Chapter 236: Zhang Chi!
In Kunlun, Darwin stepped onto the threshold of the Kunlun Taoist Palace.
The ground was paved with white jade tiles, and there stood a massive archway reminiscent of the Southern Heavenly Gate Darwin had seen in Journey to the West.
Only, the plaque above read "Kunlun Taoist Palace."
At this moment, everyone was staring at Darwin as if looking at a ghost.
Even the elders were doing the same.
The Palace Master of the Kunlun Taoist Palace cleared his throat twice.
Only then did the other elders snap back to reality.
They cast a glance at Darwin before departing one after another.
Throughout the entire time, none of them spoke to Darwin.
Elder Zhang walked over to Darwin.
"Your talent is indeed terrifying. Now I somewhat understand why an eleven-year-old like you could cause such an enormous stir."
Darwin bowed slightly.
"Elder Zhang flatters me."
Elder Zhang said, "Come, let me show you around the Kunlun Taoist Palace. For the next few months, you may study here alongside the others.
The East and West differ greatly; I'm sure you will gain something from this."
Darwin nodded.
Elder Zhang led the way ahead.
Darwin hesitated for a moment.
"Aren't you curious about what I just experienced?"
Elder Zhang chuckled. "Does it matter? Times have changed.
In the Kunlun Taoist Palace of the past, anyone without some fortuitous encounter would be too embarrassed to call themselves our student. So, what you went through doesn't matter at all.
Even what you gained doesn't matter.
What matters is where what you gained will lead you next.
The Kunlun Taoist Palace has never had any interest in prying into its students' gains, nor would it covet their opportunities.
If there is anything you wish to offer to the palace, the Kunlun Taoist Palace will provide something of equal value in exchange.
That is the Kunlun Taoist Palace. The Kunlun Taoist Palacebelongs to Great Xia, and it is the very foundation of Great Xia's extraordinary realm."
Darwin nodded.
It seemed novels had truly poisoned his mind quite deeply.
Yet perhaps this was the true Charisma of Great Xia.
Able to endure the vicissitudes of countless ages and still stand tall.
Was it not reliant on the selfless dedication of ancestors and the shared heritage of the people?
Elder Zhang led Darwin and Cassandra into the interior of the Kunlun Taoist Palace.
"Studies at the Kunlun Taoist Palace are divided very meticulously, ever since its founding.
The Kunlun Taoist Palace has adhered to one principle: everyone's talents are different.
However, everyone also possesses their own unique talent.
For instance, you might see someone with no knack for artifact crafting, but their talent lies in alchemy instead. That is the idea.
Therefore, at the Kunlun Taoist Palace, nothing is mandatory to learn; every student can choose whatever interests them.
Most students of the palace choose according to the lamp pillars' guidance, though there are also some who delve into fields they are particularly keen on.
Their achievements might be limited, but nothing is absolute.
In the history of the Kunlun Taoist Palace, there was once a student.
Her talent in Qi refinement was undeniably top-tier.
Unfortunately, the Kunlun Taoist Palace lacked the complete legacy of Qi refinement.
Even what remained was merely superficial, making it impossible for her to rapidly increase her strength; her path ahead was severed.
Yet through sheer willpower, this student managed to carve out a path in body refinement instead.
Such examples are not rare.
What I want to tell you is that talent is important, but hard work is equally vital. Do not let talent limit your horizons."
Darwin nodded. "Thank you for the guidance."
Elder Zhang said, "When one grows old, one tends to ramble. If you think what this old man says makes sense, take heed. If you find me nagging, just let it go in one ear and out the other."
Darwin said, "I have benefited immensely from your words, Elder Zhang. How could I consider it nagging?"
Elder Zhang smiled. "Good, as long as you find it useful. Come, let me show you the other areas.
The Kunlun Taoist Palace covers a vast area divided into ten sections. Nine of them correspond to the nine categories you saw on the white jade staircase just now.
Aside from those, there is the palace's residential area, where student quarters, elder residences, and living facilities like the dining hall are located.
There is also a bazaar in the residential area organized by the students themselves, where you can barter or purchase things outright.
You can take your time getting to know all this later.
In a moment, I'll have someone take you to choose your lodgings. The class schedule at the Kunlun Taoist Palace is very flexible.
Each area holds three sessions daily: one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and an evening class.
All three sessions cover the exact same content.
This is designed so that students pursuing multiple disciplines can better manage their time.
Although your talent is staggering, you won't be staying long after all. I suggest you get an overview of everything first, and ultimately pick what interests you most to study thoroughly.
Perhaps that way, you can learn more before you depart.
Biting off more than you can chew will lead nowhere."
Darwin nodded. "I understand, Elder Zhang."
Elder Zhang said, "There's nothing much else. As for the rest, go explore and discover it on your own.
Ten thousand words from this old man wouldn't compare to experiencing it firsthand."
Darwin nodded. "Thank you, Elder Zhang."
Elder Zhang waved his hand, then gestured over a youth dressed in Taoist robes who appeared sixteen or seventeen, who jogged over.
"Master."
Elder Zhang nodded. "This is my disciple, Zhang Chi. You can just call him Senior."
Darwin cupped his fists. "Greetings, Senior Zhang Chi."
Zhang Chi quickly waved his hands. "You're too polite! I've long heard the rumors about you—simply astonishing."
Darwin was taken aback.
Elder Zhang remarked, "He has a cousin named Cho Chang, who also attends Hogwarts."
Darwin was startled. Good grief, what a coincidence.
Elder Zhang said, "Let my disciple show you around the palace. If you have any questions during this time, just ask him.
Though this disciple of mine is hardly accomplished, he possesses some insights into talismans. If you have any inquiries regarding talismans, he should mostly be able to help."
Hearing this, Darwin promptly cupped his hands. "Elder, your arrangements are truly thoughtful. Thank you."
Elder Zhang waved his hand. "This old man still has matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave. Darwin, I hope your time at the Kunlun Taoist Palace will be fruitful!
Let me also see just how extraordinary an unprecedented genius who could illuminate all the lamp pillars truly is.
To be honest, this old man is genuinely looking forward to it."
Having said that, Elder Zhang turned and walked away.
Only after Elder Zhang left did Zhang Chi, who had been stiff all along, let out a breath of relief.
"Darwin, is it alright if I call you that?"
Darwin nodded. "Of course, Senior Zhang Chi."
Zhang Chi waved his hands. "Don't bother with'Senior,' it feels weird. Just call me Zhang Chi."
Chapter 237: The Alchemy Prodigy, Zhu Long.
Darwin hesitated slightly.
Zhang Chi said, "Relax, actually, Kunlun Taoist Palacedoesn't have that many rules.
Although Great Xia is a place that values rules and etiquette the most,
as long as you show respect to your elders, it's fine. We're all young people—staying so tense is exhausting."
Darwin smiled, "Then I'll just call you Zhang Chi."
Zhang Chi said, "That's the spirit! Come on, I'll take you to the living area. The first stop at Kunlun Taoist Palace is definitely the living area, and I can arrange a place for you to stay while we're at it."
Darwin nodded, "Thank you for the trouble."
Zhang Chi smiled and led the way ahead.
Along the way, they met many disciples of Kunlun Taoist Palace, all looking at Darwin and Cassandra with curious eyes.
Zhang Chi said, "Please don't take offense, you two. Kunlun Taoist Palace has never had foreign students before.
So they really are just a bit curious."
Darwin said, "Understandable. If two Great Xia students suddenly appeared at Hogwarts one day, we would be curious too."
Zhang Chi said, "Looking at it that way, my younger cousin must be quite a rarity at Hogwarts then?"
Darwin chuckled, "When Senior Cho Chang first went to Hogwarts, she might have been, but after a few years, it probably isn't so exaggerated anymore."
Zhang Chi smiled, "Though, you're really amazing—to actually awaken the Kunlun Divine Palace."
Darwin was taken aback, "Awaken?"
Zhang Chi nodded, "Actually, Kunlun Taoist Palace is a powerful magical artifact.
Um... magical artifact, how should I explain this to you..."
Darwin said, "I think I understand what a magical artifact means."
Zhang Chi said, "That makes things easier. Within Kunlun Taoist Palace, there are countless formations. Rumor has it that the First Palace Master created it together with Immortals back then.
It's not just a dao palace and a place of inheritance, but also a weapon.
It's just that no one has ever activated it. Perhaps the Palace Master and elders can, though.
However, they haven't activated it either.
