Being able to observe up close or even participate in the treatment could not only provide him with valuable high-level knowledge but also allow him to access rare resources that are otherwise difficult to obtain.
Most importantly, if he successfully resolves this issue, the friendship of the Crown Clan and the promise of three treasures will provide a solid foundation for his long-term development plans.
However, all of this hinges on his ability to achieve it, and with his current "Ancient Alchemist" progression path that shows no sign of progress, accomplishing these is still quite distant...
"Of course, of course, I understand your point, it is indeed premature to discuss this now."
Reynolds raised his glass with a smile, a cunning flash in his eyes:
"Speaking of which, the Great Wizard Cassandra was born over two hundred years ago and was the last to successfully advance to Primordial Wizard. In this regard, she can barely be considered your senior..."
Ron did not take up this thread, continuing instead to ask:
"Let’s not talk about the Great Wizard; I am more interested in the Crown Clan’s treasury."
He raised his empty glass in a polite gesture:
"What level of treasures are stored there?"
Reynolds leaned forward slightly:
"The exact contents are of course top secret, but it is said to house several legendary ancient artifacts and might even include the collection of that great one."
His voice carried an almost obsessive yearning:
"There are rumors that deep within the treasury lies a ’Time Fragment’ of the King of Absurdity—a single glance at it reveals all possible branches of one’s future."
"And even the ’Otherworldly Comprehensive Guide’ he collected—a tome documenting the advanced cultivation systems of other worlds..."
"Seeing one’s future and the cultivation systems of the Otherworld... truly befitting of the Witch King’s collection..." Ron murmured softly.
Items collected by those known as the "great ones," even the least among them, contain power and mysteries beyond the common man’s imagination.
Reynolds shrewdly caught the interest in the other’s eyes, a knowing smile appearing on his lips:
"It appears that the Crown Clan’s treasury has indeed fascinated you? I’m not surprised, what wizard could remain unmoved by the Witch King’s collection?"
He gently swirled the wine in his glass, admiring the play of light within the amber liquid:
"After all, even the most ordinary of the Witch King’s collections is enough to alter a wizard’s fate."
"Back to the matter at hand."
Reynolds relaxed slightly at this point, one leg casually crossed:
"I’ve always been curious; what compelled you to choose the Path of Truth? That road is nearly a death sentence; scarcely anyone dares to attempt it, even in the Central Lands."
Ron was silent for a moment, gazing out the window into the night sky, seeming to ponder how best to articulate this complex decision.
Outside, the night of the Glazed Islands was deep and beautiful.
The evening breeze brushed by, carrying the salty humid scent of the distant sea, mingling with the fragrance of exotic island flowers.
"Everyone has their own road they must walk."
Ultimately, he said simply:
"I didn’t deliberately choose adventure, but at certain moments, certain decisions naturally emerge."
He turned to face Reynolds directly:
"The traditional path, while safe, also means accepting certain limitations and filtering.
The ’Key’ magic potion might open the Gate of Wisdom steadily, but it also installs a permanent limiter on that door."
The young wizard’s voice gradually deepened:
"Though the Path of Truth is dangerous, it allows one to confront the most primordial, purest sources of power."
From the day he understood the truth of wizard cultivation, he had clarified his goal.
—Not just to become a powerful wizard, but to truly understand and even control the world as a great existence.
Reynolds couldn’t hide his admiration, with even a hint of envy in his eyes:
"In this era where complacency is the norm, wizards willing to face danger are indeed becoming fewer."
His voice resonated with some empathy:
"Too many are content with the safe and sound path, forgetting that true power often comes with equivalent risks.
All the great wizards in history explored relentlessly in the Abyss, extracting order from chaos, seeking hope amid despair."
Reynolds raised his glass, eyes filled with respect:
"To your courage and talent. I have a feeling the Wizard World will be different because of your presence."
Ron also raised his glass, clinking it gently against Reynolds’s:
"To your honesty and kindness as well. May our friendship endure long."
Outside, the night deepened around the Glazed Islands, stars painting shimmering reflections on the sea surface, like two mirrors reflecting each other.
.........
The golden light of dawn danced through the porthole, casting a dreamy glow over the deck.
Occasionally, a few peculiar flying creatures passed through the clouds, showcasing the wondrous diversity of the Extraordinary World.
Ron stood at the forefront of the Observation Deck, hands gripping the railing, his gaze extending over the continuous cloud layers, focusing on the gradually clearing silhouette in the distance.
A gentle breeze swept across his face, carrying a hint of fresh moisture, mingling with an indescribable scent of magic, becoming more pronounced as the distance to the Central Lands reduced.
The edge city "Dawn Harbor" of the Central Lands had appeared on the horizon.
From afar, it resembled a dazzling gem embedded in the earth, with islands and coastlines weaving a graceful arc, forming a scene both half-real and half-dreamlike.
The waters around the harbor exhibited an unusual blue-purple hue, hinting at the special magic power those waters held.
Even in this edge area of the Central Lands, the concentration of magic power was noticeably higher than at the Glazed Islands.
Pale blue ripples drifted through the air, like gentle waves on the surface of the water, glinting like pearls in the sunlight.
Though this level of magic wasn’t comparable to the rumored overwhelming concentration in the core regions, for Ron, who had never visited the Central Lands, it was already a completely new experience.
The other travelers on the Observation Deck were equally captivated by this magnificent spectacle, unable to suppress their exclamations, all drawn to the railing to admire the scene.
The beauty and mystery of Dawn Harbor were one of the many legends of the Ring Abyss Continent Group; seeing it now, these travelers truly understood its extraordinariness.
These edge port cities acted as bridges between the Central Lands and the outside world.
Cargo ships and merchant vessels came and went ceaselessly, a mix of various races cohabiting here, creating a picture of prosperity and chaos.
From above, one could clearly see the bustling scene surrounding the harbor.
Ships lined up like ants at the docks, creatures of all colors and sizes weaving among them.
The marketplace was bustling with people, streets crisscrossing, painting a lively tableau.
"Impressive, isn’t it?"
Reynolds’s voice came from behind, having somehow reached Ron’s side.
The man’s profile was gilded by the morning sun, his eyes reflecting the warmth of returning to a familiar place:
"This is just the edge; the magic power concentration can’t compare to the core region.
Dawn Harbor is stronger than the outside world, but for us Official Wizards, it remains within the comfortable range."
He pointed towards the distant cloud-shrouded heights, his voice full of yearning:
"The true miracle lies there—’Sky City’ that hovers high above.
It consists of seven main cities and dozens of acropolises, all orbiting a central point linked by invisible energy bridges, forming the magic core area of the Central Lands."
Ron followed his direction, his gaze piercing through the morning mist.
Though too far to discern clearly, he could feel the surging magic fluctuations emanating from that direction.
Much like the roar of a distant sea, even a slight perception revealed a powerful current of magic emanating from that way.
"If I recall correctly, isn’t that where the Schools have their headquarters?"
Reynolds nodded, giving the rail a light tap with his palm:
"Indeed."
His voice took on a solemn tone, tinged with awe:
"The Tower Master of each Core Tower in the satellite cities is a Dark Sun Level Wizard, and they are regarded as having the potential to become the absolute leaders, being capable of coalescing a Phantom Skeleton Prototype.
The Tower Masters of the main cities act as supreme leaders."
Looking in the direction Reynolds pointed, Ron’s gaze penetrated the misty morning air.
Though the distance blurred his vision, he could still sense the overwhelming magical energy waves emanating from that direction.
He was, of course, very curious, as what he saw in reality was far beyond what was recorded in books.