Chapter 143: Soul Steel & Demon Blade

Chapter 143: Soul Steel & Demon Blade

It began as a faint ache, gradually transforming into a soothing warmth, as though a miniature sun was gently unfurling within his body.

The sensation felt like a taut bowstring finally relaxing, or a long-dry lake refilling with fresh water—a deeply refreshing relief.

When the last shred of the Boon dissolved inside him, Luo En slowly opened his eyes and attempted to construct a spell.

He was astonished to see the Radiant Halo model floating above his palm glowing far brighter than usual.

Even more shocking, he barely felt any mana depletion at all.

【Mana: 1.6→2.0 (+0.4)】

“This boost… is incredible.”

Luo En stared at the numerical transformation on his interface. The mana increase of 0.4 points would have taken months, even half a year of rigorous cultivation before. Now, just two weeks of teaching Liliya had granted him this enhancement through her Boon.

He immediately stepped before a specialized target to test-cast the Radiant Halo spell. The difference left him exhilarated.

Previously, casting this spell consumed nearly 20% of his Spiritual Energy. Now, less than 10% sufficed for a flawless execution.

More importantly, both the spell’s duration and power had significantly improved.

The blinding and scorching effects, which originally lasted only one or two seconds, now easily exceeded 1.5 times their former potency. The flame’s temperature and brightness were also noticeably enhanced, boosting both defensive and offensive capabilities.

“This increase from 1.6 to 2.0 isn’t just a simple numerical gain,” Luo En murmured. “Just like spiritual energy, it’s a qualitative leap.”

He continued testing other spells, finding each one smoother, stronger, and far less draining.

Immersed in exploring the transformation brought by his enhanced mana, Luo En felt a surge of anticipation for the possibility of gaining more Boons through continued teaching in the future.

“If I maintain this teaching pace and secure a stable source of Boon, my mana growth rate will accelerate dramatically.”

This was undeniably a major discovery, opening an entirely new shortcut on his cultivation path.

Of course, all this depended on Liliya’s continued progress. Given her innate talent and dedication, however, this seemed far from an issue.

Ending these thoughts, Luo En retrieved a crystal orb recording spell models. Suspended within was the Radiant Halo’s complete structure.

In recent days, he had been practicing this spell relentlessly.

With the combined support of the Spell Construction and Elemental Perception skills, his experience points had grown far beyond expectations.

【Radiant Halo Experience Points +1】

【Current Progress: Radiant Halo (Entry-Level 49/50)】

Just one point remained to breakthrough to the proficient level.

Luo En took a deep breath and began constructing the spell model.

Supported by his 2.0 mana value, this construction felt smoother than ever before.

Golden-red mana condensed in his palm, rapidly spreading into a perfect ring shape—radiating both the searing heat of fire and the piercing clarity of light.

【Radiant Halo Experience Points +1】

【Breakthrough! Radiant Halo (Entry-Level 50/50) → Radiant Halo (Proficient 1/100)】

【Acquired Additional Trait: Flame Incarnation

(Enhanced interaction between light and fire elements, increasing malleability)】

“Flame Incarnation…” Luo En immediately felt the spell’s power surge.

The ring of flame now burned nearly 30% brighter, its temperature reaching a new threshold capable of melting ordinary metal effortlessly.

Even more exciting was how this enhancement synergized with his Crimson Bloodline.

The halo could now morph according to his will, no longer confined to a simple ring.

He experimented—shaping it into a shield, then scattering it into mana-laced cone-shaped spikes, and finally forming a perfect hexagonal protective structure.

Each shape maintained its integrity while retaining its original offensive and defensive traits.

Luo En couldn’t suppress his excitement. “With this Spirit Vitality, the Radiant Halo’s tactical value will skyrocket.”

He quickly jotted down the breakthrough details in his notebook, especially noting the interaction between Flame Incarnation and his bloodline ability.

These discoveries not only benefited his personal growth but also provided crucial insights for future Demon Blade designs.

“If I integrate the Demon Blade with Radiant Halo… could I create an entirely new combat style?”

