Chapter 183: Meditation Technique Trait

Chapter 183: Meditation Technique Trait

"Once you finish reading, leave it be—it'll self-destruct automatically.

Also, I've sealed the final-stage meditation technique; you're not ready to review it yet."

Luo En stared at the letter in his hand, its faint silver glow pulsing like a dying ember, his mind spiraling into deep contemplation.

The letter's contents seemed simple, yet they stirred countless questions in his heart.

"Madame Ellen leaving Black Mist Jungle?"

Ever since he'd stepped into this mist-shrouded realm, Madame Ellen had always seemed inseparable from her Herbal Medicine Shop, the two fused into a singular, immutable entity.

That dim, herb-scented shop was like an extension of her aged body, while she herself was its soul.

"Since I arrived in Black Mist Jungle, no one's ever mentioned her leaving the shop..."

Luo En furrowed his brow, weighing endless possibilities.

The School strictly controlled all mage activities, especially for someone like Madame Ellen, whose very existence was... unusual.

Her every move was likely under some invisible surveillance.

"That's why she used a Mana-Sealed Letter—a high-level confidentiality method—to deliver such a simple message?"

He tapped the desk lightly. "Clearly, madam has her own schemes, ones she doesn't want the School's higher-ups to discover."

Adding to this were Madame Ellen's and Magnus's cryptic hints that they'd been exiled to Black Mist Jungle to "retire" after losing some power struggle. The pieces clicked into a warning klaxon in his mind.

After this, he'd send Andie to check the Herbal Medicine Shop—was it truly closed, or pretending to operate?

The letter slipped from his fingers and burst into flameless, spontaneous combustion...

Luo En frowned slightly, carefully reducing the ashes to absolute nothingness.

His gaze shifted to the black sealed box emitting faint energy fluctuations—the final stage of The Murmuring of the Star Devourer hidden within.

Not yet... He wouldn't be foolish enough to risk self-immolation just to satisfy curiosity.

"The second-stage cultivation already brings enough challenges..." He mused, recalling recent meditation experiences.

Compared to the foundational stage, the second stage's meditation cultivation was an entirely different beast.

The "Whispering" from the Star's depths grew clearer, relentless—like invisible tentacles tearing apart his mind, disrupting his spiritual focus.

The first few days' cultivation had been torment incarnate.

Luo En couldn't even maintain ten minutes of continuous meditation. The soul-tearing pain forced constant interruptions, cycling through brief rests like a cursed loop.

Each time he emerged from meditation, he'd been drenched in sweat, gasping for breath, as if awakening from a nightmare.

"These Whisperings..." he grimaced through painful memories, "felt like countless needles piercing my mind from all directions."

And this was after adapting to them post-battle with the tentacle monster—without that, his performance would've been even worse.

Such experiences made him appreciate Madame Ellen's warning: The Murmuring of the Star Devourer unlike any other meditation technique.

But a sudden inspiration changed everything.

He'd realized—his "Erosion Sonata" originated from Star monster Whisperings, and Whisperings could neutralize each other...

So, could the Erosion Sonata's melody shield his mind from meditation's Whispering onslaught?

As he'd suspected, when recalling the Erosion Sonata's melody during meditation, the tormenting whispers suddenly lost their piercing edge.

Like two waves canceling each other, or the Erosion Sonata forming a "mental barrier" against invasive Whisperings.

Luo En flipped open his lab notebook, filled with meticulous records of every attempt's parameters and effects:

"D minor first movement, combined with high-intensity spiritual energy fluctuation, creates the first interference layer.

E major with vibrato technique produces the 'Zhi' syllable's resonance effect.

Special fingerings simulate the 'Kelu' syllable, completing the final structure..."

These precise technical details were hard-won through countless trials and errors.

Sometimes, adjusting a single note's frequency required non-stop experimentation for over a dozen hours.

Each breakthrough brought indescribable satisfaction—a process of peeling back layers of mystery, inching closer to some grand truth.

