Chapter 286: Element Dance

Chapter 286: Element Dance

Luo En nodded politely:

"Everyone can be swayed by impulse in competition, Mu Le Lecturer. The fact that you can openly acknowledge your mistakes already deserves respect."

Mu Le retrieved over a dozen Mana Stones from his Storage Bag, handing them to competitors potentially affected by his actions:

"These are a humble gesture to compensate for the inconvenience and risks I've caused you all."

This sincere apology and tangible compensation gradually softened the expressions of the surrounding competitors.

Mu Le's profession career might suffer from today's incident, but at least he wouldn't completely lose credibility among his peers.

During the subsequent interactions, Luo En exchanged contact insignias with every modifier present, including Mu Le.

Though today's competition had its turbulence, it unexpectedly became an excellent opportunity for networking.

A successful mage requires not only personal cultivation refinement but also an indispensable web of interpersonal connections.

Eve had already arrived by Luo En's side, her amethyst eyes shining with unhidden pride:

"Congratulations, Mentor! Your performance was truly unparalleled! It seems everyone present today has etched your name into their memory."

"Thank you", Luo En smiled faintly, his gaze lingering on the Lance Experiment Notes in his hands.

"This notebook will greatly assist my research. Perhaps its lasting value surpasses fleeting fame and applause."

Eve nodded understandingly:

"I believe Grandfather would be proud of you too.

He always said true genius isn't about dazzling appearances or eloquent speeches, but about understanding knowledge and refining one's craft.

Today, you perfectly embodied that principle."

The audience gradually dispersed, yet discussions about Luo En continued rippling through the crowd.

"Did you see Lalf Assistant Professor's performance? Especially that precise mana control—utterly incredible!"

An apprentice wearing crystal spectacles exclaimed to his companion, eyes brimming with admiration.

"Not just that! Did you notice his composure when diffusing Mu Le's crisis?"

His companion replied, "An ordinary Dawn Star Rank mage would likely have no time to think when facing an imminent mana chimera explosion."

Nearby, a group of travelers from distant lands discussed the match.

"This Lalf Assistant Professor is quite the surprise! I heard he comes from a fringe school?"

A middle-aged man in exotic robes asked.

"Indeed", his companion responded.

"He's from the Black Mist Jungle area.

Reaching this level in such a short time makes him a rare prodigy.

They say he's already received a 'Treasure Grade' evaluation—that's nearly equivalent to a Cassandra Tower Lord's potential rating."

"Judging from today's performance, that assessment is clearly well-earned."

A plump man in merchant's attire interjected, "Looks like the Central Lands have a new rising star to watch."

These praises and analyses spread like ripples among the crowd, gradually forming an impression of "Luo En Lalf"—a young mage from a fringe school with exceptional innate talent, whose profound skills and calm composure remain unshaken even in crisis.

Within the Central Lands' academic circles, Luo En's name was gaining broader recognition.

Previously, his reputation had been confined to the upper echelons of School Alliance circles. Now, that name officially stepped into wider circles.

As the ancient mage proverb goes: Theory is easy to grasp, but practice reigns supreme.

All academic achievements and theoretical innovations must ultimately prove their worth through practical application.

Today, Luo En had validated his strength and insights through a public competition.

Eve smiled faintly, whispering to Luo En:

"Mentor, it seems you've successfully captured many eyes. This will be tremendous support for your future research and development."

Luo En nodded slightly:

"Fame is a double-edged sword. It can open doors of opportunity while also drawing unwanted attention. The key lies in mastering it rather than being mastered by it."

As he prepared to leave, William and Eliot approached specifically to offer congratulations.

"Lalf Assistant Professor, your performance today left a deep impression", William said sincerely, his usually stern face displaying a rare warm smile.

"Especially your composed handling during crises—you demonstrated maturity and professional competence beyond your years."

Eliot nodded in agreement:

"Just as you demonstrated, true strength needs no flamboyant embellishment. Solid research achievements shine brightest on their own."

Luo En bowed slightly in acceptance, then bid farewell to the two companions and Valen waiting patiently behind them.

"Speaking of which, I noticed Lady Franca hasn't appeared since the competition began", he remarked while inspecting the energy fluctuations on his notebook.

"This seems unusual considering her protective stance toward the Prince."

Eve lifted her gaze, amethyst eyes softening:

"I gave her a few days off. During the Lance Festival, her father and brothers have come to Dawnport—they haven't reunited in years."

Luo En raised an eyebrow, keenly sensing the unusual nature of this arrangement.

"The Crown Clan's security standards are notoriously strict. I would have thought—"

Eve shook her head gently, a rare playful smile gracing her face:

"Mentor, I'm actually not as fragile as you imagine.

