Chapter 98: Yangyan Dragon – Farewell to the Past

Chapter 98: Yangyan Dragon – Farewell to the Past

"Alchemy Explosive..." Luo En recalled fragmented records he'd glimpsed in the School Library.

Historical accounts claimed these Alchemical Explosives were accidentally invented by a mage named Herman. During an experiment attempting to fuse mana crystals with specific minerals, an unexpected explosion nearly destroyed his entire laboratory.

The power of a single standard Alchemical Explosive rivaled a Full Mage's offensive spell, sometimes proving even more terrifying—because it didn't rely on the caster's mana reserves. Once activated, it unleashed fixed destructive force without variation.

Luo En remembered Andie once describing a field test. He'd witnessed a High Apprentice hurl an unassuming silver sphere toward a target, followed by blinding white light and ear-splitting thunder. When the smoke cleared, a hill nearly ten meters tall had vanished, leaving only a deep crater where it once stood.

"The cost is astronomical though..." Luo En sighed.

That single explosive had supposedly drained the High Apprentice's savings for months, selling separately for several complete mana stones. Yet the concept fascinated him—anyone, even an Elementary Apprentice, could trigger its power through mana fuses to unleash a Full Mage-level strike.

"Andie originally pursued alchemy..." Luo En recalled the Thirteenth Prince's earlier frustrations.

"I'm now a professional Potion Master, and my Basic Alchemy has reached mastery level."

As Luo En mentally mapped his path forward, his fingers traced the crystalline patterns on the stone's surface:

"Now that I no longer need to pour all my experience into potion-making, I can finally explore alchemy as a parallel discipline."

Though distinct fields, alchemy and potion-making shared common ground in material processing and mana control. After systematic training as a Potion Master, his intimate understanding of supernatural materials' properties would drastically shorten the learning curve for elemental alchemy.

Especially with the blessing of infinite career slots—perfectly suited for multi-disciplinary development.

"I should ask Andie to lend me his alchemy books later."

Imagining himself setting up an alchemy workstation in his workshop, Luo En mused:

"Multi-path development isn't just about power growth—it creates synergies between professions, unlocking additional attribute bonuses."

He'd already experienced this through the combined benefits of Potion Master, Knight Squire, and Wizard Apprentice. What new possibilities might the addition of Alchemy Master bring?

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As he exited the Academic District, the Black Mist Jungle's sunset bathed the sky in orange-red hues. Dappled shadows danced across the cobbled path like an impressionist painting.

Walking slowly, Luo En pondered today's lessons and upcoming exams. Passing the Prospective Apprentice Dormitory Area, he noticed an unusual silence. The usual sounds of laughter, arguments, or practice sessions had vanished completely.

"Why's it so quiet?" He frowned, suddenly realizing the date—the annual "Culling Day."

All candidate apprentices who hadn't achieved ascension by the deadline were now either expelled or selected for advancement. The memory sent a chill through him:

"Without the blessing, I might've been among the expelled."

Exactly one year ago, he'd been that clueless boy brought to Black Mist Jungle by a white-robed mage, his spiritual aptitude abysmal, future uncertain.

Back at his room, Luo En began packing simple belongings. Though he already possessed an Independent Workshop, recent commitments delayed his move.

"Time to leave this place for good."

His gaze swept the cramped room that had sheltered him for nearly a year. Fingers traced the worn groove on the windowsill from countless openings. A pang of nostalgia struck—here he'd burned countless nights studying, mastering the Basic Meditation Manual, risking spiritual pollution to perfect The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, and worn out the Basic Alchemy Manual with notes filling every margin.

A knock interrupted his memories. Opening the door, he found Andie standing there with a cloth sack. The golden-haired youth looked exhausted, dark circles under his eyes.

"Perfect timing", Luo En grinned, stepping aside. "I'm about to move stuff to the workshop."

