Chapter 168: Puppet Substitute

Chapter 168: Puppet Substitute

For someone at his current stage, a single strike from a Dawn Star Rank mage was already a force capable of shattering equilibrium.

The Lion Scorpion’s earlier claw attack had only approximated the output of a Full Mage, yet it reduced the ultra-durable Earth Elemental Golem into crumbled fragments like a shattered biscuit.

This didn’t even account for actual mages’ use of Overmagic Techniques, which multiplied destructive power exponentially. If he could somehow record and replicate that…

Shaking off the thought, Luo En refocused on verifying the "Perfect Insulation" function.

This was the linchpin of his entire plan—a defensive mana barrier designed to safely partition his soul.

He concentrated his spirit, forming a miniature mana barrier zone within his body.

To his delight, the zone truly did manifest the three-layer insulation described by the interface.

The first layer blocked mana, the second blocked spiritual energy, and the third specifically targeted soul fluctuations. Combined, the three layers nearly severed all internal-external mana interaction.

“Too perfect,” Luo En murmured, nodding in satisfaction.

The safety concerns surrounding soul division—the issue that had troubled him most—now had a reliable solution.

Yet almost immediately, he frowned again.

The "charging" of Thousand Shifting Shadows had reset to zero, meaning it would still require further absorption of Soul Mana.

“When fully charged, it becomes a key item for awakening an advanced epic profession (four-star).”

Luo En turned the cryptic prompt over in his mind, eyes gleaming with contemplation.

Even the Three Stars-ranked black mage and Sun Crownknights were rare adversaries at the Full Mage tier.

Thus, this so-called four-star epic profession might directly rival the rank of Archmage.

As for the "Timekeeper’s Pocket Watch", the corresponding profession—Timekeeper—could be one capable of manipulating time flow itself, an utterly terrifying concept.

To most apprentices, becoming a Full Mage represented the pinnacle of ambition.

But the supernatural world’s ceiling extended far beyond.

Above Full Mage lay Archmages who traversed starfields and could obliterate entire solar systems with a single gesture. Above them loomed the Lich Kings who dominated countless conquered realms.

And legends spoke of even greater beings—those known as "Demon Gods", entities whose mere will could reshape reality itself.

Snapping back to reality, Luo En quickly tempered his thoughts. With his current tiny power level, getting carried away would be a fatal mistake.

He carefully recorded his hypothesis about the epic professions into the Consciousness Library’s dedicated section, flagging it as a crucial lead requiring verification.

Taking a deep breath, he stood and slowly approached the window.

Outside, the night in Black Mist Jungle had deepened. Faint moonlight pierced the thick mist, draping the mysterious land in a silvery veil.

His gaze cut through the fog, settling on the distant School towers barely visible in the distance.

“This is just the beginning.”

Silently, he pondered, “Still need the Puppet Substitute and Master Sword.”

In the Furnace Plan, these three artifacts played distinct roles:

Thousand Shifting Shadows ensured mana insulation and spirit shielding, stabilizing the entire system;

Puppet Substitute handled soul division and clone control, providing auxiliary mobility;

Master Sword focused on power consolidation and pollution conversion, transforming negative energy into positive force.

Together, they would form a complete power cycle system—

Allowing Luo En to safely harness typically forbidden forces without risk.

“Tomorrow, once I obtain the Puppet Substitute, the plan will enter its next phase.”

He stared at the distant towers, cold determination burning in his chest.

Everything was progressing exactly as planned—step by step, steady and relentless.

…

…

Morning in Black Mist Jungle—rarely clear this time of year.

Sunlight pierced the region’s perpetual mist, bathing the Central Tower in warm radiance.

Passing apprentices cast envious, curious glances inside, discussing yesterday’s shocking battle and the imminent distribution of priceless rewards.

“I heard Fuyuanzhang’s offering an Abyssal Treasure as the top prize! That’s one of the treasures he brought back from the Crystal Spire!”

A lanky apprentice excitedly told his companion.

“They say that Lion Scorpion came from the Third Layer of the Abyss—surviving against a monster of that caliber is already miraculous, let alone commanding everyone in battle as he did.”

An older apprentice added solemnly, his voice brimming with reverence for the figure everyone was talking about.

Inside the Central Tower’s large chamber, a wide array of prizes already adorned the room, glowing with the ethereal luminescence of transcendent items.

