Chapter 352

As one of the most senior astrologers in the Wizard World, Astraea was certainly no stranger to this name.

But when it was spoken by Chloe, it gave her a subtle chill.

It was a warning from the depths of fate.

Her fingers subconsciously stroked the ancient astrolabe pendant on her robe sleeve.

The pendant was made of some kind of bone material, its surface densely covered with fine lines like blood vessels.

Whenever it sensed major fluctuations in fate, these fine lines would turn slightly red, like the pulse of a living thing.

At this moment, it was emitting an uneasy, dark red glow.

"Grandma Leia?" Chloe keenly sensed the change in her foster mother's mood. "Do you know this person?"

Astraea was silent for a long time, her eyes fixed on the desolate land outside the window, stained red by the setting sun.

In her long life, very little had been able to make her this cautious.

"I wouldn't say I know him, but..." Her voice carried a deep sense of exhaustion.

"In the recent high-level divination meetings, this name has appeared with very high frequency."

She turned to face Chloe, her face full of worry.

"Whenever someone tries to delve into his future, it feels as if a high-level existence is deliberately protecting him."

Chloe's hand lightly brushed the astrolabe in front of her, feeling the subtle tremors coming from it.

"I've encountered the same problem. Every time I try to peek into the future related to him, I always see... some strange fragments."

"What kind of fragments?" Astraea's tone became urgent.

"A blood-colored sky... countless twisted figures..."

Chloe's voice became ethereal, as if she were recalling a nightmare.

"And shadows devouring the light... as well as a star shining alone in the chaos."

Astraea's pupils contracted slightly.

As an experienced astrologer, she certainly understood the meaning of these images.

The blood-colored sky represented bloody change, the twisted figures symbolized the erosion of the abyss, and that lonely star...

"Little Chloe." Her voice became serious as never before.

"Your talent for prophecy is far more powerful than mine. But at the same time, this also means you bear a greater burden."

She took an ancient crystal ball from her robe sleeve, with nebular mist floating inside the sphere.

"This is the legacy item given to me by my mentor—the 'Celestial Sphere.' Now, I pass it on to you."

Astraea carefully placed the crystal ball in front of Chloe.

"The 'Celestial Sphere' can amplify a diviner's perception while also providing a certain degree of spiritual protection."

Chloe's hand lightly touched the surface of the crystal ball, immediately feeling the ancient power contained within it.

It was a consciousness that transcended time and space, carrying the wisdom accumulated over thousands of years.

"If you have truly felt such a strong warning," Astraea continued, "you can go and confirm the truth for yourself."

Hearing this suggestion, Chloe's body trembled slightly.

"Grandma Leia, you mean..."

"Head to the Abyss Observatory." Astraea's words were decisive.

"Not only is Luo En, who caused these ripples in fate, there, but there is also an old gentleman we should all visit—Professor Youteer."

Mentioning this name, Astraea's expression carried respect, as well as some deep-seated gratitude.

"When I first became a formal wizard, I was too confident in my prophetic talent and was almost backlashed during a divination; fortunately, I received the professor's help."

Her voice became soft, as if she were recalling a precious past.

"Professor Youteer not only saved me but also taught me how to correctly apply astrology."

"Moreover, he is one of the only two remaining mystics in this world. If anyone can guide you to develop further, it is only him."

Chloe nodded silently, her inner unease replaced by determination. "When do you think I should set off?"

"Tomorrow at dusk." Astraea made the decision.

"I will submit a formal visitation application to the observatory there. As for your 'Night Mist'..."

She looked toward the corner of the room, where a huge shadow was curled up.

Following Astraea's call, the shadow began to slowly unfold, revealing a strange creature.

It was a Dream-Eating Beast, its body like a giant magic carpet.

Careful observation would reveal that the magic carpet's "fabric" was actually woven from countless tiny tentacles.

These tentacles were constantly writhing, their surfaces covered in moist mucous membranes, emitting a sweet yet nauseating scent.

What made one feel most psychologically uncomfortable was its "face."

