Chapter 219: "Compressive Detonation"

Chapter 219: "Compressive Detonation"

"It seems there's still reward in this", Luo En mused, mentally calculating his gains and losses.

The benefits of holding the top sequence position were obvious - besides greater prestige and influence, there were increased resource allocations and freedoms.

This would undoubtedly serve as a strong safeguard for his upcoming attempt to break through to the True Path.

Even more intriguing was the information Hayaek had revealed about using Abyss Substance as a medium, which opened up new possibilities for his Flowing Barrier.

"Autonomous defense through vitality, fluid movement... even erosion capabilities", Luo En murmured to himself, already envisioning how to incorporate these traits into his own Barrier techniques.

Most of the Abyss Substance he'd previously acquired had been used to charge his Puppet Substitute, but he still retained some unused samples.

Perhaps he could experiment with applying a portion to his Flowing Barrier.

"However, the vitality of Abyss Substance is so intense. How can I ensure it won't spiral out of control or contaminate me during use? This requires careful consideration."

Furrowing his brow, Luo En pondered this thorny issue as he exited the Central Tower, deciding to return directly to his Workshop to begin experiments.

With only two months remaining until the Stellar Ring Convergence, he needed to make the most of every minute.

Inside the Workshop, Liliya was organizing a new shipment of medicinal herbs.

Seeing Luo En return, a flicker of joy crossed her eyes before she quickly composed herself: "Teacher, you're back. Dinner will be ready shortly."

"Not yet", Luo En shook his head, heading straight for the laboratory.

"I need to conduct some new experiments. This might take some time. If I don't come out, you two should eat first."

Liliya silently nodded, asking no further questions.

Since their meeting with Madame Ellen, she had become more reserved, yet also more focused and diligent.

It seemed she wanted to learn as much as possible from Luo En within their limited time.

Inside the laboratory, Luo En carefully locked the door before retrieving the metal box Hayaek had given him, inspecting its contents.

The materials inside were far richer than he'd expected - various metal powders of different colors and textures, crystalline fragments of starlight brilliance, and even several unknown substances exuding peculiar auras.

Each medium was stored in its own small vial, labeled with concise names and primary traits.

"Iridium Powder - Exceptional physical defense, capable of resisting most direct impacts."

"Starlight Crystal - Mana absorption and conversion properties, ideal for countering mana attacks."

"Spiritual Energy Sand - High perception, able to detect subtle energy fluctuations and transformations."

As Luo En examined each medium, his experimental plan gradually crystallized.

"Starting with the most foundational - 'Multiple Medium Integration.'"

He muttered to himself, retrieving iridium powder, starlight crystal, and spiritual energy sand to begin his first experiment.

While he'd previously mastered some techniques for combining multiple mediums, Hayaek's recent consultation had provided new inspiration and specific configuration ratios.

Following Hayaek's teachings, Luo En began attempting to chimerize these three mediums in precise proportions.

This process required extreme precision - even slight deviations in the ratio of any medium would significantly alter the resulting Barrier effect.

"The iridium powder will serve as the foundation, providing basic defense. The starlight crystal will assist as a converter for mana. The spiritual energy sand will act as the perception medium, enhancing the Barrier's reaction speed."

Carefully chimerizing the materials, he simultaneously infused them with spiritual energy for preliminary fusion.

This pre-treatment process would allow the different mediums' mana properties to adapt to each other, laying the foundation for subsequent spell construction.

Once the mediums were thoroughly integrated, Luo En took a deep breath and began constructing the spell matrix for his Flowing Barrier.

His Proficient-level "Spell Construction" skill allowed him to control this process with ease.

Spiritual energy flowed like fine threads, precisely guiding the mana currents to weave the chimerized mediums into a perfect protective network.

"Go!"

With a whispered command, the chimerized medium flew from his palm, rapidly expanding around his body to form a semi-transparent Barrier.

This Barrier possessed a strange flowing quality, its surface shimmering with faint light - the result of the mediums' traits interacting.

Luo En carefully sensed the Barrier's mana flow.

