Chapter 109

"What is this?" He asked curiously.

Tang Pusen explained softly:

"Non-attribute energy crystal, one of the basic materials of alchemy, capable of storing and converting various elemental energies. Alchemists often use it as a core material to build various alchemy devices."

Luo En observed the crystal in his hand curiously, feeling a subtle energy fluctuation coming from it.

"For beginners, this crystal is an excellent tool for practicing elemental manipulation."

Tang Pusen continued: "It can intuitively reflect whether your spiritual power output is precise."

Luo En carefully introduced his spiritual power into the crystal, and the crystal immediately lit up with a brighter purple light and began to vibrate slightly.

"Controlled very well." Tang Pusen praised:

"Now, try to guide this energy in a specific direction—imagine it forming a vortex inside the crystal."

Luo En closed his eyes, focused on feeling the energy flow in the crystal, and guided it according to Tang Pusen's instructions.

The light of the crystal began to change, presenting spiral light patterns from the center to the surroundings.

[Alchemy experience points +1]

"Very outstanding." Tang Pusen said with a smile: "It seems that you indeed have extraordinary talent in spiritual power control, and you are also an outstanding potion master yourself, so if that's the case..."

He pondered for a moment, a flash of hesitation in his eyes, seemingly considering whether to share some hidden knowledge.

In the end, he decided to continue:

"Do you know? Although non-attribute energy crystals are already very practical, in the ultimate pursuit of alchemy, they are just the most basic steps."

"Ultimate pursuit?" Luo En asked curiously.

Tang Pusen lowered his voice, his tone becoming mysterious and awe-inspiring:

"Philosopher's Stone—that is the ultimate dream of all alchemists, said to be able to create anything the heart desires, even things that do not exist in the world."

Luo En's eyes lit up: "Does such a thing really exist?"

"This question has plagued countless alchemy masters for several eras."

Tang Pusen sighed: "Some call it a fictional myth, some claim to have caught a glimpse of its true appearance, and others believe it is not a substance at all, but a realm or state."

He took down a classic from the bookshelf and turned to one of the pages, on which a complex circular pattern was drawn, with a red crystal in the center, surrounded by countless runes and lines.

"The ancient tablet "Emerald Tablet" once recorded:

'Philosopher's Stone, neither stone nor object, born from nothingness, dies in reality. It is both the beginning of all things and the final destination. Those who master it hold the power to rewrite reality; those who pursue it may gain eternal wisdom or fall into eternal madness.'"

Tang Pusen closed the book, his gaze deep:

"Legend has it that the Philosopher's Stone can turn base metals into pure gold, cure all diseases, and even grant the holder immortality. But more alchemy masters believe that its true power lies in crossing the boundary between reality and the void, creating miracles that should not exist."

His words faintly revealed a warning:

"However, all records of those who pursued this object mentioned the terrible price without exception—those ancient alchemists who touched the final mystery mostly lost their sanity or disappeared completely in the long river of history."

Luo En thought thoughtfully: "It sounds very much like the symptoms of deep spiritual pollution..."

"Sharp observation." Tang Pusen nodded:

"There are indeed scholars who speculate that the Philosopher's Stone may be related to some ancient chaotic existence, perhaps it is the result of the pursuer's spirit collapsing when facing that kind of existence."

He put the book back on the shelf, his tone returning to calm:

"In short, as a beginner, you only need to master basic alchemy skills. As for those ultimate mysteries, wait until you become an official wizard before considering them. After all, the secrets that even official wizards find difficult to touch in their entire lives are too far away for apprentices."

The extra guidance lasted for nearly half an hour, and when it ended, Luo En felt that his understanding of alchemy had gone a step further.

But at the same time, he also felt a sense of inexplicable heart palpitations for that legendary Philosopher's Stone, as if it were some kind of taboo that should not be touched by mortals.

Next was the "Elemental Affinity" course, which was completely different from "Alchemy Practice" but equally fascinating.

The classroom is a circular space, with complex runes representing various elements drawn on the surrounding walls.

In the center is an elemental pool, where different elemental forces flow freely, forming gorgeous colors.

The instructor, High-level Apprentice Laila, is an elegant woman, wearing a dark gray robe with silver edges, with long hair hanging to her waist, holding a staff with a water-blue gemstone embedded at the top.

"Elemental affinity is the basic ability of every wizard." Laila's voice was as gentle as a breeze:

"No matter what specialization direction you choose in the future, understanding and mastering the essence of elements will benefit you for life."

The first class mainly explained the basic characteristics and identification methods of different elements.

Through the actual demonstration of the elemental pool, Laila showed the students the characteristics of basic elements such as fire, water, earth, wind, light, and dark.

