Chapter 182: Soul Anchor

Chapter 182: Soul Anchor

This chamber contained multiple Protective Formations—not only blocking external Mana Fluctuations but also preventing internal mana leakage.

He carefully deactivated the formation, then pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The room was softly lit, with a research table crafted from specialized materials at its center. The surrounding walls bore intricate Protective Runes carved into their surfaces.

Luo En first set aside the black containment box and letter, then strode directly to the storage compartment, retrieving the thick volume of the Abyssal Life Compendium.

Since the previous intense spirit shock incident, he had temporarily set aside his studies of this forbidden tome. However, now with his ascension as a High Apprentice and securing Bloodline Altar qualification, he needed to rapidly accumulate more knowledge about the Abyss.

As the pages unfurled in his hands, the animated text and illustrations came alive before his eyes. This time, he deliberately skipped sections potentially triggering violent spirit waves, turning straight to the passage describing the Abyss' boundary with the outside world.

"The boundary between the Abyss and the external realm isn't a fixed physical demarcation", he read, eyes gleaming with focus, "but rather a gradient transformation in mana density... Due to the 'Great Age of Planar Exploration' at the end of the Second Era, many other worlds collided and integrated with the Primary World, generating countless Exotic Spaces. Once fully fused with the Primary World, these regions inevitably fall under the influence of this unique mana gradient..."

As he delved deeper, Luo En began connecting these descriptions with Hayaek's explanation of the Bloodline Altar:

"The most famous Exotic Space is the 'Domain of Bloodlines'—a semi-independent realm forcibly torn from reality by ancient mages, spawning countless smaller 'Bloodline Altars.' Within these spaces, bloodline potential is fully awakened, allowing the essence of lifeforms to manifest..."

"Bloodline Altar!" A flicker of excitement crossed Luo En's eyes.

Continuing onward, the book detailed the unique traits of these Bloodline Altars:

"Unlike the Abyss, Bloodline Altars—though classified as Exotic Rifts—aren't inherently perilous environments. However, their trials often exceed ordinary endurance thresholds.

Every entrant confronts the truth of their bloodline. Ancestral memories buried within their genes awaken, manifesting as illusions or tangible challenges..."

"Most critically", the text warned, "the Bloodline Altar's connection to the Abyss makes its internal Environment highly sensitive to spirit pollution. Explorers carrying spirit pollution often trigger dangerous mutation reactions..."

These words furrowed Luo En's brow.

He realized he must ensure his spirit state was optimal before entering the Bloodline Altar—otherwise, the trial could become a fatal ordeal.

The book elaborated:

"Bloodline Altar trials typically unfold in three stages:

The first stage, 'Retrospection,' immerses explorers in fragments of their bloodline's history.

The second stage, 'Resonance,' sees the bloodline's mana begin interacting with the explorer at deeper levels.

The final stage, 'Metamorphosis,' unleashes the bloodline's full potential, potentially elevating the explorer's very being..."

"However", the text cautioned, "not all complete all three stages. Most reach their limits during the first or second. Forcibly breaking through these thresholds often brings catastrophic consequences..."

Luo En committed these details to memory, finally understanding why the School placed such importance on this Bloodline Altar activation.

For any apprentice aspiring the mage's path, this was a rare opportunity—not only to deeply understand their bloodline but to achieve a qualitative leap.

Yet immense risks accompanied this chance. Those recklessly attempting it often paid a steep price.

With his current spirit state stable, Luo En decided to explore a section that had long intrigued him—the chapter he'd only briefly touched before: "Abyssal Substances and Wonders."

The book meticulously cataloged special substances from each Abyssal layer, describing their appearances, fundamental properties, and analyzing their "rule-overwriting" effects on the Surface World:

Blood Crystals of the first and second layers—red crystals that automatically absorb and store life mana. The text revealed these crystals were manifestations of primordial Abyssal consciousness, learning the rules of the material world by absorbing life mana from nearby organisms.

Black Sand Essence of the third layer—black crystalline matter compressed from countless microscopic lifeforms. This substance possessed extraordinary spatial manipulation traits, folding and twisting space at microscopic scales. Used moderately, it could create storage devices with capacities far exceeding their physical size. Used in large quantities, it could generate short-range portals or spatial traps.

