Chapter 353: The Hidden Genius

Chapter 353: The Hidden Genius

Luo En could extract basic information from the images deliberately displayed by his counterpart:

Reality-Fiction Exchange—an ultimate technique capable of switching between tangible reality and hallucinatory forms;

Curse Reversal—a forbidden art that could redirect the effects of any harmful curse or Contract back onto its caster…

“The Chimera Bloodline within your body…originates from the Deity Era… Within my Domain…there exists a complete sample…”

The final promise made Luo En’s breath catch in his throat.

Before his eyes, a vast bloodline repository materialized in the vision.

Rows of Crystal Containers stood in perfect order, each preserving the essence of different lifeforms.

Inside one container floated blood radiating multicolored light, embodying the primal grandeur and terror of the Primordial Creation.

Even observing it from afar, Luo En felt an overwhelming, instinctive yearning—a craving from the very core of his being.

Each promise was irresistibly tempting, especially the revelation about the Chimera Bloodline.

Luo En knew well that with his current capabilities, acquiring a Deity Era bloodline sample was nearly impossible.

Such rare treasures were tightly controlled by the Truth Pavilion, never allowed to leak into the outside world.

Yet, he maintained his composure.

There was no such thing as a free gift in this world. Every promise from the Phantom King carried an inevitable cost.

“What do you require of me?”

Luo En asked directly, his gaze steady and calculating:

“At Your Majesty’s level, these things might hold little value. But to me, they are priceless. You wouldn’t offer such aid without reason.”

The Phantom King emitted an indistinct chuckle, his laughter carrying a note of appreciation for Luo En’s rationality:

“A wise child… I merely hope… you continue walking the correct path…”

“The correct path?” Luo En seized the keyword, his curiosity sharpened:

“Do you mean the research into virtual reality technology, or something else entirely?”

“You’ve already glimpsed the corrected civilizations through the Astrology Ritual…”

The Phantom King’s voice grew deeper:

“Each timeline… follows its own inherent developmental trajectory… but all… possess the possibility of deviation…”

The surrounding space began projecting increasingly complex visuals.

Luo En saw countless threadlike trajectories.

They branched from a common starting point, then diverged, converged, or fractured at different nodes.

Each represented a potential developmental path, and most ended in catastrophic conclusions.

“Cassandra’s Conquest Route… the Traditionalists’ Conservative Strategy… and other radical attempts…”

Several particularly luminous trajectories were highlighted in the vision, each radiating different-colored light:

“They each hold value… yet all possess… fatal flaws…”

“But in you… I perceive a different possibility…”

The Phantom King’s form struggled to stabilize, his eyes gleaming with profound expectation:

“A path that neither blindly conquers… nor passively conserves… a truly sustainable developmental route…”

Luo En outwardly expressed cautious optimism about these grand promises while inwardly analyzing their true intentions.

An existence of this caliber would never offer such immense assistance purely out of favoritism toward a junior.

There must be deeper strategic considerations at play.

Regardless, their advice and resources held immense value worth serious contemplation.

“Regarding the direction of my bloodline development…” He seized the conversational momentum to address his most pressing concern:

“What suggestions do you have for advancing the Yangyan Dragon Bloodline? And about choosing the second head for the Chimera Bloodline…”

These were his current critical decisions.

Further enhancement of the Yangyan Dragon Bloodline would undoubtedly require rare samples and advanced formulation techniques.

And the choice of the Chimera Bloodline’s second head would determine the fundamental direction of his future bloodline evolution.

Rather than answering directly, the Phantom King offered a more valuable suggestion:

“Since you’ve become an Astrologer… many of your doubts… could resolve through divination…”

This statement struck Luo En like a thunderclap—an epiphany.

He had been overly reliant on external sources while neglecting his newly acquired profession’s advantages.

The Astrologer’s divination abilities held extraordinary accuracy when applied to personal matters.

