Chapter 306: The Path of Cultivation

Chapter 306: The Path of Cultivation

Luo En did not respond immediately.

Indeed, during his cultivation of The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, he had repeatedly felt that primal greed emanating from the "Devourer"—

An almost irresistible craving:
To absorb more stellar mana, to command greater power, to crush and consume all obstacles.

"I will remain vigilant at all times, Professor."

He finally spoke, his voice a model of calm restraint, as steady as a precision instrument:

"Rational thought and logical analysis will always be the foundation of my decisions.
No matter how great the power, if it cannot be effectively controlled, it is not worth pursuing.
What I seek is controlled power, not unbridled destruction."

Uther's Phantom Husk regarded him silently.

After a brief pause, the old professor sighed softly, the Husk swaying like a candle flame in a breeze:

"Do you realize, Luo En",

His voice carried deep reflection, the weight of millennia's worth of accumulated emotion:

"Under normal circumstances, I have perhaps thirty or forty more years before I, like other Archmages, fade completely from existence due to time's erosion.
While the Phantom Husk technique extends my consciousness, it is ultimately not true immortality."

"But these past months, the Boon you've provided during your studies..."

He paused, his voice tinged with clear awe:

"The purity and potency surpass even what my two most outstanding students, Ai Lun and Cassandra, offered in their time.
And considering Cassandra's status as a first-tier innate talent, that's saying something."

The professor's tone grew more animated, the Husk's light fluctuating:

"Your Boon isn't just extraordinarily pure—it possesses some unique quality. In just a few months of teaching, it's extended my existence by at least a decade!"

Luo En raised his eyebrows slightly—this information genuinely surprised him.

He knew his Boon was somewhat unusual, but hadn't expected such profound effects.
This might relate to his identity as a primordial mage, or perhaps stem from some inherent trait of the "Profession Interface."

"This also explains why Eve's 'mana corruption' symptoms improved with your Boon."

Uther continued:

"Ordinary Boons can only cleanse spiritual contamination, but yours can penetrate to the soul level, repairing fundamental defects caused by artificial formulations.
Such an ability has scarcely any precedent in history."

The professor's Husk drifted slowly through the air, his voice growing more solemn:

"You are a true anomaly, Luo En. Not merely because of your innate talent and strength, but because of that unique quality within you—balance."

"Balance?" Luo En echoed, his eyes narrowing in thought.

"Precisely", Uther nodded, his Husk becoming more distinct:

"Those who cultivate The Murmuring of the Star Devourer usually fall prey to its consuming instincts, gradually becoming brutal and greedy. But you are different—you pursue power while maintaining rationality and self-restraint."

There was a reverent expectation in the old professor's voice:

"This gives me hope. Perhaps you truly can master The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, rather than being mastered by it. This is why I choose to believe in you."

Uther paused, his Husk trembling slightly, as if making a momentous decision:

"Therefore, I wish to make a pact with you."

His tone grew exceptionally serious, the silver glow condensing:

"If you can steadfastly walk your path until my complete dissolution, resisting the meditation technique's corrupting influence while maintaining your rationality and restraint..."

He inhaled deeply, as if revealing an earth-shattering secret:

"I will entrust you with the 'Selene Phantom Husk Fragment' Callix left behind for me."

This declaration made Luo En's pupils constrict instantly.

The Selene Phantom Husk Fragment! The legendary legacy once plundered by the "Blood King", later reclaimed by Callix!

"It contains the key to unlocking the 'Bloodsworn World.'"

Uther continued, his voice laced with implication:

"It would be far easier to claim an existing Domain rather than rebuilding one from scratch—replacing that half-broken pseudo-king.
A fully-formed otherworld, albeit chaotic and bloody, already possesses a complete foundational structure needing only a true king to reorganize it."

A sly glint entered the old professor's eyes:

"And surely you remember the 'Throne Seed' you claimed from the 'Holy Disk' upon becoming a Full Mage?"

Luo En's mind raced—Madame Ellen had said she'd handle it at the time.
Now it seemed this precious trophy had ended up in Uther's hands?
Considering Uther had once mentored Madame Ellen, this made sense.

"I've been waiting for the right moment to discuss this",

Uther's voice carried clear expectation:

"Once you join the Abyss Observatory, we can study the 'Throne Seed' under the safest conditions possible."

His Husk brightened further:

"This is a complete 'Throne Seed,' containing authority fragments of a Supreme Apostle's level."

Luo En's breathing deepened—the value of this information exceeded his imagination.

A key to another world, the legacy of a top-tier Archmage,
and a Throne Seed imbued with Supreme Apostle authority—his path toward ascension had become unmistakably clear.

"But are there any conditions attached to this offer?" he asked cautiously.

"Only what I've already stated", Uther's Husk smiled faintly:

"Maintain your current self—do not let power corrupt your true nature.
Of course, I don't expect you to become some savior. Simply avoiding becoming another Cassandra will suffice."

