Chapter 217: Lich King Edict

Chapter 217: Lich King Edict

The Incarnation Stance—the fusion of original body and Puppet Substitute. This sounded exactly like the ideal solution he had been searching for.

"If I can achieve 100% Charging", Luo En mused, "I can obtain the power of a black mage's Awakening Form while avoiding permanent mutation and contamination."

A flicker of barely perceptible excitement flashed in Luo En's eyes:

"This will create a perfect cycle—gaining strength while eliminating risks."

"Perhaps after obtaining the 'Calamity Incarnation' form, I could even use it as a terminal for processing spiritual contamination, forming a self-sustaining mana circulation system."

Luo En's thoughts raced forward, already envisioning a complete path.

He carefully retracted the Puppet Substitute, placing it into a specially crafted Mana Sealed Box.

The experiment had concluded, but his mind continued circling these new discoveries.

Stepping out of the laboratory, Luo En immediately noticed his transformed senses.

The faintest footsteps in the corridor, the rustling of distant leaves, even the scurrying of mice within walls—all reached his ears with crystalline clarity.

Night had fallen, yet darkness was no longer an obstacle.

Every object stood sharply defined, though bathed in a cold, bluish hue.

As he passed the Workshop courtyard, a pungent odor suddenly invaded his nostrils.

It was a Chimera of rot and mold—an aroma imperceptible to ordinary people, but now strikingly vivid to Luo En.

Following the scent, he discovered a long-neglected patch of mold on a wall.

A detail he would have previously overlooked entirely.

"My senses have become exceptionally keen", Luo En evaluated his new abilities.

"This will be invaluable for exploring unknown territories and early threat detection."

He noticed another intriguing phenomenon.

Whenever approaching objects clearly infused with dark or mutated mana, his skin tingled faintly—a primal warning system.

"Demon Hunter's 'Hunting Evil' ability... It seems to enhance not just perception of specific creatures, but also intuitive sensing of inorganic threats."

Returning to his room, Luo En stood before a full-length mirror, scrutinizing his appearance for any transformation.

To his satisfaction, only his eyes had darkened slightly—his exterior remained unchanged.

Exactly as he'd hoped—internal power enhancement without physical mutation.

He began testing simple spells to gauge spiritual energy transformations.

——Sound Wave Oscillation

An invisible ripple spread from his palm, more precise and powerful than ever before.

The echo effect upon impact was sharper, the damage more sustained.

Enhanced perception allowed finer control over frequency and mana distribution.

He could even make micro-adjustments after release—a level of precision unimaginable before.

——Radiant Halo

A dazzling ring of light flared around him, brighter and more intense than usual, illuminating the entire room.

Its radius and stability had both improved significantly.

What thrilled him most was now controlling both temperature and light spectrum simultaneously.

Creating distinct traits in different regions, vastly increasing the spell's practicality and flexibility.

——Spirit Interference

This time, he could feel spiritual energy extending like fine threads, capturing target thought waves with unprecedented clarity.

His heightened perception made him exquisitely sensitive to subtle spirit wave differences.

He could pinpoint mental vulnerabilities with surgical accuracy, making interference effects more effective than ever.

"Spell power and control precision have both improved significantly", Luo En nodded in satisfaction.

"This must be the dual benefit of enhanced spirit attribute and perception amplification."

Sitting on his bed, he closed his eyes and entered deep meditation to assess his transformation.

He clearly sensed two distinct mana flows intertwining within his body:

One originated from his Bloodline Knight and Demon Hunter bloodline power, the other from foundational mana circulation.

These weren't parallel flows but formed an intricate cycle.

The bloodline power enhanced physical attributes and granted special perception and resistance, while foundational mana connected both, enabling harmonious coexistence.

At the cycle's core, Luo En discovered a new mana node—the source of "Physical Awakening."

A semi-transparent dark purple vortex, radiating palpable power.

Even in meditation, he felt its seductive pull—so potent, so direct, capable of catapulting him to higher power levels instantly.

Yet as the interface warned, this power carried undeniable danger.

Deep within the vortex, Luo En detected uncontrolled energy fluctuations—like caged beasts straining against their bonds, waiting for release.

………………

Hayaek's office occupied the top floor of the School Central Tower, offering panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows framing the entire Black Mist Jungle.