Earlier, when you crossed the White Jade Stairs, Kunlun Taoist Palace awakened on its own. Back then, we were even speculating whether the reason we thought Kunlun Taoist Palace couldn't be activated was just because we were too weak and unworthy."
Zhang Chi spoke in a half-joking manner.
Upon hearing this, Darwin's mind stirred.
A magical artifact... why did that sound so much like Hogwarts Castle?
Could it be that Kunlun Taoist Palace was actually a war fortress as well?
Zhang Chi didn't elaborate further on this topic with Darwin.
Darwin didn't ask further questions either.
Who knew if asking further would touch upon some secret of Kunlun Taoist Palace?
He had learned enough secrets for one day.
He needed time to process it all.
Soon, Zhang Chi led Darwin and Cassandra to the living area.
As soon as they stepped foot here, Darwin was stunned.
Both sides of the road were filled with small stalls.
The stall vendors were all wearing the robes of Kunlun Taoist Palace.
Right now, they were all hawking their goods, making it feel like walking down a pedestrian street in the mortal world.
Yet strangely, everyone was wearing Taoist robes.
It gave off a severe sense of cognitive dissonance.
Most importantly, these street stalls weren't selling clothes or accessories.
Instead, they were selling all kinds of strange items.
Yellow paper talismans, and pills packaged in little boxes.
As well as various weapons displayed on the stalls.
In short, the entire scene felt completely disjointed.
Darwin really found it a bit hard to process.
This vibe was completely wrong!
Zhang Chi chuckled, "How is it? Lively, right? Welcome to the Kunlun Taoist Palace Market."
Darwin said, "It is indeed very lively, and quite different from what I imagined."
Zhang Chi said, "When I first came, I felt pretty much the same as you.
Before enrolling, I thought everyone at Kunlun Taoist Palace would give off an ethereal, immortal vibe.
Even if not ethereal, they should at least look like grandmasters flying to and fro.
Unfortunately, once I actually started studying, I realized that was all nonsense.
Artifact refining, talismans, pills, formations, daily cultivation, and insights into spells—all these things require resources.
And you know what the current ecological environment is like.
Many things that can be used as resources—the rarer ones that can't be cultivated—are already nearly extinct.
If you want to find them, you have to go to uninhabited places.
And going to deserted places brings danger. Even if there's no danger, it's very hard work.
So no resource comes for free. If you want something, you have to trade for it."
Darwin nodded.
That was understandable.
After all, the Wizarding World was pretty much the same.
Many special things couldn't be obtained without taking risks.
That was the purpose of those pure-blood family' resource gathering teams.
As Zhang Chi spoke, he led Darwin deeper into the market.
"Senior Brother Zhang Chi, brought foreign friends over? Want to take a look at some pills? I just refined these fresh."
The three of them were stopped by a chubby fellow whose eyes were squeezed into narrow slits.
His face bore a smile that Darwin found very familiar.
If he had to describe it, that smile was called mercenariness!
Zhang Chi said, "Darwin, this is Zhu Long. He's Elder Liu's disciple. Elder Liu is the elder at Kunlun Taoist Palace who specifically teaches alchemy.
So this fat guy's specialty is also alchemy.
If you need pills in the future, you can actually trade with him.
This fat guy does have decent alchemy skills, but..."
Zhang Chi lowered his voice, "Just trade for some ordinary pills with him. Don't listen to him and trade for the pills he researched himself..."
Before Darwin could ask in detail...
Zhu Long interrupted directly.
"Senior Brother Zhang Chi, what are you saying to our foreign friend again? Are you smearing my reputation?"
Zhang Chi rolled his eyes, "Your reputation? Does it even need me to ruin it?"
Infuriated, Zhu Long bumped him with his rear, and Zhang Chi had no power to resist at all, getting pushed right to the side.
Zhu Long came up to Darwin.
"Hello, foreign friend! My name is Zhu Long. How should I address you?"
Darwin said, "Darwin."
Zhu Long's eyes lit up, "Holy smokes, Darwin, your Great Xia language is fluent! It's even got a Beijing accent to it, pretty slick, aren't ya!"
Darwin's face darkened.
Zhu Long continued, "Want to look at my pills? Besides basic pills, I also have some very special ones here. I guarantee they're great value for money."
Darwin glanced at the stall behind Zhu Long.
Rows of boxes were set out on the stall.
Inside the boxes lay translucent pills of various colors.
Darwin found it hard to pull his feet away.
Truth be told, he was extremely interested.
These were alchemical pills, after all! In cultivation, pills were the most important thing. Without overcomplicating things, just look at how many protagonists in novels had Cheats tied to pills, and you could see how important they were.
Chapter 238: A 2.5-Liter Coke Bottle!
Darwin walked over to the stall.
Seeing this, the fatty Zhu Long wore an even warmer expression on his face.
"Darwin, come check this out. This is a Healing Elixir. If you get injured, you can choose to apply it externally or take it internally.
For external use, just crush it and rub it onto the wound, and the wound will heal in mere breaths.
For internal use, it's generally used to treat internal injuries, such as damage to internal organs, with immediate results."
Zhu Long picked up a box and introduced it to Darwin.
The elixir pill inside the box was jade-green, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.
Darwin took it. This thing seemed a bit like a Healing Potion.
They seemed to work on the same principle.
Darwin picked up the pill with his fingers and took a gentle sniff.
The effect was the same, but the ingredients used were completely different.
'Now this is interesting. Items made from completely different materials, yet yielding almost identical effects?'
Darwin asked, "Do you have anything else?"
Zhu Long replied, "Of course I do! Look at this one."
Zhu Long picked up another box: "Clear-Mind Pill. Once taken, it makes your mind as calm as still water, which is immensely beneficial for cultivating spells that require inner peace.
This one, Mind-Refreshing Pill, can replenish your energy, clearing your mind and invigorating your spirit.
This one, Aura-Concealing Pill, has an effect similar to an lianxi talisman, but it's cheaper. Of course, the effect is slightly weaker than the talisman, but it's easy to carry, cheap, and you don't have to worry about accidentally tearing it up.
This one, this one, and this one..."
The fatty picked up box after box, introducing them one by one.
At this moment, storm-like waves of shock surged in the hearts of Darwin and Cassandra.
In fact, prototypes for many of these elixir pills could be found among Potions.
But the difference was that the materials they used were completely different.
Yet they produced the exact same effects.
Most importantly, Darwin had just sensed the nature of these elixir pills.
He could feel that these things seemed to have even better effects than Potions.
Darwin asked, "How much are these selling for?"
The glint of money sparkled in Zhu Long's eyes.
"Not expensive at all, cheap as can be! Considering you're from abroad, you probably don't have any materials from Great Xia or anything like that. You can trade foreign materials or extraordinary items instead."
Darwin asked, "Would magical herbs work?"
Zhu Long nodded hurriedly. "Of course! Absolutely! Herbs are best. The foreign herbs that Kunlun Taoist Palacebrought back recently—weren't those acquired through a deal with you?
We've all tested them, and they're really quite something. Although they're completely different from Great Xia's herbs, many things share common traits.
It's a pity Master took them all to research new pill recipes."
Darwin nodded, then glanced at Cassandra.
From the bag she carried with her, which had an Undetectable Extension Charm cast upon it...
...Cassandra pulled out magical herbs one by one and placed them on the stall.
Zhu Long and Zhang Chi exclaimed in surprise, "A storage pouch?"
Darwin said, "It's just a bag with an Undetectable Extension Charm cast on it."
Zhu Long said, "Goodness! This thing is pretty interesting, Darwin. Storage pouches are very expensive in Great Xia! If you have this technique, you could totally use these bags enchanted with—what was it called again? Undetectable Extension Charm, right?—you could use these bags to trade! Great Xia's storage pouches are made with special materials and are very difficult to craft, so their value is extremely high."
Darwin said, "I see. Making this isn't very difficult."
Zhu Long said, "Let me inspect the herbs you brought first."
As Zhu Long spoke, he put on a pair of gloves, then carefully picked up an herb to inspect it.
"Interesting. It contains energy, but unlike here in Great Xia, it doesn't contain spiritual qi.
However, despite being different, it still has special effects. Can this herb stop bleeding?"
When Zhu Long said this, Darwin was somewhat surprised.
'This fatty really knows his stuff.'
Darwin said, "This is a main ingredient used in the West for brewing Healing Potions. It indeed stops bleeding."
Zhu Long said, "There really is something to this! The differences between East and West are indeed huge, and so are the differences in herbs. Completely different things, yet they can produce the exact same effect."
