Chapter 335: Potion of Heart's Essence

Chapter 335: Potion of Heart's Essence

Luo En sat alone at his desk, surrounded by a dense web of notes and diagrams sprawled across the table.

The forbidden knowledge obtained from the Forbidden Library slithered through his mind like a venomous snake.

He gently touched his Temple, still throbbing faintly from the previous wound.

Yet the pain didn’t halt his relentless thinking—it only sharpened his hunger for discovery.

"Ai Lan, brew a pot of strong tea", he said without lifting his gaze. "Tonight’s research will be long."

The Tree Spirit drifted from the corner, her branches swaying gently.

"Master, you’ve been working nonstop for ten hours. Your body needs rest."

"Physical fatigue is temporary, but missing moments of clarity means permanent loss."

Luo En kept his eyes fixed on the papers. "My spirit state is at its peak now. This is the perfect time for complex logical analysis."

Ai Lan remained silent, her branches trembling slightly.

She could sense the growing coldness emanating from her master—a ruthless aura intensifying with each passing day.

But she said nothing, merely turning to prepare the tea.

Luo En redirected his focus to the documents before him.

The advancement conditions for three professions had formed a complex three-dimensional structure in his mind, each node representing different possibilities and risks.

"Potionprofessor…" He drew the first branching line with his quill.

"This is currently the most feasible path. Plus, Potion Master was my first class-advanced profession—my experience here is the deepest."

[Potionprofessor (Three Stars) Advancement Conditions:
1. Prerequisite profession—Potion Master (Two-Star) ✓
2. Alchemy skill reaching Expert level (Current mastery 126/300)
3. Must create at least one original potion recipe
4. Must train at least five Potion Master-level apprentices]

At this thought, he recalled the "gift" Madame Ellen had given him before his journey to the Central Lands—the formulas for Potion of Heart's Essence.

Though they’d had recent conflicts with his Mentor, he’d preserved the parchment carefully. After all, knowledge itself was blameless.

"I remember the specific ingredients…" Luo En closed his eyes, letting unsettling details resurface in his mind:

The primary ingredient was "Spirit Infant Tears", extractable only from the eye sockets of newborns who’d died at the moment of birth.

Legend said only the purest essence could form during the instant of a most sacred life’s extinction—a contamination-resistant essence.

Secondary materials included "Nightmare Silk Threads", special spider silk found only in the Fourth Layer of the Abyss, produced by giant spiders that fed on nightmares.

These threads could bind and purify contaminated elements within spirits.

The crucial catalyst was "Blood of Remorse"—blood from criminals who’d genuinely repented but found no redemption.

Such blood contained potent spirit-purifying mana, but harvesting required the subject to remain conscious through extreme pain.

"The original formula’s requirement for 'Spirit Infant Tears' is too extreme, nearly impossible to obtain nowadays."

Luo En analyzed calmly.

"But if substituted with 'Newborn Beast Tears' and paired with appropriate Mana Transformation incantations, similar effects should be achievable."

"As for 'Blood of Remorse'… members of Abyss Exploration Teams with severe spiritual contamination but not yet fully aberrated might possess blood with comparable properties."

He recorded these ideas in his notebook. "Need further verification of substitution feasibility."

Then, building upon these substitutions, he began incorporating his original modifications.

This gradual refinement process was far easier than creating a formula from nothing.

"If innovating the Potion of Heart’s Essence formula succeeds, the next step will be apprentice cultivation."

He thought of Lise’s eyes, ever-hungry for knowledge, and He Man’s sharp Insight Power during theoretical discussions.

Both youths had potential to become Outstanding Potion Masters, but they needed systematic guidance.

"Still, in this coming turbulent era, how much longer can they maintain their innocence?"

Luo En’s thoughts drifted to deeper concerns.

Conqueror ideologies were spreading within the Crystal Spire—those fanatical desires would inevitably infect everyone eventually.

Lise and He Man could still feel excitement for pure knowledge now.

But when they truly encountered the magical world’s darkness, would they still preserve their initial passion?

"Never mind. That’s not my concern."

He shook his head, refocusing on his current plans.