Grandfather anchored a Phantom Husk power within me. Even ordinary Dusk Sun Rank mages would struggle to inflict real harm."

Her gaze shifted toward the two colossus automaton floating beside her:

"Franca's role was more about surface-level vigilance and daily stewardship. As for these two 'companions'—their protective capabilities far exceed what their forms suggest."

Luo En didn't respond directly, but at this moment, activating Transcendent Perception, he indeed detected the unique mana flow within Eve's body.

It was an ancient and powerful protective field, like an invisible fortress firmly guarding the girl.

If he had to describe it, the mana quality most closely resembled the Phantom Husk essence he'd perceived in Uther before, but far more restrained and peaceful.

"Professor Eutel's foresight is truly admirable", Luo En finally remarked.

"What appears casual on the surface is always meticulously planned beneath."

Eve's lips curved upward:

"That's just Grandfather—he seems distracted but is always attentive to every detail."

Her expression turned mischievous, amethyst eyes twinkling:

"Just like you, Mentor. Always so composed and calm, as if everything is under perfect control."

Luo En offered an indifferent smile, carefully storing the Lance Experiment Notes into his Storage Bag.

Legend claimed Lance had conducted thousands of experiments on autophagic slime molds, including attempts to fuse Abyssal Creature traits with surface world organisms.

This was precisely one of Luo En's current research focal points.

As he exited the backstage award area, Luo En noticed the competition venue had emptied significantly, most spectators having dispersed into the city's various celebrations.

Festival atmosphere permeated every corner of the city.

Joyful music drifted from afar, mingling with laughter and the energy fluctuations of mana fireworks in the air, while delicious aromas wafted through the streets.

"Mentor! Mentor!"

A familiar voice interrupted Luo En's thoughts.

Turning, he saw silver-haired He Man rushing over with the rest of the "Elite Group", his face brimming with excitement.

The six youths pushed through the thinning crowd, quickly gathering around Luo En.

He Man immediately burst out, unable to contain his excitement:

"Mentor, that competition was absolutely incredible!

Especially your final display—I recorded every moment with a Record Crystal! The way you controlled bloodline mana..."

Crimson-haired Lu Xi Ya jumped in immediately, her eyes shining with admiration:

“Truly, Mentor,” Mu Le said, eyes gleaming with excitement. “I’ve only seen descriptions of such precision in bloodline studies textbooks, but witnessing it firsthand is an entirely different shock! Even seasoned bloodline modifiers in professional laboratories don’t necessarily reach this level!”

Lise stood at the forefront of the student group, cradling an exquisite crystal box in both hands. Under her freckles, cheeks flushed with enthusiasm, she continued, “Mentor, this is a gift we meticulously prepared together. We hope you’ll like it.”

Luo En’s eyebrows lifted slightly as he accepted the crystal box. The moment he lifted the lid, a subtle mana fluctuation rippled outward. Inside lay an oddly-shaped confection with an iridescent blue-violet hue. Its surface sparkled with tiny crystalline flecks, resembling both an artwork and a miniature experiment sample.

“Autophagy Soft Clay Cake?” Luo En asked, his tone tinged with surprise before comprehension dawned. “Impressive craftsmanship. But I notice you’ve incorporated some original interpretations into the traditional recipe?”

He Man’s gaunt face flushed with pride. “Exactly! We combined Helnoc Syrup with Moonlight Grass essence. It retains the Autophagy Soft Clay’s visual characteristics while creating seven distinct flavor transformations—each representing a different mana attribute.”

“All main ingredients are sourced from edible-grade transcendent plant extracts,” added Albert, the group’s oldest and usually most reticent apprentice, speaking rapidly. “We conducted multiple safety tests, with detailed mana analyses for each component.”

Luo En’s gaze swept across the six expectant, slightly anxious faces before him. This pure, unfiltered emotion from his students was precisely the purest source of Boon energy. Even his rational mind couldn’t suppress a warm current flowing through his chest—a sensation like a wisp of morning sunlight during summer’s early dawn.

“Thank you,” he said simply yet sincerely, carefully storing the crystal box in his storage bag. “This ranks among the most creative gifts I’ve received. Even from an academic perspective, this multi-layered fusion of materials demonstrates remarkable ingenuity.”

Eve stood nearby, her eyes brimming with envy. She tilted her head toward the students with a gracious nod. “Luo En Mentor is truly fortunate to earn recognition from such outstanding and thoughtful apprentices.”

