Chapter 255: Sand Sea Hunter Reynolds (Extra Update Day 3)

Chapter 255: Sand Sea Hunter Reynolds (Extra Update Day 3)

As Luo En was preparing to leave, the mana board suddenly flickered with a new transaction notice that caught his attention.

"Seeking: Experienced bloodlinemodifier to provide consulting services.

Offering: 'Sand Sea Hunter' core extraordinary organ (complete eye), possibly including Tentacle Suction Cups and Corrosion Liquid Reservoir."

Luo En froze mid-step.

"Sand Sea Hunter" – one of the bloodline samples he had been desperately seeking!

He immediately returned to his seat and carefully read the details.

The poster called themselves "Mistwalker" and offered not just an eye, but other critical organs.

However, the trade conditions were highly unusual – not a simple material exchange, but a request for specialized knowledge.

"Seeking an expert with experience in Abyss bloodline formulation to assist with stabilizing an experimental subject.

The experimental subject originates from an Abyss Layer Iii creature, currently in a highly unstable state and at risk of disintegration or spiraling out of control at any moment.

A successful stabilization plan will earn the core organ, plus Tentacle Suction Cups and Corrosion Liquid Reservoir as additional rewards."

Exchanging knowledge for materials was not uncommon in mage circles.

Professional expertise was often more valuable than physical objects, and difficult to price.

Many powerful mages preferred trading rare materials for critical information rather than simple mana stone exchanges.

Luo En responded without hesitation:

"Have experience with Abyssal Creature bloodline formulation. Willing to provide consulting services.

Need more details about the experimental subject's specific condition."

The reply came quickly:

"Thank you for your interest.

The experimental subject is a foundational lifeform from the Abyss Layer Iii, a crawling organism. After multiple bloodline enhancements, it has fused traits from three different creatures in the 'Black Sand Wasteland'.

The problem is while the subject has gained the expected ability enhancements, it has developed severe instability – specifically, its skin continuously cracks and reorganizes, internal organs frequently shift locations, and its spirit state is in extreme chaos.

Suspect this results from bloodline rejection.

Do you have experience handling such issues?"

Luo En's eyes gleamed.

Through using Lion Scorpion tissues from the black mist School and various tissues at the Bloodline Altar, he had accumulated considerable practical experience in complex bloodline formulations.

He should be able to solve this problem.

"Bloodline rejection in multiple bloodline fusions is one of the most common challenges in bloodline formulation", Luo En replied.

"Based on your description, the issue likely stems from the fusion sequence and medium selection.

If you can provide more details – including the specific bloodline types used, fusion order, medium substances, and the subject's foundational state – I can offer detailed advice."

The other party seemed satisfied, and their response became more detailed:

"The foundational organism is a desert lizard. First, we fused the visual system from a 'Gray-Eyed Scorpion', followed by the barrier trait from a 'Stone-Scaled Serpent', and finally attempted to integrate the swarm consciousness ability of a 'Black Sand Ant'.

We used standard 'Mist Essence' combined with small amounts of 'Memory Crystal Powder' as the medium.

The problem appeared after the final fusion – the subject developed obvious rejection symptoms. Its carapace continuously forms and rapidly cracks, and its internal organs shift location every few hours."

Luo En frowned. This was indeed a tricky issue.

Activating his "Broad Knowledge" trait, he quickly synthesized all relevant knowledge to analyze the problem from multiple angles.

"The core issue lies in the final fusion – the 'Black Sand Ant' swarm consciousness fundamentally conflicts with the previous two bloodline traits", he replied.

"Both 'Gray-Eyed Scorpion' and 'Stone-Scaled Serpent' possess strong individual consciousness, while the 'Black Sand Ant' swarm consciousness is essentially a distributed thinking mode.

This contradiction causes the subject's body and spirit to constantly battle internally."

"Here are my suggested solutions:

First, immediately apply 'Consciousness Anchoring Agent' to stabilize the subject's spirit state and prevent further deterioration.

Second, introduce a fourth bloodline as a harmonizer – I recommend 'Mist Lizard' bloodline fragments, which have exceptional adaptability.

Third, the 'Mist Essence' and 'Memory Crystal Powder' medium combination is too rigid. I suggest adding 15% 'Flexible Fluid'.

Lastly, use a specialized Mana Field Circulation System to help the subject gradually adapt and integrate."

This series of suggestions clearly exceeded the other party's initial expectations.

After a brief silence, the reply finally came:

"Your analysis is remarkably sharp.

