Chapter 135: Dai'er

Chapter 135: Dai’er

Observing the tree spirit returning to her work, Luo En hesitated briefly before adding,

"Oh, right—I brought back a young lifeform that needs special care. Judging by your current condition, you should be more than capable of looking after it, yes?"

Ai Lan’s vines danced lightly, her leaves forming elegant text:

"Of course, master. I’d be delighted to care for the young lifeform. You can fully trust me."

Nodding, Luo En carefully opened his specialized container and removed the siren’s crystal growth chamber.

Ai Lan immediately approached curiously, leaning in to examine the fragile young creature inside.

Surprisingly, her reaction upon seeing the siren was unusually gentle.

Her vines trembled softly, her eyes brimming with a maternal tenderness and protectiveness.

The text on her leaves appeared in urgent strokes:

"This little one is in terrible condition! We must immediately improve her environment and replenish her nutrients!"

Luo En felt both surprise and warmth at Ai Lan’s emotional depth.

"Correct. She truly needs careful attention", he said. "I’ll leave her in your care from now on, Ai Lan."

The tree spirit solemnly nodded, her vine-formed fingers gently brushing the growth chamber.

The young siren seemed to sense something, her eyes fluttering open slightly as she blinked dazedly toward Ai Lan.

"We’ll need to prepare a better environment for her", Luo En mused. "Her severe malnutrition is the most urgent issue."

Ai Lan promptly suggested, "Master, why not let me devote myself entirely to caring for this young lifeform for now? You can focus on your bloodline formulation research—I’ll ensure she receives the best possible stewardship."

After brief consideration, Luo En agreed. He recognized Ai Lan’s capabilities and sense of responsibility, and the innate affinity between tree spirits and sirens seemed evident.

Perhaps this stemmed from the tree spirit’s origins as a "Forest Nymph" and the siren’s lineage from the "Ocean Current Deity"—both belonged to ancient mythological bloodline systems.

"If you’re willing to care for her, that will be ideal", he said. "Recently, I do need to concentrate on advancing my bloodline formulation skills. With your help, I can fully dedicate myself to my experiments."

Ai Lan’s leaves displayed new text: "No need to worry, master. I’ll care for her as if she were my own sproutling."

Nodding, Luo En shifted his focus to the nine autophagic slime molds.

"These will be my primary research subjects", he thought, planning ahead. "Through them, I should quickly grasp the foundational principles of bloodline formulation, establishing a base for successfully attaining the bloodline modifier profession."

To his astonishment, Ai Lan even used her vines to generate special plant nutrients, dripping them directly into the siren’s water. This essence derived from her life force proved remarkably effective for the siren’s recovery.

"Amazing maternal instinct", Luo En mused, watching Ai Lan’s attentive care. "Such emotion transcends species boundaries."

Ai Lan seemed to understand his thoughts, her vines swaying gently as text appeared:

"Life resonates with life, master. She is special—her soul differs from others."

The words left Luo En contemplative. He recalled the pair of water serpent sisters he’d seen at the slave market—though also aquatic, their aura contrasted sharply with this young siren’s.

"Perhaps this is what they call rare innate talent", he mused. "She possesses not only the rare 'Gluttonous Appetite' growth trait but also an exceptional spiritual energy in her very essence."

Over the following days, Luo En immersed himself in studying the autophagic slime molds.

He designed a series of progressive experiments—from simple single-bloodline absorption to complex multi-bloodline fusions. Each time, he meticulously recorded key parameters: the slime molds’ color transformations, stability, and energy fluctuation frequencies, seeking underlying patterns.

"The core of bloodline formulation lies in balancing different biological attributes", he wrote in his notes. "It’s like a unique alchemy, but with life itself as the medium instead of metals and minerals."

【Bloodline Formulation Experience + 1】
【Current Progress: Bloodline Formulation (Entry-Level 4/50)】

While focused on experiments, Luo En didn’t entirely delegate the siren’s care to Ai Lan.

First, he created a suitable habitat. According to records, sirens were semi-aquatic—requiring both water and periodic air exposure.

They possessed innate singing abilities affecting nearby creatures’ emotions. High-ranking sirens could even manipulate water into deadly vortexes or tsunamis through specific melodies. More importantly, they exhibited exceptional affinity for spellcasting—particularly water element and sound wave magic—making them naturally gifted spellcasters.

