Chapter 274: The Twelve Sages and the Four Pillars

Chapter 274: The Twelve Sages and the Four Pillars

"Come in", Luo En said without looking up, continuing to organize the neatly stacked manuscripts on his desk.

These were his research notes from recent studies on various designs and calculations regarding the Simulation Combat Device.

Once he completed his research on this mobile device, he would summarize his findings and exchange them for contribution points.

The door opened, and Franca's somewhat stiff voice floated in:

"Lord Lalfmage, Prince Eve has invited you to the Jade Pavilion. As agreed, today is our day for discussion."

Indeed, today marked his regular meeting time with Eve.

Intensive research and analysis had dulled his sense of time's passage.

"Thank you for the reminder, Franca."

He looked up and carefully stored a stack of important notes into his Storage Bag:

"I'll be ready in a moment."

The half-dragon maid nodded slightly, her silver-gray eyes maintaining their usual vigilance.

Yet upon closer inspection, there seemed to be a rare trace of relaxation in her gaze.

Luo En noticed this subtle shift in her demeanor but didn't ask.

Ten minutes later, they left the instructor's residential area and stepped onto the streets.

Luo En immediately sensed the atmosphere today was unusually festive.

Colorful ribbons and crystal decorations adorned the streetlights, while intricately decorated flowerpots and ornaments decorated the building entrances.

The air carried a pleasant, sweet fragrance.

The most noticeable change were the temporary stalls lining the roads, bustling with crowds and filled with laughter - a clear sign of festival preparations.

"Is there something special happening these days?"

Luo En asked, glancing at a stall displaying peculiar pastries.

The sweets actually changed colors in response to surrounding Mana Fluctuations, appearing almost alive.

Franca's lips curved in a rare smile:

"In a few days it will be the Blue Sun Memorial Festival, one of the most important celebrations in the Central Lands. People have already started preparing."

Seeing Luo En's curious expression, she elaborated:

"Blue Sun was the greatest among the Ancient Alchemists, listed among the Twelve Sage Records, and a key figure in the Creator's Season."

"Blue Sun? The one who pioneered the bloodlineformulation science that created autophagic slime mold?"

Luo En raised his eyebrows. He certainly knew of this Third Era figure.

"As a professionmodifier, you should frequently use autophagic slime mold in experiments. I suppose no further explanation is needed."

Franca nodded affirmatively.

They continued walking, and as they passed a small plaza, Luo En noticed an exquisite stone statue standing at its center.

It depicted a middle-aged man in ancient robes, holding a test tube. His expression was calm and wise, eyes gleaming with curiosity and thirst for discovery.

The statue's plinth bore the inscription: "Blue Sun Hevitt - Explorer of Life."

Luo En stopped to examine the sculpture. Though made from plain stone, the craftsmanship was extraordinary.

The figure seemed almost alive, endlessly observing the mysteries of life within the test tube.

"In the Central Lands, we've always maintained the tradition of honoring mage sages", Franca explained, following Luo En's gaze.

"Each of the twelve months corresponds to one of the Twelve Sages who made great contributions to mage civilization. This serves both as tribute and as a way to inherit their wisdom and spirit."

Luo En nodded in agreement:

"An excellent tradition. Coming from a peripheral school, I was unfamiliar with this custom."

"There's more", Franca continued, her voice unusually animated:

"Besides the Twelve Sages corresponding to the twelve months, we divide the year into four quarters, each governed by one of the 'Great Ones'. Together they form a complete cycle."

"The Great Ones' seasons?" Luo En caught the key term, intrigued.

Franca nodded and led Luo En to a fountain at the plaza's edge.

At the fountain's center stood four monumental figures back-to-back, each exuding an indescribable aura of majesty.

"Among all the Great Ones, only four possess independent titles - 'Primordial', 'Creator', 'Apocalypse', and 'Death's End'."

Franca's voice brimmed with reverence:

"They represent the eternal cycle of beginning, building, enlightenment, and ending - the Four Pillars of our entire mage civilization."

She pointed to one statue.

