Chapter 337: Eye of the Abyss

The one speaking was naturally an acquaintance—Miller Black, the captain of that exploration team at the time.

He had the typical appearance characteristics of an explorer:

A muscular build, skin slightly rough from long-term contact with the abyss environment, and obvious signs of scaling on his right arm.

In stark contrast to the cautious distance of the researchers, his attitude was much more direct.

"Wizard Ralf!" Miller walked over with a bright smile on his face:

"I heard you are now the second-in-command of the New Star Project? My god, that's truly amazing!"

His enthusiasm made the researchers nearby look sideways, but Miller clearly didn't care about these gazes.

"I've always said that a genius like you would be valued by those above sooner or later!"

Miller's tone was full of fawning:

"Now it's great, you've become Tower Master Cassandra's person directly!"

This sentence made Luo En a little uncomfortable, but he didn't speak out to refute it.

Miller was followed by several of his team members, each with a similar fawning smile on their faces.

The thinking of these explorers might not be as complex as that of the researchers, but their sense of power was unusually keen.

"Speaking of which," Miller lowered his voice, his eyes full of expectation:

"With your status now, you should be able to access some... high-level information, right? For example, about the plane expedition plan?"

This question made the surrounding atmosphere instantly subtle.

Even those who were originally busy with their own affairs couldn't help but prick up their ears.

"I heard that Tower Master has conquered several more worlds recently, and the harvest is incredibly rich."

One of Miller's team members, a middle-aged man with a clear burn scar on his left face, chimed in:

"Do we Silver Ring-level ones have a chance to participate? Even if it's just logistics work!"

"Exactly!" another team member echoed:

"Although our strength isn't top-notch, we are experienced and absolutely obedient! If Wizard Ralf could put in a good word for us in front of the Tower Master..."

Luo En looked at the longing in the eyes of these explorers and understood their feelings.

These explorers had been struggling on the edge of the abyss for too long, and their bodies and minds were close to their limits.

If they couldn't obtain more power and resources, they would sooner or later become nourishment for the abyss.

Plane conquest meant not only huge risks but also unprecedented opportunities.

Those precious resources from other worlds were enough to allow any participant to achieve a qualitative leap.

"I'm afraid I have to disappoint you," Luo En's tone was calm and direct:

"The minimum requirement for a planar expedition is the Moon-Illumination rank; otherwise, one simply cannot withstand the energy shock of the cross-boundary passage."

This answer made disappointment appear on the faces of the explorers, but he immediately added:

"However, I heard that the Conquest Faction is recently developing new technology, trying to allow Morning Star-level ones to safely perform cross-plane teleportation.

If successful, you might all have a chance."

This news immediately reignited hope in the explorers.

Miller's eyes lit up: "Really? About how much longer will it take?"

"The specific time is unclear, but it shouldn't be too long," Luo En answered:

"After all, expanding the scale of conquest requires more manpower."

"That's great!" Miller clenched his fists excitedly:

"Wizard Ralf, you are truly our benefactor! With this news, we can prepare in advance!"

Other explorers also expressed their gratitude one after another; their gratitude was from the heart.

In this world of asymmetric information, timely and accurate intelligence is often more precious than money.

"By the way," Miller suddenly remembered something:

"If you need to go to the abyss for field research in the future, you must find us!

I guarantee to give you the most favorable price, and the service quality will definitely be first-class!"

"Exactly!" other team members echoed:

"We are willing to give you a 30% discount! No, 50%! As long as you are willing to hire us!"

This direct fawning drew complex gazes from the researchers nearby.

They might have had similar thoughts deep in their hearts, but the reserve of researchers made them unable to express themselves so bluntly.

"I will consider it," Luo En nodded in response, without making a specific promise.

This brief exchange clearly demonstrated the interpersonal ecology within the observation station.

Power is like a mirror.

It can clearly reflect everyone's truest thoughts in their hearts, whether it is distancing due to fear or approaching due to interest.

A young assistant researcher approached, his voice full of obvious tension:

"Wizard Ralf, your independent laboratory is ready.

It is located on the seventh floor of Zone C, where the security level is higher and the equipment is more perfect."

"Thank you," Luo En responded briefly, picking up the suitcase and walking toward the laboratory.

