Chapter 62: Inspiration is a Curse – "Truth"
Chapter 62 Inspiration is a Curse – "Truth"
Luo En didn't deny it. "Yes, madam. I made my first attempt last night."
"How did it feel?" Madame Ellen's expression remained inscrutable – neither delighted nor anxious, merely a professional inquiry.
"Shocking", Luo En chose his words carefully. "I saw constellations, heard strange whispers, and glimpsed terrifying visions I can't describe – something devouring stars and galaxies."
At these words, the old witch's expression shifted slightly before quickly regaining composure.
"I see. It seems you truly possess extraordinary Inspiration."
She seemed lost in thought. "Most apprentices during their first attempt only see blurry starlight, at best hearing fragmented murmurs. You witnessed the 'Devourer' itself on your first night – unexpected indeed."
As she spoke, Madame Ellen rose, leaning on her cane as she approached him with a complex expression:
"Luo En, do you know how long it usually takes to master the first stage of The Murmuring of the Star Devourer?"
Luo En shook his head – he genuinely didn't know.
The average apprentice, even the best Fourth Class Stars, require at least three months to barely construct the complete initial rune. Yet you..."
Her voice carried skepticism: "...managed it on the very first night?"
Her voice carried skepticism: "...managed it on the very first night?"
Luo En's heart quickened, surprised by his own abnormal progress. "Perhaps because my foundational training was particularly thorough?"
"No, it's not just about foundational training." Madame Ellen shook her head. "This indicates an exceptionally high compatibility with The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, even what I'd call innate affinity."
She paused in thought, as if reassessing something: "There must be something special about you that I've yet to discover. But regardless, this is a blessing."
"What about the spirit pollution from practicing the meditation technique? And those dreams..." Luo En asked cautiously.
"Ah, that's crucial", Madame Ellen nodded. "Any advanced meditation technique inevitably causes some spirit pollution – especially The Murmuring of the Star Devourer. The higher one's aptitude and Inspiration, the greater the impact, because they perceive more of the 'truth' ordinary people cannot access."
Her tone grew more serious, almost warning:
"In a mage's world, there's a saying – Inspiration is a curse. The stronger your Inspiration, the earlier you encounter certain 'truths,' often leading to spirit collapse, madness, or worse. Many promising mage talents fall into madness before reaching their full potential."
Luo En nodded thoughtfully. "That explains why I've heard some exceptionally gifted individuals choose slower, steadier paths?"
"Precisely." Madame Ellen gave him an approving glance:
"Knowledge itself holds no morality, but every form has its cost. Sometimes that cost is time, sometimes wealth, but the deepest knowledge demands complete mental sacrifice."
She hesitated, as if considering how much to reveal:
"Your spirit resilience is surprisingly strong, but don't grow complacent. The spirit pollution from advanced meditation techniques accumulates. Every session leaves contamination – rushing progress could cause irreversible damage over time."
"I'll keep that in mind." Luo En nodded, secretly grateful for his pocket watch's assistance.
Madame Ellen didn't press further about his coping methods, seemingly accepting he had his own way.
"Then let's continue today's guidance. First though, allow me to reassess your condition."
Her hand suddenly shot out, aged yet firm fingers pressing against his temple. A wave of icy energy seeped into his consciousness.
Luo En almost instinctively resisted this intrusion but forced himself to relax, letting Madame Ellen's spiritual energy probe his conscious space.
Her spiritual energy moved like an experienced serpent – flexible, precise – weaving through his consciousness space, checking every potential anomaly.
After a moment, she withdrew, her expression slightly complicated:
"Your state is excellent – better than I expected. The Murmuring of the Star Devourer truly suits you."
What she didn't realize, of course, was that without the pocket watch's unique Inspiration trait, even steady cultivation would cause only mild pollution. Plus, the Artificial Star Dew's counteractive effects further minimized damage.
Judging from her reaction, Madame Ellen certainly hadn't anticipated Luo En's meteoric progress.
For the next hour, Madame Ellen meticulously explained how to consolidate the initial rune's structure and gradually expand meditation's depth and breadth.
This session proved even more detailed than yesterday – she even demonstrated key steps personally, allowing Luo En clearer understanding.
"Remember – don't rush", the old witch emphasized as they parted ways. "Stabilizing the first stage typically takes at least half a year. Even with exceptional talent, remain cautious."
Luo En nodded solemnly in agreement.
"I've heard too many tales of gifted fools who destroyed themselves through arrogance", Madame Ellen studied him deeply. "Don't become one of them."
Leaving the Herbal Medicine Shop, Luo En found himself deep in thought.
Cold wind rustled branches, whispering like distant stars' murmurs, sending involuntary shivers down his spine.
"The 'Devourer'... What exactly is it?" He muttered to himself, visions of last night's meditation resurfacing – that colossal being beyond mortal comprehension, gliding through cosmic seas, consuming star after star like prey on a savannah.
"This can't be mere illusion..."
Luo En halted, gazing toward a distant tower barely visible beyond mountain ridges.
That was the residence of a Full Mage deep within the Black Mist Jungle – its spire perpetually glowing with eerie luminescence, like a lighthouse guiding lost souls or a giant eye watching existence itself.
"Who is Madame Ellen really? Why does she possess this meditation technique?"
The question settled in his chest like a heavy stone.
Since their first meeting, he'd sensed countless mysteries surrounding the old woman.
Those emerald eyes held more than wisdom – an unfathomable ancient aura, as if she'd transcended multiple centuries.
And those days each month when mana fluctuations peaked – when her youthful beauty returned – defied any ordinary mage's capabilities.
"The Murmuring of the Star Devourer..." Luo En whispered the name, tasting its strange rhythm:
"Where does this technique originate? Was it truly just a mad mage's fantasy?"
Questions spiraled like a labyrinth, each answer breeding more mysteries.
He inhaled deeply, grounding himself in reason.
"Regardless, this technique benefits me greatly", he weighed internally:
"Since Madame Ellen chose to teach me, I must seize this opportunity – even if hidden intentions exist."
"After all..." Luo En stared at his hands, finishing silently:
"In this world, power equals survival. Hesitation and suspicion accomplish nothing."
Evening winds scattered mist from treetops, the distant tower's glow intensifying as he pulled his hood up, turning toward the Dormitory Area.
(End of Chapter)
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