Chapter 127: A Small Test of Strength

Chapter 127: A Small Test of Strength

"Combining light and fire", Luo En murmured, gently running his fingers across the surface of the crystal orb.

Over the next two days, Luo En dedicated most of his time to studying the "Radiant Halo" spell.

This composite spell fused the Light Element and Fire Element, its structure vastly more complex than any spell he had previously mastered.

The workshop’s backyard had been transformed into a practice ground, surrounded by various mana detection devices to monitor the spell’s energy fluctuations and stability.

"The mana flow at this node needs adjustment", Luo En mused, frowning as he examined the spell model in his hands. "The ratio between the Light Element and Fire Element also requires fine-tuning. With the current balance, the Fire Element’s burning effect is too dominant, while the Light Element’s blinding capability falls short of ideal."

[Element Perception Experience Points +1]

[Current Progress: Element Perception (Entry-Level 36/50)]

After dozens of attempts and adjustments, Luo En finally settled on an optimized balance: increasing the Light Element by approximately 15%, while subtly repositioning the convergence points of the two elements. This allowed the Light Element to maximize its blinding effect upon initial release, followed by the Fire Element’s sustained burning capability.

"One more time", Luo En said, taking a deep breath. He extended his hands forward, channeling spiritual energy to draw the Light and Fire Elements from his Elemental Pool, merging them at his palms.

As spiritual energy surged, the two elements intertwined, forming a golden-red mana sphere. With a flick of his fingers, the sphere expanded rapidly, transforming into a halo roughly two meters in diameter. The halo’s interior shimmered with bright golden light, while its edges danced with tiny crimson flames.

"Radiant Halo!"

With a low cry, Luo En unleashed the halo, which swept outward from his body, piercing through several wooden stakes ahead. The stakes were instantly charred, their surfaces marked by dark, scorched streaks. The halo itself gradually dissipated after penetrating three targets.

"The effect exceeds expectations", Luo En nodded, observing the even depth of the burn marks. The balanced mana distribution and the halo’s stable trajectory, free of leakage, confirmed his satisfaction.

"I’ve grasped the basic form. Now it’s time to experiment with tactical transformations."

As he muttered to himself, Luo En began contemplating practical applications of "Radiant Halo" in combat.

Further experimentation revealed the spell’s spirit vitality far surpassed his estimates. By adjusting mana input and spiritual energy control, he could alter the halo’s size, thickness, flight speed, and even its duration. More importantly, he discovered the ability to split the halo into multiple smaller rings or embed additional mana structures for complex effects.

"Truly a mid-tier spell model—its potential far outshines low-tier spells. With further refinement of the sound wave oscillation, it might even rival sonic techniques."

[Radiant Halo (Entry-Level) Experience Points +1]

[Radiant Halo (Entry-Level) Experience Points +1]

[Radiant Halo (Entry-Level) Experience Points +1]

...

[Current Progress: Radiant Halo (Entry-Level 13/50)]

As Luo En prepared to end his training, a knock at the door interrupted him.

Ai Lan went to answer, then reported through the vines moments later:

"Sir Andie has arrived."

"Please him in", Luo En adjusted his rumpled clothes and strode toward the entrance.

Andie remained the picture of elegant nobility, but Luo En keenly noticed his eyes had fully transitioned to golden vertical pupils. His skin now bore a smoother, metallic sheen, evidence of significant progress in his bloodline activation.

"Luo En!" Andie greeted enthusiastically, his golden irises gleaming in the dim light. "Hearing you’ve yet again skipped ranks in alchemy advancement. You never cease to amaze everyone with your growth."

"Same here", Luo En smiled, gesturing toward Andie’s eyes. "Your bloodline activation seems to have advanced remarkably. The vertical pupils are fully formed now."

Andie nodded, pride flashing in his eyes. "The Crimson Bloodline has fully adapted to my body. I can now control the emergence and retraction of scales, and even release dragon’s breath for short durations."

He glanced around and lowered his voice. "If it weren’t for this damned academy rule against dueling, I’d love to have a proper ‘chat’ with those who once looked down on me."

Luo En chuckled, leading Andie toward the academy training ground. "While revenge might be off the table, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind a little sparring with me..."

...

In the center of the training ground, two figures stood face-to-face, tension crackling in the air.

"Care to test your newfound strength?" Luo En asked, his ironwood sword tracing an elegant arc through the air.

A glint of excitement flashed in Andie’s golden pupils as he slowly drew his blade. "Gladly. Let’s see whose bloodline activation yields better results."

Before the last word left his lips, Andie surged forward like an arrow, his blade roaring toward Luo En’s vital points with blinding speed and force—a clear testament to his enhanced physique from bloodline activation.

