Chapter 102

Luo En didn’t respond immediately, instead carefully observing the tree spirit’s condition.

Thanks to his professional expertise as a Potion Master, he could tell this creature had been well-maintained—its skin moisture and the Vitality of its vines were both at optimal levels.

Their eyes were clear rather than clouded, indicating a stable spirit state unaffected by prolonged captivity. The tree spirit hadn’t become numb or mad from confinement.

“I do need it to assist with potion brewing.”

Luo En nodded, a glint of shrewd calculation in his eyes as he began haggling.

“But last time you said eighty Mana Shard Fragments. Judging by current market rates, sixty should be fair.”

“This… this simply won’t do, my lord!”

The merchant waved his hands theatrically, his voice rising shrilly as if hearing an absurd joke.

“Eighty was already a special offer for you! On the open market, a tree spirit of this quality would cost at least a hundred Mana Shard Fragments! Look at its Vitality, the luster of these vines—how many special functions do you see? All of this costs money!”

They haggled back and forth before finally settling on seventy Mana Shard Fragments, plus free engraving of a control sigil.

“Deal.” Luo En retrieved a leather pouch from his waist, counting out seventy Mana Shard Fragments onto the merchant’s tray.

The sound of clinking coins was the merchant’s favorite music. His eyes nearly vanished into wrinkles as he grinned, his face crumpling like a lottery winner’s.

“A wise choice, my lord.”

The merchant’s eyes narrowed to slits as he chuckled, “Please wait a moment while I prepare the materials for the control sigil.”

As the merchant turned to leave, the tree spirit suddenly lifted its head, locking eyes with Luo En. A flicker of unreadable emotion passed through their gaze—

Not gratitude, not fear, not hope or despair, but a profound, unsettling calm.

Before Luo En could study the expression further, the slave merchant returned holding a small silver box.

“My lord, the control sigil will be ready shortly. But before that, I’d like to show you some other items—given your status, you might find them more intriguing.”

His tone carried an unmistakable eagerness, as if preparing to unveil a treasure.

Without waiting for a response, he eagerly continued, clearly unwilling to miss a sales opportunity.

“For example… this.”

He produced a delicate crystal container from his robe’s inner pocket. Suspended inside was a thumb-sized, oddly shaped translucent object resembling an underdeveloped embryo, faintly pulsing with mana.

“A special embryo from a bloodlinemodifier masterwork, fusing the Transcendent Bloodline essences of three extraordinary creatures.”

“Bloodlinemodifier? Explain further.”

Luo En’s attention snapped to the item, his eyes widening as inspiration sparked in his mind—could this improve his bloodline awakening potion?

“This is industry confidential,” the merchant whispered conspiratorially. “But since you’re an Apothecary Apprentice, I’ll share a secret.”

He leaned closer, as if revealing a world-shaking truth.

“Bloodlineformulation is a branch of magecraft specializing in bloodline enhancement and transformation. It’s related to alchemy but requires mastery of exotic race anatomy and Transcendent Bloodline research.”

“The most powerful bloodlinemodifiers can even construct entirely new Lifeforms from scratch, creating Species that never existed before.”

As the slave merchant explained, new information appeared on Luo En’s profession interface…

[Partial profession information obtained for γ-modifier (Two-Star)]

[New advancement path unlocked for Apothecary Apprentice: γ—modifier (Two-Star)]

[Class advancement conditions:

1. Basic Alchemy at Mastery √

2. Transcendent Biology at Proficient

3. Bloodlineformulation at Proficient

4. Successfully perform at least three different types of bloodlineformulation]

[Features: Bloodline Identification, Tissue Activation, Gene Fusion]

This new path required him to train two unfamiliar skills to proficiency from scratch…

Luo En frowned. He already had too many daily tasks.

Yet bloodlineformulation shared similarities with his previous bloodline activation research—but was clearly more advanced.

Bloodline activation awakened dormant bloodlines within the body, while bloodlineformulation processed or even created entirely new bloodlines.

