The entire process was seamless, and Ronan felt no hindrance whatsoever, as if it were meant to be.
Compared to the arduous process of comprehending the fusion of multiple law domains, such as the [Hekalto Death Gaze, Ancient Devourer], this was like the difference between heaven and earth.
Ronan had also nearly grasped the essence of this spell inheritance system.
"Five fragments of the [Golden Flame] law domain, fused into the true [Lingmoya Golden Flame]!"
Now, he was only two master-level spells away from welcoming the complete form of the [Lingmoya Golden Flame]! "Improving spell proficiency before the master level is relatively simple, just a matter of time and effort."
Originally, the spells [Diamond Heart] and [Golden Soul] were somewhat profound and obscure for Ronan to comprehend. However, after undergoing the cultivation of [Spirit Heart Amber], Ronan's willpower had been greatly tempered, and his understanding of the soul had deepened significantly.
Some of the difficulties and obstacles encountered during the cultivation of these two spells had quietly vanished.
He directly skipped [Brass Head] and [Diamond Heart], choosing instead to tackle the most challenging [Golden Soul] first, just to verify this point.
As Alazan had said, the wonders and strengths of [Spirit Heart Amber] were numerous, and as his cultivation progressed, he would increasingly feel its effects.
"The Domain Power of [Golden Soul] seems to have some effect on alleviating the aftereffects of 'Reincarnation Dreaming.'"
Ronan watched as golden mist rose from his entire body. While the [Golden Soul] empowered him, some impurities within his soul seemed to be burned away and evaporated, which coincidentally helped mitigate part of the aftereffects of "Reincarnation Dreaming."
However, this effect was quite weak, likely due to the current low proficiency level of [Golden Soul].
In fact, Ronan had long been ready to attempt a second "Reincarnation Dreaming." However, one session of dreaming required a considerable amount of time—not too long, but not too short either.
The key point was that there must be no external disturbances during the process, or all efforts would be in vain.
"The plan to split the [Law-Controlling] rune has also encountered issues."
Ronan put away his spells, picked up his Wizard Robe, and draped it over himself. His right hand rested on the waxed floor, tapping rhythmically to the tune of the mermaid's song beside him.
Ronan currently had six blank Mental Power Crystals. His plan was to split the [Law-Controlling] rune into six parts and inscribe them onto individual Mental Power Crystals.
However, after several attempts, he found that even splitting it into six parts was still somewhat forced, as a single Mental Power Crystal could not fully bear the load.
"It might need to be split into seven parts, or even more."
Ronan pondered, which also meant he would need to undergo a second, third, or even more sessions of "Dreaming" cultivation.
Once he was fully settled, he would immediately proceed with the second session of dreaming. If he wanted to maximize his soul's potential during the Mist Stage, the "Awakening Potion" used in conjunction with the dreaming cultivation would naturally be indispensable.
But where could he find a World Stone that he could use freely now?
"The Ancient Wizard Revival Society? Those lunatics are scouring the world for World Stones in their delusional attempt to open a spatial gateway to the Abyss. They probably have quite a few World Stones in their possession."
Ronan shook his head, dismissing this unrealistic idea.
He could only take one step at a time.
"Buzz—"
A faint ripple of rune energy emanated from the space ring. Ronan's expression shifted slightly. He raised his hand, signaling to the mermaid and Arrietty beside him to keep quiet.
The mermaid's song abruptly ceased. Ronan reached out and stored the crystal fish tank away. Arrietty, her small face glistening with sweat, hid inside Ronan's collar.
Ronan took out a communication device shaped like a bat. Jason's deep voice came through.
"Damien, I'm... waiting for you."
After listening to the message, Ronan remained silent for a moment. He then stood up, packed away his portable Rune Array, and pushed open the door to leave the room.
Bright daylight and the clamor of the outside world rushed in.
Ronan walked through a long, narrow corridor, brushing past several wizards, and finally arrived downstairs where the crowd was bustling.
This was a wizard transit city in the central part of the Fate Empire. He and Jason had been staying here for nearly half a month. During this time, Ronan had been secluded in intense cultivation, while Jason had been busy seeking ways to join a faction.
Jason's sudden contact likely meant he had gathered some relevant information.
The meeting place Jason proposed was a small grove outside the city. Ronan made his way out of the city, slowing his pace as he approached the designated spot, his spiritual energy quietly spreading out.
After confirming there was no unusual activity, he continued forward.
