Chapter 218: The Chief Disciple

Chapter 218: The Chief Disciple

Luo En gazed at the towering spire bathed in morning light, its surface shimmering with a faint golden hue.

As a top ten disciple of the Backup Mage Sequence, he had certain privileges when seeking guidance from Mentors, but he rarely used them. Though he often told himself that relying too heavily on a Mentor's teachings wasn't as valuable as self-discovery, the truth was more complicated.

Every inch of knowledge he uncovered through his own efforts always felt more deeply ingrained than anything he could learn through direct instruction.

In reality, his earlier research had often veered into unorthodox directions—paths only he could explore.

As for the "Flowing Barrier", its malleability and potential had exceeded his expectations.

But since it was a mature spell matrix with established references, he couldn't afford to waste the chance to consult a pioneer.

"One step at a time", Luo En sighed softly, stepping into the tower.

The apprentice on duty at the entrance spotted the badge on his chest and quickly bowed with a mix of reverence and respect.

"Sir Lalf, are you here to see Sir Fuyuanzhang?"

"Yes. Please announce my arrival."

Luo En nodded, his tone calm yet carrying an undercurrent of authority.

Unconsciously, he had grown accustomed to this commanding demeanor.

"No need. I already know." A deep voice echoed from above.

Looking up, Luo En saw Hayaek standing on the second-floor balcony, a thick tome in hand. His gaze held a flicker of surprise—and was that pleasure?

"Come up, young man. I happen to have some free time."

Luo En bowed and ascended the spiral staircase to the second floor.

"Follow me", Hayaek said curtly, leading him through a long corridor adorned with ancient tapestries into a spacious meeting room.

The interior was simple yet refined—a darkwood table, a few intricately carved chairs. Landscape paintings adorned the walls, depicting an otherworldly scene:

Under a pale sky, countless massive stone fragments floated in midair, each sprouting strange vegetation. In the distance, a blood-red sun slowly sank beneath the horizon.

Luo En lingered on the painting for a moment before refocusing on Hayaek.

"Sit."

Hayaek gestured for Luo En to take a seat at one end of the table, settling himself opposite.

"You didn't have time for the last sequence evaluation meeting, yet now you find time to seek me out?"

Hayaek's heart brimmed with quiet delight.

Recently, the "Equal Cultivation System" had restricted him from giving Luo En special attention, a limitation that frustrated him.

After all, a genius like Luo En was unheard of even in the history of the Black Mist School.

Were it not for these rules, he would have taken Luo En as his final disciple in a heartbeat, nurturing him with all his might.

Not just for the school's future, but for that rare "Boon" as well...

Since their last brief encounter, he had clearly felt the spiritual contamination accumulated over decades in his body begin to dissipate.

Such pure Boon was exceedingly rare, even within the Crystal Spire.

Now Luo En had come seeking guidance on his own—this was a perfect opportunity.

It wouldn't violate the "Equal Cultivation System" while allowing him to stay close to this young prodigy and gain more Boon.

"Sir Fuyuanzhang, I wish to consult you about the advanced applications of the 'Flowing Barrier.'"

Luo En spoke directly, his voice steady and respectful.

"During recent combat drills, I discovered this spell's potential far exceeds my initial understanding, yet I sense there are many applications I've yet to uncover."

Hayaek's eyes lit up—this was precisely his specialty.

"The 'Flowing Barrier' is indeed an underestimated spell."

He nodded, a glint of approval in his gaze.

"Most mages see it merely as a simple defensive technique, but its applications run far deeper than that."

Rising, he moved to the center of the room. "Since you've come seeking knowledge, let me demonstrate in person."

Hayaek's movements were composed, devoid of any flourish. He simply raised his right hand, palm upward.

A cloud of silver powder materialized in his palm, dispersing into the air to form a translucent barrier about two meters in diameter.

This barrier differed from any "Flowing Barrier" Luo En had seen before.

Its surface wasn't uniformly textured but rippled like water, constantly shifting and transforming, exuding a vivid sense of life.

