Ron could extract basic information from the images deliberately displayed by the other party:
Virtual and Real Transformation—the ultimate art of switching between material and illusionary forms;
Contract Reversal—a type of forbidden magic that can reverse the effects of any harmful contract on the caster...
"The Chimera Bloodline in you... originates from the Divine Era... In my kingdom... we also preserve a complete sample..."
The final promise made Ron catch his breath.
In the image, a gigantic bloodline sample library appeared before his eyes.
Numerous crystal containers were neatly arranged, each preserving the bloodline essence of different creatures.
Among them, one container held blood emitting a variety of radiant colors, embodying the grandeur and fearfulness of primeval creation.
Just by watching, Ron felt a strong yearning stemming from the source of life itself.
Each promise was immensely tempting, especially the part about the Chimera Bloodline.
Ron was well aware that, with his current abilities, obtaining a Divine Era bloodline sample was nearly impossible.
Such rare samples were typically controlled by the Court of Truth and would not easily circulate outside.
Yet at the same time, he maintained the necessary vigilance.
As a rational researcher, he knew there is no such thing as a free lunch.
Behind each promise from the King of Illusions, there was bound to be an equivalent cost.
"What do you need me to do?"
Ron asked directly, his gaze free from greed, focusing only on calm assessment:
"At your level, these things might not mean much to you.
But to me, they are priceless treasures. You surely wouldn’t offer this kind of help without reason."
The King of Illusions let out a faint laugh, the laughter imbued with appreciation for Ron’s rational attitude:
"Smart child... I merely wish... for you to continue down the right path..."
"The right path?" Ron keenly captured this key term:
"Are you referring to the research on virtual reality technology, or... something else?"
"You’ve already seen through the astrological ceremony... those rectified civilizations..."
The voice of the King of Illusions became deeper:
"Every timeline... has its inherent developmental trajectory... yet there’s always... the possibility of deviation..."
The surrounding space began to reveal more complex visuals.
Ron saw countless trajectories resembling rays of light.
They all started from the same point, then diverged, converged, and broke at different nodes.
Each trajectory represented a possible developmental path, most of which ended in some catastrophic conclusion.
"Cassandra’s conquest route... the conservative strategy of the traditionalists... and some other radical attempts..."
In the images, a few particularly bright trajectories were highlighted, each radiating light of different colors:
"Each has its own value... but all contain... fatal flaws..."
"And I see in you... a different possibility..."
The image of the King of Illusions struggled to stabilize, eyes flickering with a profound expectation:
"A path neither blindly conquering... nor passively conservative... a truly sustainable developmental path..."
To these grand promises, Ron expressed outward anticipation while cautiously considering their true intentions in his heart.
An existence of this level would surely have deeper interests beyond mere favor for a junior.
Nevertheless, the other’s suggestions and resources held great value, warranting serious consideration.
"Regarding my bloodline development direction..."
Following the other’s lead, he seized the opportunity to pose his most pressing question:
"Do you have any suggestions on enhancing the Sun Flame Dragon Bloodline? And for the second head selection of the Chimera Bloodline..."
This was the key decision he currently faced.
Further strengthening the Sun Flame Dragon Bloodline undoubtedly required specific rare samples and higher modulation skills;
While choosing the second head of the Chimera Bloodline was fundamental to his future bloodline development direction.
When faced with Ron’s inquiry about bloodline choice, the King of Illusions did not provide a direct answer, but instead offered a more valuable suggestion:
"Since you have become an Astrologer... many doubts... can be resolved through divination..."
This was an enlightening moment for Ron.
He had been relying on external information sources, neglecting the occupational benefits he had just gained:
The divination ability of an Astrologer provided a high accuracy for matters concerning himself.
"Regarding personal matters... divination results are clearer... and there’s no need to worry about... the motives of the information source..."
The reminder from the King of Illusions also made Ron realize an important blind spot.
External suggestions always carried the provider’s subjective tint, whereas divination-derived information was relatively more objective and pure.
"Thank you for your reminder." Ron gave a high evaluation of the value of this suggestion:
"I do indeed need to rely more on my own abilities, rather than always seeking external guidance."
"No need to thank me... I have my own calculations too..."
The voice of the King of Illusions became more profound, and the surrounding space began to display some unsettling scenes:
"Furthermore... I truly see hope in you... hope for the continuation of this timeline..."
In the images appeared countless shattered worlds, each once the cradle of a thriving civilization, now only ruins and silence remained.
Amidst these scenes of destruction, only a few bright spots still flickered with the light of life, like candles in the dark.