Chapter 184: Beneath the Crown

Chapter 184: Beneath the Crown

Li Yue sat up from the lab table, cautiously flexing her fingers. She blinked in astonishment as she realized she could now control the length of her nails at will.

When she focused her spirit energy, her fingernails extended to twice their original length, sharpening into lethal weapons.

As she further manipulated the energy, a faint purple glow shimmered across her claws—the telltale sign of toxin activation.

"This is just… incredible", Cui Xi gasped, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You’ve not only completed the toxin fusion, but you’ve even granted her the ability to control the toxin itself!"

Li Yue experimentally retracted her claws, then extended them again.

The process felt seamless and natural, without a trace of discomfort.

"Thank you, Lord Lalf", she said, her rare smile breaking through. "This power… will allow me to protect my master far more effectively."

"Your bloodline potential extends far beyond this", Luo En evaluated, carefully packing the Panther Girl tissue samples he’d discreetly collected during the bloodline formulation process into preservation vials.

This was, after all, one of the reasons he’d agreed to the procedure—Sovereign Bloodline material was certainly worth studying.

Meanwhile, the brown-haired girl turned away to retrieve her Mana Stone pouch, deliberately ignoring Luo En’s little side project.

As Luo En secured his samples, preparing for a final check on the Panther Girl, a sudden surge of powerful mana fluctuations erupted from outside the door.

The oppressive force thickened the air like an invisible syrup, stifling movement. Even someone of Luo En’s calibre as a High Apprentice felt his heart skip a beat.

This was the signature "Radiation Field" of a Full Mage.

The door slid open soundlessly, and a figure in a flowing white robe drifted in like a ghost.

"Looks like progress has been smooth", a rasping voice declared.

The voice scraped like grinding metal—grating yet undeniably authoritative.

Luo En lifted his gaze. Kelinna stood there in her white robe, her familiar ornate mask fixed on her face.

"Mentor", Cui Xi immediately rose to her feet, her tone laced with clear reverence.

Luo En bowed respectfully. "Kelinna-sir."

"No need for formalities."

The White-robed mage’s gaze swept between Luo En and Li Yue before settling on the Panther Girl’s now fully transformed claws.

"Fascinating modification", she commented, her voice carrying a faint trace of admiration. "Far more complex and effective than I anticipated. The toxin guidance system and structural reshaping—this level of skill rivals a professional modifier’s work. Maxim’s judgment is certainly sharp."

Luo En’s mind sharpened, sensing something off.

"Kelinna-sir, is there something specifically you need to tell me?"

"Hmph. You’re perceptive", the mage replied, tilting her head with a soft chuckle. Her masked eyes glinted mysteriously. "You’ve guessed correctly. I arranged for Cui Xi to invite you here precisely because I learned of your unusual interest in the Abyss."

"As for Li Yue’s bloodline formulation…" Kelinna continued, her tone turning eerily flat. "Had you not demonstrated this level of skill, I would have asked Maxim himself to intervene. He’s an old friend of mine—and an expert in Abyss-related research."

Luo En’s instincts flared. The situation was far more layered than it appeared.

A Full Mage showing special attention to a High Apprentice often meant an unspoken test or assignment was already in motion.

"Does Kelinna-sir herself have an interest in Abyss research?"

He asked cautiously, probing for her true intent.

"Not merely an interest, young one—but an obsession", Kelinna replied, a hint of bitterness threading through her voice. "Though your performance today exceeded expectations. This fusion technique rivals that of a senior modifier. Li Yue’s value has risen substantially—you’ve earned a more generous payment."

So saying, she retrieved a complete Mana Stone from within her robe and handed it to Luo En.

He accepted the stone, feeling its pure mana radiating through his gloved fingers.

A complete Mana Stone was worth more than a hundred fragmented Mana Shard Fragments—enough to purchase a modest single-person residence in the Black Mist Jungle.

"Now, come to my study", Kelinna said, turning toward the door. "There are matters we must discuss in private."

She glanced at Li Yue and Cui Xi.

"You two rest for now. I need to speak with Apprentice Lalf alone."

The two bowed respectfully and left the room.

Luo En silently followed the white-robed mage through several winding corridors until they reached a dimly lit chamber half-hidden in shadow.

Kelinna brushed her hand across a rune on the doorframe, and the thick stone entrance groaned open.

