Chapter 296: Atop the Tower

Chapter 296: Atop the Tower

Luo En meticulously reviewed his recent experiences but could never grasp that hazy memory fragment.

No matter how hard he tried, the sensation remained like a reflection on water’s surface—fragile, shattering the moment he drew near.

In the end, he temporarily shelved the nagging mystery and redirected his focus to the immediate task.

"It feels like it’s connected to someone, but I can’t pinpoint exactly who...

What’s stranger is my consciousness barely registers this as a priority. Almost as if it’s being suppressed."

"Reynolds, let’s check out that ‘Wisdom Collection’ first."

Snapping out of his thoughts, Luo En spoke to the still-slightly-nervous Reynolds beside him.

Reynolds seemed to exhale in relief, delighted to reclaim his role as guide. "Gladly. Follow me."

Standing at the busiest corner of the trading district, Luo En’s gaze swept across the bustling crowd.

This was the intersection where Abyss explorers and external mages converged.

Raw materials transformed here into wealth and knowledge, shaping the entire Transcendent World’s operations.

"Wisdom Collection" was an unassuming little shop tucked away in a remote corner of the trading district’s southeastern sector.

The storefront was cramped, its sign made from a Starlight Crystal that glowed faintly blue with each carved letter.

Pushing open the door, they were immediately hit by a medley of ancient book scent and insect-repelling spices.

Inside proved far more spacious than expected—a clear result of spatial expansion magic.

Wooden shelves displayed an eclectic range—ordinary Abyss ore to mysterious biological specimens.

The shopkeeper was an elderly guardian, his left eye hidden under a black eyepatch. His right arm bore dense, scale-like markings—clear Abyssal aberration traces.

He was organizing documents behind the counter when the doorbell chimed. His sharp gaze locked onto Luo En immediately.

"Welcome, mage sir."

The elderly guardian’s voice was gravelly, scarred by years in the Abyss.

"I’m Morgan. How may I assist you?"

Luo En got straight to the point.

"I need two beginner-level Memory Crystals. Professor Eutel recommended your shop."

Hearing Uther’s name, Morgan’s demeanor warmed noticeably.

"Ah, a customer from the old professor! Now I must bring out the real treasures."

He carefully retrieved an ornate wooden box from under the counter.

The box was lined with deep purple velvet, holding a dozen Memory Crystals of varied shapes.

"These are low-risk samples pre-screened for beginners—perfect for historical research."

Morgan explained, "Each has a foundational mana stabilization seal to prevent harmful mana surges during standard analysis."

Luo En scrutinized the crystals, activating "Transcendent Perception" and "Hunting Evil" to assess their energy fluctuations and hidden risks.

In his special vision, each crystal displayed a unique mana pattern—some calm as still water, others lively as flames.

After minutes of careful selection, he chose two that appeared safest and clearest.

One was pale green, leaf-shaped; the other light blue, droplet-like.

"Good eye", Morgan praised.

"These both came from the upper Fourth Layer. Their energy fluctuations are relatively gentle—ideal for beginners."

"Price?" Luo En asked.

"Considering Professor Eutel’s recommendation, I’ll charge you a mere one and a half Mana Stones for both."

The transaction completed, Luo En carefully placed the two Memory Crystals into a specialized quarantine box before storing them in his Storage Bag.

The haul had already exceeded expectations.

Not only had he acquired all materials needed to cultivate autophagic slime mold, but also an advanced mana crystal and two Memory Crystals—laying a foundational basis for future studies.

Before departing the outpost, Reynolds led Luo En to a modest eatery at the trading district’s edge.

Unassuming at first glance, the place was packed with explorers—each bearing visible mutation traces.

"This ‘Ember’ has... unique dishes", Reynolds warned as they sat.

"They fuse harmless Abyssal ingredients. The flavors are odd but restore spiritual energy remarkably. Those returning from the Abyss often dine here to ease fatigue."

The owner was a middle-aged man with a warm demeanor.

His left hand had fully transformed into crystalline structures, refracting rainbow hues when light passed through.

Skillfully using his right hand, he poured both a faintly glowing beverage.

"The owner’s signature ‘Glimmering Tea’—rumored to use First and Second Layer ‘Luminescent Algae.’ It temporarily enhances spirit sensitivity", Reynolds explained, taking a sip first.