【You've learned skill: Erosion Sonata (Entry-Level)】

【Note: This skill shows strong correlation with The Murmuring of the Star Devourer and Sound Wave Oscillation skills】

Skill acquisition was an unexpected bonus, but the second-stage meditation technique's true value ran deeper.

After his ranking rise granted privileges to access School Library's Full Mage archives, he'd uncovered critical insights.

Some gem-level (and above) meditation techniques, when cultivating through the spiritual energy critical point for Full Mage status, could grant cultivators unique personal traits.

These traits fused with one's spellcraft system, creating signature effects distinguishing them from ordinary mages.

Just as every Full Mage possessed iconic personal spells, "Meditation Technique Traits" were core advantages exclusive to gem-level (and above) meditation techniques.

"A crucial step from High Apprentice to Full Mage..."

Luo En calculated mentally, "a completely personalized spell trait could open entirely new research avenues."

Yet looming was the growing concern of spiritual pollution.

Deeper meditation accelerated pollution accumulation.

Though the Timekeeper Pocket Watch's reset function still cleared pollution effectively, Luo En keenly realized its limitations as he neared High Apprentice's critical point.

"Pocket Watch's Reset Ability is powerful, but has limits." He frowned, thinking:

"When spiritual energy nears Full Mage levels, pollution's complexity and intensity will surge—whether the Pocket Watch can handle it remains uncertain."

This dilemma solidified his resolve to accelerate "Furnace Conceptualization" practice.

"Before reaching the critical point, I must find a more thorough solution." He planned:

"After returning from the Bloodline Altar, immediately attempt Demon Hunter and Arcane Swordsman class advancements, focus on Full Mage ascension, and finally use Vitality to transform the Mana-Forged Sword into a 'furnace' vessel—solving pollution at its root."

This plan interlocked like gears—each step vital.

"Multiple professions merging, mutually reinforcing..."

But for now, another task awaited—assisting Cui Xi's Panther Girl with bloodline formulation.

After promising the girl, he'd test his bloodline modifier ability firsthand.

Preparing tools and materials meticulously, Luo En had already mapped out a detailed bloodline formulation plan.

Lion Scorpion venom gland traits were well-researched. The key was perfectly integrating them into the Panther Girl's existing bloodline—avoiding biological rejection.

"Every step must be precise to the millimeter..." He reviewed his notes:

"Even a slight deviation could trigger unpredictable bloodline conflicts."

Alone in the midnight lab, surrounded by quietly humming instruments, moonlight spilled through the window, painting the floor in silver.

Sighing, Luo En shelved his thoughts and focused on the urgent work ahead.

"Progress steadily, step by step." He reminded himself, "even the most complex mysteries unravel one piece at a time."

The next morning, Luo En arrived at Cui Xi's residence carrying carefully prepared tools.

Walking, he rehearsed the intricate procedure.

Bloodline formulation required absolute precision—once begun, any mid-process error meant catastrophe.

Wind stirred Black Mist Jungle's dark-blue deciduous branches, creating an eerie rustling chorus.

Following Cui Xi's address, he approached a modest villa in the School's East District.

This two-story stone house, plain and ancient, was outlined by morning light against its walls—crawling with faintly glowing vines casting delicate patterns.

The entire building was shrouded beneath a nearly imperceptible mana barrier – a hallmark of a high-level Protective Formation.

As Luo En approached the gate, an invisible tendril of spiritual energy swept over his body like a radar scan, meticulously verifying his identity without leaving a blind spot.

The precision and intensity of this spiritual energy probe clearly exceeded the capabilities of a High Apprentice.

The door opened automatically, and Cui Xi was already waiting inside the foyer.

She wasn't wearing her Apprentice Robe, instead opting for a simple pale green household outfit that made her naturally delicate features appear even more youthful.

"Thank you for coming", the girl said warmly, her face adorned with a polite but not insincere smile. "Mentor is handling some matters and will arrive shortly. Li Yue is already waiting in the preparation room."

Luo En nodded, following Cui Xi through the elegantly decorated corridor while instinctively observing the surrounding Environment.