The room was bathed in the pale blue glow of mana crystal lamps lining the walls, illuminating arrays of bizarre instruments and devices.

"Enter", she gestured.

Luo En’s hand brushed the silver pocket watch hidden beneath his robe. He subtly activated his "Thousand Shifting Shadows" ability.

A faint unease prickled at him—Kelinna could have harmed him anytime if she’d wanted. Why the elaborate setup?

As he stepped inside, the stone door sealed shut behind him. The room’s protective formation hummed to life, cutting off all external mana fluctuations and sound.

Kelinna settled into the lone chair, crossing her legs gracefully. The hem of her white robe revealed a slender calf with elegant curvature.

She studied Luo En standing three meters away, unbothered by his distance.

"Relax", she said bluntly. "I’ve heard of your fascination with the Abyss—even going so far as to spend a fortune acquiring tissue samples of the Lion Scorpion from that gladiatorial match. This obsession reminds me of my younger self."

Her tone carried an odd mix of nostalgia and warning.

"Seeking knowledge is the nature of all mages", Luo En replied cautiously. "And the Abyss, as an unknown frontier, naturally draws explorers."

"But not all explorations are harmless", Kelinna countered, slowly raising her hand to her mask.

"Some truths, once seen, cannot be forgotten."

With deliberate slowness, she peeled the mask away.

Luo En’s heart lurched.

The witch’s face was anything but human.

Her features were grotesquely twisted—her skin an unnatural pale, nearly translucent, veins writhing beneath the surface.

Her left cheek was overrun with chaotic silver scales, similar to Maxim’s but far more extensive.

Her right eye had transformed into an elliptical orb, devoid of pupils, its surface swirling with shifting light patterns.

Her lips were gone, replaced by a horizontal slit stretching across her lower face—revealing teeth that defied human anatomy whenever she spoke.

Even with Luo En’s hardened psyche, the sight forced him to instinctively step back, his fingers tightening involuntarily.

Kelinna noticed his reaction but showed no offense—seeming almost accustomed to it.

"No need to panic, Apprentice Lalf", she said, her voice still that metallic rasp.

Luo En now saw why—the mage’s vocal cords had fully mutated.

"This was the Abyss’s greatest gift to me", she continued. "Unless ascending to Archmage, this mark will remain with me forever."

Luo En averted his gaze, a chill creeping up his spine the longer he looked. The scale of her mutation far surpassed Maxim’s silver scales.

He quickly regained composure. "Were you also an Abyss explorer?"

"Precisely", Kelinna nodded. "Maxim must have mentioned his journey to you. Back then, I’d just ascended to Dawn Star Rank Mage. We were part of the same expedition team that ventured into the Abyss’s sixth layer, the Labyrinth Domain."

Kelinna's crossed legs swayed slightly as she reined in her radiating aura, gesturing for Luo En to move closer.

"During that exploration, we paid a terrible price. Of the twenty team members, only the two of us returned alive. As for our current condition, you've seen it with your own eyes."

Luo En cautiously approached within two meters of Kelinna, listening intently. This was a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the Abyss from another survivor.

"But that very expedition accelerated my spiritual energy cultivation far beyond ordinary limits."

Kelinna continued, her silver eye gleaming with an eerie light. "My spiritual aptitude was merely Fourth Class Star, yet I reached the threshold of Dawn Star Rank before even turning fifty. Such a breakthrough would be nearly impossible through conventional meditation paths. Many mages who refuse Abyss expeditions struggle their entire lives without ever attaining the level I've achieved."

She traced her clawed fingers across the scaly mutations on her face, her expression darkening. "But the cost is exactly what you see now. Once Abyss curses take root, they can never be fully eradicated. They become part of you, a constant reminder of what you've endured."

Luo En nodded slightly. "But you still believe this trade-off was worth it?"

"The answer depends entirely on one's ambitions." Kelinna's voice dropped lower. "For mages desperate to break through conventional limits and reach higher realms, the Abyss is both shortcut and gauntlet—a path lined with thorns."

Suddenly, she shifted gears. "By the way, I heard you're cultivating a special meditation technique?"

Luo En's heart tightened, though his expression remained calm. "Yes. Madame Ellen taught me a Gem-tier Meditation Technique."