"The first layer of application—combining multiple mediums."

Hayaek explained:

"This barrier integrates silver powder, quartz sand, and trace amounts of crystal stone powder. Each medium serves a specific defensive function. The silver powder resists mana erosion, the quartz sand provides physical defense, and the crystal powder handles mana conversion and redistribution."

Luo En focused intently, secretly activating the "Thousand Shifting Shadows" ability to record the demonstration.

He could feel this multi-medium barrier was significantly stronger than single-medium versions, with a more harmonious and stable mana flow.

Unaware of Luo En's subtle maneuver, Hayaek continued his demonstration:

"Observe this."

With a flick of his finger, intricate mana patterns surfaced on the barrier, resembling a precise network.

"The second layer—structural differentiation. The barrier is no longer homogeneous but forms a multi-layered defense system.

The outer layer absorbs impact, the middle layer handles mana conversion, and the inner layer serves as the final line of defense.

This way, even if the outer layer is breached, the inner layers still provide protection."

Luo En nodded in understanding, his mind rapidly analyzing the construction method.

This layered defense wasn't merely a simple stacking—it was an organic synergistic system where each layer supported and reinforced the others through specific mana channels.

"The third layer—active counterattack."

A sharp glint flashed in Hayaek's eyes. The barrier's surface suddenly extended dozens of spikes, resembling the defensive mechanism of a dangerous creature.

"A barrier shouldn't be purely defensive—it can also serve as an offensive tool.

When an enemy contacts the barrier, these spikes will pierce their body, injecting specific mana to cause internal damage."

As he explained, the spikes slowly retracted, merging back into the barrier.

"The fourth layer—spatial twist. This is the advanced stage, but since you're here, I'll show it to you."

Hayaek concealed his eagerness—he longed to share all his knowledge.

With another motion, the barrier's surface rippled with strange waves, as if a mirror had been distorted.

The barrier seemed more three-dimensional, even giving the illusion of being larger than its actual size.

"This application requires deep understanding of spatial magic. By creating a subtle spatial twist field around the barrier through specific mana distribution, enemy attacks can be partially redirected to other spaces, reducing pressure on the barrier itself."

Luo En's eyes narrowed. This had long surpassed ordinary "Flowing Barrier" applications, nearly transforming it into a miniature spatial spell.

He attempted to record this mana structure but found its complexity approaching the upper limit of "Thousand Shifting Shadows."

Unaware of Luo En's recording attempt, Hayaek continued:

"The fifth layer—perception extension."

Countless tiny glowing points emerged on the barrier's surface, twinkling like stars.

"These points are perception nodes, capturing environmental changes and enemy movements. This allows you not only passive defense but active prediction of attack trajectories."

With a wave of his hand, the barrier contracted, reforming into a cloud of silver powder that settled in his palm.

"Of course, these are merely foundational applications."

Hayaek returned to his seat, his gaze burning with intensity.

"True masters can develop countless unique variations of the 'Flowing Barrier,' even creating entirely personal defense systems."

Luo En bowed respectfully, his eyes gleaming with contemplation.

"Sir Fuyuanzhang's demonstration has been invaluable. I'm particularly intrigued by 'structural differentiation' and 'perception extension'—they seem to perfectly address the shortcomings in my current barrier construction."

Hayaek nodded in satisfaction. Luo En's learning attitude and keenness truly impressed him.

"Then let me elaborate on the key points of these two applications."

For the next two hours, Hayaek meticulously explained the advanced construction methods and theoretical foundations of the "Flowing Barrier."

From principles of mana distribution to medium selection and ratio, to adjusting barrier structure and function based on combat needs—every word was pure gold.

Luo En listened intently, occasionally asking sharp, insightful questions that revealed his extraordinary perceptiveness for his age.

As the explanation neared its end, Hayaek suddenly shifted topics:

"By the way, I have good news for you."

Luo En raised an eyebrow, waiting patiently.