Unfazed, Luo En shifted his stance, sidestepping fluidly and parrying the blow with his ironwood sword. The clash of steel rang out, sparks flying.

"Decent speed", Luo En remarked, countering with a backhanded slash toward Andie’s shoulder.

Andie ducked swiftly, then drove his legs forward, his body becoming a crimson-gold streak as he slid low, thrusting upward from below.

"Haa!" he bellowed, his blade radiating scorching heat.

Luo En’s eyes glinted. With a subtle footwork adjustment and a twist of his waist—

"Morning Dawn Circle!"

The ironwood sword swept an arc, deflecting the thrust and leaving a shallow cut across Andie’s chest. Luo En’s swordsmanship flowed like water, each move precise, embodying the refined essence of Foundational Swordsmanship.

Andie refused to yield. His Crimson Bloodline fully activated, dense crimson scales erupted across his chest, blocking Luo En’s blade.

He laughed aloud. "Seems these scales have their uses after all!"

Their battle intensified. Ironwood and steel clashed, weaving intricate trajectories through the air, the metallic clangs unceasing.

Each of Andie’s strikes packed the force of a thousand catties.

Luo En’s blade, however, danced like a nimble fish, always finding openings at the perfect moment.

"Your swordsmanship truly outclasses mine", Andie panted. Scars crisscrossed his body, but scales quickly grew over the wounds, mitigating most damage. "But in terms of overall strength, I won’t lose so easily!"

Before his words faded, he leapt, blade aimed at Luo En’s throat—a strike blazing with speed and precision, locking onto Luo En’s vitals.

Yet Luo En reacted faster, twisting his body at an impossible angle while his ironwood sword slashed across Andie’s wrist.

"Tch!" Andie winced, but the wound was instantly sealed by emerging scales.

"This pure melee stalemate isn’t revealing much", Luo En smiled, lowering his blade. "Care to try something else?"

Wiping sweat from his brow, Andie nodded. "Show me what else you’ve got."

Luo En’s expression sharpened, his gaze deepening as though piercing through reality itself.

Instinctively, a chill ran down Andie’s spine. Before he could retreat, an invisible wave surged toward him.

"Sound Wave Oscillation!"

The intangible mana ripple tore through the air, striking Andie’s chest. Despite the protective scales, the impact sent him flying backward several meters, crashing into the wooden fence of the training ground.

"What the hell was that?!" Andie exclaimed, staggering to his feet. His dragon scales had absorbed much of the blow, but the invisible mana attack still left him vulnerable.

Luo En gave him no time to recover. Extending his hands forward, golden-red mana condensed at his palms, rapidly expanding into a halo.

"Radiant Halo!"

The crimson-gold halo shot forth like a meteor, piercing through Andie’s body.

Instantly, his eyes burned, the world blurring into obscurity. Simultaneously, searing pain erupted through every pore, as if he were engulfed in flames.

"Damn it!" Andie cursed, instinctively exhaling dragon’s breath in retaliation.

Yet his vision lost, the fiery breath could only lash out blindly.

Only after several seconds did his sight return. Standing where he was, Luo En wore a victorious smile.

"You... you’re a monster!" Andie groaned, supporting himself with his sword. "Relying solely on bloodline strength, I’m no match for you."

Luo En approached, pulling a pale-blue vial from his belt. "A healing potion—my improved formula. It’s 30% more effective than standard ones."

"Thanks", Andie accepted the vial with a bitter smile, watching his wounds heal rapidly. "I underestimated your growth. What was that halo? It doesn’t feel like something an Intermediate Apprentice should master."

"Just a small experiment", Luo En replied casually, observing Andie’s swift recovery. "I’ve been combining different elements and mana forms to create more efficient spell models."

Shaking his head, Andie’s eyes gleamed with admiration. "You’re a freak, Luo En. I thought my recent growth was impressive, but beside you, it feels trivial."

Once Andie’s injuries fully healed, Luo En’s expression turned serious. "Tomorrow morning, I need to visit Lizard Alley for a critical task. Will you accompany me?"

"Lizard Alley? That place’s anything but peaceful", Andie raised an eyebrow.

"Exactly why your help’s needed. We encountered ‘minor troubles’ there before. This time might bring similar confrontations."

Luo En locked eyes with him. "With your current strength, you’ll handle it."

Without hesitation, Andie nodded. "Of course. What time?"

"Tomorrow at noon—meet at the southern gate", Luo En replied. "Prepare for combat. Bring your best weapons and gear."

Andie patted his sword, flashing a confident grin. "Leave it to me. Been itching for a fight lately. See you tomorrow, Luo En."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end