Chapter 90: The Four Cardinal Realms of Crystal Spire

Chapter 90: The Four Cardinal Realms of Crystal Spire

The examination hall was silent enough to hear the faint hum of the Mana Crystal Lamp. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the final verdict.

"Among the twenty-seven candidates who participated in this Potion Certification Examination", Magnus began, his gaze sweeping over the anxious faces, "only two have met the certification standards after comprehensive evaluation across all three stages."

A wave of murmurs and sighs rippled through the room. Several older candidates paled visibly, their expressions betraying years of failed attempts.

"First—Lizardfolk Barzack. He has met the criteria and earned the profession: Potion Master Certification with a rating of 'Pass.'"

From a corner, an elderly Lizardfolk slowly stood. His scales had dulled with age, his clawed fingers warped from decades of handling medicinal herbs, his eye sockets hollowed by time. For a moment, he stared blankly ahead, stunned by the joy that had struck him so suddenly. Then, bowing deeply to the examiners, his entire body trembled with emotion.

Magnus’s eyes shifted to Luo En, a faint smile tugging his lips.

"Second—black mist School’s Elementary Apprentice, Luo En Lalf."

The room exploded with collective gasps. Shock, disbelief, and barely concealed envy filled the air.

"He’s met the criteria and earned the profession: Potion Master Certification with a rating of... ‘Outstanding’!"

The hall erupted into a buzz of discussion, like a disturbed hive of bees.

"Outstanding?!"

"You’ve got to be kidding! He looks no older than fifteen or sixteen!"

"I’ve failed five times and never even got a basic ‘Pass’!"

A silver-haired candidate nearly dropped his test tube, his face frozen in a rigid smile that couldn’t mask the storm of envy raging within.

Magnus raised a hand for silence.

"The results are final. To those who failed, don’t lose heart—there’s always next year. The examination concludes here. Those who passed may stay to collect their certifications. The rest may leave."

Most candidates gathered their belongings in gloom, exiting dejectedly. Only Luo En and Barzack remained.

Magnus approached Luo En, personally handing him a certification badge sealed with a mana-imbued anti-counterfeit mark.

"Young man", the elder muttered, stroking his white beard, his tone devoid of probing but rich with genuine praise, "I’ve served as a potion examiner at this School for decades, and rarely have I seen such talent. Especially that ‘Clarity’ Potion of yours—its quality surpassed even my expectations."

Luo En accepted the badge with a bow. "Thank you for your recognition, Master Magnus."

Magnus narrowed his eyes, studying him intently. "By the way, may I ask—Madame Ellen is your Mentor, yes?"

Luo En hesitated. "Yes. How did you know?"

A warm smile touched Magnus’s lips as he gestured for Luo En to follow him into a side lounge. "That Silverroot Extract technique you used is quite unique—it’s Ellen’s signature method. And your precision in potion-making? That rhythm? Pure Ellen’s style."

His gaze turned distant, lost in memory. "Over a century ago, I briefly worked alongside Madame Ellen. Back then, she was one of Crystal Spire’s brightest geniuses. We all believed she’d ascend to Archmage someday..."

Luo En blinked in surprise. "I didn’t know Madam had such a past."

"She rarely speaks of her glory days to her students." Magnus’s voice deepened. "But I can see she’s poured a great deal into you."

Luo En lowered his head modestly. "I’ve simply tried not to disappoint her teachings."

"Your humility is admirable, but excessive modesty can itself be a kind of arrogance."

Magnus chuckled, his keen eyes narrowing. "Now, I assume you have more requests for me?"

Luo En hesitated, then, seeing the elder’s eager expression, dropped all pretenses. "Yes, Master Magnus. Having earned the Potion Master Certification, I wish to apply for an Independent Workshop at the School for potion-making."

As he spoke, he produced a prepared letter. "This is a recommendation from Madame Ellen. I hope it might assist the application."

"A Potion Master does indeed require their own Workshop." Magnus nodded, taking the letter and skimming it. "And from an old friend’s enthusiastic endorsement—I understand."

He sealed the letter, his gaze returning to Luo En. "Approval from the School’s council usually takes two weeks. But given Ellen’s name... and your performance today..." A glint of encouragement sparkled in his eyes. "I’ll expedite things. Two days should suffice. With your potential, the School would be fools to deny you."

