The Wizard of Truth: Starting with Analyzing All Things

The news Pip brought was like a block of ice, instantly extinguishing Lowe's joy at acquiring new materials. The Gray Tower's actions were faster and more direct than he had anticipated. No longer content with observing and courting them, they began encroaching on his private domain. Although he had long since emptied the core from that abandoned storage room, it remained his "territory," a symbol of his status at the bottom of the academy. The Gray Tower's move was both a test and a provocation, a form of intimidation.

Can't sit still.

A cold glint flashed in Lowe's eyes. He reassured the panicked Pip, telling him to continue monitoring the situation but not to act rashly. Then, he immediately took action.

He didn't seek Field's help; this was a minor squabble between apprentices. Involving a formal wizard too early would only make him appear weak and could potentially cause Field unnecessary trouble. He needed to resolve it himself, in a way that was consistent with his "persona" and sufficiently authoritative.

His advantage lay in his knowledge and his ability to strike unexpectedly. The people of the Gray Tower had certainly investigated his apparent abilities—a potion apprentice with exceptional sensory abilities, skilled at handling contamination, but only a **mid-level apprentice**. They would never have imagined the extent to which he had progressed in field theory and energy construction.

It's time to use this newly acquired "Void Dust Base" to prepare a "welcome gift" for our uninvited guest.

He entered the secret chamber again. It remained his core workshop, concealing the production line and reserves of energy aggregates, now even more heavily guarded. He took out the absolutely inert black crystal shard and placed it in the center of the workbench.

What he wants to construct is not an offensive field—that would require far more energy and a more complex design, which is currently difficult to achieve and would easily leave room for vulnerability. What he wants to construct is a **"mirror feedback and information recording field"**—a sophisticated trap based on the principles of "resonance" and "energy mapping".

Inspired by the tranquil field of the Soul Amulet and the insightful principles of the Eye of Truth, he intends to inscribe this field onto a Void Dust base, utilizing its perfect energy insulation and load-bearing properties to ensure its extreme concealment and stability. If any unauthorized mental or energy probe touches this field, it will not directly resist, but rather act like a perfect mirror:

1. **Mirror Feedback**: Record a portion of the characteristics of the detected energy (frequency, intensity, source characteristics) and simulate a false, seemingly reasonable "internal scene" to feed back—for example, a worthless abandoned room filled with common herbs and the residue of failed experiments.

2. **Energy Marker**: Simultaneously, in an extremely subtle way, based on Luo Wei's own mental strength characteristics, a barely perceptible "mark" is left on the probe's mental energy. This mark itself is harmless, but it will allow Luo Wei to more easily identify this probe through the [Book of Truth] or the Eye of Insight for a certain period of time in the future.

3. **Information Recording**: The field core will record detailed data of this detection, including time, energy characteristics, etc., as evidence.

It's like a sophisticated, magical version of a "surveillance camera" plus a "hacker anti-tracking program".

With the concept finalized, Luo Wei immediately began to deduce the specific inscription plan using the Book of Truth. This was countless times more complex than making the sturdy talisman paper he had made before, involving the interweaving of multiple energy circuits, the encoding and mapping of information flow, and extremely delicate spiritual guidance.

He failed several times, and his mental energy was greatly depleted. But with the support of optimized meditation and the Moonlit Amulet, he persevered. He incorporated his understanding of the "Seventeen Basic Runes," his perception of the energy flow trajectory, and his mastery of the principle of "resonance" into this inscription.

After a day and a night of tireless effort, just as his mental energy was about to run out again, he finally succeeded!

hum!

The thin flake of stardust on the workbench emitted a barely audible hum, a ripple of light passing across its surface before vanishing completely, returning to its absolute darkness and utter stillness. But in Luo Wei's perception, an invisible, precise energy field, perfectly integrated with the base plate, had already taken shape, silently awaiting the intruder.

He carefully carried the base plate engraved with the mirror field back to the abandoned storage room that had been emptied out, hiding it in an inconspicuous corner and covering it up with some real scrap.

The trap has been set.

Next, we just wait.

The wait didn't last long. Two nights later, as Luo Wei was meditating in his room, the sub-rune in his arms (a simple sensing talisman connected to the main base field) suddenly emitted an extremely faint fluctuation—someone had triggered the mirror field!

Luo Wei immediately opened his eyes, his consciousness sinking into the Book of Truth to read the information recorded in the field.

**[Mirror Field Triggered!]**

**[Detection Type: Covert Mental Energy Scan (High Frequency, Precise, with Weak Resolution Characteristics)]**

**[Energy Characteristics Analysis: 87% similarity to the residual energy sample from previous contact with Marco, a member of the 'Grey Tower'. Multiple mixed spiritual energy characteristics are present, suggesting possible collaboration by multiple individuals or the use of a special magical artifact.]**

**Feedback has been sent: Simulated abandoned room scene (includes trace amounts of residual inert shadow energy to enhance realism).**

**[The energy marker has been successfully attached to the source of the dominant spiritual energy.]**

It really was them! And their methods were so professional that it couldn't have been done by Marco alone; they likely used some kind of detection artifact from the Gray Tower.

