The Wizard: From Zero-Ring Wizard to Almighty Lord.

Chapter 242 A Level Four Opportunity
Chapter 242

Within the Gate of Stars, light flowed and surged like the tides.

Suddenly, a bright beam of light pierced through the void, revealing a blurry image deep within the stargate.

It was a world sea as black as ink, and amidst the turbulent chaos, a plane world emitting a faint light slowly emerged, as if a solitary lamp had been lit in the endless darkness.

As the Star Gate drew closer, the outline of that dimensional world gradually became clearer.

The first thing that catches the eye is the outline of the land—not a planet, nor a floating island, but a whole continent with rolling hills, mountains, and rivers.

"Oh? It's a continental plane..."

Lynn raised an eyebrow as he watched the scene gradually unfold in the stargate, his tone tinged with surprise.

This was the first time he had encountered a plane that existed in the form of a "continent," which was of course related to the limited number of planes he had ever been to.

"Keep getting closer."

At his command, the Spirit-Eyed Wizard standing to the side immediately manipulated the magic circle and adjusted the coordinates.

The view inside the Star Gate rapidly expanded, and the continent, like a slumbering behemoth, slowly revealed its full form amidst the interplay of mist and light.

Although it takes the form of a continent, this plane is not small; on the contrary, it is vast and boundless, as if it holds countless secrets and dangers.

Lynn recalled the standard procedure for the Morning Star Wizards' expedition to another world:
Category 1: Resource planes.

In most of these worlds, the rules are unclear, and the level of life forms does not exceed level three.

Protected by the very essence of the wizarding world, Morning Star wizards can forcibly descend, sweeping through resources and taking the entire plane under their control as easily as taking candy from a baby.

Category Two: Civilization Dimensions.

The other type is the much more dangerous "civilization plane". Even if it is a newly born rudimentary civilization, there are level four life forms. It is more likely to use the plane's origin to unleash power close to level five in a short period of time on its own territory.

These kinds of planes cannot be broken by brute force.

Morningstar wizards rarely barge in rashly; instead, they choose more discreet methods.

First infiltrate, then conquer.

By establishing initial contact with native creatures through the Star Gate, they manipulate and bewitch them, secretly cultivate puppet forces, gather intelligence, analyze their cultivation system and world structure, and seek ways to counter them.

Only when everything is ready will a thunderous strike be launched, initiating a full-scale interdimensional war and bringing the entire civilization into the wizarding world's territory.

Lynn gazed silently at the dimensional scene that appeared within the Star Gate, about to continue observing, when suddenly...

Deep within the star gate, a faint light flickered.

The light was not strong, but it was very rhythmic, like stars in the night sky, twinkling and as if whispering.

"Ok?"

Lynn's expression hardened, and a strange light flashed in his eyes.

The Star Gate possesses preliminary detection capabilities, enabling it to sense the energy level characteristics of the target plane.

If it exhibits a constant "stellar power", it means that this is a rudimentary civilization plane;
If it displays a stable and powerful light like a "bright moon," it means it is a mid-level civilization plane, where the danger increases significantly.

But what comes into view now is an exceptionally rare sight: the twinkling of stars.

This... is not in the regular category.

But a bold judgment immediately popped into Lynn's mind.

"This is... a sign of transformation."

Based on his knowledge of planar geometry, there is only one possibility for this twinkling starlight:
This resource dimension is at a critical moment of transformation.

In other words, a certain level-three life form in this plane is approaching the threshold of level four and may break through at any time.

Once the breakthrough is successful, Level 4 beings can trigger the feedback effect of the world's origin, forcibly driving the entire plane to complete the "advancement" and leap from a resource plane to a primary civilization plane!

This is a complete qualitative change, a leap forward on a global scale.

Lynn took a deep breath, his expression gradually becoming serious amidst the interplay of light and shadow.

If the opponent truly achieves a breakthrough, then he will have no choice but to abandon this expedition.

With his current strength as a level three archmage, forcibly entering a world dominated by level four creatures would be tantamount to courting death.

But judging from the energy frequency feedback from the stargate... that level-three creature has not yet completed its breakthrough!

"hiss……"

Lynn narrowed his eyes slightly, licked his dry lips, and an undisguised fire flashed in his eyes.

He knew all too well what this meant:

This resource plane contains extraordinary resources sufficient to nurture Level 4 life!
More importantly, these resources have not yet been fully absorbed by native organisms!