It was a smooth, fleshy surface with no eyes, no nose, only a mouth that was forever smiling, carrying a certain greedy desire.

"Night Mist is already an adult, enough to carry you on a long-distance flight."

Astraea's voice carried a sense of gratification. "And its dream-manufacturing ability can provide you with extra protection."

The Dream-Eating Beast felt its master's gaze, and the surface of its tentacles began to emit a soft blue light—that was its way of expressing pleasure.

………………

The next day at dusk, the sky on the western frontier was dyed a strange purplish-red.

Two of the three suns had already set, with only the last one stubbornly emitting a blood-colored glow on the horizon.

On the highest platform of the Astrological Society's sanctuary, Chloe was making her final preparations for departure.

Beside her, Night Mist was slowly unfolding its nightmare-like wings.

The edges of these wings were covered with writhing tentacles, which swayed gently in the breeze, making a hair-raising rustling sound.

"Little Chloe, remember my words."

Astraea checked various amulets and automatic activation spells one last time.

"Prophetic talent is a gift, but it is also a curse. Seeing the truth is not always a good thing; sometimes, ignorance is protection."

She handed a silk bag to Chloe.

"This is a spell crystal made by me and several Dark Sun-level elders, containing the power of our full-force strike. Remember, it can only be used in a life-or-death situation."

Chloe carefully took the bag, and through spiritual perception, she could clearly feel the terrifying energy contained within.

That feeling was like holding several bombs that could explode at any moment.

"I will be careful, Grandma Leia."

Night Mist emitted a low hum similar to purring; that was its signal that it was ready.

Chloe stroked its moist tentacles, feeling the hunger transmitted from within.

A hunger for dreams, and a desire for devouring.

"Let's go, Night Mist. It's time to find the answers."

Following Chloe's soft command, the Dream-Eating Beast slowly rose into the air.

Its flight method was extremely strange; it didn't fly by flapping its wings but "swam" through the air like it was swimming.

Those tentacles left blurred phantom traces behind, and any observer could only see distorted air and confusing light and shadow.

The flight process was relatively calm, and the illusion barrier created by Night Mist allowed them to avoid most potential trouble.

But as the distance to the Great Abyss grew shorter, the unease Chloe felt continued to intensify.

That feeling was like approaching a giant vortex; the concentration of magic in the air continued to climb, also carrying a suffocating sense of oppression.

Her prophetic ability also began to show abnormal fluctuations, occasionally receiving some fragmented pieces.

Just as the young girl was struggling to interpret these warning messages, Night Mist suddenly emitted a low, alert hum.

The Dream-Eating Beast's spiritual perception ability had detected an abnormality ahead.

It was an extremely dangerous aura, carrying the unique twisted characteristics of the abyss.

"There's a situation..." Chloe said softly, while simultaneously beginning to channel astrology for deeper perception.

In her prophetic vision, blurred images began to emerge:

A white-haired witch standing on the edge of a cliff, surrounded by several terrifying-looking Blood Demons.

The flames of wisdom burned in the eyes of these abyss creatures, showing that they had surpassed the level of ordinary beasts.

But what truly made Chloe feel fear was the aura emanating from that woman.

It was some kind of more twisted power, making the blind girl, whose inspiration was different from ordinary people, instinctively feel repulsion toward it.

"Night Mist, lower the flight altitude, maintain the stealth state." She cautiously gave the command.

The Dream-Eating Beast immediately executed the order, while strengthening the effect of the illusion barrier.

But it was too late; the existence below had already detected their approach.

In a hidden canyon, Youfeimia was standing on the edge of a cliff, staring in the direction of the distant abyss.

She had pale skin as perfect as porcelain, strange eyes as dark red as blood, and that kind of unsettling, supernatural beauty.

Her long white hair fluttered in the breeze, forming a sharp contrast with the gorgeous dark red robe she wore.

Behind her, five Blood Demons were waiting quietly.

These abyss creatures were originally extremely violent, but under Youfeimia's bloodline control, they became as docile as tamed pets.