Luo En’s thoughts galloped like an untamed horse, envisioning endless possibilities.

“A multi-path cultivation system, mutually reinforcing… this is the greatest advantage of blessings.”

Smiling, he gazed at the pale morning light on the horizon.

A new day, a fresh beginning.

Meanwhile, Liliya, just waking up, looked at the still-lit second floor of the workshop. Rubbing her eyes, she felt a mix of admiration and awe for her teacher’s relentless diligence…

——————

Luo En exhaled, carefully adjusting the “Fusion Adhesive.” After countless trials, it finally reached the ideal state.

This specialized alchemy medium acted as a buffer between two mutually repulsive elements, dramatically increasing the success rate of bloodline fusion.

He carefully dripped the adhesive onto the autophagic slime mold on the lab table.

This was his eighth experimental subject—the previous seven had been consumed in various failed attempts.

The slime mold immediately absorbed the adhesive, its color shifting from translucent to a pale blue. Ripples shimmered across its surface, signaling it had entered a heightened sensitivity phase.

Luo En retrieved two starkly different bloodline samples: the tip of a Zephyr Wraith’s feather, and shards of a water serpent person’s scales.

Wind and water—naturally opposing elements.

Direct fusion without a buffer was doomed to fail, as proven in his earlier experiments. The third slime mold had imploded violently, shattering into bits during its chaotic convulsions.

But now, with the Fusion Adhesive as support, the situation should be different.

“Begin bloodline formulation process.”

Luo En steeled his mind, following the steps outlined in Bloodline Formulation (Entry-Level).

First, he precisely disassembled the Zephyr Wraith’s feather fragments into pure mana using controlled spiritual energy, then gradually infused it into the slime mold.

The mold’s color shifted instantly—from pale blue to a light cyan. Delicate wave-like patterns formed on its surface, as if a breeze glided across it.

A sign of successful absorption.

Next, Luo En focused his spiritual energy to guide the mana essence from the water serpent’s scales.

This step was critical. If the mana flow was too rapid or impure, bloodline rejection would occur.

As the water-element mana entered, the slime mold began trembling violently, its color fluctuating chaotically—cyn at times, deep blue at others.

“Stabilize, balance, fuse…” Luo En whispered, guiding the two mana streams to blend slowly under the adhesive’s influence.

This tense process lasted nearly ten minutes before the violent tremors finally subsided.

The slime mold’s color stabilized into a harmonious blend of cyan and deep blue. Its surface bore both wind-like ripples and water-like flowing currents.

【Bloodline Formulation Experience Points +1】

【Current Progress: Bloodline Formulation (Entry-Level 48/50)】

“Success!” Luo En exhaled in relief, satisfied with the stable fusion before him.

Though still an experimental subject, this success meant his understanding of bloodline formulation had reached a new level.

Moreover, beyond mere skill progression, this experiment yielded a tangible result—a perfectly fused formulation with dual wind and water elemental affinities.

Luo En toggled the lab table’s switch. A faint electric current surged through the platform, stimulating the slime mold to display its traits.

Responding instantly, miniature water currents and wind vortices appeared on its surface. Though weak, this was irrefutable proof of perfect fusion.

“Using Fusion Adhesive as a buffer, combined with gradual mana infusion, truly boosts the success rate of fusing opposing bloodlines.”

Luo En recorded the experiment’s details and conclusions.

The same method should apply to advanced bloodline formulations—such as Daire’s developmental path or future branches of his Chimera Core.

More importantly, he noticed an intriguing phenomenon—

As his Bloodline Formulation skill improved, his Bloodline Activation ability had grown in tandem.

【Bloodline Activation Experience Points +1】

【Current Progress: Bloodline Activation (Entry-Level 30/100)】

Though the increase was modest, it confirmed his suspicions—related skills indeed synergized.

Improvements in Bloodline Formulation understanding reciprocally enhanced Bloodline Activation.

Luo En immediately decided to re-examine his auxiliary Crimson Bloodline for potential new insights.

He closed his eyes, summoning the crimson-gold force within.

With deepened breaths, his Crimson Bloodline awakened.