"Thank you, Master Magnus." Luo En’s gratitude was heartfelt—this had gone far more smoothly than expected.

"Nonsense. It’s for the School’s future." Magnus smiled. "Once settled in your Workshop, I expect you to let me sample your first batch of potions."

"Of course. It’d be my honor."

Luo En understood the unspoken offer—Mentor Magnus was paving his path into the Potion Master circle. Rejecting such a gesture would be unthinkable.

As he politely took his leave and stepped toward the door...

The gathered candidates brightened. One by one, they rushed back, encircling him.

"Luo En apprentice", a silver-haired elder stepped forward, his face stretched into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "I am Conrad, master of a Fiefdom near Cedar City. My lands border the Black Mist Jungle, where a rare mineral—Star Crystal Stone—can be found. It’s invaluable for potion-making. Let’s discuss a partnership."

He produced a pouch of glittering crystals, his eyes burning with a mix of envy and ambition. A youth less than a third his age had achieved what he’d dreamed of for decades.

"Luo En Master!" A blue-skinned member of the Hydra Tribe pushed forward, his serpentine body coiling. "I am Fogshadow, shaman of the Hydra Tribe. Our Moon Lake homeland yields rare aquatic plants—especially Dreamspirit Blossoms, which amplify spirit-infused potions!"

"Don’t listen to this blue-scaled brute!" A voluptuous woman interjected, her seductive charm belying the crow’s feet of age around her eyes. "I am Grace, an independent Potion Master near the Black Mist Jungle’s southern edge. My partnerships grant me fresh beast materials—Blood Moon Wolf hearts, finest for physique-enhancing potions!"

Luo En navigated their sudden enthusiasm with polite smiles. He saw their true motives—each sought to latch onto a rising star for personal gain. But he accepted. In the Black Mist Jungle, networks and resource channels were as valuable as power. These envious yet fawning Potion Masters would serve as windows to the world beyond.

"I appreciate your kind offers", he said evenly. "I welcome collaboration and knowledge exchange, but today, I must prioritize my new responsibilities. Let’s continue this dialogue soon."

At that moment, Barzack approached. The crowd parted instinctively. Unlike the others’ performative flattery, his deep, gravelly voice carried genuine admiration.

"Luo En Potion Master", he rasped. "I come from Snake Scale Swamp in the southeast. I’ve studied potions over forty years and never seen a talent like yours."

His scaly eyelids blinked, eyes reddening with emotion. "If you’ll permit it, I can supply rare swamp ingredients—Abraxo Vine, Blue Rush. Only we Lizardfolk know their true locations."

Luo En bowed deeply, sensing the sincerity. "The honor would be mine, Barzack. I look forward to our future collaboration."

Barzack nodded, a quiet relief spreading across his aged face. "Forty years of effort finally rewarded. To earn this certification in my lifetime is enough. But you—your talent shines like a morning star. Your future will eclipse us all."

As more candidates joined the conversation, Luo En pieced together the Black Mist Jungle’s surrounding power dynamics:

Nomadic Half-Beasts and Goblins, invasive and countless, thrived unchecked. Their lack of transcendental professions made them easy prey—used as experimental materials or slaves by the black mist School.

Cedar City in the north stood as a human stronghold, bordering Dwarf territories and rich in refined minerals.

Eastern Moon Lake belonged to the Hydra Tribe and aquatic races, where toxic yet potent water plants thrived.

The south was a loose alliance of Beastkin tribes, blood-moon worshippers obsessed with collecting supernatural beast organs through ritual hunts.

Southwest Snake Scale Swamp was the Lizardfolk’s humid domain, home to rare swamp-born ingredients.

Yet none spoke of the western Blackwater Bay. A forbidden topic, as if haunted by unspeakable secrets.

In this short exchange, Luo En gained not only crucial geographical and material knowledge but also his first footholds in the Black Mist Jungle’s complex web.

As the crowd finally dispersed, Luo En’s hands held several contact notes and samples of "welcome gifts"—small tokens from aspiring allies.

Watching from a distance, Magnus stroked his beard.

"Hmph. In some circles, reputation can outshine power... yet draw danger just as easily. But this boy..." He chuckled. "He’ll manage without my warnings."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end