Chapter 205: Apostle Seed

Chapter 205: Apostle Seed

A warm current of mana surged into Luo En’s body.

The sensation was like drinking a warm cup of honey tea, spreading heat from his throat down to his stomach, then radiating to every corner of his body.

Inside Luo En, the mana coursed through his bloodstream, flowing toward every extremity.

Driven by this mana, two bloodlines within Luo En—Chimera and Crimson Blood Sky Dragon—began undergoing wondrous transformations.

As waves of heat pulsed through his veins, he felt the Crimson Blood Sky Dragon bloodline undergoing an essential metamorphosis.

The once-chaotic mana patterns within it became neatly aligned, as if a master had retuned a harp’s strings, tightening each one to produce perfect harmony.

The Crimson Blood Sky Dragon bloodline grew purer, its energy fluctuations smoother and stronger, yet easier to control.

Luo En could sense the purity of his Crimson Blood Sky Dragon bloodline had instantly surged to nearly 80%.

The previous passive state of being dominated by the bloodline’s power had vanished, replaced by a sense of complete mastery.

Moreover, this enhancement brought an unexpected bonus—the bloodline’s newfound ability to self-optimize.

Previously, his bloodline’s purity had relied entirely on external intervention for improvement.

Now, however, the bloodline itself seemed to have gained a self-evolutionary capability, automatically refining itself over time.

With every breath or heartbeat, as blood flowed through his body, minute impurities were filtered out, while the purified portions were reinforced and strengthened.

This transformation was subtle yet continuous, like a river naturally purifying itself, gradually becoming clearer.

By Luo En’s rough calculations, even without any action on his part, this automatic refinement rate amounted to roughly a 1% purity increase monthly.

In other words, if he simply lay in bed for two years, the Crimson Blood Sky Dragon bloodline’s concentration could naturally reach the critical threshold for advancement.

And if he actively used techniques like "Bloodline Awakening" to intervene, the process would accelerate dramatically.

Meanwhile, the Chimera bloodline also evolved in thrilling ways.

Previously, its primary ability was replicating and assimilating other beings’ bloodline traits.

Now, this capability had strengthened further—post-replication bloodline traits automatically fused and optimized with his own, vastly enhancing assimilation efficiency and utilization.

Put simply, future replication of the same bloodline would yield a purer, more potent version, with significantly reduced biological rejection.

The once-delicate blending process had become effortless and natural.

Even more valuable was the Chimera bloodline’s newfound ability to "remember" previously integrated traits.

The next time he fused similar bloodlines, the process would be twice as effective, achieving the desired results faster.

This improvement was nothing short of a godsend for his current circumstances.

“These enhancements… far exceed my expectations.”

Luo En felt the new mana flowing within him, his heart swelling with both exhilaration and satisfaction.

The Bloodline Altar truly lived up to its reputation as a coveted opportunity even the elite of Crystal Spire coveted—the strengthening effects were as legendary as claimed.

Or perhaps… it was simply because his clone had slain all other clones, consolidating every enhancement into himself, granting such a dramatic boost.

As the new mana gradually stabilized, integrating into his very essence as part of his power, Luo En inhaled deeply, savoring this reborn strength. A faint smile tugged at his lips.

…

In another area deep within the Bloodline Altar, Madame Ellen’s graceful figure moved swiftly through the winding crystal corridors.

Her eyes gleamed sharply, her spiritual energy extending outward like invisible tendrils, probing for potential dangers.

The effects of the Seven-Color Star Dew still lingered, filling her mana reserves like an ocean.

Her pink hair swayed with a faint rainbow-like shimmer, her emerald-green eyes seeming to swirl with starlight.

“This Abyss aura… heavier than I imagined.”

Madame Ellen frowned slightly. From the moment she stepped through the portal into the Altar, she had sensed multiple unusual energy fluctuations unlike ordinary trials.

Some resembled Abyssal Corrosion force, while others felt like ancient, foreign powers. Together, they intertwined into an eerie Chimera Form.

Most striking was one particularly intense mana source—colder and more sinister than the rest, lurking deep within the Altar like a venomous snake in ambush.

“This mana source must be the ‘Abyss Eye’ intruder Valen mentioned.”

Judging from its aura, Madame Ellen immediately adjusted course toward the source of that chilling energy.

Her figure darted through the crystal corridors, nearly merging with the shadows themselves.

As she closed the distance, the icy presence grew sharper.

Madame Ellen could feel the malice and greed radiating from it.

There was also a revolting distortion sensation—a feeling like a jigsaw puzzle forcibly assembled, every piece mismatched yet crammed together.

Finally, Madame Ellen halted before a black crystal archway.

Inscribed on its surface were intricate runes, each flickering with ominous light.

Beyond the arch lay a circular chamber, its perimeter ringed by seven black crystal pillars. Atop each pillar burned eerie purple flames.

At the chamber’s center stood a cloaked figure, entirely shrouded in black robes, its face obscured.

The figure appeared to be conducting a ritual, hands tracing mysterious symbols before its chest while chanting ancient incantations.

As the incantation progressed, the figure’s form began to mutate.

