Chapter 353: The Path of Advancement

Yuter's virtual remains projection sat behind that desk made of living bone.

Silver light flowed slowly around him, like the afterglow of an ancient galaxy.

Luo En sat opposite, gently stroking the magic sword that had just completed fusion.

"Your harvest this time is far greater than I expected."

Yuter's voice was like deep water in an ancient well, carrying the depth of accumulated time:

"Not only did you complete the perfect fusion of soul steel and Master Sword.

Moreover, the changes in your aura tell me that you have come into contact with some... very special existences."

The old professor's silver eyes carefully sized up Luo En.

That gaze seemed to be able to see through every secret in the depths of his soul.

Luo En nodded, neither denying nor explaining in detail:

"I did encounter some... unexpected situations. But overall, the harvest outweighs the risks."

"Wise answer."

Yuter nodded satisfiedly, the silver light around the virtual shadow becoming gentler:

"In abyss exploration, knowing what should be said and what should not be said is itself an important survival skill."

He looked at the twisted abyss scene outside the window, his voice becoming deeper:

"Child, do you know? Before the Great Abyss appeared, it was much harder for us wizards to complete virtual remains condensation than it is now."

Luo En immediately focused his attention, activating "Hermit's Knowledge" to capture the precious information that might be obtained next.

He knew that such opportunities to obtain deep knowledge were extremely rare.

"Do you know when the abyss appeared?"

Yuter's question seemed simple, but Luo En could feel the deep meaning contained within it.

"Early Second Era, during the Great Cataclysm." He answered, which was the content recorded in most historical classics.

"Indeed, what I want to talk about today is related to the Great Cataclysm..."

Yuter's virtual shadow began to weave complex timeline charts in the air:

"Before the Great Cataclysm, those 'Age of Wilderness' god-era wizards found it much harder to condense virtual remains than we do now."

The chart showed various attempts by ancient wizards to condense virtual remains.

In those blurred images, Luo En saw ancient wizards meditating alone in the wilderness of different worlds;

Saw warriors fighting unknown creatures in dangerous caves;

And those crazy scholars performing self-modification in extreme environments.

"At that time, we could only grope forward in various different worlds."

Yuter's voice carried the vicissitudes of history:

"Some went to the fire elemental plane, forging the basic structure of virtual remains in magma;

Some went deep into the realm of snow giants, condensing spiritual crystals in absolute zero;

Others chose time turbulence, looking for inspiration in chaotic time fragments."

"What was the death rate?" Luo En asked, having developed a strong interest in this hidden history.

"Ten out of one survived." Yuter calmly gave a shocking number:

"And even if they successfully condensed virtual remains, the quality varied.

Most people's virtual remains had obvious environmental imprints, limiting their subsequent development potential."

The chart continued to show the truth of that cruel era.

Countless geniuses turned to dust in the extreme environments of different worlds, and only a very few lucky ones could successfully advance to Great Wizards.

"But the Great Cataclysm changed everything."

Yuter's tone became more solemn, and the light around him began to flicker:

"It was a... special place deliberately created."

This expression made Luo En's brows furrow slightly.

"Deliberately created? You mean..."

"The appearance of the abyss is not a natural phenomenon."

Yuter said this shocking truth directly:

"It is a rehearsal venue created by certain supreme existences to cultivate... troops to invade different worlds."

The air fell into dead silence after this sentence.

The abyss was not a dangerous area formed naturally, but some kind of... training camp?

"Supreme existences?" he asked cautiously.

"Existences at a higher level than Wizard Kings."

Yuter's answer was vague and cautious, obviously this topic involved certain forbidden areas:

"Their purposes and motivations are not something our level can understand.

But the result is obvious... the abyss has provided us with an unprecedented growth environment."

The virtual shadow waved to show more details:

"Each layer of the abyss simulates different types of different world environments.

The blood-colored shallows of the first and second layers correspond to chaotic worlds with frequent wars;

The Black Sand Wasteland of the third layer simulates dead planes with scarce resources;

The Twisted Jungle of the fourth layer reproduces the out-of-control ecology of over-breeding life..."

"And deeper layers..."

Yuter's voice became more mysterious:

"Also simulate some extreme environments we can't even imagine.

Worlds where time flows backward, spaces where cause and effect are reversed, and even chaotic dimensions where physical laws are completely rewritten."

Luo En listened with surging heart, this macro perspective allowed his understanding of the abyss to rise to a brand new height.

"So... the relationship between virtual remains condensation and the abyss?"

"Inseparable."

Yuter's answer was categorical:

"The essence of virtual remains is a highly condensed magic structure.

To reach a sufficient degree of condensation, one must undergo long-term compression and exercise in extreme environments."

He paused, complex light flashing in his eyes:

"And what the abyss provides is not just environment, but... time."

"Time?"

"The deeper the abyss, the slower the time flow relative to the main world."

Yuter explained, while showing a complex time flow comparison chart:

"The fourth and fifth layers are okay, the difference is not particularly large, but when it reaches the sixth layer, this flow difference will greatly increase.

Staying in the sixth layer for one day, the main world might have already passed more than a week.

And below the ninth layer, one day inside might be months or even a year or two outside."

This information mutually verified the news he had previously obtained from Lance's notes.

Lance's research also made breakthroughs in the special environment of the abyss.

"The speed of power transformation will also present a doubling effect with the change of flow."

