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Chapter 3: Spiritual Aptitude [Solar Corona Breathing Technique]
Chapter 3 Spiritual Aptitude [Solar Corona Breathing Technique]
Luo En wasn't at all surprised to hear this news.
Cui Xi came from the poorest background among those from their hometown, yet possessed the highest spiritual aptitude.
He still remembered when he first saw that frail girl – her brown hair tied carelessly with hemp rope, her patched clothes betraying little more than rural poverty.
According to Andie's well-informed introduction, she was simply the daughter of an ordinary hunter from the mountains. No one knew which remote valley the white-robed mage had plucked her from, but she'd tested at Third Class Star spiritual aptitude.
The star class system was a measurement standard created by mages based on astronomical concepts, with First Class Star being the pinnacle and Sixth Class Star the absolute minimum.
Luo En himself had barely scraped through with a Sixth Class Star result, while Andie fared slightly better at Fifth Class Star.
Each star class created a 2.5-fold difference in potential, compounding exponentially between ranks. The gap between the highest and lowest was a staggering hundredfold.
Third Class Star represented the dividing line between mediocrity and genius – anyone achieving it had a reasonable chance of successfully ascending to Full Mage if they survived training. As for Sixth Class? Even becoming a High Apprentice would be an uphill battle, barely separating one from ordinary commoners. Practically a pumpkin?
While inwardly mocking himself, Luo En dropped several precious Black Nettle Leaves into his teacup and poured hot water from his thermos for Andie.
"Hmph, look at you! Actually being generous today?" Andie examined the earthenware cup, steam rising from dark particles swirling in the brew. "These days, it's not easy finding anyone who can spare Black Nettle Leaves for tea."
His calloused fingers traced the rim, lips curving into a faint smirk. "Though I must admit, I never expected our Lalf family's young master to part with such treasures for a guest."
Indeed, these spirit-refreshing leaves were rare commodities in Black Mist Jungle. Their taste left much to be desired – first a sharp spiciness on the tongue, followed by nauseating bitterness, culminating in throat-numbing discomfort thanks to trace toxins. Yet these very properties kept aspirants alert through exhaustion, making them invaluable treasures for candidate apprentices striving toward ascension.
Watching Andie's exaggerated display of refinement, Luo En almost chuckled aloud. The prince's current situation wasn't much better than his own.
"If Prince Andie likes it, I could prepare some more next time..."
"Save it." Andie raised a hand, smile unwavering but tone wary. "You're acting strangely. Out with it – what do you want?"
Luo En smirked. He knew this thirteenth prince excelled at cutting through pretense. Back in the capital, Andie had built his reputation on this calm, penetrating insight – precisely why his brothers feared this seemingly humble sibling enough to find excuses sending him here.
"Since Your Highness insists on directness, I'll be straightforward too." Luo En straightened, voice turning serious. "I want to purchase the Solar Corona Breathing Technique."
"Pft –" Andie nearly spat his tea. The carefully maintained elegance finally cracked. Setting down his cup, his expression turned incredulous. "You're saying...?"
"The Solar Corona Breathing Technique." Luo En repeated firmly, eyes blazing. "I know it's one of the Falu Ke royal family's core lineages – the kingdom's most supreme breathing technique."
Andie's demeanor shifted in an instant. The previous warmth vanished, replaced by an intensity far beyond his years. "I never expected you'd make such a request. This is our royal foundation..."
"I understand." Luo En interrupted calmly. "Precisely because I recognize its value, I've prepared this offer."
He pulled a cloth pouch from his chest, spilling translucent fragments onto the table. In candlelight, mana shard fragments glimmered faintly – the apprentice world's only hard currency. A hundred could buy one complete mana stone, though few would exchange them. One fragment might sustain someone extravagantly in nearby markets; ten could purchase a strong exotic slave. Even the white-robed mages' Basic Meditation Manual only cost one complete mana stone.
"Thirty fragments." Luo En enunciated clearly.
Andie scoffed, eyes not even glancing at the table. "You think this counts as negotiation?"
"You're right." Luo En's lips curled into a bitter smile, fingers hesitating over the shimmering pile. "Thirty is indeed too little."
He counted several more fragments from his robes, adding them deliberately. "How about forty?"
Still unmoved, Andie's eyes narrowed slightly, calculating.
Time to reveal his final card. "You know my spiritual aptitude..." Luo En's voice dipped with self-deprecation. "This pitiful Sixth Class Star... completing ascension within three months is practically impossible."
"After that? Either becoming experimental material or exile to wilderness. I..." His voice trembled imperceptibly. "I don't want to die. At least not without dignity."
Andie's expression softened slightly, quickly hardening again. "So?"
"So I need the Solar Corona Breathing Technique." Luo En locked eyes with him. "Among all breathing techniques I know, its effects are strongest, potential greatest."
He added ten more fragments, the pile growing. "Fifty. That's everything I have."
Andie stared at the glowing cluster, silent.
Luo En knew what held him back. To mages, secular nobility like them ranked little above peasants. Yet this transcendent lineage formed the Falu Ke royal family's foundation for ruling commoners, nobles, and knights alike – the very capital of this world's establishment.
"You know..." Andie finally spoke, weariness in his voice. "This isn't merely about money..."
"I guarantee this breathing technique won't leave my hands." Luo En vowed. "And..." He hesitated, weighing words. "I've noticed your recent magecraft studies require additional resources."
That struck home. Andie's eyes flickered, lips twisting into reluctant amusement. "You sure know how to find weaknesses."
He sighed. "I'll admit, you're far more cunning than I imagined."
Recalling the reserved earl's son from a week prior versus this eloquent negotiator now, Andie found himself reflecting. This transformation might not be entirely negative.
"However." He straightened, regaining his usual elegance. "If I'm to teach you the Solar Corona Breathing Technique, we must begin with the most foundational elements..."
(End of Chapter)
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