"Close your eyes and feel the elemental fluctuations around you."

Laila instructed: "Every element has its unique frequency and rhythm. Learning to distinguish them is the first step to mastering elemental affinity."

Luo En closed his eyes according to the instructions, and his spiritual power carefully probed around.

At first, he could only feel a chaotic energy fluctuation, but as his concentration improved, the fluctuations of different elements gradually became clear.

Fire elements are enthusiastic and jumping, water elements are gentle and flowing, earth elements are solid and firm, wind elements are light and elegant...

[New skill recorded: Elemental Perception (Introductory)]

[Elemental Perception experience points +1]

"Everyone has an innate elemental affinity tendency."

Laila continued to explain: "Some people are naturally close to fire elements, while others are more compatible with water elements. Finding the element you are most compatible with is the key to exerting your potential."

In the class practice session, students need to try to guide various elements in the elemental pool.

When it was Luo En's turn, he found that his guidance for light elements and fire elements was particularly smooth, and he could almost instinctively make those golden and red light spots rotate around his fingertips.

"Eh... this is rare." Laila observed Luo En's performance, a flash of surprise in her eyes:

"Besides fire elements, you seem to have a natural affinity for light elements."

She looked at Luo En thoughtfully: "Usually, those with light element affinity mostly come from families with special bloodlines. What is your family background...?"

"I come from an ordinary bloodline knight family in the Kingdom of Faruk."

Luo En answered with reservations: "As far as I know, there is no particularly significant light element bloodline inheritance in the family."

Laila nodded slightly and didn't find it strange: "The mystery of bloodline sometimes spans several generations before appearing. Continue to practice; you clearly have extraordinary talent in this regard."

After the course ended, Luo En thought about Instructor Laila's words.

His affinity for light elements is likely related to the special talent "Sun-Day Protection (Residual)," which also vaguely echoes the "Sun Flame Dragon" that Andre once mentioned.

Leaving the teaching area, Luo En decided to go to the library to further study knowledge in this area.

The library was still quiet and peaceful, with faint light entering through the high colored windows, illuminating the dust floating between the ancient bookshelves.

Luo En came to the guidance stone and clearly expressed his needs: "Extraordinary bloodline, exotic extraordinary profession."

The light point guided him to an area specifically collecting materials on race studies and bloodline research.

He took down several books from the shelf that looked most relevant:

"Extraordinary Bloodline Encyclopedia", "Exotic Extraordinary Profession Examination", "Dragon Bloodline Origin", and "Ancient Bloodline and Modern Mutation".

Finding a quiet corner to sit down, Luo En began to read seriously.

Flipping to "Exotic Extraordinary Profession Examination", he found that each race, in addition to innate bloodline talents, had developed corresponding extraordinary professional systems:

"The 'Weapon Master' of the Beast race specializes in the use of various weapons and can quickly adapt to different weapon types in combat..."

"The 'Natural Priest' of the Forest Elf race possesses various innate natural attribute spells;

Above this, there is the Royal-Moon Elf who guards the Tree of Life, but it is now rarely seen..."

"The 'Rune Craftsman' of the Dwarves can create durable and stable special creations..."

"The 'Tidal Singer' of the Sea Siren race controls water flow through special melodies and can even summon terrifying storms that sweep everything on the sea surface..."

"Extraordinary Bloodline Encyclopedia" details the known extraordinary bloodlines and their level divisions:

"Bloodlines are usually divided into six ring levels according to their purity and strength: Copper Ring, Silver Ring, Gold Ring, Star Ring, Moon Ring, and Sun Ring bloodlines, named after celestial bodies and metals, symbolizing their power level and rarity."

"Copper Ring bloodlines can only provide weak perception enhancement or physical improvement, such as night vision or cold resistance characteristics;

Silver Ring bloodlines begin to manifest clear extraordinary traits, capable of bestowing basic abilities such as elemental affinity or animal communication."

"Gold Ring bloodline holders often exhibit extraordinary talents, such as elemental manipulation or physical transformation;

Star Ring bloodlines can transcend mortal boundaries, bestowing rare abilities such as space-time perception or prophecy upon the holder.

Moon Ring bloodlines can already be called myths, possessing the potential to distort reality;

And Sun Ring bloodlines almost only exist in ancient legends, believed to have the power to change rules."

Luo En continued to read and learned that most knights today, even if they undergo bloodline activation, can at most reach the Silver Ring bloodline.

Even for ancient clans like the royal family, generally very few people can reach the Gold Ring level.

To preserve Gold Ring and above bloodline abilities for a long time in each generation, it seems that one can only rely on occult means...

