Chapter 123: Belated Visitor

"Spirit surrounds, magic gathers, the structure is stable..."

Fine beads of sweat oozed from Ron's forehead, and his mental power condensed into a complex structure at his fingertips.

This is the core exercise of the third "Mind Control" course - building a triple stability model and injecting a specific magic sequence into the model.

In the classroom, more than ten other students were also concentrating. In front of each of them was a crystal ball, with various colors of light flickering inside, reflecting the progress of their respective spiritual construction.

Instructor Eric stood in front, his eyes sweeping over each student like a hawk, his eyes revealing a mixture of approval and severity.

"Pay attention to the stability of your structure," he warned sternly. "An overly complex circuit will lead to energy leakage, while an overly simple one won't be able to carry enough magic power. The key is balance."

Inside Ron's crystal ball, a three-layer nested geometric structure gradually took shape. The outermost layer was a dodecahedron, the middle layer was an octahedron, and the core was a perfect sphere.

Different levels are connected by tiny energy bridges, forming a coordinated and unified whole.

This triple structure is called the "Starlight Model" and is an advanced version of the basic spell construction, with a sharp increase in difficulty.

But for Ron, who already had "Spell Construction (Proficiency)", this challenge was not too big.

After the structure inside the crystal ball stabilized, Ron began the second stage - magic injection.

This tests control more than the construction itself. If you are not careful, the entire model will collapse.

He took a deep breath, mobilized the magic power in his body, and slowly injected it into the model along the preset path.

Magic power seeped into every layer of the structure like a trickle, from the outside to the inside, and finally gathered into a bright starlight in the core sphere.

"Very good, Ron." Eric stopped beside him and nodded with satisfaction. "Your structural stability and magical control have reached a very high level."

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Eric." Ron responded modestly.

"Next week we will move into more complex spellcasting exercises, such as model building in a mental interference field."

Eric reminded: "I hope you can maintain this level."

As he moved on to the next student, Ron breathed a sigh of relief.

From the first day as a secondary apprentice, he devoted himself to the third course.

At the same time, Alchemy and Elemental Affinity courses are also progressing steadily.

Especially in alchemy, under the special guidance of mentor Thompson, his progress was exceptionally rapid.

After the class, Ron did not leave immediately, but continued to practice a variation of the astral model for a while.

This was his habit - to do extra practice after class in order to gain a deeper understanding.

When he was the only one left in the classroom, Eric came back to pack up the teaching aids. Seeing that he was still practicing seriously, he couldn't help but smile.

"Your progress is impressive, Ron," Eric said as he approached. "In just two weeks, you've already mastered the core content of the third semester."

Ron put away the crystal ball and responded respectfully, "This is all thanks to the careful guidance of my mentor."

Eric shook his head. "Don't be too modest. Your talent and hard work are the main reasons. Leah and I have discussed this. If you can keep up this pace, you'll be eligible for the advanced course next month."

Ron's eyes lit up: "Advanced course?"

“Yes,” Eric explained. “The courses will be more in-depth and taught by our instructors themselves.”

"It would be a great honor," Ron said sincerely.

"By the way, I heard that you have been doing well in alchemy and elemental affinity courses recently?" Eric asked.

"It's just about maintaining steady progress," Ron said modestly. "Both mentors Thompson and Leila have given me a lot of guidance."

Eric smiled slightly. "Diversification isn't a bad thing, as long as you can strike a good balance between the various aspects. The path of wizardry is ever-changing, and finding the path that suits you best is the key."

When Ron left the classroom, he already had a clear plan in mind: to do his best to qualify for the advanced course within a month.

This will open the door to higher levels of knowledge for him.

When Ron returned to the workshop in the evening, he found Ailan concentrating on recording something at the desk.

"Welcome back, master." Ailan raised her head and greeted with a leaf writing board, her green eyes sparkling with wisdom.

"What are you doing?" Ron asked as he approached.

"According to the master's instructions, sort out the accounts for this month."

Ailan replied, showing her neatly written notes:

"Last week's revenue totaled 173 magic stone fragments, and our expenditure was 86, leaving us with a net profit of 87. Adding this to our previous revenue, our total funds now stand at 400 magic stone fragments."