Darwin nodded. "Can we trade these?"
Zhu Long said, "Definitely! I won't cheat you; your herbs have high research value.
Lately, over at our Alchemy Hall, we've been mainly researching these herbs brought from the West.
But most of them are in Master's hands. Trading for these things from you will let me exchange them with my fellow disciples for quite a few resources.
Besides, even if I don't trade them, researching them myself is still very valuable.
So, for one of these herbs, you can get twenty of the pills I just mentioned."
Darwin said, "Let's trade, then. Twenty of each kind you mentioned. But do you have that many with you? On your stall..."
Zhu Long waved his hand. "Ah, the stuff on the stall is just for display, samples! How could I, an elixir seller, run short of pills? Wait for me a moment."
Having said that, the fatty bent down and ducked under the table.
After a bout of rummaging that shook the table several times...
...the fatty emerged from under the table.
Holding a huge bottle in his hands.
Darwin's eyes widened.
The bottle was completely filled with pills.
Of course, that wasn't the reason for Darwin's astonishment.
He was astonished because the bottle was plastic.
What's more, was it a freaking Coke bottle?!
Just that giant 2.5-liter bottle.
Filled to the brim with pills.
The corner of Darwin's mouth twitched slightly.
"Your choice of container for these pills really is... unconventional."
Zhu Long waved his hand. "Ah, once they're refined, just dump 'em in. It's not like these are super high-end pills anyway. I can't be using fancy boxes for them; those boxes cost a fortune too!"
Darwin was speechless.
The fatty's logic was surprisingly flawless; there was genuinely not a single thing wrong with it.
The fatty pulled out a roll of plastic bags from his pocket, tore one off, and picked up the bottle to pour them in.
Darwin could barely bring himself to look at these pills anymore.
Why on earth had he previously thought these pills were high-end, elegant, and sophisticated?
This had absolutely nothing to do with being high-end, elegant, or sophisticated.
Darwin had to admit that sometimes, the higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment.
Before coming to Great Xia, Darwin had truly been filled with fantasies and longing for Great Xia.
But now that he was in Great Xia, he felt that the immortal cultivation filter in his mind was being shattered piece by piece—shattered to absolute smithereens.
It was hard to describe, really hard to describe.
Soon, a bag of pills was packed.
Zhu Long handed the bag over: "Here you go, Darwin, your pills."
Chapter 239: Zhu Long's Self-Created Elixirs Glow!
Darwin took the plastic bag.
It was actually quite heavy.
Still, why did this feel so much like coming back from grocery shopping at a wet market?
It was hard to keep a straight face—really hard.
Zhu Long asked, "Darwin, how do you plan to trade that bag of yours?"
Darwin replied, "I haven't really thought about it yet. Why? Do you want one, Senior Zhu Long?"
Zhu Long said, "I really do want one. How much space does that bag have inside?"
Darwin said, "If I craft one personally, it would be around one cubic meter."
Both Zhu Long and Zhang Chi's eyes lit up.
One cubic meter wasn't small at all.
Although it couldn't compare to the storage bags in Great Xia,
Great Xia's storage bags were crafted from special materials.
Over the years, those materials had become increasingly scarce, almost completely depleted.
It was fair to say that every one used was one fewer left in existence.
Zhu Long said, "Could you sell me one? I can trade elixirs for it."
Darwin said, "I only bought elixirs for research, and having these to study is pretty much enough for me.
Any more, and I wouldn't have any use for them for now."
Zhu Long said, "I have other elixirs—all personal treasures from my own independent research. Exclusive to me, no one else makes them! Want to take a look?"
Darwin glanced at Zhu Long.
He remembered what Zhang Chi had told him earlier.
Still, human nature being what it is, everyone has curiosity.
If Zhang Chi hadn't said anything, Darwin might not have been so curious.
But now, he really couldn't suppress it.
"Then... let's have a look?"
Zhu Long clapped his hands. "Deal! Wait here while I get them."
Zhu Long ducked under the desk, emerging shortly after cradling several boxes.
Honestly speaking, these boxes really gave Darwin a genuine cultivator vibe.
Jade boxes—they looked exceptionally high-end.
At the very least, far classier than a cola bottle.
Zhu Long laid the boxes out one by one.
"These are all my own creations. You could say they're absolute top-tier masterpieces. I'll introduce them one by one."
As he spoke, Zhu Long opened one of the boxes.
Inside, faint light flickered.
Seven-colored radiant glows swirled within.
Darwin's eyes instantly widened.
Holy cow, with this kind of visual effect and radiance, could this elixir be anything ordinary?
Zhu Long said, "Next, let me introduce my crowning achievement—the pinnacle of my alchemy skills.
I call it the Seven-Colored Body-Forging Elixir."
"Seven-Colored? Body-Forging Elixir?"
Darwin had to admit, he was intimidated by the name.
Why did it sound so high-end?
Zhu Long explained, "This elixir tempers the physical body, and its boost to body refinement is terrifyingly potent.
Put it this way: ordinary Body-Forging Elixirs don't even have a tenth of its potency.
What's more, normal Body-Forging Elixirs can only be used by those barbarians among body cultivators.
Their bodies are tough enough, but even with flesh that tough, they still suffer immense pain.
However, my Body-Forging Elixir won't cause that."
Darwin was astonished. Was Zhu Long really this capable?
If this were in a cultivation novel, this elixir would definitely be an overpowered god-tier treasure.
Zhang Chi chimed in, "Darwin, don't let him fool you. Ask him about the side effects."
Zhu Long rubbed his nose. "Elixirs having a few side effects is completely normal, right? Ordinary Body-Forging Elixirs cause excruciating pain—isn't that a side effect too?
Isn't mine way better than that?
The only side effect of my elixir is that after taking it, your skin changes color.
One color a day for seven days, and after seven days, it returns to normal. It's really no big deal."
Zhang Chi said, "Zhu Long, if you want to sell your elixirs, tell the whole story.
Darwin is a guest of the Kunlun Taoist Palace. If you keep this up, we're leaving."
Zhu Long said, "Alright, alright. There is a tiny bit more. During those seven days, you'll glow, and it also affects your vision. Everything you see during those seven days will be the exact same color as your skin."
Darwin instinctively took two steps back,
putting distance between himself and the elixir that sounded so wonderfully effective.
What the hell, that was way too absurd.
You call this a "tiny bit" of a side effect?
No wonder he couldn't sell these elixirs.
Changing color was one thing, but glowing too? And glowing aside, altering visual perception on top of that?!
Seven whole days, one color each day.
After cycling through them all, what would the world look like through someone's eyes?
Darwin would absolutely never try it.
Zhu Long urged, "Darwin, don't be scared! Just think about it—one of mine is worth ten of theirs! The efficacy is truly amazing!"
Darwin said, "I'll pass. But Senior Zhu Long, have you ever considered what happens if someone takes them back-to-back?"
Zhu Long paused.
Darwin said, "Look, one color a day—what if you take another every other day? Would the side effects stack? That might actually look pretty neat."
Zhu Long's eyes gleamed. "You're right! Darwin, you've given me a whole new angle! Makes sense, I think I'll find time to try that out."
Darwin nods, "Mm, you definitely should."
Zhu Long said, "Fine. If you're not interested in this one, check this out."
Zhu Long opened the second box.
Inside, a golden elixir was shining brilliantly.
It looked gorgeous,
just like a bead of pure gold.
Zhu Long said, "Potent Mind-Refreshing Elixir. Replenishes energy, and likewise, its potency is more than ten times that of a normal Mind-Refreshing Elixir."
Darwin raised a hand. "Senior, cut straight to the side effects."
Zhu Long rubbed his nose. "Well, this effect... because the potency is just too strong, it stimulates hair follicles, causing hair loss."
Darwin asked suspiciously, "Just hair loss?"
Zhu Long gave a dry cough. "Complete baldness."
Darwin's eyes widened.
Damn it, how ridiculous! How could each elixir be more unhinged than the last?
"What else?"
Zhu Long said, "Oh, it glows too."
Darwin was stunned. He hadn't expected there'd be yet another catch.
He had meant to ask if there were any other elixirs.
Instead, this chubby guy had dropped yet another side effect of the same pill!
Darwin said, "Senior Brother, I see it now. You're truly a talent, brimming with innovative spirit.
And you possess a unique aesthetic sense—at least as far as I can tell, you have a particular obsession with glowing.
Anyway, it's getting late, and I'm a bit hungry. Senior Brother Zhang Chi, why don't we go grab a bite to eat?"
