Chapter 188: Phoenix Immortal Breath

Chapter 188: Phoenix Immortal Breath

"Younimentor, I've been studying the advanced applications of Radiant Halo recently, but I've hit a bottleneck."

The gray-robed apprentice spoke humbly, his expression earnest. "Would you mind offering some guidance, if it's convenient for you?"

Youni's violet eyes pierced through him, as if peering into his very soul.

After a moment of silence, she gave a slight nod.

"Of course, Lalf apprentice. It's rare to find a young man so passionate about elemental studies."

Her voice was soft and nurturing, always showing extra patience for this youth:

"And your recent progress has indeed been remarkable. I'm happy to provide some instruction."

She led Luo En to an open training ground surrounded by complex Protective Formation arrays.

Several High Apprentices were practicing spells in the distance. Upon seeing Youni, they immediately ceased their practice, bowed respectfully, and moved aside.

"Radiant Halo is a highly malleable spell framework", Youni explained, her violet eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Each practitioner can develop it into their own unique direction."

"Not only does it have foundational defensive and offensive functions, but through elemental shaping, it can achieve many complex applications."

"For example?" Luo En feigned curiosity, though inwardly he was already activating the Record ability of Thousand Shifting Shadows.

Since mastering Thousand Shifting Shadows' recording ability, he'd been seeking the right opportunity to record powerful spells as emergency measures.

"For instance, you can condense light flames into specific forms, enabling more precise directional attacks."

As Youni spoke, pride flickered in her eyes: "In my youth, I developed this spell into 'Phoenix Immortal Breath'—one of my signature techniques."

A glimmer of anticipation crossed Luo En's face: "Would it be possible to witness this technique, Younimentor?"

Youni chuckled softly: "I haven't used this spell in a long time, but since you're interested..."

The air in the training ground suddenly tensed.

Youning straightened her posture, her violet eyes radiating an intimidating focus.

Without deliberate display, Luo En could still feel an invisible pressure emanating from her, instinctively making him hold his breath.

The elder raised her right hand slightly, and with this simple motion, Luo En sensed the mana particles in the air being precisely restructured into a complex yet harmonious formation.

Golden-red light points began gathering at Youni's fingertips—brighter and purer than Luo En's Radiant Halo.

These light points weren't gathered chaotically but followed a meticulous trajectory, forming a perfect mana vortex.

"Watch carefully. Since we're in the training ground, I can only give you a casual demonstration." Youni spoke softly, her tone as calm as discussing the weather.

With a mere thought, the ball of light transformed instantly, taking the form of a lifelike firebird.

This firebird wasn't just a vague outline—it was a complete, perfectly detailed form.

Each feather was clearly distinguishable, every movement fluid and natural. Even its eyes sparkled with lively radiance, as if truly alive.

"This form creation requires extremely precise Spiritual Energy Control", Youni explained, her voice still calm but her gaze intensely focused: "Not only must you master the overall mana flow, but you must also precisely control the mana density at every minute point."

Guided by Youni, the firebird spread its wings and soared, circling above the training ground.

The other apprentices training in the distance had completely stopped, watching in stunned silence.

At this moment, Luo En silently activated the Record ability of Thousand Shifting Shadows, attempting to capture the core structure and mana pattern of this spell.

"This firebird form isn't merely a mana aggregation—it's a special mana field structure." Youni continued explaining, then lightly flicked her finger.

The flame-formed firebird immediately responded, carving an elegant arc through the air.

Suddenly, it dove downward, aiming directly at a metal target at the training ground's center.

The other apprentices on the field instinctively scrambled backward, some even beginning to construct protective spells to shield themselves from the expected explosion.

Yet to everyone's astonishment, when the firebird struck the target, the mana shockwave was completely confined within a diameter of less than two meters!

It was an almost perfect mana control—powerful enough to instantly melt the sturdy magic-resistant metal target into a pool of molten iron.

But the explosion's aftermath was like hitting an invisible barrier, stopping abruptly at the edges. Not a single person nearby was harmed, and even the grass several meters from the target remained completely undisturbed.

"This... it's absolutely incredible."

Luo En sincerely praised, having already completed the Thousand Shifting Shadows' recording, though his awe was genuine.

Youning smiled faintly and waved her hand lightly. The residual mana particles vanished instantly, as if brushed away by an invisible hand.

This precise mana control was truly breathtaking.

From the explosive release within the designated range to the particle-level containment, every movement was as fluid as flowing clouds and running water, without the slightest stiffness.

"This level of control precision..." Luo En carefully observed Youni's every subtle movement. "Is this considered an advanced application of Radiant Halo?"

"Not merely that." Youni looked at Luo En, her eyes flashing with appreciation: "True mastery lies not in the spell itself, but in the caster's understanding and perception of mana. When you can perceive every bit of mana flow as naturally as your own fingers, then you can be said to have truly mastered this spell."

These words deeply resonated within Luo En.

Suddenly, he realized that while his Thousand Shifting Shadows' recording ability was powerful, it had fundamental limitations:

It could replicate a spell's form and power, but not the caster's instinctive fine control.

"If I were to release a recorded spell in actual combat..." Luo En pondered inwardly: "The erupting mana might easily spiral out of control, harming not just enemies but allies and even myself. Against prepared Full Mages, this lack of fine control could easily backfire."

Thousand Shifting Shadows' recording ability was indeed a powerful trump card, but over-reliance on it while neglecting basic skill development was like taking shortcuts and losing one's foundation.

"Thank you for your guidance, Younimentor." Luo En bowed respectfully, his voice filled with sincerity: "Today's demonstration has truly benefited me greatly."

