Chapter 126: Interstellar Silver Void Gem

Chapter 126: Interstellar Silver Void Gem

A wisp of morning sunlight filtered through the workshop’s window lattice, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the floor. Luo En sat motionless at his desk, eyes closed, his Crimson Bloodline pulsing in rhythm with the Solar Corona Breathing Technique. Each breath stirred faint ripples of energy through his body.

Ever since completing his bloodline activation and successfully replicating Andie’s Crimson Bloodline, he’d felt a dramatic increase in his affinity for both fire and light elements.

The bloodline’s power surged through his meridians like a blazing river of molten crimson, nourishing every muscle and bone.

【Bloodline Awakening Experience Points +1】

【Current Progress: Bloodline Awakening (Entry-Level 28/100)】

“Progress is slower than I’d hoped,” Luo En murmured. He opened his eyes, his fingers instinctively tracing the faint, scale-like patterns beneath his left forearm’s skin—visible only at certain angles of light.

Bloodline awakening was a prolonged process, demanding daily cultivation to fully integrate the replicated power. Fortunately, his Potion Master synergy allowed him to absorb auxiliary elixirs far more efficiently, accelerating the fusion.

Since acquiring the Transcendent Perception skill, his understanding of extraordinary substances had reached unprecedented depths. He could now perceive not just surface structures, but also internal mana flows and trace elemental compositions.

“Let’s test this new ability’s practical effect,” he thought, scanning the workshop.

He picked up a dried Twilight Grass from the shelf, his spiritual energy brushing against it. Instantly, streams of information flooded his mind:

【Twilight Grass, harvested three weeks ago, retaining 60% potency…

Suitable for Soothing Potions, but unfit for advanced spirit-class potions

Contains trace mana elements, concentrated in the root system

Originated from the northeast region of the Black Mist Jungle, grown in acidic soil】

This level of detail surpassed even his previous Herb Identification skill, which focused on medicinal properties and purity. Now, he could deduce the plant’s entire growth environment.

“It’s like the appraisal ability in games—except I wonder if it can handle higher-tier items.”

Yet, some advanced knowledge in this world could be perilous. Take the “Devourer” recorded in meditation visions—if he ever attempted to analyze it with this skill…

Luo En shook his head, refusing to dwell on the consequences. Instead, he examined one of his own potions:

【Ambra Mind Elixir (Refined Version), Purity 92%

Primary Ingredients: Moonlight Grass essence, Silver Star Vine extract, Cerebral Worm Brain Fluid

Effect Duration: 4 hours 12 minutes, Side Effect Index 1.3 (far below standard formula’s 3.7)

Suitable for consecutive use, no more than 3 doses within 72 hours

Stable composition, excellent structure, Suggested Retail Price: 15 Mana Shard Fragments】

【Transcendent Perception Experience Points +1】

【Current Progress: Transcendent Perception (Proficient 4/100)】

Evaluating higher-tier transcendent items granted more experience. Perhaps I could even develop appraising as a side profession? The profound understanding of his own creations gave him an unprecedented sense of mastery—identifying flaws, optimizing ingredient ratios, and envisioning improvements.

Suddenly, his Timekeeper’s Pocket Watch emitted a faint energy fluctuation, demanding his attention. Carefully retrieving it, he focused, activating Transcendent Perception:

【Timekeeper’s Pocket Watch (Initial Stage)

Special Artifact, forged from Interstellar Silver and Void Gem

Mana reserves depleted; new functions will unlock after recharging

Charging Medium requires time-attribute mana, requiring 70–90 standard plane flux units for foundational recharge

Specific details currently undecipherable】

【Transcendent Perception Experience Points +3】

【Current Progress: Transcendent Perception (Proficient 7/100)】

“Interstellar Silver? Void Gem?” Luo En frowned. These materials were unfamiliar. More crucially, the recharge requirement pointed him toward enhancing the pocket watch.

“Time-attribute mana… I need to locate a source capable of supplying this rare energy.”

After securing the artifact, he decided, “First, I’ll investigate Lizard Alley to trace its origin. There might be clues.”

Soon after, Luo En prepared for the alchemy weekly assessment at the school’s central district. Days had passed since his advancement to Alchemy Apprentice, and today marked Thompson Mentor’s scheduled evaluation.

“Ai Lan, I’m heading out for the assessment. I’ll return before noon.”

The tree spirit tending to the courtyard’s plants nodded, her vines swaying gently. “Wishing you smooth progress, Master. I’ll guard the workshop.”