The body beneath the robes twisted unnaturally, sprouting and retracting limbs of various grotesque shapes—

Spiny tentacles, scale-covered claws, clusters of eyes embedded in muscle tissue.

The transformation was viscerally repulsive, as though a human were forcibly fusing with multiple alien creatures.

“Awakening Being.” Madame Ellen’s gaze turned icy, her heart filled with revulsion.

Abyss Awakening Beings were long considered scourges by all great schools.

These madmen, obsessed with power at the cost of their own humanity, employed twisted methods to gain strength beyond normal limits—but paid the price of gradually losing their humanity, becoming Abyssal Creatures themselves.

To mages of Crystal Spire and Black Mist School, Awakening Beings were not just traitors, but threats to the very order of the Transcendent World.

The Seven-Color Star Dew’s effects had brought Madame Ellen to near-peak condition.

For her, this Awakening Being posed no real threat.

Yet, Madame Ellen chose caution.

After all, the defining trait of Awakening Beings was unpredictability—no one could foresee what insane methods they might employ.

She remained silent, observing the intruder’s plans.

“Paradise is at hand. The stars bow low. The Abyss rises.”

The black-robed figure’s incantation quickened, the air around it distorting. A suffocating pressure enveloped the entire chamber.

With the final words of the chant, the figure abruptly turned, facing Madame Ellen’s direction, and flung back its hood.

The face it revealed was a study in contradiction—half belonged to an aged, severe scholar, pale and smooth-skinned, with sharp, cold eyes.

The other half was utterly grotesque, its skin riddled with purplish-black nodules.

Its mouth stretched from ear to ear, packed with too many sharp teeth, while one eye had become entirely pitch black, devoid of pupil or whites.

“Old Ai Lun?” The voice carried surprise, quickly replaced by calm:

“Unexpected for Crystal Spire to send a ‘prisoner’ like you.”

Madame Ellen stepped from the shadows, her rainbow-hued mana fluctuations forming a hazy aura around her.

“You recognize me?” she asked softly, though her eyes held no shock.

The robed figure chuckled, a rasping sound:

“How could I not? The former Crystal Spire prodigy, later a rebel, now a caged prisoner in a shabby shop. Your tale is widely told among mages.”

“Seems I’m more famous than I thought.” Her tone remained flat, though her mana fluctuations began to intensify:

“Judging from your aura and manner, you must be the elusive ‘Holy Disk Master’?”

The figure stiffened slightly:

“You know more than I expected. No wonder, given you’ve lived centuries, old monster.”

Madame Ellen’s smile held no warmth:

“It’s more than that, isn’t it? Beyond the Holy Disk Master façade, you’re also a thief exploiting loopholes in the rules—and a ‘Mentor’ hiding within remote schools’ ranks?”

The robed figure—who was now unmistakably the Holy Disk Master—flickered with brief surprise before regaining composure:

“So a few details slipped. No matter. Soon, everything will end, and a new order shall rise.”

“A new order?”

Madame Ellen’s head tilted slightly, her eyes flashing with something akin to pity.

“Pathetic madman, the Abyss has already devoured your rationality. You think you're carrying out some grand mission, but you're merely a pawn manipulated by ancient instincts.”

“And what would you understand...”

Holy Disk Master let out a scornful laugh. His form began a violent transformation.

Countless tentacles and grotesque limbs erupted from beneath his black robe, his entire body swelling to three times its original size, morphing into a hideous monster.

“The Sovereign of Paradise shall grant me infinite glory once the sacrifice is complete!”

Madame Ellen’s expression remained serene, as if facing a child’s rambling.

“So Luo En was one of your targets? Why?”

The pink-haired witch asked cautiously while using mana to obscure vision. She quietly uncorked a potion bottle, letting a pink mist drift into the air.

This was the depth of a potion master’s expertise—never merely a common alchemist, always prepared with auxiliary elixirs for any environment.

Unknowingly inhaling the mist, Holy Disk Master’s gaze grew hazy.

“Since the plan has already failed, I’ll tell you. That man possesses an extraordinary innate talent. His soul is... exquisite.”

His voice twisted into a chaotic chorus, as if multiple voices screamed in unison:

“We need him! His traits align perfectly with the ‘Void Spider’ Sir Mg’s! He’s the destined Throne Seed!”

A throne… meaning the Supreme Apostle! Madame Ellen’s brows knitted tightly. She mentally cataloged every detail.

“I see. So the Abyss Fusion Entities were mere decoys to divert the School’s attention. Your true target was always Luo En.”

She understood the plan’s outline now.

Holy Disk Master had used the Abyss Fusion Entities to draw the School’s focus onto these two Awakening Beings. Meanwhile, he operated in shadows, seeking opportunities to approach his real target—Luo En.

His body suddenly blurred, attempting to bypass Madame Ellen and flee deeper into the altar chamber.

But the pink-haired witch merely lifted her hand. A wave of mana engulfed the entire room.

The mana wave appeared non-threatening—no dazzling lightshow, no sonic booms, not even disturbing the dust in the air.

Yet this simple gesture froze Holy Disk Master mid-leap, his massive body paralyzed.

“I’m an Awakening Being! The Abyss’s power protects me!”

