Chapter 106: Huan Yuan Continent Cluster - Five Hundred Years of Turmoil

Chapter 106: Huan Yuan Continent Cluster - Five Hundred Years of Turmoil

Magnus chuckled lightly, retrieving an antique pocket watch from within his long robe and glancing at its hands:

"Since we still have time, I think we could discuss something more profound."

Luo En felt slightly surprised but quickly nodded in agreement.

"How much do you know about transcendent organizations beyond the Black Mist Jungle?" Magnus suddenly asked.

"Not much. Madam occasionally mentions some, but always briefly."

Luo En answered truthfully while his mind stirred. This elder Alchemist clearly intended to share important information, likely connected to Madame Ellen.

"Then, have you heard of the Crystal Spire?"

"Had a few mentions from Madam, and some records in the School's books, but incomplete. Only that it's a larger transcendent gathering place than the Black Mist School." Luo En recalled.

Magnus nodded, his gaze turning distant:

"Crystal Spire... one of the most glorious mage organizations across the Huan Yuan Continent Cluster, located in the Central Fertile Lands. Its mana concentration exceeds five times that of the Black Mist Jungle."

Huan Yuan Continent Cluster... Luo En's eyes narrowed slightly. He noticed the mention of an even larger geographical term, yet no detailed explanation followed.

The old man stood, walking to the window and gazing at the mist-shrouded woods beyond:

"Actually, the Black Mist School is only nominally affiliated with the Crystal Spire, serving as an outer branch. But due to geographical isolation, this subordination isn't particularly strong."

Luo En pondered aloud: "Then why would mages choose to come to the Black Mist Jungle instead of the resource-rich Crystal Spire?"

"Excellent question." Magnus turned, eyes flashing approval:

"Do you know? Madame Ellen, myself, and many elder mages you've met here were once members of the Crystal Spire."

Luo En's eyes brightened. This information aligned with Madame Ellen's previous vague hints.

Magnus sighed softly: "Young man, you've likely begun studying advanced meditation techniques. Then you should understand the basics of spirit pollution?"

"Yes. Madam explained it's an unavoidable affliction mages suffer during meditation and experiments."

"Not just that." Magnus's voice deepened:

"The accumulation rate of spirit corruption directly correlates with the surrounding mana concentration. The denser the mana, the faster the pollution erodes."

He gestured toward the distant west:

"Crystal Spire's mana concentration is fivefold here. Mages there endure at least three times more spirit pollution daily than in the Black Mist Jungle."

Luo En suddenly understood: "So you and Madame Ellen..."

"You've guessed correctly", Magnus confirmed. "For aged mages like us, with no chance of ascension, the Black Mist Jungle makes an excellent retirement haven."

He smiled wryly: "Of course, the more direct reason is we lost power struggles in Crystal Spire and were marginalized."

Luo En seized the moment: "But Madam mentioned 'Boons' as crucial means to resist spirit pollution."

"Oh... she told you about 'Boons' too." Magnus nodded, confirming his suspicion:

"You're correct. Boons can delay spirit pollution, but in high-mana environments, even with Boons, accumulation accelerates alarmingly."

Suddenly shifting topics: "By the way, do you know a Full Mage's lifespan?"

Luo En shook his head. His privileges at the School barely allowed access to information about Full Mages.

"Without spirit pollution outbreaks, an ordinary Full Mage lives at least 300 years. Those stronger or who've undergone physical modifications can reach the 500-year limit before soul decay."

The number sent a tremor through Luo En's heart—five centuries could witness the rise and fall of a Commoners' Kingdom.

"Of course, this assumes spirit pollution doesn't erupt prematurely." Magnus added, eyes flickering with caution:

"Many mages never reach their natural lifespan, consumed by accumulated pollution—driven mad, mutated, or... worse."

After a silence, his expression softened:

"But you needn't worry yet. With your innate talent and Madame Ellen's guidance, your path will be long."

Putting down his teacup, he shifted gears: "Incidentally, I'm organizing a small Alchemist gathering in half a month. Interested?"

"An Alchemist gathering?"

Clearly an opportunity to build connections and exchange knowledge.

"Yes. Held quarterly, small scale—just a dozen like-minded peers exchanging research insights and occasionally trading formulas."

Magnus explained, eyes expectant: "For a rising Alchemist, meeting industry elders is invaluable."

"I'm very interested, Master Magnus." Luo En readily agreed.

"Excellent. See you at the Cedar Hall in the School's north district next Wednesday afternoon."

