"You make a very good point."
Ron nodded respectfully, refraining from further questions:
"Sometimes, an observer sees things that those involved do not."
This statement notably relaxed Sarah, who nodded to him appreciatively.
Clearly, the Snake Woman was thankful that he didn’t excessively pressure her to reveal more information.
......
In the morning, Hayek appeared punctually outside Ron’s door.
"Ralph, Dean Salamanda wants to see you."
The old man’s expression was slightly more serious than usual:
"But don’t worry, the Dean is straightforward and won’t beat around the bush."
"Is there anything I should be careful about?"
"Just be honest." Hayek said while leading the way:
"Dean Salamanda has undergone radical bloodline modification, integrating the lineage of a Magma Giant, which makes his personality more... direct.
He can easily see through others’ thoughts, so instead of trying hard to hide them, it’s better to be open."
The two walked along the complex corridors, finally reaching the depths of the School’s building.
The temperature noticeably increased here, and the air was filled with the rich scent of sulfur and Fire Element.
The heavy stone door opened, revealing a sight that broadened Ron’s horizons.
This was no ordinary office; it was clearly a miniature volcanic crater.
The room was an oval-shaped pit with a giant magma pool at the bottom, its surface constantly bubbling with gold and red foam.
Suspended in the center of the magma pool was a pure Obsidian platform, without any railings around it, only the constant rise of distorted heat waves.
Salamanda sat in a stone chair at the platform’s center, towering and robust, his skin a deep dark red, as if magma slowly flowed through his veins.
His hair was pure flame, moving independently in the heat waves.
"Oh, you’re the new star at the Crystal Tower?"
Salamanda raised his head, his molten gold-like eyes glancing at Ron:
"I heard you improved Great Wizard Weinard’s simulation device, interesting."
His tone was casual, like evaluating a somewhat interesting research report:
"Come on, since Hayek brought you, let’s talk over here."
Salamanda waved his hand, solidifying a stone bridge on the surface of the magma pool.
Ron carefully stepped onto the stone bridge, the heat beneath forcing him to use Magic Power for protection.
"Your use of Magic Power is quite solid." Salamanda nodded, giving a fairly positive assessment.
As Ron stepped onto the Obsidian platform, he immediately felt a stronger environmental pressure.
The concentration of Fire Element here was almost liquefied, each breath felt like swallowing fire.
"Lecturer Ralph, I heard you came this time for an academic exchange?" Salamanda’s opening was direct and simple:
"The environment of the Quicksand Lands is quite unique, I wonder what aspect you wish to study?"
"Primarily interested in the Dragon Bone Network and the phenomenon of Elemental Convergence."
Ron chose to answer honestly.
"Hmm, you’ve chosen the right place."
Salamanda reached out and took a fiery red Dragon Bone Fragment from beside him:
"The secret of the Dragon Bone Network lies not in the bones themselves, but in the ’Memory’ contained within."
He tossed the fragment up, igniting golden-red flames in the air.
"Speaking of which..."
At this point, his tone suddenly became deep and he fixed his gaze intensely on Ron:
"Chief Ralph, upon coming here, there’s something you must understand."
"The Quicksand Lands, like the Sand Sea, appear calm on the surface, but underneath are turbulent currents and lurking dangers."
"Our Sand Sea School arrived later, managing to stand firm amidst the forces by relying on ’Balance.’"
"Any stone attempting to disrupt this delicate balance, no matter how shiny, will ultimately be devoured by the Sand Sea."
This statement was both an introduction to the complex situation in the Quicksand Lands and a warning to Ron.
Salamanda was hinting: if Ron came here with some cryptic mission, it’s best not to act recklessly.
"I understand what the Dean means."
Ron nodded respectfully:
"I am indeed here solely for academic research, with no other intentions."
"Good! I like smart people!"
Salamanda’s expression became friendly again:
"Then, since it’s an academic exchange, let’s talk academics!"
Over the next hour, the two engaged in an in-depth discussion on a variety of Elemental Theories.
Despite his rugged personality, Salamanda proved to be highly knowledgeable and expressed unique insights in the realms of Fire Element and bloodline modification.
His understanding of the Dragon Bone Network was particularly enlightening for Ron.
"Each Dragon Bone records the power characteristics and bloodline information of that dragon during its lifetime."
Salamanda raised the fiery red Dragon Bone Fragment in his hand:
"When different Dragon Bone Fragments gather together, these memories resonate, creating new Energy patterns."
"This is the true principle of Elemental Convergence."
......
After leaving Salamanda’s "Volcano Office," Hayek led Ron on a tour around the School.
"There’s a small gathering at noon. Initially, Elder Sheena wanted to discuss some matters. Upon hearing you’re here, she voluntarily expressed her wish to meet you."
Hayek explained:
"Elder Sheena is a diplomat of the Life Tree School, very easy to get along with, no need to be tense."
"Someone from the Life Tree School?"
"Yes, although their school’s reputation isn’t great, Elder Sheena is an exception. She’s adept at socializing and well-regarded in the Quicksand Lands."