Hayek looked up at Thompson, his tone filled with disbelief:
"This kind of technique usually requires at least ten years of alchemy study to master."
"Not only that," Thompson added:
"He also successfully refined a spatial bag. As far as I know, he just exchanged for a Black Sand Essence at the trading center, probably intending to make the space equipment himself."
Hayek lowered his head and was silent for a moment, placing the document on the table.
"This young man’s alchemy has already reached the level of a professional alchemist, and his progress far exceeds the norm."
He pondered and said, "This seems incongruent with the ’Medicinal Body Resonance’ talent recorded in his file."
At that moment, the office door was gently knocked on, and then Valen appeared at the door.
"Sorry to interrupt, Hayek."
The Dark Sun Wizard smiled warmly: "I came to get some historical material on the bloodline altar."
"Master Valen, please come in." Hayek immediately stood up to welcome him, while Thompson bowed and exited through a hidden door: "Coincidentally, there’s something I wish to consult with you."
Valen walked into the room, his gaze falling on the documents on the table, seemingly having sensed something from Hayek’s expression.
"Is it about the young member in the sequence?" he asked softly.
Hayek briefly introduced Ron’s situation, especially highlighting his extraordinary performance in alchemy, Magic Potion Making, bloodline modulation, and other areas.
"Recently, he has not only been able to make alchemy bombs but also mastered the technique for making space equipment, and all this within just a few months."
Hayek concluded: "Such a speed of progress is unprecedented in my teaching career."
A rare look of surprise flashed in Valen’s eyes. He took the document and looked through it carefully again, his expression gradually becoming deep.
"Interesting... very interesting."
The Dark Sun Wizard slowly spoke:
"This comprehensive extraordinary talent reminds me of some rarer types of talents... ’Natural History’, ’Enlightened Ones’, ’Eye of Wisdom’, or perhaps the ’Hand of a Hundred Arts’..."
"You mean... he might have those talents rarer than ’Medicinal Body Resonance’?" Hayek asked in astonishment.
"Very possibly." Valen nodded:
"Especially the ’Hand of a Hundred Arts’, a talent allowing the possessor to swiftly master any skill upon contact, is one of the most precious among the second tier talents."
The room fell into brief silence as both pondered the implications of this discovery.
"In any case," Valen eventually broke the silence:
"Such a genius should not be missed. Hayek, I suggest placing him on the priority observation list."
"Already arranged," Hayek responded:
"If he truly possesses such rare talents, the upper levels of the Crystal Tower will certainly be interested in him."
A gleam of insight flickered in Valen’s eyes:
"Yes, talents like these should serve a broader stage."
He paused briefly, his voice becoming lower:
"I have a suggestion—when he approaches the threshold of becoming an Official Wizard, do not easily give him the ’Key Potion’, even if his hope for promotion is higher than the top of the sequence."
"You mean..." A hint of understanding flashed in Hayek’s eyes.
"Yes, have him sign a soul contract for lifelong service to our Crystal Tower in exchange for the ’Key Potion’."
Valen said calmly: "Such a genius must be closely bound to our Crystal Tower."
Hayek pondered briefly and finally nodded in agreement:
"I understand, Master Valen, I will closely monitor his development."
......
The day when the bloodline altar is opened has finally arrived.
On the great square in the central region of the School, an inconspicuous circular stone platform had now become the focal point of the ceremony.
Around the stone platform, complex array patterns emitted a ghostly blue glow, and the air was filled with an ancient and mysterious energy fluctuation.
Valen stood in the center of the stone platform, accompanied by Hayek and several other Wizards.
Surrounded by dozens of Apprentices, all here to witness the event.
Ron and four other candidates stood at specific positions on the edge of the array, each having a small array node in front of them, connected to the central large array.
The ten Apprentices from the Crystal Tower were also in position, their attire noticeably different from the Black Mist School’s Apprentices:
Their more exquisite robes were embroidered with complex runes, adorned with various refined alchemy equipment.
Among them, some had skin with a metallic sheen, eyes glittering with strange runes, and arms seemingly capable of extension and transformation.
These were manifestations of bloodline mutation, indicating they had undergone various degrees of self-modification.
Although these Apprentices from the Central Lands behaved courteously, without demonstrating any disdain.
Ron still sensed an intrinsic superiority in their conduct and speech—a confidence and composure deriving from a long-term presence in resource-rich environments.
"Don’t be nervous," Trish’s voice came from beside him:
"We’ve all agreed to find each other and form a team once we’re inside."
Ron only nodded: "I am fully prepared."
He lightly patted the spatial bag he made, which contained various Magic Potions, alchemy tools, and emergency supplies.
Holt also approached with a solemn expression:
"I heard this trial is different from usual, possibly involving deeper abyss influences, everyone must be cautious."
Valen’s voice suddenly rang out across the square, clear and powerful, without using any amplification magic, yet audible to everyone.
"The bloodline altar originates from a captured special space fragment."
The Dark Sun Wizard’s voice carried a calming power:
"Due to the plane collision, it has some connection with the abyss, yet does not entirely belong to the abyss. This unique nature makes it an ideal site for bloodline purification and trial."
Valen walked slowly to the center of the array, continuing his explanation:
"Once inside the altar, you will be randomly scattered to different areas. There, you will face various challenges—entanglement from vengeful spirits, attacks from abyss creatures, and minor effects of abyss curses."
His gaze swept over each participant:
"Your goal is to traverse these obstacles, reach the central region of the bloodline altar world, and complete the final trial. Upon success in the trial, you can either open the exit or evoke the emblem I give to teleport away, which will be considered an automatic withdrawal from the trial. The content of the trial differs each time, and this time is no exception."
Ron listened intently, committing every detail to memory.
"You may wonder why Official Wizards don’t personally participate in such trials."
Valen seemingly foresaw the question many present held:
"This is due to the rule set by the Great Wizard who captured this space fragment—the bloodline altar is only open to Apprentices who have not reached the level of Official Wizards."
He explained:
"On one hand, the bloodline enhancement effect within the altar is almost negligible for Official Wizard level improvement;
On the other hand, it represents a tradition of giving to the younger generation, embodying a kind of ’ancient rule.’
Therefore, entities with the strength of Official Wizards cannot pass through the spatial channel connecting to the altar."
Ron was thoughtful, understanding why such a precious resource was reserved for Apprentice usage.
This was both a legacy and an investment in the future of young people, through which the Great Wizard could continuously harvest "benefits."
"Now." Valen’s voice took on a solemn tone: "The bloodline altar trial officially begins!"
As his words fell, the stone platform in the center of the array suddenly emitted dazzling blue light.
The energy beams extended from the center outward, connecting to each participant’s standing node.
Ron felt a wave of dizziness, as everything in his vision began to twist and warp.
His consciousness seemed to be stretched, twisted, and then thrown into an endless void.
In this void, he vaguely saw a massive crack, deep and dark, emanating a chilling aura.
That was the entrance to the abyss, with dark chaotic fumes swirling out, like countless tendrils reaching out to engulf him.
Ron felt an indescribable oppression, as if an invisible force was attempting to invade his spirit and bloodline.
This was the abyssal curse, striving to leave an imprint on him.
"Resist... must resist..."
Ron silently chanted in his heart, while mobilizing all his Spiritual Power to erect a defensive barrier.
Just as he was about to be swallowed by the darkness, a beam of light suddenly appeared from the other side of the void, like a path of life guiding him forward.
Without hesitation, Ron darted towards the golden light, feeling his consciousness fiercely pulled, and then...
Amidst a whirlwind, his feet finally touched solid ground.