A searing heat radiated from his spine outward, and he felt the presence of minute scales beneath his skin.

Andie’s Crimson Bloodline, originating from an ancient Yangyan Dragon lineage, had long diverged from its primordial purity through countless epochs of dilution and mutation.

However, under the Chimera bloodline's replication process, this mana was partially purified, taking a small step back toward its original form.

"This is why my flames are purer and more structured than Andie's", Luo En explained.

Luo En's eyes lit up with realization. "Chimera doesn't merely copy—it instinctively optimizes toward superiority."

This discovery filled him with confidence about future bloodline replication. As his understanding of bloodline essence deepened, Chimera's replication abilities would become increasingly precise and powerful.

"Next step", he declared, "is to keep improving my alchemy to prepare for future arcane sword forging."

Drawing a deep breath, Luo En savored the exhilarating sensation of mana flowing through his body. His current 2.0 mana value provided an abundant reservoir for alchemical research.

"Time to try advanced mana refinement."

He retrieved an ordinary stone and focused his spirit for mana sealing testing. Normally such attempts consumed about 20% of his spiritual energy, but now he felt almost no drain. Spiritual energy and mana obeyed his will like an extension of his limbs, smoothly flowing into the stone to form a stable mana core. Compared to previous attempts, this sealing achieved higher density and more intricate structure.

【Alchemy Experience Points +1】
【Current Progress: Alchemy (Proficient 17/100)】

Recording the data, Luo En reviewed his profession advancement criteria:

【Profession Advancement Unlocked: Alchemy Practitioner (Two-Star)】
【Class Advancement Requirements:
1. Foundational Alchemy reaches Proficient
2. Alchemy reaches Mastery
3. Transcendent Perception reaches Proficient √
4. Independently complete production of three or more basic alchemy items
5. Successfully improve at least one existing alchemy item blueprint】

"Still a long road ahead..." Luo En mentally mapped his plans, but remained undaunted. At this progress rate, he felt confident about breaking through to Two-Star Alchemy Practitioner status before visiting the Bloodline Altar in six months.

By then, he'd possess sufficient skill to forge his personal "Master Sword" using rare Soul Steel—earning him the title of 【Arcane Swordsman】.

This explained his intense focus on alchemical research. Only mastery-level alchemy could ensure optimal arcane sword quality. According to Mana and Steel, sword quality directly determined a user's growth ceiling.

A poorly forged arcane sword might limit its wielder to subpar potential, while a perfectly crafted one could evolve alongside its master, even offering protective energy during crises.

"As recorded, perfect arcane swords require an alchemy practitioner to forge the blade core, then powerful spiritual energy to establish connection, and finally integration with part of the user's soul..." Luo En recalled the description. "In some ways, this resembles a mage's staff."

But what if he didn't need external help for the blade core—what if he himself became an Outstanding alchemy practitioner?

Crafting his "Master Sword" exactly to his needs, forging a path never explored before but clearly superior...

In this world's transcendental system, mage and knight paths were mutually exclusive. Some prodigies might walk both paths, but they'd never waste limited time on mediocre dual cultivation. Mages capable of arcane paths wouldn't spend time on knights' routes with limited potential, even if they surpassed ordinary apprentices. A qualified alchemy practitioner required at least High Apprentice-level spiritual energy.

Surveying various unfinished alchemical materials on the workbench, Luo En already had preliminary visions. His "Master Sword" would fuse Sun Crown essence with his refined Blood Essence—items deeply connected to his bloodline and mana attributes.

Combining fire and light forces, it could unleash scorching flames while radiating purifying luminescence. This design perfectly matched his current bloodline traits and elemental affinities. Future upgrades would come naturally through Chimera branch expansions and other profession developments.

All these foundations stemmed from his insistence on multidimensional growth. From Potion Master to apprentice, then Bloodline Knight, bloodline apothecary, and alchemy practitioner—each identity and skill mutually reinforcing, forming a perfect growth cycle.

With over four months until the Bloodline Altar's activation, he had ample time to refine his combat system.