At this moment, the value of this plane of existence skyrocketed, even surpassing that of many established early civilizations.

If the coordinates of this "critical evolution plane" were sold, it would likely attract a frenzy of bidding from numerous Morning Star wizards.

After all, what many stagnant level 3 wizards dream of is precisely this kind of "breakthrough opportunity" that can help them reach the Morning Star position.

"Wow... This is truly an incredible opportunity!"

A glint flashed in Lynn's eyes as he murmured something to himself.

He certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to sell the coordinates of this plane.

This is almost a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a naked Level 4 opportunity, lying quietly in the world right before our eyes!
Although he has not yet reached the perfect level of a third-level archmage, he is not far off.

This opportunity was nothing short of a crucial stepping stone for him to become a Morning Star Wizard!
No wonder so many Morning Star wizards flock to the Endless Planes.

Compared to that vast and boundless multiverse, even though the wizarding civilization has been glorious for thousands of years, the main world in which it exists is ultimately finite.

Limited land and limited resources are being devoured by thousands of local wizards.

But endless planes are different:

That place holds endless unknowns, resources, and opportunities for evolution; every expedition is a destiny-level reconstruction.

Although Lynn has not yet entered the fourth stage, he has already experienced the sweet fruits of "exploring the plane".

If he could completely master this transforming resource plane, it would be an immeasurable boost to his future!

"However, this also means... I can't sweep through the entire world as planned."

Lynn's gaze was deep as he decisively abandoned the first "resource invasion" plan in the plane exploration and instead adopted the second plan: civilization infiltration and control.

Because he knew very well that this dimension was no longer just an ordinary resource plundering; it was about his own destiny and the ascension of his life!

"Let's make contact slowly... After gaining a full understanding, we can then decide whether to launch a full-scale intervention."

Lynn licked his lips, unable to hide his excitement even with his composure.

The phrase "Level Four Opportunity" is like the roar of a dragon echoing in our ears!
The leap from level three to level four represents a leap in the essence of life, a precipitous change in levels.

Level three is an insect, level four is a dragon; there is an insurmountable chasm between the two!

"Lock onto this plane. Approach slowly with minimal energy, conceal your own fluctuations, and strictly prohibit the exposure of any otherworldly aura."

Lynn spoke solemnly, issuing the command to the Spirit-Eyed Wizard. He understood that during such a crucial period of transformation, the very essence of the plane could be exceptionally sensitive, and any interference from outsiders could provoke unpredictable backlashes.

Then, in the next moment, the light flashed again.

The scene inside the Star Gate gradually zoomed in, as if that world was being pulled closer to our eyes, and the picture slowly became clear.

The outline of the continent resembles a slumbering behemoth, lying quietly in the void; the mountains and rivers are like intertwined veins, and the earth pulsates with a low, life-giving rhythm.

As the sun and moon rise and fall, and the stars and rivers flow, a complete world quietly unveils its veil deep within the Gate of Stars.

The Spirit-Eyed Wizard, who controlled the Star Gate, solemnly reported the firsthand information he had detected:

"Based on preliminary assessments, the time flow rate is 30 to 1 different from that of the Wizarding World itself."

Lynn's eyes sharpened.

Thirty to one means that one day in the Wizarding World is equivalent to a whole month in this world!

This kind of time flow is an ideal breeding ground for developing long-term plans, setting up resource networks, and cultivating experimental products.

Whether it's resource development or civilizational intervention, the benefits can be maximized.

"Dimensional element detection in progress... conventional energy systems such as earth, water, fire, and wind have been confirmed to exist... no negative energy factor fluctuations have been detected."

This message made Lynn nod.

The four basic elements constitute the structure of all conventional worlds, which are the basic components of most planes.

The absence of negative energy fluctuations indicates that this realm is currently free of traces of negative alien races such as ghosts, corpse spirits, and vengeful spirits.

"Multiple areas of biological aggregation have been found... Preliminary judgment indicates that they are humanoid nations with a language system and have already exhibited the characteristics of a rudimentary civilization."

In other words, this plane of existence at least has a humanoid race and has developed the rudiments of a civilization.

This means that it is permeable, manipulable, and influential.

More information has yet to emerge, but the initial data is enough for Lynn to make a basic judgment.

At the same time, the Star Gate was constantly approaching this world, and various data from the surface were coming back like a tide, flowing through the detection devices, information crystals, and sorcery projections behind it, converging into a massive flow of information.

