Chapter 275: Mysticist

Chapter 275: Mysticist

"Never respond to fluctuations in strange starlight;
Never attempt to comprehend the 'whispers' that abruptly intrude upon your mind.
These are signs of higher-dimensional beings trying to connect with lower-dimensional consciousness. Once you respond, you will be forever lost within the endless starry abyss."

As he read, Luo En's forehead began to bead with sweat, yet his gaze remained intensely focused, not missing a single detail.
These dangerous yet profound insights into the universe's essence revealed increasingly grand and bizarre "truths" with every page.

"Can you feel it? That subtle pressure?"
Eve asked softly, her amethyst eyes gleaming with concern.
"This is the 'weight' of knowledge. For many advanced occult disciplines, this pressure becomes a constant companion. As your studies deepen, the pressure intensifies until it becomes a perpetual background hum."

Luo En gently closed the booklet, taking a deep breath to steady his racing heart.
"It's true. This sensation feels... similar yet different from reading Abyss-related archival records. Those Abyss manuscripts brought oppression from exotic space, but this booklet feels like whispers directly from the Time River itself."

"Their essences are indeed similar", Eve explained.
"Abyss research deals with spatial distortions, while astrology and history involve peering through time. Space and time are merely two sides of the same coin."

She retrieved a second, thicker booklet from the chest.
Its cover was made of peculiar leather that seemed to writhe subtly in the light, as though it were the hide of some living creature.

"This is the core entry-level text on historiography", Eve said cautiously, placing it carefully on the table.
"History isn't just recorded past events—it's an active consciousness within the Time River.
Significant recorded events, especially those pivotal moments that altered history's course, leave ripples in the Time River, forming what we call 'History Nodes.'"

She flipped open the booklet, showing its charts and text.
"A historian's true skill lies in using special meditation techniques to directly contact these 'nodes' and obtain pure, unaltered historical information.
However, this act itself disrupts order. Improper methods can easily attract the attention of Time Hounds."

"Time Hounds?"
Luo En latched onto the unfamiliar term with keen interest.

Eve's expression became a mixture of fear and vigilance.
"They're chaotic entities existing outside time, tasked with maintaining the Time River's stable flow.
They belong neither to the past nor the future—they're a concretization of time itself. When someone attempts excessive interference with the Time River, especially trying to change critical nodes, Time Hounds appear to eliminate the interference source."

"That sounds extremely dangerous."
Luo En remarked, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"It is", Eve nodded solemnly.
"But this very danger makes historiography an exceptionally unique and powerful discipline. True historians aren't merely studying the past—they're conversing with time itself. Through this dialogue, they gain wisdom and foresight inaccessible to ordinary people, even summoning certain historical projections."

Over the next few hours, Eve thoroughly taught Luo En foundational historical sensing and astrological observation techniques.
Though these were only entry-level, Luo En already felt the profound wonder of these disciplines.
Each new concept expanded his awareness, letting him perceive subtle energy fluctuations he'd previously been blind to.
Simultaneously, he felt an intangible weight—
As if someone had placed a heavy stone within his thoughts, making his mind feel heavier, deeper.

[New Skill Detected]
[History Research (Entry-Level 1/50)]
[Astrology Art (Entry-Level 1/50)]

[Historian (Three Stars) Class Advancement Conditions Identified:
1. Skill-History Research reaches Proficient Level
2. Spiritual Energy reaches 5.5 or higher
3. Successfully Peer into a historical event without being lost
4. Possess sufficient historical knowledge]

[Astrologer (Three Stars) Class Advancement Conditions Identified:
1. Skill-Astrology Art reaches Proficient Level
2. Spiritual Energy reaches 5.5 or higher
3. Master foundational star-gazing array construction
4. Complete a full star-gazing ritual under specific stellar configurations]

The system prompt echoed in Luo En's mind, stirring his thoughts.
These new magecraft disciplines were clearly dangerous yet brimming with potential.
Especially since both carried Three Stars profession ratings—equal to his highest-ranked existing professions.

"Thank you for teaching me", Luo En said after hours of intensive study.
"These are entirely new domains for me. I'll study cautiously to avoid attracting attention from those higher-dimensional entities."

A faintly pleased smile appeared on Eve's face.
"Your comprehension speed is astonishing. When I first encountered this knowledge, it took me more than twice as long to grasp these fundamentals."
She took a sip of water before continuing,
"Historiography and astrology are complementary disciplines—one explores the past, the other peers at the stars. When combined, they can create truly astonishing effects."

Luo En nodded, recalling something he'd read in the Crystal Spire Public Library the previous day.
"I've seen records mentioning that combining these disciplines can advance one into a higher transcendent profession—the Mysticist."

Eve's eyes suddenly sparkled.
"Your learning speed is truly remarkable! Yes, Mysticist is an advanced profession on par with Ancient Alchemist, centered on dual insights into time and space, seeking the universe's deepest mysteries."
She lowered her voice, the next words meant for few ears,
"According to what I've learned, only two Mysticists exist in the world today."

"Professor Eutel is one of them, right?"
Luo En asked tentatively, though he'd already sensed it while peering into the man's Phantom Husk.

"Precisely", Eve confirmed, her face softening with reverence for her mentor.
"Grandfather is one of the rare masters who truly mastered this dual insight."

"And the other?" Luo En asked curiously.

This was something he hadn't fully explored—though he'd read related material, his knowledge was inevitably shallower than Eve's.

"The other is the 'Observational Eye'", Eve spoke with reverence.
"An ancient existence persisting since the Second Era. It's said that as knowledge accumulates and its lifespan elongates, its mana capacity continuously enhances, theoretically without limit.
The Observational Eye has fused numerous stellar bloodlines, with its most core component being the innate 'Eldereye Tyrant' aspect."