A cold smile curled at the corner of Luo Wei's lips. The fish had taken the bait. The information they received—that the room was empty with only trace amounts of insignificant contaminants—should temporarily confuse them, at least making them unsure whether the room had truly been abandoned, or whether Luo Wei had been aware of their actions.

That subtle "energy marker" became the first step in Luo Wei's countermeasure. The next time he encountered this probe, he would be able to recognize it immediately.

Just as he finished dealing with the matter and was about to continue meditating, a slight knocking sound, as if it were directly in his mind, rang out. It wasn't a physical knock, but rather a spiritual touch.

Luo Wei's heart skipped a beat. This method of communication... He immediately got up and opened the door.

There was no one outside, only a silent corridor. But on the doorframe, a vibrant green leaf, exuding a fresh, life-giving scent, had been pasted there sometime earlier. On the leaf, in elegant handwriting, was written a line of words:

"Tea will be ready tomorrow morning in the library's back garden. —Moore"

Old Moore? The librarian?

Luo Wei was surprised. Why would this mysterious and powerful being suddenly extend an invitation? Was it because of his choice of the treasure vault? Or had he sensed the field Luo Wei had just set up? Or perhaps... was it related to the movements of the Gray Tower?

He carefully plucked the leaf, its refreshing scent invigorating him. The tower keeper had always seemed kind to him; was this invitation a blessing or a curse?

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Luo Wei arrived at the little garden behind the library, a place rarely visited by anyone, as agreed. The garden was small, but it was arranged with great elegance, with exotic flowers and plants arranged in a pleasing manner, exuding a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

Beneath a gnarled ancient tree, old Moore sat at a stone table, leisurely brewing a pot of tea. The fragrant aroma of tea wafted through the air, blending seamlessly with the garden's ambiance. He was still dressed in his simple grey robe, looking like an ordinary retired scholar.

"You've arrived? Have a seat." Old Moore gestured to the stone bench opposite him, a gentle smile on his face. "Try this 'Tranquil Mind Tea,' it's good for calming the mind and clearing the thoughts."

Lowe bowed respectfully, then sat down and accepted the teacup offered by Old Moore. The tea was clear and pale gold in color, slightly bitter at first, then turned into a warm current that slid into his stomach. Afterward, an indescribable sense of clarity rushed to his head, and he felt that the fatigue and slight mental stagnation of the past few days had been washed away, and his mind became exceptionally clear and active.

"Excellent tea! Thank you, Mr. Moore," Rowe praised sincerely.

"I'm glad you like it." Old Moore smiled and asked casually, "I heard you went to the treasure vault a few days ago and picked out a dark, unremarkable stone?"

A thought struck Lowe; it was indeed related to this. "Yes, sir. I find it... quite special."

"Special? Heh, yes, so special that almost no one recognizes it, and no one can use it." Old Moore took a sip of tea, his gaze seemingly able to see through Luo Wei's thoughts. "Void dust, remnants from beyond the world's barrier, is incompatible with all the energy systems we know. The fact that you chose it shows that your 'vision' is indeed extraordinary."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning: "Things haven't been peaceful in the academy lately; some little bugs like to rustle in the shadows. It's good for young people to be sharp, and knowing how to protect themselves is even wiser. However, sometimes, overly elaborate 'traps' only attract more curiosity."

Lowe was shocked! Old Moore really knew! He not only knew that he had chosen Void Dust, but he might even have sensed the Mirror Field he had set up! Just how powerful and perceptive was this tower guardian?

"The student... just doesn't want to be spied on at will," Luo Wei replied cautiously.

"I understand." Old Moore nodded. "It's necessary to stay vigilant. But also remember, true strength lies not in how many traps you set, but in whether you are resilient enough and possess a 'weight' that people dare not easily touch."

He then changed the subject: "You're very interested in 'field'?"

"Yes." Luo Wei did not hide anything; there was probably no point in hiding anything from this unfathomable tower keeper.

"On the second floor of the library, on the third bookshelf on the east side, at the very bottom, there are some fragmentary notes on the ancient theory of energy tower construction. Although incomplete, the ideas... are quite interesting. Perhaps they can give you some inspiration." Old Moore casually mentioned it, pointing Rowe in another direction. "Of course, you know the rules; you need permission."

It's the second floor of the library again! And this time, the specific area and content are clearly indicated!

Suppressing his excitement, Luo Weiqiang once again expressed his gratitude solemnly: "Thank you for your guidance, sir!"

"No need to be so polite." Old Moore waved his hand, looking at the gradually brightening sky. "You've finished your tea, you should get back to work. Remember, knowledge is an endless ocean, but mastering it requires a calm and strong heart. Take care of yourself."

After saying that, he stopped talking and began to sip his tea.

Knowing this meant he was being seen off, Lo Wei rose, bowed again, and left the quiet little garden.

On his way back, Lowe was filled with mixed emotions. Old Moore's invitation, seemingly casual, contained a wealth of information: recognition, reminder, guidance, and a subtle hint of protection.

He looked up at the towering tower of the library. The second floor, the third bookshelf on the east side... What kind of knowledge was hidden there that could help him gain enough "weight" to deal with the undercurrents before him?

He touched the cold, void stardust base plate in his arms, his eyes becoming even more determined.