Zhang Chi nodded, "Sure, let's go."
Zhu Long raised his hands. "Don't be in such a rush, Darwin! I've got other elixirs, guaranteed to have one that satisfies you!"
If Zhu Long hadn't spoken, it might have been fine, but the moment he did—
Darwin sped up his pace even more.
Watching Darwin's retreating back,
Zhu Long sighed. What a pity, an absolute pity—that bag really was enticing.
Chapter 240: Deduction, the Key to Breaking the Reboot!
After walking a short distance,
Zhang Chi said, "Darwin, don't take it the wrong way. Zhu Long might be a bit unreliable, but his pills are genuinely effective.
His pills might have severe side effects, but their results are truly outstanding. When it comes to alchemy, Zhu Long is definitely among the best of the younger generation."
Darwin nodded. "Yeah, I believe that."
Extracting tenfold medicinal potency from the exact same ingredients was indeed quite absurd.
Even though the side effects were just as ridiculous.
Still, compared to growing stronger, those side effects were not entirely unacceptable.
It was just that Darwin couldn't bring himself to accept them.
After taking Darwin to eat at the cafeteria, Zhang Chi led both Darwin and Cassandra to arrange their living quarters.
The environment of the Kunlun Taoist Palace was truly magnificent.
The lodgings were individual, self-contained courtyards.
Cassandra's courtyard was situated right next to Darwin's.
Upon returning to his courtyard, Darwin was in no hurry to study those pills.
Right now, he lacked even the most basic foundation in alchemy; studying them would merely be aimless guessing.
It would be a pure waste of time.
With free time on his hands now, he could take this opportunity to properly digest all the secrets he had learned from the First Palace Master today.
If everything the First Palace Master had told him was accurate,
then many things he previously could not make sense of might finally become clear.
According to the First Palace Master, the stronger one's power, the more capable they were of sensing that the world was rebooting.
After all, with the world's origin stolen, the current reboots were incomplete.
In that case, did figures like Grindelwald and Dumbledoreactually already know about the reboots?
That would also explain why Grindelwald had saved Newt.
Perhaps Newt was also one of the individuals in the know.
Next was Voldemort.
The storyline concerning Voldemort had undergone changes.
Darwin was well aware of this.
After all, he had not destroyed Voldemort's primary soul.
The fact that Voldemort was still alive was, in itself, the greatest anomaly.
Therefore, Voldemort might also be aware of the truth.
And the First Palace Master had stated that the plot of this world had to proceed normally.
In other words, Grindelwald, Dumbledore, and Voldemortall had to continue acting out their roles in the storyline.
Otherwise, it would cause the world to collapse.
Only he was the sole individual capable of altering the plot.
Then, according to this premise,
everything Dumbledore and the others were doing was merely a performance.
They were no longer simply living through the plot; they were purely acting.
Acting out the complete timeline of this world.
Then a new question presented itself.
If Dumbledore and the others knew the plot,
what did his own appearance signify to them?
Did they all recognize how special he was?
Did they even know his true significance to this world?
Darwin contemplated this, then shook his head.
No, they shouldn't know. They likely knew he was special,
but they definitely did not know as much as the First Palace Master.
After all, whether it was the Four Founders, Grindelwald, or Dumbledore, he could always sense that something was slightly off about certain things they did.
It was an awkward, unnatural feeling, yet their behavior was certainly not that of people who understood his full situation.
Thus, a conclusion could be reached.
They knew, but their knowledge was incomplete.
They knew he was unique, but they did not know he had been borrowed by this world's world will.
Nor did they know the duty he bore; the Four Foundersmerely wanted him to become someone capable of standing against the gods.
They only sought to resist, unaware that he was the only viable chip capable of confronting them.
In that case, what effect would altering the plot have?
The normal enactment of the plot was the foundational rule governing this world's operation.
And those Western deities also needed the plot to unfold so they could plunder the world's origin.
Was his altering of the plot ultimately a good thing or a bad thing?
Darwin stroked his chin.
This was a critical question.
Right now, he was clearly a variable. Furthermore, another important matter arose: now that he had become a variable,
would those Western deities set their sights on him?
Or had they already locked onto him,
and simply chosen not to make a move against him yet?
Still, that wasn't quite right. Since he had been borrowed by this world's world will,
then this world had essentially staked all of its chips on him.
It had no other cards left to play; he was its sole contingency.
Under such circumstances, would it allow him to be targeted by those Western gods?
Could it be that he was shielded by the Blue Star, or perhaps under the protection of this world's world will?
Darwin's thoughts moved at lightning speed.
Clues began linking together in his mind, hypotheses were formed and tested against what he already knew, and those that failed the test were immediately discarded.
Layer by layer, he unraveled the threads, assembling everything he could deduce.
What Darwin did not realize was that,
at this very moment, within the void space above him,
a massive eye was blinking repeatedly.
It could perceive every single one of Darwin's thoughts.
The massive eye was filled with sheer disbelief. You call this not using cheats?!
Are higher-dimensional beings really this preposterous?
How on earth did he guess all of that?
No, wait—can someone really figure this out purely by guessing?
Even the world will was utterly flabbergasted.
Right at that moment, it suddenly felt a tremor.
It turned its massive gaze away to look toward the neighboring domain.
Next door, a world was in the throes of destruction.
Above that dying world, a young man clad in mechanical armor was frantically unleashing a barrage of devastating firepower.
Under his onslaught, that entire world was fracturing inch by inch.
The world consciousness hurriedly shrank back.
It seemed that, compared to such outrageous higher-dimensional beings, guessing a few of its plans and intentions was merely standard procedure.
Higher-dimensional entities were truly terrifying.
Within the Kunlun Taoist Palace,
after about an hour, Darwin sat up straight.
He seemed to have sorted out his thoughts.
The only remaining question he couldn't resolve was: what would become of him in the end?
If he truly took care of those Western gods and restored the world's origin,
then when this world rebooted once more, would he be sent back?
Furthermore, if this world was destined to reboot, what did everything he was currently doing even amount to?
Darwin tapped his finger against the table,
producing a series of clear, rhythmic clicks.
Suddenly, his finger froze.
Breaking free from the reboot.
He suddenly remembered the First Palace Master's remark that had been abruptly cut short.
The First Palace Master had mentioned breaking free from the reboots.
These reboots could be halted.
The First Palace Master had not explained the specific method.
However, for a lower-dimensional world, rebooting was its inherent operational law.
If an object or an event wanted to escape its predetermined operational law, what had to be done?
What approach should be used?
It was actually quite simple: if an event was bound to happen through an irreversible law,
then to forcibly alter it, the simplest and most effective method was to introduce an existence from beyond the rules into it.
Chapter 241: If It's Not Off, It Counts as Cheating?
Introducing something outside the rules into a low-dimensional world.
What could be introduced?
Darwin's eyes lit up—himself!
That was right, himself. He was an existence from a higher dimension.
In that case, if one wanted to stop the low dimension from restarting and break free from this rule...
Then he, as a higher-dimensional lifeform, could not leave this world.
The First Palace Master had said that his higher dimension superseded everything in their world.
Whether it was people, the world, or even the rules of this world, he stood above all of it.
That meant this so-called restart had no effect on him.
In fact, as long as he remained in this world, this world could not restart.
He could directly suppress the power behind this world's restart.
In other words, the rules of this world.
So, Blue Star Mom hadn't just loaned him out—could it be that she had sold him off?
Completely and utterly sold him off?
What this world's origin wanted wasn't even to deal with those gods; what it wanted was to use him to break free from the cycle of restarts.
In the void, the world will, which had just returned after being terrified by the apocalyptic war next door, happened to overhear.
It caught Darwin's thoughts right on cue.
The world will was dumbfounded.
"Holy crap? How am I supposed to play against this? This guy doesn't even bother toggling off his cheats!
How did he even figure this out? No, wait, he deduced all of this just from what the First Palace Master said?
Does this even make sense? What on earth are you teaching over there on Blue Star?!"
Where Blue Star Mom was, she casually discarded a White Dragon tile.
Her hand paused.
Then, a smile appeared on her face.
Interesting. That Little guy had figured it out.
As expected of her child.
What a joke. Did they really think a child of Blue Star was so easy to borrow?
Once that world broke free of restarts and ascended in dimension, her child would become an absolute permanent squatter there.
That world wouldn't dare kick her child out, because the moment it did, the rules would force it to restart.
Therefore, to ensure it wouldn't be restarted...
