Chapter 355: Competing to Curry Favor

Perhaps Luo En had already mastered more advanced technology, so he didn't care about these "outdated" methods?

Perhaps he wanted to establish a broader academic alliance through technology sharing?

Or, this was simply a way to demonstrate strength:

Telling everyone that he had enough ability to create more similar breakthroughs?

Regardless of the motivation, the academic value of this paper was beyond doubt.

Chester picked up that bone pen made from the finger bone of an abyss creature and began to fill in the review comments.

But halfway through, his hand suddenly stopped.

A crazy idea emerged in his mind.

What if he deliberately gave a negative evaluation?

As one of the core members of the Academic Review Committee, his opinion had considerable influence.

If he could prevent the publication of this paper, or at least delay the publication time...

But as soon as this idea popped up, it was denied by himself.

Not because of moral constraints, but because of risk assessment.

With Luo En's current status and background, any obvious targeted behavior could invite terrible retaliation.

Moreover, the quality of this paper was really too high.

If he gave an evaluation that did not match the reality, it would instead expose his private motives.

"Forget it..."

Chester sighed long, picked up the pen again, and began to fill in the review comments seriously:

1. Research ideas: Have pioneering significance, technical route is clear and reasonable.

2. Experimental design: Rigorous and standardized, data is reliable.

3. Academic value: Will have a far-reaching impact on the abyss exploration training field.

4. Publication suggestion: Strongly recommend publication in the "Deconstruction" journal, suggest promoting it as a key academic achievement.

After writing the last word, Chester felt a strange sense of relief.

He knew that this review opinion would further consolidate the other party's status in the academic world.

"Maybe it's time to make some changes..."

Chester stood up and walked to the window of the office.

Through that window made of wind crystal, he could see the panoramic view of the Central Land.

Those towering spires shone brightly under the sunset, like bridges leading to the unknown.

Between those spires, countless wizards were conducting various research and experiments.

Some people were gradually marginalized because they stuck to tradition, while others gained opportunities because they adapted to change.

"Speaking of which, Frederick has been frequently visiting the Storm Clan's mansion recently..."

Chester calculated various possibilities in his heart.

The Storm Clan was one of the older families in the Central Land.

They maintained neutrality on the surface, but actually had complex connections with all parties.

If he wanted to contact Luo En in some way...

Chester took out an ancient sandalwood box from the drawer of his desk.

Inside the box was a "True Knowledge Eye" amulet inherited by the Black family for five generations.

This was a true treasure, capable of helping the wearer see through various illusions and deceptions.

"Hope it's not too late..."

Chester carefully packed the amulet and put on his most formal scholar's robe.

………………

When night fell, the ancestral mansion of the Storm Clan revealed its most majestic side.

This ancient building standing in the northern district of the Central Land had existed for over two thousand years.

The entire building complex was built with a special material called "Wind-Erosion Stone."

This stone would change color with the change of wind direction.

From deep blue to silver-white, and then to light purple, like the sky itself flowing in the building.

Luo En stood in the central courtyard of the mansion, looking up at the sky above his head that had been modified by magic.

Within the private domain of the Storm Clan, the sky presented an eerie light cyan color, in which countless tiny light spots floated.

Those light spots were not natural scattering of magic, but "Wind Spirits" bound in mid-air.

Their existence made the entire space full of flowing wind elements, and any related spells would receive huge enhancement here.

"This environment modification technology..."

Luo En activated "Supernatural Identification," observing the energy structure of the surroundings.

The entire mansion was covered by an extremely complex rune array.

This rune array not only provided defensive functions but could also regulate the distribution of magic inside.

"Lecturer Ralph, thank you for taking the time to attend our little gathering."

A voice with an upward tone and aristocratic accent came from behind.

Cassius Wandel walked over slowly.

This head of the Storm Clan was wearing a formal wizard's robe tonight, with a badge representing his associate professor status pinned to his chest.

"Professor Wandel is too polite."

Luo En nodded politely while observing the other party.

There was a kind of sophistication in his eyes, as well as a caution precipitated by time.

This was a trait that only an old fox who had survived in a complex environment for a long time would have.

"Are you satisfied with our clan's territory?"

Cassius gestured for him to enter, guiding Luo En toward the main building:

"The rune array design here is relatively old, perhaps not as advanced as those facilities you have seen at the main observation station, but it still has some advantages in terms of stability."

"It indeed has its own characteristics."

Luo En evaluated objectively: "Especially this wind element concentration technology, I have rarely seen it elsewhere."

"Haha, you are too kind."

Cassius's smile carried a hint of pride:

"This is the result of countless years of continuous improvement by our family. Every generation of patriarchs has made subtle adjustments and optimizations to the array, and by now, it has formed a quite unique style."

The two walked along a path paved with floating stone slabs toward the banquet hall of the main building.

On both sides of the path were planted some rare "Evening Wind Flowers."

This kind of plant only blooms at night, and the flowers emit a faint silver light and fragrance.

Whenever someone passes by, the flowers sway gently, as if greeting the guests.

"Elliott mentioned that you have a lot of research on various supernatural plants?"

Cassius asked tentatively, his voice carrying genuine curiosity:

"These Evening Wind Flowers are rare varieties we introduced from the Emerald Great Forest. Because the magic density in the Central Land is too high, they are quite difficult to cultivate. If you are interested, I can send you some seeds."

"This kind of luxurious flower has always been very popular among wizard clans, and I have heard of it."

Luo En showed some interest:

"However, my current research focus is still on abyss creatures, and I only have a slight involvement in botany."

In fact, it was because the ornamental value of this Evening Wind Flower was far greater than its medicinal value, and it was of little use for his potion research.

"Abyss research..."

Cassius's expression became complex:

"That is indeed a field full of opportunities but also extremely dangerous.

Researchers like you who can safely return from the deep abyss are extremely rare in the entire Central Land."

Speaking of this, his tone became more serious:

"However, I want to remind you of one point.

The influence of the abyss is often subtle, and even the slightest pollution can cause unpredictable consequences years later."

This kind of kind reminder raised Luo En's evaluation of this Storm Clan patriarch slightly.

In wizard society, most people only care about how to use others, and few people will actively care about the safety of others.

Cassius's performance, although with utilitarian colors, was undoubtedly releasing goodwill toward him.

"Thank you for your reminder, I will pay attention." Luo En responded briefly: "Regular testing and purification are of course necessary procedures."

The design of the banquet hall was impressive.

The entire hall had a circular structure, and the walls were made of a translucent wind crystal, with silver-blue light flowing inside.

Most striking was the massive chandelier hanging in the center of the hall.

This was a complex structure composed of hundreds of "Storm Orbs."

Each storm orb was mapping a miniature thunderstorm inside.

Lightning flickered constantly inside the orbs, providing vibrant light.

Lightning flickered continuously inside the bead, providing a vibrant light.