It depicted a tall figure with indistinct features, hands cradling countless stars as if nurturing a new universe.

"'Primordial' - the origin of mages, the source of all laws. Legend says magecraft began with Him. He is both the first mage and the ultimate master of the mage path.

The first quarter - known as 'Origin Quarter' - corresponds with rebirth and beginnings."

Next she indicated the second statue.

A figure with outstretched hands, from which rose countless structures and artifacts.

"'Creator', the shaper of all things, guardian of structure and order. He transformed raw Chaosmana into organized forms.

The second quarter - 'Creation Quarter'. We are currently in this period, representing construction and innovation."

The third statue showed a mysterious figure surrounded by floating knowledge runes, holding a scroll.

"'Apocalypse', the transmitter of wisdom's light, revealer of knowledge. He perceives the essence of all things, uncovering the deepest mysteries.

The third quarter - 'Awakening Quarter', corresponding with realization and inheritance."

The final statue depicted an indistinct figure in a black robe wielding a scythe. Though faceless, the presence exuded boundless solemnity.

"'Death's End', the conclusion of cycles and the beginning of new possibilities. He governs all endings while nurturing new potential.

The fourth quarter - 'Termination Quarter', corresponding with quietude and transformation."

Of course, these statues merely capture faint echoes of the Sages' and Great Ones' mortal forms. Their Phantom Huskforms and higher transcendent states could never be fully captured by sculptors.

Franca gently touched the fountain's crystal decorations, her eyes glowing with passion:

"These Four Great Ones have transcended the boundaries of Lich Kings, their existence becoming symbols, ideals.

Other Lich Kings, no matter how powerful, can only be named after their specialties or achievements - 'Absurdist King', 'King of Mirage', 'King of Blood', and so forth."

Luo En listened quietly, his mind racing.

This practice of linking the mightiest Great Ones to time cycles not only expressed reverence for power but also revealed the mage civilization's understanding of cosmic laws.

Origin, construction, enlightenment, termination - an eternal cycle like the universe's own breath.

"By the way", Luo En asked thoughtfully, "why does the Central Lands divide time this way instead of following the conventional four seasons or wet/dry seasons used elsewhere?"

Franca gestured toward the floating mana ribbons resembling rivers in the sky:

"As you've probably noticed, the Central Lands have no traditional seasonal changes due to the abnormally active mana.

Temperature, humidity, and light remain relatively constant, making natural changes unreliable for perceiving time's passage."

A trace of pride entered her voice:

"So our ancestors created this time system based on the Sages and Great Ones. It serves both to honor these great beings and to provide humanity with a means to perceive the flow of time."

Luo En nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with approval.

"Combining reverence with practicality is indeed a clever solution."

The two continued walking, passing through several elaborately decorated streets.

Luo En kept noticing various displays and celebrations dedicated to Blance. There were temporary experiment booths where commoners could observe foundational alchemy reactions up close; performers dressed as Blance recounted tales of the ancient sage; and most notably, countless foods and decorations themed around autophagic slime mold.

Particularly eye-catching were the intricately crafted "Autophagic Slime Mold Pastries." These desserts not only resembled their namesake in appearance but also changed color with shifts in temperature and the surrounding environment, transitioning from pale green to deep purple in endlessly fascinating ways.

"Those pastries are fascinating", Luo En remarked, pointing at a stall displaying colorful sweets. "They remind me of the real autophagic slime mold from my own experiments."

"This is also a way to honor Alchemist Blance", Franca explained. "After all, autophagic slime mold was one of his greatest inventions. It revolutionized bloodline studies—without it, modern bloodline research might have lagged behind by at least an entire era."

Luo En pondered for a moment before asking, "How long does the official festival last?"

"Three days", Franca replied. "The most important event is the Triennial 'Rainbow Ring' competition, where bloodline modifiers from across the region showcase their talents in bloodline formulation. According to tradition, Mentors from the Crystal Spire and some outstanding High Apprentices are eligible to participate."

"Sounds intriguing", Luo En said, clearly interested. "How does the competition work?"

