Chapter 109: Chapter 101: Branch γ—Modulator (2-Star)
Ron did not immediately respond but carefully observed the state of the tree spirit.
Thanks to the professional insight of an Alchemist, he could see that this creature was indeed well-maintained, with the skin moisture and vine vitality kept at optimal levels.
Its eyes were clear rather than muddled, indicating that its mental state remained stable and had not become numb or crazy from long captivity.
"I do indeed need it to assist with Magic Potion Refining."
Ron nodded, a gleam of shrewd calculation flickering in his eyes, and he began to negotiate:
"But last time you said eighty Magic Stone Fragments, looking at the current market, sixty pieces should be a reasonable price."
"This... this won’t do, sir!"
The merchant gestured exaggeratedly, his voice turning sharp, as if hearing a colossal joke:
"Eighty pieces are already the discounted price for you. On the market, this quality of tree spirit would easily cost over a hundred pieces! Look at its vitality, look at the color of these vines, how many special functions it possesses; all of these are worth money!"Thɪs
The two went back and forth, ultimately settling on seventy Magic Stone Fragments for the deal, with an additional free control mark engraving service provided.
"Deal." Ron took a leather pouch from his waist, counted out seventy Magic Stone Fragments, and placed them on the tray before the merchant.
The sound of gathering gold was the merchant’s favorite music; his eyes squinted with laughter, almost disappearing amidst the creases on his face, like a lottery winner who just hit the jackpot.
"A wise choice, sir."
The merchant laughed, his eyes nearly closed into slits: "Please wait while I prepare the materials for the control mark."
As the merchant turned to leave, the tree spirit suddenly lifted its head, its eyes meeting Ron’s, flashing an emotion Ron couldn’t decipher.
It wasn’t gratitude, fear, hope, or despair, just an extreme calmness.
When he was scrutinizing the tree spirit closely, the slave merchant had already returned holding a small silver box.
"Sir, the control mark can be engraved very soon. However, before that, I would like to recommend some other merchandise that might interest you, given your status."
The merchant’s tone carried an undeniable anticipation, as if ready to showcase his collection.
Before Ron could respond, he continued enthusiastically, clearly unwilling to miss any opportunity to pitch his wares:
"For example, this..."
He mysteriously pulled out an exquisite crystal container from the inner pocket of his robes. Inside it hovered a thumb-sized, peculiarly shaped translucent object that looked like an underdeveloped embryo, yet its interior revealed faint energy pulsations:
"A special embryo crafted by a ’Bloodline Modifier,’ blending the bloodline essence of three Extraordinary Creatures."
"Bloodline Modifier? Elaborate on that."
Ron’s attention was immediately captured, his eyes widened slightly, and he felt inspiration for improving the bloodline activation potion spring forth in his mind.
"This is industry secret." The merchant lowered his voice, speaking with a sense of mystery, "But since the Apprentice sir asked, I am willing to share a bit."
He lowered his voice, as if divulging a startling secret:
"Modulation is a Wizardry specializing in bloodline enhancement and modification; it’s a branch of Magic Potion Making but requires mastery of Alien Race structures and various Extraordinary Bloodlines."
"It is said the most powerful Bloodline Modifiers can even construct new life forms from scratch, creating races that have never existed in the world."
With the in-depth explanation from the slave merchant, new information appeared on Ron’s profession panel...
[Acquired Profession - Modulator (Two Stars) partial profession information]
[Magic Potion Apprentice new progression path unlocked: γ——Modulator (Two Stars)]
[Path Change Conditions:
1. Basic Magic Potion Making mastered √
2. Extraordinary Biology skilled
3. Bloodline Modulation skilled
4. Successfully performed at least three different types of Bloodline Modulation]
[Traits: Bloodline Identification, Tissue Activation, Genetic Fusion]
A new branch path, although in terms of advancement conditions, requires him to practice two new skills to skilled level from scratch...
Ron frowned, feeling somewhat troubled, as he already had enough daily tasks to manage.
However, this Bloodline Modulation has some similarities with the bloodline activation theory he previously researched, but it evidently goes further.
Bloodline activation awakens dormant bloodlines within; Bloodline Modulation seems to process and modify the bloodline itself, even creating entirely new bloodlines.
