"Spending one day on the seventh floor, a week might have already passed in the Main World.
When it comes to below the ninth floor, a day inside could mean several months or even a year or two outside."
These words struck Ron’s mind like lightning.
Time acceleration... What does this entail?
"The speed of power transformation also gets magnified along with the flow rate change."
Uther continued explaining this astonishing secret:
"Conducting magic compression in the deep Abyss is far more efficient than in the Main World.
A year’s cultivation in the deep layers might be equivalent to ten years or even longer in the Main World."
Ron began to understand why the Great Wizards value Abyss exploration so much.
It’s not just a method to obtain resources but also a shortcut for rapid growth.
"But what about the cost?" he astutely inquired.
"Pollution, madness, death."
Uther calmly listed the risks:
"The environment of the deep Abyss is far more perilous than you can imagine.
It’s not just physical threats, but also an erosion of the spirit.
Many wizards lose themselves in the deep Abyss, and even if they return by chance, they are no longer their former selves."
His voice grew more solemn:
"Moreover, the difference in time flow brings another issue...
When you spend several years in the deep Abyss and return to the Main World, you may find the people you know have grown old or died, and the world you are familiar with may have changed beyond recognition."
This made Ron involuntarily think of his family members.
Elder brother Edmund, father, and other members of the Ralph Clan...
If he chooses to delve into the Abyss for long-term cultivation, will they still be there when he returns?
"This is why wizards who can survive long-term in the Abyss often possess a superhuman... adaptability."
Uther’s gaze refocused on Ron:
"And from your performance this time, you happen to possess this rare trait."
"So..." Ron somewhat guessed the implication.
"When you reach the pinnacle of the Moon Level and begin preparing for the Phantom Skeleton Prototype, the Abyss will be your best choice."
Uther gave clear advice:
"There, you can achieve magic compression at the highest efficiency, laying the most solid foundation for the Phantom Skeleton.
The special environment and energy support needed for its formation can also be provided by the Abyss."
He paused, his tone becoming deeper:
"Even the ’special ritual’ for ascending to a Great Wizard needs to be carried out at certain levels of the Abyss.
There lies essential power that the Main World cannot provide."
Ron quietly absorbed this precious information, his plans for the future becoming clearer in his mind.
The Abyss is not just a place for resources; it is the essential road to reaching higher levels.
"However, it’s still too early to discuss these."
Uther’s tone lightened a bit:
"You first need to reach the Moon Level, then accumulate enough Abyss adaptation experience, and finally proceed with the genuine long-term cultivation."
"I understand, Professor."
Ron nodded seriously and then remembered another important matter:
"Regarding another participant in this exploration... Uphemia Pele, how is her situation?"
Mentioning this name made Uther’s expression become nuanced.
"Ah, that interesting young girl..."
His voice carried an indescribable flavor:
"She returned to the observation post the day after you left, also carrying the mark of an Abyssal Apostle."
"Apostle’s aura?" Ron feigned surprise.
"The traits of Blood Tear Duke Asmond."
Uther elaborated:
"Judging by the intensity of the aura, her contact time with the Apostle should not be short."
The old professor’s apparition slowly drifted in the room:
"However, considering her bloodline traits, such contact is understandable.
The creations of the King of Blood naturally have a certain affinity for Blood Race Apostles."
"How is she now?"
"A full week of isolation tests, all indicators are normal."
Uther responded:
"I have given her a temporary identity as a Copper Ring explorer, and everything is being handled according to protocol.
There is no additional restriction on her promotion; it’s entirely dependent on personal ability."
He paused with a playful look in his eyes:
"She behaves rather... seriously. Most of the time she is in the first three floors carrying out regular material collection tasks and dedicates herself to meditation and magic cultivation when not on tasks."
"Occasionally, she browses some basic publicly available materials related to bloodline modulation in the library, avoiding any sensitive information."
Ron caught the undertone in Uther’s words.
Such orderly behavior seemed rather deliberate.
"What is your evaluation of her?"
"A dangerous person who is striving hard to prove their harmlessness."
Uther’s answer was quite blunt:
"She’s smart; she knows how to act ’normal’ under surveillance."
The old professor’s gaze returned to Ron:
"I sense you wish to discuss something regarding her, but that’s not an area I should intervene."
He waved his hand, and the light around the apparition softened:
"Make any decisions yourself based on reflection and handling. After all these events, you’ve proven yourself; I trust your judgment and your capability."
"However..."
Uther added, his voice carrying a benevolent reminder:
"If you wish to engage in any profound... interaction with her, I suggest doing it within the observation post."