The Bloody Arena’s victors had gathered early, each wearing expressions ranging from eager anticipation to nervous hope.

Luo En stood aside, face calm, though his slightly clenched fists betrayed the tension beneath.

As time passed, more apprentices filtered into the chamber.

He ignored the occasional whispers, fully focused on the impending reward ritual—

Especially the Puppet Substitute, the key to unlocking his soul division plan.

Holt stood nearby, posture rigid but eyes shadowed with exhaustion.

Cui Xi had her ever-present guard Li Yue at her side; though Panther Girl had received treatment, her steps still carried lingering weakness.

The other surviving competitors waited with mixtures of excitement and anxiety, each anticipating their due rewards.

Fuyuanzhang Hayaek, now clad in a deep purple Full Mage’s robe, stood at the platform’s center, his imposing presence radiating authority.

Soren and Youni flanked him, their gazes lingering briefly but repeatedly on Luo En.

When the final competitor entered, Hayaek raised his right hand. The entire chamber fell silent as if an invisible cloth had smothered all sound.

“Yesterday’s contest demonstrated your wisdom, courage, and strength,” Hayaek’s voice rang clearly through the space:

“Today, the School fulfills its promise, bestowing well-earned rewards upon you all.”

With a slight nod to his attendants, he signaled the ceremony’s start.

Tradition dictated rewards be distributed in reverse ranking order.

Luo En maintained his calm exterior, but his sharp eyes missed nothing—the reactions of every competitor were meticulously recorded.

Those with lower ranks couldn’t hide their disappointment and jealousy. Their trembling hands as they accepted mere dozens of Mana Shard Fragments were all noted by Luo En.

These subtle behavioral shifts were rapidly analyzed and cataloged into the "Character Observations" section of his Consciousness Library.

Soon, the fourth-place competitor stepped forward—a stern-faced High Apprentice who chose a Vitality Elixir and a complete Mana Stone.

Brief satisfaction flickered in his eyes before he resumed the typical apprentice’s stoic mask.

“Not a bad choice,” Luo En internally assessed:

“The Vitality Elixir sells for about 60 Mana Shard Fragments on the market. Combined with the Mana Stone, total value approaches one and a half complete Mana Stones. This selection balances immediate gains with emergency preparedness.”

“Third place: Linde Cui Xi.”

The chestnut-haired girl approached calmly, her usual composed demeanor intact.

Li Yue, now mostly recovered from the toxin’s effects, walked beside her—though still slightly sluggish, her complexion had greatly improved.

“You may choose three advanced potions or one advanced alchemy item, along with three complete Mana Stones.”

Hayaek's voice was steady and commanding as he spoke.

Cui Xi hesitated before making her choice, casting a glance toward Luo En with a flicker of complex emotions in her eyes.

"Fuyuanzhang, Sir", she said respectfully, "may I first consult with Lalfapprentice before deciding?"

Her request surprised many in the room.

Luo En subtly furrowed his brow—unexpected situations always irked him—but maintained his impeccable composure.

Hayaek raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, yet nodded in agreement.

The brown-haired girl strode to Luo En's side and lowered her voice.

"I've heard your potion-making skills rival those of a Senior Potion Master. Is that true?"

Luo En roughly grasped her intent but answered cautiously, "Rumors tend to exaggerate. Still, alchemy has always been one of my focuses."

Her eyes sharpened. "So it is true." She paused. "Then choosing ready-made potions would be wasteful. I'm considering exchanging for a complete recipe of a potion that enhances natural attribute affinity. Can you brew it?"

Luo En swiftly weighed the pros and cons.

Recipes held far greater long-term value than finished products. His potion-making techniques had already surpassed many Senior Potion Masters. Combined with his "Material Transmutation" skill, crafting such complex potions posed no real challenge anymore.

More importantly, acquiring a recipe for nearly free was a no-brainer.

Still, he feigned contemplation, tossing the decision back. "These potions require intricate recipes and demand exceptional Spiritual Energy Control. But within my capability, yes. What specific requirements do you have?"

"I can offer this selection privilege, plus the bonus Mana Stones, as full payment for a complete recipe", Cui Xi countered. "Kelinna Mentor mentioned a hidden option like this yesterday."