“No, it’s we who’re fortunate, Prince!” Lise immediately countered, her voice reverent. “It’s our greatest honor to study under Luo En Mentor. His profound understanding and teaching methods have benefited us immensely.”

Lise’s words weren’t hollow flattery. Since studying under Luo En, her alchemy skills had advanced at least two Ranks, and she’d finally discovered an advancement path suiting her innate talents—a tangible progress no mere compliment could rival.

Observing the students’ shining eyes, Luo En extended an invitation. “Since you’re all here, why not join the festival activities together? I recall Dawnport’s Aurora Square has many unique programs this year.”

The suggestion rippled through the group like a stone cast into still water. Their eyes lit up instantly—even the usually composed He Man revealed eager anticipation. “Mentor’s joining us? I heard this year’s Phantom Garden is particularly spectacular, using entirely new Perception Misdirection Technology!”

“I also heard the Element Dance troupe brought their latest choreography!” Lu Xi Ya added excitedly. “They supposedly even perfectly simulate spatial warping!”

Luo En nodded slightly. “Today is a festival. Relaxation and celebration are its very purposes.” He turned to Eve, his gaze inquiring. “Prince, would you care to join? Of course, if this would cause you any discomfort…”

To his surprise, the young woman nodded without hesitation. “I’d be delighted.” Her amethyst eyes sparkled with unmistakable longing. “This is my first time personally participating in the Lance Festival!”

“Then we’d be honored to serve as your guides,” Luo En said as the group departed the competition grounds, merging into the Lance Festival crowds.

Dawnport’s streets shimmered under countless colorful mana lamps, transforming the city into a dreamscape. Star-like lights twinkled from tree canopies as if the heavens themselves had descended. Floating holograms of various patterns illuminated the streets—some projecting three-dimensional ancient patterns, others recreation significant moments from Lance’s life.

The air carried intoxicating aromas—honeyed citrus blossoms, sizzling crystal flame-grilled meats, and the crisp fragrance of Star Dew tea. Illusory art performances blended into a symphony of sensory pleasures.

Stalls lined both sides of the streets, selling rare festival-exclusive items and delicacies. “Look over there!” Lu Xi Ya suddenly exclaimed, pointing toward an open plaza. “It’s the Element Dance troupe’s performance!”

The group joined the crowd heading toward the plaza. Though the central performance area was packed, Eve’s presence granted them privileges. When the crowd noticed the royal insignia crowning her accompanying colossus automaton, a path to the front naturally opened.

Several dancers in translucent costumes already stood at the performance center, their skin adorned with glowing rune patterns—an element-imprinted technique enabling deeper connections with specific elements.

As the music began, the dancers moved in perfect synchrony. Each motion and rotation carried profound meaning. With their movements, the four fundamental elements—earth, water, fire, and wind—manifested dazzling patterns. Flames transformed into phoenixes swirling through the air, scattering golden-red sparks with each wingbeat. Water flowed into dragons weaving between the flames, their scales reflecting prismatic rainbows. Earth condensed into ancient castle silhouettes slowly rotating midair. Wind formed countless transparent bridges, harmoniously connecting all elements into a cohesive whole.

Luo En observed the performance with analytical focus. Through his Transcendent Perception, he clearly discerned how the dancers used themselves as mediums—guiding rather than forcefully controlling elemental mana flows. Compared to traditional methods, this approach was several times more efficient while consuming less energy.

“This is a unique technique from the Shifting Sands Region,” Eve explained softly, noticing his interest. “They hold a distinct philosophy—that elements aren’t lifeless tools, but conscious partners. This dance is actually a dialogue with elemental forces, coaxing them to reveal their most perfect forms.”

“Fascinating philosophy,” Luo En mused, already connecting this concept to his research. “Mana does seem to possess certain ‘preferences’ or ‘inherent natures.’ Forcing against these causes great consumption. Understanding and working with them would significantly improve efficiency.”

“Just like Mentor’s potion formulation principles!” Lise suddenly exclaimed, her eyes bright with realization. “Not forcibly chimera-ing materials, but understanding their traits to guide natural fusion, reducing rejection and mana consumption.”

He Man nodded in agreement. “Precisely. That’s why Mentor’s improved Lucidity Elixir increased potency without additional materials—by changing the mana flow rather than the materials themselves.”

Luo En nodded approvingly at his students’ comprehension. He already sensed the Boon energy stirring—a reward for this kind of insightful thinking he valued most highly.

Yet beyond this foundational understanding, his mind was already conceptualizing deeper applications. If this principle of “working with inherent nature” could be applied to Abyss mana control, it might reduce spiritual contamination risks—offering fresh insights for Furnace Conceptualization.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end