Compared to ordinary Flowing Barriers, this multi-medium version showed significant improvements in both stability and strength.

More importantly, its mana efficiency was higher - the same spiritual energy investment yielded longer duration.

"Now, testing defensive effectiveness."

He retrieved a specialized small crossbow, firing a series of bolts at the Barrier.

Ordinary Barriers might have fluctuated under such intensely concentrated attacks, but this enhanced version barely moved, the bolts rebounding instantly upon contact.

"Physical defense effectiveness meets expectations."

Nodding in satisfaction, Luo En then retrieved a mana emitter, adjusting it to medium intensity before firing a mana beam at the Barrier.

The results were equally impressive - the Barrier not only absorbed the mana attack, but the beam's mana formed elegant ripples across the Barrier's surface before being evenly dispersed throughout its structure, creating no fluctuations or unstable points.

"Mana conversion efficiency exceeds expectations." Luo En recorded this discovery in his experiment notes:

"The proportion of starlight crystal might be increased further to enhance mana absorption and conversion capabilities."

Next, Luo En experimented with several different medium combinations, each tailored to specific defensive needs.

Some emphasized physical defense, others enhanced magical resistance, while some improved perception ability or mobility.

After a series of experiments, he gradually developed a medium ratio scheme best suited to his needs:

40% iridium powder for foundational physical defense;

30% starlight crystal for mana conversion and magical resistance;

30% spiritual energy sand to enhance perception and reaction speed.

"Phase one experiments complete." Luo En nodded in satisfaction.

[Flowing Barrier Experience Points +1]

[Current Progress: Flowing Barrier (Proficient 69/100)]

"Significant progress, but still some distance from mastery."

Looking at the interface prompt, Luo En began planning his next phase of training.

Carefully organizing his experimental records, he packed away his equipment and left the laboratory.

...

At dawn, Luo En rose early, setting up a set of precision astronomical observation equipment on the observatory platform at the top of the Workshop.

Today marked an important milestone - 65 days before the Stellar Ring Convergence.

According to ancient astrological theory, the stellar configuration on this day would reveal crucial information about the upcoming Stellar Ring Convergence.

"I hope the weather cooperates."

Luo En gazed at the sky, where morning light had yet to fully dispel the night, several bright stars still clearly visible.

The observatory platform held a complex instrument made of bronze and crystal.

Luo En had spent a significant amount of mana shard fragments to borrow this from a High Apprentice specializing in astronomy.

At the instrument's center was a multi-faceted prism capable of refracting starlight, surrounded by twelve copper rings engraved with ancient runes, with an outer layer of sapphire needles recording celestial trajectories.

This device could not only record the positions and movements of stars, but also detect energy fluctuations and connections between celestial bodies that were imperceptible to the naked eye.

For Luo En, who was preparing to attempt the True Path, this information was crucial.

According to records in the Forgotten Path, the stellar configuration during the Stellar Ring Convergence would directly affect the strength and stability of the passage to higher existence.

Understanding this information in advance would allow better preparation of protective and enhancement measures.

As the sun's light gradually disappeared beyond the horizon, the stars in the night sky grew increasingly bright.

Luo En began adjusting the instrument, ensuring each copper ring aligned with specific star clusters, particularly those connected to the "Hermit Star" and "Annihilation Star Cluster."

When the final copper ring locked into place, Luo En activated the manacore at the instrument's center.

As it activated, the entire device emitted a faint humming sound, the copper rings slowly rotating as the crystal prism refracted strange lights.

These beams were more than simple starlight reflections - they resembled complex mana encodings containing secrets from the depths of the cosmos.

Luo En focused intently on the light patterns and copper ring movements, simultaneously recording data on parchment beside him.

As time passed, a clear stellar map gradually took shape.

"Interesting", Luo En murmured, his fingertip lightly touching the flickering points of light.

"These trajectory patterns differ from Madame Ellen's predictions."

The records showed the upcoming Stellar Ring Convergence would be stronger than usual, with extended duration.

This meant the passage to higher existence would be more stable, theoretically increasing success rates.

