Chapter 348: Surely a Sword Isn't Meant to Be Such an Unwieldy Thing!

Chapter 348: Surely a Sword Isn't Meant to Be Such an Unwieldy Thing!

Inside the corelaboratory of the Abyssobservatory, the glow of the Mana Crystal Lamp cast writhing shadows across sinister slabs of living blade.

Luo En carefully spread out the thick research manuscript on the experiment table.

The dense, intricate diagrams and technical derivations sprawled like an impossibly tangled web.

"Professor, these are my latest research findings."

He studied the projection’s reaction closely. His next plan’s success hinged on approval:

"This is an Adaptability trainingsystem fusing multidisciplinary techniques. It might fundamentally change Abyss Exploration paradigms."

The old man’s been unusually impatient lately…

Uther mused, his silver eye initially scanning the blueprints casually.

But soon, his expression underwent a subtle transformation.

"This mana circulation structure…"

The professor’s voice carried astonishment as his Phantom Husk halted before an especially complex schematic.

"How did you resolve the repulsion between heterogeneous mana sources? This level of fusion should be theoretically…"

As he read further, Uther’s demeanor grew increasingly grave.

"Consciousness weaving techniques, virtual environment construction, overlapping multiple reality layers…"

His tone deepened, resonating like an echo from the Abyss’s depths:

"Luo En, do you realize what you’re conceptualizing?"

The Phantom Husk began drifting through the laboratory, silver light twisting across the walls into shifting patterns:

"This degree of reality manipulation technology treads dangerously close to… domains best left untouched."

"What domains?"

Luo En maintained his signature calm, eyes alight with pure intellectual hunger:

"From a technical perspective, these theories have solid foundational support."

Uther remained silent for a long moment, his Phantom Husk dimming further.

When he finally spoke, his voice carried profound concern:

"Once, there existed an extraplanar civilization called the ‘Dreamweavers.’ They reached unimaginable heights in virtual reality technology."

His gaze seemed to pierce through the Time River itself:

"They created virtual worlds indistinguishable from reality, where every individual could experience their ideal existence. Eventually…"

"Their civilization didn’t survive, did it?"

"Correct. They collectively migrated into cyberspace."

Uther’s whisper chilled like a Deathknight’s breath:

"As everyone indulged in perfect illusions, the physical world’s maintenance systems collapsed. Trillions of consciousnesses dissolved under system overload—the entire civilization vanished into oblivion."

He paused, his silver eye locking onto Luo En:

"But the true terror wasn’t the accident itself. Certain ancient entities actively… intervene against such unnatural deviations from natural development."

This revelation stirred Luo En internally.

Though he’d heard similar warnings from the Phantom King, he needed to feign ignorance:

"Active intervention?"

"In this universe, there exist regulatory mechanisms beyond our comprehension."

Uther’s Phantom Husk wavered:

"They forbid any civilization from straying too far from their destined path. The Dreamweavers’ demise appeared a system failure, but in truth…"

He left the sentence unfinished, the implication clear.

Luo En feigned shock while inwardly confirming the Phantom King’s warnings.

Yet Uther’s expression shifted—warning and worry giving way to complex satisfaction and anticipation.

"However…"

His gaze softened as he reexamined Luo En’s designs:

"Your technical approach demonstrates remarkable caution. Triple safety locks, contamination quarantine systems, forced return protocols…"

The Phantom Husk drifted gently, his tone gaining approval:

"You haven’t lost yourself to technological possibilities. This rationality reminds me of… someone from long ago."

Stopping at the window, he gazed toward the Abyss’s direction:

"Young Cassandra once showed me similarly groundbreaking innovations. That thirst for the unknown, challenging technological boundaries…"

He sighed heavily:

"Time is the cruelest sculptor—it witnessed countless geniuses rise, only to see them lost before power’s temptations."

"Cassandra once pursued knowledge with the same purity you now possess."

Turning fully toward Luo En, silver eyes pierced:

"Conquest’s path is as bottomless as the Abyss. When you peer into it, it peers back into you."

"Today, she’s completely consumed by conquest and expansion."

Uther’s voice darkened:

"She believes endless conquest grants greater power, oblivious that relentless plunder only distances one from true cultivation."

The Phantom Husk solidified, eyes brimming with concern:

"True strength belongs not to plundering madmen.

An Archmage achieving Lich King status requires wisdom, balance, and steadfastness toward one’s essence."

"Brute force conquest gains only surface obedience, never touching the true power core."

His words struck like a crowning revelation:

"This is why I place my hopes on you. Your current rationality might take you farther than Cassandra—provided you maintain it…"

Luo En listened silently, his path crystallizing.

"I’ll heed your warnings."

Meeting Uther’s gaze unflinchingly:

"For me, technology is merely a tool. Conquest is only a means. True objective lies in exploring knowledge’s essence."

"Good."

Uther nodded, his Phantom Husk brightening:

"Per our prior agreement, I’ll approve small-scale trials within the Observatory. But remember—rushing recklessly could prove fatal."

His tone turned grave:

"Additionally, simulating Abyss Vitality Traits requires utmost caution. Once contamination becomes uncontrolled…"

"I’ll implement triple quarantine systems."