He smiled, bowed slightly, then strode toward the central district.

The morning mist over Black Mist Jungle had barely lifted. Through the thin haze, apprentices hurried in silence, each lost in thought. In this mage’s world, time and focus were the most precious resources—none wasted on idle chatter.

Arriving at the alchemy testing chamber, Luo En found six apprentices already waiting. Thompson Mentor stood at a long table, organizing materials.

“Ah, Luo En, right on time,” Thompson greeted, his expression warm. “Today’s task is Alchemy Mana Sealing—a foundational yet vital skill for all apprentices.”

Luo En smiled. “I’m ready, Thompson Mentor.”

“Excellent. Your station is there.” Thompson gestured toward a workstation. “The requirements are clear: seal a standard mana core within one hour. Stability and purity will determine your score.”

At his station, Luo En examined the materials: a stone base, basic mineral powders as conductors, and a vial of refined mana liquid. Standard components—but the challenge lay in constructing a stable mana sealing array.

“Everyone prepared?” Thompson’s voice rang out. “Testing begins now. One hour.”

Luo En inhaled deeply, entering a state of focus. Unlike past private attempts, he’d already mastered Mana Sealing, earning his Alchemy Apprentice title.

Activating Transcendent Perception, he analyzed the stone’s mana structure, calculating the optimal pathway.

“Triple circulation, ninefold rhythm.”

His fingers traced the stone’s surface, weaving a delicate mana network. With his Resonance trait amplifying control, mana manipulation felt as intuitive as a maestro sensing a symphony’s nuances.

Mineral powders followed, each added with precise proportion and timing, forming intricate mana conduits. Compared to earlier experiments, his refined understanding allowed superior control—every adjustment flowed naturally.

The refined mana liquid dripped onto critical nodes, infusing the system with foundational energy. As the final drop settled, the stone glowed faintly blue, mana circulating along its programmed path.

Half an hour remained when he completed preparations. Now came the decisive sealing phase—a test of spiritual energy precision and mana balance. One misstep could unravel hours of effort.

Closing his eyes, he channeled his energy, crafting the final seal structure.

This was a process requiring precision to the tiniest degree—any minor deviation could cause the entire structure to collapse.

"Seal!"

As Luo En's spiritual energy flowed into the stone base, the foundation suddenly blazed with brilliant blue light. Energy fluctuations rippled through the air, visible like water waves, before rapidly converging into a stable core.

The entire process unfolded like flowing water, completing nearly twenty minutes ahead of schedule.

Luo En opened his eyes and gazed at his creation—a perfect manacore radiating uniform blue light.

This result was far more stable and pure than any previous attempt, demonstrating his deepened understanding of Alchemy.

[Alchemy Experience +1]
[Current Progress: Alchemy (Proficient 4/100)]

"Finished already?" Thompson approached, his eyebrows lifting as he examined the artifact. "So fast? Let me see."

The veteran Alchemy Master carefully lifted the manacore, inspecting every detail with practiced rigor.

At first, his brows furrowed as if searching for flaws, then gradually relaxed until his eyes sparkled with rare approval.

"This has near-perfect stability, exceeds standard purity by at least thirty percent, and most impressively—its mana flow achieves harmonious resonance. This is no longer a novice-level work, Luo En."

Thompson's praise drew astonished glances from other apprentices. Some even paused their work to peek curiously.

"Thank you for your recognition, Mentor", Luo En replied simply. "This achievement stems from your dedicated guidance and my recent theoretical studies."

Shaking his head, Thompson's eyes gleamed with determination. "No, mere instruction isn't enough to reach this level. Luo En, I believe you're ready for advanced studies. Your perception and control of mana have surpassed foundational course requirements."

He studied the manacore meticulously, then retrieved a crystal instrument to scan its surface. Numbers flickered on the device until settling at an unexpectedly high value that even made Thompson's eyes widen.

"Speaking of learning ability..." Thompson's gaze sharpened. "I've noticed your perception of materials has become unusually acute. Is this innate talent, or have you acquired new techniques?"

Luo En's heart tightened—Thompson's observation was piercingly precise. After a brief pause, he chose a measured response.

"You're correct, Mentor. As I've delved deeper into Alchemy, my perception of materials has indeed sharpened. I believe this stems from cross-disciplinary synergy between Alchemy and related fields, allowing more comprehensive understanding of material essence."