Though usually carefree, Andie now worked silently, movements unusually stiff. His posture was rigid, avoiding eye contact like addressing a superior.

"What's wrong?" Luo En teased. "Haunted by a ghost? Bad dream?"

Normally, Andie would retaliate with a sharper joke. Today, he managed only a weak smile, voice barely audible:

"Nothing... just some thoughts."

Luo En stopped packing, studying his friend. "The Culling Day?"

Andie nodded, bitterness twisting his lips:

"I saw how they treated the candidates who failed ascension."

He hesitated, voice trembling. "I met some... former townsfolk. They begged me to recommend them as your servants. But I refused."

Meeting Luo En's gaze, his eyes swam with conflict: "Did I do wrong? Maybe I should've—"

"You did right", Luo En cut in. "I need assistants, but not commoners without special talents. Resources are limited—each useless mouth we feed divides our strength."

Andie's face paled at this blunt assessment. He'd never seen Luo En so coldly rational.

"But..." Luo En softened. "If you find someone truly gifted, regardless of background, I'll consider them. This world rewards value—only those who contribute deserve survival."

The tension eased from Andie's shoulders.

"Drop it", Luo En clapped his shoulder. "Help carry these books to the workshop. Oh, I want to discuss a new bloodline activation ritual idea."

Interest sparked in Andie's eyes: "What's your idea?"

As Luo En carefully packed books, he explained:

"These past days, I studied ancient bloodline texts. Interesting clues—" He pulled a weathered notebook from the shelf, flipping pages.

"Did you know bloodline activation potions were originally designed for exotic slaves, enhancing their innate supernatural traits? But during the Second Era's middle period, someone tried using them on humans to awaken ancient bloodlines."

Fascination replaced Andie's anxiety: "Really? I've never heard this!"

"Most trials failed", Luo En pointed to dense notes. "Early formulas were too aggressive, lacking adjustments for human physiology. Most subjects suffered severe mutations—success rates barely 1%. But formulas improved over time..."

He turned another page:

"By the Third Era's beginning, stable human-specific activation potions emerged. That's the foundation of your royal lineage."

"So your new idea..." Andie leaned forward.

"Traditional rituals rely on external stimulation to awaken bloodlines", Luo En explained, eyes gleaming. "But this method lacks control over awakening direction and intensity."

He closed the notebook, expression serious:

"What if we guide the awakening precisely through specific potion combinations? We might even trace back to the original pure bloodline source. The Falu Ke Kingdom's bloodline contains 'Yangyan Dragon' traits. Conventional methods only awaken 'Fire Lizard' or 'Wyvern' bloodlines. But with a specially formulated 'Directed Activation Potion,' we might awaken the primordial 'Yangyan Dragon' bloodline directly."

Andie's breath quickened: "Is that really possible?"

"Theory supports it, but risks are great", Luo En admitted. "Any deviation from tradition risks unpredictable consequences—especially attempting to awaken older, purer bloodlines. Biological Rejection becomes more violent."

Andie fell silent, fingers drumming the table.

Then determination flared in his eyes: "Let me try first. The Falu Ke bloodline is relatively stable—most awaken 'Fire Lizard' or 'Wyvern' with low mutation risk. And I want stronger power... to ensure my place here."

Luo En studied his friend's resolve before nodding: "Tomorrow, we begin preparations. Today, help me move these."

They each lifted cloth sacks, leaving the humble room that had sheltered their beginnings. The dormitory corridor remained eerily silent, the entire Prospective Apprentice Area shrouded in oppressive stillness. Faint distant cries only intensified the suffocating atmosphere.

As they exited, Luo En cast one last glance over his shoulder at the place holding his earliest Black Mist Jungle memories. His gaze swept familiar buildings—the very stones and windows etched with memories of his struggles.

Though his rapid growth relied on special blessings, those endless sleepless nights, that real sweat and pain, remained his true foundation.

"Goodbye... no, never again", he whispered, turning away.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end