Luo En cautiously tasted his. A strange spiciness bloomed on his tongue, evolving into subtle sweet-sourness before leaving a crisp aftertaste in his throat.

Beyond that, he felt a gentle mana spreading through his spiritual world, sharpening its clarity.

"A truly unique experience", Luo En remarked, intrigued by the spiritual nourishment.

"This mana transformation approach aligns with some theories I study."

His food arrived—a seemingly ordinary grilled meat dish sprinkled with unidentifiable spice fragments; a semi-transparent salad whose leaves shifted hues with the light; and a bowl emitting strange black steam.

The meal defied simple description.

Sometimes searingly spicy, other times refreshingly icy, mostly a complex chimera of sensations.

Yet strangely, these bizarre flavors felt oddly satisfying—like awakening primal memories buried deep in his taste buds.

After bidding Reynolds farewell on the returning airship, Luo En kept pondering what he’d seen—especially the unique mutations and adaptations of Abyss explorers.

"The Abyss isn’t merely a knowledge source—it’s a survival philosophy", he mused internally.

"When faced with inevitable change, people don’t futilely resist. Instead, they learn to utilize, transforming disadvantages into strengths. This adaptability is admirable."

He meticulously organized his purchases, especially the Memory Crystals. He designed three protective layers:

- Innermost: Suppression rune array to limit energy fluctuations
- Middle: Spirit barrier blocking potential spirit erosion
- Outermost: Physical protection against accidental damage

"I’ll keep them in quarantine for now. After gaining some success in Professor Eutel’s upcoming Memory Crystal analysis event and advancing my historical research capabilities, I’ll attempt to decipher them."

The airship pierced cloud layers, distancing itself from the Abyss Outpost.

Through the porthole, he glimpsed the fading silhouette one last time, already planning his next steps.

The 1200 contribution points earned from his Mobile Simulation Combat Device paper fell far short of the Lecturer qualification’s 5000-point requirement for smoothly entering the Abyss Observatory.

"Still, I have two nearly completed papers..."

First: "Advanced Potion Enhancement Commonalities"—analyzing over a dozen common potions’ mana structures for optimization. Expected contribution: 600-1000 points.

Second: "Promoting Benign Mutations in Bloodlineformulation Processes"—based on his innovative practices. Expected contribution: 800-1500 points.

Combined with monthly foundational teaching contributions and his Elite Group members’ progress...

Accumulating 5000 points within six months was entirely feasible.

"He Man and Lise are progressing well, especially He Man..."

Thinking of his strongest disciple, Luo En couldn’t help smiling.

He Man approached the High Apprentice threshold, nearing Backup Mage Sequence entry.

Once officially accepted into Crystal Spire’s talent pool, Luo En—as his mentor—would gain corresponding contribution rewards.

"Six months should be enough", Luo En confirmed his timeline.

"By then, I’ll have accumulated sufficient resources and reputation to smoothly enter the Observatory."

Reviewing Uther’s provided materials, he studied the Observatory’s operations and roles.

Staff were divided into two main categories: Research-type and Exploration-type.

Research-types analyzed Abyss samples in relatively safe environments, rarely entering the Abyss directly.

These roles demanded exceptional expertise. Each approved researcher had to demonstrate outstanding talent in their field.

In exchange, they enjoyed higher safety and better treatment—working only half the month at the Observatory before returning to the School for teaching and research.

Exploration-types conducted fieldwork and sample collection, frequently venturing deep into the Abyss’s perilous layers.

Though riskier, rewards were richer. Successful missions yielded valuable materials and first-hand research data—priceless treasures.

"Research-type suits my current situation best", Luo En decided.

"Best to focus on bloodlineformulation, material analysis, and specialized potion configurations—maximizing my strengths."

He also considered how to use his Puppet Substitute to compensate for exploration limitations.

If he could charge it to 100% and activate its "Incarnation Stance" function, the Puppet could handle high-risk exploration tasks.

"This way, I gain advantages from both work modes—ensuring safety while acquiring first-hand Abyss data."

Luo En nodded, satisfaction growing as he realized how near this objective now seemed.

The airship pierced thick cloud layers, the silhouette of the Central Lands’ magnificent floating city emerging through the haze.

