Wizard: My skills can be upgraded indefinitely.

The starry sea scene deep within my consciousness slowly faded away.

Ian opened his eyes, and the profound depths of his pupils, spanning two worlds, gradually settled, returning him to reality.

A familiar weight and warmth came from my shoulder.

Gaga was squatting there, her little head tilted to the side, her heterochromatic eyes full of curiosity and a hint of sleepiness.

"Ian, you've been spacing out for ages... What did you 'see' this time?"

Although Gaga never traveled back in time, it could vaguely sense Ian's consciousness through a soul connection, thus connecting to another dimension.

"He's fine."

Ian gently rubbed Gaga's little head, feeling the smooth texture of feathers on his fingertips.

"It's even better than we imagined."

He stood up, stretched his neck, and his joints made a slight cracking sound.

It's time to deal with things in the Wizarding World.

First, there are those noisy little guys in the courtyard.

Push open the heavy stone door of the secret room and go up the stairs.

Morning light streamed through the window, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

In the center of the courtyard, the silvery-white almond-shaped sapling stretched its branches and leaves under the sunlight, shimmering with a faint light.

Five living fruits hung listlessly on the branches, their silvery roots probing into the specially made, magical soil, lazily absorbing nutrients.

"Oh, the Great Demon King is back?"

Lucy was the first to spot Ian, swaying and making a hoarse sound.

"It seems like you've been gone for quite a while this time? About three months, right?"

Vivian, who was standing next to him, chimed in.

"Three months and seven days!" Amy said in a muffled voice.

"I've been counting them! The smell of blood essence in the soil has faded!"

"That's right!" Mili exclaimed.

"Hungry!" Benben just wanted to eat, as always.

Ian walked to the saplings, ignoring their complaints, and his gaze swept over each fruit.

They were noticeably rounder than before he left.

The outer skin is crystal clear, and the silver sap flowing inside is even more concentrated, radiating vibrant life and magical energy.

It seems that Kenna and the others have been distributing the blood essence and magic crystal powder on time and haven't been lazy.

"Hey! What's all the noise about! Ian just got back and you're already asking for food!"

The bird fluttered its wings and flew over, landing on a branch, its small eyes looking at the five fruits with disdain.

"A bunch of good-for-nothings!"

"Hey, you little black ball! Who are you calling a good-for-nothing?!"

"Exactly! We are meeting normal growth needs!"

"All you do all day is eat and sleep!"

……

The five fruits immediately turned their attention to Gaga, hurling insults at him as his silver beard danced in the air.

"Gah! I've put in a lot of effort eating this, what do you know!"

It raised its head, its feathers slightly ruffled, and looked down with disdain.

Ian looked at the familiar noisy scene, a faint smile flashing across his eyes.

This is part of his "home".

Noisy and full of life.

He took out five first-tier blood essence pills from his dimensional ring and flicked them at each fruit.

Silverbeard shot out like lightning, caught it precisely, and quickly retreated back into the soil.

A satisfied, almost sighing gurgle echoed in the courtyard.

"Hmm...that's more like it..."

"My semen is so plentiful today."

"I want bigger ones next time!"

The complaints subsided and turned into satisfied murmurs.

Ian then took out a small handful of specially made flawless magic crystal powder and sprinkled it evenly on the roots of the sapling.

The powder was quickly absorbed by the soil, making the sapling's silvery-white luster seem even brighter. Its branches and leaves moved without wind, conveying a faint, comforting feeling.

"Ian," Gaa flew back onto his shoulder and whispered.

"They actually miss you a lot. When you're not around, they don't have much energy to bicker anymore."

Ian nodded slightly.

He knew that although these living fruits were stubborn and greedy, they were simple in nature.

They depend on the energy he provides and this safe courtyard, and have long regarded him as their "provider" and "protector".

"Alright, rest quietly."

He patted the trunk of the sapling and turned to walk into the house.

I have important business to attend to today.

Starlight Potions has moved to the core area of ​​Shadowmoon Tower, on a bustling street.

The shop's storefront isn't very large, but the name of the shop is outlined in silver star runes on the dark blue signboard, making it very eye-catching in the sunlight.

Ian pushed open the shop door, and the bell on the door rang crisply.

The store was clean and tidy, with various medicines neatly arranged on the shelves.

In the most conspicuous spot, a few light blue [Rock Bear Potions] are locked in a specially made display case.

The price tag clearly reads: 700 magic stones.

Next to it were a slightly larger quantity of [Concentration Potions] and [Mental Recovery Potions].

The price ranges from tens to over a hundred magic stones.

As for the [Starlight Potion], it's not available on the shelves at all.