It would have to take good care of her child. Wouldn't that world belong to her child by then?
And wouldn't her child's world belong to her, the mother?
Wouldn't acquiring a complete, half-step ascended world like this be far simpler and more effective than destroying one?
More of the world will could even be preserved.
When the time came, she could collect some stationing fees, and once Blue Star developed further, she could send more children over to colonize it. Just thinking about it was delightful.
The smile on Blue Star Mom's face grew broader.
Meanwhile, the other Blue Star children looked at the smile on their mother's face...
...and shuddered one after another.
They knew that another world had just been schemed against by their mother.
After all, when it came to scheming, even all those other worlds put together weren't enough to rival their mom.
They just didn't know who the unlucky bastard was this time.
In the Kunlun Taoist Palace, the corners of Darwin's mouth curved upward.
Interesting. Truly interesting. This was going to be a lot of fun.
This premise was great. It meant that he was the most crucial factor in this world; his presence was an essential condition for whether this world could escape the restart.
In that case, who would truly be the master of this world?
The corners of Darwin's mouth curled higher.
At this moment, he and his Blue Star Mom were thinking the exact same thing.
One could only say that a child nurtured by a scheming Blue Star Mom wouldn't turn out particularly bright and innocent either.
Otherwise, why would eighty percent of the people playing mahjong around Blue Star Mom be shrouded in black mist like demonic cultivators?
It ran strictly in the family.
Having figured this all out, Darwin felt far more at ease.
Since this world will needed something from him...
Then it would definitely protect him.
If that was the case, couldn't he do whatever he wanted?
In the end, the world will would have to cover for him anyway.
However, a new problem lay before Darwin.
The gods!
Indeed, if everything Darwin was experiencing now was treated as a game...
Then his main quest had appeared.
Furthermore, this main quest was ridiculously difficult, starting right off the bat with gods.
These were gods, not stray dogs by the roadside.
The difficulty of this quest could well be imagined.
Standing against gods—the current him was still far from ready.
But Darwin had a virtue.
He was resilient enough, and patient enough.
As long as he kept developing, he would definitely be able to contend with gods.
Since he couldn't make it into the top tier in Great Xia right now...
Then he would just push his way into it.
Enter the top tier, and even lead it.
He really wanted to see if those so-called gods would still be able to stop him by then.
Thinking up to this point, a cold glint flashed in Darwin's eyes.
Difficult quests were the only fun ones.
Otherwise, what was the point of a plain and simple clear?
But before that, there seemed to be one more thing to settle.
"System, come out!"
There was no response.
Darwin said, "Come on out. The First Palace Master almost exposed your origin earlier.
Are you going to keep pretending to be an artificial idiot?"
In the next moment, a light screen popped up in front of Darwin.
Darwin leaned back against the chair.
"Were you created by this world's origin, or were you given to me by my Blue Star Mom?"
Across the system panel, black and white lines flickered.
Then, a figure clad in phoenix robes appeared.
"Hello there, my child."
Darwin was so startled that he sprang right out of his chair.
"Mom?"
"Hey there, good son! So, is that world fun?"
The corner of Darwin's mouth twitched slightly.
"Pretty fun."
Blue Star Will smiled and said, "Of course it's fun! I arranged invincible storylines for every single one of my children, focusing on not suffering one bit in the early stage.
Then wild growth in the late stage. You've grown even faster than I imagined—compared to your older brothers and sisters, your pace is already in the top tier."
Darwin scratched his head. "So, Mom, why did you appear? What do you want me to do?"
Blue Star Will shook her head. "Nothing at all. In fact, this isn't my true body, just a little Easter egg I left behind. For every child who can figure out and clearly understand where their system came from, I've prepared a little Easter egg!
Right now, this is yours. You're definitely going to love the Easter egg I prepared for you. So, are you ready to receive it?"
Darwin's heart stirred.
Good grief, an Easter egg prepared by Blue Star Mom!
What was there to hesitate about?
"Receive."
On the system screen, Blue Star Mom's figure vanished.
Immediately after, the system's voice chimed.
[Ding! Supreme Will infusion detected. The host is beginning to level up. Multiple talents leveling up, multiple skills leveling up. Please check your status, host!]
Chapter 242: A Gift from Mother
A flurry of chimes rang endlessly in Darwin's head.
The persistent ringing gave Darwin a splitting headache.
This whole process went on for nearly half an hour.
Darwin raised his hand, summoning the system panel.
[Name: Darwin Rosier.]
[Age: 12.]
[Current Favorability:]
[Albus Dumbledore: 44.]
[Severus Snape: 30.]
[Harry Potter: 91.]
[Hermione Granger: 34.]
[Salazar Slytherin: 60.]
[Godric Gryffindor: 38.]
[Rowena Ravenclaw: 37.]
[Arthur Weasley: 35.]
[Molly Weasley: 38.]
[Minerva McGonagall: 39.]
[Pomona Sprout: 77.]
[Filius Flitwick: 22.]
[Tom Riddle: 14.]
[Weasley Twins: 57.]
[Summary of Rewards: Transfiguration (Max-level Mastery), Alohomora (God-tier Mastery), Accio (God-tier Mastery), Levitation Charm (God-tier Mastery), Imperius Curse (God-tier Mastery), Occlumency (God-tier Mastery), Killing Curse (God-tier Mastery), Cruciatus Curse (God-tier Mastery), Protego Diabolica (God-tier Mastery), Fiendfyre: Clears the Way (God-tier Mastery), Fiendfyre Control(God-tier Mastery), Legilimency (God-tier Mastery), Apparition (God-tier Mastery), Soul Division Spell (God-tier Mastery), Sectumsempra (God-tier Mastery), Rapid Growth (God-tier Mastery), Herb Processing (God-tier Mastery), magic power Body Tempering Technique (God-tier Mastery), Rapid Slicing (God-tier Mastery), Shield Charm (God-tier Mastery), Animagus [Black Tiger] (Advanced Mastery).]
[Max-level Transfiguration Talent, God-tier DivinationTalent, God-tier Dark Arts Talent, God-tier Curse MagicTalent, God-tier Quick Memory Talent, Max-level Sentient Plant Affinity, God-tier Special Talent Fantasizer, Special Talent Snake-speaker.]
Darwin swallowed hard. Upgraded—the mastery level of every single Spell had increased by an entire rank.
Beyond that, with the exception of the Sentient Plant Affinity—a fragment of a Druid talent—all of his other talents had risen by a tier as well.
This gift from Mother was simply preposterous.
Even with Darwin's composure, he could hardly hold back a grin right now.
It was just ridiculously exhilarating.
With his Blue Star Mother backing him, who else could possibly be invincible if not him?
Darwin grinned from ear to ear.
Didn't make it into the first tier?
Didn't matter in the slightest—Mother herself had spoken up for him.
With his mother standing right behind him, he truly didn't have to fear a single soul.
Darwin raised his hand; a Galleon appeared in his palm and began swiftly shifting shapes before his eyes.
Compared to the other god-tier abilities, what he actually valued most was this max-level Transfiguration.
Transfiguration truly lived up to its status as a core subject.
Darwin even suspected that this art might be connected to certain fundamental mechanics of the world's very origin.
Transfiguration at this level was practically a cheat.
Most crucially, his Transfiguration could fuse seamlessly with his Fantasizer talent.
He could conjure things from nothing, create food, and even manifest magical artifacts.
To Darwin, Gamp's Law had essentially been reduced to hot air.
This power-up was truly colossal.
Darwin swayed slightly, and in the next instant, a black tiger took his place.
Darwin raised a paw to inspect himself.
The stripes across the black tiger's body had turned golden.
What's more, they were faintly pulsing with golden radiance.
Yet the cosmetic change was only the least of it.
Darwin felt a tickle in the back of his throat.
Subconsciously, he gave a soft cough.
Immediately, a burst of blue flame erupted from his jaws.
At the same time, the golden stripes on his body dimmed slightly.
Darwin was stunned.
Wait, hold on—a fire-breathing tiger?
No, wait, was he a magical creature now?
Damn it, was this what max-level Transfigurationcombined with advanced Animagus created?
He had turned into a tiger that was literally a fire-breathing magical creature?
The fireball plummeted onto the floor.
In an instant, glowing patterns surged across the stone surface, and with a crisp crack, the defensive runes fractured.
Darwin took a fright.
He hurriedly reverted to human form and clenched his raised fist.
The fireball vanished.
Meanwhile, inside the main hall of the Kunlun Taoist Palace.
The Palace Master suddenly shot to his feet.