Luo En's heart pounded—this aligned with some fragments of information he'd previously gathered.

"The Eldereye Tyrant", he repeated thoughtfully, his eyes gleaming with contemplation.
"Wasn't that ancient being the one who cultivated the True Path Ascension and mentored Callix, that legendary Archmage of mage history?"

"You possess truly extensive knowledge", Eve replied.

Eve's eyes widened slightly with surprise. The breadth of his knowledge seemed unusually vast for someone from a borderland School.

"That's correct. Callix is a student of the Observational Eye, and his 'Eldereye Tyrant' bloodline was personally bestowed by its master.

His ability to sever causal chains and preview outcomes made Callix the most versatile Archmage in history."

Luo En fell into contemplation, weaving this information into his existing knowledge to construct a more complete picture.

Eldereye Tyrant, True Path, mysticologists – these concepts seemed to share a hidden connection, like distant stars resonating across the cosmos toward some higher truth.

"These ancient secrets really are fascinating", Luo En murmured after a moment's silence.

"It feels like putting together an endless puzzle", he added with genuine mirth.

Eve smiled warmly. "That's the allure of a mage's path – eternal exploration and discovery. Even amidst danger, we cannot resist the desire to uncover the unknown."

Her gaze lingered on Luo En, joy brightening her features. "Actually, my condition has improved recently. Though the mana corruption symptoms persist, the pain is far less severe. This transformation defies description."

Her voice trembled slightly, emotions threatening to overflow. "Since childhood, this affliction tormented me. Every attempt to channel mana felt like a thousand needles piercing my body. I consulted countless potion masters and formulation experts, tried innumerable treatments – all in vain."

She inhaled deeply, amethyst eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Fourteen years I've lived in darkness, nearly abandoning hope. But now, because of your Boon, I've glimpsed my first ray of light – like a blind person suddenly seeing colors."

Luo En read the sincerity in her every expression – the profound gratitude and rekindled hope. Fourteen years of despair had etched pain into her very bones and blood. Now, at last, a crack had torn through that endless darkness, allowing hope's light to penetrate.

His voice softened slightly. "Our mutual benefit cooperation benefits both parties. You offer invaluable knowledge, I provide Boon feedback – a symbiotic relationship."

This rational response didn't disappoint Eve. Rather, it deepened her admiration. Emotional exposure had always been considered weakness in her upbringing – a flaw to discard. Luo En's rationality-first approach aligned with her principles.

"Regardless, I'm deeply grateful for your willingness to engage in this unconventional cooperation", Eve said, her tearful gaze clearing.

"That's why I'd like to invite you to the upcoming festival celebrations", her amethyst eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Previously, mana corruption forced me into magical isolation. But now, with your Boon supplement, I can briefly participate while protected by my manaisolation bracelet."

"Festival sounds intriguing", Luo En nodded. "Franca mentioned the Rainbow Ring competition earlier."

"Yes! It's one of Lance Festival's most important events", Eve's voice brimmed with excitement. "Competitors must complete a bloodline formulation of Crystal Lizards within the time limit using standardized materials. These creatures possess exceptional early warning capabilities for dangerous environments – invaluable companions for mages. Their sensitivity makes formulations precarious; the slightest mistake causes flesh disintegration."

She continued, "Judging relies on autophagic slime mold reactions. These experimental organisms change colors based on formulation success – from failure gray to perfect golden, even rainbow hues that exceed limits. Five ranks total. After observing the slime mold's reaction, the final product returns to its original Crystal Lizard form."

Her voice carried hope. "I hope you'll compete. Your bloodline formulation skills would make you highly competitive."

Luo En arched a brow. "What's the prize?"

"Varies yearly", Eve explained, adding a touch of mystery. "This year's list includes Lance's Experiment Notes – his complete research records on autophagic slime mold development and numerous unreleased bloodline studies."

She added, "It's just an imprinted copy. The original resides in Truth Pavilion. Even a replica holds incomparable archival value."

Interest lit Luo En's eyes. Lance, an Ancient Alchemist renowned for his bloodline formulation insights, would undoubtedly possess knowledge to refine his skills and inspire new conceptualization approaches.

"I'll participate", Luo En decided calmly. "A chance to test my abilities and acquire valuable knowledge? Why not?"

Eve's face blossomed into a bright smile, her youthful vibrancy finally unrestrained.

Franca's timely knock announced her arrival with tea and delicate pastries.

"Apologies for interrupting", she said respectfully. "It's lunchtime now. His Highness requires proper nourishment to maintain vitality, especially in his current state. Rest and nutrition remain crucial."

Eve nodded, turning to Luo En with hopeful eyes. "Would you honor us with lunch? We could continue discussing Astrology techniques and history. I noticed your interest in the Observational Eye."

"My pleasure", Luo En inclined his head.

Over lunch, they exchanged insights about historical research and Astrology applications. Eve even demonstrated simple sensing methods – teaching Luo En to draw knowledge and inspiration from constellations without alerting higher-dimensional entities.

As sunset bathed the parlor floor in golden-red hues, Luo En excused himself. Returning to his chambers, he immediately entered his Meditation Chamber, reviewing the day's knowledge points and techniques.

Though merely introductory, he already sensed the profound depth of these disciplines. Yet he couldn't neglect preparation for the Rainbow Ring competition. Even with confidence in his bloodline formulation skills, facing other mentors from Crystal Spire demanded vigilance.

Late that night, Luo En stood on his balcony, gazing at the starry sky.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end