Chapter 256: Harpy

Chapter 256: Harpy

"Hmph, the same could be said for you, Young Lalfmage. Your bloodline formulation theory demonstrates depth far beyond your years."

Reynolds didn't respond directly, merely swirling the wine in his glass. Ice clinked against the glass with crisp clarity.

The ship captain nodded vaguely nearby, his face frozen in a polite smile despite struggling to comprehend the technical discussion.

After a moment, he courteously refilled the two mages' glasses before discreetly retreating to give them privacy.

"Especially your insights regarding consciousness conflicts in multiple bloodline fusions",

he tapped his fingertip on the table, subtly activating a sound-dampening spell to ensure their conversation remained private,

"I must admit this was a critical aspect I previously overlooked.

My focus had been too narrowly fixed on physical rejection reactions, neglecting the deeper consciousness-level conflicts."

Luo En gave a slight nod.

"Physical rejection is more tangible - measurable through instruments and observation. Consciousness conflicts run deeper.

In my experiments, I observed that even when tissue rejection was successfully resolved, experimental subjects could still enter fragmented states due to consciousness-level conflicts."

His explanation blended theoretical rigor with practical grounding - a balance many young mages struggled to achieve.

Reynolds nodded in agreement. "Precisely. My experimental subject has shown marked stabilization since following your suggestions.

Especially after incorporating the 'Mist Lizard' bloodline as a harmonizing agent - that approach was particularly ingenious. Its natural adaptability created the perfect buffer zone for the entire bloodline system."

Luo En sipped his wine, gazing out the window at the darkening sky.

"The 'Mist Lizard', as an adaptation specialist in marginal ecosystems, evolved specialized physiological structures allowing stability amidst environmental upheaval. When transformed into a bloodline medium, these traits can similarly smooth intense bloodline conflicts."

"Your understanding in this area surpasses mine by far."

Reynolds' tone carried genuine professional admiration.

"To be honest, encountering a fellow bloodline scholar with such profound comprehension in this remote region has been an unexpected pleasure."

He set his glass down, his gaze following the shifting twilight outside.

The deep purple sky already displayed its first stars - brighter and more mysterious than usual in this special location, the Abyss Edge.

"Actually, I have my own objectives for rushing to the Central Lands after returning from my Abyss exploration."

Reynolds' voice turned deeper, more measured.

His eyes grew distant, as if piercing through the night outside toward some impossibly distant place.

Luo En's spiritual senses sharpened. He didn't press, simply waiting patiently.

"Have you ever heard of the 'Abyss Observatory' institution?"

Reynolds' gaze returned to the young mage opposite him, his tone cautiously probing.

Luo En's mind stirred - this was exactly the organization he'd learned about from the bulletin board.

"I've heard passing mention", he lifted his eyebrows slightly. "Isn't it the Crystal Spire's expanding Abyss observation network? Overseen by an Archmage? Though details remain scarce to me."

"Exactly." Reynolds nodded.

"The 'Abyss Observatory' operates as an academic institution on the surface, but secretly bears responsibility for monitoring and controlling Abyss expansion."

His voice dipped lower, though the sound-dampening spell remained active, discussing such sensitive matters still triggered instinctive caution:

"Recently, the observatory detected abnormal activity at the Abyss boundary. Particularly in the Seventh Layer's 'Soul Abyss', energy fluctuations have become extremely unstable. This fluctuation pattern differs completely from our previous cyclical patterns - exhibiting a regular, escalating rhythm."

A rare trace of concern appeared in Reynolds' eyes:

"To address this potential crisis, the observatory is urgently recruiting Full Mages with specialized skills to form dedicated research teams."

Luo En's expression remained impassive, but his mind raced with calculations:

"So you're headed there to apply for this position?"

"Correct." Reynolds admitted candidly.

"With my expertise in Abyssal Creatures and bloodline formulation, I hope to provide professional support to the observatory.

Particularly regarding Abyssal Creature adaptability and evolutionary mechanisms - I have some unique insights to contribute."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze burning as he studied Luo En:

"This is why, Lalfmage, considering your extraordinary talent in bloodline formulation, especially your precise grasp of Abyssal Creature bloodlines, I believe you'd be an ideal candidate for this role."