His fingers tapped rapidly against empty air.
Several grand elders rushed in moments later.
"What happened?"
"The barrier was struck! The Kunlun Taoist Palace sensed danger and awakened on its own to repel an attack!"
"Aren't the Dao Palace's awakenings becoming a bit too frequent lately?"
"Ordinary strikes wouldn't even shake the Dao Palace's formations. It had to be a profound art—and an exceptionally powerful one at that."
"Can we trace which direction it came from?"
"No. The Dao Palace sealed off its aura autonomously."
The elders all furrowed their brows in deep thought.
The Master of the Kunlun Taoist Palace wore a contemplative expression.
The Dao Palace had awakened and sealed its aura on its own...
Could it be Darwin again?
Back in his room, Darwin checked the magic powerreserves within his body.
That single breath of flame from the black tiger had consumed eighty percent of his magic power.
Good grief, such a tiny fireball drained that much mana?
He would have to find a suitable testing ground sometime to properly gauge its destructive power.
Just then, a knock sounded on Darwin's door.
Darwin waved his hand, and the door swung open.
Cassandra stepped inside.
The instant he saw Cassandra, countless fleeting visions flashed through Darwin's eyes.
Cassandra looked at Darwin quizzically. "What is it, Your Eminence? Is something the matter?"
Darwin shook his head. "Nothing. Are you planning to head to pill-making class tomorrow morning first?"
Cassandra nodded. "Yes, Your Eminence. I feel that alchemy has quite a bit in common with Potions. You seemed exceptionally interested in pills and elixirs, so I figured I would go to pill-making class first and learn the basics."
Darwin nodded. "Alright, let's go together tomorrow. I plan to check out pill-making class first as well. However, tomorrow, remember this: when it comes to the hands-on practice, do not use Fiendfyre!"
Cassandra blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"
Darwin chuckled. "It'll blow up."
Cassandra nodded, only half-understanding.
She didn't know what Darwin meant, but as long as Darwin said it, all she had to do was follow his words.
Darwin wasn't about to tell her that just moments ago, he had glimpsed tomorrow's events.
Tomorrow would be Cassandra's first encounter with alchemy, and she was going to directly conjure Fiendfyre.
In reality, the alchemy chambers were directly channeled into the subterranean leylines and earthfire.
Students of the Kunlun Taoist Palace simply used a Fire-Igniting Talisman to draw upon the earthfire.
Cassandra didn't know that, nor would she pay attention to that detail during the lecture.
Consequently, Cassandra's Fiendfyre would ignite the subterranean earthfire instantly.
And then, kaboom.
Not just the cauldron—the entire alchemy hall would blow to smithereens.
That scene was going to be wildly chaotic.
Still, this god-tier Divination talent was certainly intriguing.
Regrettably, perhaps due to the world will or something similar...
Darwin couldn't see his own future, and when looking at Cassandra's future, he could only catch glimpses of a few limited scenes.
Chapter 243: The First Class at Kunlun Taoist Palace.
(Taking a day off tomorrow.)
The next day, Darwin appeared in the alchemy classroom of Kunlun Taoist Palace with Cassandra.
Zhu Long was the first to step forward to greet them.
"Darwin, we were even betting yesterday on what class you two would attend for your first lesson.
Now it seems I won."
Darwin said, "Alchemy has some similarities with Potion, so we came to learn it and see if we can learn from each other's strengths to make up for weaknesses."
Zhu Long nods: "Understood. Since class hasn't started yet, let me introduce things to you."
Darwin said, "Then I will trouble you."
Zhu Long said, "You happened to catch it just right today, as a new elixir formula is being taught today. Typically, an elixir formula is taught for about a week.
This includes herb selection, medicinal property recording, grinding, purification, and extraction. All steps are taught within a week, and then on the last day, refining is attempted.
After that, it's personal practice, so you are able to listen to a complete lesson on an elixir formula."
Darwin nods, and put that way, he was indeed quite lucky.
Zhu Long continued, "I don't know the rules on your side, but in Great Xia, studying is actually very free. If you feel you have learned what the elder taught,
you can start practicing at any time. Of course, if you fail, or if there are key points you didn't quite understand,
then you will have to find time to attend another class.
On every table, there is an elixir cauldron. Formations are engraved on top of the cauldron, connecting with the earth fire within the earth veins. When using it, you can directly ignite the earth fire using a fire-ignition talisman.
As for the fire-ignition talisman, you have to buy it from those who make talismans. The price is not high, after all, they are all basic talismans."
Darwin wrote down everything Zhu Long said, because these belonged to basic things, and Darwin and the others were newcomers who knew nothing.
Zhu Long's information was undoubtedly of great help to them.
Zhu Long talked about some more basic things, and Darwin wrote them down one by one.
Soon, an elder walked into the classroom.
Zhu Long lowered his voice and said, "That is my master. My master's attainments in alchemy are second to none throughout the entire Great Xia.
Compared with Beihai Academy, Kunlun Taoist Palace has five supreme arts.
The supreme art of alchemy, the supreme art of talismans, the supreme art of formations, the supreme art of body refining, and the supreme art of spells.
These five items are what Kunlun Taoist Palace excels at the most.
Of course, that doesn't mean Beihai Academy is bad.
It's just that in these five areas, our Kunlun elders stand at the peak of Great Xia.
As for the rest, those are things Beihai excels at."
Darwin nods.
Elder Liu walked up to the podium, his gaze sweeping over the students.
He lingered slightly on Darwin and Cassandra.
Then he said, "Today, I will teach you the refining method of the Dark Jujube Nether Pill. First, let's talk about the medicinal efficacy of the Dark Jujube Nether Pill.
The main material used for the Dark Jujube Nether Pill is the North Nether Dark Jujube. The North Nether Dark Jujube grows in the North Nether and is affected by the cold Qi of the North Nether.
Therefore, the North Nether Dark Jujube itself has a unique effect in resisting cold Qi.
And the greatest function of the Dark Jujube Nether Pill is also to resist cold Qi.
Depending on the medicinal efficacy and different materials, the effect of resisting cold Qi also varies."
Darwin listened to Elder Liu's words.
Thinking in his heart, resisting cold Qi?
It's about the same as the effect of the warming Potion.
Of course, the West also has similar Potions, with names that are so unpretentious.
Warming Potion.
The material used is Frost Grass growing in the snow.
The age of the Frost Grass varies, so the effect used to resist cold Qi varies as well.
Elder Liu picked up a pitch-black jujube from the table.
"This is the North Nether Dark Jujube. Zhu Long, tell us about the identification methods and age determination of the North Nether Dark Jujube."
Zhu Long, who was sitting next to Darwin, stood up.
"The North Nether Dark Jujube generally distinguishes its medicinal properties by color. The older the North Nether Dark Jujube, the darker the color.
However, it is rumored that after reaching a certain age, the North Nether Dark Jujube will change color and begin to turn white.
After turning pure white, it is called Frost Jade Jujube. However, that thing only exists in records; no one has ever truly seen it.
It is only recorded in some ancient classics.
Besides that, the age can also be determined through the peel of the North Nether Dark Jujube. There will be tiny lines on the peel of the North Nether Dark Jujube, which require careful observation; the more lines, the older it is."
Elder Liu nods: "Hmm, sit down."
On Darwin's desk, a quill was automatically writing, recording all this knowledge.
Great Xia also has the same spells here, so it wasn't too eye-catching.
Elder Liu instead took a couple of extra looks at Darwinand Cassandra.
To say the least, these two child have a truly serious attitude towards learning.
Elder Liu continued, "Next, I will teach you the processing method of the North Nether Dark Jujube. The North Nether Dark Jujube is considered a relatively special medicinal material.
It is a fruit itself, and during the growth process, it conforms to the laws of nature.
Therefore, for the North Nether Dark Jujube, not much processing is needed.
You just need to go through extraction to preserve the medicinal power in the pulp."
While Elder Liu was speaking, a small knife flew into the air from the table.
Afterwards, the small knife flew across.
The peel of the dark jujube was completely shaved off.
"The peel of the North Nether Dark Jujube does not have any medicinal power; it is just a layer of protection.
What we need to use is the pulp. After removing the pit, slowly stimulate the pulp with earth fire.
You can separate the medicinal power, and finally condense it into a pure medicinal liquid."
While speaking, Elder Liu didn't stop his hands' actions.
After removing the jujube pit, with a wave of his hand, Elder Liu opened the lid of the elixir cauldron on the table.
Afterwards, Elder Liu threw the dark jujube into it.
