Chapter 167: 171. Chapter 171: Six Draws, 404 Edge Probe

171. Chapter 171: Six Draws, 404 Edge Probe

The first day of the new semester.

Lin Ke was very happy because he had changed his residence.

He moved from the collective dormitory building to a standalone villa near Boundary Lake.

How could a formal wizard share lodgings with an apprentice wizard?

That would be a loss of status!

The academy hadn't arranged the change earlier; it was just because it was vacation, the management was on leave, and the administrative system wasn't running smoothly enough.

Even if the General Tower Spirit had already arranged for the intelligent puppets to tidy up the villa, what then?

One still had to wait for approval from the relevant authorities, right?

After moving in, Lin Ke didn't waste time; he continued to stay at the lakeside laboratory, studying second-, third-, and fourth-year knowledge.

After a full day of diligent study, he returned to the villa.

The intelligent puppet butler thoughtfully notified him that the academy had sent a new meditation method.

Please have Lin Ke check it promptly.

Double blessings arrived, and Lin Ke grew even happier.

He had been waiting for this day for a full month already.

However, Lin Ke quite understood the academy's approach.

He knew the academy hadn't immediately distributed the new meditation method to him—not because they forgot or were delaying it like the villa matter.

But rather, haste makes waste.

Having just been promoted to formal wizard, he was still unaccustomed in many respects.

It was just right to use this month's time to make up for knowledge and solidify the foundation.

Especially the fine control of mental power, which had surged to over 150 points after the leap in the essence of life.

Its manifestation in daily life was the effortless release and restraint of an aura of intimidation.

From an imposing presence without anger, and even more imposing when angry, it turned into an inward return to simplicity and authenticity.

It allowed the Benevolent Brother Group and the Social Anxiety Group to return to their former selves, daring to joke and play rough in his presence instead of being restrained and hesitant.

With anticipation, he took out the meditation method scroll.

At a glance, Lin Ke found himself rather speechless again.

It was still the 'Water Wood Mutual Growth Meditation Method,' merely with an added suffix, the Wizard Chapter.

As it turns out, the four-layer 'Water Wood Mutual Growth Meditation Method' he had learned before was merely the Apprentice Chapter.

He had thought that after promotion, he would switch to cultivating a higher-level meditation method.

Who would have thought it was a complete set, possibly with a Sage Chapter still awaiting Lin Ke to study and practice.

Entering the study, Lin Ke used his mental power at a specific frequency to make contact with the scroll and read the Wizard Chapter of the 'Water Wood Mutual Growth Meditation Method.'

Unlike the Apprentice Chapter, which is divided into four layers, the Wizard Chapter consists of only one layer.

Lin Ke summarized the content of this layer in his own words.

In fact, it is simply about increasing mental power, changing its affinity, and sublimating it.

The Wizard Chapter states that the mental power of ordinary people and apprentices is illusory and elusive, the most primitive formless and substanceless.

However, apprentices, through practicing the meditation method, can turn the illusory into the tangible and control mental power.

After promotion to formal wizard, mental power becomes like air—intangible yet possessing substance.

Practicing this chapter transforms mental power from intangible yet substantive to tangible and substantive, while condensing and sublimating it.

To aid intuitive understanding, the scroll likens mental power to water.

The gaseous state of water is likened to the mental nature of a first-level formal wizard;

The liquid state of water is likened to the mental nature of a second-level formal wizard;

The crystalline state of water is likened to the mental nature of a third-level formal wizard.

Therefore, this chapter of the meditation method has only two steps: first increase the quantity, then change the affinity.

Repeat this three times.

The essence is really that simple.

However, the will runes, elemental runes, and rule runes involved differ at each stage and are numerous.

Lin Ke doesn't fear the large number of runes; the more, the better.

Only then can it be proven that this meditation method is not lacking.

Better to seize the day than pick an auspicious day.

Since the Wizard Chapter meditation method is in hand, let's begin cultivation.

He came to the study.

He lit a stick of premium Lixuan grass aromatherapy essential oil for use by first-level wizards. (See Volume 2, Chapter 98)

To help soothe his somewhat fatigued mind.

Lin Ke was just about to activate the 'Multithreaded Thought' status card to quickly get into the Wizard Chapter meditation method when he realized that he had been relying too much on the supercomputer state lately.

That's not good; it would reduce his autonomous learning ability.

He must not develop this habit.

He must change it!

Thus, Lin Ke casually took out the moving‑in gift—or rather, compensation for the delay—that the academy had specially given him when he moved today: ten standard second‑grade Magic Stones.

In his heart he silently said: 'Draw a card.'

The Magic Stones vanished; the sixth draw, which had no special effect, began and ended in an instant.

Summon the system panel to see what card was drawn.

【Linke Grand

Wizard aptitude: fourth tier, innate mental power 17, high affinity for water element, high affinity for wood element.

Wizard rank: first-rank official wizard, mental power: 152.