Only a small wooden sign hung behind the counter, clearly indicating the location.

"Tier 1 [Starlight Potion], limited pre-orders available, price negotiable."

Behind the counter, Kenner was checking the ledgers when he heard the bell and looked up.

Upon seeing Ian, he immediately put down his pen, quickly walked around from behind the counter, and put on a respectful smile.

"My lord, you're back!"

Robert was organizing the shelves behind him, Wade was carrying a box of materials in from the backyard, and Monica was quickly doing calculations at a small table in the corner.

All four were dressed in neat casual clothes, exuding composure and moving with agility.

"Hmm." Ian nodded, walked to the chair behind the counter and sat down; this was his reserved spot.

"Hmm." Ian nodded, walked to the chair behind the counter and sat down; this was his reserved spot.

"How's business lately?"

"Reporting to you, sir, everything is normal." Kenna picked up the ledger and handed it over with both hands.

"Twenty bottles of [Rock Bear Potion] were sold this month, all pre-ordered by returning customers. Sales of regular potions are stable. The pre-orders for [Starlight Potion] are booked for the next three months. As per your instructions, only five bottles will be released each month, with the price remaining at eighty high-grade magic stones."

Ian took the ledger and quickly glanced through it.

The accounts were clear, and the surplus was quite considerable due to the exorbitant profits from the medicine.

"What about the material supply?"

"Robert's supply chain is very stable. The only issue is that the prices of 'Living Vine Juice' and 'Wailing Banshee Tear Crystal Powder' have been driven up a bit, but we stockpiled a batch in advance, so it won't affect us for now," Kenna replied quickly.

Robert put down what he was doing and added:

"My lord, the rune wizard Kevin came again yesterday to inquire about the [Starlight Potion], saying he's willing to increase the price by 20%."

Ian didn't even look up: "Tell him the rules remain the same: line up."

"Yes," Robert replied, showing no surprise whatsoever.

He knew Ian's personality; he was a man of his word and hated it when others broke the established rules.

Wade walked over, wiping his sweat. "Sir, I've cleaned up the backyard warehouse. The new 'Moonlight Moss' is of very good quality."

Monica also stopped calculating and reported in a low voice.

"My lord, this month's net income is 30% higher than last month, mainly due to the contribution of [Starlight Potion]."

As per your instructions, 60% of the profits have been converted into high-grade magic stones and specified rare materials, and are stored in your warehouse.

Ian closed the ledger and glanced at the four people.

Kenner is calm and capable, and is responsible for the overall situation and external affairs.

Robert is meticulous and in charge of materials and important clients.

Wade was strong and hardworking, and was in charge of warehousing and miscellaneous tasks.

Monica is meticulous and her accounts are never wrong.

The four of them went from being collaborators to now willingly depending on him.

It wasn't just out of awe of power, but also because Ian had given them tangible benefits and a clear path to advancement.

"Well done."

Ian’s voice was calm, but all four of them could hear the approval in it.

He tapped his fingers on the countertop and pondered for a moment.

"There may be some storms in the near future. You should continue your business as usual, but keep your eyes open and your ears open."

If a stranger asks about the shop or me, write it down and tell me, but don't approach them or ask too many questions.

The four men straightened up instinctively.

"Understood, sir!" Kenna replied solemnly.

They had experienced war and knew all too well what the word "storm" meant in the wizarding world.

"Go ahead and get busy," Ian waved his hand.

Kenner and the other three bowed respectfully and returned to their posts, but their eyes held a newfound wariness.

Ian sat behind the counter for a while, looking at the orderly scene inside the store, before getting up and leaving.

There are some things they don't need to know too much about.

After leaving the potions shop, Ian went to the Potions Department.

He ran into Malena, who had just come out, at the door of Elivia's vice-principal's office.

"Ian?" Malena was pleasantly surprised to see him, but her surprise quickly turned into worry.

"Are you... alright? I heard things are getting really tense around the ruins."

She was dressed in a well-fitting dark blue potion master's robe, and her aura was more solid and refined than before.

It seems that liquefaction is truly just a hair's breadth away.

"I'm fine, I'm back alive." Ian's reply was as brief as ever.

"Congratulations, it seems like we're not far from liquefaction."

"No one can compare to a genius like you."

Malena's complexion improved considerably, and then she carefully examined Ian's expression.

He seemed to be trying to glean something from it, but Ian's expression remained calm and unwavering.

She sighed softly and lowered her voice.

"The mentor is inside; she... seems to have something on her mind."

Ian nodded. "Thank you."

After chatting for a few more minutes, the two said their goodbyes.

