Chapter 344: The Lich King's Gift

Chapter 344: The Lich King’s Gift

Deep within the Treasure Vault, Na Rui was experiencing the most thrilling and heartwarming moment of its life.

From its prey reserves, it selected a freshly deceased Corrosion Sea Snake. This Abyssal Creature possessed relatively mild mana, and its body still retained rich Abyss essence.

"This should be perfect."

Na Rui carefully inspected the sea snake’s corpse, ensuring it carried no dangerously chaotic mana:

"Gentle, pure, and nutrient-rich… like a baby’s first solid meal."

It cautiously placed the snake’s body beside the Puppet, then observed with nervous anticipation.

"Eat, my little one…" Na Rui’s voice brimmed with tender affection, its tone mirroring a mother coaxing her child:

"This will make you stronger, healthier…"

At first, the Puppet showed no reaction, lying quietly within its soft nest.

Na Rui’s giant eyes flickered with anxiety:

"Does it dislike the flavor? Or is it too tough to chew?"

Just as it prepared to swap the food, a miracle unfolded.

The Puppet’s surface began glowing with faint rune circuits. The hidden mana channels activated, radiating a steady, gentle light. The runes functioned like a digestive system, extending countless hair-thin mana tendrils toward the sea snake’s corpse.

"It’s eating! It’s actually eating!"

Na Rui trembled with excitement, its tentacles thrashing wildly in the air:

"My child is eating!"

The Puppet’s "feeding" process was orderly, unlike the usual chaotic Abyss erosion. The mana tendrils precisely decomposed the corpse, extracting useful essence while discarding waste. The process resembled rigorous academic analysis, each step meticulously calculated.

As decomposition progressed, the Puppet’s Charging Progress increased, radiating stronger Boon fluctuations. These waves of energy felt like a warm spring breeze, soothing Na Rui’s chaotic consciousness.

"This sensation…"

Na Rui felt the Puppet’s nurturing feedback, another secondary consciousness node stabilizing:

"So warm… so comforting… like returning to a mother’s embrace…"

The giant monster rolled joyfully across the Treasure Vault, tentacles flailing like a child given sweets:

"It worked! It really worked! I’ve finally got a real child!"

This was Na Rui’s first experience of maternal accomplishment and happiness. Watching the Puppet eat brought unprecedented fulfillment—not the thrill of conquest, nor the rush of power, but pure love and being needed.

"I’ll prepare even more delicious meals for you", it declared, already planning a richer "menu":

"Sea snakes are too monotonous. How about Abyss jellyfish, Corrosion vines, Nightmare spider silk… Each offers unique nutritional value."

Like a new mother devising a baby’s diet, it meticulously considered each ingredient’s balance and digestibility:

"No single ingredient, comprehensive nutrition, easy to digest…"

From this moment, Na Rui’s life gained new purpose. It was no longer a lonely ancient monster guarding its hoard, but a responsible, caring "mother." Though outsiders might find this "parent-child" bond absurd, for Na Rui, it was the most precious experience of its long life.

The Treasure Vault’s other treasures seemed to share its joy. Glowing soul fragments danced more vigorously, and the beating heart quickened its rhythm. The space radiated warmth, like a cozy little family.

In the depths of the Darkless Sea, an ancient monster was learning to become a devoted "mother." Meanwhile, in a distant Observatory, a young mage was striving for greater power through cultivation.

Two seemingly unrelated threads were tightly bound by a faint consciousness thread…

——————

Deep into the night, the Mana Crystal Lamp’s glow cast a sinister hue over yellowed parchment. The research papers were bound in an unusual way—each page stitched with living fibers called Memory Silk. As Luo En flipped the pages, the fibers writhed faintly, as though tasting his mental fluctuations.

He frowned. The ink transformed subtly based on his comprehension level. When he deeply pondered a concept, the text clarified; when doubts arose, annotations appeared automatically, providing explanations.

This "living archive" was one of Cassandra’s early innovations—a system resonating with the reader’s spirit to offer personalized learning.

"Experimental ethics must never be overlooked. Every bloodline formulation must rest on the subject’s full informed consent…"

"True academia should aim to alleviate suffering, not create it…"

"If our research doesn’t improve the world, even the most advanced knowledge is meaningless…"

Yet deeper reading revealed chilling details. Under his Transcendent Perception, these idealistic words occasionally "twitched", revealing hidden truths:

"A subject’s consent doesn’t affect an experiment’s scientific value…"

"Pain is merely a necessary cost for knowledge…"

"Sacrificing an individual for greater progress is undeniably worthwhile…"

These buried words flickered briefly before being recloaked by the surface "kindness."