There might be opportunities for mutual verification and drawing parallels, rather than starting from scratch.
"What bloodlines are fused in this embryo?" He asked, eyes fixed on the translucent small object, his heart unconsciously racing.
"Dragon lizard, wind sprite, and crystal scorpion,"
The merchant lowered his voice, with eyes gleaming in excitement, as if revealing a tremendous secret:
"This combination can endow the host with exceptional adaptability and regenerative ability, making it an ideal combat companion. The dragon lizard provides strength and defense, the wind sprite brings speed and agility, and the crystal scorpion grants venom and regeneration."
He proudly caressed the crystal container:
"This is something I acquired at a great expense."
"How much for this embryo?" Ron asked, trying to appear uninterested.
"One hundred and fifty Magic Stone Fragments."
The merchant quoted a shockingly high price, but quickly added:
"However, considering your large transaction earlier, I can offer you a special price, one hundred and twenty."
Ron quickly calculated his financial status in his mind.
The tree spirit already cost seventy pieces, and adding this embryo would almost exhaust his entire savings.
Furthermore, he was completely unfamiliar with bloodline modulation; purchasing an embryo of unknown origin carries too much risk.
"No, I’d better understand everything first," he decided internally, then shook his head:
"Not for now, but I’m very interested in ’Bloodline Modulation,’ can you tell me where I can find them?"
The merchant seemed somewhat disappointed but quickly adjusted his expression, apparently well-acquainted with the bargaining process:
"True bloodline modifiers are extremely rare, said to be less than five in this region. However..."
He glanced around, ensuring no one else was listening: "If you are willing to pay an adequate price, I might be able to arrange a secret meeting for you."
Ron nodded thoughtfully, keeping this information in mind, but chose to ignore the merchant’s latter half of the sentence.
Engaging such hidden entities through an unknown intermediary is too risky, not worth the danger.
"I’ll consider it," he replied vaguely, then changed the subject:
"Now, if you would complete the Control Mark carving."
The engraving process was surprisingly simple, the merchant took a unique Rune Stone from a silver box, gently pressed it onto the tree spirit’s forehead.
The lines on the Rune Stone lit up instantly, then flowed into the tree spirit’s skin like a living creature, finally forming a complex mark that was faintly visible in the center of the forehead.
"It’s done, sir." The merchant put away the silver box, nodded with satisfaction:
"From now on, it is yours. Just utter the control password, and it will obey your commands unconditionally."
The control password was imprinted with a special Spiritual Power: "Emerald Green Dried Wood."
Leaving the trading post with the newly purchased tree spirit, Ron began planning his current arrangements:
"Perhaps it’s time to visit the library again."
He glanced at the tree spirit walking beside him, silently decided:
"I not only need to find information on bloodline modulation but also about tree spirits, to better interact with it."
The tree spirit quietly followed behind him, its eyes still as calm as water, seemingly experienced too much to be disturbed by anything.
But Ron noticed that whenever they passed some green plants, the tree spirit’s vines would slightly sway, as if communicating silently with them.
Returning to the workshop with the tree spirit, he initially worried it might not adapt to the new environment, but unexpectedly, the tree spirit seemed familiar with the workshop layout from the start.
After simple settling and basic guidance, the tree spirit quickly began assisting with organizing herbs.
Its talent for processing plant materials far exceeded expectations, almost instinctively knowing how to store each herb to maintain its optimal activity.
"You know, I was worried you might be difficult to care for."
Ron said to the tree spirit, while watching it slowly extend its roots into the soil:
"I didn’t expect you only need, like ordinary plants, regular watering and occasional Magic Power supplements."
The tree spirit’s vines gently swayed, and a hint of joy seemed to flash in its calm eyes.
Although it never utters a word, Ron gradually learned to interpret its body language.
Surprisingly, once the tree spirit extended its roots into the ground, Ron found it seemed capable of providing some level of monitoring and alertness, able to perceive subtle changes in the surrounding environment.
"I will return later," Ron said to the tree spirit while organizing his instruments:
"While I’m away, continue sorting these materials, especially the exotic herbs that require special preservation. I’ve marked the basic requirements on each shelf, you can adjust according to your understanding."
The tree spirit just nodded gently, it was unclear whether it did not want to speak or could not speak.