Ian walked to the door and knocked a few times.

"Come in," came Alyvia's cool voice.

Pushing open the door, I saw Alyvia standing by the window, gazing at the towering buildings outside. Her figure, clad in a dark blue robe, appeared somewhat lonely.

She turned around, her gaze falling on Ian for a moment.

"sit."

Ian sat down in the chair opposite her.

Gaga obediently perched on his shoulder, her little eyes curiously surveying the room.

"The tower master asked me to tell you..."

Elivia skipped the pleasantries and cut straight to the point in a flat tone.

"Keep a low profile for now."

She paused, then added, "Both the Crimson Court and the Withering Council have lost a Level Two Wizard in the ruins. Right now, outside, the undercurrents are very strong."

Ian's eyes flickered slightly:

"Master of the Tower... why did you send someone to inform me?"

Alyssa shook her head, her golden hair swaying gently with the movement.

"I don't know, but he knows you're alive and came back unharmed from that site where many people died."

She looked at Ian with deep eyes.

"That's enough. In some people's eyes, this is itself an 'abnormality'."

Ian remained silent.

Lord Morton is not omniscient or omnipotent, but as a level three archmage who controls the Shadowmoon Tower, he naturally has his own information channels and judgment logic.

Given her recent surge in popularity and her recent return from a dangerous situation, it's perfectly normal for her to come into his sights and be marked as an "extraordinary" subject.

Given her recent surge in popularity and her recent return from a dangerous situation, it's perfectly normal for her to come into his sights and be marked as an "extraordinary" subject.

"I understand," Ian said.

"Good to know." Alyvia walked to the bookshelf and took out a small bottle of dew that shimmered with starlight.

"As promised, 'Starlight Dew' is good for Gaa's feathers."

Ian accepted it: "Thank you."

"No need," Alyvia waved her hand.

"There's nothing urgent in the department lately, so you can focus on your own work."

This is a clear signal of asylum and clearance.

Ian stood up and bowed slightly: "Yes."

As I reached the door, Alyvia's voice came again.

It was lighter than before, yet carried a rare warmth.

"Ian, Shadowmoon Tower is where you were born, but the wizarding world is vast. Sometimes, flying higher and farther isn't necessarily a bad thing."

Ian paused slightly.

He didn't turn around, but simply nodded slightly.

"I've got it."

He opened the door and went outside.

The corridor was deserted, and the moonstone shone softly and steadily.

Alyvia's last words subtly overlapped with "Li Xing's" plans for the future back in the continent of Alan.

Fly higher and farther.

Leave this "barren land" and go to the truly vast continent.

But before that, he needs time, he needs to process what he has learned from the ruins, he needs to prepare, and even more so...

Waiting for the right opportunity.

Crimson Royal Court Headquarters, Bloodstained Hall.

The throne deep within the palace was shrouded in surging blood mist, its oppressive aura as deep as an abyss.

It is the ruler of the Crimson Court: "The King".

The several figures standing solemnly in the hall froze in their tracks.

"Bazar is dead."

The voice emanating from the blood mist was hoarse and calm, yet it carried a power that caused the space itself to tremble slightly.

Below, three level-two wizards dressed in dark red robes stood with their heads bowed, their posture respectful but without fear.

At their level, they are already high-ranking members of the organization, possessing considerable autonomy and dignity.

"We already know, Your Majesty."

A level two wizard with a sinister face in the center responded in a deep voice.

"They died in the Protoss ruins, and their whereabouts are difficult to trace."

"I want to know why," the voice from the blood mist said succinctly.

"Based on initial assessments, they may have encountered dangerous rule-based creations within the ruins, or... been surrounded and attacked by wizards from other factions."

Another level-two wizard added.

"The liquefaction wizards who accompanied him also perished, and none of them sent back any useful information."

"Investigate," the voice from within the blood mist commanded, devoid of any emotion.

"Use all our informants on the East Coast to focus on screening first-class wizards who have survived the ruins."

Especially... those that are "abnormal."

"Yes!" the three level-two wizards replied in unison.

"Silas is dead on the Withered Council's side too."

The voice from within the blood mist spoke slowly.

"They won't let this go easily either. If necessary, we can 'exchange' some information, but remember, the majesty of the Crimson is not to be challenged. Find the murderer, whoever it may be."

"Yes, my king!" The three bowed again.

The blood mist rippled slightly, as if the figure on the throne had waved his hand.

The three level-two wizards understood and respectfully withdrew slowly from the hall.

The gate is closed.

In the blood mist, those scarlet eyes stared into the void, muttering to themselves in a voice only they could hear.