"Perhaps future breakthroughs in 'Sound Wave Oscillation' will depend on this little one’s inspiration", Luo En mused.

"Practically perfect combat organisms", he decided. "Minimal bloodline modification needed—her potential alone suffices."

He prepared a large crystal tank, layering its base with blue sand and crystal shards collected from deep lakes, recreating a miniature seabed ecosystem. A specially crafted enhancement rune was placed at the bottom, activating a stable magic circle to purify the water and generate controlled mana fluctuations, mimicking her natural habitat’s mana density.

Carefully transferring the siren to her new home, he observed her reaction.

The young siren immediately seemed to sense a familiar comfort. Her previously furrowed brow relaxed, her curled body unfurling as her tail began slow, fluid motions.

"The environment suits her", Luo En nodded, retrieving specially purchased siren food: mana kelp, iridescent jellyfish fragments, and miniature mana pearls—all nutrient-rich and mana-dense.

Placing them carefully into the tank, he watched with anticipation.

The siren quickly noticed the food, cautiously approaching before devouring it voraciously. Her speed was astounding—as if her stomach had no bottom. Within moments, all food vanished.

Her condition visibly improved—pale skin gaining a faint rosy hue, her eyes brightening with renewed vitality.

"True to the 'Gluttonous Appetite' trait", Luo En murmured, his conviction growing that his choice had been perfect.

Next, he prepared for experiments on the autophagic slime molds.

"Bloodline formulation research must begin with fundamentals."

Opening his meticulously prepared bloodline specimen case, he revealed tiny tissue samples: Fire Lizard scales, wind fairy feathers, water serpent skin flakes, and even small blood samples from himself and Andie. While dragon and chimeric bloodlines were ideal advanced materials, he decided it wasn’t yet the time to use them.

For the first experiment, he placed a small Fire Lizard scale into the first slime mold’s container.

The creature immediately extended a slender tendril, engulfing the scale.

Within moments, its color transformed—from transparent to vibrant orange-red, faint scales forming on its surface.

【Transcendent Perception Experience + 1】

【Current Progress: Transcendent Perception (Proficient 17/100)】

Luo En documented this transformation before testing on a second slime. This time, he simultaneously introduced Fire Lizard scales and wind fairy feathers.

The result was unexpectedly chaotic:

The slime's color became wildly erratic, alternating between patches of fiery orange and pale turquoise. Its surface bulged irregularly with bubbles, clearly unstable.

"Fire and wind elements truly clash. This direct chimera approach clearly won't work."

Frowning, Luo En recorded the second experiment's failure.

The third slime underwent more complex testing:

He first let the slime absorb water serpent person's skin flakes, then cautiously introduced small doses of Fire Lizard scale powder once stability was achieved.

This time results improved significantly:

The slime stabilized into a vibrant emerald green with fine scaly patterns across its surface.

Minor orange specks appeared in some areas, but overall structure remained intact.

"Interesting", Luo En mused, rapidly jotting notes:

"It seems absorption sequence and elemental ratio have decisive impacts on stability."

【Bloodline Formulation Experience Points +1】

【Current Progress: Bloodline Formulation (Entry-Level 5/50)】

For several days straight, Luo En focused on these foundational experiments. He meticulously documented endless combinations and data points, gradually uncovering basic principles:

- Similar elemental attributes in bloodlines merge easily; opposing attributes cause violent rejection.

- Complex bloodlines require gradual integration; instant fusion often causes collapse.

- Adding "buffer agents" (neutral-attribute substances) greatly improves fusion rates.

- Earlier developmental stages show higher bloodline compatibility.

Through intensive autophagic slime mold experimentation, he mastered key techniques:

Bloodline Purification: Extracting the purest essence from biological matter to dramatically increase fusion success.

Buffer Medium Application: Inserting neutral-attribute materials between conflicting bloodlines to reduce rejection.

Directional Guidance: Using specific energy fluctuations to steer bloodlines toward desired development rather than natural growth.

These breakthroughs accelerated Luo En's bloodline formulation skills, earning 1-2 experience points daily.

【Bloodline Formulation Experience Points +1】

【Bloodline Formulation Experience Points +1】

【Bloodline Formulation Experience Points +1】

...

