EFB Chapter 167 Cultivation Experiment: The Weak Points of the Fragments
Chapter 167 Cultivation Experiment: The Weak Points of the Fragments
Chapter 167 Cultivation Experiment: The Weak Points of the Fragments
Ellie paused for a moment, then looked up and met Rowling's calm gaze.
She was silent for a few seconds, her fingers unconsciously stroking the edge of the ceramic basin.
"I—I've thought about it." Her voice was soft, but earnest.
"I used to think it was something unattainable; I would be happy just to become a decent knight."
"But—following Mr. Rowling, I saw a wider world, and learned how deep knowledge can be and how many forms power can take—I'm a little unwilling to stay at the present."
She paused, then mustered her courage to look at Rowling: "I know my talent may not be top-notch, or even that of a wizard."
"But I will work very hard, extremely hard."
"Research on magical plants is both my interest and my foundation."
"If I could become a formal wizard, I would be able to study them better, protect what I want to protect, and also—help you more."
Looking at the determined light in her eyes, Luo Lin nodded.
"Talent is certainly important, but character and perseverance often lead to greater success."
"Your foundation in the 'Rock Breathing Technique' is very solid, and your mental strength has also increased through long-term research on magical plants and natural resonance. However, you lack systematic guidance and an opportunity for a breakthrough."
He pondered for a moment, then took out a thin booklet wrapped in animal hide from his dimensional bag and handed it to Ellie.
"This is an initial meditation framework for the [Green Wood Spirit Gathering Technique] that I have drafted based on my own fundamental principles and combined with your talent for perceiving plant energy."
"It does not pursue direct and powerful force, but focuses on enhancing mental activity and improving affinity and subtle control over life energy, which aligns with your current research direction."
"You can take a look first and try to get started."
"Remember, maintain communication with nature and magical plants during meditation, and do not force yourself to speed up."
This is the inspiration and reflection that Rolin had after experiencing the fiery hell.
He was pondering whether there was a way for people without wizarding talent to embark on this path in another way.
The [Azure Wood Spirit Condensation Technique] was an experimental product born from this idea.
Ellie took the booklet with trembling hands, as if she were holding something incredibly precious.
She knew that this was not just a meditation method, but also a form of recognition and guidance.
"Thank you—thank you, Mr. Rowling! I will certainly not let you down!"
She clutched the booklet tightly, her voice choked with emotion.
"No need to thank me, you walked this path yourself." Luo Lin waved his hand.
"You can ask me if you don't understand something, but don't become dependent on me."
"The path of a wizard must ultimately be understood by oneself."
In the days that followed, Ellie came even more frequently, seeking advice not only on magical plant research but also on meditation.
Luo Lin also patiently guided her and helped her correct some common initial mistakes.
Watching Ellie immerse herself in the project with astonishing enthusiasm and focus, her mental energy visibly becoming more refined and active, and the subtle resonance between her and the magical plant growing stronger, Rolin felt a faint sense of satisfaction.
The peaceful period of rest lasted about half a month.
That day, while Rowling was in his research room, trying to use a new symbol deciphered from the Civilization Stone Tablet to depict a more complex energy geometry, he suddenly received an encrypted message from Researcher Duden via a communication crystal.
The message was brief: "Return to Santa headquarters immediately."
The decryption team has made significant progress, regarding portions of the Nexus-2 deep database and—new developments concerning the Ring of Ashes. Master Veranika is summoned.
It seems that the peaceful daily routine is about to come to a temporary end.
Luo Lin put away the civilization stone tablet and experimental equipment, and glanced out the window.
The setting sun bathed Blackrock Town in a warm golden-red hue. Ellie was watering a new batch of seedlings in her magic plant garden, her shadow stretching long.
He left Ellie a simple note explaining that he needed to leave for a while so she could continue her research and meditation and take care of Blackrock Hut.
Then, he put on his grey robe and hood, and once again left the small town that had given him a brief period of peace through the teleportation array.