Especially your insight about the swarm consciousness versus individual consciousness conflict – you've identified the crux.

I happen to have some 'Mist Lizard' blood samples and 'Flexible Fluid'. Would you consider a face-to-face discussion via the quarantine system?

I'll be waiting in Room 3 Special Exchange Chamber."

Luo En felt slightly surprised. While the invitation seemed sudden, it was understandable – written communication often fell short when dealing with complex supernatural matters.

Moreover, after gauging the other party's expertise, he too wished for further discussion.

Guided by the central system, Luo En arrived at the Room 3 Special Exchange Chamber.

It was a semi-transparent space wrapped in special mana barriers, allowing limited visual contact but completely isolating energy fluctuations and spirit detection.

Across the barrier, a hazy human figure had already been waiting.

Through the mana barrier, Luo En could only see a tall, dark-robed outline of a male figure. Facial features were completely obscured by special mana.

"Thank you for accepting the invitation", the figure's voice came through a special device, deliberately distorted.

"I am 'Mistwalker', a scholar researching Abyss bloodlines. Your demonstrated expertise has greatly intrigued me – not everyone can accurately identify the fundamental conflict between swarm consciousness and individual consciousness."

"Studying Abyssal Creature bloodline fusion has been one of my focuses", Luo En replied evenly.

"Regarding the 'Consciousness Anchoring Agent' you mentioned earlier, what's your specific formula?"

The other party suddenly asked, clearly testing Luo En's expertise.

"A standard formula includes Moonlight Stone powder, Soul Grass essence, Memory Crystal fragments, and Star Dew as the foundation", Luo En answered confidently.

"However, when treating Abyssal Creatures, I recommend replacing Moonlight Stone with 'Abyss Quartz' and adding small amounts of 'Dreaming Honey' as a stabilizer. This better adapts to the fluctuating Abyss mana traits."

His answer clearly satisfied the other party, whose posture relaxed slightly.

"You indeed have extensive experience. Regarding my experimental subject, I've attempted stabilization using 'Balancing Crystal' and 'Soul Rope', but effects were limited. How long after introducing 'Mist Lizard' bloodline do you think it will take to see significant stabilization?"

“The success depends on the experimental subject’s foundational state and degree of rejection.”

Luo En pondered briefly before elaborating on the process of his "Bloodline Shaping" skill, transforming its complex mechanics into a highly professional practical explanation:

“Typically, preliminary stabilization occurs within 24 to 48 hours, while complete fusion requires 7 to 10 days. However, the key lies in establishing a gradual adaptation environment, using cyclical mana fields to promote natural integration between bloodlines rather than forcibly suppressing rejection reactions…”

The ensuing discussion lasted nearly two hours as both parties delved deeply into various theoretical and practical aspects of Bloodline Fusion.

Luo En demonstrated exceptional breadth of knowledge through his Encyclopedic Memory trait, while his Bloodline Shaping skill revealed profound practical expertise.

He carefully managed information disclosure—neither deliberately downplaying his abilities nor exposing the unique insights and techniques granted by his skills and traits.

The other party clearly valued this exchange, ultimately declaring:

“Your advice is extremely valuable. As agreed compensation, the Sand Sea Hunter's Eye, Tentacle Suction Cups, and Corrosion Liquid Reservoir will all be yours. I’ll arrange immediate delivery through the system.”

Moments later, three specialized containers appeared on the trading platform.

The most striking was the central transparent sphere containing a terrifying giant eyeball the size of an adult’s head. Its black-scaled surface featured a sinister spiraling pupil that seemed to rotate endlessly, inducing vertigo in observers.

Dozens of thick nerve conduits extended from the eye’s rear, still connected to unidentifiable tissue remnants.

The second container held a writhing mass of black tentacles—the Sand Sea Hunter’s Tentacle Suction Cups. Its surface bristled with countless tiny suckers, while its center featured a horrifying maw lined with serrated teeth. Even quarantined within the container, the appendage continuously writhed as if seeking prey.

The final container held thick, color-shifting liquid—the Corrosion Liquid Reservoir. This was one of the Sand Sea Hunter’s deadliest weapons, capable of secreting potent corrosive substances that dissolved most biological tissues and bones in seconds.

Luo En carefully inspected the three treasures.

Using his Transcendent Perception and Insight traits, he clearly observed the eyeball’s intricate mana flow and its unique Abyss-pollution-to-power conversion mechanism.