The professor's tone softened slightly:

"Also, when you reach the Moonlight Rank and consider undertaking 'historical event infiltration,' I will provide necessary protection.
That process is extremely dangerous—without experienced Historian guidance, the fatality rate approaches ninety percent."

"I will strive not to betray your expectations, Professor."

He replied with sincere respect:

"While I cannot guarantee never making mistakes, I can vow that rationality and logic will always remain my foundation."

"I hope so."

Uther's Husk nodded slightly:

"However, I must warn you of another, more urgent matter.
With Cassandra's return, she will likely implement a new administrative system."

The professor's voice grew more severe, his Husk solidifying:

"The traditional contribution system will run parallel to a new 'military merit' framework, and forced conscription might resume.
For a treasure-grade genius like you, she will undoubtedly employ various means to entice and control you."

"First, small favors to let you taste benefits, then greater temptations binding your future at critical moments."

Uther's Husk paused mid-air, his voice carrying grave warning:

"You must understand—ordinary soul contracts can potentially be broken by True Path cultivators, since your soul structure becomes abnormally resilient through connections with high-ranking entities.
But a contract bound to a Soul Anchor..."

He left the sentence unfinished, but Luo En already grasped its meaning.

A contract tied to an Anchor artifact was an inescapable absolute bondage, one even Archmages could not easily sever.
It was like shackling one's soul with invisible chains, forever binding it.

"I can guess the young lady's plan", Uther continued analyzing:

"First generous gifts and resources creating gratitude and dependence. Then, at the critical moment when you reach the Moonlight Rank and prepare to challenge the Dusk Sun Rank, she strikes."

His voice turned icy:

"She'll calculate the perfect timing to apply pressure when you're least able to resist."

Luo En listened silently, his perception of Cassandra shifting once more.

Every step of her plan was calculated with ruthless precision—an enormous game of chess being played.
And he, it seemed, was a crucial piece on her board.

"Do you have any countermeasures?" he asked directly, his eyes gleaming with calm calculation.

“There are… unconventional methods.”

Uther’s Phantom Husk blurred slightly, as if hesitating before speaking:

“The Historian possesses a unique ability we call ‘Historical Mist.’

The ‘Historical Mist’ selectively obscures certain past information about oneself, causing those who pry into your history to experience memory confusion regarding specific details.”

His voice grew more enigmatic:

“To put it simply, it makes others ‘forget’ certain traits or experiences about you, thereby evading strategies targeting those very aspects.”

The old Professor’s tone turned cautious:

“Of course, this technique has limitations. It can only blur memories, not erase them entirely. It’s also ineffective against the souls of particularly powerful Archmages.

But in critical moments, even the slightest advantage might alter the entire battlefield’s outcome.”

Luo En nodded, beginning to ponder. This ability sounded undeniably useful—but risky.

If discovered, the consequences of deception could be far worse than direct confrontation.

“Additionally, if you master soul-splitting and soul-vessel production techniques…”

Uther’s words carried a clear undertone of suggestion:

“In theory, you could transfer your core consciousness and memories into a secret vessel. Even if your original body were bound by a contract, you’d retain a degree of autonomy.

But these are extremely dangerous techniques. A single mistake could result in personality fragmentation at best, or soul shattering at worst.”

This ancient “Mysticist” was indeed offering possible solutions to future crises—though each carried immense risk.

“By the way, the ‘Master Sword Vitality Transformation’ plan you mentioned earlier—I believe it has great potential.”

Uther abruptly shifted topics:

"If you decide to join the Abyss Observatory, I can provide technical support. Especially regarding Master Sword condensation; that’s likely the crucial step in forming your personal Soul Anchor’s nascent form."

His Phantom Husk edged closer to Luo En:

“A true Master Sword is more than a weapon—it’s an extension of your will, a manifestation of your soul.

If you can fuse all your abilities and traits into it, it’ll become your most reliable safeguard.

Even when facing the strongest constraints, the power that truly belongs to you can never be taken away.”

“Combining it with ‘Throne Seed’ research might create an unprecedented soul armament.”

A gleam of expectation flashed in Uther’s eyes:

“Imagine a Mana-Forged Sword fusing Apostle authority with all your abilities—what kind of existence would that become?”

The implication was unmistakable.

“I’ll seriously consider your suggestion, Professor,” Luo En replied cautiously, avoiding immediate commitment.

“Your advice is invaluable to me. I need time to carefully weigh its pros and cons.”

“Time is short, young one.”

Uther’s Phantom Husk began to fade, clearly exhausted by the prolonged projection:

“Cassandra’s return will gradually shift the power dynamics at the Crystal Spire. I hope, by then, you’ll be fully prepared.”

His voice weakened to a near-whisper:

“In this world, some choices are irreversible once made. But sometimes, making no choice at all is the most dangerous choice of all.”