"Competitors receive identical foundational materials and a clear formulation objective, then must complete a bloodline formulation within the allotted time", Franca explained. "The evaluation criteria depend on the color transformation of the autophagic slime mold, which determines the success level." Pausing, she added meaningfully, "The Prince believes you should join. She says it’s an excellent opportunity to display your talents."

Luo En smiled but didn’t respond immediately.

As they spoke, they arrived at the Jade Pavilion. Unlike usual, the building had been decorated for the festival. Delicate crystal wind chimes hung at the entrance, tinkling in the breeze; the courtyard bloomed with rare alchemy flowers, their petals glowing in vibrant hues; even the guardian colossus automaton wore festive garlands, softening the building’s usual solemnity.

Eve awaited them in the parlor, dressed today in a light blue gown. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall over her shoulders, and her amethyst eyes seemed even brighter than usual.

"Lal'f Mentor!" Eve rose at once as Luo En entered, her face glowing with unrestrained delight. "You look remarkably energetic today."

Luo En gave a slight nod, keenly noting Eve’s improved condition. She indeed seemed better than usual—her complexion rosy, movements light, and her voice stronger.

"Is the Prince in such high spirits because of the upcoming festival?" Luo En asked, his tone warm.

"Yes, but there’s more. Let me keep it a secret for now." Eve’s gaze shifted to the elegant device Luo En had brought—the "Silent Furnace" she’d lent him before.

"The 'Silent Furnace' exceeded expectations", Luo En said with a smile. "No wonder it’s a treasure of the Crown Clan. Time to return it."

"I’m glad it could help", Eve replied, gesturing for Luo En to sit before turning to Franca. "Please prepare some tea and pastries, thank you."

Franca bowed and quietly left the room.

Once the footsteps faded and solitude returned, Eve’s demeanor grew serious.

"Today, I’d like to share some core knowledge with you", she said softly, her amethyst eyes gleaming with wisdom. "The true mysteries of Historians and Astrologers."

Luo En straightened, his anticipation clear. "I’m all ears."

"Before we begin, I must warn you", Eve’s voice dropped, carrying rare gravity. "This knowledge carries 'weight,' exerting pressure on one’s spirit and potentially causing contamination. This is partly why Historian and Astrology practices never became mainstream magecraft."

Luo En recalled the discomfort he’d felt reading the Abyssal Life Compendium, the repeated warnings about spiritual oppression.

"I understand. Peering into stars or history tends to attract unwanted attention." Indeed, such incidents had plagued his cultivation of The Murmuring of the Star Devourer since its inception. He was prepared.

"Precisely", Eve nodded approvingly. "These techniques require strict control over dissemination, or they risk triggering large-scale mutations and contamination. Some of mage history’s most catastrophic collective mutations stemmed from reckless sharing of such knowledge."

She retrieved an ancient wooden box from beneath the table, gently opening it. Inside, a thin booklet lay nestled in black velvet. Its yellowed cover bore no title, yet faint patterns seemed to ripple across its surface.

"This came from my grandfather—Professor Eutel", Eve whispered, cautiously lifting the booklet. "It details foundational yet core star-gazing techniques, especially how to shield oneself from ancient beings’ notice while probing celestial secrets."

Flipping open the pages, she revealed intricate symbols and diagrams. "Stargazing isn’t merely observing celestial transformations—it’s a way to communicate with higher-dimensional consciousness. Behind every star, there may lurk an indescribable entity. Most ignore us, but some… take interest in those who gaze at the stars."

As Luo En took the booklet, he felt a subtle pressure building in his mind. The text seemed alive, its ink crawling across the page, each symbol carrying weight, imprinting itself onto his consciousness.

The booklet meticulously detailed star-observation techniques and how to interpret celestial patterns. Unlike conventional stellar research, it focused on unseen "gaps" and "interfaces" between stars—voids not truly empty, but hiding ancient presences.

One passage caught Luo En’s attention:

"When you gaze at the stars, remember—never directly stare into the ‘dark regions’…"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end