Yuter continued to explain this shocking secret:

"Performing magic compression in the deep abyss is far more efficient than in the main world.

One or two months of deep cultivation might be worth decades or even longer efforts in the main world."

Luo En began to understand why wizards valued abyss exploration so much.

This was not just a means to obtain resources, but a shortcut to rapid growth.

"But the price?" he asked keenly.

"Pollution, madness, death."

Yuter calmly listed the risks:

"The environment of the deep abyss is far more dangerous than you imagine.

Not just physical threats, but also spiritual erosion.

Many wizards lost themselves in the deep abyss, and even if they luckily returned, they were no longer the original themselves."

His voice became more solemn:

"Moreover, the difference in time flow will bring another problem...

When you spend years in the deep abyss and return to the main world, you will find that the people you know might have aged or died, and the world you are familiar with might have changed beyond recognition."

This made Luo En think of his family far away in the Kingdom of Farouk.

Eldest brother Edmond, father, and Andre...

If he chose to go deep into the abyss for long-term cultivation, would they still be there when he returned?

"Wizards who can survive in the abyss for a long time often have... adaptability that exceeds ordinary people."

Yuter's gaze refocused on Luo En:

"And from your performance this time, you happen to possess this precious trait."

"So..." Luo En had vaguely guessed the other party's hint.

"When you reach the peak of Moon-Sun level and start preparing for the condensation of the virtual remains prototype, the abyss will be your best choice."

Yuter gave a clear suggestion:

"There, you can complete magic compression with the highest efficiency, laying the most solid foundation for virtual remains construction.

And the special environment and energy support needed during the condensation process can also be provided by the abyss."

He paused, his tone becoming deeper:

"Even the 'special ritual' for advancing to Great Wizard needs to be performed in certain specific layers of the abyss.

That place contains... essential power that the main world cannot provide."

Luo En quietly digested this precious information, and his planning for the future began to become clearer.

The abyss was not just a resource acquisition place, but a must-pass path for him to reach a higher level.

"However, it is too early to talk about these now."

Yuter's tone became a bit more relaxed:

"You first need to reach the Moon-Sun level, then accumulate enough abyss adaptation experience, and finally it is true long-term cultivation."

"I understand, Professor."

Luo En nodded seriously, then remembered another important thing:

"Regarding another participant in this exploration... Euphemia Pelle, how is her situation?"

Mentioning this name, Yuter's expression became subtle.

"Ah, that interesting little girl..."

His voice carried some indescribable meaning:

"She returned to the observation station three days after you left, also carrying the aura mark of an abyss apostle."

"Apostle aura?" Luo En asked, pretending to be surprised.

"Characteristics of the Grand Duke of Blood and Tears, Asmond."

Yuter explained in detail:

"Judging from the intensity of the aura, the time she spent in contact with that apostle should not be short."

The old professor's virtual shadow drifted slowly in the room:

"But considering her bloodline characteristics, this contact is also reasonable.

The creations of the King of Blood naturally have a certain affinity with vampire apostles."

"How is her condition now?"

"Isolated and inspected for a full week, all indicators are normal."

Yuter answered:

"I gave her a temporary identity as a copper-ring explorer, and everything is currently handled according to rules and regulations.

There are no extra restrictions on advancement, all depending on personal ability."

He paused, playfulness appearing in his eyes:

"She behaves quite... honestly. Most of the time she performs ordinary material collection missions in the first three layers, and when there is no mission, she focuses on meditation and spell practice."

"Occasionally she goes to the library to check some information related to bloodline modulation, but they are all public basic content, not involving any sensitive information."

Luo En heard the subtext in Yuter's words.

Such well-behaved performance, on the contrary, seemed a bit deliberate.

"What is your evaluation of her?"

"A dangerous person trying hard to prove she is harmless."

Yuter's answer was quite direct:

"She is very smart and knows how to behave 'normally' under monitoring."

The old professor's gaze refocused on Luo En:

"I feel you want to discuss certain things about her with me, but this is not an area I should interfere with."

He waved his hand, and the light around the virtual shadow became softer:

"Any decision, think and handle it yourself.

After so many things, you have already proven yourself, believe in your judgment, and believe in your ability."

"However..."

Yuter added, his voice carrying kind advice:

"If you want to have any in-depth... communication with her, it is recommended to do it within the observation station.

Here, my virtual remains power is the strongest and can provide sufficient... protection."

Deep meaning appeared in his eyes:

"The virtual remains mark I left on her can shield most external interference within the scope of the observation station.

Even the King of Blood would find it difficult to eavesdrop on her actions here."

This information made Luo En's heart move.

It seems Yuter had long anticipated Aiden's monitoring ability and had made corresponding protective measures.

"Thank you for your reminder, Professor."

"No need for polite words."

Yuter waved his hand to interrupt his thanks:

"Your growth is good for the entire observation station, providing necessary support is what I should do."

Luo En thought for a while, and then mentioned another purpose of his coming:

"In addition, I also want to apply to return to the Central Land next week to handle some important affairs."

"Of course." Yuter agreed readily:

"The regular airship schedule happens to have a trip the day after tomorrow. I will arrange for you to take it. Do you need special transport permission?"

"If possible, I hope to transport some experimental equipment and materials."

Luo En thought of his mobile workshop:

"And two assistants, they also need to go to the Central Land with me."

"No problem." Yuter nodded: "I will arrange a special cargo hold. With your current status, these are within the reasonable scope of authority."