long-term exposure to high-concentration magic.

"Congratulations on the approval of your promotion application."

She stamped various documents skillfully, her movements mechanical and repetitive:

"Based on your contribution records and academic achievement assessment, the School Committee has unanimously approved your appointment as a lecturer."

As she spoke, she handed a brand-new identity certificate to Luo En.

The certificate was made of special magic paper, its surface covered with a faint anti-counterfeiting glow.

"Starting today, you will enjoy Level 3 research clearance and Level 2 teaching clearance."

The clerk continued, her tone tinged with envy:

"Additionally, I must remind you that higher clearance means greater responsibility. The school has stricter confidentiality requirements and codes of conduct for personnel at the lecturer level."

She shook her head and added:

"Especially during this current... special period, any misconduct could be severely investigated."

Luo En keenly captured the implication in her words.

It seemed Cassandra's return had indeed created a tense atmosphere within the school; even an ordinary clerk could feel the oppressive pressure of a storm about to break.

"I will strictly abide by the relevant regulations."

He responded calmly while taking the certificate.

"Regarding the application for the Abyss Observation Station..."

The clerk took another document from the drawer, its cover stamped with a symbol representing the Abyss—an eye surrounded by tentacles:

"The Observation Station has approved it. You have been assigned to the Materials Analysis Department, primarily responsible for research related to Abyssal samples."

She paused, her voice becoming more serious:

"I must specifically remind you that work at the Observation Station carries extremely high danger.

Even 'safe' posts like materials analysis frequently experience accidental incidents."

The clerk took a thick manual from under the desk:

"This is the Safety Guidelines. Please be sure to read it carefully.

It records 1,372 known symptoms of Abyssal contamination and corresponding emergency handling methods."

The clerk's expression became somewhat complex:

"Although most symptoms cannot be cured, at least they can allow you to maintain your sanity for a period of time before you turn into a monster."

Luo En took the manual, noticing that the warning text on the cover was written in bright red ink, which, under the influence of magic, was slowly flowing like real blood.

"Your direct guide is Professor Yu Yu Te Er."

The clerk continued:

"Please report to the Observation Station at 8:00 AM the day after tomorrow. Also..."

She hesitated, but ultimately said it:

"If you have any unfinished wishes, I suggest you handle them as soon as possible before you start the job.

The mortality rate at the Observation Station is lower than that of Abyssal exploration, but it is not entirely safe."

These words were like a bucket of cold water, giving Luo En a clearer understanding of the work to come.

Leaving the administrative hall, he noticed a few new names on the memorial wall at the entrance.

These were research personnel who had died in the line of duty related to the Abyss.

Their names were engraved on black marble, accompanied by the date of death and a brief description of the cause.

"Edwin Gray, Materials Analyst, died of Abyssal spore infection..."

"Monica Blake, Intern Researcher, died of self-destruction caused by mental contamination..."

"Thomas Wei En, Senior Analyst, cause of death unknown, found completely alienated..."

Lines of cold text told the cruel reality of Abyssal research.

Luo En paused for a long time, committing these names to memory.

Not out of sympathy or mourning, but to remind himself at all times...

... that on the path to pursuing truth, a moment of carelessness could make one the next name engraved on the wall.