https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-32-The-Rules-of-the-Game-A-Transformed-Madame-Ellen/13535189/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-34-The-List-and-the-Soundwave-Curse/13535201/
Chapter 33: The Murmuring of the Star Devourer
Chapter 33 The Murmuring of the Star Devourer
"I thought... perhaps you were Madame Ellen's daughter or a relative." Luo En shifted his gaze awkwardly, his voice tinged with clear confusion.
She laughed again, this time with a carefree absence of dread. "Daughter? This old carcass has lived for centuries—where would I get a daughter?"
Luo En now noticed that though their appearances differed completely, her manner of speech and the piercing sharpness in her eyes were absolutely identical to Madame Ellen's.
"But you—" He struggled to find words for this transformation.
"There's no need to be overly startled", Madame Ellen explained, slightly turning her body. "During the few days each month when mana fluctuations peak, I can briefly return to my youthful appearance."
She stretched her limbs, seemingly savoring the comfort of this younger body:
"This is also why I closed the shop early today. During these days, I usually remain locked in potion research, fulfilling a month's worth of backlogged orders. Old clients like Holt know this well."
Luo En nodded, but his perception had already detected more.
With his elementary apprentice spiritual energy enhanced, he could distinctly sense the terrifying mana fluctuations emanating from Madame Ellen—
a terrifying energy field as dark and vast as an abyss, far beyond what any ordinary apprentice, or even a High Apprentice, could possess.
A staggering realization struck Luo En: Madame Ellen's current strength must have already reached the Full Mage level!
"I originally intended to tell you about this", the pink-haired enchantress continued, seemingly unaware of his internal shock.
"But your conflict with Ma Kusi landed you directly in the Solitary Confinement Room, so..."
At this moment, Luo En felt curious about why Madame Ellen normally suffered mana depletion and appeared so aged, yet he wisely refrained from prying.
Everyone had their secrets. Probing recklessly was rarely wise.
"However, your timing is impeccable", Madame Ellen's tone lightened. "Though unexpected, since you're here, let's discuss business."
"As you wish, madam."
Seeing their familiar dynamic restored, Luo En's earlier embarrassment faded. He responded respectfully:
"I came to inform you I've ended my confinement early. Also, I wish to consult you about something."
Madame Ellen scrutinized him with interest, her emerald eyes gleaming with penetrating insight:
"It's not just about ending confinement, is it? Your aura transformation is obvious—you've breakthrough to elementary apprentice?"
Luo En gave a slight nod. "Yes, an unexpected breakthrough during my time in the Solitary Confinement Room."
"Unexpected?" Madame Ellen arched one delicate eyebrow, her lips curving in a knowing smile.
"A breakthrough in that environment isn't something mere 'luck' can explain."
She circled the counter, moving with graceful elegance in her youthful body—utterly transformed from her usual hunched posture.
"Your aura is stable, and your spiritual energy flows evenly", she observed approvingly.
"Better than most apprentices fresh from a breakthrough. It seems the Solitary Confinement Room's isolation proved beneficial."
Luo En didn't deny it. "Indeed. The isolated environment allowed deeper focus on meditation and cultivation."
"So, what do you wish to consult?" Madame Ellen crossed her arms, accentuating a particular curve.
"I have two matters."
Luo En maintained strict eye contact, choosing concise responses. He knew she valued efficiency:
"First, I seek knowledge of higher-level meditation techniques. The Basic Meditation Manual no longer suffices."
Madame Ellen nodded, unsurprised.
"The Basic Meditation Manual is like a child's phonetic dictionary—eventually, one must discard it. Your spiritual energy has indeed reached a stage needing more advanced guidance."
"And the second matter?"
Luo En hesitated briefly before asking directly: "What information do you have about Aolifu?"
At that name, Madame Ellen's expression instantly turned grave. The youthful visage now bore an expression far older than her appearance:
"Aolifu? Has he contacted you?"
Luo En succinctly described Aolifu's visit and how he'd used a Mana Shard Fragment to release him from confinement.
"This isn't auspicious news. That boy never acts from pure kindness. Every favor he grants hides calculated intent."
Her fingers tapped the counter in erratic rhythm.
After a moment, Madame Ellen returned to the counter, her long fingers grazing locked drawers until stopping at one seemingly mundane yet sealed with a miniature suppression rune.
"Regarding your first matter", she said, a small silver key suddenly appearing in her hand.
The key entered the lock with an almost imperceptible click, the drawer sliding open silently.
From it, she withdrew a small, dark leather-bound notebook. A jagged blood-red gem adorned its cover, shimmering with eerie light.
"I do have advanced meditation technique materials. Here it is."
As her fingers caressed the cover, the gem pulsed faintly in response.
Her gaze grew distant, as though peering through the river of time:
"The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, also known as the Star Meditation Technique—a gem-tier meditation technique surpassing the Basic Meditation Manual. It was supposedly created by an ancient mage whose mind was shattered by cosmic horrors, forged at the edge of madness and lucidity."
Her fingers hovered over a page filled with an intricate rune structure.
It resembled dozens of Basic Meditation Runes interwoven in an impossible pattern, forming a larger, complete energy circuit.
"It channels spiritual energy along star paths, multiplying cultivation efficiency. Naturally, it carries corresponding risks", the enchantress continued.
"Perfect for one who's breakthrough to elementary apprentice, even capable of aiding progression to Full Mage..."
Luo En held his breath, his eyes irresistibly drawn to the rune structure.
Even from this brief glimpse, he felt an inexplicable pull, as if the rune itself contained a silent summons.
(End of Chapter)
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