The Professor’s Phantom Husk grew increasingly ethereal:

“I’ve lived long enough to witness countless rises and falls.

But you’re different—you still hold infinite possibilities.

Whatever path you choose, remember: power is merely a means. Never let the means become the end.”

With these final, profound words, Uther’s Phantom Husk dissolved entirely.

Silver light rippled like water, eventually merging into the air, leaving only a faint energy fluctuation.

Luo En stood alone in the containment chamber, his mind echoing with the information he’d just received.

From Forgotten Halls to Otherworld conquest, from internal school power struggles to life-or-death personal fate decisions—each revelation struck his mind like a heavy hammer.

Yet, simultaneously, he felt an unprecedented clarity.

It was as though someone walking through mist had suddenly glimpsed a distant lighthouse. The path remained treacherous, but the direction was now clear.

“Serna’s Phantom Husk residual structure… Throne Seed… Bloodsworn World…”

Luo En began constructing complex predictive models in his mind, analyzing various possible developments.

Accepting Uther’s patronage and planning would bring power within reach—but also corresponding responsibilities;

Rejecting it might allow temporary low profile, but eventually, pressure from Conquerors would still arrive.

“But this choice isn’t urgent. I have at least decades of buffer time.”

He analyzed rationally:

“Professor Eutel’s condition is to uphold one’s path, avoiding meditation technique aberrations.

Whether or not I make that promise, it’s something I should do regardless.”

Luo En took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts.

As a rational researcher, he knew emotional decisions often led to disastrous consequences.

No matter how timely Uther’s warning was, no matter how perilous the road ahead, he must maintain calm rationality.

“First, I need to confirm whether my memories truly bear traces of erasure.”

He formulated an investigation plan mentally:

“I’ll attempt to use the newly acquired ‘Sensory Perception’ trait to search for clues.

If someone was truly consumed by Forgotten Places, there must be traces left in certain objects or locations.”

…

As the sun set, the core of the Emerald Great Forest was bathed in warm golden light.

Ancient towering trees embraced each other, their thick trunks adorned with various peculiar vines emitting faint mana luminescence.

Protected by these natural barriers, the Emerald Tower quietly stood at the center of an open forest clearing.

The Mageschool’s main building wasn’t a traditional stone tower but a specially cultivated colossal tree.

Its trunk diameter exceeded fifty meters, its height an astonishing three hundred meters. The canopy resembled a vast jade-green canopy, sheltering the entire settlement from wind and rain.

Most astonishingly, the tree’s interior had been completely hollowed and redesigned into a multi-layered architectural system.

Spiral staircases wound upward along the inner trunk walls, each level serving distinct purposes—laboratories, libraries, conference halls, residential areas, all-encompassing.

Embedded within the trunk’s natural texture were countless glowing magic crystals, providing illumination and mana supply.

Even more miraculously, the tree remained alive.

New branches would automatically adjust their shape according to residents’ needs, providing the most comfortable living environment.

Around the trunk’s base, dozens of uniquely shaped small buildings scattered across the clearing.

Some were delicate huts woven from living vines, others were cave dwellings hollowed from giant mushrooms, while some were suspended treehouses connected by flexible vine bridges.

Throughout the settlement, various strange creatures coexisted harmoniously with humans.

Giant beetles faithfully carried heavy loads on their backs, transporting experimental equipment and daily necessities;

Colorful birds soared freely through the air, delivering messages to residents;

Even the seemingly ordinary flora possessed miraculous abilities—some could predict weather changes, others could purify harmful substances from the air.

Within this vibrant environment, an important assembly was taking place in the main conference hall inside the ancient tree.

Dozens of young apprentices sat on living seats arranged by rank.

These seats were actually specially cultivated small plants, their shapes and softness automatically adjusting to the sitter’s physique and preferences.

The intensity of the seats’ glow directly corresponded to the occupant’s status and potential rating within the school.

Near the podium, the front seats gleamed like stars—reserved for true prodigies.

“Everyone, today we announce this quarter’s Backup Mage Sequence update.”

Standing at the podium was a tall, semi-spiritual woman with typical Emerald Tower lineage:

Her green hair cascaded like a waterfall to her waist, her fair skin tinged with a subtle green hue, amber eyes shining with ancient forest-like wisdom.

As Emerald Tower’s Academic Director, Mentor Vira’s every word carried immense weight.

“After rigorous evaluation, we’ve decided to promote Liliya Devinter to the 20th position in the Backup Sequence.”

As Vira finished speaking, subtle rustling filled the hall.

Apprentices exchanged silent conversations through spiritual energy.

In a place like Emerald Tower that valued etiquette, openly commenting would be highly impolite.

Sitting at the 21st position, golden-haired male apprentice Cedric showed no expression, but his blue eyes held an imperceptible shadow.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end