Chapter 225: Breakthrough, First Tier Crystallization

Chapter 225: Breakthrough, First Tier Crystallization

October 10, 2024

Time flies like a white horse passing through a gap, fleeting and swift.

In the year 1330 of the Starlight Calendar, during the month of Xia Long (June).

After another return from the Lightning Elemental Plane, Su Nan sat cross-legged beside the elemental pool, synthesizing an elemental crystal core before beginning to absorb the divine energy within it.

The elemental pool in the Starlight Wizard Tower, after four syntheses, had already reached the strength of a medium-sized elemental pool, with a +4 enhancement.

The energy absorption rate, storage capacity, mental energy recovery speed, and meditation efficiency had all doubled compared to before.

Thanks to this, Su Nan's mental energy condensation increased at a much faster rate than expected.

[Liquification: 99.99%]



As the divine energy within the elemental crystal core gradually merged and assimilated, at one particular moment, the mental energy condensation in his status panel finally flickered and reached 100%.

At the same instant, the liquid mental energy swirling around his innate crystal crystal in his consciousness sea suddenly paused, then quickly solidified into tiny crystalline particles, like water freezing into ice.

Before long, the 'stream' around the innate crystal had vanished completely, replaced by a dense cluster of crystalline structures, resembling a star belt.

These hexagonal crystalline structures were crystal clear, like the finest gemstones, slowly rotating around the innate crystal, appearing as beautiful and magnificent as a galaxy.

"I made it!"

Su Nan opened his eyes, his gaze shining with immense joy.

It had taken nearly fifty years, but he had finally broken through from the first tier of liquification to the first tier of crystallization.

Next, he just needed to construct a second innate crystal model to advance to the second tier of wizardry.

Su Nan reached out and lightly tapped the void in front of him, and countless fine, thread-like beams of light appeared, quickly weaving together to form a complex and profound model.

This was the second innate crystal model that Su Nan had researched over the years.

Of course, it was still just an un-synthesized lower-tier innate crystal model.

Its effects were somewhat similar to the [Forbidden Zone], creating an ultra-dense, invisible energy field around him that could nullify all damage entering the field, including physical, energy, and even incorporeal soul attacks.

Additionally, anyone entering this field would be subjected to immense pressure.

Unlike the [Forbidden Zone], Su Nan could alter the 'pressure density' of the field, temporarily increasing the 'pressure' in a specific area to apply even stronger pressure on enemies entering the field. If the 'pressure' was strong enough, it could even crush enemies to a pulp.

So, this ultimate defensive innate ability could also be used for attacks at times.

Moreover, the range of the field could be freely expanded or contracted, but the defensive power and pressure density would also decrease or increase accordingly. Su Nan would need to actually master the innate ability and conduct practical tests to know the specifics.

Su Nan named this innate crystal model [Absolute Forbidden Zone].

"The 'Liquid Metal' used thirty-two lower-tier innate crystal models to synthesize a higher-tier one, so 'Absolute Forbidden Zone' should be about the same."

The last time he constructed the Liquid Metal innate crystal model, the average construction time for one lower-tier model was thirteen days.

However, Su Nan's mental energy was now far superior to before, and he had high-quality construction potions, so he estimated that the average construction time this time could be shortened to less than ten days.

If all went smoothly, he could synthesize the higher-tier 'Absolute Forbidden Zone' model within a year.

The truly time-consuming part was the final step of filling the mental energy.

After all, the innate crystal would strengthen as the wizard's mental energy condensation increased.

The current 'Liquid Metal' innate crystal was already much stronger than when it was first constructed.

In other words, to construct a second innate crystal with a strength comparable to the current 'Liquid Metal,' he would need to infuse it with more mental energy.

When filling the 'Liquid Metal,' Su Nan had used the Spirit Pearl and the Golden Apple, and it took him over two years, nearly three, to fill the innate crystal.

Now, apart from the elemental pool buff that accelerated mental energy recovery, he had nothing else, and the filling difficulty had increased. The time spent would definitely be much longer than before.

Several decades might be considered fast, and spending a century or two wouldn't be surprising.

"This time, the mental energy filling phase will be a true test of patience."