"Considering your recent outstanding performance and Master Valen's high praise, the school has decided to elevate your sequence ranking to the top position."

Luo En paused, slightly taken aback. Though he had anticipated reaching this position eventually, he hadn't expected it so soon.

"It would be my honor", he replied cautiously.

Hayaek chuckled softly, recalling the scene from the recent Sequence Assembly meeting.

...

During the assembly, when he proposed elevating Luo En to the top rank, the entire chamber had fallen into stunned silence.

Holt sat at the head seat, his expression composed, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of unguarded sorrow.

For a prodigy who had held the first position for years, being overtaken by a newcomer who'd joined mere months ago was a blow beyond words.

"Lalf has indeed demonstrated astonishing innate talent and progress rate", Youni remarked calmly, her violet eyes gleaming with approval. "His recent advancements in elemental studies are remarkable. His control over light element is nearly at the level of a Dawn Star Rank Mage."

Soren nodded in agreement. "His spiritual energy growth rate far exceeds ordinary standards, and his spell construction precision is unparalleled. Such mastery is extremely rare among young apprentices."

"I have no objection." To everyone's surprise, Holt himself spoke first, his voice devoid of resentment or jealousy, carrying only a transcendent magnanimity. "Lalf is truly deserving."

Hayaek observed this young High Apprentice, feeling a tinge of regret. Holt's innate talent was already top-tier within Black Mist School, his diligence unmatched by anyone. Under normal circumstances, his gifts and efforts would have made him the star everyone admired.

Unfortunately, he had encountered a monster like Luo En.

This was a peerless genius unseen since Black Mist School's founding, someone seemingly born in harmony with the path of transcendence. Every step forward came effortlessly, without the slightest hindrance.

Faced with such a prodigy, even a talent like Holt could only fade into the background.

Yet what earned Hayaek's admiration was that Holt hadn't succumbed to despair or jealousy. Instead, he chose to accept this reality and drew motivation from it to continue advancing.

This kind of temperament might be even more precious than innate talent itself.

"Then it's settled." Hayaek announced, his gaze sweeping across everyone present. "Luo En Lalf will officially become the first-ranked member of the Backup Mage Sequence."

...

"There's no need for excessive humility", Hayaek said, returning his focus to the young man before him. "You fully deserve this position. In fact, many Mentors believe your innate talent and progress rate indicate you'll likely reach Full Mage status in the future, perhaps even higher."

Luo En nodded slightly, neither overly modest nor arrogant. "I will continue striving to not disappoint the School's expectations."

"Very well, back to business." Hayaek stood and walked to a cabinet on the far side of the room, retrieving a metallic box that shimmered faintly. "This is a collection of special medium substances I've prepared for you, to be used in practicing and experimenting with Flowing Barrier. It includes rare metal powders and Crystal Stone fragments, each possessing unique manatraits."

He handed the box to Luo En. "Use them well. I look forward to seeing your unique interpretation of Flowing Barrier."

Luo En accepted the box, his heart stirring slightly. These rare materials were completely unattainable in ordinary markets. "Thank you, Fuyuanzhang. Then regarding these materials, how much consultation fee should I pay?"

"Just two Mana Stones will suffice. No need to be so formal - we're both getting what we want." The old man casually named a surprisingly low figure.

Luo En understood market values well. He knew this price was practically a giveaway.

After accepting the Mana Stones, Hayaek suddenly seemed to remember something. "Oh, there's one more thing about Flowing Barrier's special applications I didn't mention."

Luo En lifted his head, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"If you can find suitable Abyss Substance to use as a medium", Hayaek's voice turned low and mysterious, "the Barrier will gain an entirely new trait - Vitalization. It will no longer be a mere defensive tool, but a semi-living entity capable of autonomous defense and fluid movement, even possessing simple erosion abilities."

Luo En's eyes widened slightly. "Abyss Substance... as a medium?"

Hayaek nodded. Suddenly extending his right hand, a strange energy fluctuation surged from his sleeve, forming a miniature vortex in his palm.

