Sheena’s goal was indeed not to kill him immediately, but to use him as a research subject.
"The invitation itself holds no direct intent to kill..."
He analyzed the meaning of the divination in his heart:
"The butterfly sees a beautiful garden rather than a butcher’s knife, indicating that Sheena’s invitation is indeed well-intentioned on the surface, and she might even have prepared some valuable academic exchange content."
"But the ultimate goal is to capture and research..."
He recalled the details of the web in the image, raising his vigilance:
"What she wants is not my knowledge or skills, but me personally. More accurately, it’s the special bloodline traits and abilities I possess."
"This research could very well be long-term, in-depth, and even..."
He didn’t continue to think further, but a decision was already forming in his mind.
Since Sheena didn’t intend to kill him for the time being, this invitation might actually be an opportunity.
An opportunity to understand the true strength and research direction of the Life Tree School, and even a chance to find a bloodline breakthrough.
Putting away the divination tools, Ron tidied up his attire and walked out of the washroom again.
.........
When he returned to the banquet hall, Sheena immediately cast a concerned look his way:
"Lecturer Ralph, you look much better, I presume you’ve made your decision?"
Her perceptiveness was indeed impressive, able to glean so much information from subtle changes in expression.
"Yes, Elder Sheena."
Ron showed an appropriate amount of excitement and anticipation on his face:
"It is truly a rare opportunity to engage in deep academic exchange with the Life Tree School. I am willing to accept your invitation."
Sheena’s eyes immediately blossomed with sincere joy, like a child finally getting their beloved toy:
"That’s wonderful! I believe this exchange will be greatly beneficial for both parties."
But sitting in the main seat, Salamanda’s expression turned somewhat somber.
His eyes, like molten gold, gazed at Ron, with an undeniable warning implying "Are you sure you want to do this?"
Hayek was more direct, lightly coughing and using spiritual power to transmit a message to Ron that only he could receive:
"Ralph, the Vitality Spring’s environment is quite...special, so if you experience discomfort, feel free to contact us."
On the surface, this seemed like concern, but in reality, it was a reminder to Ron:
If he encountered danger, the Sand Sea School would do its utmost to provide help.
"I’ll be cautious."
Ron nodded in acknowledgment to his fellow wizards, conveying through his eyes a message of "Please trust my judgment."
Sheena stood up, gracefully adjusting her robe:
"In that case, why don’t we set out now? The scenery at the Vitality Spring is most captivating at dusk, perfect for a first visit."
Despite Salamanda’s displeasure, as the host, he could not outwardly appear overly rude in front of the guest.
In addition, Ron’s status represented the Crystal Tower, embarrassing him would be akin to embarrassing the Crystal Tower.
"Since Lecturer Ralph has made his choice, we naturally support it wholeheartedly."
Salamanda said in a deep voice, then turned to the vice dean beside him:
"Orlando, prepare the ’Wind Sand Wings,’ the finest vessel we have."
"Dean, are you referring to the one with dragon scale armor?"
Orlando was somewhat surprised, as it was one of the Sand Sea School’s prized possessions.
"That’s the one."
Salamanda’s tone brooked no doubt:
"Lecturer Ralph is our esteemed guest, he should enjoy the best treatment."
This arrangement clearly exceeded normal courtesy standards, but everyone present understood Salamanda’s true intention:
If Ron’s decision couldn’t be prevented, they should at least ensure he had ample protection and a means of escape.
Sheena, however, remained indifferent about this, even nodding in approval:
"Dean Salamanda is truly considerate. With this, we can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Quicksand Lands together."
.........
Half an hour later, two distinctly different flying devices were docked at the Sand Sea School’s landing platform.
Sheena’s "Flying Leaf Vessel" was about ten meters long, comprised entirely of a giant elliptical leaf.
This leaf had clearly undergone complex life modifications, its surface displaying a profound emerald green, covered with vein-like patterns akin to blood vessels.
These leaf veins emitted a faint glow as magic power flowed through them, creating beautiful light patterns.
The surface of the Leaf Vessel lacked traditional control instruments, replaced by seats woven from vines.
The armrests and backrests of the seats were living plants, able to automatically adjust shape according to the occupant’s physique, providing the most comfortable support.
"This is the result of thirty years of cultivation using seeds of the ’Celestial Giant Leaf.’"
Sheena gently introduced, her voice carrying the loving warmth of a mother:
"It doesn’t require any external fuel, sustaining flight entirely by absorbing light energy and elemental particles. Moreover..."
She lightly caressed the hull, and the giant leaf immediately trembled with happiness:
"It is alive, capable of autonomously determining flight paths and even avoiding dangers on its own."
In stark contrast was the "Wind Sand Wings" prepared by Salamanda for Ron.
This vehicle’s design was filled with a wild beauty.
The main body was a massive mechanical bird skeleton, with wings spanning nearly twenty meters.
The structure was forged from a special dark gray metal, its surface densely embedded with dragon scales.
Each scale emitted a faint fire glow, humming deeply in the wind.
The "head" of the device was a streamlined cockpit, with a transparent magic crystal shell offering excellent visibility.