Chapter 261: "Normal Treatment"

Chapter 261: "Normal Treatment"

She retrieved a small crystal card from her Storage Bag:

"This is the concierge's contact card. Simply infuse it with mana, and you'll establish direct communication with the responsible personnel. Under normal circumstances, they'll arrange a personal meeting within 48 hours."

Luo En accepted the card and delicately channeled a thread of mana into it for testing. The card immediately emitted a warm blue glow, confirming successful activation.

He stored the card in his own Storage Bag while mentally organizing his next moves.

"Madam Mei Lani, I have one final question", Luo En said calmly.

"Where in this city can I access the most recent and comprehensive academic resources? I'm particularly interested in Abyss research and bloodline studies."

"Regarding academic knowledge", Mei Lani smiled slightly.

"Dawnport's 'Aurora Library' houses one of the most complete public academic databases in the Abyssal Continent Cluster, especially for non-restricted Abyss research materials. As for bloodline studies, you'll likely need to visit the 'Institute of Life' in the eastern district. They specialize in various bloodline theories and applications."

She paused briefly before adding:

"Of course, if you're willing to wait for the School Alliance's arrangements, they could provide deeper and more comprehensive resources. The Bloodline Research Institute at Crystal Spire might possess the most advanced bloodline studies facilities across the entire Abyssal Continent Cluster."

Luo En memorized this information while mentally mapping out his initial exploration route.

First, familiarize himself with the surrounding environment and adapt to the mana atmosphere of the Central Lands. Then head to the library to obtain foundational materials, preparing for future in-depth research.

"Thank you sincerely for your assistance, Madam Mei Lani", Luo En said earnestly.

"I hope to repay your warm hospitality someday."

Mei Lani performed a slight bow.

"Servicing a primordial mage is my honor. Should you require anything, simply activate the communication crystal in the villa, and I'll attend to you immediately."

After Mei Lani's departure, Luo En finally had the opportunity to thoroughly inspect his temporary residence.

The courtyard residence was more spacious than its exterior suggested, clearly utilizing some form of spatial expansion spell.

The first floor contained an elegant yet understated reception area and living room;

The second floor featured three bedrooms and a small Meditation Chamber;

The third floor housed a fully-equipped alchemy laboratory, which, while not top-tier, surpassed his workshop at Black Mist Academy in sophistication.

"Master, all your luggage has been delivered."

Ai Lan's voice came from behind, her jade-green form glowing vibrant in the sunlight.

"Daire has already settled in as well. She loves her new Crystal Tank and says the water here 'contains a comfortable type of mana.'"

Luo En nodded slightly. "Good. Help me organize the laboratory. I need to establish an appropriate working environment as soon as possible."

The Emerald Courtyard's laboratory proved even more spacious than Luo En had imagined. Three entire walls were lined with alchemical tools and reagent cabinets.

The central area featured a massive experimentation table crafted from a special black mineral, its edges surrounded by softly glowing runes.

"This experimentation table's material is far more luxurious than my Black Mist workshop's."

His fingers traced the runes, sensing the flowing mana.

"It seems to be made from Nightshade Stone, which perfectly isolates external mana reactions..."

To his knowledge, not even Black Mist Academy's highest-level laboratories contained experimentation tables made of this material.

Such advanced configuration in a temporary residence within Dawnport, an "edge city", further demonstrated the Central Lands' abundant resources.

"Master, should I unpack all the equipment from the luggage?" Ai Lan stood nearby, her jade-green eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Luo En considered briefly before shaking his head.

"Just take out the foundational testing tools and commonly-used materials. Keep critical items in the Storage Bag for now."

Although the villa seemed secure with multiple Protective Formations, he maintained his habitual caution.

On the first day in a new environment, he wouldn't recklessly expose all his possessions, even in seemingly friendly circumstances.

"And place the Abyss materials we obtained in Town 69 into that quarantine cabinet, sealing it with the highest-level restrictions."

He pointed to a specialized storage cabinet in the laboratory corner, its interior lined with multiple rune locks.

Ai Lan nodded, already accustomed to her master's precautionary mindset.

After arranging the most essential luggage, Luo En headed to the third-floor balcony.