"The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, right? Hmph. That meditation technique is common knowledge among Full Mages at the Crystal Spire."

Kelinna's blunt revelation caught Luo En off guard. "The Murmuring of the Star Devourer serves as a foundational practice for crowned-level meditation techniques. These advanced methods help cultivators accumulate spiritual energy faster, but they also accelerate spiritual pollution buildup."

Her voice carried a clear warning. "This technique will make you more vulnerable to Abyss curses once you enter. And when you cultivate to higher realms, you'll inevitably have to return to the Abyss for further breakthroughs. That's exactly why I arranged this meeting—we're both bound to the Abyss now."

The Murmuring of the Star Devourer carries such dangers? Damn it, Madame Ellen never mentioned this before. Could she have...?

"Don't think too poorly of Madame Ellen—advanced meditation techniques can be changed after ascending to Full Mage. It's actually easier to switch from higher-tier to lower-tier techniques, but the reverse is far more difficult." Kelinna spun her mask idly in her hands. "Perhaps she simply believed in your potential and decided to fast-track your training."

Luo En remained silent for a moment, digesting this revelation. "Are you trying to warn me?"

"Not just warning—giving you a chance to make an informed decision." The silver-haired witch continued, pointing at her mutated face. "If you want to climb higher, this might be your future. It could be even worse than what you see now."

She raised her scaled fingers, drawing ghostly patterns in the air. "The Abyss grants power while leaving eternal curses. These mutations and corruption will haunt you forever."

"But thanks to Cui Xi's 'Boon,' my condition has improved significantly compared to before. That's precisely why I'm determined to nurture her growth. An Outstanding student's 'Boon' surpasses any medicinal treatment."

Kelinna gazed westward beyond the chamber walls. "Once Cui Xi ascends to High Apprentice and completes this Bloodline Altar trial, I'll return to the Crystal Spire in the Central Region. Their resources and research environment far exceed this backwater school's."

Her silver gaze refocused on Luo En. "Given your innate talent and cultivation speed, I believe you'll step through the Crystal Spire's gates in the near future as well."

Wait—she plans to take Cui Xi directly to the Crystal Spire after the Bloodline Altar, instead of competing with us for the school's Key Potion?

Luo En's confusion surfaced as he opened his mouth to ask.

Kelinna anticipated his thoughts. "It seems you haven't learned the hidden rules yet. The Backup Mage Sequence occurs once every ten years, but the Crystal Spire only allocates a single Key Potion for Full Mage breakthroughs."

Her usually emotionless voice carried rare intensity. "Struggle here in this resource-starved school, or head to the Central Region where opportunities abound—the choice is simple. The earlier Cui Xi ascends to Full Mage, the sooner she can provide me with greater 'Boons.' A mutually beneficial arrangement."

Luo En silently filed away this crucial information. Ten years per generation. One potion per cohort. That meant only one Backup Mage could achieve official breakthroughs each cycle.

As the conversation wound down, Kelinna revealed more details about the Crystal Spire and offered strategic advice for the upcoming Bloodline Altar trial—information Luo En found invaluable.

When their discussion concluded, Kelinna donned her mask once more, hiding the grotesque mutations beneath cold metal.

"Your bloodline formulation techniques and alchemical skills are both exceptional." Her voice regained its metallic chill. "If you ever rise to prominence in the Crystal Spire, I wouldn't mind deeper collaboration. But first, you must prove yourself worthy of notice."

With those words, she turned sharply. The sealed stone door rumbled open, revealing the dimly lit corridor beyond. Luo En respectfully bowed and departed, each step heavier than the last.

In the vestibule, a familiar auburn-haired girl waited with stormy eyes. "Looks like Teacher shared quite the story with you."

Luo En nodded silently, too preoccupied for small talk.

"Then rest well. It's getting late." Cui Xi escorted him to the exit, her voice softening. "You truly amazed me today, Luo En. I think...I underestimated you before."

Luo En offered a faint smile. "Let's cooperate fully during the Bloodline Altar then."

"Mm...you've always been a reliable companion."

Walking home, Kelinna's cursed visage and cryptic revelations replayed in his mind—the Abyss's seductive dangers, the double-edged sword of his meditation technique, the cutthroat resource struggles of the Backup Mage Sequence. All would demand his careful navigation.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end