A trace of vigilance flashed in her eyes: "This energy fluctuation is unusual, it doesn’t seem like a normal leak, rather it seems like... some kind of deliberate sabotage."
"Wasn’t the protection of the Bloodline Altar just reinforced?" Ron frowned, contemplating, "Unless..."
"Someone has forcibly broken the seal," Lady Allen picked up the conversation, "and it’s not something ordinary people can do."
The two of them exchanged a glance, both seeing the same thought in each other’s eyes: Eye of the Abyss.
At that moment, a series of quick footsteps came from the inner chamber.
Then came the slightly hurried calls of Lilia, Dale, and Ailan: "Teacher!", "Master!"
The three of them almost rushed to the doorway, Lilia’s face was full of anxiety and worry, Ailan’s vines trembled nervously, and Dale looked at Ron with wide golden eyes, full of wonder.
"Master, you’ve... changed!" Dale exclaimed, her golden pupils flashing with admiration:
"Your aura... is completely different now!"
Ron smiled slightly, however, his heart was warmed by this unexpected reunion: "Yes, I have successfully been promoted to an Official Wizard."
Lilia gently gasped, her eyes showing a mixture of amazement and a hint of unnoticed melancholy.
"Congratulations, Teacher," her voice was soft and sincere, yet despite her efforts to hide it, the dampness at the corners of her eyes revealed her complex emotions.
"Master... finally succeeded." Ailan’s vines gently caressed Ron’s arm, an obvious relief showing in her emerald green eyes.
In just a few days of separation, it felt like an entire lifetime had passed.
Looking at these three familiar faces before him, Ron’s heart, which had long since become cold and numb, began to feel a warm current emerging.
During his promotion on the Path of Truth, he had experienced a transformation at the soul level.
Recalling those terrifying visions and challenges, standing here now, looking at those who cared about him, he felt a sense of déjà vu.
"You all seem well," Ron smiled, his tone softer than usual: "You must have been quite worried these past few days."
Dale immediately jumped to Ron’s side, excitedly turning in circles: "Master has become so powerful! That feeling... it’s like stars shining around!"
Lilia watched the heartwarming scene before her, feeling both happy and a bit lost inside.
She knew that the teacher’s success meant they would inevitably part ways in the foreseeable future.
The path of an Official Wizard lies far beyond this Black Mist Jungle, extending to a broader world.
Yet, at the same time, she also felt genuine satisfaction at her teacher’s achievement.
Ever since she first stepped into the workshop, she knew Ron was destined to be extraordinary.
Now witnessing his transformation firsthand, though there was sorrow at the thought of parting, it did not diminish her admiration.
"I’ll go prepare some refreshments with Sister Ailan," Lilia said with a smile, trying her best to conceal her complex emotions:
"Though it might not match the usual standards, at least it can be a little celebration for Teacher’s promotion."
Lady Allen led them to the backyard, which had always been a simple and leisurely resting area.
Morning sunshine filtered through the gaps between the leaves, adding a few moments of tranquility to everything.
As Ron looked at this scene, he suddenly recalled the vision of destruction he had seen during his promotion.
Earth was devoured, everything turned to nothingness.
The apocalyptic feeling sharply contrasted with the peace before him.
"What are you thinking about?" Lady Allen keenly noticed Ron’s distraction, and asked softly.
"I am thinking... about the purpose of the power obtained through the Path of Truth."
Ron’s eyes turned deep: "During the promotion, I saw stars being devoured, civilizations collapsing... Is it a warning, or a prophecy?"
Lady Allen pondered for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes:
"That was the perspective and memory of the ’Devourer.’ It reveals to you the nature and potential of power, only by mastering the power yourself will you have control. Power itself is neither good nor evil, it is the user who has the standpoint."
Ron nodded, feeling somewhat enlightened: "Indeed, no matter how distant the road ahead is, it is all walked step by step."
He looked up towards the distance, his gaze penetrating through the treetops of the Black Mist Jungle, seemingly able to see even further:
"I only hope to climb as high as possible, perhaps someday I may also understand why those truly ’great ones’ make the choices they do."
Lady Allen’s eyes showed an approving look: "It seems you truly have a Seeking Heart—not content with current achievements, always exploring higher, further possibilities."
She raised her teacup, toasting to Ron: "To the endless path, to the never-ending exploration."
Ron raised his cup in response: "To eternal pursuit."
Amidst this warm atmosphere, a sudden urgent knocking on the door broke the tranquility.
Ron and Lady Allen exchanged a glance, signaling Dale and the others to stay in the courtyard, while the two of them walked through the corridor.
Lady Allen controlled the vines to open the door, revealing Holt’s tall and slender figure at the entrance.
His face bore an unusual tension and anxiety, and he didn’t even bother with formalities, rushing straight in.
"Ron! I’ve been looking for you... luckily you’re here."
Holt’s voice was somewhat hurried:
"There’s trouble at the Bloodline Altar! Master Soron was attacked, the altar’s seal was broken, and a large amount of Abyssal Energy is leaking!"
"Who did it?" Ron immediately asked, his voice cold to the point of seeming abnormal.
Holt took a deep breath, answering with a solemn expression:
"It’s said to be ’Mr. Holy Disc’... and he might be looking for you."
Ron’s gaze sharply locked onto Holt, maintaining a calm demeanor on the surface, but his heart was already on high alert.