https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-18-Potion-Brewing-Stimulant-Potion/13535086/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-20-The-Scatterer-Time-is-Running-Out/13535088/
Chapter 19: Potion Effects and Spell Experimentation
Chapter 19: Potion Effects and Spell Experimentation
As Luo En left the Herbal Medicine Shop, he carefully tucked the few bottles of Stimulant Potion into his robe.
Though Madame Ellen had dismissed them as rejects, for a candidate apprentice like himself, these were rare treasures indeed. In the Black Mist Jungle, a perfectly refined Stimulant Potion often commanded prices over a dozen Mana Shard Fragments. Even these flawed versions would fetch at least two or three fragments at the market.
This was still the most foundational Stimulant Potion - primarily crafted from Moonlight Grass and Carbon Xicao Grass, blended with other auxiliary ingredients. Compared to high-tier potions requiring rare components, its effects were naturally inferior.
But for Luo En's current needs, it was more than sufficient.
While this potion couldn't directly enhance spiritual energy, it kept the user in a state of extreme alertness for short periods. Compared to the bitter Black Nettle Leaf infusion, its effects were several times stronger, and the nauseating bitterness common in such potions had been perfectly balanced.
No wonder many apprentices from wealthier backgrounds would spend fortunes to keep several bottles on hand.
Lost in these thoughts, Luo En returned to his room. Though his morning work and training had drained considerable energy, he had no intention of resting yet.
With the assessment deadline approaching, every second counted. More importantly, he urgently wanted to verify his recent hypothesis.
Taking out a Stimulant Potion, Luo En carefully examined the clear amber liquid within. Under dim light, tiny silver specks floated inside - remnants of Moonlight Grass.
"Begin."
He sat cross-legged on his bed, adjusting to the most comfortable posture before sipping a small amount of the potion.
A refreshing coolness instantly spread from his throat throughout his entire body, like a mountain spring revitalizing parched earth. The fatigue from his morning exercises vanished, replaced by an extraordinary clarity.
"This effect..." Luo En marveled silently. "No wonder these are so highly sought-after."
Closing his eyes, he entered a meditative state. This time, he attempted to synchronize his spiritual energy circulation with the potion's energizing clarity.
In this unprecedented state of heightened awareness, he perceived his spiritual energy flow with startling precision. Subtle fluctuations that were usually elusive now stood out clearly.
"I see..."
He suddenly realized the residual energy vibrations in the potion bore striking similarities to the rhythms of spiritual energy. Perhaps this explained how Stimulant Potions helped stabilize spiritual energy.
[Basic Meditation Activated]
In his mind's eye, the foundational rune formed by three arcs began taking shape. This time, instead of mechanically replicating it as before, he let the rune naturally form in harmony with his spiritual energy's rhythm.
It felt like writing elegant calligraphy - mastery lay not in rigidly copying strokes, but in understanding the connections between them. Gradually, he felt an unprecedented smoothness.
His spiritual energy flowed like a docile stream, guided by the rune's formation.
[Special Effect Triggered: Potion Enhancement - Meditation efficiency slightly increased]
[Basic Meditation Experience Points +1]
[Basic Meditation Experience Points +1]
[Basic Meditation Experience Points +1]
...
"This accelerated progress..." Luo En opened his eyes, watching the interface's rising experience points with surprise.
Besides the potion's enhancement, the Apothecary Apprentice profession's bonus for spiritual energy accumulation speed was quietly contributing.
Just as Luo En prepared to continue meditating, an irritated voice from the adjacent room interrupted him: "Why is the 'Sonic Vibration' spell model always unstable?"
A crashing sound followed - apparently another experimental apparatus had shattered.
That determined soundwave magic researcher clearly faced another bottleneck.
Hearing this, Luo En suddenly recalled something. Come to think of it, he'd never seriously studied that zero-ring spell "Slime Splash."
Back when the School distributed foundational spell scrolls, besides the Basic Meditation Manual, the only other spell he'd received was this simplest zero-ring incantation.
In the mage world, spells were like precious seeds. Every mage would dedicate their life to nurturing just a few, cultivating them into unique sources of power.
Ring levels represented spell model complexity, not direct destructive power. Most apprentices would never master more than two or three spells in their lifetime. Even prodigies struggled to excel in multiple spells simultaneously, for true mastery required integrating each spell into one's spiritual system - a long and arduous process.
Flipping open his notebook, he found his hastily written spell notes:
"Some zero-ring spells, in the hands of true mages, can demonstrate power surpassing high-ring spells."
"Every spell is a seed. An apprentice's task isn't mechanical memorization of casting steps, but discovering how to resonate with this seed, letting it take root in their spiritual soil."
"The zero-ring spell 'Slime Splash' requires forming a droplet-shaped spiritual energy structure. Seemingly simple, it actually contains multiple complex energy flow patterns."
Luo En carefully reviewed these notes. His understanding of spiritual energy had evolved significantly, especially after recent insights into energy "rhythms." Perhaps he could approach this spell from an entirely new perspective.
He splashed cool water on his face to refresh himself, then began gathering spiritual energy according to the notes. The Stimulant Potion's clarity still lingered, sharpening his perception of every spiritual energy fluctuation.
Visualizing a water droplet shape wasn't difficult, but maintaining stability while imbuing it with the correct "rhythm" proved challenging.
He remembered mentors saying true spell mastery was a lifelong journey. Low-tier apprentices considered mastering 1-2 spells a great achievement. Mid-tier apprentices spent years deeply studying one spell's transformations and applications rather than blindly chasing quantity.
Only at the High Apprentice stage did one attempt modifying and combining mastered spells to create personalized power. Full Mages could finally create entirely new spells, having already integrated their mastered spells into their very souls, channeling cosmic forces with every movement.
This explained why ordinary folk saw mages wielding powerful spells without incantations - those spells had become second nature, like breathing.
Just as with potion brewing, Luo En attempted guiding spiritual energy using similar methods. Instead of forcing immediate formation, he followed its natural flow, gradually shaping it into a droplet.
[Casting Zero-Ring Spell "Slime Splash" Initiated]
[Spiritual Energy Control Method Optimization Detected]
[Apothecary Apprentice Profession Bonus: Slight Increase in Spiritual Energy Precision]
"It seems I'm on the right track." Luo En felt the spell model stabilizing with unprecedented solidity. The sensation resembled finding the perfect balance point in potion brewing. When various forces reached harmony, the spell naturally formed itself.
[Slime Splash Experience Points +2]
"I see..."
Opening his eyes, Luo En observed the small glob of slime in his palm. This casting had consumed significantly less spiritual energy than previous attempts while flowing with unprecedented smoothness.
Yet he knew true mastery still lay far ahead. This was merely initial understanding - countless repetitions and failures were needed to internalize it as part of his power.
As mentors often said: "A mage may spend their entire life perfecting just a few spells, but this intense focus allows those spells to reach unimaginable heights."
It seemed both alchemy and even the most foundational spells followed specific underlying principles. Through understanding "rhythms", he had seemingly discovered an accelerated path to advancement.
Just as Luo En prepared to continue experimenting, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor, accompanied by faint sobbing. He immediately perked up - at this hour, any unusual disturbance warranted caution.
Especially after everything that had happened yesterday...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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