However, there were also some troubling signs - the Annihilation Star Cluster's energy fluctuations were unusually active, typically signaling stronger spiritual contamination and higher risks.

"It seems I'll need to prepare additional purification measures", Luo En pondered.

After finishing these tasks, he resumed his daily practice routine.

"Perhaps I should first verify the gains from that day."

Entering the training chamber, he began channeling spiritual energy through his consciousness, activating the Thousand Shifting Shadows spell matrix he had recorded from Hayaek.

As these spellmemory were retrieved, Luo En unexpectedly discovered that simply playing back the Record in his mind required no mana at all, as effortless as recalling ordinary Memory.

Mana consumption only occurred during actual release—a revelation that made his eyes light up.

"This means I can endlessly replay these Records for analysis!" Luo En murmured, his gaze gleaming with excitement.

By repeatedly playing back Hayaek's Flowing Barrier spell matrix in his mind, Luo En began meticulously dissecting its structural intricacies:

The distribution of mana nodes, the synergistic pathways of medium substances, and the automatic adjustment mechanisms during incoming attacks.

Each playback revealed new details; each analysis brought fresh insights.

Multiple profession bonuses synergized into astonishing effects:

Broad Knowledge allowed him to perfectly connect every observed detail with his existing knowledge;

Conceptualization enabled him to clearly foresee the transformation trajectories of spell structures;

And the Perception enhancement from Demon Hunter Knights let him detect subtle mana flows invisible to the naked eye...

There were even more traits and bonuses at play.

"Fascinating. If I layer the mediums, I can create a multi-tiered Barrier effect."

Luo En immersed himself in an ocean of knowledge.

What was once an obscure and complex spell structure now became crystal clear, like rereading a book he had flipped through countless times.

Next, he turned his attention to Youni's Phoenix Immortal Breath Record.

Unlike the Flowing Barrier, this spell was far more intricate and refined. Its core lay in precisely shaping the phoenix form and compressing mana to extreme densities.

"I see now. Mentor Youni's phoenix isn't just decorative—it's an incredibly efficient mana distribution formula", Luo En realized suddenly.

The seemingly elegant feathers were actually the result of compressing destructive mana to its limits.

Each feather contained searing heat capable of melting metal, and when the phoenix form launched an attack, the mana would erupt instantaneously, unleashing devastating power.

"Perhaps I can apply this shaping technique to Radiant Halo", Luo En muttered, rising to his feet and deciding to test it immediately.

Arriving at the training ground, he took a deep breath and began constructing the Radiant Halo spell matrix.

His Proficient-level skill allowed him to complete the foundational structure effortlessly, but this time, he incorporated the shaping principles he'd learned from the Phoenix Immortal Breath.

The halo took shape in his palm, then gradually transformed under his control—no longer a simple ring, but a radiant bird spreading its wings.

Compared to Youni's phoenix, this light bird appeared unrefined and rough, but its form was already discernible.

"Not refined enough", Luo En frowned, dispelling the spell and trying again.

The second attempt showed clearer wing structures;

The third revealed feather outlines;

The fourth improved the eyes and beak details.

With each attempt, Luo En refined his mana control precision, bringing the light bird closer to his ideal form.

Meanwhile, he explored how to efficiently compress mana into every part of the bird, especially the mana lines forming the feathers.

【Radiant Halo experience points +1】

...

Through relentless practice, Luo En felt his mastery of Radiant Halo inching toward a critical threshold.

It felt like climbing a mountain—already seeing the summit's outline, needing just one final push.

"Something's still missing."

He closed his eyes, simultaneously replaying Hayaek's Flowing Barrier and Youni's Phoenix Immortal Breath in his mind, seeking inspiration from their contrast.

Moments later, realization struck—the key lay in "tiered compression."

Youni's phoenix was powerful not just for its exquisite form, but because each mana layer was compressed to the limit before stacking additional layers.

This "tiered compression" technique mirrored Hayaek's "structural differentiation", though applied differently—one for attack, the other for defense.

Armed with this insight, Luo En reconstructed Radiant Halo, this time emphasizing tiered mana compression.