She locked eyes with Luo En. "In return, I need you to brew six batches, delivered in portions, with the final batch completed within two months. This way, I'll have ample time to harness the effects before the Bloodline Altar opens."

Luo En quickly calculated the costs and profits.

A recipe of this complexity would fetch at least five to six complete Mana Stones on the market. Producing six batches would cost only one or two Mana Stones in materials.

Even factoring in time and effort, this was a risk-free profit.

"Agreed", he replied evenly, his tone devoid of emotion. "But you must provide the complete recipe. I'll handle the rest myself."

"Deal", Cui Xi said, her lips curving in satisfaction. She returned to Hayaek and announced her choice.

Fuyuanzhang's brows lifted slightly, clearly intrigued by her decision. He gestured for an assistant to bring a delicate crystal case.

The translucent box shimmered with protective runes, within which lay a faintly glowing scroll.

"An excellent choice, Cui Xiapprentice", Hayaek remarked, his voice carrying genuine appreciation. "Enhancing natural affinity significantly aids in awakening the Forest Elves' bloodline. It seems you've prepared well for the Bloodline Altar."

Cui Xi accepted the reward with a respectful bow, returning to her place as a subtle, almost imperceptible smile graced her face.

Luo En noticed how tightly she clutched the scroll case, as if holding onto a fragment of hope.

Indeed, her choice of a hidden option surpasses taking three ready-made potions. No wonder her Mentor revealed it to her, he mused. Six doses of sustained natural affinity enhancement could push her Forest Elves bloodline further, boosting her chances during the Bloodline Altar trial.

"Second place—Holt Elwin."

The towering figure stepped forward, his presence as steady as a mountain.

"You may select either three advanced potions or one advanced alchemy item, plus five complete Mana Stones."

Holt's response was crisp. "I choose the alchemy item 'Heart of Earth.'"

Hayaek seemed unsurprised. With a nod, he signaled for a heavy blackwood box.

Inside rested a fist-sized brown crystal, its surface veined with intricate patterns resembling earth's very marrow. Slow-moving mana pulsed within, emanating a deep, ancient aura.

"The 'Heart of Earth' repairs earth-element structures and fortifies their resilience and power", Hayaek explained. "Undoubtedly the best fit for your combat style."

Holt accepted the box and Mana Stones with a respectful bow, his eyes betraying a flicker of relief.

Luo En's sharp gaze caught the subtle shift. He knew the prize list beforehand—probably from his Mentor. Both Cui Xi and Holt had insider guidance. But I need no choices. I'm fine as I am.

Finally, the moment everyone anticipated: the first-place reward.

"First place—Luo En Lalf."

Hayaek's voice carried a distinct emphasis. "You earn the Grand Arena's special prize—'Puppet Substitute,' eight complete Mana Stones, and one selection from the School's restricted archives."

Luo En stepped forward calmly, feeling countless gazes converge on him—some envious, some resentful, others inscrutable.

Fuyuanzhang personally retrieved a finely carved blackwood box, its surface etched with protective runes that sent a chill through the fingertips.

Inside lay an eerie humanoid puppet.

The ashen figure appeared aged by centuries, its body twisted with complex runes that resembled veins forming a mana network across its surface.

But its eyes unsettled most—two dark red gems glowing faintly even in shadows, as if something within observed the world.

"'Puppet Substitute,'" Hayaek explained, his tone measured. "Originating from the fourth layer of the Abyssal Chasm, it houses a soul stone capable of carrying consciousness. However, its effects fall short of rumors."

Luo En lifted the box closer, inspecting every detail as he awaited further explanation.

"Ordinary users must split their consciousness to operate it", Hayaek continued. "This creates a fundamental dilemma—few apprentices can master divided attention. Too little consciousness makes the puppet stiff and mechanical; too much weakens the host."

He paused, studying Luo En's reaction. "Furthermore, the puppet cannot stray beyond a hundred meters from its master, and its power limit falls short of Full Mage standards, as if bound by an innate restriction."

Fuyuanzhang concluded, "Thus, while this Abyssal Treasure holds little value for Full Mages, it remains uniquely useful during the apprentice stage."

On the surface, Luo En nodded appreciatively, his expression betraying a touch of disappointment.

But internally, his mind surged with excitement. Through his interface's prompt and Transcendent Perception, he instantly saw the "Puppet Substitute's" true worth.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end