He pointed his finger under the elixir cauldron, and the next moment, flames soared up.
Darwin's eyes lit up.
It's different. What Elder Liu used was not a fire-ignition talisman.
But it was not Fiendfyre either.
The fire Elder Liu used was very gentle. If Fiendfyre was the fury that destroyed everything,
then the fire Elder Liu used was completely opposite.
It wasn't destruction; it seemed like nourishment and vitality.
It was very contradictory. Placing these adjectives on fire was very contradictory.
But that was exactly how Darwin felt.
Zhu Long on the side said, "Darwin, are you very curious about my master's fire?"
Darwin nods.
Zhu Long said, "This is a spell. When you study Great Xia spells later, you can go and learn it. This spell has no other function; its greatest function is only one: to nurture a flame within the body.
This flame takes oneself as the foundation, and it is a very clever spell. Generally, those who do alchemy and artifact refining will start learning this spell early on."
Darwin said, "Can you do it too?"
Zhu Long smiled: "I just said, this spell is very difficult."
Darwin nods: "So, you can't!"
Chapter 244: The Importance of Spiritual Energy.
The corner of Zhu Long's mouth twitched slightly.
In the end, he sighed helplessly, "Alright, you're right. I really don't know it. This technique is just too hard to master. I've practiced it for a long time, but I still haven't grasped the basics."
Darwin nodded.
He was indeed quite interested in this technique.
Zhu Long asked, "What class do you plan to attend this afternoon?"
Darwin replied, "I'll probably go to the alchemy class again."
Zhu Long asked in confusion, "Didn't you understand what was taught this morning?"
Zhu Long was indeed quite puzzled. After all, the content covered that morning had been rather basic.
It was just the method for processing a black date.
It was truly too simple.
Based on Darwin's great achievements that he knew of,
Darwin shouldn't have failed to understand it.
Darwin said, "I understood it, but by reviewing the old, one learns the new. I intend to consolidate what I learned; there's no harm in it."
Zhu Long gave a thumbs-up. "Now I see why you're so powerful at such a young age. You're truly dedicated to studying."
Darwin smiled. "Thank you for the compliment."
...
That afternoon, Darwin took Cassandra back to the alchemy classroom to attend the lecture.
Elder Liu was also somewhat surprised to see the two of them.
However, Elder Liu didn't say anything.
After all, students at the Kunlun Taoist Palace enjoyed absolute freedom in their studies.
Just like the morning class, the afternoon class was still about processing black dates.
Even though Darwin and Cassandra had already heard it once, they still listened attentively.
When it was time for the students to practice on their own,
Elder Liu paid extra attention to Darwin and Cassandra.
A trace of admiration flashed in his eyes.
Darwin and Cassandra were already naturally talented in Potions.
Now, handling Great Xia's medicinal ingredients, they didn't experience any bottlenecks or awkwardness.
The two worked swiftly, and compared to the morning, their techniques were even smoother and more practiced.
Even Elder Liu was somewhat surprised.
Darwin was unaware of this. The main reason he chose to spend an entire day in alchemy classes
was actually to see whether a common ground could be found between Great Xia's alchemy and Potions.
Darwin was someone who loved research, especially when it came to new knowledge.
He never considered learning to be a chore.
On the contrary, he loved learning.
Acquiring new knowledge was an enjoyment for him.
Cassandra was the same.
That evening, inside Darwin's own room,
two black dates lay before him.
Darwin had purchased them at the Kunlun Taoist Palacedisciples' trading market.
Darwin carefully peeled the two black dates.
Then, he began to study their medicinal properties.
In the past, he had actually formulated a hypothesis.
Since herbs contained various kinds of energy,
why did one have to rely on alchemy or Potions to utilize this energy?
Why couldn't this medicinal potency be introduced directly into the human body?
Darwin had researched this matter for a long time.
However, he had never been able to find the key to it.
There were too few specimens he could observe and study.
But now, the herbs of Great Xia showed him a direction to continue his research.
As long as he could find the commonality between this black date and the frost grass,
wouldn't that common ground be the primary reason why the beiming black date and the frost grass could resist the cold?
Once Darwin immersed himself in research, he lost all track of time.
Only when the frost grass and the beiming black date in his hands were both ruined did he snap back to reality.
Oh no, he had pulled an all-nighter; daylight had already broken.
Over the course of the night, Darwin hadn't made any major breakthroughs.
But Darwin wasn't in a hurry either.
He knew what he was doing.
Such things couldn't be rushed. Darwin freshened up, then walked toward the classroom area with Cassandra, who was waiting at his door.
Today, the two planned to check out the technique classroom.
Techniques were equivalent to Western Spells.
They were the fundamental foundation upon which an extraordinary being stood.
Arriving at the technique classroom, whether by coincidence or not,
they ran into Zhu Long again.
Zhu Long seemed to have anticipated their arrival long ago and had even saved seats for them.
Seeing Darwin and Cassandra enter the classroom,
Zhu Long waved. "Darwin, Cassandra, over here!"
Darwin and Cassandra exchanged a look.
Then, the two walked over to Zhu Long.
After taking their seats,
Zhu Long smiled and said, "I guessed you'd come to the technique classroom.
In yesterday's bets, the majority wagered that your first class would be on techniques.
Who would have thought you'd head over to the alchemy classroom instead?
No one can resist the allure of techniques, and I figured you two would be no different."
Darwin smiled. "You're right, I am indeed very interested. Why don't you tell me about the technique class? Which Elder is responsible for teaching it?"
Zhu Long said, "Elder Zhang. Elder Zhang's mastery of techniques is definitely top-notch in the Kunlun Taoist Palace.
Weren't you brought here by Elder Zhang?"
Darwin's heart stirred. So it was Elder Zhang.
Darwin asked, "What is being taught today?"
Zhu Long smiled. "You're in luck. Today, he happens to be teaching the Fire Summoning Technique—the very one my master used yesterday."
Darwin's eyes instantly lit up.
The Fire Summoning Technique—Darwin had been coveting this technique for quite some time.
After all, he was genuinely intrigued by that distinct flame.
Soon, Elder Zhang walked into the classroom.
His gaze swept across the room
and landed on Darwin and Cassandra.
Elder Zhang gave a slight smile.
Then, he began the lecture.
"Today, we will learn the Fire Summoning Technique. Before teaching it, as usual, let us discuss the essence of techniques.
All techniques revolve around an immutable law: spiritual energy.
A so-called technique is simply using one's own energy to mobilize the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
Therefore, the power of a technique depends on how much spiritual energy you can mobilize.
Spiritual energy is the firewood, and even more so the nourishment; it is the foundation upon which everything is built."
Darwin listened quietly from below.
Spiritual energy?
Right here, the distinction between Great Xia's techniques and Spells became evident.
A Spell was the power of conceptualization—the materialization of imagination.
Its power depended on the mind's imagination and the amount of magic power inside the body.
Great Xia's techniques, however, were different.
Great Xia's techniques used oneself to mobilize the power of heaven and earth,
using the power of heaven and earth to fight.
Simply put, Great Xia's techniques mobilized heaven and earth to attack and do battle.
The power of heaven and earth was naturally far greater than human strength.
The class passed quickly.
At noon,
Darwin didn't go to eat.
Instead, he returned directly to his dormitory.
He seemed to have realized something different.
Sitting in his room,
Darwin reflected on what he had learned in class today.
Great Xia's techniques were undeniably powerful.
In terms of raw power alone, they surpassed Spells.
Thus, what the First Palace Master said about Great Xia's top-tier powerhouses being able to fight against gods was definitely no exaggeration.
However, similarly, their constraints were also substantial.
Great Xia's techniques could be utilized through formations, talismans, and various other means.
That was because their essence was simply a method to draw in and harness the blessing of spiritual energy.
Any method ultimately traced back to a single fundamental element:
Spiritual energy.
Therefore, as long as there was the enhancement of spiritual energy, Great Xia's techniques could erupt with tremendous power.
But what if there was no spiritual energy?
Outside of Great Xia, there was no spiritual energy.
Therefore, Great Xia's techniques couldn't achieve absolute power at all.
In other words, without spiritual energy, Great Xia's techniques were mere decorations.
Perhaps they would still hold some power, but they would likely be no different from Spells.
A sudden hypothesis sprang up in Darwin's mind.
If that was the case,
was spiritual energy actually the key to confronting gods?
The enhancement of spiritual energy could boost the power of techniques.
Could the same apply to Spells?