【Current Progress: Bloodline Formulation (Entry-Level 12/50)】

"At this pace, I could reach proficient level within one month."

Luo En calculated timelines: "After that, some theoretical study will complete my 'Transcendent Biology' foundations. Once I master this modifier branch, all conditions will be satisfied."

Meanwhile, the young siren's recovery surpassed expectations.

Under Ai Lan's meticulous stewardship, she not only overcame malnutrition but displayed astonishing growth rates.

Luo En provided triple the normal siren intake of nutrient-rich food daily.

Her "Gluttonous Appetite" innate talent finally manifested with adequate nourishment.

The siren's tiny form transformed daily, growing from twenty centimeters to nearly thirty within a week.

More delightfully, early signs of self-awareness emerged.

Her childlike voice mimicked Luo En's speech rhythm, producing strange resonance tones that seemed to echo with an almost musical quality.

Occasional check-ins revealed clear recognition and distinction between Luo En and Ai Lan. Even basic interactive behaviors began to emerge, such as her reaching toward their voices or responding differently to each caretaker's touch.

Satisfied, Luo En noted an important discovery:

"Siren growth rate correlates exponentially with consumed mana rather than linear correlation. At current feeding levels, she might reach adult size within one year - conventional breeding requires at least five."

...

One evening as Luo En prepared to rest, a soft voice emerged from the crystal tank:

"Master."

Though weak, the pronunciation was remarkably clear.

Luo En spun around, astonished.

The young siren pressed against the tank's edge, brilliant blue eyes meeting his. A shy smile curved her lips.

"Master", she called again - voice delicate yet beautifully melodic.

"You can already speak?" He rushed forward, surprised.

Shyness radiated as silver hair swirled in the water: "A little."

Though pronunciation faltered, basic communication succeeded.

Her linguistic development far outpaced expectations.

"Do you have a name?" His voice brimmed with unprecedented joy.

She shook her head, eyes glittering with anticipation: "Master. Give me name."

After brief contemplation, he smiled warmly: "Then I'll name you 'Dai'er.' In ancient waterfolk language, it means 'daughter of the sea.'"

"Dai'er", she repeated, pure delight lighting her face: "I like."

Luo En extended his hand. She surged forward, pressing her tiny palm against his fingers.

At that moment, a wondrous connection formed—not master and servant, nor master and slave, but something deeper. Something familial.

Not master and servant, nor master and slave, but something deeper. Something familial.

"From today, you're truly my partner, Dai'er." His smile widened: "I'll help you grow, and you'll help me. Right?"

"I will, Master!" She nodded fiercely, eyes blazing with determination:

"Dai'er will become Master's best partner!"

...

Later, Luo En addressed Ai Lan: "Her growth is remarkable."

"At this rate, she might participate in next cycle's Blood Arena."

Ai Lan's leaves trembled slightly at "Blood Arena."

Her leaf-writing expressed concern: "Master plans arena participation? She's still so small."

"No force will be used", Luo En reassured:

"Only if she becomes strong enough and chooses willingly will I consider this path."

Watching the siren play with water ripples, an unfamiliar warmth stirred within him.

"Most importantly, I want her as a true partner - not just a weapon."

He turned toward the tank: "Once my formulation techniques mature, I'll design a comprehensive growth plan - including memory editing and skill implantation."

"Memory editing?" Ai Lan questioned through leaf-writing.

"Through special spirit connection", he explained:

"I can directly transfer my swordsmanship and spell knowledge, letting her bypass traditional learning curves."

Ai Lan paused before writing: "Won't that harm her?"

"Never", Luo En stated firmly:

"The process will be safe - gentler than conventional training. She'll avoid immense pain and frustration."

"I believe Master!" Ai Lan's leaf-writing softened as she gazed at the playful siren.

...

Days passed steadily. Luo En's bloodline formulation skills grew while Dai'er thrived under Ai Lan's care.

Watching this small life develop, Luo En felt indescribable accomplishment - like nurturing a real-life pocket monster.

At the Blood Arena three months later, Dai'er might already challenge adult combat slaves.

But he saw an even brighter future:

A fully matured siren partner - powerful, unique, and absolutely loyal.

Yet this extraordinary journey began simply - with daily feedings, patient training, and growing together.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end