The leader was over eight meters tall, its whole body covered with pulsating blood vessel patterns, and it would spray scorching steam from its nostrils with every breath.

"Unexpected visitors..." Youfeimia whispered to herself, a playful smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

Her perception ability far exceeded that of ordinary wizards, and she could clearly feel the hidden spiritual fluctuations in the sky.

Although the Dream-Eating Beast's disguise was excellent, for an existence with a special bloodline like hers, there were still traces to follow.

Youfeimia took a small recording crystal from her bosom.

This device could record the battle process as evidence for the New Star Project's scoring.

The Conqueror faction's scoring system paid more attention to actual combat ability; one successful battle record was more valuable than several academic papers.

"Looks like luck is good today." She stroked the head of the lead Blood Demon, feeling the bloodthirsty desire it transmitted.

"Not only can I test new tactical coordination, but I can also add chips to the score."

She made a subtle gesture, and one of the Blood Demons next to her immediately understood its master's intention.

The Blood Demon began to show signs of "restlessness," and the light of wisdom burning in its eyes was gradually replaced by primitive violence.

"Damn it! Can't control it!"

Youfeimia shouted deliberately, her voice carrying just the right amount of panic.

But her "restraint" was clearly "ineffective."

That Blood Demon let out a roar that shook the sky, spread its huge wings, and rushed into the sky.

Its speed was astonishingly fast, rushing straight toward the Dream-Eating Beast like a blood-colored meteor.

Chloe's prophetic ability erupted with a sharp alarm; that feeling was like countless needles piercing her brain at the same time.

She could even "see" the image of the Blood Demon opening its huge mouth; those densely packed fangs were as terrifying as the gates of hell.

"Danger! Turn left!"

Night Mist immediately executed an evasive maneuver, narrowly avoiding the Blood Demon's first impact.

But the Blood Demon's attack didn't end there; it flexibly adjusted its posture in the air, preparing to launch a more lethal second round of attacks.

"Damn it!" Chloe cursed in her heart, while beginning to channel magic. "The strength of this Blood Demon is at least at the peak of the Morning Star level!"

The battle was on the verge of breaking out.

The Blood Demon's second attack was even more ferocious, its claws tearing through the air, leaving blood-red energy trails.

These trails carried the unique corrosiveness of the abyss, and even the air began to distort under their influence.

But Chloe's reaction was equally swift.

Her prophetic ability allowed her to "see" the attack trajectory in advance, making a perfect evasion before the Blood Demon arrived.

"First Ring: Star Fall!"

A silver pillar of light descended from the sky, smashing into the Blood Demon like a falling meteor.

This attack contained the power of the stars and had a natural restraining effect on abyss creatures.

The Blood Demon let out a shrill howl, white smoke began to rise from its body surface, and large burn marks appeared on its skin.

But its vitality was extremely tenacious, and it didn't fall immediately even after being severely wounded.

Chloe was just preparing to deliver the finishing blow when she heard a female voice praising her from below:

"Wonderful battle! Miss Chloe, your strength has left a deep impression on me."

Youfeimia waved her right hand lightly, and the other four Blood Demons immediately gathered around.

When the injured Blood Demon saw its companions, the violence in its eyes gradually faded, and it regained its proper sanity.

"Sorry for startling you." Youfeimia's voice was gentle and polite.

"This Blood Demon of mine has been a bit unstable lately; the influence of the abyss aura makes it lose control occasionally."

As she spoke, her expression suddenly turned cold, and she made a strange gesture toward the "out-of-control" Blood Demon.

The Blood Demon let out a painful howl, and its body began to tremble violently.

"As punishment, you guys deal with it." She ordered coldly.

The other four Blood Demons pounced on it without hesitation, biting into their companion's flesh and blood like hungry wolves.

This sudden brutality made Chloe, who had grown up in the Astrological Society, open her small mouth slightly.

The ruthlessness of this woman made her feel somewhat surprised.

Within a few minutes, this Blood Demon was completely devoured without any resistance, not even leaving bones behind.