Sensitivity toward his surroundings had become second nature.

Along the corridor's walls lay various peculiar collections – specimens sealed in crystal, stone tablets inscribed with ancient runes, liquid organisms constantly shifting shapes within specialized containers. Each artifact reflected the master's deep fascination with the arcane.

"These are mostly Mentor's collections accumulated over years", Cui Xi explained, following Luo En's gaze with a subtle note of pride in her voice. "She often brings me to study these extraordinary creatures' traits. Look, this one might interest you."

She stopped before a special glass case containing a perfectly preserved small creature resembling a hybrid between butterfly and jellyfish. Its translucent wings bore intricate glowing patterns.

"A Star Abyss Moth", Cui Xi elaborated, her voice tinged with scholarly passion. "They're said to exist only in specific regions of the fourth layer of the Abyss – the Twisted Jungles. Mentor said they can traverse different Abyss layers without contracting curses, making them one of the rarest creatures with such capabilities."

Though his expression remained calm, Luo En's mind churned with excitement. If these creatures truly possessed innate resistance to Abyss curses as Cui Xi claimed, studying their bloodline traits would hold immeasurable research value, potentially becoming a key to unraveling the Abyss Adaptability mystery.

"A remarkably rare specimen", he commented, his voice rich with genuine interest. "If I had the opportunity to study its bloodline structure, I might obtain crucial data about Abyss Adaptability."

Cui Xi smiled and nodded without responding, leaving his implication hanging uncertainly – whether from not understanding or deliberately avoiding the topic.

They soon entered a spacious underground chamber. The room's soft lighting illuminated a specially crafted white jade platform at its center, its surface and surroundings etched with complex formation patterns. Shelves lining the walls held various precision instruments and potions – from the most foundational extractors to advanced mana stabilization devices, forming a fully equipped professional bloodline research laboratory.

Li Yue was already waiting beside the platform.

Unlike her usual silent demeanor, she now appeared slightly tense, her fingers unconsciously rubbing her sleeves. Upon seeing Luo En enter, she gave a slight bow of her head, her eyes flashing with conflicting emotions of expectation and wariness.

"Thank you, sir, for agreeing to help me", she said softly, her voice calm yet subdued.

Luo En nodded, quickly adapting to the environment while evaluating the available resources. "Cui Xi has told me the basics, but I need more detailed information about your bloodline condition and the exact circumstances of your toxin exposure."

His gaze swept over the well-equipped laboratory, inwardly impressed. The quality and quantity of these instruments even surpassed the School Public Laboratory's setup, clearly demonstrating Kelinna's exacting standards.

Li Yue nodded, lying down on the platform at Cui Xi's signal. "During my last battle at the Arena, I was grazed by a Lion Scorpion's stinger. There was brief intense pain and numbness, but I recovered quickly."

Due to her reclined position, the Panther Girl's voice sounded muffled. Luo En retrieved a specialized detection kit, beginning a comprehensive bloodline scan. As his palm hovered a few centimeters above her body, his spiritual energy seeped inside like thousands of microscopic probes.

Under the combined enhancement of "Transcendent Perception" and "Tracing Mark" traits, her bloodline structure gradually became visible within his spiritual vision.

"Intriguing..." Luo En furrowed his brow, discovering unexpected details. Li Yue's bloodline structure was far more complex than any exotic race he had previously encountered.

The superficial layer displayed the leopard clan's characteristic bloodline – her species' foundation. But deeper within, a more ancient and powerful bloodline lay hidden beneath layered seals, emitting faint fluctuations at certain nodes.

This bloodline's energy fluctuation pattern was exceptionally unique – possessing not only the wild explosive force of beasts but also an indescribable noble aura. This must be the so-called Sovereign Bloodline.

More notably, in areas contacting the Lion Scorpion toxin, this hidden bloodline appeared to be awakening weakly, forming an initial Adaptability reaction.

