Chapter 224: “Eternal Imprint”

Chapter 224: “Eternal Imprint”

Only a few days remained until the Stellar Ring Convergence.

Luo En’s Flowing Barrier was also nearing completion, needing just a final sliver of experience points to finish.

He had already performed countless foundational attempts. The only technique left untried was the special method Hayaek had revealed at the end—a Vitality-Enhanced Barrier using Abyss Substance as a medium.

“Abyss Substance as a medium… Vitality-Enhanced Barrier,” Luo En mused, excitement and caution warring in his mind.

Hayaek’s warning still echoed in his mind—while Abyss Substance could drastically boost the barrier’s power, it carried significant risks.

“Still, the rewards outweigh the risks,” Luo En decided, beginning preparations for his final experiment.

From a specially sealed box, he retrieved a small vial of black viscous liquid—a rare extract from the Lion Scorpion’s body containing trace amounts of Abyssmana. This was one of the reserves he’d acquired through Hayaek’s connections with the School.

Compared to purer forms of Abyss Substance, this refined version was far more stable, reducing its inherent dangers.

Luo En carefully added a single drop to the Chimera medium, observing the reaction.

At first, the liquid resisted absorption, floating on the surface like oil. Attempts to force it into the medium through various methods all failed.

“So direct integration won’t work.”

He recalled a detail from Hayaek’s demonstration—the Abyss Substance needed a specific “conduit” to harmonize with the medium.

Adjusting his approach, Luo En constructed a microscopic guiding formation around the droplet using spiritual energy, then gently guided it into the Chimera medium’s core.

This time, the Abyss liquid seeped into the medium, triggering subtle yet profound changes.

The medium darkened, taking on a deep ink-blue sheen. More strikingly, it seemed to… come alive.

No longer inert powder, it pulsed like a liquid, forming intricate ripple patterns spontaneously.

“Successfully integrated, but the Abyssmana is still too volatile. It needs stabilization.”

Luo En quickly jotted down observations in his Record Book, experimenting with various stabilization methods before settling on a specialized mana seal technique. By confining the Abyssmana within specific boundaries, he prevented its unchecked spread and corrosive effects.

The medium stabilized, retaining its newfound vitality without chaotic instability.

Nodding in satisfaction, Luo En began constructing the barrier.

This time, the process was drastically different.

No complex spiritual energy guidance was needed—the medium seemed to “understand” his intent, automatically arranging itself into the expected structure.

The three-layered formation no longer required step-by-step assembly. It emerged fully formed, with natural mana channels connecting the layers without manual design.

“This is the power of Vitality,” Luo En murmured, admiring the nearly “living” barrier before him.

It pulsed rhythmically, its surface patterns shifting like the rise and fall of breath. Unlike ordinary barriers, it was no longer static—it responded to its environment.

As Luo En approached, it expanded to accommodate him. When he simulated a threat, it reinforced its defenses accordingly.

“Incredible,” he whispered, circling the barrier and inspecting every detail.

The Vitality trait had transformed it into an autonomous guardian, dynamically adapting to surroundings and threats without constant mental input, drastically reducing his spiritual energy burden.

“Now for the final touch.”

He recalled Hayaek’s mention of another critical component—Soul Steel.

An extremely rare material prized for its mana conductivity and malleability, Soul Steel could “remember” and adapt to a user’s spiritual fluctuations, forming a resonant bond.

From his Storage Bag, Luo En retrieved a shard of Soul Steel—a leftover fragment from earlier experiments. Small as it was, it sufficed for his needs.

“If I can integrate Soul Steel into this Vitality-Enhanced Barrier, it might elevate its Spiritual Vitality and adaptability,” he reasoned, attempting to fuse the metal into the barrier’s structure.

The process proved extremely challenging. Soul Steel was notoriously difficult to manipulate, and the Vitality-Enhanced Barrier possessed an almost willful resistance.

After multiple failed attempts, Luo En chose an audacious approach—directly embedding the Soul Steel into the barrier’s core nexus, transforming it into the system’s central nervous hub.

He carefully placed the fragment at the barrier’s center, channeling mana to harmonize the two.

At first, violent clashes threatened to tear the structure apart. Luo En barely stabilized the system by pushing his Spiritual Energy Control to near-limit levels.