“The clearer the question… the more precise the divination… and you needn’t worry… about motives behind the information…”

“You’ve given me valuable advice,” Luo En acknowledged, his voice carrying genuine appreciation:

“I should indeed rely more on my own abilities rather than perpetually seeking outside guidance.”

“No thanks needed… I also have my own calculations…”

The Phantom King’s voice deepened, and unsettling images began forming in the surrounding space:

“And… I truly perceive hope within you… the hope for this timeline’s continuation…”

Countless shattered worlds appeared—once thriving civilizations now reduced to ruins and silence.

Among these destroyed realms, only a few faint lights still flickered with life, like candles against the void.

“Most timelines… ultimately collapse into ruin…” The Phantom King sounded wearied by eons: “I’ve witnessed too many rises and falls… too many hopes extinguished…”

“But you…” The vision shifted to Luo En himself, his figure radiating brilliance amidst the fragmented worlds:

“You possess a certain… trait… a potential to break established trajectories…”

The surrounding imagery grew increasingly turbulent. Luo En sensed his consciousness nearing its return to the Chaos.

The dream’s end neared…

Yet at this critical moment, the Phantom King revealed a final vital truth:

“In the Mage Era… each epochal transition… required the birth of an Epoch King…”

The phrase struck Luo En like thunderclaps.

Epoch King… What did that truly mean?

“Primordial, Creator, Apocalypse, Death’s End… They were all once Epoch Kings of their ages…”

Sudden visions engulfed him—four colossal figures towering over the cosmos, their auras transcending comprehension.

They were clearly beings of a higher essence.

“The four Epoch Kings ultimately became the bedrock stabilizing the universe…”

The images showed these figures merging into the cosmos’s fundamental structure, becoming embodiments of space-time, creation, life, and death.

The revelation crashed over Luo En’s consciousness like a tidal wave.

Epoch King… Four Pillars… That would mean…

“To transcend… one cannot merely rely on plunder. Spreading knowledge, exchanging ideas, and lineage propagation matter more…”

With these words, the dream began collapsing.

Floating islands dissolved like soap bubbles. The Phantom King’s form blurred.

But his final words pierced Luo En’s consciousness with crystalline clarity:

“When you’re prepared… to bear this weight… I shall provide the necessary support…”

“But remember… becoming an Epoch King… means surrendering yourself…”

………………

The morning light at the Abyss Observatory never brought warmth.

Filtered through specially reinforced glass windows, the crimson-violet rays carried sinister hues—a twisted spectrum born from Abyssal Breath friction against the atmosphere.

This eerie light prickled the skin with subtle pain, like countless tiny tentacles caressing one’s veins.

When Luo En awoke from deep slumber, the sky had already brightened.

Sunlight filtered through the reinforced glass, casting fractured shadows across the laboratory floor.

The Sleep Pod’s environmental control system adjusted temperature and humidity, striving to create optimal conditions.

Yet within him, a storm raged.

Epoch King… Transcendence… No longer belonging to oneself…

The words echoed endlessly in his mind.

“If this theory holds true…”

Luo En slowly sat upright, his eyes gleaming with complex emotions:

“Then the path I walk leads not toward personal power… but toward a far heavier responsibility.”

He recalled the destruction shown during the Stargazing Ritual, the Anomaly Hunter’s ruthless corrections, the countless shattered civilizations.

If truly something could break this cycle, it might be the Epoch King described by the Phantom King.

But at what cost?

Surrendering personal freedom to bear the weight of an entire civilization—or even the universe?

Must a savior sacrifice everything?

“Let someone else play savior if they so desire…”

“For now, focus on immediate concerns.” Luo En forced his thoughts back to reality:

“First, strengthen my power, perfect my research… and perform divination.”

He remembered the Phantom King’s advice.

Indeed, as an Astrologer, many of his lingering questions could find answers through divination.

Especially decisions regarding his bloodline development—divination results would prove more reliable than any external suggestion.

“Master… you’ve finally awakened.”

Ai Lan’s voice came from the lab’s far end, her relief unmistakable.