Evening Dawnport wore a golden-red sunset cloak. The distant towers shimmered under the setting sun like a forest composed of light and mana.

He retrieved a small crystal and gently infused it with mana.

The crystal immediately glowed, projecting a hexagonal mana screen displaying communication establishment messages.

Unlike ordinary mana message boards, this specially-crafted Ternary Communication Crystal enabled long-distance real-time conversation—an exceptional alchemical creation.

The runes on the projection flickered, revealing Madame Ellen's aged visage.

Seeing Luo En's image, the face that usually wore a frown softened into a rare smile.

"So the young upstart finally remembered to contact this old hag."

Madame Ellen's voice still carried its familiar sharpness, though her tone betrayed hidden concern.

"It seems Central Lands' air suits you reasonably well."

Luo En's lips curved slightly.

"Madam, you also look well. From the background scenery, you've already left Black Mist Jungle far behind."

"Hmph, your eyesight remains decent."

Madame Ellen raised an eyebrow.

"We've reached Falu Kekingdom's border and are preparing to cross Dragon Spine Mountains. If everything progresses smoothly, we'll see Emerald Great Forest's outline in another two weeks."

In the projection, the scenery behind Madame Ellen showed open grasslands.

In the distance, the famous Dragon Spine Mountains stretched—a range named for its resemblance to the spine of a dormant dragon.

"Has the journey proceeded smoothly?" Luo En asked.

Madame Ellen emitted a soft chuckle.

"Far more smoothly than I anticipated. You young rascal actually accumulated such extensive connections in such a short time. Those Lizardfolk even provided full escort."

"Lizardfolk?" Luo En frowned slightly before realization dawned. "You mean the tribes from Snake Scales Swamp?"

"Precisely." Madame Ellen narrowed her eyes.

"I originally prepared for battle against those cunning and cruel Lizardfolk in the swamp, expecting my hands to stain with blood."

She shook her head lightly, her tone carrying some disbelief.

"But as soon as we reached the swamp's edge, we encountered an escort party led by Kazak. They claimed they'd received prior notice from Black Mist Academy about our close relationship with 'Luo Enmage,' so they came to provide protection."

Luo En paused slightly. "Kazak is that old Lizardfolk who attended the Potion Master Examination?"

"Exactly, it's him."

Madame Ellen's eyes gleamed with scrutiny.

"As soon as that fellow saw us, he launched into endless stories about how you demonstrated astounding alchemical innate talent during the exam, and how you traded improved potion formulas that elevated his tribe's healing capabilities to a new level."

Madame Ellen suddenly let out a light chuckle:

"It seems you've not only built connections in human society, but also won over certain non-human species."

Luo En smiled faintly. During the Potion Master assessment, he'd indeed crossed paths briefly with Kazak. They'd maintained contact afterward, exchanging foundational improvement potion recipes for stable swamp material supply channels. He hadn't expected such a simple reciprocal relationship to prove so crucial in this situation.

"Kazak was just the beginning", Madame Ellen continued, her tone teasing. "Once we crossed the swamp and reached the kingdom border, we were greeted by a royal guard detachment. The new King Andie himself issued orders to grant us the highest level of hospitality and escort."

"Andie?" Luo En's eyebrows lifted. "He's been formally enthroned already?"

"Not only that, but reportedly performing quite admirably", Madame Ellen gave him a meaningful glance. "The Falu Ke border remains stable. I've heard the new king introduced a revolutionary bloodline enhancement training system in the military that's keeping neighboring countries at bay."

Luo En understood immediately - that training system was connected to the cultivation techniques and potion recipes he'd left behind when departing.

"That brat Andie even gifted us a half-blood earth dragon beast", Madame Ellen continued, her eyes gleaming. "This creature's perfect for crossing the Dragon Spine Mountains. Without this gift, we'd have needed twice the time to take the safe detour route."

Luo En felt warmth in his chest as he listened to these unexpected yet reasonable developments. These past encounters were now becoming blessings protecting his master's journey. This indirect reciprocity brought him quiet satisfaction.

"How's Liliya doing?" he asked suddenly, his voice carrying subtle concern.

Madame Ellen's expression softened. "That girl's stronger than I imagined. She was devastated at first, like a soulless shadow. But gradually, she found some motivation to move forward."