After sharing their companion, the other Blood Demons clearly became stronger.

"As a token of apology..." Youfeimia took a small bag containing magic stones from her storage bag.

"Here are ten standard magic stones, consider it my compensation."

She tossed the bag lightly into the air, and Night Mist instinctively reached out with its tentacles to catch it, only to be stopped by the blind girl in a hurry.

Chloe carefully checked it through spiritual perception, confirming that there were no traps or curses in the magic stones.

But even so, she didn't dare to lower her guard.

This sudden "goodwill" made her even more vigilant.

"Also..." Youfeimia saw that the other party didn't take the magic stones and took them back as if nothing had happened.

"Since we are both heading in the direction of the Abyss Observatory, why not travel together? It'll be good to have some support on the way."

"No need." Chloe responded coldly, her voice carrying obvious displeasure.

"Next time, keep your dog on a leash; not everyone has the patience to play games with your pets."

After speaking, she signaled Night Mist to leave.

The Dream-Eating Beast unfolded its tentacle wings and quickly rose into the air, moving away from this dangerous area.

Youfeimia watched their departing figures, a satisfied smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

She had already recorded enough battle footage, and this "accidental encounter" would win her quite a few bonus points in the New Star Project.

Moreover, this contact also gave her a clearer understanding of her current strength.

………………

In the core area of the Abyss Observatory, in Luo En's private laboratory, a strange scent mixed with metal and magic permeated the air.

Various rare materials were neatly placed on the laboratory bench.

"Ailan, adjust the laboratory temperature to a constant..." The researcher's voice was calm and focused.

The dryad floated over from the depths of the laboratory, her emerald branches flexibly controlling various environmental control equipment.

As Luo En's most capable assistant, she had long since fully adapted to this kind of auxiliary work.

"Master, the golem you are making this time..." Ailan observed the complex design drawings on the laboratory bench, her voice carrying obvious unease.

"It looks more complex than previous ones; the precision of these rune arrays is already approaching the 'living structure' level."

"That's right." Luo En nodded in acknowledgment, while beginning to activate the "Creator's Blessing."

"Ordinary golems cannot operate in the abyss environment for a long time; I need to create a construct that truly possesses autonomous judgment ability."

As the blessing was activated, countless inspirations flooded into his mind like a tide.

Every design detail became clearly visible, as if countless invisible hands were guiding his work.

"I don't intend to personally make contact with those abyss existences."

"According to the divination results, although there are relatively safe areas, the risk of direct contact is still too great."

He pointed to the core part of the humanoid construct on the design drawing.

"This golem will serve as my proxy to conduct initial exploratory contact."

"If it encounters a threat it cannot handle, it can immediately self-destruct to prevent information leakage."

Daier poked her head out of the crystal pool, her silver hair flowing like moonlight under the magic crystal lamp.

Her golden eyes were full of curiosity and worry: "Master, what kind of existence are you going to contact? It sounds very dangerous..."

"It is indeed very dangerous." Luo En only revealed the parts that could be revealed.

"But precisely because it is dangerous, it has immeasurable value. High risk often means high return; this is a basic law."

He began to process the first piece of black gold magic iron.

This special metal needed to be forged at a specific temperature.

Too hot would destroy its magic conductivity, and too cold would make it impossible to achieve the ideal plasticity.

The effects of traits like Essence Insight, Micro-Structure Adaptation, and Extraordinary Creativity were fully manifested at this moment.

Luo En could intuitively perceive every subtle change in the material, knowing when to apply force and when to be gentle.

That feeling was like having a conversation with the material itself, understanding its needs and limits.

Every hammer blow required precise force control, both to maintain the structural strength of the metal and to carve fine rune circuits into it.

This kind of work required extremely high concentration and skill, but under the trait bonus, Luo En's hands were as steady as a surgeon's.

As the work progressed, the basic skeleton of the golem began to appear.

This construct was about 1.8 meters tall, its whole body emitting a black gold luster.

(End of chapter)