The inner layer is a guiding array optimized specifically for Sun energy, capable of maximizing the absorption and purification of Sun Essence.
If he hadn’t started with Rune Magic, he might have just mechanically traced as usual.
But having now gained some understanding of rune depiction, he believed these rune arrays could better assist him in guiding Sun energy.
"I’ll place the extracted essence in the center."
As Ron adjusted, he explained to Ailan:
"Once the ritual begins, you need to stand on the second layer of the array, so you can receive some energy without being excessively exposed to the core area."
The preparation continued into the deep night, and as the starry sky outside gradually turned into a deep navy blue, he finally completed the last check.
Ron took a deep breath, turned to Ailan, who had already taken the resistance potion: "Are you ready?"
Ailan’s vine body glowed faintly due to the potion, as the green leaves seemed to be covered with a thin veil of dawn.
She nodded slightly: "Everything is ready, master."
"Then, the ritual begins."
Ron stepped into the center of the array, formed seals with his hands, and began to chant ancient spells.
Each syllable seemed to contain some transcendent power beyond time and space, vibrating in the air, causing a subtle resonance.
After activating the ritual array, he took a deep breath and began to guide the golden Energy Ball.
In an instant, it was as if the entire world had come to a standstill.
Indescribable agony spread from his fingertips to his whole body in an instant.
It was like countless white-hot blades simultaneously piercing into every cell, or being thrown into lava to burn, pain nerves nearly overloaded.
Ron’s muscles involuntarily tensed, his teeth clenched, and blood seeped from the corners of his mouth.
However, the resilient will that had endured various mental torments since his apprentice days forced him to endure the pain.
"Per...sist..." he repeatedly reminded himself, as this was inevitable pain during the talent completion process.
Moreover, according to what he had learned, the more one remains conscious and consciously guides the energy during the ritual, the better the effect would be.
The golden energy began to spread along his arms, diffusing throughout his body along the blood vessels and meridians.
Every inch of skin being infiltrated displayed golden mysterious patterns, marks left by the Sun energy on the flesh.
Ron could feel the incomplete "Sun’s Protection" talent within him being filled, repaired, and enhanced by this pure energy.
At the same time, his body was undergoing an unprecedented ordeal, with every cell screaming in protest against this overload of energy infusion.
In a moment of crisis, the pocket watch on his chest vibrated slightly.
This silver pocket watch had always been one of Ron’s most reliable life-saving tools.
He immediately activated the pocket watch’s ability, partially reversing his physical state, alleviating the pain of energy overload, yet retaining the progress of energy absorption.
This special operation was like enduring the burn of intense fire while continuously healing the burnt skin.
It allowed him to persist longer at the limits, absorbing more Sun Essence.
Meanwhile, Ailan, standing on the second layer of the array, was also undergoing her own trial.
Though the potion granted her considerable light and heat resistance, the extreme intensity of the light still inflicted significant harm on her body.
Ailan’s vine body trembled continuously under the intense light, with edges of the leaves turning a scorched yellow, appearing on the brink of withering.
Yet she had already undergone bloodline modulation and had her own experience in dealing with energy invasion.
The dryad activated natural elements within her, actively integrating and harmonizing with the overflowing Sun energy.
This process was extremely painful, like trying to catch meteor fragments with bare hands.
As time passed, she gradually found a balance, beginning to rhythmically absorb and assimilate the energy.
Not knowing how long had passed, maybe minutes, maybe hours, Ron felt the energy flow within his body finally stabilize.
The surface of his body had been burned to a bloodied mess, but thanks to the pocket watch’s ability, the injuries were healing at a visible speed.
He didn’t care about these external injuries and focused on feeling the changes within him.
His once incomplete "Sun’s Protection" special talent had been completed, and even enhanced to a certain extent.
A trace of weak but pure solar power was infused into his body, causing his flesh to exude unbelievable vitality.
This trace of power was so thin that Ron found it difficult to perceive at first.
[Special Talent Advancement: Sun’s Protection - Remnant → Sun Incarnation]
[Sun Incarnation: Gain comprehensive light and heat resistance, the body naturally emits a faint solar divinity, improving healing ability and life vitality.
Has a certain restraining effect on dark and twisted things, significantly enhancing the power of light and heat magic.]
[Special Tip: Trace solar divinity detected, this talent has further enhancement potential]
The prompt on the transparent panel caused a slight tremor in Ron’s heart.
He hadn’t expected that not only did he complete the talent, but he also gained an unexpectedly additional reward—trace solar divinity!
Of course, this trace of divinity was extremely slight, even negligible.
But undoubtedly, it was a brand new path for potential development.
When Ron snapped out of his contemplation, the ritual array had completely dimmed, with the Sun Essence fully absorbed and transformed.
He turned to Ailan, immediately surprised by her transformation.
The once familiar green figure had undergone a subtle yet noticeable change.