A trace of pride flickered in her eyes. "Recently, she's been studying alchemy more diligently than ever before - even burning the midnight oil reading foundational texts. Last night I accidentally saw her in her tent, so focused it reminded me of your old self."

"Please greet her for me", Luo En said simply, as usual.

"You can tell her yourself when you have the chance", Madame Ellen huffed lightly. "I'm not some messenger between lovebirds."

Suddenly, the old woman lowered her voice, seriousness creeping in. "There's something I must warn you about Central Lands - be wary of those showing excessive enthusiasm toward primordial mages."

Luo En immediately tensed, his gaze locking onto the projection. "What do you mean?"

"Some factions in Central Lands crave a primordial mage's 'Boon' desperately, especially high-level mages suffering severe spiritual contamination. They'll go to any lengths to trick prodigies into signing unequal Contracts, turning them into personal 'mana sources.'"

Luo En's brows furrowed deeply. This confirmed his previous knowledge - his unique status was both opportunity and danger in Central Lands.

"However", her tone eased slightly, "now that you're officially a primordial mage, the Lich King Edict's protective constraints prevent forced Contracts. They can only use temptations or deceit. Given your cautious nature, I trust no further reminders are needed."

"Rest assured, madam", Luo En nodded gravely. "I'll never rashly sign any Contract involving 'Boon.'"

"Also, you've met Old Valen and that boy Eliot. They're at least trustworthy", Madame Ellen added.

They discussed more practical details about Central Lands - handling relationships with various schools and ideal locations for private research.

Before ending the half-hour conversation, Madame Ellen's expression softened unusually. "Remember, boy, never abandon your principles for difficulties. Power only holds meaning when you control it - otherwise, you're just someone else's tool."

Luo En nodded deeply. This aligned with his core belief. "I'll keep your teachings close, madam. May your journey with Liliya be smooth, and may wisdom's light always guide your path."

For once, the old woman didn't retort with sarcasm, merely nodding slightly. "Take care."

After the transmission ended, Luo En stood on the balcony gazing at dusk-lit Dawnport, his heart in tumult.

Over the next several hours, he contacted Hayaek, Soren, and Youni. They all expressed concern about his situation at Crystal Spire.

"Young man, Central Lands has countless resources and opportunities our peripheral schools lack", Hayaek's image flickered faintly in the crystal orb. "But remember - every opportunity bears a corresponding cost."

"Master Valen's a good man. Now that you've ascended, despite clan obligations, he'll remain firm on principles", Hayaek added, his aged face showing trust in his old friend. "That boy Eliot, though young, has his own convictions. With them, things should be better than I feared."

Soren was more direct: "If their Contract terms are too harsh, reject them outright. With your primordial mage status and innate talent, even without Crystal Spire's backing, countless schools will open their doors to you."

Youni offered practical advice: "First understand their true intentions. Crystal Spire has many factions with tangled interests. While Master Valen and Eliot belong to the relatively moderate faction, numerous unseen powers are vying behind them."

The mentors' consistent counsel helped Luo En form clearer judgments.

...

In Crystal Spire's highest chamber, a grand circular meeting hall, a crystalline orb floated midair projecting multiple figures.

Though hailing from different places, they gathered for one shared topic.

"Confirmed? Has the new primordial mage truly arrived?" A deep, authoritative voice emerged from mist-shrouded shadows.

"Confirmed without doubt", another figure replied. His younger, energetic voice carried through the chamber. "Dawnport's mana screening gates gave golden feedback."

"Fascinating. Very fascinating", a third voice - unmistakably female - chimed in. "In this era, for someone to truly walk the True Path and ascend as a primordial mage... This itself is a miracle."

"You've all seen young Mei Lani's report", a fourth figure rasped. "According to measurements, this young mage's Mana Fluctuation is... extraordinary."

A heavy silence settled over the chamber.

Finally, the authoritative voice spoke again: "I just contacted the Tower Lord, seeking her opinion and advice on this newcomer."

This immediately drew everyone's attention. All gazes fixed on him, waiting for the crucial revelation.

"Her reply was brief - only one sentence..." He paused, as if savoring the weight of those words.

"'Treat normally.'"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end