"If you’re willing, I can introduce you to several outstanding mentors in our faction, who have unparalleled expertise in Elemental Magic, Alchemy, and Extraordinary Biology. I’m sure they could greatly benefit your growth."
Valen had already envisioned a perfect blueprint in his mind—not just guidance from top mentors, but also several capable and attractive marriageable juniors.
The Crystal Tower had gained numerous talents through marriage alliances.
To him, such a transaction is mutually beneficial, serving both parties’ needs.
However, right as he was about to further elaborate on these "generous terms," a strong sense of warning surged from his side.
Lady Allen’s gaze was as sharp as a knife, mixing not only warning but also a substantial threat, forcing Valen to swallow the latter half of his words.
He coughed lightly, promptly adjusting his strategy:
"Of course, if you’re interested, you’re welcome to visit the Crystal Tower for further learning and study through the Black Mist School’s channels. After Eliot and I finish handling a few final affairs, we’ll return to the Central Lands in approximately three days."
Three days is roughly the time needed to wrap up matters related to the Bloodline Altar.
Eliot, who had been standing behind Valen, stepped forward at this moment.
His unusually large ears kept twitching, seemingly capturing the faintest energy fluctuation in the air.
Ron had already noticed through Extraordinary Recognition that this peculiar trait was actually a rare perception talent capable of "hearing" information imperceptible to ordinary people.
"Ron Ralph, I’ve heard so much about you."
Eliot spoke in a gentle tone, yet his eyes couldn’t hide the scrutiny, alerting Ron: "Seeing you in person is far more unforgettable than hearing tales."
He took out a delicate silver emblem from his bosom, engraved with a complex network of runes.
Ron sensed the emblem contained a sophisticated communication array, with an energy structure so intricate it was astonishing.
"This is a special personal magic emblem, commonly used for communication between Wizards and Advanced Apprentices."
Eliot explained: "Regrettably, the Black Mist School’s conditions are limited, hindering widespread dissemination, much like academic journals are not popular here."
Ron accepted the emblem, internally praised the exquisite magic structure it contained.
The production of such small objects seemed simple, yet the principles involved in energy transmission were profoundly advanced.
This was precisely the level of research into auxiliary tools among the major powers in the Central Lands, something the remote Black Mist School couldn’t possibly match.
"If you come to the Central Lands, you can use this to contact me directly."
Eliot’s tone grew somewhat more genuine: "I’d be very willing to form a friendship with a talent like you and offer help within my capabilities."
Ron put the emblem into his inner pocket and nodded in thanks without a change in expression:
"Thank you for your goodwill. If I have the chance to visit the Central Lands, I will certainly call on you."
Seeing that everything that needed to be said had been said, Eliot promptly followed Valen as they left, still having other matters to attend to.
Lady Allen beside them cleared her throat:
"Ron, you should be aware that the time flow inside the Bloodline Altar differs from outside. In reality, two whole weeks have passed inside."
"Two weeks?" Ron was startled inside, his brow furrowed.
He quickly calculated the possible impacts—workshop routine operations, experiment progress, magic potion order deliveries...
"You’d better return to the workshop as soon as possible." Lady Allen’s tone softened slightly: "I’m afraid someone has been waiting for you to come back."
She gave Ron a significant look and added:
"Remember, after Valen leaves, come to me. There are many things to tell you, very important."
Ron nodded in agreement, his thoughts already flying back to the workshop.
He couldn’t help but worry about the conditions of Lilia and Ailan, especially Lilia, the girl always cautious about everything, must be frightened.
After bidding farewell to Lady Allen, Ron and Dale didn’t linger, heading straight towards the workshop at a brisk pace.
Along the way, he acutely noticed the subtle changes in the school’s atmosphere.
Many apprentices looked at him with increased respect, and even Law Enforcement Team members spontaneously saluted him.
"Seems the news has spread." Ron mused internally, but he didn’t care for such surface-level respect.
In his value system, strength was the only constant currency.
And the greatest value of this currency is that it can be exchanged for more knowledge and resources, helping him further enhance himself.
Other people’s opinions were merely reactions to strength, without real significance.
When Ron and Dale finally stood before the workshop door, it suddenly swung open.
Lilia stood at the doorway, looking pitiful – her eyes were red-rimmed, full of bloodshot like she hadn’t slept for ages;
The long worry and fatigue had left clear marks on her face, once neat strands now a mess.
Upon seeing Ron, Lilia’s eyes shifted from incredulity to joy, finally turning into uncontrollable tears.
She originally wanted to maintain decorum, respectfully greeting him like a proper apprentice, but her long-accumulated emotions completely flooded at this moment.
"Master! You’re finally back!"
Her voice choked, hands tightly clutching her sleeves, knuckles white from strain: "We almost thought..."
Ailan quickly appeared at the doorway too, her elegant face showing equal delight.
Though she was better at controlling her emotions than Lilia, the glistening eyes and slightly trembling vines equally revealed her inner turmoil.