Reynolds' voice carried sincerity:

"A talent so young to reach Full Mage status, yet possessing such profound academic insight - exactly the fresh blood the observatory needs."

Luo En remained outwardly calm, already rapidly evaluating the opportunity's value and potential risks:

"It certainly sounds intriguing. I do maintain considerable interest in Abyss ecology research."

Reynolds smiled slightly, adding:

"Even better. Perhaps we might become colleagues sooner than later."

Luo En weighed various possibilities in his mind.

The "Abyss Observatory" operated as a Crystal Spire branch under an Archmage's supervision.

This would grant access to greater knowledge, rare Abyss materials and technologies - all potentially advancing his "Furnace Conceptualization" research.

"If the opportunity arises, I'd gladly learn more."

Luo En carefully expressed his interest while maintaining professional distance:

"Though currently I must complete some personal research - refining the conceptualization for a special Simulation Combat Device."

"Of course, every mage follows their own research direction and plan."

Reynolds nodded understandingly:

"Upon reaching the Central Lands, if you're interested, I can introduce you to some observatory personnel. Whether you ultimately join or not, such exchanges would benefit your research."

"In that case, I'll thank you in advance." Luo En gave a slight nod.

Their academic discussion continued for a long time.

From bloodline theory to Abyss exploration experiences, from cultivation insights to observations of the Central Lands - no topic was left untouched.

The deep exchange with this seasoned Abyss explorer proved highly beneficial to Luo En.

Particularly those firsthand accounts of actual expeditions through the Abyss layers - invaluable knowledge no textbook could provide.

As they parted ways, they naturally exchanged communication insignias.

When Luo En returned to his suite, moonlight already bathed the entire cabin.

Standing by the window, he gazed at the endless night sky and scattered stars.

The "Star Projection" trait activated automatically.

A continuous stream of stellar mana flowed into his body through an invisible bridge, nourishing his spiritual energy and mana core.

"Abyss Observatory..." A contemplative gleam shone in Luo En's eyes. "Perhaps that will be my next destination."

He turned around, resuming his Simulation Combat Device design research until the first wisp of morning sunlight pierced through the clouds.

In the following days, the airship sailed smoothly toward the Central Lands.

Luo En spent most of his time in his suite studying materials acquired from Town 69 and Sand Sea Hunter organs.

Occasionally, he would engage in discussions with Reynolds on the deck or in the dining hall.

Besides this, Luo En also dedicated time to perfecting the design of his Simulation Combat Device.

With the special materials obtained from Town 69 - particularly the precious Crystal Stones that stabilized soul fragments - the core issue with the device had been resolved.

Once combined with an appropriate mana circulation system, it would create a compact yet fully functional personal training arena.

Time passed day by day as the airship traversed most of the Abyss's peripheral regions, gradually approaching the Crystal Archipelago - the final stop before reaching the Central Lands.

"……"

"Dawnwalker" cut through high-altitude clouds, its hull gleaming radiantly under sunlight like an elegant sky leviathan.

The runes along both sides of the airship pulsed rhythmically as the vessel advanced, emitting soft blue light that provided stable buoyancy and forward propulsion.

After days of sailing, the airship had left behind the gray, oppressive area known as the Abyss Edge. Ahead lay a vast expanse of crystal-clear azure waters - the Endless Sea.

On the horizon where sea and sky met, the vague outline of land became visible - the Crystal Archipelago, the final stop before reaching the Central Lands.

Named for its distinctive semi-transparent rocks, the archipelago's stone formations would display colorful halos when illuminated by sunlight, resembling scattered gemstones across the ocean surface.

The islands featured pleasant weather and diverse ecosystems, primarily inhabited by merfolk and various aquatic supernatural races.

They maintained close trade with the Central Lands, transporting Endless Sea treasures inland while bringing back exquisite Central Lands craftsmanship to the islands.

On the stargazing deck, Luo En stood alone leaning against the railing, gazing toward the gradually sharpening outline of the islands in the distance.

Morning breeze brushed his face, carrying the refreshing saltiness unique to the ocean.

Mana fluctuation above the Endless Sea was significantly more stable than at the Abyss Edge, yet far richer than in the Black Mist Jungle.

Especially when activating the "stellar projection" trait at night.

He could feel the additional enhancement from reflected starlight across the sea surface - a sensation both unfamiliar and wondrous.