"Interesting editing technique", Luo En mused, stroking the page and feeling the Memory Silk’s subtle pulse:

"These early papers were deliberately altered, hiding true intentions."

Activating all his Perception skills, he examined the paper’s deep structure. Under special vision, each page revealed layers—surface "charity" concealing deeper, darker pragmatism.

"This isn’t a personality change—it’s a gradual shedding of disguise", he deduced:

"She always possessed this cold essence, merely masking it earlier."

Reviewing the paper timestamps, he built a timeline. As her Murmuring of the Star Devourer cultivation deepened, Cassandra’s "mask" had thinned—not replaced by external will, but her innate ruthlessness amplified by star power.

Luo En recalled his recent psychological shifts—the growing numbness toward Ancient Alchemist experiments:

"I’m undergoing the same process."

He retrieved a specialized Self-Reflection Mirror, an astrology-alchemy hybrid tool for monitoring mental states. The mirror didn’t reflect appearance but revealed the observer’s true inner self.

In its surface, he saw his own gradually hardening gaze.

"At least I can still recognize this transformation", he sighed, pocketing the mirror:

"Recognizing the problem means there’s still hope to correct it. The key is establishing an effective monitoring system."

As he prepared to study another document, a strange sound echoed from the lab table’s corner—

Tick… tick…

The aged Consciousness Tomography Device was emitting rhythmic sounds. Normally silent, such a pattern signaled stored data. Luo En approached, noticing frost-like "crystalized thought" forming on its surface—a result of mental overload.

"Someone conducted high-intensity analysis here."

Touching it, his fingertips sensed residual spiritual imprints. Using his History Research skill and Sensory Perception trait, he glimpsed fragmented memories:

A shadow operating alone at night, surrounded by complex data projections.

Their hands trembling under immense spiritual pressure.

Empty Stimulant Potion vials on the desk, indicating prolonged work…

"It seems someone deliberately left something for me."

By Observatory standards, labs underwent complete data clearance during personnel changes. Finding leftovers was nearly impossible.

After thorough checks for traps using instruments and his perception, Luo En activated the device. A low hum resonated as crystallized thoughts glowed, projecting a file:

"Virtual Environment Construct Foundation Theory Discussion – Draft Version – Confidential"
Author: L.H. Researcher

"What timing…"

Luo En recognized this "accidental" discovery. He recalled the Phantom King’s earlier hints—promised materials would be delivered discreetly.

Steadying himself, he began reading with intense anticipation. The document’s complexity and reasoning surpassed even his expectations.

The author’s mastery of consciousness weaving was profound, expanding into techniques Luo En had never encountered:

"Artificial Neural Fiber Cultivation: Bio-alchemy can grow superconductive living neural networks…"
"Memory Crystal Preparation: Transforming sensory memories into replayable crystal structures…"
"Anchoring Technology: Using consciousness anchors to prevent users from losing themselves in virtual illusions…"

Each technical detail included exhaustive experimental data and failure analyses. The author had invested immense effort, even testing on themselves.

Red-inked warnings lined the margins:

"117th testing failure: Prolonged consciousness separation caused severe reality disorientation…"
"Warning: Virtual pain perception must not exceed 75% realism, or permanent spiritual trauma may occur…"
"Caution: Ancient memories must not be used as virtual environment material—they can ‘infect’ the entire system…"

Luo En paid special attention to that final warning.

What kind of memory could "infect" a virtual system?

This was indeed a risk he'd never considered before.

"It seems the construction of virtual environments is far more complex and dangerous than I imagined."

As Luo En continued reading, he discovered the technical approach in these ancient documents showed astonishing compatibility with his "Trinity Convergence" system:

Alchemy was responsible for formulating various consciousness stabilizers and perception enhancers;

Alchemy also created the physical substrate and neural interface of the virtual environment;

Enchantment constructed the complex rune network connecting spirit and matter...

"This integration approach... it's almost perfectly tailored for ancient alchemy."

What truly brought a smile to his face was a secret detail at the end of the document.

On the last page of technical specifications, in nearly invisible micro-print, it stated:

"The observer's perspective determines the layers of reality, and a true creator is never bound by single-dimensional limitations.

- To those brave enough to explore"

The phrasing was unmistakably in the style of the Phantom King.

