Chapter 207: Perfect Vessel

Chapter 207: Perfect Vessel

After dinner, Luo En had originally intended to chat longer with Liliya and Ai Lan.

Yet his curiosity about the newly acquired Abyss materials burned too fiercely to resist. This insatiable thirst for discovery blazed like wildfire, once ignited, impossible to quench.

“Liliya, Ai Lan, you should rest first. I need to process the materials brought back from the Bloodline Altar in my laboratory,” Luo En said calmly, though the glint in his eyes betrayed barely-contained excitement.

Hearing this, Liliya instinctively stepped forward to help, then hesitated, recalling past lessons.

“Master, may I assist?” Her voice carried cautious hope.

“No. These materials are extremely hazardous,” Luo En’s tone brooked no argument as he shook his head. “You’ve both worked hard enough. Rest properly.”

Ai Lan keenly observed his expression, emerald eyes flickering with understanding. As Luo En’s first assistant, she knew his temperament better than anyone.

“Master, if you need additional protections set in the laboratory, please tell me immediately. I’ll ensure the vine barrier remains flawless,” she offered.

Nodding slightly, Luo En’s expression softened:

“Appreciated. If any abnormal energy fluctuations arise, activate the highest isolation protocols immediately.”

Pushing open the heavy oak door to his laboratory, Luo En snapped his fingers. Mana Crystal Lamps along the walls flared to life, banishing the darkness.

Each lamp had been specially treated to simulate various natural light spectrums, ensuring precision during experiments.

Everything remained as immaculate as when he’d left. This laboratory remained off-limits to Liliya, accessible only to Ai Lan, who shared his strong bond.

The potion-making equipment on the worktable gleamed spotlessly. Shelves categorized materials by attribute and usage. Experimental records were neatly stacked in one corner. Every detail reflected the tree spirit’s meticulous nature.

“Ai Lan’s dedication hasn’t gone to waste,” Luo En mused approvingly. Though he rarely voiced praise, he valued a competent assistant’s diligence.

Approaching the central specialized workstation, he retrieved several unique containers from his Storage Bag. These weren’t ordinary glass bottles but crafted from materials capable of sealing Abyss mana.

Intricate suppression runes etched their surfaces, preventing any leakage of Abyssal energy. Placing three containers on the table, he inhaled deeply.

“All materials bearing Abyssal essence,” he murmured, eyes alight with a scholar’s fervor.

The first contained several seeds glowing faintly purple—Abyss plant seeds collected by Cui Xi from the swamp.

The second held a small sample of Swamp Mosaic tissue. Despite treatment, it writhed faintly, resembling semi-solid gelatin, its surface bubbling intermittently.

The third container held Bone Worm samples from Holt—Crystallized Bone Fragments and shed molting. The bones shimmered with a spectral indigo glow, while the molted remains bore an eerie translucence, as if coated in a thin metallic sheen.

Luo En first activated his “Transcendent Perception” skill on the Abyss plant seeds. As spiritual energy seeped in, their traits crystallized within his perception, like pages in an open book:

Abyssvine Seeds (Mutated)

Traits: Absorbs ambient mana to self-reinforce, possesses extraordinary Regenerative Capacity, highly spiritual energy sensitive

Risk Assessment: Moderate (unstable growth may cause mutation spread)

“Fascinating material,” Luo En mused, tapping the container thoughtfully. “These seeds retain original plant traits while gaining adaptive abilities from Abyss mana. If these traits could integrate into the Puppet Substitute…”

He shifted focus to the second container, observing the writhing tissue sample.

This sample was particularly eerie. Even severed from its host, it retained primitive vitality, as if guided by faint consciousness:

Vitality Swamp Patcher Tissue

Traits: Exceptional Regeneration and assimilation capabilities, absorbs surrounding biological tissue for self-repair

Risk Assessment: High (even microscopic samples may grow autonomously)

“This poses higher danger,” Luo En frowned, sensing chaotic energy fluctuations beneath his fingertip. “Totally separated from original host control, yet maintains primitive consciousness. Like a severed lizard’s tail, but with higher-dimensional autonomy.”

The tissue seemed to sense his gaze, writhing faster—as if a trapped beast straining against its cage. Unmoved, Luo En continued his examination.

Finally, he studied the Crystallized Bone Fragments and molted remains. Relatively stable, yet their energy fluctuations remained formidable.

“These materials all hold tremendous research potential,” Luo En mused, mind racing through processing options. Whether for crafting specialized potions, alchemical ingredients, or auxiliary components for bloodline formulations, these Abyss materials brimmed with possibilities.

Reserving one-fifth for future experiments, he focused on his immediate priority—further reinforcing the Puppet Substitute.

As he retrieved the puppet, he noted its more sinister appearance compared to its original form. Through his spirit perception, it emitted a unique energy fluctuation, almost… evaluating ambient mana sources.

“Since returning from the Bloodline Altar, I’ve attempted no reinforcements,” Luo En murmured. “Now, let’s see what transformations these new materials can bring you.”

Settling cross-legged, he gently placed hands on either side of the puppet, closed his eyes, and channeled spiritual energy into its form, awakening its vitality.

The Puppet Substitute trembled faintly, limbs gradually unfurling. A soft sheen glowed across its wooden surface as Luo En’s spiritual energy wove specialized mana circuits within—a complex conduit system guiding mana along optimal pathways to ensure safe, efficient absorption.

Guided by his will, the puppet reached out to touch the bone fragment.

The glass container’s surface immediately spiderwebbed with fine cracks, as if eroded by invisible forces.

As absorption began, subtle transformations surfaced across the puppet’s arm.