As his figure disappeared into the teleportation light, Roland knew that when he returned next time, he would likely be covered in dust and new mysteries.
The atmosphere at Santa headquarters is completely different from the tranquility of Blackrock Town.
The air was thick with a tense yet orderly energy. Wizards hurried along the corridor, their whispered conversations often involving words like "decoding," "relics," "the Ring of Ashes," and "joint operations."
Rowling went straight to the Department of Visions and Relics Analysis.
-
Duden's research room has been temporarily converted into the project command center. The walls are covered with data processing diagrams and energy structure analysis diagrams brought back from Hub-2, as well as a blackboard densely covered with deduction formulas and symbol comparison tables.
Master Veranica's projection hovered in mid-air, discussing something with several senior wizards from the research department.
Upon seeing Rowling enter, Duden immediately came to greet him, his face showing the exhaustion of staying up all night, but his eyes were surprisingly bright.
"Rolin! You've come at the perfect time!" He pulled Rolin to a huge crystal panel, which displayed complex data streams and constantly changing 3D models.
"Major breakthrough! We have deciphered some of the encrypted records in the Hub-2 deep database regarding energy tidal observations and boundary anchor points!"
He quickly manipulated the panel, bringing up several summaries translated into Common Language and their corresponding original symbol streams.
"According to long-term observation data, the energy tides of the fragments of the Scorching Hell exhibit a clear long-term fluctuation of about 720 years — during the trough of the fluctuation."
"The spatial barrier between the fragments and the prime material world, as well as other adjacent fragment worlds, will significantly thin, creating temporary, unstable weak points —"
"Records show that there have been three instances in history where the energy of non-observer systems has infiltrated this fragmented world through this weakness."
"One of the energy characteristics closely matches the energy currently identified as the source of the Ziwen Stone contamination, suggesting it is a long-term residue and evolution of the same event —"
"The observer network establishes multiple anchor points within the fragment to stabilize its spatial structure, monitor energy tides, and, when necessary, reinforce weak points through coordinated action at these anchor points to prevent large-scale extraterrestrial energy intrusion or the collapse of the fragment's own structure."
Luo Lin quickly scanned the information and understood.
This explains why the fragments of the Scorching Hell "appeared," why corrupted source energy seeped in to form the Purple Plague Stone, and also explains the important role of the Observer's Relic.
They are not only observation stations, but also the "stabilizing force" for this fragmented world.
"And this one!" Duden pulled up another document, his expression becoming even more serious.
"This is the final part of the Hub-2 self-maintenance log."
"Shortly after our evacuation, the system recorded a strong energy surge from the direction of the Star Chart Archive."
"Impact attribute — highly chaotic, with strong corrupting and erosive characteristics."
"Subsequently, the main power line of Hub-2 was severely damaged, and the system was forced into deep hibernation, maintaining only the minimum core protection."
"It's from the Ash Ring," Rowling said with certainty.
They did indeed sabotage the Star Chart Archive area and even attempted to cut off the Hub's power supply.
"That's not all." Master Veranica's projection floated over, her voice serious.
"Our mole planted on the outskirts of the Ash Ring has just sent back some vague intelligence."
"The Ash Ring seems to have found clues to more than one weak point within the fragments of the Scorching Hell."
"They may be planning to use the next low point in the energy tide to carry out some kind of large-scale summoning or invasion ritual."
"Their objective is unknown, but they are bound to be our adversaries."
Could a large-scale intrusion be carried out by exploiting vulnerabilities detected by observers?
Luo Lin felt a chill run down his spine.
The Ash Ring's madness and ambition far exceeded expectations.
"How long will the low point of the energy tide last?" Rowling asked.
Duden pulled up a calculation chart: "Based on observational data models, the next significant trough will occur approximately eight months to a year from now."
"The specific time window needs more precise real-time monitoring data to be determined."
Eight months to a year.
Time is limited, but it's not urgent either.