He roared, a purplish-black mana barrier shimmering across his body as he struggled against the invisible hold.

Madame Ellen shook her head, regret flickering in her eyes. “Even Awakening Beings amount to nothing before overwhelming power.”

She raised her hand again, this time merely closing her fist.

Holy Disk Master’s mana barrier shattered instantly. His massive form became locked in an unseen vice, unable to budge an inch.

“The Abyss grants power to its followers, but it also devours their rationality and souls.”

Approaching calmly, Madame Ellen continued, “Now, tell me everything about the ‘Abyss Eye’—your bases, personnel structure, objectives.”

At these critical words, even under the potion’s influence clouding his consciousness, Holy Disk Master’s face contorted with fierce resistance.

Despair flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced by madness.

“You’ll get nothing from me! My master protects his loyal servant!”

His body suddenly swelled, countless fissures cracking across his skin as purplish-black mana seeped outward.

“Damn, I pushed too hard. Should’ve coaxed him like before.”

Madame Ellen immediately sensed danger, retreating swiftly while conjuring a powerful protective barrier.

“Self-destruction… the fate of all Awakening Beings—ultimately discarded as pawns.”

With a thunderous boom, Holy Disk Master’s body exploded in a burst of purplish-black light, shockwaves shattering crystal pillars and fracturing the ground as the entire chamber trembled.

Yet Madame Ellen’s barrier held firm, shielding her from the devastation.

When silence returned, only a shapeless pool of black liquid remained at the chamber’s center, writhing as it slowly evaporated.

Frowning at the residue, Madame Ellen felt unease stir within.

“The Abyss Eye… what exactly are they plotting?”

Without lingering, she quickly scanned for shifts in other energy fluctuations.

Soon, she detected the crimson-gold energy fluctuation had vanished, while Luo En’s aura grew stronger and steadier.

“So the boy completed his trial.” Madame Ellen smiled slightly, moving toward Luo En’s direction.

……

Luo En stood at the heart of the crystalline platform, absorbing the new power granted by the Bloodline Altar.

With the bloodline enhancement complete, his entire being had transformed—his aura more refined, his body more resilient, his spiritual energy stabilized. Every aspect had undergone qualitative improvement.

As he prepared to depart, a familiar yet formidable presence approached.

Luo En paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “Madam?”

Light footsteps approached, and soon the pink-haired, emerald-eyed witch appeared.

“Long time no see, Luo En.” Madame Ellen smiled, her voice softer than usual.

“Long time no see… It’s quite unexpected meeting you here, Madam.”

Luo En felt disoriented—this scene exceeded his expectations. The powerful mana radiating from her presence dispelled any suspicion of illusion.

“How did you enter the Bloodline Altar? I thought Full Mages couldn’t enter here.” He asked, his tone regaining calmness.

Madame Ellen chuckled. “The reason is… special. It’s a long story—I’ll tell you another time.”

Her gaze swept the cratered altar. “I see you’ve dealt with that clone.”

Luo En nodded. “Stronger than I anticipated, but ultimately defeated.”

“Indeed my student.” She praised, “I can sense your bloodline has strengthened significantly. This should be a major milestone.”

Feeling the newfound power within, Luo En agreed—but other questions lingered.

“Earlier, I sensed a powerful energy fluctuation. Were you fighting someone?”

Madame Ellen’s expression darkened. “An intruder—an Awakening Being calling himself the Holy Disk Master.”

“Holy Disk Master? The one Aolifu mentioned?” Luo En’s brows furrowed.

“The same. This is the Abyss Eye’s terrifying strategy. Even in remote schools, they’ve embedded these ‘imposters,’ often posing as mentors secretly cultivating black mage candidates like Aolifu.”

She explained further, “This Holy Disk Master aimed to use the Bloodline Altar’s power for some ritual. You were his key component.”

“Me? Why?” Luo En frowned in confusion.

The pink-haired witch studied him meaningfully. “He mentioned your soul’s uniqueness. It seems certain traits of yours have attracted the Abyss Eye’s attention.”

A chill ran through Luo En. Madame Ellen’s words hinted she’d sensed something—his Dual Soul Special Innate Talent, or perhaps even the secret of his profession interface.

“Unfortunately, the Awakening Being self-destructed before revealing more.”

Changing the subject, she continued, “But our priority now is getting you out. This altar’s environment is destabilizing.”

Luo En nodded—no reason to linger.

“Oh, there’s one more thing.” Madame Ellen spoke suddenly. “About the Crystal Spire and your future.”

Luo En raised an eyebrow, listening intently.

“Valen and the Crystal Spire are deeply interested in your innate talent.” She said bluntly, “They may try binding you to their system through a Soul Contract.”

“A Soul Contract?” Though he’d expected this, Luo En’s expression tightened.

“A strict binding. Once signed, your actions become restricted—you must prioritize the Crystal Spire’s interests above all.”

A cold glint appeared in Madame Ellen’s eyes.

“I’ve negotiated with Valen—he promises not to force the contract. But don’t think they’ll stop trying to win you over.”

Luo En pondered briefly. “I understand. Thank you for the warning—it means a lot.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end