It was recorded that during the era of Ancient Magic, ancient Wizards could summon skies full of lightning with a mere gesture.
Just like in the legends of Merlin's final battle,
he mobilized lightning across the sky and ultimately helped King Arthur achieve final victory.
But why did Ancient Magic vanish afterward?
Perhaps it wasn't because the heritage of Ancient Magichad been broken.
Nor was it, as others thought, because the power of divine blessings had grown weaker and weaker.
Could it be because spiritual energy had disappeared between heaven and earth?
Darwin was startled by his own speculation.
The First Palace Master had said that Great Xia was a contingency left behind by Great Xia's immortals—a blessing and a form of protection. That was why Great Xia possessed spiritual energy, and why foreign gods did not dare enter Great Xia due to these restrictions.
Chapter 245: Absolute Safety? Plotting Against the Gods
Could this restriction be spiritual energy? Was the reason Great Xia's top tier could battle gods precisely due to the presence of spiritual energy?
Darwin's mind raced at high speed.
He contemplated all the critical points.
Great Xia's Wizards, the legends in the outside world.
Rumors circulated abroad that Great Xia possessed bizarre, deeply concealed inheritances.
These inheritances were Great Xia's true strength.
Yet, it was only a rumor.
Because no one had ever witnessed them.
Except for Darwin and Cassandra.
Because the two of them were the only transcendent Wizards to set foot in Great Xia after all these years.
Was it possible that Great Xia's true inheritances were entirely tied to spiritual energy?
And once outside Great Xia, one simply couldn't use those abilities.
That would explain why those wandering outside Great Xia were all ordinary Wizards.
Though powerful, they were still just Wizards.
Therefore, everything regarding Great Xia abroad revolved around Wizards!
Great Xia was indeed formidable, and the people Darwinmet in the Kunlun Taoist Palace were exceptionally strong as well.
At the very least, compared to their peers, they had left those young wizards abroad far behind.
Yet, once they left Great Xia, they could no longer use these abilities.
Darwin could sit still no longer; he had to verify this matter.
After all, this conjecture of his was truly astonishing.
With that thought, Darwin left his room and headed toward where Elder Zhang was staying.
Arriving at the elders' residence,
Darwin found Elder Zhang.
Elder Zhang wasn't surprised in the least upon seeing Darwin.
He greeted Darwin with a warm smile.
"Come, have a seat. You're in luck; I just brewed a pot of tea—fine tea, at that."
Darwin nodded.
He sat down by the stone table, lifted his teacup, and took a sip.
A delicate fragrance rushed straight into his nose.
Darwin knew nothing about tea, but this tea was undeniably aromatic.
Elder Zhang asked with a smile, "Good, isn't it?"
Darwin nodded. "Very good. Though I don't understand tea, it smells wonderful."
Elder Zhang remarked, "There's no such thing as understanding or not understanding tea; it's made for drinking, for savoring.
Tea culture is a heritage as well as a representation. Behind it lie countless intertwined connections, which is why it came to be defined as culture.
To put it more simply, it holds value.
Since ancient times, Great Xia has had a tea culture. Back in the Tang Dynasty, the Tea and Horse Bureau was established to implement the tea-horse trade system. Why?
Because behind tea lay profit.
And to turn tea into profit, it needed to be wrapped in an adequately glamorous shell.
Everything in this world is like this.
Take, for example, what you came to ask today.
With your intellect, you should have already guessed that Great Xia's arts, formations, and talismans all require a single core: spiritual energy.
I originally thought you would only realize this after being exposed to other courses, but I didn't expect you to figure it out far sooner than I anticipated."
Darwin said, "So you're saying that the lack of spiritual energy outside of Great Xia is also a packaging of interests?"
Elder Zhang nodded. "You're very clever, Darwin. What do you think spiritual energy is?"
Darwin pondered for a moment. "A gift from heaven and earth."
Elder Zhang replied, "Right, yet not entirely.
You're right because spiritual energy is indeed formed between heaven and earth.
And it is indeed a gift.
Why I say not entirely is because it is not merely a gift. You can understand it as a lifeline given by heaven and earth to the living beings of this world.
A pathway for upward advancement."
Darwin asked, puzzled, "A pathway?"
Elder Zhang nodded. "Indeed. Whether achieving godhood or becoming an immortal, the one fundamental element that can never be bypassed is spiritual energy!
Spiritual energy is the means left by heaven and earth for living beings to ascend to godhood and immortality.
Darwin, the spiritual energy you see now can empower arts and serve as a means of attack.
However, you haven't discovered its most crucial effect.
Spiritual energy allows a person's foundation to grow ever deeper.
The absorption of spiritual energy is, simply put, an elevation of one's life state.
Since you understand Great Xia's culture, you should know its legends of immortals and gods.
Why is it that in this current era, there are no more legends of ascension?
Very simple: because Great Xia lost the inheritance of Qi refining."
As Elder Zhang spoke, he tapped his finger.
Arcs of electric light danced across his fingertips.
"Spiritual energy is a wondrous form of energy. It is the core that constructs all things, and the bridge connecting everything.
Yet regrettably, today's Great Xia lacks the means to absorb spiritual energy.
We can only utilize spiritual energy, not contain it within ourselves.
Naturally, our pathway upward has been severed."
Darwin frowned. "If everything in Great Xia is based on spiritual energy, then what happens upon leaving Great Xia?"
Elder Zhang smiled. "Haven't you already guessed?
If we leave Great Xia, we lose every ability related to spiritual energy.
That is why everyone walking abroad from Great Xia is a Wizard.
It isn't that Great Xia doesn't want to display its arts outside, but rather that once leaving Great Xia,
our arts vanish.
Without the empowerment of heaven and earth's spiritual energy, although we still have combat capability, we can never sweep through obstacles with overwhelming force.
Yet conversely, foreign Wizards dare not enter Great Xia either.
Sometimes, it's not that we don't want foreign Wizards coming to Great Xia,
it's that they simply don't dare!
Those who truly understand Great Xia know just how terrifying the combat power of Great Xia's extraordinaires is on Great Xia's home soil."
After taking his leave of Elder Zhang,
Darwin continued to ponder Elder Zhang's words.
His conjecture had been correct.
If he followed what Elder Zhang had told him,
and combined it with what the First Palace Master had said,
then the flow of events became clear.
The Western gods had used some means to strip the world outside Great Xia of spiritual energy.
This completely severed everyone's path to godhood.
Those gods could then watch things unfold and await the changes of the world, remaining secure and unperturbed.
It wouldn't affect them in the slightest.
The only ones affected were those Wizards.
They were stripped of any possibility of advancing further.
However, a new question arose.
Merlin!
That's right, Merlin achieved godhood.
The God of Magic—this was a fact known to all.
Throughout countless resets, why was Merlin able to become a god?
Moreover, if spiritual energy was the vital foundation for achieving godhood and immortality,
then why didn't those gods gather all the spiritual energy before the resets?
Instead, they allowed Ancient Magic to run its course along the original timeline once again.
There was only one possibility: they
could not alter the world's course; they had to let this world play out its plot over and over again.
Then, could this prove one thing?
The plot of this world could not under any circumstances be drastically changed.
For instance, the timeline; for instance, the world's natural progression.
What was meant to appear had to appear; what was meant to exist had to exist.
Darwin's thoughts had never been clearer.
He seemed to have untangled the entire thread.
It could only be so, and it had to be so.
Only this could explain all the unknowns and lingering doubts.
The corners of Darwin's mouth curved upward.
Now this was interesting.
Those gods, high and mighty, nevertheless had to watch this world drift like duckweed on the ocean, watching everything in it carry on.
They could neither step in to change it nor allow the slightest deviation to emerge.
Perhaps this was tied to their harvesting of origin source.
So, their harvesting of origin source was related to the plot?
Darwin felt as though he had found a way to break the deadlock.
If things truly matched his theory,
then he might have just discovered how the weak could overcome the strong, and how to carve out a way through this chaotic game.
The gods could not directly interfere with the plot.
In other words, as long as he concealed himself within the plot, even if the gods discovered his existence one day, they could do absolutely nothing to him.
Because these gods needed the plot to proceed.
Minor trends could be altered, but the major trend was irreversible.
Now that made things truly fascinating.
In other words, as long as he stayed hidden within the plot,
he was completely safe.
Even those gods could only watch helplessly as he entered the plot.
Perhaps the only way to break the deadlock lay within this very plot.
He could reap benefits from the plot, grow stronger, and perhaps even... try plotting against those gods before the story reached its end?