"The planning is indeed thorough", Luo En murmured to himself, genuinely admiring the Lich King's methods.

As he immersed himself in these precious insights, a warm yet sinister "parenting" activity was underway deep within the Fifth Layer of the Abyss...

In the Darkless Sea, within the "Abyssal Eye" Na Rui's Treasure Vault, the space resembled a massive womb - warm and brimming with vitality.

The membranes of the Brain Jellyfish King flowed with shifting luster.

These membranes could adjust their color and brightness according to Na Rui's emotional changes.

Currently, they radiated a gentle pink glow - the color of maternal affection.

Na Rui lay sprawled at the center of the Treasure Vault, its eyes - larger than fortresses - fixed with intense concentration on the Puppet inside the vesicle.

Each of its tentacles was carefully positioned, afraid of disturbing its "treasure."

"What delicious food should I prepare for my little angel today?"

Its Consciousness Field resonated with a voice as soft and sweet as a young girl's, creating stark contrast with its massive, terrifying form.

"Yesterday's Corrosion Sea Snake was a big hit. Shall we try something different today?"

It began rummaging through the storage chamber, where numerous preserved Abyssal Creature corpses were kept.

Each was enclosed in a special vesicle, maintaining their freshness at the moment of death.

"These 'Nightmare Butterfly' tentacles look tender and nutritious..."

"The petals of 'Blood Tear Blossom' contain pure Despair essence, which would greatly aid its growth..."

"And this 'Time Domain Worm' heart can enhance time perception ability..."

Na Rui moved among the corpses like a young mother preparing baby food, carefully considering each choice.

It had even learned to adjust its recipes based on the Puppet's reactions, observing which ingredients were most "popular."

Eventually, it settled on a freshly deceased "Silent Spider."

This creature fed on sound, accumulating substantial "Silence Essence" within its body.

"There, my little treasure, time to eat..."

Gently, Na Rui placed the spider's corpse near the vesicle and held its breath, waiting.

A few seconds later, the miracle occurred once more.

The runes on the Puppet's surface began to glow, pulsing like blood vessels and emitting increasingly brilliant silver light.

As the runes activated, the Silent Spider underwent an orderly and exquisite decomposition process.

This wasn't ordinary corrosion or consumption, but rather a form of artistic mana reorganization.

Each muscle fiber was precisely separated, each drop of bodily fluid purified completely, even the bones transforming into pure mana flow for absorption.

The entire process resembled watching a mesmerizing artistic creation, beautiful to the point of enchantment.

"Amazing! My treasure has grown just a little more!"

Na Rui trembled with excitement, its countless tentacles wildly dancing through the air.

It could clearly sense the Puppet's energy fluctuations steadily increasing while emitting a stronger and stronger Boon effect.

This was precisely why it felt so exhilarated - as the Puppet grew, it provided enhanced stability in return.

The chaotic thoughts that had plagued it for so long began to untangle, and the emotional fluctuations it once couldn't control gradually calmed.

For the first time, it could experience mental clarity and inner peace for an extended period.

"So this is the feeling other Apostles have always known..."

Na Rui sighed in satisfaction, tears of emotion forming in its eyes.

If these crystallized tears were released outside, they would undoubtedly be pure Abyss essence - each drop immensely valuable.

"My little treasure, you are the most precious gift I've ever received." Na Rui gently caressed the surface of the vesicle, its voice overflowing with maternal tenderness.

It gently caressed the surface of the vesicle, its voice overflowing with maternal tenderness.

"Mommy will protect you, help you grow quickly, and make you stronger than any other monster..."

As it thought about growth, Na Rui suddenly remembered an important matter.

According to Abyss tradition, there would be "preliminary gladiatorial matches" before the ranking battles.

Each Apostle would send their subordinates to fight - both a display of strength and a way to build excitement for the formal position-swapping battles.

The last such event had been over 300 years ago, when Na Rui could only hide in a corner, watching enviously as other Apostles showcased their "masterpieces."

Those powerful blood relatives, loyal mutation werewolves, cunning dream spiders... each had made it yearn with desire.

But now...

"There are less than two years before the next match..."

Na Rui calculated excitedly, its giant eyes burning with hope.

"At this rate of my baby's growth, perhaps... perhaps I can participate this time!"

Imagining its Puppet dazzling everyone in the Arena, imagining the expressions of envy and shock on other Apostles' faces...

It could hardly contain its excitement.