"I only need to ensure they master sufficient skills. What they do with them… that’s their own choice."

As he pondered, a soft splash echoed from the crystal pool at the desk’s edge.

Little Siren Daire turned in her sleep, silver hair drifting on the water’s surface, shimmering under the Mana Crystal Lamp.

Her metamorphosis had lasted months but progressed far slower than expected.

"Daire’s evolution also requires such a long time…"

Luo En observed the delicate figure. "True power is never instant."

Ai Lan floated over with the tea, steam carrying faint herbal aromas.

"Master, what are you thinking about?"

"About the passage of time." He accepted the teacup, its warmth perfect.

"Mages live long lives, but truly valuable research time is limited. Each breakthrough takes years—even decades—of accumulation."

"By the time I reach High Mage status, countless years may have passed.

By then, my current peers will likely be long dead in experiments, lost in Abyss expeditions… or become entirely different beings."

He sipped tea, his voice carrying calm foresight.

"Only the truly powerful can maintain their essence through the tides of time."

"But…" Seeing his faithful assistant, Luo En’s tone softened.

"Until then, I must ensure every step is solid. This journey also depends on you, Daire, and Ink."

After withdrawing his gaze from Ai Lan’s graceful silhouette, he returned to studying Alchemy’s advancement path.

[Alchemy Grandmaster (Three Stars) Advancement Conditions:
1. Prerequisite profession—Alchemist (Two-Star) ✓
2. Alchemy reaching Expert level
3. Must successfully create a 'Semi-Perpetual' Simulation Combat Device (Self-operating for fifty years or more)
4. Must complete one 'Life Reconstruction' experiment]

The demands for Alchemy Grandmaster were even harsher, especially the "semi-perpetual device."

"The Mana Core issue for Mobile Simulation Combat Devices remains unresolved."

Luo En flipped through design blueprints.

"Aksa’s soul fragment and the Phantom Heart Stone from the Gambling Stone Shop were only temporary substitutes. Relying solely on them won’t ensure fifty years of stable operation."

He retrieved esoteric technological documents provided by Cassandra.

Theories from the "Mechanical Federation" and "Bio-Factory" had broadened his horizons.

"Mana Integration Technology… consolidating mana from diverse sources into a unified driving force."

He studied the technical details intently, gradually constructing the semi-perpetual device’s blueprint in his mind.

The key lay in establishing a sustainable mana cycle—maximizing internal mana conversion while continuously absorbing external mana.

"If the soul fragment serves as the core, Phantom Heart Stone as the mana converter, combined with otherworldly 'Cycle Enhancement' technology…"

Luo En began sketching new designs on paper, drawing intricate mana circuits with precise calculations.

This design required mastery of time spells, spatial folding, mana conversion, and other advanced fields. Yet Luo En believed in his ability to conquer these technologies.

The critical challenge remained mana consumption.

All mechanical devices inevitably lost mana during operation, and accumulated losses would eventually halt the system.

"Unless…" A bold idea surfaced.

"Unless the system itself possessed 'growth' capabilities."

As he immersed in thoughts, a faint rustling came from the laboratory’s corner.

"Ink" writhed slightly in the regeneration vat, silver patterns flickering weakly, as if responding to its master’s mental activity.

"Can you sense this too?" Luo En whispered, though knowing the slime couldn’t reply.

To his surprise, "Ink’s" writhing intensified, patterns forming rhythmic shapes.

This transformation indicated the slime’s heightened sensitivity to surrounding Mana Fluctuations.

"Fascinating… Seems your potential exceeds my expectations."

He approached the vat, observing "Ink’s" state closely.

Through his Transcendent Perception, he saw subtle structural reorganization within the slime.

The Abyss Factor was fusing with its original biological tissues, creating unprecedented possibilities.

Observing "Ink" gave him inspiration for his device’s growth concept.

Autophagic slime molds didn’t degrade during operation—they strengthened themselves by consuming external materials.

If this trait could be applied to mechanical devices…

"Transform the device into an organic, growing system rather than a rigid mechanical structure."

Luo En’s mind sparked with excitement.

"It wouldn’t just sustain itself—it would grow stronger over time."