After he left, the researchers lowered their voices and discussed:

"I really didn't expect his status to change so quickly..."

"The second-in-command of the New Star Project, that is a channel directly to the Tower Master..."

"I have to be more careful when talking to him in the future; who knows which sentence will be reported..."

"I heard he doesn't even need project recommendations from our department anymore; he has independent authorization directly..."

"Miller and the others are smart; they know how to hug a big thigh..."

………………

The elevator rose slowly, and through the transparent wall, Luo En could see the complex biological pipeline system inside the observation station.

Various colored liquids flowed through those pipes.

Some were nutrients, some were waste, and some were special hormones used to maintain the "life" of the building.

The corridor on the seventh floor of Zone C was exceptionally quiet, and the air was filled with a faint smell of ozone.

This was a sign of the high-level purification system in operation.

The walls were embedded with denser monitoring equipment, and there were strict identity verification devices in front of every room door.

His independent laboratory was located at the end of the corridor, with his name and position carved on the door.

When he pressed his palm on the identifier, a soft green light swept across, and then a mechanical voice came:

"Identity confirmed:

Luo En Ralf—Second-in-command of the New Star Project—Independent research authorization.

Welcome to use Laboratory C-7-18."

The door slid open silently, revealing a space more spacious than he had expected.

The configuration here was indeed luxurious.

Not only did it have the latest spectrum analyzer, but there was even a "consciousness tomography device" in the corner that he had only seen in books.

It was a complex construct made of translucent crystals and squirming blood vessels, with dozens of spherical containers of varying sizes suspended inside.

Each container was cultivating some kind of living nerve tissue, which squirmed slowly in the nutrient solution, with faint electric light flickering on the surface.

"This is the benefit of being a genius."

Luo En stroked the warm blood vessels on the surface of the device, feeling the life pulse transmitted within.

This equipment could precisely analyze the consciousness structure of organisms and had immeasurable value for the various experiments he was about to conduct.

But he also knew that corresponding expectations must be hidden behind such treatment.

Cassandra was not a philanthropist; every favor had its price.

Luo En walked to the window, and through the reinforced glass, he could see the outline of the abyss in the distance.

On the edge of the abyss, he could see some points of light moving slowly—those were the lighting equipment of the exploration team.

The huge black cracks were like wounds on the earth, "breathing" at all times.

Even at such a distance, he could still feel a subtle pulling sensation.

The abyss was calling to all life that approached it.

Collecting his thoughts, he carefully sealed the bloodline samples of Franka.

A familiar sense of pressure suddenly filled the air.

That feeling was like being stared at by an ancient mountain, heavy and deep.

The newly acquired "Precognition Star" trait allowed him to perceive this abnormality seconds in advance.

This was the approach of an existence at the Archmage level.

Silver light began to gather in the center of the laboratory, like stars falling from the night sky into the human world.

The air began to twist, and Professor Professor Yute'er's void projection slowly condensed into shape, his expression full of exhaustion.

"It seems you adapted to the new work environment very quickly."

The old professor's voice was like deep water in an ancient well.

His silver eyes swept over the various equipment in the laboratory, lingering on the consciousness tomography device for a moment:

"Consciousness tomography device... Cassandra is quite generous; this kind of equipment is an absolute rarity."

Luo En bowed politely: "Good afternoon, Professor; this is the first time I've seen you in the observation station."

Professor Professor Yute'er rarely appeared on his own initiative unless there was an important matter to discuss.

He casually found a topic and spoke first:

"Actually, when I returned to the observation station just now, I already felt some changes in work relationships."

"Oh?" Professor Professor Yute'er's void shadow leaned forward slightly:

"Let me guess, Wayne and the others started keeping their distance from you?"

"Exactly so."

Luo En briefly described the experience in the hall:

"The researchers suddenly became unusually polite and distant, as if I were carrying some kind of contagious disease.

And the explorers showed excessive enthusiasm, almost wanting to swear allegiance on the spot."

Hearing this, Professor Professor Yute'er let out a low laugh:

"The reaction of Wayne and those guys was completely within my expectations.

These so-called researchers always value political sense more than academic intuition."