"According to the voyage log, we'll arrive at the Crystal Main Island's Berthing Tower in about half a day."

A steady voice came from behind. Luo En turned to see Reynolds approaching.

The middle-aged mage now wore a silver belt embedded with dozens of tiny crystals - an alchemical item that enhanced Water Element spells, demonstrating his senior mage status.

"Reynolds mage."

Luo En nodded slightly, a faint smile in his eyes. "May I ask if you've visited the Crystal Archipelago before?"

After several days of interaction, the two mages had established a harmonious rapport.

Luo En had gained extensive firsthand knowledge about the Central Lands and Abyss research, while Reynolds deeply admired the young mage's insights into bloodline studies.

"Visited a few times."

Reynolds joined Luo En at the railing, his gaze also settling on the distant islands.

"The Crystal Archipelago hosts the richest aquatic materials market across the Endless Sea. You can find almost every deep-sea treasure there - from storm whale fin bones to Abyss Trench bioluminescent algae. Truly all-encompassing."

He paused, eyes flashing with reminiscence.

"Especially the 'Coral Market' on the main island. It houses the most complete collection of treasures in the entire Endless Sea region. Many antiques even date back to the Second Era.

If you're interested in these things, it's absolutely worth visiting."

"Sounds indeed intriguing."

Luo En replied softly, already beginning to consider plans in his mind.

Recent observations of Daire revealed that while Little Siren had obtained a relatively pure Gold-Ring Siren bloodline, there was still room for improvement.

Especially her occasional affinity toward Wind Element - a direction worth deeper exploration.

If he could find suitable enhancement materials, perhaps he could construct an even more perfected bloodline system for her.

As the two conversed, a subtle energy fluctuation suddenly rippled through the air.

It was an extremely primal and wild pulse of vitality.

Like untamed beast breathing, forming invisible ripples across the high sky.

Both mages simultaneously halted their conversation, expressions turning vigilant.

Luo En narrowed his eyes slightly, his spiritual energy extending outward like invisible tendrils, quickly pinpointing the source of the energy fluctuation.

It originated from a group of flying creatures southeast of their position, their mana signatures carrying strong bestial characteristics and unusually intense lust.

"Detected it?"

Reynolds asked in a low voice, his blue eyes sharpening like an eagle's. His fingers had already slipped into his sleeves, ready to draw his wand at any moment.

"That chaotic energy fluctuation."

"Echidna women. It should be their mating season."

Luo En's gaze fixed on the distant horizon, where dark specks could be seen rapidly approaching.

"And quite a few of them. At least three to four dozen."

Wind flowed between the two men, carrying a faintly sweet, cloying scent.

It was the pheromonal signals unique to the echidna women, which became exceptionally potent during mating season.

He hesitated briefly, recalling records from the "Encyclopedia of Supernatural Beings" about echidna women.

"Mating season echidna women secrete special pheromones that intensely stimulate their desires.

Simultaneously causing them to lose basic rationality, making them indiscriminately pursue any male for mating."

His gaze swept across the deck where numerous male passengers admired the scenery.

"With so many male passengers' scents combined, this airship becomes the most potent lure for mating season echidna women."

Reynolds' expression turned grave.

"If left unchecked, they might tear through the airship's outer protective wards."

The two exchanged a glance, an unspoken understanding forming instantly.

"I'll handle capture, you handle restraint?"

Luo En suggested softly, already considering the bloodline essence of these echidna women.

He happened to be short on materials recently.

Surprise flickered in Reynolds' eyes.

"Do you have a method to subdue them without killing? Mating season echidna women are notorious for their madness and fearlessness toward death."

"I happen to have a suitable spell system. Let's act first - time is rather urgent."

Luo En peered through a small porthole at the rapidly approaching dark specks.

Their forms were now clearly visible - human female upper bodies with smooth skin and full breasts;

Eagle-like wings and sharp talons for the lower half, key areas covered in glossy chestnut feathers.

Most striking were their eyes - no rationality, no thought, only endless desire burning like molten lava in deep red hues.

Reynolds withdrew an ancient-looking staff from his sleeve.

Crafted entirely from some silver-white metal and inlaid with blue crystals, it gleamed radiantly under sunlight.

Meanwhile, Luo En's gaze turned sharply focused, spiritual energy surging like a tide toward his fingertips.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end