0-ring wizardry:

Water (28): Lesser Mist Rain Technique (Innovation), Water Shield Technique (Innovation), Water Ball Technique (Perfected), Purify Water Technique (Perfected), Water Blade Technique (Perfected), Ice Cone Technique (Perfected)……

Wood (28): Growth Technique (Perfected), Thorn Entanglement (Innovation), Thorn Whip Lash (Perfected), Leaf Arrow Technique (Perfected), Wither Technique (Perfected), Green Wilds Tracking (Perfected)……

Personal Wizardry: Ailan Battle Armor (Variant)

1-ring wizardry: none.

Card pack: 'Multithreaded Thought' status card, 'Designated Talent' upgrade card.

Used: 'Brain Seal Technique' study card, 'Pomona Sprout's Botany Talent' talent card, 'Philius Flitwick's Charm Talent' talent card, 'Severus Snape's Potion Talent' talent card.

Draw count: 0 (100 standard second-grade Magic Stones)}

After reading, Lin Ke was a bit dumbfounded; how did another 'Designated Talent' upgrade card appear?

It's quite strange.

After complaining, his focus shifted to the 'Designated Talent' upgrade card.

Lin Ke then learned that one could designate a talent card to upgrade it.

Among the three talent cards, the Botany Talent gave great help early on and continued to aid the study of potion-making and alchemical potions.

After all, plants are the primary source of potion ingredients.

The Potion Talent is the core aid for earning 'credits' and Magic Stones.

Lin Ke could quickly get into potion-making and alchemical potions, becoming a somewhat qualified potion maker and potion R&D researcher, thanks indispensably to the Potion Talent.

However, if Lin Ke had to pick one of the three talents to upgrade, it would undoubtedly be the Charm Talent.

After a wizard apprentice advances to official wizard, they will pursue advanced studies for one year at the higher academy.

This year refers only to one year of education at the higher academy, not counting the six-month frontline battlefield internship midway.

Within the four-year limit, advancing early to first-rank official wizard grants a buffer period of six months to one year.

That is, Lin Ke's current situation: first not entering the higher academy to receive advanced study,

but rather using this time to self-study, solidify foundations, and simultaneously learn as many 1-ring wizardries as possible ahead of time.

This is the academy's 'benefit' for true geniuses!

Strictly speaking, Lin Ke has less than a year before he must go to the frontline battlefield internship.

The so-called frontline battlefield refers to worlds among the myriad heavens that are about to have their world origin devoured by the will of the wizard world, yet still have native resistance.

In such worlds, the will of the wizard world can ensure the normal use of wizardry, but cannot guarantee the normal use of all magical devices.

Magical devices often malfunction; in such worlds, wizards fighting 'public security' wars can rely only on wizardry.

So, making good use of this year to learn as many 1-ring wizardries as possible is of utmost importance.

What is there left to hesitate about?

I want to upgrade the 'Philius Flitwick's Charm Talent' talent card.

Lin Ke gave the command.

There was still no special effect; the change occurred instantly.

The 'Philius Flitwick's Charm Talent' talent card shattered, and a new card was generated.

'Wizardry Specialization' talent card!

Without hesitation, he immediately used it.

He felt no difference, merely gaining an updated understanding of casting personal wizardry based on 'seeds'.

Only a tiny bit of improvement.

Not much.

Hehehe……

Lin Ke's mouth corners twitched wildly, almost laughing out a pig's squeal. After super modification, the improvement of personal wizardry is this easy; ordinary 1-ring and 0-ring wizardries need not even be mentioned.

It will definitely be more noticeable.

After feeling pleased for a moment, Lin Ke calmed his emotions and tranquilized his mind.

Continuing with the main task, he turned to carefully read the Wizard Chapter meditation method.

Having said he would self-study, he self-studied, absolutely no cheating.

Tonight!

One spit, one nail.

Say it, do it.

The next day.

Early in the morning, Lin Ke woke up.

He stretched, inadvertently activating the 'Multithreaded Thought' status card.

Really too careless.

Next time I'll definitely pay attention.

But since it's already on, let's direct the computing power toward the Wizard Chapter meditation method.

Sigh, helpless!

A brief 20-second 'realization', plus last night's self-study.

Lin Ke may not claim to have mastered the Wizard Chapter meditation method inside out, but at least it's familiar to him.

While it was hot, Lin Ke immediately carried out a deep meditation.

He actually experienced the effect of the Wizard Chapter Meditation Method.

Not long after, the meditation ended.

It felt very moist.

It was just like the difference between h6 and h6k.

Before, Lin Ke had speculated about the ever-increasing time consumption of meditation. (See Chapter 53 of Volume 1)

Now, Lin Ke can responsibly tell his past self:

The meditation efficiency of a First Grade Wizard is five times that of a Third Grade Wizard Apprentice, ten times that of a Second Grade Wizard Apprentice, and twenty times that of a First Grade Wizard Apprentice.

Performing a deep meditation takes no more than ten minutes.

After finishing the meditation, Lin Ke did not go to the cafeteria to eat.