Luo En responded succinctly:

"Physical, mana, and spirit levels—complete isolation."

"Begin with minimal scale, then gradually expand. Conduct full inspections before each experiment."

Uther continued:

"And during experiments, should any anomaly appear—even the slightest irregularity—immediately terminate all operations."

"Understood."

The professor gazed at Luo En, nostalgia stirring:

"Seeing you now, I’m reminded of my students’ hopeful young faces…"

His voice grew distant:

"Time has swept most into history’s dust.

Some perished in accidents, others lost themselves to power’s temptations, while a few… chose paths entirely different from their origins."

"Only a rare few preserved their original aspirations through the trials of time."

The Phantom Husk began fading:

"My promise to you remains valid.

If you steadfastly walk your path without distraction…

Selna’s Phantom Husk remnant structure, the Bloodsworn World’s key, and the Throne Seed shall all aid your journey."

"I won’t disappoint you, professor."

Luo En’s pledge rang sincere:

"No matter what power I gain, my original purpose—to explore knowledge—will never waver."

………………

Night deepened as Luo En returned alone to his private laboratory.

A profound satisfaction stirred within—Uther’s recognition a validation of his research direction and newfound support.

"Master, welcome back."

A soft voice emerged as the emerald silhouette drifted from the shadows:

"Your expression suggests today’s presentation was successful?"

"Better than expected."

Luo En replied simply, organizing the documents:

"The project’s approved—pilot testing begins day after tomorrow."

Hearing this, Ai Lan’s branches trembled—a subconscious gesture of excitement:

"This important breakthrough deserves celebration!"

Her voice overflowed with joy, even greater than his own:

"Master, please wait a moment. I’ll prepare something special.

The storeroom holds many Abyss delicacies—I’ll test some new culinary techniques."

"Not necessary to trouble yourself."

Luo En raised his head toward his assistant: "Something simple will suffice."

"Not at all!"

Ai Lan’s branches swayed merrily:

"Busy work for my master brings me greatest happiness.

Besides, I recently learned new Abyss ingredient preparation methods—perfect for testing their effects!"

With that, the tree spirit swiftly floated toward the kitchen annex, busily preparing.

Meanwhile, Luo En continued reviewing the day's gains, his thoughts turning toward another crucial project.

The Vitality-Infused Mana-Forged Sword conceptualization.

This idea traced back to his apprentice days in the Black Mist Jungle.

Back then, just beginning alchemy and black mage paths, he’d harbored simple aspirations toward multidisciplinary synergy.

His earliest vision—a weapon resonating with his bloodline, utilizing several Rare Relics to achieve contamination isolation and purification.

Through accumulated knowledge and broadened horizons, this concept had evolved:

From rudimentary conception to mana isolation experiments, Soul Steel refinement, culminating in the current fully realized Vitality-Infused Mana-Forged Sword…

Every Skill enhancement and power breakthrough added new possibilities to this project.

Yet in his Conceptualization, swords were never meant to be such cumbersome tools.

What he truly desired wasn't merely a Mana-Forged Sword, but a versatile weapon that could combine form transformation, self-evolution, contamination isolation, and countless other functions in one.

Achieving this alone would be far too inadequate.

Fortunately, he already had the perfect solution at hand…

"Looking back, acquiring the Puppet Substitute marked the turning point of this plan."

Luo En mentally traced the project's development trajectory:

"Not only does it already possess all the foundational traits I need, more importantly, it's growing within an ideal Environment."

Feedback from the bidirectional link revealed astonishing progress in the Puppet's cultivation under Na Rui's Stewardship.

The Echo Whaleheart's gift of sonic mastery;
The Time Vine sprout's temporal Perception trait;
The Dream Crystal's latent consciousness manipulation potential…

These were all precious traits Luo En could never have obtained alone.

"Apostle Na Rui truly makes a good mother. Perhaps in the future, I might use her connections to destabilize Abyss politics entirely…"

A faint, nearly imperceptible smile curved Luo En's lips.

Of course, the bidirectional link ensured his control over the Puppet, but careful planning would still be needed for its eventual retrieval.

"It's still too early." Luo En analyzed the current situation with calm logic:

"Let Na Rui continue investing resources into cultivating the Puppet until it reaches a critical threshold. Then…"

As these thoughts formed, the laboratory filled with an intoxicating aroma.

Ai Lan was using her unique innate talent to transform dangerous Abyss ingredients into safe, delicious delicacies.

"Master, the dinner preparations are complete."

The Tree Spirit's voice carried clear pride:

"Tonight's menu uses ingredients unique to the Observatory. I hope you'll enjoy them."

Approaching the table, Luo En noticed Ai Lan's considerable effort.

The first course was a soup made from Glowcap Fungus.

This luminescent mushroom native to the Second Layer of the Abyss shimmered like stars after Ai Lan's meticulous preparation. The broth tasted smooth, sweet, and utterly devoid of its original toxicity, leaving only a delicate fragrance.

The main course featured refined Shadowscale Fish slices.