"I can now see why your previous attempts at toxin gland fusion failed", Luo En analyzed while continuing the examination. "This latent bloodline has extremely strong rejection properties, automatically resisting external bloodline infiltration. It doesn't reject toxins themselves, but rather any insufficiently 'pure' external bloodline."

He retrieved several specialized reagents from his kit, carefully blending them in a small crucible before adding a single drop of Li Yue's blood. The liquid immediately reacted, turning deep purple while emitting a faint glow.

After conducting several more precise tests to determine the exact type and activation potential of the latent bloodline, Luo En proposed his adjustment plan.

"Instead of forcibly injecting new bloodline traits, we should temporarily suppress part of this latent bloodline first. This would make integrating the toxin capabilities much easier."

Cui Xi's eyes lit up. "This completely exceeds my expectations! Thank you – I'll ensure your efforts receive satisfactory compensation."

Luo En nodded, retrieving several processed Lion Scorpion venom gland samples from his kit. Through his special purification process, these had been stripped of most impurities, retaining only the core toxin components and traits.

Carefully placing the samples on the detection dish, he began studying how to integrate them with Li Yue's latent bloodline traits.

"The area around your claws has the most frequent toxin contact and least likely triggers bloodline's instinctive rejection", he explained to the Panther Girl, aiming to boost her confidence and reduce potential rejection. "I'll attempt to transplant the toxin glands into this area while enhancing your claws' retractable functionality."

After completing preparations, Luo En retrieved a small bottle of guiding potion.

"Li Yue, you need to drink this first. It will temporarily reduce your bloodline's rejection response, creating favorable conditions for the procedure."

The Panther Girl nodded, drinking the potion in one gulp. Seconds later, her body began glowing faintly as her skin patterns became more vivid.

"Let's begin", Luo En inhaled deeply, channeling his spiritual energy toward Li Yue's hand area. His energy followed specific pathways, searching for latent bloodline nodes.

Li Yue let out a low growl – no longer human, but resembling an ancient ferocious beast's roar. Her eyes turned completely golden, pupils contracting into narrow vertical slits. Her entire body tensed, ready to leap into attack mode.

"Stay calm, Li Yue! I'm here", Cui Xi stepped forward, her voice firm yet gentle. "Focus your attention – feel this power, but don't let it control you."

Under Cui Xi's soothing words, Li Yue gradually stabilized her emotions. Luo En seized this opportunity, guiding the activated mana into predetermined pathways.

"Phase one complete", Luo En finally exhaled after about ten minutes. "The latent bloodline's countermeasures have been temporarily suppressed. Now we can proceed to phase two – the toxin gland transplantation."

He combined the toxin gland extract with a specialized fusion medium, creating a viscous dark purple liquid. Initially, everything proceeded smoothly. Every minute mana node realigned under his control, resembling a massive complex three-dimensional puzzle gradually taking shape. The toxin was being accepted by Li Yue's bloodline, beginning fusion with her claw tissue.

However, halfway through the process, Biological Rejection suddenly occurred.

Li Yue clenched her teeth in pain as her body showed swelling and abnormal energy fluctuations.

"Biological Rejection", Luo En immediately diagnosed. "Even with the suppressed latent bloodline, the foreign substance's purity remains insufficient."

Cui Xi looked concerned. "Is there danger?"

"The risk remains within controllable limits", he replied briefly, adjusting his spiritual energy output pattern. "I'll monitor her vital signs throughout – if serious anomalies occur, I'll stop immediately."

His spiritual energy, like thousands of invisible needles, wove through Li Yue's bloodline, dismantling rejection structures while recombining them into new patterns. Every step required precision at the microsecond level – any minor mistake could cause the entire process to collapse.

This intense process continued for nearly twenty minutes. Fully focused, Luo En's sweat-soaked collar dripped with exertion.

Finally, when the last rejection point was successfully recombined, the fusion was complete.

"It's done", Luo En withdrew his spiritual energy, his voice carrying slight fatigue. "The toxin has fully integrated into your claw structure. I've also enhanced your claws' retractable functionality as an added benefit."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end