Chapter 696: Section 483: Zhongyong: Sir, you truly are a genius!
Fishman Zhongyong was a Silver Level Mage, who had practiced magic for many years and had never seen a case like the Fishman youth.
The Fishman youth began practicing magic and, after receiving instruction from Zhongyong, demonstrated a magical talent that deeply shocked the latter.
"What level is the Fishman bloodline that I absorbed this time?" the Fishman youth wondered to himself.
When in his Dragon-man form, the youth had not practiced any magic, and the concentration of the King of Flame Dragon bloodline and that of the Fishman bloodline he absorbed this time were not the same.
Therefore, there was no reference point.
But the Fishman youth was certain: the Fishman bloodline he absorbed must be very high-grade!
He had a clear sense of this the very first time he cultivated a spell.
When he memorized the Magic Model of the Clear Spring Technique, he found it incredibly simple. He remembered it firmly after just one glance, and there was no possibility of forgetting it.
Before the youth cast the spell for the first time, Fishman Zhongyong shared various insights, experiences, understandings, and tricks with him. When it came time to actually cast the spell, it was as natural as breathing, so simple that those insights and tricks seemed superfluous!
"Clear Spring Technique is only the lowest-level spell for learning."
"Let’s continue to practice."
In the face of Zhongyong’s praise, the Fishman youth remained very calm.
Zhongyong secretly admired the youth’s composure and continued to teach him other basic Water Element spells.
The Magic Models of these spells were also very simple.
The Fishman youth glanced over them hurriedly and memorized all the Magic Models in his mind.
Just like with the Clear Spring Technique, he successfully cast these spells on the first try without a single mistake, not even a hint of failure.
"These basic spells present no challenge for you, sir."
"We can try some higher-level spells now," Zhongyong suggested proactively.
His interest in teaching the youth increased even more. For the first time, he encountered someone with such talent and was very eager to find out the limits of the Fishman youth’s abilities.
"Speaking of which, what exactly is the classification of spell levels?" asked the Fishman youth.
This basic question made Zhongyong pause briefly, reaffirming that the Fishman youth truly was a newcomer to magic.
Zhongyong answered, "There are many ways to classify spells."
"Generally speaking, spell levels are consistent with Extraordinary Levels. From lowest to highest, they are: Bronze Level, Black Iron Level, Silver Level, Golden Level... Legendary Level."
"This is the most mainstream method of classification, based on the casting capabilities of Transcendents at corresponding levels. For example, Bronze Level spells are those that almost all Bronze Level Mages can cast. Golden Level spells are similar in respect to their level."
The Fishman youth then asked, "How come I have heard about Tactical Level spells, Battlefield Level spells, and Strategic Level spells?"
Zhongyong nodded and responded, "That method of classification is based on the actual power of the spell."
"Generally, a part of the low-level spells is classified as Tactical Level."
"Battlefield Level spells are at least Golden Level."
"The majority of the famed Strategic Level spells are basically at Legendary Level, with very stringent casting requirements."
The Fishman youth nodded repeatedly, now having a clear understanding of the distinctions and connections.
Zhongyong continued, "All these are only methods of classifying spells and aren’t absolutely precise."
"The rare Silver Level spell can also be classified as a Battlefield Level spell."
"And within the most mainstream classification, if the spellcaster has high talent, they could cast a Silver Level spell at the Bronze Level. This is commonly known as ’casting beyond one’s level.’"
"Like you, sir. Though you have only just begun your practice, your Mage level is only the lowest Bronze Level, but you have demonstrated such strong talent that you could easily cast spells beyond your level, Black Iron Level spells."
"Sir, please forgive my boldness, but what exactly is your bloodline? I’m just too curious!"
The Fishman youth shook his head with a look of regret, "I, too, want to know the answer to that question. In fact, I was hoping to get some clues from you."
Zhongyong sighed and said, "Sir, even though I’m a fishman, I grew up in the Ice Sculpture Kingdom since I was little. Although I also understand fishman knowledge, most of it comes from books."
"Your bloodline characteristics aren’t obvious, and it’s difficult to assess based on appearance. I can’t speculate on the true nature of your bloodline."
The Fishman youth wasn’t surprised by Zhongyong’s answer.
He thought regretfully, "If only Zi Di were here. She could perform a blood test using a Magic Potion and calculate the true nature of my Fishman bloodline."
At the current stage, without Zi Di by his side, the Fishman youth had no way of performing a blood test with a Magic Potion.
Although the Tower Spirit was close at hand, at the present stage, the Tower Spirit could only do some speculation work. Such as refining the Magic Potion formula, perfecting the alchemy Array Map, and so on.
But to produce a complete blood test with a Magic Potion, from scratch to finish, was beyond the Tower Spirit’s capability.
There were too many unpredictable factors in the process of Magic Potion blood testing. It required constant speculation with each test result, while simultaneously ruling out a lot of previous conjectures.
Especially in the early stages, out of the countless possibilities, it required the mage’s personal feelings to select a path for testing.
This was a test of spirit.
And the Tower Spirit itself was injured and needed special treatment for a chance to be healed.