Ron nodded, satisfied with Ailan's performance.

Recently, he began to teach Ailan basic bookkeeping and material management, which not only reduced his own burden but also allowed Ailan to further develop her abilities.

"Well done, Ailan," Ron said with a smile. "We need to buy some new materials tomorrow. Can you prepare a list?"

"It's ready, master." Ailan quickly showed another piece of paper, which listed in detail the various potion materials and alchemical raw materials, and even marked the estimated prices and priorities.

Ron picked up the list and looked it over, impressed by Ailan's meticulous work.

"Once I become more proficient in bloodline replication, I will try to help you activate more ancient bloodlines."

He promised, "I believe you have extraordinary potential within you, Ailan."

A hint of gratitude and expectation flashed in the tree spirit's eyes.

Feeling the other person's expectant eyes, he felt a little guilty in his heart, as if this was a hanging carrot, and it would be a long time before he could really fulfill his promise.

………………

A week later, Ron stood in front of the exquisite conference hall called "Cedar Hall", holding the invitation letter, feeling a little nervous.

This was his first time attending such a formal gathering of potions masters. The attendees were all potions masters of a certain status in the school, including several instructor-level figures.

Taking a deep breath, straightening his clothes and making sure his professional potion master badge and intermediate apprentice badge were clearly visible, Ron pushed open the oak door carved with intricate patterns.

The interior decoration is elegant yet solemn. The light green wallpaper is painted with delicate plant patterns, and several magic crystal lamps are hung on the ceiling, casting a soft light.

There were several long tables in the center of the venue, on which were displayed various bottles and jars, which were potion samples and recipes brought by the participants.

There are several comfortable chairs and small coffee tables around it to facilitate communication and discussion among participants.

There were already more than a dozen potion masters in the venue engaged in lively conversation, and the atmosphere was relaxed yet highly academic.

As soon as Ron entered the venue, Magnus noticed him and greeted him with a smile.

"Ah, Ron! You're here." The old potion master greeted him warmly. "Come, let me introduce you to some colleagues."

He led Ron to several distinguished potion masters and gave them brief and polite introductions.

“This is Adrian, specializing in healing potions;
This is Sophia, who has unique research on mental enhancement potions;

And this is William, a master of alchemy and potions." Ron politely greeted each potion master, secretly noting down their expertise and characteristics.

These are all potential sources of knowledge and partners.

"Everyone, this is Ron, the young genius I mentioned earlier."

Magnus smiled and said, "He has only recently become a professional potion master, but he has already shown extraordinary talent, especially in improving potions."

The gazes of several senior potion masters immediately became more attentive, with a mixture of admiration and scrutiny.

"Young man, I heard that you have a special talent for 'medicine-body resonance'?" Adrian asked, his eyes full of academic curiosity. It was obvious that the news had already spread.

Ron showed a moderate degree of modesty: "Yes, I seem to be more sensitive to the ingredients of potions than ordinary people, which gives me some advantages in potion improvement."

He chose his words carefully, not overstating his abilities but also showing enough confidence.

Sophia nodded, her expression thoughtful:
"This talent is indeed rare. I've read related records in ancient books. It is said that potion masters who possess the ability of 'medicine-body resonance' can often achieve remarkable achievements in a very short period of time."

Ron smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for the compliment. I still have a long way to go and hope to learn a lot from you seniors."

"By the way, what works did you bring to share with us?" William asked curiously.

Ron took out a few crystal bottles from the exquisite wooden box he carried with him and carefully placed them on the display table.

"These are some of the recipes I've improved recently, including the improved version of the Greyscale Protective Ointment and the 'Amber Thinking Fluid' potion."

He briefly introduced the characteristics and innovations of each medicine in a calm but confident tone.

Several senior potion masters gathered around and showed great interest in these potions.

In particular, the "Amber Thinking Liquid" has aroused widespread discussion due to its unique formula design and effects.

"This formula structure is very creative," Sophia praised, carefully examining the formula diagram provided by Ron:
"How did you come up with the idea of ​​combining Moonlight Grass and Silver Star Vine, two seemingly conflicting materials?"

Ron explained his thinking on how to neutralize their mutual repulsion through special processing methods while retaining the beneficial components of each.