At the vortex's center was a pitch-black substance exuding an unsettling aura.

Under his control, this dark material rapidly expanded, forming a thin Barrier around his body.

This Barrier was completely different from before - it seemed to possess its own will, constantly shifting forms, its surface flowing with eerie patterns like the skin of some otherworldly creature.

Luo En held his breath. The Barrier's presence made him feel uneasy, yet he was simultaneously drawn to the terrifying power it contained.

"What is this?"

"Secretions from the Gaze Toad of Abyss Fifth Layer." Hayaek explained calmly before dispelling the Barrier.

At that moment, Luo En noticed obvious aberration traces on Fuyuanzhang's right arm.

The skin had an unnatural ashen-gray hue, covered in tiny scale-like protrusions.

These scales seemed alive, subtly trembling as if breathing.

"Fuyuanzhang is also an Abyss Explorer?"

"Correct." Hayaek admitted openly, apparently unbothered about revealing his mutation traces to Luo En. "In fact, most mages who've reached Moonlight Rank or above have explored the Abyss. It contains knowledge and power unattainable through conventional means, tempting every cultivator who pursues ultimate mastery."

He pulled down his sleeve, concealing the mutations. "Of course, the price is equally steep. Many mages have paid dearly, some even losing themselves completely in the Abyss, never to return."

Luo En listened quietly, his mind racing.

For mages, the Abyss was both a source of power and a dangerous quagmire.

"You seem quite interested in the Abyss." Hayaek observed Luo En's reaction carefully, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Your gains from the Bloodline Altar must have been quite significant, I assume?"

Luo En stiffened slightly but quickly regained composure. "Some minor gains, though still far from sufficient."

"There's no rush. With your innate talent, you'll have ample opportunities for deeper exploration in the future." Hayaek said meaningfully. "Valen has high hopes for you too. Did you know we were once on the same team?"

"Master Valen?" Luo En showed slight surprise, not expecting this connection between them.

"Yes. Back in our days at Crystal Spire, we formed a team together, specializing in Abyss Exploration missions." A nostalgic gleam appeared in Hayaek's eyes. "Valen was a few years younger, but his innate talent was astounding. Fortunately for him, he married his Mentor's great-niece, gaining access to more resources and guidance."

A faintly complex emotion colored Hayaek's voice. "Eventually, he broke through to Dusk Sun Rank, while I remained at the peak of Moonlight Rank."

Luo En remained silent, merely listening. He wasn't foolish enough to comment on such matters.

"The hour grows late." Hayaek glanced at the sky color outside the window, ending the conversation. "I hope today's discussion proved beneficial to you."

"Extremely enlightening." Luo En stood and bowed deeply to Hayaek. "Thank you for Fuyuanzhang's guidance and generosity."

Hayaek nodded slightly, watching Luo En leave.

As the door closed behind him, Hayaek immediately took a deep breath, sensing the pure "Boon" energy within his body.

This power proved far stronger and more enduring than he'd anticipated, already purifying some of the spiritual contamination he'd accumulated recently.

"Truly the Archmage seed with primordial mage potential." Hayaek murmured, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "If he truly ascends to primordial mage, Black Mist School will witness an unprecedented era of glory."

He walked to the window, gazing at the distant Black Mist Jungle gradually swallowed by darkness, silently praying:

"May history not repeat itself. May this perilous path finally bring success, rather than... another tragedy."

...

Leaving Hayaek's office, Luo En's mind still echoed with advanced theories and applications of Flowing Barrier.

He glanced at the metal box in his hand, containing the precious medium substances Hayaek had provided. A faint excitement stirred within him.

These rare materials would provide ample resources for his experiments, especially for advancing his research on Flowing Barrier.

But what thrilled him even more was successfully recording several Flowing Barrier variations demonstrated by Hayaek through Thousand Shifting Shadows.

Though limited by the spell's complexity, he had managed to record the first three applications: "Multiple Medium Integration", "Structural Differentiation", and "Active Counterattack." Even this partial success was exhilarating.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end