Magnus nodded, mustache twitching: "Bring some of your improved formulas. Everyone will be curious."

His gaze sharpened slightly: "I heard about the potions you made for Cui Xi. Excellent effects. Perhaps bring samples to demonstrate."

Luo En inwardly startled—Magnus even knew such details.

"I'll prepare, Master." He respectfully replied.

Finishing his tea, Magnus stood: "Won't disturb your work further, young man. Looking forward to seeing your research at the gathering."

His gaze lingered on the tree spirit in the corner:

"A tree spirit makes an excellent assistant. Their plant perception ability is rare in potion brewing."

Luo En smiled: "Yes, Ai Lan has helped me greatly."

"Ai Lan?" Magnus raised an eyebrow. "You've named it? Interesting. Most treat them as tools, forgetting they're intelligent beings."

Nodding approvingly at Luo En's attitude toward potion assistants: "Treat it well, and it'll reward you more."

After seeing Magnus off, Luo En returned to his lab.

His eyes fell on the scroll—the gift from Magnus: the "Yang Flame Essence" formula.

Carefully unrolling it, he began studying the precious document.

The formula structure was crystal clear, each step detailing precise measurements and timing, even listing alternative ingredients. The author's meticulousness shone through.

As he read deeper, Luo En's eyes brightened.

This formula surpassed his expectations—materials meticulously chosen, timing instructions astonishingly precise.

"Perfect to the point I can barely improve... Master Magnus truly deserves his reputation as an alchemy professor from the Central Fertile Lands."

Luo En murmured in admiration, a bold idea forming:

"If I could combine this potion with my ongoing bloodline activation research, it might solve our directional issues."

The two formulas theoretically complemented each other—"Yang Flame Essence" focused on blood activation and positive mana guidance, while the bloodline activation potion awakened dormant genetic potential.

"The key lies in 'positive mana' as the guiding medium."

He muttered, eyes gleaming with inspiration:

"Yang Flame Essence can activate and strengthen internal positive mana—the very essence of Yangyan Dragonbloodline."

Quickly grabbing his pen, he jotted down this insight:

"Utilize Yang Flame Essence as the bloodline factor's guiding medium. Through positive mana resonance, precisely activate Yangyan Dragon-related bloodline fragments."

With his plan clarified, Luo En immediately drafted a brief letter to Andie:

"...This formula will resolve our bloodline activation direction issues. I have a preliminary plan but need your input on details. If all goes well, we might complete the first batch in two weeks..."

Finishing the letter, he gazed contentedly at his notes and experiments.

Today's gains exceeded expectations—Magnus's visit brought not only a precious formula but also opened doors to broader networks.

As night fell, only a few candles burned in the workshop. Luo En continued training.

He lifted his ironwood sword, beginning daily swordsmanship practice. The wooden blade carved elegant arcs through the air, whistling softly.

With Breathing Physique Forging reaching proficiency, his sword control had transformed—each movement fluid, precise, and powerful, as if the blade extended his body.

He felt mana flowing within, shifting direction with sword transformations, forming a unique rhythm.

Yet strangely, Foundational Swordsmanship's experience point stubbornly lingered at the final threshold.

[Current Progress: Foundational Swordsmanship (Proficient 99/100)]

"Why can't I breakthrough?" Luo En frowned, lowering his sword as sweat dripped from his cheek.

He meticulously reviewed every sword form, breath coordination, even wrist angles.

Each movement was second nature, muscle memory so ingrained he could perform the entire set blindfolded.

Everything seemed flawless, yet the final step refused to yield.

After prolonged contemplation, a possible reason struck him—lack of real combat experience.

Theoretically, swordsmanship's highest realm wasn't in forms themselves, but achieving "soul-sword unity"—an instinct forged in life-and-death struggles.

His training, though rigorous and systematic, remained formal and theoretical, lacking real battle testing.

"But I shouldn't recklessly seek breakthroughs by fighting magical creatures or exotic races..." Luo En hesitated.

After so much effort becoming a professional Alchemist, with steady progress in all areas, he wouldn't foolishly chase life-threatening thrills.

"Let's see. Opportunities will come. I'll ask Andie tomorrow."

The next morning, after brief small talk with Andie about recent events, Luo En quickly broached the topic:

"Still stuck at the swordsmanship breakthrough?"

"Hmm..." Andie rubbed his chin:

"In the Kingdom, we could ask swordsmanship masters for guidance battles, but here clearly lacks such an environment."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end