"I must make my darling the strongest!"

Determined, Na Rui began formulating a more systematic cultivation plan:

First, it needed to collect more high-quality Abyssal Creatures to provide sufficient nourishment for the Puppet;

Then, it should seek out some rare ability seeds to diversify the Puppet's combat skills;

Most importantly, it required practical combat training to familiarize the Puppet with various battle environments...

"I'll give you the very best of everything..."

Na Rui fixed its gaze on the Puppet inside the vesicle. "You must live up to expectations and become Mommy's pride..."

Meanwhile, in the laboratory at the Abyss Observatory, Luo En suddenly sensed a powerful fluctuation from deep within his consciousness.

This was feedback from the Puppet Substitute, clearer than ever before.

"This intensity of feedback..."

Surprised, Luo En paused his research to carefully analyze the information:

"The Puppet's growth rate has exceeded all expectations."

Through that fragile thread of consciousness, he could perceive the tremendous transformation in the Puppet's surroundings.

The powerful presence of the Abyss Apostle remained.

But now there was something new - an emotion he had never sensed before from the Abyss: pure, burning maternal love.

"This Abyss Apostle... actually considers the Puppet its own child?"

Luo En couldn't help but feel both amused and astonished, though soon realized the immense value of this situation.

"It seems like an accidental blessing. Now the Puppet not only has a safe growing environment but also receives abundant precious resources."

Moreover, as the Puppet's abilities strengthened, the reverse nourishment through the "Bidirectional Link" became increasingly powerful.

He could feel his contamination resistance, spirit resilience, and even his understanding of Abyss mana all subtly improving.

"The effect of this bidirectional link exceeds theoretical predictions..."

Luo En began meticulously recording the various parameter changes under this state:

"This 'remote cultivation' model might be applicable to more projects."

He recalled the artificial lifeforms created by the Ancient Alchemists.

If similar bidirectional links could be established, allowing these creations to grow independently while also feeding power back to their creators...

"A brand-new research direction... I'll note this down. Once I become an Ancient Alchemist, I'll have plenty of time to explore this further."

As Luo En immersed himself in these conceptualizations, a soft knock sounded at the laboratory door.

"Lalfmage, sorry to interrupt."

A respectful voice came from outside:

"I'm Assistant Researcher Alvin. Professor Eutel asked me to inform you about tomorrow afternoon's arrangements."

Luo En walked to the door, activating his observation mode to make the entrance transparent from the inside.

Standing outside was a thin young man with a typical academic appearance.

His pale skin, sunken eye sockets, and slightly fatigued expression from prolonged reading were all clearly visible.

Most striking was the detection bracelet on his right wrist.

Made from "Sensory Metal", its surface displayed different color patterns indicating various levels of Abyss erosion.

Judging by the greenish-yellow hue of his wrist, his erosion was already quite severe...

"Please come in." Luo En opened the door, noticing the slight limp in Alvin's walk.

"What specific arrangements does Professor Eutel have?"

"At 3 PM tomorrow afternoon, Professor Eutel hopes you'll join him in the collection room to view the ancient Master Swords."

Alvin's voice carried reverence:

"These swords... each has its own story and will. The professor particularly emphasized that you need to prepare adequate spirit protection beforehand."

He hesitated briefly, concern flickering in his eyes.

"Last year, a researcher suffered improper protection and was affected by the residual will of one sword. They're still receiving treatment at the rehabilitation center."

"What kind of effect?" Luo En asked with interest.

"The previous master of that sword was an Arcane Swordsman specialized in hunting Abyssal Creatures."

Alvin lowered his voice, as if revealing a terrifying secret.

"After contact, that researcher developed obsessive hunting impulses.

They would go alone into dangerous areas at night, searching for anything they could 'purify.'"

This detail heightened Luo En's anticipation for tomorrow's visit.

A weapon capable of affecting the mind of those who touched it must possess manufacturing techniques containing something of great interest to him.

"Thank you for the warning", he nodded. "I'll make thorough preparations."

After Alvin departed, Luo En returned to his experimental platform.

The ancient Master Swords, the Puppet Substitute's rapid growth, and the simulation device nearing a major breakthrough...

Looking out the window toward the direction of the Abyss, he felt renewed anticipation.

The night deepened, yet he felt no fatigue. Instead, his research enthusiasm burned ever brighter.

"Ai Lan, prepare a pot of stimulant tea, with stronger stimulating components than last time."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end