The wooden grain flowed more smoothly now, its surface glowing faintly like a thin layer of translucent crystal had formed atop it.

The fingers’ joints had become more flexible, moving with the effortless grace of flowing water.

"The bone shards' structural stability is beginning to integrate into the Puppet Substitute's traits", Luo En observed silently as he recorded this transformation.

This immediate adaptability and fusion capability was precisely one of the Puppet Substitute's most valuable traits. Once the bone shard essence was fully absorbed, the puppet reached for the second vial—the Molting extract.

Its body instantly stiffened. Countless intricate patterns erupted across its surface, resembling snake scales gleaming with metallic coldness.

"Molting's toughness and Adaptability fused perfectly", Luo En nodded in satisfaction.

When the third vial—Seed Extract—was absorbed, the puppet’s surface erupted with countless tiny budding points. These grew rapidly, bloomed into full flowers, then withered away in seconds.

Though the entire process lasted mere moments, it felt like witnessing a complete life cycle unfold.

The final vial—Swamp Mosaic extract—produced the most astonishing absorption.

The moment the purple liquid was released, it transformed into a swirling mist surrounding the puppet. Within the haze, countless tiny faces flickered in and out of existence, whispering in low, guttural tones.

These voices didn’t reach the ears but echoed directly through the spirit, like needles piercing the brain—painful yet oddly pleasurable.

Luo En felt an intense spiritual pressure, but his Spirit Barrier easily repelled the disturbance. The puppet's reaction, however, was extreme.

Its body twisted violently, first swelling into a grotesque, bloated sphere covered in writhing faces screaming in silence. Then it collapsed into a razor-edged flat disc before returning to its original form, as though adapting to some alien existence.

Finally, when the chaos settled, the puppet appeared outwardly unchanged.

"Perfect", Luo En murmured, "all four Abysstrait traits successfully fused."

Through the spirit link, he meticulously examined the Puppet Substitute. Every mana node, every mana pathway was scanned thoroughly for instability or hidden risks.

On the consciousness level, it had become sharper; the mana structure more stable, especially in constructing multi-layered defenses against external interference. Physical enhancements were also notable—particularly Regenerative Capacity and Environment Adaptability.

Most crucially, absorbing Vitalityabyss materials had dramatically boosted its charging progress:

[Automatic absorption of Vitalityabyss materials complete. Charging Progress +5%]
[Current Charge: 43%/100%]

Just seven percent away from the half-way mark.

"Once the Demon Hunter class advancement completes, this improvement will be even more dramatic", Luo En mused while carefully storing the puppet, already envisioning future possibilities.

The Demon Hunter profession’s special abilities—enhanced Perception, Toxin Resistance, Mutated Creature Suppression—would all eventually flow back to him through the Puppet Substitute.

The puppet functioned as an ideal vessel, capable of enduring dangerous transformations that would destroy a human body, then purifying and transmitting those enhancements to Luo En. Moreover, as he suspected, the feedback effect strengthened with each new trait absorbed.

Eventually, this might achieve a form of "Bloodline Activation"—a purer, more powerful bloodline evolution than traditional methods.

"Compared to the crude transplantation techniques Demon Hunters usually use, my approach might seem indirect, but the risks are far lower while the benefits remain equal."

He nodded in satisfaction as he tucked the puppet safely into his inner robe pocket.

"And because we can fuse traits from multiple lifeforms, the theoretical potential might even surpass conventional methods."

..................

Meanwhile, the three women in the bath were enjoying the hot spring's soothing warmth. Steam curled through the air, carrying Ai Lan's signature floral fragrance that relaxed both mind and body.

"Ahhh, so good!" Daire sighed in bliss, submerging all but her head in the warm water. Her silver hair shimmered like liquid moonlight in the mist.

"Compared to Altar's icy Water Element, this is pure paradise!"

Ai Lan's vines gently brushed Daire's arm and shoulder as she examined her closely. Suddenly, her eyes widened.

"Daire, your body has undergone some transformation."

"Huh? What kind of change?" Daire looked down, seeing nothing unusual.

Ai Lan's vines pointed toward Daire's chest. "After the Bloodline Breakthrough, your body has started developing here. These buds are forming."

Daire looked again—her previously flat chest indeed showed subtle curves. Small, but unmistakable.

"Really!" The Little Siren squealed, cupping her chest as joy surged within her. "I'm finally becoming as mature as Liliya!"

She turned excitedly to share this revelation—only to find Liliya already asleep, slumped against the pool's edge. Her head rested back, eyes closed, breathing steady.

Such complete vulnerability was rare for the usually guarded girl. The prolonged anxiety, followed by sudden relief at Luo En's return, had overwhelmed her body's defenses.

"Shh", Ai Lan whispered, adjusting Liliya's position to prevent her from slipping underwater. "She needs rest desperately."

Daire lowered her voice too, "Why? The Workshop's been running smoothly, right?"

Ai Lan's emerald eyes darkened. "Liliya carried the heaviest burden. After you and Master vanished, she nearly collapsed from neurosis. She forced herself through daytime duties, but nights brought endless insomnia. I often found her poring over ancient Bloodline Altar texts in the library at midnight."

Daire studied Liliya's sleeping form—the dark circles, the thinner cheeks. Even in slumber, her brows remained slightly furrowed.

"Liliya..." Daire's golden eyes softened.

"Now that you're safe, she can finally relax", Ai Lan said gently. "Falling asleep in the bath isn't so strange after all."

Daire nodded silently, letting the warm water soothe her as ripples whispered unspoken tenderness across the pool's surface.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end