Cang Xu obtained a Soul Crystal and had once tried to use it to treat the Tower Spirit, but without any effect.
This was also why Cang Xu had always sought to obtain that Ship Spirit Repair Scroll in the hands of the ship ghost.
Regrettably, the ship ghost intended to present the Ship Spirit Repair Scroll as crucial evidence and had no desire to trade it.
Given Zhongyong’s identity and strength as an Alchemist, he could actually preside over Magic Potion blood testing.
But his loyalty had not yet been sufficiently proven, and he was far from being trusted with core secrets.
In fact, placing Zhongyong aboard the Deep Sea Monster Fish was already a rather risky arrangement.
After all, he was a Silver Level Mage. Despite the fact that the Magic Contract he signed was very strict, for the survivors, he still needed to be under long-term observation.
Regardless, judging by the Fishman youth’s astonishing efficiency in learning spells, his Fishman Bloodline was definitely of a very high grade.
But this alone was not enough.
The Fishman youth still needed the most accurate answers.
With the answers, he would be able to breakthrough based on his Bloodline, focusing on choosing certain marine lives to extract their Bloodline, effectively supplementing his own Fishman Bloodline.
After the concentration of the Fishman Bloodline was enhanced, the youth’s talent would experience more growth.
"Without Zi Di by my side, with Tower Spirit and Zhongyong unusable, there is another method, which is to rely on Cang Xu."
"Cang Xu seeks answers from the Mei Lan deity through prayer to obtain the answers."
"But Cang Xu’s level of faith and his position within the sect aren’t high enough."
"I need to obtain answers about my own Fishman Bloodline first, I have to enable him to get his Bloodline answers."
That was the plan in general.
The Fishman youth began his magical cultivation, using his superior Bloodline and his astounding cultivation talent to cast spells beyond his level.
Once he could perform the Undead Bloodline Detection Technique, he would use it on Cang Xu.
By then, Cang Xu’s Bloodline Mutation would have definitely stabilized completely.
After obtaining Cang Xu’s Bloodline answers, they would be able to lie in wait within the Ocean Nest.
Whenever Zhou Zhang presided over a Blood Sacrifice outside, and the sacrificial Undead were transported into the nest, the Fishman youth would strike first and fast.
He would kill these Undead, draw out their Bloodline with the Blood Core, and then use the Bloodline Purification Array to refine Cang Xu’s Bloodline concentration.
As Cang Xu’s Bloodline concentration increased, so would his aptitude, making the forging of memories more proficient. As a result, he would receive more favor and Divine Blessings in subsequent prayers.
During this process, his sect position would also rise.
After his position within the sect increased, Cang Xu’s involvement in the grand Mei Lan festival would be greater, receiving better Divine Gifts and thus creating a positive feedback loop.
Once Cang Xu’s position within the sect reached a certain stage, he would be able to preside over sacrifices himself.
He would master Divine Arts, helping survivors use the Pearl Bubble more efficiently, just as the Naga Priest did with Divine Arts during the battle at Twin Eyes Island.
Even, Cang Xu might be able to manipulate the Divine Artifact known as Mermaid’s Fairy Tale.
This situation would be the best outcome.
Because according to the Fishman youth’s previous conjecture, his and the ship’s transportation to the Ocean Nest this time was caused by the Mei Lan Divine Artifact "Mermaid’s Fairy Tale."
Once Cang Xu could control "Mermaid’s Fairy Tale," then there was a certain possibility of transporting the Deep Sea Monster Fish out again.
In this manner, the Fishman youth and Cang Xu, among others, would be able to safely depart the Ocean Pasture, remaining undetected by gods and ghosts, keeping Zhou Zhang in the dark from beginning to end.
Achieving this step would be a great success for the survivors!
Because the Ocean Nest remained intact, and Zhou Zhang had no suspicions, the Fishman youth and Cang Xu could still be transported in when she held another Blood Sacrifice in the future. Under her watch, they could effortlessly replenish Divine Power for the Divine Artifact, mass-producing Pearl Bubbles.
If they could reach this step, the double seal on Cang Xu and the ship ghost’s deadly backdoor would no longer be problems.
Divine Gifts could easily solve these issues.
Cultivation progressed quickly.
The Fishman youth rapidly mastered the fundamental Water Magic, and just by memorizing a bit, he remembered all the Black Iron Level spells.
The success rate of casting spells beyond his level was 100%!
Zhongyong was shocked once again.
Although he had surmised that the Fishman youth could cast spells beyond his level, he hadn’t imagined it would be done so effortlessly.
"My lord, where exactly are your limits?" Zhongyong’s gaze toward the Fishman youth was filled with obvious admiration.
Admiration of strength is almost a basic nature of all intelligent beings.
However, during the practice of Silver Level Spells, the Fishman youth encountered trouble.
Although he could use his spirit to accurately portray the Magic Model, he completely lacked sufficient Mana.
Zhongyong said, "My lord, what holds you back is only the Mage Level! With your talent, you will soon reach Black Iron Level."
He was even more excited than the Fishman youth.