Now, sunset bathed distant mountains in golden hues, their contours glowing softly.

Inside, three of the School's most core Full Mages gathered around an ancient round table.

Crafted from a single slab of Abyss Blackwood, its surface etched with intricate patterns that blocked all eavesdropping and surveillance.

Soren sat to Hayaek's left, still clad in his usual gray robe, his expression as calm as still water.

Yet today, his eyes—normally shadowed by fatigue—burned with unusual clarity, as if purified by some mysterious force.

Youni sat on the right, her silver-white hair now streaked with subtle lavender strands resembling flowing starlight.

Uncharacteristically vibrant today, her complexion had improved dramatically—her face smoother, wrinkles softened, appearing at least a decade younger.

Hayaek swirled the amber liquid in his glass, gazing thoughtfully at the horizon before speaking casually:

"Old friends, it seems Ai Lun has finally made her move."

Soren lifted his teacup, sipping slowly before arching a brow:

"Lalf that child?"

"Yes, just days ago."

Hayaek sighed, taking a sip of wine, his expression softening with memory:

"She revealed that path to him."

Youni stiffened slightly, her gaze drifting as if seeing visions from a century past:

That ever-confident pink-haired girl in her sapphire-blue gown, storming through Crystal Spire corridors.

Earning envious stares wherever she went—so radiant, so untouchable.

Ai Lun at her peak.

"Another one unwilling to settle for mediocrity", Youni whispered, her voice barely audible yet heavy with complex emotion.

Hayaek shook his head, his face warming with nostalgia:

"That boy Luo En is indeed special—he reminds me of her back then."

"Reminds you?" Soren's brow lifted, eyes flashing with alertness. "You mean—he also has more Special Innate Talent?"

Hayaek didn’t answer directly. Instead, he turned to Youni on his other side: “You taught him elemental theory. What did you think?”

Youni’s fingers gently traced the rim of her cup as she closed her eyes slightly, as if recalling memories.

“That child was truly unique—a student School rarely saw. And that unusual… affinity of his.”

She carefully chose her words, avoiding directness.

Soren nodded in agreement.

“That’s true. I’ve never seen a student grasp complex spell construction principles so effortlessly. It was as if he was born understanding them. And—”

He paused, lowering his voice. “His spirit structure is somewhat special. Extremely stable.”

Hayaek inhaled deeply, leaning back in his chair as his gaze turned distant.

“Even so, I still fear history will repeat itself. That path is far too dangerous.”

Youni shook her head lightly, her eyes fixed on the forest outside the window, now swallowed by darkness.

Her mind drifted back again.

After that failed Abyss Exploration, Ai Lun’s face twisted in pain, yet her eyes remained defiant.

Even with half her body submerged in death’s river, she’d shown no regret.

“She did succeed halfway.”

Youni murmured softly, her voice carrying a faint trace of envy.

“If not for that…” She left the sentence unfinished, but everyone in the room understood its meaning.

“Precisely because she succeeded halfway, she paid an even greater price.”

Hayaek’s expression darkened, his voice heavy.

“Having half a body in that realm yet failing to fully cross the threshold—the pain must be unbearable, worse than outright failure.”

Soren sighed quietly. “And there was the accident too.”

He chose his words carefully. “If she’d chosen the conventional path, signing that Contract, none of this would’ve happened.”

“She was too proud,” Youni interrupted, her voice tinged with barely perceptible sorrow.

Before her eyes, another memory surfaced—Ai Lun returning from Abyss Exploration, drenched in blood.

One arm nearly torn off, a gaping hole in her waist exposing her organs.

Yet those eyes still burned with stubborn defiance.

Hayaek nodded slowly. “Proud indeed. But what true genius isn’t proud?”

A brief silence settled over the room.

The three mages sank into their own memories as the last rays of sunlight vanished outside the window.

“The real question is,” Hayaek finally broke the silence, “how should we handle this situation?”

“In any case, discussing it now is too late,” Soren said calmly. “Since Ai Lun has already revealed the True Path to Luo En, according to the Lich King Edict, we can no longer interfere with his choice.”

“Lich King Edict…” Hayaek muttered, his gaze deepening.

The three fell silent once more.