The void shadow drifted in the laboratory, casting eerie shadows on the surface of the equipment: "They thought that keeping their distance from you could avoid being drawn into disputes, not knowing that in this subtle moment, neutrality itself is a dangerous stance."

"As for Miller and that group of rough men..."

Professor Professor Yute'er's tone carried more playfulness:

"They are at least direct enough. In this world full of hypocrisy, frank utilitarianists are more trustworthy than hypocritical neutralists. They know what fear is, and fear is the foundation of survival."

He paused, sharp light appearing in his eyes:

"After all, aside from the fact that Wei En has some slight value due to his Moon-Illumination strength and those pitiful research results..."

other researchers are just consumables that have been cycling back and forth since the establishment of the observation system.

They will disappear in mental pollution, experimental accidents, or simple purges, and then be replaced by new faces."

Luo En nodded slightly; he naturally had a clear understanding of this cruel reality.

"However, the attitude changes of these small characters are irrelevant."

Professor Professor Yute'er's voice became gentle again:

"What you need to focus on now is how to use these high-quality resources to advance your own research.

After all, the true value lies in what you can create, not how others view you."

"You seem very busy recently, too."

Luo En cleverly changed the topic, while activating "Hermit's Knowledge" to observe the subtle changes in the void shadow:

"I heard there have been quite a few movements from the Truth Court recently?"

"Indeed."

Professor Professor Yute'er's void shadow dimmed slightly; clearly, this topic touched on some sensitive content:

"The old order is being impacted, and the new pattern has not yet been fully established. In this transition period, everyone needs to find their own position again."

"However, seeing a young person like you constantly growing has rekindled some hope in me."

Professor Professor Yute'er quickly returned to his usual composure:

"Tell me about your recent research progress; I heard you are still exploring that... technology for making activated magic swords?"

Luo En began to organize his language carefully:

"I am indeed making some attempts in this direction."

He took out a design sketch from under the workbench:

"The core concept is to use soul steel as the base carrier, inject intelligence components, and then perform precise control through a rune network.

Theoretically, it can achieve functions such as form transformation, attribute adjustment, and even autonomous learning.

Of course, the most important part is the transfer and isolation of pollution, which is also a major technical difficulty."

Professor Professor Yute'er carefully observed the sketch and began to think seriously.

After a long time, he nodded slowly:

"The idea is indeed very creative. As for the specific production, alchemy is not my specialty, and I cannot give suitable suggestions.

However, looking at you, it seems you have hit a bottleneck?"

"Exactly so."

Luo En admitted frankly:

"The biggest difficulty at present lies in the fundamental conflict between activity and stability.

The higher the activity, the more unstable the system; and pursuing stability severely inhibits intelligent performance. This is a contradiction that is very difficult to reconcile."

"Besides this, there is also the problem of pollution transfer," he continued:

"Theoretically, a weapon can bear part of the user's pollution burden.

But how to prevent the weapon itself from being completely corrupted involves very complex rune design and material construction."

Professor Professor Yute'er waved his hands with a wry smile:

"To be honest, you almost want this magic sword to have every composite function you want, so naturally it will be full of difficulties."

But then he changed the subject:

"However, it's not that you shouldn't try. This kind of universal weapon, even if you only construct a prototype, will benefit you immensely."

The void shadow raised a hand, displaying images of magic swords of various forms:

"I have collected several master swords that have lost their owners. Although their owners have passed away, the swords themselves remain intact."

The old professor's voice became somewhat mysterious:

"Each of these swords has its own story; some were lost in abyss exploration, some were left over from wizard wars. You should be interested in them."

"In addition, if your research reaches a certain level, I can arrange for you to contact that 'Throne Seed' under strict monitoring."

This promise made Luo En's heart beat faster.

"Of course," Professor Professor Yute'er's voice carried a warning:

"Contact with the Throne Seed must be conducted under my direct supervision, and the time cannot be too long.

The power of that authority is still too powerful for you at present; the slightest carelessness could lead to being completely swallowed."

Luo En nodded to show understanding; he naturally wouldn't go and seek death on his own.

"I will seriously consider your suggestion," he said sincerely:

"The research on activated magic swords indeed requires more reference materials. If I could observe the construction of those master swords, it would be of huge help to my research."

"Very good," Professor Professor Yute'er nodded with satisfaction:

"I will arrange a suitable time for you to contact those ancient weapons.