But Lynn knew very well that to obtain the truly core information, he had to delve into the inner workings of the plane.

However, once inside, the Star Gate can no longer "brutally probe" as recklessly as it does now, otherwise it will inevitably alarm the origin of the plane, triggering rejection or even a counterattack.

If it were an ordinary resource plane, Lynn could easily crush it and enter, but now... this place holds a level four opportunity!

This is a crucial and precious opportunity for a breakthrough, and we cannot afford to make the slightest mistake.

He had to proceed with utmost caution, gently and discreetly.

Lynn's gaze sharpened, and he gave a low command: "Activate the Star Gate, conduct deep access, and gradually descend upon this realm."

As the command was given, a magical mark appeared in the Spirit Eye Wizard's hand, and streaks of silver-blue light quickly activated.

The Gate of Stars shimmered with light, space trembled slightly, and layers of spacetime folds quietly unfolded, the probes gradually penetrating deeper into the structure of the dimensional world...

Connection initiated.

....................................

At night, the bright moon hangs high.

But unlike usual, there wasn't just one moon in the night sky, but two, one large and one small, shining brightly on each other and casting a cool, silvery glow.

The night was deep, but the moonlight spread across the earth like frost and snow, as if dyeing the whole world with a layer of cold white gauze.

Under the interplay of light and shadow, a towering and ancient castle stands silently, its outline imposing, as if concealing some unspeakable secret.

Guards patrolled the corners of the castle, their torches flickering and casting dappled light and shadow.

And in the master's bedroom at the deepest part of the castle.

In the spacious and luxurious room, the magnificent paintings gleamed under the interplay of moonlight and candlelight.

On the soft, large bed, a man and a woman were fast asleep, clearly having just enjoyed a tender night.

Suddenly, the man awoke with a start.

He opened his eyes, his expression one of terror, his forehead covered in cold sweat, his chest heaving violently, as if he had just escaped from the brink of death.

He was only thirty years old, in the prime of his life, and should have been full of energy and vitality, but at this moment his face was as pale as paper and his lips were bloodless, like a corpse that had been resurrected from the dead.

He slumped blankly on the bed, breathing heavily, his body trembling, his eyes filled with fear and confusion.

The woman beside her also groggily opened her eyes and asked softly with a hint of worry:
"Layton... what's wrong?"

"Huff..." Layton took a deep breath, as if trying to pull his soul back to reality. He shook his head and managed to squeeze out a sentence:

"It's okay... You go to sleep first, I'm going out for a walk."

After saying that, he lowered his head and gently kissed the woman's forehead, then got up, dressed, put on a black cloak, and left the room.

Seeing that he looked tired, the woman didn't ask any more questions and soon fell asleep again.

……

The castle was shrouded in shadow; torches flickered in the depths of the corridors, and the stone walls were cold.

Viscount Layton's face was still pale, his expression tense. He walked silently through the castle, his steps hurried, heading straight for the treasure room deep underground.

The guards along the way, upon seeing him, all immediately stood at attention and saluted.

"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

Layton simply waved his hand without responding and continued walking straight down, his expression colder than the moonlight.

Finally, he arrived at the treasure room, which was filled with a dazzling array of artifacts.

The ancient wooden shelves were piled high with all sorts of treasures: magical artifacts, noble relics, rare and precious items... gleaming and exuding a complex aura.

Layton, however, paid no attention to anything else, panting as he searched, as if looking for something long buried in his memory.

After a long time, he finally found a worn-out pocket watch under a gray cloth in a corner.

The pocket watch showed its age; the gold case was slightly mottled, but its former splendor was still evident.

The surface is also inlaid with a few broken gemstones, but at this moment the pointer is frozen, not moving an inch.

Layton held it carefully in his palm, as if this small object weighed a ton.

If someone else witnessed this scene, they would surely be puzzled:

What are such simple old things compared to all the rare treasures in this room? Is it worth the Viscount searching through them in the middle of the night, still shaken by the experience?

But in Layton's eyes, there was a clear sense of awe and horror.

He stared at the pocket watch, murmuring softly, his voice trembling slightly, as if uttering a sentence from the depths of his soul:
"Grandfather... just now... was that really your voice...?"

Upon hearing Layton's voice, the hands of the worn pocket watch, which had long since stopped moving, suddenly began to move slightly, as if in response to Viscount Layton's voice...

(End of this chapter)