Perhaps they could complement each other, avoiding the need to start from zero.

“What bloodlines are fused into this embryo?” he asked, staring at the tiny translucent object, his heart quickening.

“Dragon Lizard, Zephyr Wraith, and Crystal Scorpion,” the merchant whispered, eyes gleaming with excitement.

“This combination grants the host extraordinary Adaptability and Regenerative Capacity, making it a perfect Combat Companion. Dragon Lizard provides Strength and Defense, Zephyr Wraith offers Speed and Agility, and Crystal Scorpion adds Venom and Regeneration.”

He caressed the crystal container proudly.

“This cost me a fortune to acquire.”

“How much for the embryo?” Luo En asked, feigning disinterest.

“One hundred and fifty Mana Shard Fragments.”

The merchant quoted an astronomical price, then quickly added, “But considering your recent generous purchase, I’ll give you a special rate—120.”

Luo En quickly calculated his funds.

Seventy Mana Shard Fragments for the tree spirit, plus this embryo would drain his entire savings.

Plus, he knew nothing about bloodlineformulation. Buying an embryo of unknown origins carried too much risk.

“No, I’ll learn more first,” he decided inwardly, shaking his head.

“I’ll pass for now, but I’m very interested in ‘bloodlineformulation.’ Can you tell me where to find them?”

The merchant showed disappointment but quickly recovered, accustomed to negotiations.

“True bloodlinemodifiers are extremely rare—there are fewer than five in this region. However…”

He glanced around to ensure no eavesdroppers. “If you’re willing to pay the price, I might arrange a secret meeting.”

Luo En nodded thoughtfully, storing this information but deliberately ignoring the merchant’s latter half.

Contacting such secretive figures through an unverified intermediary was too risky.

“I’ll consider it,” he replied vaguely, changing the subject.

“Now, please complete the control sigil engraving.”

The process was surprisingly simple. The merchant took a special rune stone from the silver box, pressing it gently against the tree spirit’s forehead.

The rune’s patterns glowed instantly, flowing into the tree spirit’s skin like living things, forming a complex, faintly visible mark at the center of their forehead.

“Done, my lord.” The merchant packed the box away, nodding in satisfaction.

“From now on, it belongs to you. Simply speak the control command—‘Verdant Command’—and it will obey unconditionally.”

Leaving the exchange with his newly purchased tree spirit, Luo En considered his next move.

“It’s time to visit the School Library again.”

Watching the tree spirit walk beside him, he resolved silently—

“Not just to research bloodlineformulation, but also to learn about tree spirits. Only then can we coexist harmoniously.”

The tree spirit followed quietly, their eyes still as calm as water, as if having endured too much to be shaken by anything anymore.

Yet Luo En noticed that whenever they passed green plants, their vines would sway slightly, as if silently communicating with them.

Back at the Workshop, he initially worried the tree spirit might struggle adapting to the new Environment. Unexpectedly, the tree spirit seemed instantly familiar with the layout.

After basic instructions, it quickly began organizing medicinal herbs.

Its innate talent for handling plant-based materials exceeded expectations—instinctively knowing how to preserve each herb’s optimal Vitality.

“You know,” Luo En remarked, watching roots extend into the Soil, “I was worried about taking care of you.”

“But it turns out you only need regular watering and occasional mana supplements, just like ordinary plants.”

The tree spirit’s vines swayed gently, their calm eyes flickering with what might have been pleasure.

Though they never spoke, Luo En gradually learned to interpret their Body Language.

To his surprise, when the tree spirit extended roots underground, he discovered they could provide subtle Surveillance and Vigilance, sensing environmental changes around the Workshop.

“I’ll return later,” Luo En said, packing his instruments. “While I’m away, continue organizing these materials—especially those Exotic Medicinal Herbs requiring special Preservation. I’ve marked basic requirements on each shelf, but feel free to adjust as you see fit.”

The tree spirit simply nodded slightly—whether from unwillingness or inability to speak, he couldn’t tell.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end