Chapter 359: Entering the Star Realm
Chapter 359: Entering the Star Realm
The Star Realm was vast, akin to the boundless universe, with darkness engulfing most of the space, while faint lights emanated from the projections of various worlds within it.
Legend had it that high-level wizards could use the Radiance of the Gods to pinpoint the locations of other worlds, enabling them to teleport through space and even enter alternate dimensions.
However, such methods were clearly beyond the reach of Li En and his companions.
From a distance, the Titan Core didn't appear to be very large, occupying only a few acres of land.
The flying ship was several meters long, and theoretically, it should have been able to approach the Titan Core quickly, but in reality, it wasn't so simple.
Its incredible speed created cyclones along its edges, yet the distance it covered was less than ideal.
"How is this possible?" Li En wondered, turning back with a puzzled look.
"It feels like we're running in place."
They had been flying at supersonic speeds for nearly an hour, but when they looked back, they realized they hadn't traveled very far from their starting point.
"This is because space is compressed here," Gear Jack explained.
"From the outside, the Titan Core doesn't seem large, but in reality, it's even more expansive than the countries you know."
"Due to gravity and magic, the closer you get, the more distorted space becomes. What appears to be a meter to the naked eye could actually span hundreds of kilometers. Moreover, surrounding the Titan Core are three barriers, each with its own restraining force."
He pointed forward with an outstretched hand, and the three of them squinted, barely making out three concentric rings encircling the Titan Core.
The rings were layered, and upon each ring were tiny black dots.
"Over the centuries, through the tireless efforts of wizards from the college, we've managed to breach the second barrier," Gear Jack continued, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"If we can break through the third barrier, we'll have a chance to fully control this place and the Sixth Rank Artifact within."
"Aside from the Four Great Powers and the Nine Noble Families, there are very few other forces on the entire Calim Continent that possess a Sixth Rank Artifact."
Charlott's breath quickened, and she clenched her fists the next moment.
Linen and Beastfolk Nikol, on the other hand, didn't react much, perhaps because the honor of the college wasn't as important to them.
"Senior Gear Jack," Nikol began after some thought, "Do the three barriers represent different time flows?"
"More or less," Gear Jack nodded.
"The first barrier can accelerate time by several dozen to several hundred times. The second barrier increases it to several hundred to several thousand times, and theoretically, the third barrier can make time flow several thousand to several ten thousand times faster, allowing centuries to pass inquired Nikol.
"But the barriers don't just affect time; they also have a significant impact on wizards."
Gear Jack glanced at the three of them and explained, "First Circle Wizards can only stay within the first barrier, and they must have at least reached the Late First Circle, or they'll suffer from insufficient psychic power, leading to spatial disorientation and hallucinations. Many wizards have perished here in the past."
Li En nodded in understanding.
No wonder, as the dean's disciple, he wasn't allowed to come here until he reached the required cultivation level.
On previous occasions when they entered the Star Realm, they had only lingered on the outskirts.
"We've arrived!"
As he spoke, the flying ship finally approached the first barrier and landed on a spacious platform.
It was then that they could clearly see what was meant by 'barrier.'
It resembled a circular road bridge.
The road, paved with stone, encircled the Titan Core, and along its path were rooms at regular intervals.
The road wasn't smooth, with some sections damaged, and most of the buildings had collapsed.
"We believe the Titan Core was once a wizard's dwelling, severely damaged and left floating in the Star Realm until it was discovered by an Aksha Wizard," Gear Jack explained, gesturing for the three to follow.
"The ruined buildings and the remnants of offensive magical runes are evidence of that."
"If that's true, then the owner of this dwelling must have been a Sixth Rank Wizard, and the enemy who defeated them and damaged the dwelling must have been terrifyingly powerful."
"Senior Gear Jack," Charlott asked, nodding in agreement, "It seems we haven't fully secured the first layer barrier yet?"
"Of course!" Gear Jack shrugged and pointed to a gap ahead.