“Almost there,” he gritted his teeth, sweat beading his brow. Even for a High Apprentice like him, the strain was immense.

Just as his energy neared depletion—

【Flowing Barrier experience points+ 1】

【Breakthrough! Flowing Barrier (Proficient 100/100) → Flowing Barrier (Mastery 1/200)】

【Trait Evolved: Memory → Eternal Imprint

(The barrier no longer simply remembers attack patterns—it learns and evolves its defensive strategies, forming a self-perfecting defense system.)】

The Soul Steel and barrier’s mana harmonized, their conflict resolving into perfect fusion.

The barrier underwent a qualitative transformation, evolving from a simple tri-layered structure into an intricate organic whole.

Countless Soul Steel filaments wove through it like a neural network, enabling intelligent, adaptive responses to threats.

Luo En exhaled, eyes gleaming with triumph at the fully Vitality-Enhanced Barrier.

The Flowing Barrier had finally broken through to Mastery level, its trait evolving from Memory to the far superior Eternal Imprint.

This was no mere upgrade—it was a paradigm shift.

After each successful defense, the barrier analyzed attacks, automatically adjusting its structure to counter similar threats. Over time, it would grow stronger, its weaknesses virtually nonexistent.

“Eternal Imprint,” Luo En marveled at the trait’s potential.

To test it, he activated the lab’s attack systems in stages—starting with physical impacts, progressing to elemental assaults, then advanced simulations of special spell effects.

Each round revealed the barrier’s evolution. Initially, its resistance varied by attack type, but it rapidly adapted, reinforcing weak points.

By the tenth round, it effortlessly repelled attacks that had previously damaged it.

No longer passive, it anticipated threats, preemptively adjusting defenses before impacts landed.

“This is a self-evolving shield system,” Luo En exclaimed in awe.

Further testing revealed another astounding trait—the barrier “remembered” his habits and preferences, tailoring its behavior to his combat style.

When he adopted aggressive tactics, the barrier became more flexible and retaliatory. When defensive, it grew sturdier, prioritizing protection.

This adaptability forged a near-perfect symbiotic relationship between user and barrier—a combat partner, not just a tool.

“This might become one of my strongest defenses,” Luo En concluded, carefully storing the evolved barrier in a specialized container.

Gazing at the darkening sky outside, he inhaled deeply, feeling his power surge.

With only days left until the Stellar Ring Convergence, his preparations were nearly complete.

Sound Wave Oscillation Mastery, Radiant Halo Mastery, and now Mastery-level Flowing Barrier—his strength had reached an unprecedented peak.

Luo En stood quietly, mentally assessing his combat capabilities as a confident smile tugged at his lips. "Stellar Ring Convergence—I've completed all preparations."

Dusk's golden glow bathed the laboratory's windowsill, casting the entire room in warm amber light.

…………

Above the Black Mist School, the stars burned brighter and denser than usual, as though the night sky itself had been strewn with countless diamond shards.

Most striking was the northeastern horizon. Several brilliant stars drifted slowly, aligning into an unusual geometric pattern.

Beyond them, a dim cluster of stars pulsed with sinister violet light, gradually inching toward the celestial formation.

Inside the school, tension hung thick enough to slice.

The Enforcement Team had doubled patrols—uniformed sentinels guarded every corridor, even the most remote edges of the compound. All apprentices had received strict orders: no unnecessary movement outside quarters, with severe punishment for violators.

Near Luo En's workshop, hidden Protective Formations hummed to life, shrouding the area in veils of energy. These magic arrays bore unmistakable traces of Full Mage craftsmanship—clearly Hayaek or Soren's handiwork.

At the formation's edges, concealed observation posts monitored every shift.

"Everything normal?" Hayaek's voice emerged from shadows, low and cautious.

"No anomalies detected so far", came the reply.

"But mana concentration is rising—already a third beyond normal levels", Soren added, eyes never leaving Luo En's workshop.

"We follow protocol", Hayaek rumbled. "Observe. Protect. No interference. Whatever happens, hold position."

Soren nodded, his gaze shadowed with unspoken thoughts. "Let's hope this time... the outcome changes."

