Ron instinctively wanted to activate the Protective Magic, but Hayek gently shook his head at him, indicating there was no danger.
"Trust Dean Salamanda, he’s doing this to protect everyone."
The old man’s eyes carried understanding and care:
"The methods of the Life Tree School... sometimes leave behind some imperceptible traces."
Considering that there was indeed no method planted on him, and his inspiration hadn’t issued a danger warning, Ron decided to cooperate.
"I understand."
He relaxed his body, allowing the flame of purification to completely surround him.
The fiery flames flowed over every inch of his skin like water, penetrating deep into his flesh, even reaching into his bone marrow.
This feeling was both painful and comforting—painful due to the burning heat, comforting due to a certain deep sense of purification.
It was as if his entire body, along with his soul, had been thoroughly sterilized.
But what surprised Salamanda was how calm Ron appeared in such an intense flame of purification.
Although the dean didn’t truly intend to harm him, out of annoyance at the Life Tree School, he indeed deliberately heightened the temperature and burning intensity of the flames.
Reasonably, even a seasoned Moonlight Level Mage should feel quite uncomfortable.
Yet, this young man before him seemed to be enjoying a sunbath with carefree ease.
"Interesting..."
Salamanda mentally reassessed Ron’s body composition:
"What material is this kid made of? His resistance to the Fire Element is actually so strong?"
The purification process lasted for nearly ten minutes, during which Salamanda employed all the detection methods he mastered:
Pollution Perception, Spirit Erosion Scan, Bloodline Aberration Detection, Magic Power Frequency Analysis...
Every detection indicated that Ron’s condition was completely normal, with no signs of alteration or pollution.
"Strange..."
Salamanda furrowed his brow, withdrawing the flame of purification:
"Those lunatics didn’t mess with you?"
His tone was filled with obvious confusion and bewilderment.
With the Life Tree School’s way of operating, how could they possibly ignore such an excellent target?
"Perhaps..."
Hayek spoke thoughtfully:
"They have other plans."
The wizards exchanged a meaningful glance, clearly having thought of some possibility.
The methods of the Life Tree School have always been enigmatic and unpredictable; surface calm often implies deeper traps.
"In any case, the alert is temporarily lifted."
Salamanda declared gravely, while casting a complex glance at Ron:
"However, Lecturer Ralph, I hope you understand one thing—in the Quicksand Lands, reckless actions could bring disaster to everyone."
"I understand, Dean."
Ron nodded sincerely:
"This experience indeed made me realize my rashness."
Salamanda’s expression eased a bit, but his tone remained stern:
"Since you’re back, I’ll get straight to the point."
"Regarding your desire to use the element convergence points for a bloodline breakthrough, I’m already aware."
Ron’s heart tightened, unsure of how this impulsive dean would handle this request.
"The few convergence points mastered by our Sand Sea School are all under strict control."
Salamanda’s tone became more serious:
"According to the rules, only members who have made significant contributions to the school can obtain usage rights."
"Although you’re a genius at the Crystal Tower, to our Sand Sea School, you’re still just a guest."
Upon hearing this, Ron was already prepared for rejection.
But Salamanda’s next words were a pleasant surprise:
"However, nine days from now, at the ’Elemental Night,’ I’ve already registered you for the carnival’s competitive segment."
"If you can demonstrate enough strength there, you could earn one to two days of usage rights for medium or even large convergence points."
"For a bloodline breakthrough, that amount of time is absolutely sufficient."
Salamanda’s eyes gleamed with a hint of anticipation:
"Of course, provided you have the ability."
This news made Ron feel both excited and anxious.
Nine days of preparation time was perfect for adjusting his condition and strategizing.
Moreover, the competitive method was much fairer and more just than direct transactions or challenges.
"Thank you, Dean, for the arrangements."
He expressed his gratitude sincerely:
"I will give it my all."
"I hope so."
Salamanda nodded, then turned to the others:
"Alright, disperse now. Go about your business."
As the crowd dispersed, the platform returned to tranquility.