“These samples are exceptionally well-preserved, with abundant vitality,” he sincerely remarked. “They will greatly aid my research.”

“Before you depart, may I ask for your name?” the other party suddenly inquired. “I rarely meet fellow practitioners so proficient in Abyssal Bloodline Studies.”

After brief consideration, Luo En decided to share only his surname—a customary courtesy among mages:

“Lalf, from the Black Mist School.”

The figure on the screen seemed to flicker slightly.

“I’ve heard the surname Lalf before. I’m Reynolds. Perhaps we’ll have opportunities for further exchanges under different circumstances.”

Luo En’s mind stirred—he recognized the name instantly. Wasn’t this the Dawn Star Rank Mage the airship administrator mentioned earlier? A fortunate coincidence indeed.

Considering the remote outpost’s limited number of full mages, their encounter made sense.

“Mage Reynolds, it’s my honor to exchange knowledge with you,” Luo En politely responded, already contemplating potential benefits from this “chance meeting.”

Reynolds seemed disinclined to elaborate further, ending the conversation succinctly:

“I hope my materials prove useful to your research. We may meet again soon. Have a pleasant stay in 69th Town.”

As the dialogue concluded, the mana barrier regained its opaque state, obscuring Luo En’s view of his interlocutor.

Such is the value of knowledge!

Satisfied with acquiring three rare Abyssal organs without spending a single coin, Luo En began mentally designing how to integrate them into Chimera’s “Lion’s Head Core.”

These organs contained precisely the Abyssal Adaptability and mana-transformation abilities he required.

After exiting the Silent Market, Luo En reunited with Yisen waiting outside:

“The transaction’s complete. We may depart.”

Yisen visibly relaxed, clearly uneasy in the Shadow District:

“Excellent, Mage Sir. Return directly to the airship, or explore other areas of 69th Town first?”

“Return to the airship,” Luo En decided, his mind already focused on the upcoming experiments.

During the journey, his thoughts circled around the encounter.

Reynolds—a Dawn Star Rank Mage mastering Bloodline Formulation—would soon become his airship neighbor. A rare chance for collaboration, especially as he prepared to enter the unfamiliar Central Lands. Gaining a senior mentor’s acquaintance promised great fortune.

Back aboard the airship, Luo En immediately organized his newly acquired materials. He set up a temporary workstation in his suite’s experimental area, retrieving specialized Preservation Devices to maintain optimal conditions for the Abyssal organs.

As he finished preparations, the service crystal suddenly illuminated:

“Mage Lalf, the captain invites you to the A Deck Reception Room. Mage Reynolds has arrived and wishes to dine with you.”

Smiling knowingly—this “chance meeting” bore fruit quickly—Luo En adjusted his attire to match a full mage’s dignity before heading to the reception chamber.

Elegantly appointed, the chamber featured a central carved round table set with delicacies and fine wine.

The captain—a stout, uniformed man—greeted him at the entrance:

“Mage Lalf, welcome to this small gathering. Mage Reynolds has just boarded, and I thought it an excellent opportunity for two mages to acquaint themselves.”

Nodding politely, Luo En’s gaze shifted past the captain to the room’s interior.

By the table, a tall middle-aged man sipped wine. His deep blue robe bore a mage insignia distinct from Luo En’s.

“Mage Reynolds, this is Mage Lalf from the Black Mist School, currently journeying to the Central Lands,” the captain introduced.

Reynolds slowly turned, revealing sharp features and piercing blue eyes that Luo En found oddly familiar. Their gazes locked—Reynolds’ expression flickered with unmistakable surprise.

“Lalf,” he murmured, astonishment lacing his voice. “Unexpected meeting you here.”

Luo En inwardly smiled—his suspicion confirmed. This Reynolds was indeed the “Mistwalker” from the Shadow District.

“Mage Reynolds,” the younger mage greeted with friendly warmth. “I believe we briefly crossed paths in 69th Town earlier?”

Reynolds’ brows lifted slightly, a faint smile emerging. “It seems our mutual ‘caution’ feels somewhat excessive in this small setting.”

Unaware of the subtle exchange, the captain chuckled heartily: “Excellent! You already know each other. This journey shall be more enjoyable. Please, enjoy the dinner—I’ve prepared some airship specialties.”

Both had completed the Transcendent Leap, so consuming ordinary food amounted to mere table etiquette.

“Mage Reynolds, I’ve heard you possess unique insights regarding Abyssal Creatures,” Luo En casually remarked after a few bites, initiating an appropriate discussion topic.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end