These words reminded Ron of his various experiences at the Abyssal Observation Station.
The explorers there were indeed rarely pure scholars, most were pragmatists, focused on how to survive and develop in extreme environments.
Salamanda continued:
"Therefore, we wizards at the fringes often choose another path—bloodline modification."
As he spoke, he extended his right hand, and his palm began to undergo subtle changes.
The skin gradually took on a dark red metallic sheen, nails sharpened like blades, and the veins faintly glowed like flowing magma.
"We tap into the body’s potential, fuse powerful creatures’ bloodlines, and gain strength in the most direct way."
He clenched his fist, a slight popping sound immediately emanated from the air, raising the temperature by a few degrees:
"Before the Moon Level, this method’s growth speed and combat power far exceed those researchers. In the arena of Elemental Night, you’ll see, almost all are maniacs like this."
Salamanda retracted his palm, the bloodline characteristics quickly receded, returning to the ordinary human appearance.
But the lingering power still echoed in the air, reminding of the reality of the transformation earlier.
"Of course, both paths have their pros and cons."
He leaned against the railing, beginning a deeper analysis:
"Research-oriented wizards rely on knowledge accumulation and theoretical breakthroughs, their development is stable but slow with an extremely high upper limit. Once reaching the level of a Great Wizard, almost no one can oppose them."
"They grasp the fundamental laws of the world’s operation and can rewrite the foundational rules of reality from the source.
This power, though difficult to acquire, results in a qualitative leap once mastered."
Salamanda’s eyes showed a hint of longing, clearly holding considerable respect for this theoretical power:
"Existences like the Eye of Observation seem harmless, but their true power lies in accurately predicting any enemy’s actions and creating perfect counter-strategies in advance."
"Bloodline wizards, on the other hand—"
He patted his chest, producing a sound like steel clashing:
"By continuously tapping into bodily potential, combining magic practice and physical training, growth speed is extremely fast, combat power is often stronger at the Official Wizard stage."
"Our advantages lie in adaptability and explosive force. No matter the extreme environment encountered, we can quickly adjust our state to cope. And in direct confrontations, researchers of the same level find it hard to be our match."
At this point, Salamanda’s expression became somewhat complex:
"But..."
He paused, seemingly deliberating his words:
"The upper limit of the bloodline path is limited. After the late Moon Level, one must integrate one’s power system, otherwise, it’s challenging to break through to the Dark Sun Level.
This is a huge threshold, most bloodline wizards are stuck here."
"Why is this?" Ron asked, though some guesses had formed in his mind.
"Because bloodline power is inherently foreign."
Salamanda explained:
"No matter how perfect the fusion, those traits of the Dragon Race, Abyssal Creatures, Elemental Elves, ultimately aren’t ours.
At lower levels, this difference can be reconciled by strong life energy."
"But at the Dark Sun Level, when constructing Void Remains, these foreign traits become obstacles.
Void Remains require a completely unified will and power as a foundation, any internal conflict might lead to construction failure."
He looked at Ron, his eyes holding a warning:
"Many bloodline wizards upon reaching the peak of Moon Level become increasingly restless and unstable.
Their rationality and self-control can be gradually eroded by the conflicts of multiple bloodlines within."
This explanation reminded Ron of some examples he had seen.
Indeed, those who fused too many alien bloodlines often displayed noticeable extreme tendencies in character.
"However, the explorers at the Abyssal Observation Station..."
Ron mused, thinking of Miller and others:
"Their path seems somewhat different?"
"They take the composite route."
Salamanda nodded approvingly, eyes showing recognition:
"Bloodline modification plus mechanical reinforcement, coupled with necessary academic research. Although complex, it offers more advantages under extreme conditions."
"The core idea of this route is to use mechanical components to reconcile the conflicts between different bloodlines. For example, implanting an Elemental Regulator at the heart, installing a Cognitive Stabilizer in the brain."
"Through precise biochemical mechanics, they can maintain bloodline strength while avoiding most negative impacts.
Although the modification process is extremely painful and dangerous, the success effect is indeed impressive."
Salamanda’s tone carried a kind of envy:
"However, this route requires enormous resources and technical support. Only special institutions like the Abyssal Observation Station can provide the necessary conditions."
"For wizards like us in the fringes, the traditional bloodline path remains more realistic."
At this point, he suddenly remembered something, his expression turned serious:
"However, your situation is quite special."
"How so?"
"You clearly aren’t a purely research-oriented wizard, nor a traditional bloodline wizard."
Salamanda observed Ron closely, like analyzing a precious specimen:
"From your performance in the battle earlier, your combat intuition and environmental adaptability have reached the level of an experienced bloodline wizard.
But your magic system clearly has a deep theoretical foundation."
"This combination is rare and holds great potential."
His eyes showed a kind of anticipation:
"If you perform outstandingly in this Elemental Night, you might pave a new path for young wizards."
......
Night deepened, the distant phenomena gradually subsided.
Those towering fire tornadoes slowly dissipated, and the frequency of magma pillar eruptions visibly decreased.
The entire sand sea returned to relative tranquility, leaving only occasional hot winds and faint rumbling sounds from afar.
However, the worshippers scattered across the desert showed no intention of leaving.
They set up temporary tents, lit campfires, seemingly prepared for a long night vigil.
These mortals from different tribes and races showed remarkable unity in the face of this "miracle."
"See them?"
Salamanda pointed to those faint lights:
"Power is faith, faith is the foundation of rule. These people will pass on everything that happened tonight as legend for hundreds of years."
"And we ’gods’ will also gain a more exalted status through these legends."
He turned to Ron, his gaze growing deep:
"This is the fundamental reason wizard civilization can rule this world.
Not because we are smarter or kinder, but because we possess power they can never reach."
Ron listened quietly, his understanding of this world deepening further.
In his original world, power and morality were believed to mutually restrain each other.
But in this wizard world, power itself is the highest moral standard.
"However..."
Salamanda seemed hesitant.
"I understand, Rector Salamanda. Pure academic paths also find survival difficult at the Abyssal Observation Station."
Ron replied truthfully, while recalling those thrilling experiences in his heart:
"The environment there forces everyone to possess practical combat ability, mere theoretical knowledge is far from enough."
Salamanda’s eyes showed a hint of approval:
"No wonder Cassandra values you. You lack the pedantic air of bookish types, you have true combat intuition."
"But..."
His expression suddenly became serious, and he lowered his voice:
"That woman Sheena is sure to be watching this competition. You have many trump cards, but be careful not to expose them unnecessarily to that viper."
This reminder brought Ron’s mindset back to caution.
The threat from the Life Tree School still existed, and the Elemental Night arena was clearly a stage for various forces to observe and evaluate.
"I’ll be careful," he nodded in response.
"Hope so."
Salamanda gave one last look at the distant phenomena gradually subsiding, then turned and headed inside the Sand Sea School:
"Only a few days left, make good preparations. In that arena, any slip can be fatal."
The night breeze swept across the sand sea, bringing the pious prayers of far-off worshippers.