While this Abyss fish's flesh was naturally delicious, it contained trace spirit toxins. Ai Lan's plant essence completely neutralized these toxins, preserving only the pure umami. The black obsidian-hued slices lay uniformly thick on the plate, exuding an irresistible aroma.

The pièce de résistance was a mousse made from Mistsea Fruit.

This rare third-layer Abyss fruit contained mild hallucinogenic components. Ai Lan cleverly transformed these into pure sweetness enhancers, creating a dessert with a dreamlike semi-transparency.

"Ai Lan, your culinary innate talent grows ever more remarkable", Luo En praised as he savored the distinctive Abyss cuisine:

"Making these perilous ingredients this perfect demands a master's touch. You've earned that title."

"Receiving Master's recognition is my greatest reward." Joy radiated through Ai Lan's voice:

"Though if Daire were here, she'd be even more excited. That little glutton always adores new flavors."

Mentioning Daire, Luo En turned toward the laboratory's crystal pool.

Little Siren remained deep in metamorphosis, but her body had transformed significantly.

Silvery hair flowed like silk through water, her features radiating the supernatural allure unique to her clan – beauty so striking it stole breath.

Most captivating were her physical curves.

Her chest now displayed youthful contours, while her slender waist and elongated mermaid tail showcased adolescence's splendor.

Her fin-like ears quivered slightly, her body instinctively shifting.

"It seems she really heard us." Observing these subtle reactions, Luo En's smile deepened:

"If my calculations are correct, tomorrow morning will bring surprises."

"Really?" Ai Lan floated excitedly toward the pool:

"That's wonderful! I've already started missing that lively little one. These past few months in this quiet lab have felt… oddly still."

As he dined, Luo En's thoughts returned to the Vitality-Infused Mana-Forged Sword's implementation plan.

Today's conversation with Uther had clarified its development path.

"First, I'll need mana amplification crystals", he mentally organized the technical route:

"That 1000 contribution point blueprint will not only grant the Mana-Forged Sword staff functionality, more importantly providing the mana support for the Puppet's form transformation."

"Next, Soul Steel fusion. This metal's malleability and mana conductivity perfectly suit integrating with the Puppet's Vitality trait."

"The most critical factor is timing." Luo En analyzed possibilities with calm precision:

"I must allow the Puppet to accumulate sufficient power while seizing the perfect opportunity to complete the Mana-Forged Sword's forging. It cannot remain in the Abyss indefinitely."

As these thoughts crystallized, his familiar profession interface suddenly activated in his mind:

[Special Conceptualization detected. Analyzing profession paths...]

[Intersection discovered:

Arcane Swordsman (Two-and-a-Half Stars) + Black Mage (Three Stars) + Demon Hunter Knights (Two-and-a-Half Stars)]

[Transmutation Fusion Profession: Unnamed Profession (Three-and-a-Half Stars)]

This sudden notification raised Luo En's eyebrows.

A Three-and-a-Half Star profession already represented immense power.

After all, Four Star professions corresponded to Archmage-tier strength.

[Unnamed Profession (Three-and-a-Half Stars) Class Advancement Requirements:

1. Spirit attribute ≥6.0, Physique attribute ≥5.0

2. Special Vessels:

Fully-Charged Puppet Substitute (Harbinger of Calamity)

Thousand Shifting Shadows Auxiliary

3. Complete "Triple Awakening Ritual":

Darkblade Crafting (Arcane Swordsman)

Pollution Conversion (Black Mage)

Will Trial (Demon Hunter Knights)

4. Master Ancient Technology "Contamination Separation"

Traits: Dual Existence, Abyss Adaptation, Calamity Manifestation, Combat Switching]

Carefully analyzing these requirements, Luo En realized he'd come surprisingly close:

"A Spirit attribute of 6.0 corresponds to Moonlight Rank Mage breakthrough. That's achievable within a year.

The Physique attribute ≥5.0 poses more difficulty. I'll need greater investment in bloodline cultivation."

"Yet the true challenges lie in 'Contamination Separation' technology and the Triple Awakening Ritual."

The acquisition path for this technology remained unclear, though Luo En's thoughts turned to his Thousand Shifting Shadows.

"Perhaps through my History Research Skill, I might learn related techniques from its memories."

As for the Triple Awakening Ritual, it corresponded to three professions:

Darkblade Crafting – completing the Vitality-Infused Mana-Forged Sword's creation

Pollution Baptism – transforming spiritual contamination from curse to boon

Will Trial – overcoming inner obstacles

"These challenges, while formidable, remain within control." Luo En calmly evaluated his success probability:

"And the value of these traits…"

Dual Existence, Abyss Adaptation, Calamity Manifestation, Combat Switching…

Each represented immense combat power and survival advantages.

"If I truly succeed in class advancement…"

Excitement surged within Luo En before rationality tempered it:

"Don't rush. Every preparation must reach perfection."

Ten thousand paths would eventually converge, leading beyond all limits toward transcendence.

Gazing at the unnamed fusion profession glowing on his profession interface, combined with hints from his Ancient Alchemist and Occultist paths, Luo En already sensed the direction his journey must take…

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end