The halo formed not by simply transforming its shape, but by first compressing mana into multiple layers.

Each layer had specific mana density and flow patterns, then combined along pre-designed paths into the light bird's form.

This method was extremely mana-intensive, demanding exceptional spiritual energy control precision.

But the results were astounding—the resulting light bird wasn't just visually realistic; its mana intensity increased by at least thirty percent.

When Luo En directed this new light bird toward a target, the difference became clear.

Wherever the bird flew, the air itself subtly twisted from intense mana pressure.

Even the metal targets on the training ground melted into liquid metal upon contact.

【Radiant Halo experience points +1】

【Current Progress: Radiant Halo (Proficient 99/100)】

"Just one step left", Luo En's eyes gleamed with excitement.

He decided to attempt a breakthrough—not just completing the light bird's form, but granting it the directional burst capability of Phoenix Immortal Breath.

This challenge was far greater, requiring precise control over mana release timing and direction while shaping the spell.

Once mastered, this technique would significantly enhance Radiant Halo's attack precision and power.

Focusing intently, Luo En constructed a new light bird, carefully embedding an "ignition point" at its core.

As the light bird completed, Luo En inhaled deeply and commanded, "Go!"

The bird soared, carving an elegant arc across the training ground before diving toward the target.

At the moment of impact, Luo En activated the hidden "ignition point."

Instead of a simple collision, the light bird exploded on contact, shattering into countless light blades that pierced the target with surgical precision.

The mana didn't disperse outward—it concentrated almost entirely within a two-meter diameter, unleashing catastrophic destruction.

The target wasn't just melted—it was completely vaporized, leaving only a smoking crater.

【Radiant Halo experience points +1】

【Breakthrough! Radiant Halo (Proficient 100/100) → Radiant Halo (Mastery Max)】

【Trait Advancement: Flame Incarnation → Compressive Detonation

(On the foundation of original shaping abilities, enables easier concentration of compressed mana within formed structures, dramatically enhancing destructive power)】

"Success!" Luo En whispered, feeling the surging power within him.

Radiant Halo had finally broken through to Mastery Level, bringing not just increased power, but a completely new understanding and control of mana.

With Flame Incarnation advancing to Compressive Detonation, the spell's strategic value had undergone a qualitative leap.

Now, Luo En could not only shape Radiant Halo into various forms, but also embed "Compressive Detonation" mechanisms within them, unleashing concentrated destructive mana at critical moments.

This ability was especially effective against high-defense targets—almost no protection could fully withstand such focused mana impact.

At the same time, Luo En realized he had taken another step closer to the Full Mage realm.

It wasn't just the skill breakthrough, but his deeper understanding of mana's essence.

The fundamental difference between Full Mage and High Apprentice wasn't just absolute spiritual energy levels, but perception, comprehension, and control over mana.

Luo En could clearly feel that with Radiant Halo's mastery, his affinity and control over the light element had greatly improved.

"Next, I should apply these new insights to other spells, forming a more complete combat system."

As Luo En pondered, he was already planning his next cultivation steps.

But first, he decided to return to his consciousness and replay Hayaek's Flowing Barrier Record, hoping to find new ideas for improving this spell using his recent breakthrough.

Closing his eyes, Luo En retrieved the Record in his spiritual world, beginning frame-by-frame analysis.

This time, with the new perspective from Compressive Detonation, he noticed previously overlooked details.

The seemingly simple medium substances were actually chimeraed in specific ratios, forming a perfect mana conduction network.

"If I combine this conduction network with my Compressive Detonation mechanism, I might create an entirely new defensive counterattack system."

Excitedly, Luo En envisioned a bold concept—a Flowing Barrier variant that could not only passively absorb attacking mana, but compress and reflect it back.

This would transform the barrier from a purely defensive tool into a tactical weapon combining offense and defense.

"Worth trying", Luo En decided, preparing to start this new project in the coming days.

Glancing at the time, he realized it was already late night.

Fatigue washed over him, but his heart brimmed with the satisfaction of progress.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end