Youning gave a slight nod, her violet eyes seemingly seeing through something:

"Remember, young one, the essence of spells lies not in their form or power, but in the caster's understanding and control of mana. Any externally acquired ability will never be as reliable as techniques truly integrated into one's being."

After leaving the training ground, Luo En's thoughts remained turbulent.

The "Phoenix Immortal Breath" recorded through Thousand Shifting Shadows was indeed a powerful trump card, but it also made him recognize his own shortcomings more clearly.

“External things will always remain external.”

Luo En had reached his own realization: “True power must stem from personal understanding and mastery. The Record ability of Thousand Shifting Shadows can serve as an emergency tool but must never become a crutch.”

He gazed at his palm and gently concentrated, forming a miniature Radiant Halo.

Compared to Youni’s refined spells, his Radiant Halo appeared crude and simplistic. Yet this was power he truly understood and controlled.

………………

On the second floor of the Workshop, Luo En was intently manipulating a floating mass of golden liquid.

Thanks to the Material Transmutation trait, this potion-making process—normally requiring at least four hours—had been condensed to just one and a half.

His hands danced elegantly through the air, not resembling potion-making at all but more like conducting a delicate symphony. The golden liquid swirled and transformed with his gestures, spinning, separating, then fusing again.

On the nearby shelves were already lined up dozens of vials filled with various potions—each representing Luo En’s recent breakthroughs in alchemy.

“Teacher, are you planning to make the entire School’s potion quota by yourself?” Liliya asked half-jokingly, offering him a cup of cool medicinal tea.

Luo En accepted the cup with a light sip, his eyes never leaving the liquid: “The Bloodline Altar’s trials are unpredictable. It’s better to prepare thoroughly.”

This might stem from his deeply rooted “Firepower Insufficiency Phobia.”

Liliya nodded, glancing at the carefully crafted potions: “With all you’ve made already, won’t this be enough?”

He smiled faintly: “Enough or not depends on the trial’s difficulty. But at the very least, I must prepare as thoroughly as possible.”

He gestured toward the shelves, explaining each potion:

“Strengthening Elixir—temporarily boosts physique and recovery, crucial for prolonged battles;

Spirit Shield—resists moderate spirit interference and corruption, essential against Abyssal Creatures;

Spiritual Vision Elixir—enhances spirit sight, revealing clearer traces of ghosts;

Mana Recovery Elixir—rapidly restores consumed mana, vital for sustained combat…”

Besides potions, Luo En had prepared numerous alchemy artifacts:

Mana Crystals, Alchemy Flash Grenades, Isolation Talismans, Tracking Marks, and more. While individually limited in power, strategic use could create unexpected tactical advantages.

“Your preparations are truly thorough, Teacher,” Liliya praised sincerely, then sighed with concern: “I just hope none of these will be needed in the end.”

Luo En smiled: “So do I. But I won’t rely on luck.”

With a final clap of his hands, the golden liquid formed a perfect sphere, slowly settling into the waiting Crystal Bottle below.

Carefully sealing the vial, he watched the liquid emit an even glow.

【Material Transmutation（Proficient）Experience Points +1】

“Teacher, are you sure you don’t need help?” Liliya asked worriedly, watching him retrieve another set of ingredients. “You’ve worked nonstop for eight hours already.”

“Just one more batch of Spirit Shields, then I’ll rest,” he answered gently. “You can check on Daire’s dinner. Ai Lan said her training drained her today.”

Though still concerned, Liliya nodded and left.

Luo En resumed his work, his mind reflecting on his offensive preparations. Potions and artifacts were vital, but in true danger, raw attacking power often became the deciding factor.

Fortunately, he’d recently acquired a critical “ace in the hole”—Alchemical Explosives.

Obtaining these formidable tools hadn’t been easy. Through his mentorship with Thompson, he’d finally convinced the old master to share these restricted formulas.

“Three complete Mana Stones, plus two vials of your high-purity ‘Ambra Mind Elixir’,” Thompson’s voice echoed in his memory. “That’s the final price. No haggling.”

Three Mana Stones represented a significant portion of Luo En’s savings. Though his income was high, his experimental expenses were equally steep.

Still, considering Alchemical Explosives’ potential in the Bloodline Altar trials, the cost was justified.

“Deal,” he’d agreed without hesitation.

Over the following days, under Thompson’s guidance, Luo En learned the fundamentals of crafting and safely handling these explosives.

Once activated, these potent alchemy items could unleash devastating shockwaves, devastating large enemy groups.

“The key lies in stable mana containment and directional release,” Thompson warned sternly. “Unstable containment risks premature detonation. Poor direction wastes mana, slashing effectiveness.”

Luo En’s first attempt failed—mana fluctuations nearly caused a small explosion. Only Thompson’s experience halted disaster.

“Slow down, lad,” Thompson admonished. “Alchemy Explosives aren’t tamed by brute force but precise guidance. Like training a horse—you don’t force control, you build harmony.”

This analogy inspired him. Instead of suppressing energy fluctuations, he learned to channel their natural flow, intervening only at critical moments.

Eventually, a iron-gray metal sphere hovered steadily in the air. Its surface bore intricate mana-guiding patterns, each containing enough mana to level a fortress.

“Well done,” Thompson assessed, inspecting the craftsmanship. “The patterns are rough, but the structure’s stable. The activation mechanism’s reliable too.”

………………

“Less than half my Mana Stones remain…” Luo En muttered, gazing at the three explosives with slight regret. “But I hope the Bloodline Altar yields a worthy return.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end