But remember, every master sword once lived and died with its owner.

Even if the owner has passed away, strong will remains in the sword body; you must be extra careful when contacting them."

He paused, deep thought appearing in his silver eyes:

"Actually, I felt a special philosophy from your magic sword concept—fusion and transformation."

This point of view made Luo En's spirit lift.

He hadn't thought about the problem from this angle before, always treating each research direction as an independent project.

"You mean..."

"Perhaps you can use the activated magic sword as a comprehensive experimental platform, advancing it in sync with other research projects on the path of Three-Phase integration."

Professor Professor Yute'er's suggestion was like a divine revelation:

"Every technical breakthrough may provide brand-new inspiration for other directions.

This mutually promoting research model is the key to why ancient alchemists were able to create miracles."

"It is indeed a very valuable line of thought."

Luo En thought about this suggestion seriously, and began to conceive a specific implementation plan in his mind:

"I have always treated research in various fields as parallel lines, ignoring the deep connections that might exist between them. If I could find these connection points..."

"Closing the door to build a car for a long time always makes it easy to fall into the cage of thinking."

Professor Professor Yute'er smiled gently, that smile carrying the kindness of an elder:

"Try to communicate more with fellow travelers, maintain an open mind, and don't let your thinking be bound by established frameworks."

As the conversation reached this point, Luo En remembered another important matter:

"Regarding the Astrologer's Star Observation Ritual, I want to hear your professional advice.

Recently, my research in astrology has reached a critical point, but the risk of this ritual..."

Professor Professor Yute'er's expression immediately became serious:

"The astrology ritual is indeed a matter that requires extreme caution, especially for someone with high inspiration like you."

The old professor's void shadow drifted forward, his voice carrying obvious worry:

"Alan once mentioned to me that your intuitive sensitivity has reached a quite dangerous level.

This talent, although it has significantly enhanced your comprehension, perception, and magic power construction,

also makes it possible for you to come into contact with some... more terrifying things when peeking into the starry sky."

Luo En nodded in deep agreement:

"During my apprenticeship, I wandered on the edge of mental pollution many times for similar reasons.

That feeling... thinking about it still makes me shudder."

"Therefore, I strongly suggest that you perform the ritual inside the observation station."

Professor Professor Yute'er's proposal surprised Luo En:

"There are multiple isolation barriers here, and my void core is rooted deep in the building for continuous maintenance."

The old professor's tone became more certain:

"Cassandra has just left, and those ancient consciousnesses that have been dormant in the abyss for years probably wouldn't dare to act rashly at this time.

This period of time can be said to be the best time to perform the ritual."

Luo En activated the newly acquired "Precognition Star" trait, and his mental power extended toward the distant starry sky like tentacles.

In his special perception, the orbital trajectory of celestial phenomena for a period of time in the future became relatively clear.

The relative positions of various celestial bodies were like complex mechanical gears, and every subtle change could lead to completely different results.

"The third day of next week."

After careful calculation, he made a judgment:

"At that time, there will be a relatively gentle trough period, and the influence of various unfavorable factors will be minimal."

"Very good, it seems your astrology level has indeed had a qualitative leap."

Professor Professor Yute'er nodded with satisfaction, and the light around the void shadow became gentler:

"At that time, I will arrive on time to provide you with barrier protection to ensure the absolute safety of the entire ritual process.

Although I cannot guarantee that there will be no risk at all, at least I can reduce the danger to the lowest level."

Luo En wanted to express his gratitude.

But before he could speak, Professor Professor Yute'er's void projection began to dissipate rapidly.

The silver light retreated like a tide, leaving only a meaningful sentence echoing in the air:

"Remember, every improvement in your strength is the greatest comfort to us old guys.

In this increasingly dark era, hope is always more precious than despair."

The void shadow disappeared completely, and the laboratory fell into silence again.

He stared at the place where Professor Professor Yute'er had disappeared.

The motivation behind the other party's help might be complex, but its value was real.

However, now, it was time to awaken something that had been left behind by himself.

Luo En sat slowly on the rune meditation chair in the laboratory.

Closing his eyes, his consciousness extended toward the depths of the abyss like invisible threads.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 338 =====