The description of dragon species that followed opened his eyes again:

"Dragon species are the most powerful and pure bloodlines among all known races. Even mixed-blood descendants often possess talents far exceeding ordinary races. Ancient Dragon Kings were not without Moon Ring bloodline possessors, and the first dragon in legend even reached the Sun Ring level."

"Dragon descendants usually possess powerful elemental affinity, superior physical fitness, and long lifespans."

"The number of dragon descendants dropped sharply after the Third Era, and pure-blooded dragon species are almost extinct. Most of the so-called 'Dragon-kin' today only retain extremely thin Silver Ring or Gold Ring dragon bloodlines, far from the real Star Ring or Moon Ring dragon species."

"As time goes by, high-purity bloodlines are gradually diluted, and the gap between today's 'Dragon-kin' and ancient true dragons is like fireflies and the light of the sun."

The book also mentioned a key concept—"Bloodline Retracing":

"Theoretically, all diluted bloodlines can be retraced to a purer state through specific rituals. This retracing process is extremely dangerous, with a low success rate, but if successful, it can allow the holder to obtain powerful abilities similar to their ancestors."

After reading these materials, Luo En had a more systematic understanding of extraordinary bloodlines.

At the same time, he also found a thought-provoking summary at the end of "Exotic Extraordinary Profession Examination":

"Although various races have developed rich and colorful extraordinary professional systems, in terms of overall potential, the path of the wizard is still the broadest."

"The reason is that the wizard's path does not rely on innate bloodlines but constantly breaks through limits through acquired learning and accumulation of knowledge. The innate bloodline abilities of various exotic races are indeed powerful, but they are often limited to specific directions, while wizards can learn to touch almost any field."

"As the old saying goes: 'Bloodline determines the starting point, effort determines the end point'."

"However, every extraordinary profession has its unique advantages and highlights. The comprehensiveness of wizards often comes at the cost of longer learning paths, while specialized professions can quickly reach the peak in specific fields."

[Extraordinary Biology experience points +1]

[Extraordinary Biology experience points +1]

[Extraordinary Biology experience points +1]

Returning the books to their original places, Luo En's thoughts were turbulent.

This knowledge further consolidated his determination to develop multiple paths in parallel—the breadth of wizards combined with various bloodline activations might be the most ideal growth path.

When he returned to the workshop, the night was already deep.

Ailan stood at the door to welcome him, its vines swaying gently, looking even more agile than before.

"Master, welcome back."

It no longer needed to use vines to laboriously piece together letters but directly used large leaves as a writing board to generate text on it.

"Ailan, you... look different." Luo En said carefully.

Ailan's vines danced gently: "I feel... clearer, and my thinking is more coherent. This feeling is wonderful."

"That's good." Luo En said with a smile: "I am very happy to see your growth."

Walking into the studio, Luo En saw a bottle of Sun Flame Essence on the table, which was the latest version he had refined this morning.

It added more Sun-Day Orchid extract than the previous formula, theoretically capable of better activating the yang energy in the body.

"It's time." He muttered to himself, picking up the potion bottle emitting golden light: "Let's see how the improved effect is."

Luo En took a deep breath and drank it in one gulp.

In an instant, a scorching energy rushed from his throat to his limbs and bones, as if liquid sunlight was rushing in his blood vessels.

He could feel every meridian in his body being lit up, every muscle vibrating, and every inch of skin emitting a faint heat.

"This effect... is much stronger than expected!"

Luo En was surprised to find that the yang energy in his body was quickly activated, producing a strong resonance with the Sun Crown Breathing Method.

He immediately sat cross-legged and adjusted his breathing according to the essentials of the "Sun Crown Breathing Method."

With every inhalation, those yang energies activated by the potion gathered toward the center;

Every time he held his breath, the energy circulated in the meridians, strengthening blood vessels and muscles;

Every time he exhaled, impurities and stagnation were expelled from the body.

Luo En could clearly feel that the potion effect and his own breathing method formed a perfect fit, promoting each other and forming a virtuous cycle.

Concentrating all his attention, he adjusted his breathing to the most perfect state, guiding the energy to launch an impact on the final obstacle.

At the critical moment, his perception suddenly became incomparably sharp, as if he could see every drop of blood and every meridian in his body.

In this near-transparent perception, he found a peculiar energy flowing in his blood—that was an ancient and powerful force, sleeping in the depths of everyone's genes, waiting to be awakened.

This force seemed to sense Luo En's call and began to wake up slowly.

[Breathing Body Training experience points +1]

[Current progress: Breathing Body Training (Introductory 100/100) -> Breathing Body Training (Proficient max)]