In the mage world, the “Lich King Edict” was the highest-ranking decree.

Issued by the “Tribunal of Lich Kings,” even Archmages dared not defy it lightly.

“Article Seven: ‘Any cultivator attempting the True Path must not face interference or coercion in any form, including but not limited to surveillance, Contract enforcement, or will manipulation. Violators will face Tribunal sanctions.’”

Soren recited each word precisely.

“That’s not all,” Youni added. “The Edict also requires us to ensure the ritual process remains undisturbed within our capabilities and provide necessary protection.”

Hayaek exhaled sharply.

“I naturally know the Edict’s requirements.

With Luo En’s innate talent, if he truly succeeds, he could become an Archmage—or even higher.

Such a genius naturally warrants the Tribunal’s special attention and protection.”

“They care not just about the potential of genius,” Soren said meaningfully.

“It’s the value of pure Boon. Only original mages who ascend through the True Path can produce Boons effective against Archmages and higher beings.”

Hayaek nodded, understanding flashing in his eyes.

“That’s the real reason the Lich Kings enacted this law.

Across the entire Abyssal Continent Cluster, forces capable of affecting their level are rare. Pure Boon is one of the few.”

Speaking of Boon, Hayaek’s gaze suddenly sharpened as he looked at Soren and Youni.

“I’ve noticed both of you seem… better than before.”

Soren and Youni exchanged glances, smiling without immediate response.

Hayaek studied them closely—Soren’s skin appeared healthier, his eyes clearer and sharper.

His entire aura radiated a cleansing purity, as if years of accumulated spiritual pollution had vanished.

Youni’s transformation was even more striking.

She looked at least a decade younger, silver-white hair now streaked with purple.

Her wrinkles had faded, her eyes brighter than ever.

“You both received Luo En’s Boon?”

Hayaek stated almost as fact, his voice tinged with astonishment.

Faced with the direct question, Soren and Youni maintained their enigmatic smiles, neither confirming nor denying.

“There’s no need to hide,” Youni finally spoke, her voice carrying subtle delight.

“That child’s Boon is indeed extraordinary—its purity far surpasses ordinary apprentices, its effects far more enduring.”

Soren nodded in agreement.

“The purification effect is unbelievable. Nearly thirty percent of the spiritual contamination accumulated in my body over years was cleansed after contact with his Boon.”

“And we didn’t even guide it. This was purely natural diffusion,” Youni added, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

“If he successfully ascends as an original mage, the Boon’s effects will be even more astonishing.”

Hayaek’s expression grew complex—part surprise, part regret.

“It seems I truly underestimated his value. If I’d known earlier, I should’ve paid more attention when he first arrived at School, offered more guidance.”

“There’s no use regretting now,” Soren said calmly. “Besides, with that child’s personality, your deliberate approach might’ve only raised his suspicions.”

“True words,” Hayaek sighed. “Luo En—Lalf. This name might shake the entire mage world in the future.

Whether he succeeds in ascending as an original mage or fails in the attempt, we’ll witness the birth or fall of a legend.”

“For now, all we can do is follow the Edict’s requirements to ensure his ascension attempt remains undisturbed,” Youni said solemnly.

“I’ve already begun setting up protective magic arrays around the perimeter to monitor any potential interference,” Youni added.

“I’ll reinforce the mana Barrier around School,” Soren offered. “Ensuring no external forces disrupt operations, especially during the Stellar Ring Convergence.”

Hayaek pondered briefly before making his decision.

“I’ll personally inspect the Bloodline Altar’s seal to prevent Abyssmana leakage at critical moments.

I’ll also delay Valen’s team’s investigations to avoid excessive interference from Crystal Spire.”

The three Full Mages exchanged a solemn glance, silently confirming their shared resolve.

“If Ai Lun’s judgment was correct,” Hayaek concluded, “then three months from now during the Stellar Ring Convergence, we’ll witness the birth of an original mage—the most glorious moment in Black Mist School’s centuries-long history.”

Youni raised her cup lightly. “To the School’s future.”

Soren and Hayaek raised their glasses as well, the three clinking together with a crisp chime.

“To that brave young man,” Soren added softly. “Regardless of success or failure.”

“To the past we’ve lost and the changes to come,” Hayaek concluded, silently draining his cup.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end