Metamorphic Resin from the fourth layer—semi-transparent liquid extracted from ancient trees in the Twisted Jungles, shifting through iridescent rainbow hues. This substance's most astonishing trait was its ability to blur the boundaries between lifeforms, allowing temporary acquisition of other beings' traits or abilities.

The book recounted an alchemist who used Metamorphic Resin to create the "Hundred-Faced Skin"—allowing its wearer to freely shift between biological forms. Yet the cost was dire—prolonged use caused the body and soul to "forget" their original form, eventually degenerating into amorphous biomass.

Time Amber from the fifth layer...

And later pages detailed Labyrinth Crystals, Soul Metal, and Void Fragments...

As Luo En absorbed these descriptions, his mind surged with exhilaration.

The knowledge of Abyssal substances surpassed anything he'd encountered about supernatural materials, completely reshaping his understanding of alchemy and magic's fundamental nature.

Abyssal materials seemed not merely resources or tools, but direct mediums for manipulating reality itself.

Through them, a mage with sufficient knowledge and mastery could briefly transcend the universe's established rules, achieving effects impossible for conventional spells.

Yet what captivated Luo En most was the book's exhaustive analysis of the relationship between Black Mages and the Abyss:

"The Black Mage path is, at its core, a journey toward assimilation with Abyssal essence. The so-called 'Awakening' is the transformation of part of one's existence into Abyssal form, thereby acquiring abilities beyond conventional laws. This isn't merely power acquisition—it's a fundamental shift in one's mode of existence."

"Below the sixth Abyssal layer, the 'Domain of Labyrinths' has long been the hub for various Black Mage organizations. Due to the 'Labyrinth Currents' trait, these regions experience constant spatial restructuring, making them difficult for outsiders to locate or track. More importantly, the Abyss' deeper layers contain abundant Chaos mana—ideal for advanced Awakening rituals."

"Particularly notable", the text warned, "is the ancient organization 'Abyssal Eye.' Unlike common Black Mage factions, they don't pursue simple power accumulation but instead work toward the grand scheme of Abyssalizing the material world."

Through a specialized ritual, they aim to gradually weaken the boundaries between reality and the Abyss, ultimately seeking to fully merge the two."

"The Abyssal Eye's core creed is 'Perception is Reality'—they believe by altering the cognitive patterns of enough sentient beings, they can fundamentally rewrite reality's foundational rules."

"Their missionaries primarily infiltrate academic institutions, using twisted knowledge and specialized spirit influence techniques to gradually reshape the thought processes of those they interact with."

This description sent chills down Luo En's spine.

The Abyssal Eye's ambitions were far grander and more terrifying than he'd imagined—not merely power-seeking, but complete reality reconstruction.

Yet what truly shook Luo En's mind was the book's explicit connection between the Abyss and the Archmage's path:

"Since the First Era, the ascension path of Archmages has always been inextricably linked to the Abyss. According to reliable records, every being who successfully ascended to Archmage status underwent a ritual called the 'Abyssal Baptism'—typically below the Seventh Layer's 'Soul Abyss.'"

The text specifically mentioned a critical technique called "Soul Anchoring", which all successful Archmages mastered:

"The essence of Soul Anchoring is dividing one's soul before entering the Abyss, anchoring a portion within a specific object in the physical world. These objects are typically personal items deeply connected to the mage—such as weapons, staves, or jewelry. Once anchored, these items provide a 'reality reference point' during the Abyssal Baptism, preventing complete assimilation by the Abyss."

"The highest level of Soul Anchoring can even preserve a mage's core memories and personality if their consciousness is eroded by the Abyss. This allows them to 'reset' themselves in critical moments—a crucial safeguard for surviving the ritual."

Luo En's heartbeat quickened as he immediately thought of his own "Furnace Conceptualization." The descriptions about Soul Anchoring bore striking similarities to his envisioned soul division and mana isolation techniques!