Her emerald vines swayed gently, dew droplets forming on the leaves—

A secretion produced by Tree Spirits when anxious.

“You’ve slept for ten hours and thirty-seven minutes.”

The Tree Spirit's report was exceptionally precise, a habit she'd cultivated meticulously. She always recorded every single detail:

"Your breathing pattern became unstable during the middle of your sleep. I'm worried it could be some lingering effect..."

Seeing Luo En's prolonged high-intensity research and erratic schedule, the Tree Spirit's heart brimmed with concern.

Daire, seated nearby, had also heard the commotion. Her silver hair drifted like seaweed in the water.

As she transformed into human form and stepped out of the pool, the water droplets didn't fall. Instead, they formed a thin protective film across her skin.

The Sirengirl's golden eyes shone with expectation: "Master, did my lullaby produce the desired effect?"

After speaking with Ai Lan last night, she had used her innate siren voice to sing lullabies to Luo En throughout the night.

Luo En looked at the two companions who cared for him and felt warmth surge in his chest.

He reached out to gently stroke Daire's silver hair, feeling its silk-like smoothness:

"Of course it worked. I felt like I slept deeply for once."

He rarely displayed a genuine smile: "I owe it to your care..."

Daire felt her heartbeat quicken at the warmth from her master's palm.

This tender touch almost made her melt.

She subtly leaned closer, nearly pressing against Luo En, craving more intimacy.

But Luo En soon realized the impropriety of this intimate gesture.

He discreetly withdrew his hand while gently pushing the overly affectionate Sirengirl away - a motion that was gentle yet firm.

A fleeting shadow of disappointment crossed Daire's eyes, but she quickly masked it.

She understood that her master's care was pure and carried no ulterior motives.

This realization left her heart both sweet and bitter, like tasting bitter medicine sweetened with honey.

Ai Lan noticed the subtle shift between them but wisely chose not to comment.

She silently prepared breakfast, her emerald-green branches deftly manipulating various utensils and ingredients.

The meal was abundant and refined - fresh vegetables, nourishing spirit beast meat broth, and Daire's favorite seaweed pastries.

Each dish exuded an irresistible aroma, showcasing Ai Lan's innate culinary talent.

"What are your plans for today, Master?" Daire asked, pretending to delicately sample her food.

Her exaggeratedly formal demeanor, paired with her delicate features, appeared unusually charming.

This contrast made Ai Lan cover her mouth with a light chuckle, her eyes brimming with affection.

"I plan to perform a divination", Luo En replied, pondering last night's dream revelations.

"You two should continue practicing your abilities and maintaining the laboratory. No need to worry about me."

The newly acquired Astrologer profession offered various bonuses and synergy effects.

He needed time to familiarize himself with these new abilities.

Especially the enhanced Astrology Skill combined with the "Omen Star" trait - he required time to master its specific applications.

Suddenly, his mana communicator rang, interrupting the warm breakfast gathering.

The Communication Crystal projected Eliot's face. He appeared anxious.

His golden curls were disheveled. Those usually confident blue eyes now radiated urgency - clearly he had contacted them in haste.

"Luo En, sorry to interrupt, but I must share important information immediately."

Eliot's voice carried obvious urgency, even forgetting his usual pleasantries:

"The detailed rules for the Nova Plan were just announced. The situation is far more intense than we imagined."

"Specifics?" Luo En set down his utensils, his expression turning serious.

He activated "Hermit's Insight", keenly observing every subtle transformation in Eliot's expression.

"One hundred seats total, with annual ranking updates."

Eliot summoned a detailed data projection - a complex three-dimensional chart:

"The scoring system is far more intricate than expected."

The projected scoring standards made one's head spin:

1. Academic Achievements (35%): Including paper publications, technological innovations, theoretical breakthroughs, etc.
2. Combat Proficiency (25%): Abyss Exploration Records, battle performance, survival capabilities, etc.
3. Influence (20%): Academic reputation, disciple cultivation, social contributions, etc.
4. Potential Evaluation (20%): Age, innate talent, growth speed, comprehensive assessment.

