Chapter 111: Philosopher's Stone & Six-Ring Bloodline

Chapter 111: Philosopher's Stone & Six-Ring Bloodline

"What is this?" Luo En asked curiously.

Thompson explained softly:

"This is an Attributeless Mana Crystal, one of the foundational materials in alchemy. It can store and transform all kinds of elemental mana. Alchemists often use it as core material to construct various alchemical devices."

Luo En examined the crystal in his hand, feeling a subtle energy fluctuation emanating from within.

"For beginners, this crystal is an excellent tool for practicing elemental manipulation", Thompson continued. "It can visually reflect whether your spiritual energy output is precise."

Luo En carefully channeled spiritual energy into the crystal. It immediately glowed brighter with purple light and began vibrating slightly.

"Excellent control", Thompson praised. "Now, try directing this mana in a specific direction—imagine it forming a vortex inside the crystal."

Closing his eyes, Luo En focused on the mana flow within the crystal, guiding it as instructed.

The crystal's glow began transforming, displaying spiral patterns radiating from its center.

【Alchemy Experience Points +1】

"Outstanding", Thompson smiled. "It seems you truly possess an innate talent for spiritual energy control. And as an already accomplished Potion Master..."

He paused thoughtfully, his eyes flickering with hesitation, as if debating whether to share some secret knowledge.

Finally, he continued:

"You should know—while Attributeless Mana Crystals are already practical, they're merely the most foundational step in alchemy's ultimate pursuit."

"Ultimate pursuit?" Luo En asked curiously.

Thompson lowered his voice, his tone turning mysterious and reverent:

"The Philosopher's Stone—the ultimate dream of all alchemists. It's said to create anything one desires, even things that don't exist in this world."

Luo En's eyes lit up. "Does such a thing really exist?"

"This question has puzzled countless alchemical masters across many epochs", Thompson sighed. "Some call it a fictional myth, others claim to have glimpsed its true form, while more believe it's not a physical object at all, but a state or realm."

He retrieved an archival record from the bookshelf, flipping to a page displaying a complex circular pattern. At its center was a red crystal stone, surrounded by countless runes and intricate lines.

"The ancient Emerald Tablet records:

'The Philosopher's Stone is neither stone nor substance. It is born from nothingness, dies in reality. It is both the beginning of all things and the end of all things. Those who grasp it hold the power to rewrite reality; those who pursue it may gain eternal wisdom or descend into eternal madness.'"

Thompson closed the book, his gaze deepening.

"Legends say the Philosopher's Stone can transmute base metals into pure gold, cure all diseases, and even grant immortality to its wielder. But more alchemical masters believe its true power lies in transcending the boundaries between reality and void, creating miracles that should never exist."

His voice carried a subtle warning:

"However, every record of those who pursued this artifact mentions a terrible cost—most ancient alchemists who touched the ultimate mystery lost their rationality or vanished entirely from history."

Luo En mused thoughtfully. "Sounds remarkably like symptoms of severe spirit pollution..."

"Keen observation", Thompson nodded approvingly. "Indeed, some scholars speculate the Philosopher's Stone might be connected to some ancient chaotic existence. Perhaps the madness alchemists suffer when facing that existence is simply their spirits collapsing under its weight."

Returning the book to the shelf, Thompson's tone lightened:

"In any case, as a beginner, mastering foundational alchemical techniques is more than enough for now. Those ultimate mysteries can wait until you become a Full Mage. After all, secrets that even Full Mages spend lifetimes chasing would be too distant for an apprentice to grasp."

The additional guidance lasted nearly half an hour. When it ended, Luo En felt his understanding of alchemy had deepened significantly.

Yet he couldn't shake a strange sense of unease about the legendary Philosopher's Stone, as if it were some forbidden secret never meant for common hands.

Next came the "Elemental Affinity" course—a stark contrast to "Alchemy Practical", yet equally captivating.

The classroom was a circular space, its walls adorned with complex runes representing the elements.

At its center lay an Element Pool, where different elemental forces flowed freely, creating dazzling displays of light.

The instructor, High Apprentice Laila, was an elegantly graceful woman. Her deep gray robes bore silver trim, her long hair cascading to her waist, a staff crowned with an aquamarine gem in her hand.