This approach defied traditional Alchemy principles, yet such breakthroughs might elevate him to Alchemy Grandmaster status.

"As for the 'Life Reconstruction' experiment…"

His gaze returned to "Ink."

This life he’d created with his own hands was slowly regenerating within the vat.

Data from Franca’s blood sample incident showed its far-greater-than-expected Adaptation Capability.

"If the Preservation Clan’s Bloodline Abyss compatibility could be safely transplanted…"

He recalled that nearly fatal experiment.

Franca’s blood contained complex Mana Structures that had almost caused "Ink’s" total collapse.

Yet that very crisis had revealed the Preservation Clan’s Bloodline’s true value.

"If we successfully fuse more Abyssal Creature traits, 'Ink' will become far more than just an experimental assistant."

He retrieved several biological sample documents collected from the Abyss Observatory, beginning to draft fusion plans.

“Sand Sea Hunter’s Perception, Ecological Suoyi Insect’s adaptation ability, Corrosion Worm’s decomposition… through the harmonizing effect of the Preservation Clan bloodline, theoretically minimal-loss fusion could be achieved.”

“The key lies in discovering the correct fusion method. Direct contact is obviously too dangerous, but through gradual adaptation…”

After contemplating the alchemy master’s path, Luo En shifted his focus to the most dangerous but enticing option—the Rune expert:

【Rune Expert (Three Stars Half) Advancement Conditions:

1. Prerequisite profession—Enchanter (Two-Star and a Half) √

2. Enchantment and Rune Studies must both reach mastery level

3. Create one’s own unique rune

4. Master the 'fleshrune' technique】

“Fleshrune…” He glanced at his right hand, where previous fusion with a Puppet Substitute had occurred:

“This technique’s essence lies in achieving perfect unity between runes and living tissues.”

Traditional enchantment merely etched runes onto an object’s surface, while fleshrune integrated runes directly into living flesh, making them part of life itself.

The danger was self-evident.

The slightest mistake could cause uncontrollable mutations in test subjects—or even complete loss of humanity.

As for creating personal runes, he already had a clear lead:

“The Starlight Rune… A rune system capable of resonating with constellations.”

His thoughts burned with enthusiasm: “Combined with my Astrology and The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, this would be unprecedented innovation.”

Since his apprentice days, he’d maintained deep connections with ancient stellar beings.

The Murmuring of the Star Devourer was more than meditation—it was communication with higher-dimensional entities.

“If I create a constellation-resonating rune system, not only will it amplify Astrology’s effects, but also provide cultivation boosts for meditation techniques…”

As he sketched rune designs on paper, a realization struck Luo En like lightning:

“Must these three professions develop separately?”

This thought electrified his mind.

He recalled the various special enhancements within him—especially the Trinity Convergence trait and Creator’s Blessing fusion effects.

“Alchemy provides essence understanding, alchemy offers modification/creation means, Enchantment grants transcendence…”

Luo En drafted a new conceptual diagram, recombining core elements of all three disciplines:

“If truly fused, I could create transcendent items never before seen.”

His imagination birthed a fusion device in his mind—a self-adjusting potion-making Simulation Combat Device, its surface etched with enhancement runes.

Its interior would store preset formulas, even adapting in real-time to the user’s physiological state…

Of course, this was merely a crude prototype—flawed and incomplete.

“Teaching, experimentation, creation… These three processes form a complete cycle.”

Luo En’s thoughts crystallized.

He realized Trinity Convergence’s true meaning likely wasn’t simple skill stacking, but rather building an organic knowledge system.

Suddenly, two Memory Crystals deliberately placed at the table’s edge began glowing faintly.

Their mana textures pulsed in response to his mental fluctuations.

“I bought these from the Observatory’s Wisdom Collection months ago but never found time to analyze them. Today’s as good as any.”

This was part of his scheduled routine.

Luo En picked up the emerald-green crystal: “Perhaps I’ll gain valuable experimental data.”

Activating History Research, his spiritual energy extended like silk threads toward the crystal.

As his consciousness touched its surface, reality twisted and blurred.