The Conquerors indeed brought significant changes.

Previously, academic achievements alone would have occupied 60-80% of such rankings. Now they accounted for barely one-third.

"Now for the rewards..."

Eliot's voice became increasingly excited, his eyes burning with fervor: "This completely exceeds expectations!"

He began displaying the Nova Plan's reward system. Each item alone would make any ambitious young mage's heart race:

"Maintained Seat holders receive foundational rewards - monthly resource allocations, Central Library special privileges, Associate Professor-level mentor monthly guidance, etc."
"Top Ten recipients gain special rewards - ancient archival records borrowing rights, rare material priority procurement rights, Full Professor professional consultations, etc."
"Of course, these are just foundational..."

Eliot's voice trembled, clearly awestruck by what came next:

"Those maintaining Top Three positions for ten consecutive years can claim a Crown Clan treasure.
Those maintaining the Chief Seat for thirty consecutive years obtain complete coordinates to a resources realm!"

As he manipulated the device, the Communication Crystal projected authentic visuals of the Treasure Vault.

But it wasn't some luxurious display hall. Rather, it was an underground space filled with sinister energy.

The walls were constructed from some living blade stone that writhed autonomously, embedded with hundreds of transparent containers.

Each container floated with different "collections":

A still-beating heart surrounded by time vortexes, each pulse subtly twisting surrounding space-time.
Dozens of crystal bottles filled with unknown liquids, containing unnameable organs that slowly writhed in nutrient solutions, seemingly maintaining primitive life signs.
Rows of ancient parchment scrolls recording lost civilization knowledge, but the text would reorganize itself when observed, as if possessing its own consciousness...

"The top three from ten years ago could select one item from these collections."

Eliot whispered lowly, as if revealing a forbidden secret:

"Now showing the complete resources realm coordinates."

The projection suddenly switched, displaying a world floating in void.

This world's surface was covered with radiant crystal forests, underground treasures held countless rare minerals, and the sky floated with pure mana clouds.

An untouched virgin world...

"A complete resources realm..."

Luo En murmured, his eyes deep in thought.

This meant independent development of an entire world's resources, establishing a foundation for creating an independent power base.

A reward tempting enough to make any ambitious mage lose sleep.

"What's the current ranking situation?"

Luo En asked, activating his newly acquired divination bonuses to better perceive future possibilities.

Eliot summoned the latest ranking list, his expression turning exceptionally grave:

"You're currently second, but the situation isn't optimistic. The score gap is rapidly narrowing, and..."

He paused, his voice filled with concern:

"The major clans and Schools are now getting serious. Those hidden young mages are emerging."

The projection displayed detailed profiles:

[Current Third Seat - Euphemia Pelai (Blood Moon Clan)
Spiritual energy: Approaching 6 scale (reached Dawn Star Rank threshold)
Possesses first-tier innate talent: Bloodline Dominion (forcibly control beings below one's bloodline rank)
Meditation technique trait: Bloodline Reconstruction (temporarily gain abilities from controlled beings)
Recent achievement: Successfully tamed a near-Moonlight Rank blood demon within Abyss Layer 6's "Labyrinth Domain"]

A projection displayed a beautiful white-haired witch.

Her skin was porcelain-pale, eyes sinister crimson like coagulated blood.

Beside the witch, several various forms of blood demons waited quietly.

These normally rampageous Abyssal Creatures now stood docilely like tamed pets.

The largest, over eight meters tall, covered in pulsing blood vessels. Each heartbeat made the surrounding air tremble.

"Spiritual energy approaching 6 scale, nearly reaching Moonlight Rank threshold."

Eliot's voice carried deep dread:

"But truly terrifying is her first-tier Special Innate Talent - Bloodline Dominion.
Any being with bloodline rank below hers will involuntarily submit."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end