"Elemental Affinity is the foundational ability of every mage", Laila's voice was as gentle as a breeze. "No matter your future specialization, understanding and mastering elemental essence will benefit you for life."

The first lesson focused on basic elemental characteristics and identification methods.

Using the Element Pool, Laila demonstrated the properties of foundational elements—fire, water, earth, wind, light, and darkness.

"Close your eyes and feel the elemental fluctuations around you", she guided. "Each element has its unique frequency and rhythm. Learning to distinguish them is the first step in mastering Elemental Affinity."

Following her instructions, Luo En closed his eyes, cautiously extending his spiritual energy outward.

At first, he only sensed chaotic energy fluctuations. But as his focus sharpened, distinct elemental pulses gradually clarified.

Fire burned fiercely, water flowed gently, earth felt solid and stable, wind danced lightly and freely...

【New Skill Acquired: Elemental Perception (Entry-Level)】
【Elemental Perception Experience Points +1】

"Everyone has innate elemental affinities", Laila continued. "Some are naturally drawn to fire, others resonate more with water. Finding your most compatible element is key to unlocking your potential."

During the class practice, students were to attempt guiding elements from the Element Pool.

When it was Luo En's turn, he discovered guiding light element and fire element came exceptionally smoothly—golden and red motes instinctively swirled around his fingertips.

"Hmm... quite rare", Laila observed, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Besides fire, you seem to have a natural affinity for light element as well."

She studied him thoughtfully. "Typically, those with light elemental affinities come from families with special bloodlines. What's your family background?"

"I come from an Ordinary Bloodline Knight family in Falu Ke Kingdom", Luo En replied cautiously. "As far as I know, there's no significant light element bloodline in my lineage."

Laila nodded without surprise. "Bloodline mysteries sometimes manifest across generations. Keep practicing—you clearly possess extraordinary innate talent in this area."

After class, Luo En pondered Laila Mentor's words.

His affinity for light element likely stemmed from his "Solar Blessing (Fragmented)" special innate talent, which faintly connected to Andie's mention of the "Yangyan Dragon."

Leaving the Academic District, Luo En decided to research this further at the School Library.

The School Library remained serene, sunlight filtering through tall stained-glass windows, illuminating floating dust between ancient shelves.

Approaching the Guidance Stone, Luo En clearly stated his request: "Transcendent Bloodline, Exotic Race Transcendent Profession."

The light points guided him to a section specializing in species and bloodline research materials.

He retrieved several relevant books:

Compendium of Transcendent Bloodlines, Exotic Race Transcendent Profession Studies, Dragonline Bloodline Origins, and Ancient Bloodlines and Modern Mutations.

Luo En found a quiet corner to sit down and began reading earnestly.

Flipping to the Exotic Race Transcendent Profession Exam, he discovered that beyond their innate bloodline talents, each species had developed its own transcendent career system:

"Beastkin’s ‘Artifact Forging Master’ specializes in various weapon types, adapting swiftly to different armaments in battle..."

"Forest Elves’ ‘Nature Priest’ wields innate natural attribute spells..."

"Above them are the Moon Elves, royal guardians of the World Tree—though now nearly extinct..."

"Dwarves’ ‘Rune Artisan’ creates enduring, specialized artifacts..."

"Sirens’ ‘Tide Singer’ manipulates water through unique melodies, even summoning devastating storms across the sea..."

The Compendium of Transcendent Bloodlines detailed known transcendent bloodlines and their rank classifications:

"Bloodlines are divided into the Six-Ring Rank by purity and power: Copper-Ring, Silver-Ring, Gold-Ring, Stellar-Ring, Moon-Ring, and Sun-Ring Bloodlines, named after celestial bodies and metals to symbolize their strength and rarity."

"Copper-Ring Bloodlines offer minor enhancements like night vision or cold resistance."

"Silver-Ring Bloodlines grant foundational abilities such as elemental affinity or animal communication."

"Gold-Ring Bloodlines bestow extraordinary talents like elemental manipulation or physical transformation."

"Stellar-Ring Bloodlines transcend mortal limits, granting rare abilities like spacetime perception or precognition."

"Moon-Ring Bloodlines are mythical, capable of reality warping."

"Sun-Ring Bloodlines exist only in legends, said to alter the very fabric of rules."