Glittering mana lights flickered in the distance like stars scattered across the night sky.

He stood by the window, gazing at the city that symbolized the pinnacle of academic achievement across the Abyssal Continent Cluster, his eyes fixed on its towering spires.

"Who knows how much longer I'll have to wait before I stand atop the highest spire..."

----------------------

The laboratory's sole illumination came from mana lamps floating midair.

Their soft blue glow strategically lit the workbench's tools and materials while avoiding harmful exposure to light-sensitive Abyss samples.

Luo En stood before the experiment table, his expression focused.

Laid out methodically were various Abyss materials retrieved from the outpost:

At the center was the "Void Slime" sealed in a test tube. The black liquid's surface rippled subtly, as if countless microscopic lifeforms danced within it;

The "Mutation Catalyst" was a vial of purple-fluorescent powder, each grain slowly rotating against gravity within the container;

Then there was the crystalline fragment obtained from the Gambling Stone Shop—though less pure than the one acquired from Aize, it still contained rich concentrations of Abyssmana.

As for the "Chaos Breath" shard Aize had traded him, he planned to save it until this Abyss Crystal was depleted.

"Overall, the quality of these materials is satisfactory."

Luo En tapped each item lightly, comparing their manatraits against his previously calculated data.

Thanks to his mastery of the Transcendent Perception trait, he could distinguish the Essence differences between these Abyss Substances and ordinary supernatural materials.

The latter usually formed stable geometric shapes, while Abyss Substances' mana patterns twisted like chaotic labyrinths—constantly shifting and unpredictable.

"Ai Lan, retrieve the Membrane Phagocytosis we requested", Luo En instructed, raising his head.

The tree spirit in the laboratory's corner nodded. Emerald vines extended toward a specialized refrigeration unit mounted on the wall.

The cabinet door opened soundlessly, releasing cold mist like flowing silk.

Ai Lan carefully extracted a spherical container with her vines. Inside lay a grayish-white viscous substance.

It appeared lifeless but occasionally pulsed with an almost imperceptible rhythm—like a dying heart.

This was a standard Membrane Phagocytosis product from the Crystal Spire's biological laboratory, still in its Preservation Phase with minimal vitality.

Luo En placed the container on the central workbench, tapping its surface thoughtfully:

"This essence is an undirected embryo—extremely malleable, though its self-consciousness and barrier mechanisms remain nearly nonexistent."

He turned to Ai Lan: "Prepare the recording device. I'm starting the first phase of guided shaping."

The tree spirit nodded, its branches deftly calibrating the nearby crystal recording orb.

Luo En inhaled deeply, steadying his thoughts.

Unlike commercially available soft mud variants, genuine autophagic slime molds possessed stable self-regulating capabilities and superior adaptability—rapidly transforming form and function according to their master's needs.

For a bloodline modifier, these creatures were not just capable assistants but ideal mediums for experimentation.

"Phase One: Foundational Activation."

Luo En held a silver needle in his left hand and the test tube in his right, beginning intricate operations.

The needle's tip glowed faintly blue, steadily piercing specific points on the container's surface under his precise control.

With each needle insertion, he carefully released a drop of specially treated Void Slime through the puncture.

This process required extreme precision—each viscous droplet's dosage, location, and timing had to be perfect.

Any miscalculation could trigger failure or even dangerous mana backlash.

As the slime infused the container, the originally grayish-white substance deepened into profound gray-black.

Intricate patterns emerged across its surface.

"Mana vitality rising—cell division rate tripled."

Luo En observed the monitor, satisfaction evident: "Phase One progressing smoothly."

For the next two hours, he repeated this delicate process.

Using predetermined sequences and proportions, he injected prepared Abyss material solutions into the slime.

Each step accompanied fluctuating vitality energy, filling the laboratory air with an unusual sulfurous scent—the telltale aroma of Abyssmana interacting with conventional mana.

"Master, the slime's vitality level has reached critical threshold", Ai Lan warned, her branch pointing at the monitor's flashing red indicator.

Luo En nodded, immediately adjusting his strategy.

He retrieved a vial of pale golden liquid, carefully dripping three drops onto the slime's surface.

This was his self-formulated Sedative Agent—capable of temporarily suppressing Abyss Substance's overactive energy fluctuations, buying time for subsequent operations.