Su Nan sighed, then took out a bottle of construction potion and drank it, beginning to construct the innate crystal model.

Soon, eleven months passed, and Su Nan successfully constructed thirty-two lower-tier innate crystal models and synthesized the second super innate crystal model.

He then immediately began the process of filling it with mental energy.

Sitting cross-legged beside the elemental pool, Su Nan kept his eyes tightly closed. In the depths of his mind, crystalline strands of mental energy continuously seeped out, merging into a new talent crystal model and gradually filling its space.

This cultivation took an entire month.

Talent Crystal Model Filling Progress: 0.06%

"Only 0.06% after a month."

"At this rate, it will take about 140 years to completely fill it."

Su Nan was well aware that this speed wasn't slow at all. It had only been about 60 years since he ascended to the rank of a wizard. Even if it took another 140 years, it would still be around 200 years in total. Advancing from a First-Class Wizard to a Second-Class Wizard in just 200 years was an exceptionally impressive feat, even by the standards of the golden age of wizards a thousand years ago.

Apart from the descendants of the True Spirits, who seemed to have even more advantages, almost no one could match him.

But if possible, Su Nan wanted to progress even faster.

"If only there was something that could quickly restore mental energy."

His eyes flickered, and he stood up, leaving the top floor of the wizard tower.

In the bright and spacious study, Lizze was diligently reading through documents, her focused and serious expression making her particularly attractive. The quartz clock on the wall silently ticked away, emitting a crisp chime only at the top of the hour.

After a long while, Lizze put down her documents and rubbed her temples. As a wraith, she didn't experience fatigue, but this was a habit she had developed over the years.

She had been a member of the Star Alliance for over 30 years now. She was familiar with all its affairs, handling them with ease and efficiency.

To be honest, when she initially agreed to become Su Nan's assistant and manage the Star Alliance, Lizze hadn't taken it too seriously. Given the current state of the Starlight Continent, how large could a wizard faction possibly grow?

At most, it would be a super-sized human nation.

However, after truly delving into the Star Alliance's affairs, she realized she had greatly underestimated it. The Star Alliance not only controlled the surface world but had also incorporated the underground realms. Additionally, it possessed a well-structured golem army. While it might still lag behind in high-end puppets, its mid and low-tier puppet forces were on par with those of a third-rate wizard faction.

What surprised her even more was that the Star Alliance had its own wizard academy! Despite being only a few decades old, with mentors who were merely Third-Class Wizard Apprentices, it was already a significant achievement.

After all, this was in a plane where elemental energy was scarce.

Lizze found it hard to imagine how Su Nan managed to build the Star Alliance to such a level in such adverse conditions. This only made her more curious about him.

Regardless, with the wizard academy, the Star Alliance had a solid foundation to become a true wizard faction.

Lizze's mindset changed, and she began to genuinely dedicate herself to managing the Star Alliance's affairs.

Over the years, under her guidance, the Star Alliance's growth, while not explosive, was steady and promising.

In terms of civilian life, magical energy machines had been widely adopted in the most prosperous cities of the Starlight Continent, revolutionizing various industries. The significant boost in production capacity was highly praised by many nobles and merchants.

There was almost no resistance to the widespread adoption of magical energy machines.

The real limitation was the production of secondary magic stones.

"Magical energy machines are the core of secondary magic technology. Until the production of secondary magic stones increases, it will be difficult for secondary magic technology to truly develop rapidly."

Lizze traced her hand over the white paper on her desk, and a line of text appeared as if by magic.

How to Increase the Production of Secondary Magic Stones?

"The quickest method would be to increase the rewards for acquiring secondary magic stones."

Her eyes flickered, but she quickly shook her head.

With the vast population of the Starlight Continent as a base, the Starlight Academy could enroll hundreds of students each year. Currently, the academy had over 5,400 students, with at least 40-50% of them capable of manufacturing secondary magic stones.

If the contribution points for acquiring secondary magic stones were increased, it could attract these students to focus on producing them, potentially doubling the production in the short term.

However, Lizze knew this was not feasible. Many low-tier materials for the Star Alliance came from the Starlight Academy. If the acquisition price for secondary magic stones were significantly increased, it would affect the production of other low-tier materials, ultimately causing chaos.