Luo En learned that most knights today, even after bloodline awakening, rarely exceeded Silver-Ring levels. Even ancient noble families seldom produced Gold-Ring inheritors. Sustaining Gold-Ring or higher bloodlines across generations seemed to require esoteric methods...

The next section on dragons left him awestruck:

"Dragons possess the purest, strongest bloodlines among all species. Even Hybrid Descendants far surpass ordinary beings in innate talent. Ancient Dragon Kings included Moon-Ring inheritors, while the legendary Primordial Dragon reached Sun-Ring levels."

"Dragonkin exhibit immense elemental affinity, superior physical traits, and longevity."

"Their numbers plummeted after the Third Era, with pureblood dragons nearly extinct. Modern ‘Dragonkin’ retain only diluted Silver-Ring or Gold-Ring bloodlines, vastly inferior to true Stellar-Ring or Moon-Ring dragons."

"As time passed, high-purity bloodlines diluted. Today’s Dragonkin pale in comparison to their ancient ancestors, like fireflies against the sun."

The book introduced a critical concept—"Bloodline Regression":

"Theorized that diluted bloodlines can revert to purer states through specific rituals. This perilous process has low success rates, but success grants power rivaling one’s ancestors."

After absorbing this, Luo En gained a systematic understanding of transcendent bloodlines.

In the Exotic Race Transcendent Profession Exam’s concluding remarks, he found a thought-provoking summary:

"Though species have developed diverse transcendent career systems, mages still walk the broadest path."

"Unlike bloodline-dependent races, mages rely on knowledge and study to break through limits. While innate bloodline talents are powerful, they often restrict growth to specific directions. Mages, however, can master nearly any field through learning."

"As the ancient saying goes: ‘Bloodline determines the starting line, effort determines the finish.’"

"Yet each transcendent profession has unique strengths. Mages’ versatility demands longer study, while specialized professions peak rapidly in their niches."

【Transcendent Biology Experience Points +1】
【Transcendent Biology Experience Points +1】
【Transcendent Biology Experience Points +1】
...

Returning the book to its shelf, Luo En’s mind churned with thoughts.

This knowledge solidified his resolve to pursue multiple paths simultaneously—melding a mage’s breadth with bloodline awakenings might be the ideal path forward.

By the time he returned to the workshop, night had deepened.

Ai Lan stood at the door, her vines swaying gracefully, appearing even more animated than before.

"Master, welcome back."

She no longer needed to painstakingly spell out letters with her vines, instead using large leaves as writing slates to generate text directly.

"Ai Lan, you seem… different." Luo En observed carefully.

Her vines danced gently. "I feel… clearer. My thoughts are more coherent. It’s a strange sensation."

"That’s wonderful", Luo En smiled. "I’m glad to see your growth."

Inside the workshop, he spotted a vial of Yang Flame Essence on the table—the latest version he’d brewed that morning.

This batch contained more Solara Orchid extract, theoretically enhancing the activation of positive mana within the body.

"Time to see how the improvements fare", he murmured, lifting the golden-glowing vial.

He inhaled deeply, then drank.

Instantly, a searing mana surged from his throat to his limbs, as if liquid sunlight coursed through his veins.

He felt every meridian ignite, every muscle vibrate, every inch of skin radiate warmth.

"This effect… far exceeds expectations!"

Luo En discovered his positive mana had rapidly activated, resonating powerfully with the Solar Corona Breathing Technique.

He immediately sat cross-legged, adjusting his breath according to the technique’s principles.

With each inhale, the mana surged toward his core;
Each hold, the energy flowed through meridians, strengthening vessels and muscles;
Each exhale, impurities expelled.

He clearly sensed the synergy between the potion and his breathing technique—a perfect fit creating a virtuous cycle.

Focusing intently, he refined his breath to perfection, guiding the mana toward its final barrier.

At the critical moment, his perception sharpened, as if he could see every drop of blood, every meridian within his body.

In this near-omniscient perception, he noticed a strange mana flowing through his blood—a primordial force slumbering in humanity’s genes, waiting to awaken.

This power responded to his call, slowly stirring.

【Breathing Physique Forging Experience Points +1】
【Current Progress: Breathing Physique Forging (Entry-Level 100/100) → Breathing Physique Forging (Proficient Max)】

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end