The tinkling laughter echoing down the corridor interrupted his thoughts, accompanied by Liliya's gentle voice and the rustling of Ai Lanvines.

"Enough studying. Time to check on little Daire. Can't keep burying myself in research—some fresh air would help."

Luo En rose, leaving the laboratory and gently closing the door.

Stepping into the courtyard, he couldn't help smiling at the scene before him.

Daire—the once palm-sized siren—now stood as tall as a human child aged six or seven. No longer confined to her crystal tank, she could temporarily manifest legs using innate talent spells, joyfully running and playing in the courtyard.

Currently wearing a blue dress tailored by Liliya, she bounced after a butterfly formed from Ai Lanvines.

"Daire, careful not to run too fast!" Liliya called from the sidelines, her face tinged with concern.

"Nonsense!" Daire's clear voice rang out like mountain spring water. "I'm super strong now! I can stay on land for two whole hours without tiring!"

Suddenly spotting Luo En at the doorway, her eyes lit up. "Master!"

She dashed toward him, her temporarily manifested legs slightly unsteady but movements impressively agile. Luo En crouched, scooping the siren girl into his arms.

"Looks like my little Daire's made new progress, hasn't she?" he asked, tickling her chin.

"Uh-huh!" Daire nodded enthusiastically, silver hair swaying. "Lily Sister taught me mana leg control—I can run even faster now! And Ai Lan Mama plays so many fun games with me!"

Luo En turned his gaze to Liliya and Ai Lan. He noticed Liliya's growth during her workshop stay—her alchemical progress matched only by her unique thoughtfulness that transformed the workshop's atmosphere. She'd become the natural bond connecting everyone: helping Ai Lan organize herbs and care for plants, accompanying Daire's studies and play, quietly preparing everything he needed during his research marathons.

The once timid girl fleeing from Cain S. had become an indispensable part of the workshop.

"Liliya, you've worked hard", Luo En said, smiling as Daire snuggled against him. "Daire seems very happy under your care."

Liliya shook her head. "It's nothing really. Truth is, caring for Daire brings me happiness. She learns so quickly, and her cheerful nature fills the workshop with laughter."

Ai Lan's vines swayed gently, their leaves displaying: "Master needn't worry. Lily and I care for Daire together. Her development remains perfectly healthy."

Through their time together, Ai Lan had gradually shed her initial wariness around Liliya.

Wriggling in Luo En's arms, Daire piped up, "Master, watch my new skill!"

She extended her small hand, palm upward. A tiny water sphere formed, then began rotating—finally crystallizing into an exquisite water flower shape.

Luo En felt warmth blossom in his chest. Daire's growth truly amazed him—her physical development and abilities far surpassing ordinary sirens. From that tiny life swimming in a crystal tank over a month ago to now running freely on land and mastering elemental control...

Pride surged within him.

"Master", Daire asked, eyes wide with expectation, "can I learn more spells from you? Lily Sister says you're the mightiest mage ever!"

He ruffled her hair. "Of course. Once you grow a bit more, I'll teach you deeper elemental control."

Gently setting Daire back down, he watched her skip happily toward Ai Lan to continue playing.

Liliya approached, murmuring, "Daire's incredibly bright. She's already asking questions about world essence. I believe her potential extends beyond physical growth—her intellect develops far beyond same-age sirens."

Luo En nodded. "Precisely her advantage as a high-purity siren. With proper nourishment and guidance, siren intellect can match physical development—even surpass human children in certain aspects."

He studied Liliya. "Thank you for your care and teaching. I never expected your talent for alchemy would match your child-rearing skills."

A delicate blush colored Liliya's cheeks. "It's nothing really... I grew up caring for younger siblings, so had some experience. Plus, Daire's naturally adorable and obedient. Teaching her brings me joy."

They stood in companionable silence, watching Daire and Ai Lan's playful dance in the courtyard.

"Oh, Master", Liliya suddenly remembered. "A letter arrived this morning—it seems to be the quarterly evaluation meeting notice for Backup Mage Sequence. I've placed it on your desk."

Luo En nodded. "Thanks for reminding me. I'll review it shortly."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end