"Interesting, very interesting!" William said excitedly. "This way of thinking is very close to some of the principles of alchemy. Young man, do you have any research on alchemy?"

"I've been learning some basics lately," Ron admitted. "I think Potions and Alchemy have a lot to learn from each other."

"Absolutely right!" William patted his shoulder enthusiastically:

"I am one of those who are practicing this path. If you are interested, you can come to my workshop to discuss. Interdisciplinary research often produces unexpected breakthroughs."

This was exactly what Ron wanted to hear, and he expressed his sincere gratitude and anticipation.

As the communication deepened, Ron not only shared his own experience, but also gained a lot of valuable advice and information.

Several senior potion masters were quite satisfied with the performance of this young junior and expressed their willingness to have further exchanges in the future.

Halfway through the party, Magnus found an opportunity for a private conversation.

"Ron, you performed very well," the old potion master said approvingly. "Your modesty and enthusiasm for learning have left a very good impression on everyone."

"Thank you for your guidance and introduction, Master Magnus," Ron said sincerely. "I have gained a lot from this gathering."

Magnus nodded, then lowered his voice: "I have good news to tell you. Wizard Corinna mentioned you recently. She is very interested in your progress."

Ron's heart skipped a beat. Corinna was the powerful wizard who had brought him from the kingdom to the Black Mist Jungle and was also Tracy's mentor.

"What did she say?" Ron asked cautiously.

"She seems quite intrigued by your special gifts and rapid growth."

Magnus said meaningfully:

"She might observe you more closely during the quarterly meetings of the Order of Aspirants. It's a rare opportunity to be noticed by a regular wizard."

Ron felt a little nervous. Corinna's attention was undoubtedly a double-edged sword - both an opportunity and a danger.

"Thank you for your reminder. I will be prepared."

Magnus patted his shoulder with encouragement in his eyes:

"Don't be too nervous. Just be yourself and show your abilities and potential. Wizards appreciate true talent, not deliberate performances."

At the end of the party, Ron exchanged recipes and experiences with several potion masters and gained a lot.

On the way back to the workshop, his mind was already on the upcoming quarterly meeting of the wizard candidate sequence.

………………

The first ray of sunlight in the morning had just penetrated the eternal fog of the Black Mist Jungle, and Ron was already sitting cross-legged in the meditation room, immersed in deep meditation on "The Whisper of the Star Eater".

Since the successful activation of his bloodline, the improvement in his physical condition has led to a smoother flow of his mental power, and the depth of his meditation has also increased.

The starry sky became clearer and clearer in his spiritual world, and the stars were twinkling, as if within reach.

Compared with before, the accumulation speed of mental pollution has not slowed down, but the improvement of his physical condition has increased his carrying limit.

Just as Ron was wandering around the star map, a faint wave entered his perception.

It was not an ordinary interference, but the special frequency of the vines touching the ground - Ailan's warning.

Ron exhaled lightly, slowly regained his scattered consciousness, and opened his eyes.

"Master, there are guests." Ailan's vines swayed gently outside the door, and neat words appeared on the leaf writing board.

"Who?" Ron was a little curious. Usually there were few visitors at this time.

"It's a beautiful lady with brown hair, followed by a leopard girl..."

The leaves of Ailanthus trembled slightly, as if it was quite interested in this visitor.

Ron raised his eyebrows slightly, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

The only brown-haired girl he knew was Tracy.

Despite rumors of the workshop's establishment, she had never visited, and now she hadn't shown up until a month later.

"Please ask her to wait in the reception room. I will be there shortly." Ron stood up, straightened his robe, and brushed off the non-existent dust on his cuffs.

Ailan nodded and left, the vines drawing an elegant arc in the air.

Ron stood in front of the mirror, looking at himself carefully.

Although the changes after the bloodline activation were subtle, a closer look revealed some unusual changes:
His pupils would show subtle changes under the light, and his skin was more resilient and lustrous than before.

These details are difficult for ordinary people to notice, but for a middle-level apprentice, they can probably see through them at a glance.

"I wonder what her purpose is," Ron murmured to himself, "and why she chose to come at this time."

(End of this chapter)

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