Endless light and heat swirled around him, as if he stood at the core of a star.
Every ray of light carried pure energy, and every bit of warmth contained the power of creation and destruction.
And he himself stood at the center of this storm of light and heat, like an embodiment of light.
What surprised him the most was that in this spectacle, he felt a strong resonance with the dragon bloodline within him.
The dormant light and fire element factors deep in his veins began to weakly activate.
Though the activation was shallow, it was indeed a precursor to a bloodline awakening.
"It seems your bloodline has components of light and fire."
Sheena keenly observed the change in him:
"Moreover, the purity is quite high, causing such a strong resonance reaction."
"However..."
She shook her head slightly regrettably:
"The natural attributes of the Vitality Spring alone cannot provide you with complete bloodline activation.
Your bloodline core requires more pure light and heat energy."
This judgment was entirely consistent with Ron’s own feelings.
The Vitality Spring could indeed activate his bloodline, but the effect was limited.
To achieve a true breakthrough, a more suitable environment needed to be found.
"However, this does not mean there is no solution."
Sheena suddenly shifted her tone, a crafty gleam flashing in her eyes:
"I know of a few special locations better suited to your bloodline type."
"If you are willing to engage in deep cooperation with me, I would be happy to provide you with this information."
Ron understood her intention.
Sheena was using the opportunity for bloodline activation he desperately needed as bait to exchange for his technology and cooperation.
This trade seemed fair, but it was actually a trap.
Once he showed strong interest, he would be in a passive position during negotiations.
"Your proposal is very attractive."
He pretended to consider seriously:
"However, what exactly is the form of this cooperation?"
"Very simple."
Sheena’s smile became even more dazzling:
"You share the core technology of the Abyss simulation device with me, and I will provide you with the best site for bloodline activation and full guidance."
"Additionally, I can offer you some... additional services."
As she spoke, her gaze wandered over Ron, her eyes clearly showing a look of covetousness.
......
When night fell, the Vitality Spring presented a completely different scene from the daytime.
Various bioluminescent plants began to emit a dreamlike glow, and the entire oasis seemed like an enchanted fairyland.
"The Vitality Spring is more beautiful at night, with wonders unseen during the day."
Sheena advised gently:
"Moreover, I have specially prepared some precious academic materials for you, requiring ample time to study."
"The elemental storms for the return journey are more dangerous at night. Although you performed well in the storm just now, the visibility at night is lower, and the risks multiply."
Her reasons all sounded very sufficient, but Ron could feel the coercion inherent in them.
Once within her domain, leaving would not be easy.
"Since Elder Sheena says so, I will accept the invitation with gratitude."
He pretended to agree reluctantly.
Sheena’s eyes revealed a hint of triumph but was quickly covered by a gentle smile:
"Wonderful! I have prepared the most comfortable guestroom for you, ensuring you have a pleasant night."
She led Ron to a delicate cabin in the woods.
The interior was extremely luxurious:
Silk sheets exuded a faint flowery fragrance, and crystal lights flickered with a soft glow amidst the night vines.
There was even a small hot spring bath, with the water temperature perfectly comfortable, and various flower petals floating on the surface.
"These are the companion plants I have carefully cultivated."
Sheena introduced:
"They will automatically adjust the environment according to your needs, providing the most attentive service."
As she said, once Ron stepped into the room, all the plants began to subtly adjust:
Temperature, humidity, light brightness, even the fragrance concentration in the air, all shifted towards the most comfortable state.
But behind this attentive service, Ron felt an omnipresent sense of surveillance.
Every leaf, every vine, was Sheena’s watcher.
She could monitor his every move in real-time through the plant network.
"Elder Sheena has truly thought of everything."
He expressed his sincere gratitude:
"The accommodation here is even more comfortable than the Crown Clan’s palace."
"As long as you are satisfied."
Sheena gracefully bowed:
"Then, I will not disturb your rest."
With that, the witch decisively left the room, seemingly not worried at all that Ron would try to escape.
......
In the dead of night, Ron was awakened from his light sleep by a strange energy fluctuation.
As a Moonlight Level Mage, his perception far exceeded that of ordinary people, allowing him to keenly detect the subtle changes in the surrounding magic field.
At this moment, the entire Vitality Spring was pulsating with a peculiar rhythm, like the heartbeat of a giant creature.
Quietly, he approached the window composed of blossoms, observing outside through the gaps between the leaves.
In the center of the courtyard, a giant fleshy vine was performing some kind of profane ritual.
This vine was completely different from the ordinary plants seen during the day; it looked more like a grotesque fusion of flesh and plant tissue.
The main stem was as sturdy as an ancient tree, but its surface was not bark, but pulsating blood vessels and writhing muscle fibers.
Countless tentacles extended from the main stem, each as thick as an arm, covered with mucous glands and thorns.