Thompson nodded thoughtfully. "Fascinating. True mastery often emerges at the intersection of disciplines. You, Luo En, seem born to discover these hidden connections."

After collecting his manacore and the weekly assessment prize—a rare alchemy catalyst—Luo En left the testing chamber in high spirits.

As he headed toward the library, a large black-and-gray macaw swooped down.

"Luo En apprentice... Luo En apprentice... Laila Sir requests your immediate presence at the Elemental Affinity classroom."

Recognizing this as one of the Academy's trained messenger birds, Luo En wasn't surprised by its announcement. However, noticing today wasn't their scheduled class day, he asked cautiously.

"Do you know the reason?"

"Laila Sir didn't specify—only mentioned it concerns adjustments to your elemental curriculum."

Though the macaw's tone remained formal, its deference was clear—likely due to Luo En's recent advancement to Backup Mage Sequence.

"I understand. Thank you for the notice."

Bowing politely, Luo En received an overly flustered response from the bird before changing direction toward the classroom.

Walking, he pondered Laila's unexpected summons. Since inheriting the Crimson Bloodline, his affinity for fire and light elements had indeed surged, earning Laila's repeated praise. But why the urgency—was it a special task or a problem with his performance?

Unsure, he quickened his pace.

Arriving at the Elemental Affinity classroom, he found the door open. Laila stood by the window, sunlight filtering through stained glass to cast a glowing halo around her.

"I heard you completed Thompson's weekly assessment today. I decided to have you summoned directly since I was passing through."

Turning with a smile, her eyes sparkled with admiration. "Your recent progress in controlling Light and Fire elements has been truly remarkable."

"Thank you, Laila Senior."

Laila approached the central Elemental Pool where colorful element particles floated like a miniature galaxy. "Elemental Affinity isn't just about mastering individual elements—it's understanding their connections and transformations."

With a graceful gesture, she coaxed the Light and Fire element particles together until they fused into brilliant golden-red radiance. "Like this union of light and fire—this is advanced elemental manipulation typically reserved for higher courses."

Luo En observed intently, already guessing her intent.

"I originally planned to let you complete foundational courses before introducing elemental fusion", Laila's gaze turned serious. "But your progress rate has exceeded expectations, especially your dual affinity for Light and Fire elements—extremely rare innate talent."

She retrieved an ancient tome from the bookshelf, opening to an intricate Elemental Fusion Atlas. "Among all my students, few have demonstrated such natural affinity for complementary elements. This reminds me of an ancient theory—Elemental Dual Resonance."

Though unfamiliar with the concept, Luo En sensed its importance.

"Elemental Dual Resonance occurs when someone with high affinity for two complementary elements forms a special mana circuit between them, allowing mutual enhancement rather than cancellation", Laila explained, tracing the diagram. "Ancient elemental mages used this principle to create astonishing spells."

She withdrew a crystal orb containing a suspended golden-red mana structure—a frozen flame blossom. "Typically, even advanced students must pay substantial Mana Shard Fragments to access complete spell models. But considering your demonstrated value and potential..."

Handing him the orb, she continued. "This 'Radiant Halo' spell prototype combines light's blinding effects with fire's burning power—an extremely practical defense-offense hybrid."

Accepting the orb, Luo En felt its warm, brilliant energy fluctuations—a miniature sun pulsing with potential. Spell models were foundational for spell construction, drastically reducing learning time. Such dual-element fusion spells were usually exclusive to High Apprentices.

Before he could thank her, Laila waved him off with a smile. "No need for formalities. We mages believe knowledge should flow to where it's best utilized. Your talent and effort make you worthy of this."

Her expression turned stern. "However, this is just a framework. You must refine and adjust it according to your understanding—this process may take weeks or months. With fusion spells, every balance matters."

"I understand, Mentor. I'll dedicate myself fully to studying this model."

"Good." Nodding in satisfaction, she added, "I've recommended advancing your Elemental Affinity courses directly to advanced levels. Mastering 'Radiant Halo' will be the best endorsement for this decision."

Already experienced one advancement, Luo En merely smiled inwardly. After politely thanking her and confirming the new schedule, he departed.

Advanced courses focused on two areas: elemental fusion and practical spell application. With fewer students, classes occurred biweekly but featured significantly higher intensity and difficulty.

After Luo En left, Laila tested spirit pollution levels with reagents. Seeing the dramatically reduced readings, a satisfied smile formed.

Unfortunately, as a High Apprentice, I can only influence foundational courses. If we could attract more talents like this...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end