The scene sharpened—a sinister flesh forest in the Abyss’s fourth layer.

“Trees” had vascular trunks and muscular tissues, their skin-covered surfaces studded with rotating eyeballs.

The memory’s owner belonged to a five-member exploration squad.

Luo En sensed his tension and fear—but also the characteristic curiosity of explorers.

Their leader, Ma Di, was an experienced middle-aged man scanning the environment with a Mana Detection device.

“This area’s mana fluctuations are unstable,” Ma Di warned. “Stay alert, no straggling.”

The squad’s Wizard Apprentice, a gaunt youth, glared at the eye-trees: “They’re watching us.”

“No kidding, genius,” scoffed the lone female—a Bloodline Knight. “The question is what they want to do to us.”

Initially, progress was smooth.

They navigated the flesh forest carefully, avoiding high-risk zones.

But through the memory owner’s perspective, Luo En noticed subtle changes.

The eye-trees weren’t launching direct attacks, but emitting faint spiritual influences.

These were so subtle they bordered on undetectable.

Rather than overt control, they quietly… adjusted emotions.

At first, just mild unease.

Team members began doubting each other’s actions and resisting the leader’s orders.

“We’re wasting time here,” the knight complained. “Why search the forest center when samples are everywhere?”

“Because valuable materials hide where danger does,” Ma Di patiently explained.

“Maybe she’s right,” the apprentice chimed in. “We’ve gathered enough specimens.”

As time passed, the spiritual influence intensified.

Temper flared, trust eroded.

Luo En observed closely, analyzing: “This gradual erosion has research value. No forced control—just amplifying existing negative emotions. Subtle, hard to detect.”

A massive flesh-tree deep in the forest radiated stronger influence.

Its trunk displayed blurry human faces—weeping, pleading.

A young explorer, Tom, became entranced.

He saw his dead father, childhood friends—all those he’d missed.

“Tom!” Ma Di’s voice echoed distantly. “Don’t look at the hallucinations!”

Too late. The spiritual influence shattered reality-hallucination boundaries.

Worse, others exhibited similar symptoms.

The knight saw her lover lost during her first Abyss expedition, the apprentice saw his mentor killed by Abyssal Creatures.

“This… isn’t real!” the apprentice cried, clutching his head. “They’re all dead!”

Ma Di activated protective runes, but the forest’s spiritual attack had already rooted deep.

Then came the unexpected.

The flesh-trees didn’t strike while the explorers were distracted. Instead, the explorers turned on each other.

Under spiritual distortion, allies became threats, friends became enemies.

The knight snapped first—her blade piercing the nearest comrade’s chest.

“You’re not real Tony!” she screamed. “Real Tony wouldn’t look at me like that!”

The apprentice’s dying spell engulfed the knight and Ma Di in an explosive blast.

Chaos erupted as this mutual annihilation shattered the squad within minutes.

Tom was the last to regain clarity.

When the hallucinations faded, he saw only dismembered corpses and flesh-trees greedily absorbing scattered blood.

The memory ended abruptly.

Luo En slowly opened his eyes, his expression unchanged.

He began recording observations in his notebook:

“Spirit-induced trap weaponizing memories and emotions.

Indirect but fatal attack—amplifying negativity to cause internal conflict.”

He paused, adding:

“This mechanism holds immense value for simulation device psychological resistance training.

Recreating such environments provides targeted anti-hallucination training.”

【History Research (Proficient) Experience Points +1】

【Current Progress: History Research (Proficient 26/100)】

Luo En felt satisfied with the analysis.

Though tragic, the memory contained invaluable technical insights.

As a researcher, his duty was extracting knowledge from all phenomena.

Late as it was, his mind remained sharp.

Today’s gains proved fruitful—inspiration for his profession’s development path and technical insights from the Memory Crystal, all guiding his research’s new directions.

“Tomorrow I’ll meet Eve, possibly Cassandra too.”

He checked the time—it was past midnight. “Maintaining peak condition matters more than forced work.”

After tidying his desk and securely storing all materials, he extinguished the Mana Crystal Lamp.

A night breeze swept through the window, sighing like a mournful dirge for something lost.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end