"Three level-two wizards dead? Interesting. Could it be some old monster in disguise, or...?"

Has someone truly emerged who's extraordinary?

"The East Coast... looks like it's going to be anything but peaceful again."

The Withered Council, the Shadowy Hall.

The atmosphere was equally heavy, but even more deathly silent.

Several figures shrouded in gray-black cloaks sat silently around a round bone table.

A faint smell of decay and death permeated the air.

"Silas's soul lamp has been extinguished."

A dry, hoarse voice broke the silence.

"The last fragment of the image that was transmitted back was just a chaotic starlight and... a blurry figure."

"Can you confirm my identity?" another hoarse voice asked.

"No, the images are too fragmented, and the aura is being interfered with by some kind of force."

The previous voice replied, "But it's certain that the opponent is a level two wizard, or perhaps... disguised as a level one wizard to launch a sneak attack."

"Sneak attack to kill Sylas?" someone scoffed.

"His 'Withering Blade' is so powerful that even a level two crystallization cultivator has to be careful with it."

"That's why it's even more worthwhile to investigate."

From the head of the table, a voice, even older and more aged, seemed to come from the depths of a grave.

"Send people to the entire East Coast to 'meet' with the Crimson side. There are quite a few lucky survivors from this site, so we'll screen them one by one."

The focus should be on the Shadowmoon Tower, the Silver Ring, and the forces on the outer islands.

"Yes, Speaker," the crowd responded in unison.

"Remember," the aged voice said with a cold warning.

"Keep a low profile. There are many powerful people on the East Coast. Don't provoke those self-proclaimed righteous guys from the 'Silver Ring'."

"clear."

The shadows writhed, and several figures vanished silently.

The hall fell silent again, with only a single eerie green candle flickering on the bone table.

A month later.

Shadowmoon Tower, Ian's residence.

Night had fallen.

Ian sat cross-legged in the meditation room, but did not immediately enter into deep meditation.

He had the book "The Essays of Morton" open in front of him, and his fingers lightly brushed over the messy handwriting.

"However, the sea journey is long and fraught with danger, and no one but a second-level wizard should venture out lightly."

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water.

In the courtyard, the saplings of the alchemy tree gleamed with a hazy silver light in the night.

The five revitalized fruits seemed to be asleep, with only faint, contented breathing sounds rising and falling gently with the branches and leaves.

Gaga curled up beside Ian's legs, its head buried in its wing, emitting even, soft snores.

Everything was peaceful and serene.

But within Ian's mental sea, the pale golden crystallized core slowly rotated, emitting a stable yet powerful fluctuation.

Level 2 Wizard.

He had already stood at the threshold of this "barren land".

However, possessing a treasure is a crime.

The Protoss's blessing and legacy, fragments of the rules of a level four wizard, and the potential dangers left behind by killing Bazar and Sylas...

Like honey that exudes fragrance in the dark, it will sooner or later attract a swarm of bees to spy on it.

The tower master's vague warning, Alyvia's reminder, and the bits and pieces of gossip Gaga gleaned from various channels about an external force secretly investigating...

They are all silently telling the same story.

Peaceful days are numbered.

Pressure is like a deep-sea undercurrent, surging and accumulating beneath a calm surface.

He did not intend to report the breakthrough to level two.

The transition from Level 1 liquefaction to Level 2 crystallization is a major hurdle, but how long has he been a Level 1 wizard?

Less than three years!

This speed alone is enough to arouse suspicion and investigation.

Not to mention, a level two wizard from an opposing force had just died in the ruins.

If this happens, even with Lord Morton's appreciation, Shadowmoon Tower might not, or rather, might not be able to, protect him.

The "Undying Heart," guarded by a Level 4 Morning Star Wizard, is a place that any power on the East Coast should think twice about.

"We need to make plans as soon as possible."

Ian muttered to himself, a resolute glint in his eyes.

go away.

He left Anoria and the east coast before the storm completely engulfed him.

Head to the wider, more dangerous wizarding continent.

There are richer resources, more advanced knowledge, fiercer competition, and more hidden living spaces there.

But he needs time before that.

We need to fully digest the Protoss's gains, prepare the capital and means to cross the sea, and also...

Get everything arranged here.

Starlight Potion Shop, the family, Kenna and his friends, the Alchemy Tree and the five fruits, and... some unfinished business.

The road must be walked step by step.

But the direction is already clear.

He slowly closed his eyes, his mind sinking into that pale golden sea of ​​stars.

The Starry Sky Festival begins to operate, drawing upon the cold energy of the stars from the void to temper the spirit and soul.

Accumulate strength, wait, or... face the inevitable storm.

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