Instead, he went to the restaurant and enjoyed the delicious breakfast brought by the Intelligent Puppet Butler.

No matter what Lin Ke himself thinks, since he is already a First Grade Formal Wizard, in the academy and in many matters, his pace must remain consistent with other wizards.

For example, the identities of Wizard Apprentice and Formal Wizard differ.

How could there be a Formal Wizard who spends all day crowded in the cafeteria eating together with a bunch of Wizard Apprentices?

Even if the person involved doesn't mind, what about other Formal Wizards?

They will mind.

One's position determines one's mindset!

On the day he became a Formal Wizard, Lin Ke's words and actions came to represent an entire entity.

During the vacation, being able to dine together with Mo Li, the Benevolent Brother Group, and the Social Anxiety Group was already the limit of what Lin Ke could do.

After all, at that time the academy had not yet announced his promotion, nor had it arranged a villa for him.

Now, continuing to do so would be bad for both sides.

Mo Li expressed understanding of this, but then her mood involuntarily sank.

Understanding is one thing, but emotionally it's another matter.

Thus, Mo Li walked to the vicinity of the cafeteria, and suddenly anger rose in her heart.

She huffed and puffed as she ran to Lin Ke's villa, then stormed straight into the restaurant.

Without even a greeting, she snatched the breakfast Lin Ke had already taken a few bites of and began to devour it voraciously.

Just because you've become a Formal Wizard, why can't we eat together?

Hey, I just refuse to believe it.

If you have the ability, kick me out!

Lin Ke glanced at Mo Li, who was clearly acting like a rascal, and shook his head helplessly.

He didn't say anything, just gestured to the Intelligent Puppet Butler to go to the Intelligent Kitchen and make another breakfast.

This let Mo Li breathe a sigh of relief.

Summoning this courage wasn't easy, and she also feared losing face.

"Eat slowly, don't choke."

Seeing Mo Li eating too hastily, Lin Ke simply pushed the hot drink over to her and kindly advised.

"Ugh..."

Earlier, the action of taking big bites to hide her lingering shyness caused Mo Li, her mouth full of food, to mumble a few indistinct sounds, accepting Lin Ke's goodwill.

She with difficulty swallowed the food, patted her budding sense of justice, caught her breath, then gulped down the hot drink in one go.

At last she felt much more comfortable!

Just now, as if speaking casually, she said:

"The breakfast here is much better than the cafeteria's; if I could eat it every day, that would be even better—I don't want to eat cafeteria food anymore."

Lin Ke smiled faintly and went along, asking: "Then how could I possibly let you eat such a delicious breakfast every day?"

Mo Li's eyes lit up, sensing an opportunity, she probed: "You have quite a few rooms here; why don't I move in?"

Saying this, Mo Li deliberately emphasized to increase persuasiveness: "Your place is so big; living alone is really too desolate. If I move in, at least I can add some liveliness, keep you company, chat, relieve boredom—how great."

"Yes, how great!"

Lin Ke laughed and agreed.

"Mmm..."

Mo Li didn't expect Lin Ke to be so easily persuaded; she froze for a moment, then realized and asked in surprise: "You just agreed like that? I was still planning to press you further."

"What, you don't want me to agree?"

Lin Ke's smile grew wider as he teased, "Then I'll take it back."

"You dare!"

Mo Li immediately glared, hands on hips, straining to look fierce.

"Hehe..."

Lin Ke chuckled, but didn't continue teasing; he simply pulled over the breakfast brought by the Intelligent Puppet Butler and began to eat.

The reason Lin Ke so readily agreed to Mo Li's request to move in and live together was his own consideration.

It certainly wasn't because he wanted to be a lsp who would get shot!

At this stage, the enemies least suited to him—such as the Lukia family—would launch retaliation against him.

Because he is on the academy's key cultivation and protection list.

Once retaliation is carried out, it will inevitably invite severe punishment from the academy!

But this is also the most suitable stage for retaliating against him.

Punishment can be paid off, but even a heavy punishment has its limits.

But time waits for no one.

Given Lin Ke's talent, ability, and speed of promotion, the longer we delay, the harder he is to deal with.

Therefore, Lin Ke is quite worried that some people will use Mo Li as a lever against him.

Even if that time truly comes, he will never make any decision or choice that works against his own interests.

But if we can avoid some trouble, it's better to do so beforehand.

Mo Li doesn't know what Lin Ke is thinking; she's just happy that she has fulfilled the purpose of her visit.

After breakfast, she happily and eagerly rushes to the classroom.

After persisting for two semesters, she has already formed the good habit of previewing before class.

Unless necessary, there's no need to break it.

He left the dishes for the intelligent puppet butler to clean, Lin Ke returned to the study and began today's studies.

After a month of studying the course materials and references for the second, third, and fourth grades, only the fourth-grade material remains unconquered.

Lin Ke prepares to increase his offensive force, aiming to seize that hill as soon as possible.

Then, with full focus, he launches an assault on the Level 1 Rule Rune and the First Circle Witchcraft.

Time must not be wasted.