After the performance ended, applause thundered.
The dancers gracefully bowed in thanks, then ended with a stunning elemental skill as a finale.
Several people raised their hands simultaneously, the four basic elements combined into a perfect Rainbow Ring.
Every inch of the ring shimmered with Lance’s signature rainbow glow, symbolizing a tribute to this great Master of Bloodline Modulation.
After leaving the elemental performance area, the group continued to stroll through the ocean of the festival.
Eve’s eyes were almost not enough as every novel scene attracted her attention.
Ron noticed that as time passed, the restraint on the little princess of the Crown Clan gradually dissolved.
In its place was a liveliness more akin to her actual age.
"Master, look over there!"
Liss suddenly pointed to an arch made of shining crystal in the distance:
"That is the ’Illusion Garden’, one of the most popular attractions during the Lance Festival!"
Ron’s gaze followed her direction.
Indeed, it was a marvelous structure, surrounded by various luminescent plants.
Each one emitted subtle spiritual waves, capable of influencing the observer’s perception and emotions.
The entire area was covered by a semi-transparent magical dome, completely isolating the interior environment from external interference.
"It is said that the plants in the Illusion Garden are special varieties from ’Fairyland’, specially supplied by the ’King of Illusions’ to commemorate a friend."
Herman explained, his voice filled with the unique enthusiasm of a scholar:
"They can release a special illusion induction, allowing each visitor to see different sights, often scenes most desired or feared in their subconscious."
"Fairyland", as recorded in ancient texts, is the ’Kingdom’ conquered and ruled by the ’King of Illusions’.
It is inhabited by all kinds of incredible creatures, preserving many rare beasts from the Divine Era.
And this ’King of Illusions’ is a rare female Witch King.
Although at the level of a Great Wizard, gender already means little.
But the beauty of this ’King of Illusions’ has been celebrated in many ancient poems as a "dream that should not exist in the world."
It is said that all who witness her true visage will fall into an endless dream.
"This attraction sounds interesting." Eve’s amethyst eyes sparkled with anticipation:
"Shall we give it a try?"
Ron thought for a moment and nodded in agreement: "Since it’s the festival, there’s no harm in experiencing it."
In his view, these plant-induced illusions have their value on the level of enjoyment, but also are quite worth exploring from a research perspective.
Understanding how these plants affect perception might provide new insights into his study of Spiritual Power.
The group queued to enter the garden, and at the entrance, a gardener in work clothes handed each of them a small ’Guiding Flower’.
This flower emitted a faint blue glow, shaped much like a miniature water lily.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please hold this ’Heart Anchor’."
The gardener explained, his voice weary, as the sudden increase in holiday visitor numbers had given them a significant load:
"It will provide you with a stable anchor in the illusion, preventing your consciousness from becoming completely lost.
If you feel uncomfortable, just gently crush the petals, and its energy will immediately sever the illusion connection, bringing you back to reality."
As they stepped into the garden, the surrounding scenery began to change immediately.
The original plants and paths gradually blurred, like reflections in water scattered by the wind, then reformed into a whole new scene.
What each person saw was different, entirely dependent on their innermost desires.
Before Ron unfolded an endless starry sky.
But it was not looking up from the ground, but as if he were floating at the center of the universe, surrounded by brilliant stars on all sides.
Each star was much larger than those seen in reality, clearer, more intimate with its essence.
He could see the energy flow within the stars, feel the power waves they radiated outward.
Most fascinating of all, those stars seemed to be "alive."
They were no longer distant celestial bodies, but energy entities with some kind of consciousness.
He reached out as if he could directly touch those ancient lights.
[Star Eater’s Ravings (Mastery) Experience Points + 1]
The stars in the illusion were more "intimate" than those in reality, and this experience gave Ron a deeper understanding of his Meditation Technique traits.
He could clearly feel that each star had its unique "personality" and "preference."
Like creatures with different temperaments, requiring different ways to communicate with them.
What Eve saw was a vast crystal forest.
Each tree was as exquisite as a work of art, its trunk made of transparent crystal, with colorful magical streams flowing within.
The leaves were carved from solidified moonlight, producing crisp bell sounds in the breeze.
And within this forest, a young white deer ran and leaped freely.
It bore no pain from "Demon Devouring", no responsibilities from the Crown Clan, only pure, unrestrained joy.
"Is this what freedom is?"
Eve murmured softly, her amethyst eyes filled with tears, a mix of reluctance and hope.
Leaving the "Illusion Garden", everyone’s face bore different expressions.
Some were full of wistfulness, some were excited, some were deep in thought, while others had blurred tear marks.
This experience was both entertainment and an exploration of the depths of one’s heart.
"What did you see?" Albert couldn’t help but ask curiously.