"Don't be fooled by the small gap; attempting to cross it could easily pull you into a spatial vortex."
"There are hundreds of thousands of such gaps within the first layer barrier, some spanning several kilometers. Smaller gaps can be passed through with difficulty using the flying ship, but larger ones are impassable. So, the area truly under the college's control is only a tiny portion of the first layer barrier."
"This is like a broken path," Claude explained, "with numerous cracks and fissures. The academy only has knowledge of a small section, and the majority of the path remains unexplored."
"The second layer's barrier is similar," Xize added.
"The academy only controls a portion of it. If you can find a way to access other areas, the academy is willing to pay a hefty price for the information."
Gear Jack paused, "Charlott, Nikol, you two stay here."
"Linen, come with me."
Charlott and Nikol were taken aback but nodded after a moment, still puzzled by Linen's inclusion.
With a swift motion, Gear Jack summoned the white flying ship once more, gesturing for Linen to board.
"Senior," Linen said as he leaped onto the ship.
"Where are we going?"
Gear Jack chuckled, "To where you should be." He pointed towards a distant gap in the distance, "Over there!"
Linen remained silent.
The first layer controlled by the academy was an interconnected whole, but the place he was heading to was far away, like an isolated island floating in the sea, separated from the mainland.
Hmm...
That made sense! The academy must have already known about Linen's connection to the Roll Family, but due to the dominance of the Nine Noble Families, they had to concede. They allowed Linen entry but remained cautious.
The isolated island within the first layer could also provide an opportunity to manipulate time and increase his chances of breaking through, but it would restrict Linen's movements.
As they disembarked from the ship, Gear Jack gave Linen a meaningful look before turning to leave.
The broken path stretched for three hundred meters, with a tower standing in the center.
As Linen pushed open the door, he felt a sensation similar to being on the flying ship. Time here was also distorted.
On the wall, a gear with several markings caught his attention.
Fifty, one hundred, one hundred and fifty...
It was clear that the markings represented the compression of time. At the current position of the gear, time seemed to be in sync with the outside world.
Linen tentatively stepped forward, then sighed and took out an object, tossing it into the air.
With a whoosh, the object hovered and released a radiant glow, distorting the space around it. Several figures appeared one after another.
Among them were Julia from the Roll Family and Theodore, with whom she had a conflict. There were also three Grey Robe Wizards.
Julia surveyed the surroundings and nodded in satisfaction, "Well done."
"Titan Core," one of the Grey Robe Wizards spoke softly, "By placing us here, they've inadvertently made it easier for us to act without outside interference."
As they exited the room, one of them waved their staff, and an invisible force field covered the broken path, concealing their activities from the outside.
From the outside, the path appeared unchanged, and no one could see the activities within.
"Titan Heart," Julia murmured as she approached the edge of the path, her eyes gleaming as she gazed at the Sixth Rank Artifact that emitted endless light and heat. "If we can control it, we could almost effortlessly slay Fifth Circle opponents with it!"
"Linen," she turned to him, a smile on her face, "You've helped me immensely. As promised, I'll give you the complete Great Flame Bloodline."
"But I have a better idea," she continued, "I can offer you an opportunity to join the Roll Family!"
The others in the room exchanged glances, even Theodore showing surprise.
"Join the Roll Family?" Linen was taken aback, "Is that possible?"
"Of course," Julia smiled faintly, "The Roll Family has a long heritage, but not every member is talented in cultivation. I have a sister who lacks ability. If you marry her, you can join the family."
This was one of the Nine Noble Families with a long heritage!
His encounter in the Magic Forest had already proven how formidable their power was. Even a Third Circle Wizard who offended the Green Family could only flee to the world protected by the gods, powerless to resist.
In comparison, the Great Flame Bloodline, which allowed cultivation up to the Third Tier, was insignificant.
"This..." Linen hesitated, "Can you give me the complete Great Flame Bloodline first?"
Julia's eyes turned cold.
(End of Chapter)
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