Meanwhile, Madame Ellen's Herbal Medicine Shop housed Liliya, Daire, and Ai Lan—Luo En's deliberate arrangement. During this critical moment, he needed no distractions.

"Master will be fine, right?" Liliya's voice trembled as her eyes followed distant stars. "He just... has to be."

Madame Ellen paused mid-sip, emerald eyes flashing. "The True Path allows no shortcuts. Each must face their own fears alone."

Daire and Ai Lan stood silently, sensing the weight in the air even without full understanding.

"Master will return", Daire declared, golden eyes blazing. "He never fails."

Madame Ellen studied the young mermaid, lips curling faintly. "Let's hope."

Her gaze drifted to the ominous stars again, memories stirring of her own long-ago attempt—an experience etched permanently into her soul.

At the workshop's highest observatory, Luo En faced the heavens. This was the perfect location for True Path cultivation—closest to the stars.

All preparations complete. Impurities purged, spiritual energy at peak, defenses maximized.

Only one disturbance lingered—a faint sensation of being watched. Yet he would never retreat now.

Setting his precision telescope, he adjusted lenses until the Hermit Star and Annihilation Star Cluster came into view.

The sight stole his breath. The lone Hermit Star gleamed like cold silver, while the Annihilation Cluster seethed—a swirling void of purple-black mist, countless tiny lights flickering and dying within.

The two celestial bodies drifted toward an impossible geometric alignment. Through the telescope, the formation's malevolent pattern emerged—not mere lines, but multidimensional structures defying comprehension.

A cold sweat broke across Luo En's brow as vertigo struck. Even through the lens, the twisted geometry threatened his mind, as though forcing understanding of forbidden cosmic truths.

Mana levels surged. With every breath, his body absorbed more energy, his cells vibrating with unnatural vitality.

"Stellar Ring Convergence begins", he murmured, closing the telescope and drawing a deep breath.

In this charged environment, attempting contact with the abyssal entity felt like courting death. Even with 91% success probability displayed on his interface, unease gnawed at him.

What was the Devourer? Why accept commoners' calls? What power—and cost—awaited?

No answers came. But hesitation changed nothing. The True Path had never promised safety—every cultivator gambled their life. Victors claimed transcendent power.

"Final preparation", Luo En whispered, feeling Boon energy cleanse his last impurities.

He drew his silver pocket watch, tracing its moonlit engravings. Each ticking second counted down.

"Reset."

In an instant, his body felt newborn—fatigue, tension, fear all scrubbed away. Clarity replaced them.

【Current breakthrough success rate: 92%】
He nodded.

This rarity in True Path cultivation still wasn't enough. From his robes emerged the Starlight Elixir—a potion gifted by Madame Ellen.

Within its crystal vial, shimmering liquid glowed silver-blue, like captured stardust. Uncorking it released an aroma cold and vast as the cosmos itself.

"For power. For truth", he whispered, downing the elixir.

The potion surged through him like lightning. His body seemed to dissolve into weightlessness, senses sharpening beyond mortal limits. He could hear starlight's whispers—a silent symphony of celestial energy.

His spiritual energy, already at 4.9, now burned purer, brighter. Resonance with the stars intensified.

The distant presence had noticed. He felt its gaze—an indescribable awareness pressing upon him.

【Current breakthrough success rate: 95%】
Resolve hardened.

This was his limit. Time for the real challenge.

"Begin."

Sitting cross-legged, he entered final meditation. Consciousness expanded beyond flesh, stretching into cosmic depths.

Familiar yet never so vivid—the Murmuring of the Star Devourer technique had never felt this clear.

【The Murmuring of the Star Devourer experience points +1】
【Breakthrough! The Murmuring of the Star Devourer (Proficient 300/300) → (Mastery 1/500)】

The final experience point pushed his cultivation into mastery. A new connection formed with the abyssal entity.

No time for celebration. Meditation deepened. His awareness pulled into a realm beyond flesh.

Darkness surrounded him—punctuated by countless stars. Not illusion, but higher-dimensional reality.

His consciousness drifted like a leaf on infinite cosmic seas. Ahead loomed a void darker than night, a void where no stars shone. A gaping maw in the universe itself.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end