Even more astonishing—the book described an advanced technique called "Pollution Conversion", which closely mirrored the core principle of his Furnace Conceptualization:

"A select few exceptional mages possess a special technique that transforms Abyssal corruption not merely by blocking or removing it, but by converting it into pure power. The core of this technique involves creating a 'mana circulation system' that channels Abyssal pollution into specific containers or mediums. Through a series of complex mana conversions, the pollution is ultimately 'purified' into usable pure mana."

"Serwino Odriche himself is believed to have mastered the rudimentary form of this technique, which was crucial to surviving within the Abyss for nearly a century while maintaining his mental clarity. His 'Conversion Furnace'—a specially crafted alchemical device—is said to convert Abyssal pollution into mana that extends lifespan and enhances spells."

Luo En closed the book, taking a deep breath as dizziness overtook him.

The Abyssal Life Compendium's contents far exceeded his expectations, providing not only an incredibly rich source of material for his research on transcendent biology, but also crucial theoretical support and technical details for his "Furnace Conceptualization."

He even began to suspect whether his encounter with this book was truly coincidental.

The descriptions of "Pollution Conversion" and "Soul Anchoring" aligned so perfectly with his independently conceived Furnace Conceptualization that it seemed almost implausible.

"This can't be mere coincidence..." Luo En murmured softly, his eyes gleaming with contemplation.

But what unsettled Luo En most was the final page—a seemingly casual postscript written in handwriting distinctly different from the main text, likely added later:

"If you've read this far, remember:

Knowledge responds to seekers as the Abyss responds to summoners.

I once believed I was studying the Abyss, until I discovered the Abyss was also 'studying' me.

No matter your purpose, remain vigilant.

For now, 'they' already know of your existence.

—S. Aldrich"

Carefully, Luo En shut the book and placed it into a specially crafted rune-locked safe.

The Abyssal Life Compendium had delivered knowledge both exhilarating and unsettling. He needed time to process this information and integrate it with his research and plans.

"The Abyss..." He murmured inwardly, his eyes flickering with complex emotions. "A perfect fusion of danger and opportunity—or a meticulously designed trap?"

"Take it slowly. Step by step." Luo En whispered to himself, determination gleaming in his eyes. "First, handle the immediate matters. Then consider the distant future."

His thoughts surged like turbulent waves as he closed the book. These revelations were undoubtedly crucial for his upcoming journey to the Bloodline Altar, but fully understanding their mysteries would likely require more clues.

His gaze settled on the black sealed box—the final stage of The Murmuring of the Star Devourer lay within, perhaps holding the other piece of the puzzle he needed.

Taking a deep breath, he carefully returned the Abyssal Life Compendium to its containment case before approaching the mysterious sealed box.

As his fingers brushed its surface, he felt a peculiar energy fluctuation—a mysterious resonance similar to the depths of Star itself, distant yet profound, as if emanating from the universe's edge.

Once more, he recalled Madame Ellen's warning conveyed through Liliya: Don't attempt it lightly without proper preparation.

And that more enigmatic statement: The path I couldn't complete, I hope you can finish.

"Madame Ellen." Luo En whispered her name. "What did you encounter on this path?"

After a moment's contemplation, he decided to examine the mana-sealed letter first.

Carefully removing it, Luo En noticed the runes covering its surface were faintly flowing, almost alive.

He understood the basic principles of this sealing spell—only the designated recipient could open it, while any unauthorized attempt would result in the contents self-destructing.

Spiritual energy gently brushing the envelope's surface, Luo En sensed the mana "testing" his identity.

Moments later, the runes suddenly glowed golden, then scattered like ripples. The envelope automatically unfolded, revealing the parchment inside.

Intriguingly, the text on the parchment seemed written in special ink, glowing faintly blue under the dim light:

"Young Luo En, I have some urgent matters requiring temporary absence from the School. Don't mention this to anyone.

But when you return from the Bloodline Altar, I should be back.

At that time, come find me at the Herbal Medicine Shop. I have something important to deliver to you personally."

This was completely different from what he'd expected. With information of this level, having Liliya deliver a verbal message would've sufficed. Why go through the trouble of using a mana-sealed letter?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end