This method had more drawbacks than benefits and was not a long-term solution.

After some thought, Lizze shook her head and set the matter aside for now.

In terms of military strength, the Star Alliance now boasts two large golem legions, with a total of 250,000 golems! Even a thousand years ago, the Starfall Society did not have as many golems under its command.

Another main force, the Magic Rune Knights, officially surpassed 200,000 members last year. It's worth noting that these official members are equipped with Magic Rune Constructs. Due to the limited production of these constructs, the Magic Rune Knights have over 100,000 reserve members.

In addition to regular troops, the Magic Rune Knights have four elite units: the Dragon Antelope Knights, the Sea Dragon Knights, the Pterodactyl Knights, and the Storm Dragon Beast Knights. The first three units specialize in land, sea, and air, respectively, while the Storm Dragon Beast Knights are adept in all three domains.

The largest of these is the Dragon Antelope Knights, with a total of 1,200 members. The smallest is the Storm Dragon Beast Knights, with around 500 members.

Besides these, the Star Alliance also has three naval fleets, comprising a total of 840 magic ships.

To be honest, without considering high-tier forces like wizards and wizard towers, the Star Alliance's current military strength is on par with the Starfall Society of old.

"If it weren't for the Starlight Continent, the Star Alliance's development could have been even faster," Lize couldn't help but think.

However, upon further reflection, if not for the isolated environment of the Starlight Continent, the Star Alliance wouldn't have been able to develop so peacefully. Every rise of a wizard faction in the multiverse inevitably faces attacks from internal (other wizard factions) or external (primarily divine) forces. It's impossible for such factions to grow unimpeded.

The Star Alliance is a rare exception.

Moreover, Lize has discovered that the key to the Star Alliance's rapid growth lies with Su Nan. Many of the high-tier resources currently possessed by the Star Alliance come from Su Nan. This has left Lize puzzled.

To say that Su Nan has personally crafted all these potions, magic items, and puppets, the quantity is simply staggering! Even if he spent all his time practicing and studying, it would be impossible for one person to produce so many resources. Not to mention that he still had the energy to build a wizard tower.

But if Su Nan didn't craft them, where did he get all these resources?

Lize hasn't been able to figure it out, even to this day. However, this is partly because she hasn't actively investigated it. Intruding on a wizard's secrets is a major taboo anywhere. She still hopes Su Nan will help her reconstruct her body and doesn't want to risk offending him out of mere curiosity.

"What are you thinking about?"

A voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts, causing Lize to look up in surprise. Su Nan had appeared in the room at some point, a half-smile on his face as he watched her.

"Aren't you in seclusion? Why are you out?"

"There's something I want to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Do you know of any methods to accelerate the recovery of mental energy?" Su Nan added after a moment, "Something feasible at this stage."

Lize was momentarily taken aback, her eyes filled with confusion.

"Is the elemental pool in your wizard tower not sufficient?"

She had seen the elemental pool in Su Nan's wizard tower, which was at least as effective as a medium-sized elemental pool, if not better. Honestly, when she first saw that pool, she almost thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. The Starlight Continent shouldn't have the materials to create a medium-sized elemental pool. The most crucial material, the Elemental Source Crystal, is impossible to obtain.

Unless Su Nan personally went to the Elemental Plane and defeated an Elemental Elder?

That's a formidable being, one that even a second-tier wizard might struggle against!

Su Nan didn't elaborate, simply saying, "I'm in the process of constructing my second innate crystal, and I'm at the final step of infusing mental energy."

"I remember when you first arrived, you had just broken through to the first-level liquefaction stage, right?"

"Yes."

"..."

Lize took a deep breath, struggling to contain the shock that surged within her. To break through from the first-level liquefaction stage to the first-level crystallization stage in just sixty years and construct an innate crystal model—what kind of cultivation speed is this?

It took her 283 years to make that transition, and she was considered a genius by the Starfall Society.

Compared to Su Nan, her achievement seems insignificant.

Staring at Su Nan, Lize felt that the mystery surrounding him was growing thicker, making it impossible to see through.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end