Upon contact, the entire container contracted violently before relaxing like a breathing organism. The frenetic energy fluctuations now stabilized into rhythmic pulses.

"Good. Now entering Phase Two: Structural Reorganization."

He retrieved several crystalline substances—mana anchors specifically prepared for this experiment.

Each crystal possessed unique mana characteristics, guiding the slime's development along predetermined trajectories.

The crystals were placed around the container, forming a precise hexagram array.

Luo En pressed both hands against the container, channeling spiritual energy to activate the array.

"Ǎψ! (Awaken!)"

This incantation, self-composed using meditation techniques' Whispering methods, assisted spiritual energy control—enabling precise manipulation of complex mana flows.

Though still in its embryonic stages, this Whispering derivative showed potential to evolve into a Verbal Art technique.

As the incantation resonated, the crystals illuminated, projecting six beams that intersected within the slime—forming a complex three-dimensional structure.

Guided by this framework, the slime began reorganizing internally, establishing a preliminary mana circulation system—distinguishing genuine autophagic slime molds from ordinary variants.

"Mana circulation system activated—core stability optimal."

Nodding in satisfaction, Luo En proceeded: "Phase Three: Trait Implantation."

This was the cultivation process's most critical stage—where Luo En truly unleashed his creativity.

He selected several distinct Abyss material samples, including various Abyss Crystal fragments from the Fourth Layer. Grinding them into powder, he fused them with his own blood.

Blood served as the ultimate conduit—perfectly fusing the operator's will with materials to form stable, enduring connections.

"According to my design, this autophagic slime mold should possess three core functions..."

As he prepared the chimera solution, Luo En mused:

"First, 'Bloodline Analysis'—capable of rapidly identifying and decomposing any biological tissue it contacts, extracting mana characteristics and genetic information. Essential for bloodline formulation research."

He injected the first chimera solution into the slime's upper region. The liquid was immediately absorbed, forming a miniature analytical array internally.

"Second, 'Mana Transformation'—converting excess or harmful mana into usable forms. Critical for processing Abyss samples or unstable experimental byproducts."

The second solution entered the middle layer, quickly forming a digestive-system-like mana network.

"Third, 'Form Plasticity'—rapidly altering shape according to needs. Whether splitting into smaller units or transforming into specific tool shapes, it should accomplish this effortlessly."

The final solution infused the base layer. The slime exhibited astonishing flexibility, flowing and reshaping itself within the container—testing its newfound capabilities.

"Perfect." Luo En's excitement was evident.

For the next several hours, he conducted finer adjustments and reinforcements, ensuring seamless coexistence of these three core functions.

As dawn painted the eastern horizon pale white, he finally completed the day's work.

The slime had fully transformed into deep black, its surface adorned with intricate silver patterns.

Faintly visible within were shimmering light points—the implanted mana cores.

"Phase One complete. Now three days of stabilization and adaptation are required for consciousness formation."

Carefully placing the container into a specialized incubation chamber: "Three days later, I'll begin Phase Four—Imprint Integration."

The ever-attentive tree spirit nodded, recording final data: "Master's technique has improved significantly—mana utilization efficiency increased by at least fifteen percent."

"Thanks to He Man's multidimensional transformation theory", Luo En replied while washing his hands. "That kid truly has an innate talent for theoretical exploration. His paper's mana node control methods provided inspiration."

After washing up, he checked the time and turned to Ai Lan: "Any other tasks today?"

"Elite Group instruction this afternoon, and preparing Order Potions tonight", Ai Lan answered. "Also, Daire mentioned scale itching—likely requiring mana circulation adjustments."

"She's probably beginning another growth phase—time for scale shedding. Adjust her Crystal Tank to low-temperature mode and add some 'Serenity Blue Algae'—should alleviate symptoms. I'll perform a full inspection after finishing current tasks."

Before exiting the laboratory, he cast one last glance at the incubation chamber.

The future autophagic slime mold rested quietly—another milestone in his bloodline formulation journey.

"Temporarily shelving current plans—prioritizing Puppet Substitute's mana extraction work."

Luo En's gaze shifted toward the sealed cabin at the laboratory's far end—the specially prepared workspace for his Puppet Substitute project.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end