The soft "crunch" of his short boots, made from magical beast leather, echoed on the gradually growing grass of early summer. Ronan stopped beneath an exceptionally thick silver birch tree, glancing at the ring-shaped patches of light scattered at his feet.
"Damien."
A low call came from the side. A cold breeze parted the lush weeds, and Jason, bald and clad in black robes, emerged, stepping on wisps of necromantic smoke.
"I came to bid you farewell."
Ronan's eyes flickered slightly. "Have you found a way to join the Wizard Heart Hall?"
"Yes."
Jason nodded, then tossed Ronan a shiny rune stone used for recording.
"I've also gathered information about the Spirit Lake for you."
Ronan caught the rune stone Jason threw his way, scanning it briefly with his spiritual energy. A faint trace of surprise appeared in his expression. "Thank you."
Jason waved his hand. "Joining the Spirit Lake won't be easy. It's too early to thank me now."
"Speaking of which, I don't know if we're lucky or unlucky. The prophet of the Fate Pendulum has died, so many wizard factions, including the Wizard Heart Hall and the Spirit Lake, have recently started recruiting official members.
If it weren't for this, we might have had to wait decades or more... But because of this, there are also an unusually large number of wizards trying to seize this opportunity to join these two super-sized wizard factions. The competition during the selection process will be far more intense than usual."
Ronan listened, nodding slowly. After a moment of thought, he asked Jason, "Are you confident?"
"About fifty percent."
Jason's face showed little emotion as he calmly replied, "The outcome of this selection at the Wizard Heart Hall isn't that important. No matter what, I need to join a faction.
If the Wizard Heart Hall doesn't work out, I'll just switch to another one..."
"Good luck."
Ronan stored the rune stone Jason had given him and spoke.
Jason said nothing more, simply waving at Ronan. Then, his Wizard Robe billowed as he soared into the air like an owl.
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The icy wind howled, rustling the surrounding vegetation, and the sunlight was blocked by the sudden shadows.
"Damien, once I unravel the secret of the chain ring, I will notify you."
"I hope that the next time we meet, both of us will be at dawn!"
Jason's arrogant voice fell, but Ronan did not respond. He simply raised his head, watching his figure fade into the distance.
Until Jason became a small black dot in the sky, completely disappearing from sight.
"It will happen."
Ronan retracted his gaze and turned to leave.
Three days later, under a sky as blue as if it had been washed.
A uniquely designed carriage swayed as it flew through the air.
Countless sparrows, each with claws and hooks in their beaks, pulled the carriage forward. The coachman was a strong man wearing a mask of iron spikes, his face obscured, revealing only owl-like eyes.
In his hand, the coachman held a whip glowing with blue light, and he continuously emitted loud yet oddly pitched whistles.
Each time he blew the whistle and cracked the whip, the sparrows pulling the carriage would flap their wings with extra vigor. Sparrows that had exhausted themselves would fall from the sky, while more sparrows flew in from all directions to join the pulling effort.
The sparrow-drawn carriage flew until it reached a barren, towering mountain, then slowly descended and finally came to a stop at the foot of the mountain.
"Honored guest, your destination has arrived!"
The strong man with the iron-spiked mask turned and called into the carriage, his voice as shrill as a cat in heat, completely mismatched with his appearance.
"Alright."
A calm voice responded from within the carriage. Shortly after, a tall and slender young man stepped out.
The young man had a perfectly proportioned figure, dressed in a black robe. His features were strong and handsome, with moonlight-colored hair neatly combed, two strands naturally hanging in front of his ears. He wore a silver hair ornament, adding an air of mysterious nobility.
"In the past half month, you are the eighth guest I've brought to Mount Tataka..."
The coachman spoke in a high-pitched voice to the young man who had just alighted. When the young man casually tossed him a storage pouch filled with magic stones, the coachman's face lit up with a series of even shriller giggles.
"But you are definitely the most generous among them. I wish you all the best on your journey."
The coachman bowed respectfully to the young man, then hummed an unknown tune, summoning the scattered sparrows that were pecking and resting. He boarded the carriage and set off back the way he came.
Ronan watched as this peculiar, fate-driven "local specialty" mode of transport disappeared into the distance, then turned to examine what lay before him.
According to the information Jason had given him about the entrance selection process for the Spirit Lake, the mountain before him was one of the locations where one could obtain the qualification for the Spirit Lake's entrance selection.
The information stated that the Spirit Lake had set up many qualification distribution points within the Fate Empire, which also served as entrances to the Spirit Lake.
Only by gaining the approval of the gatekeeper could one truly participate in the selection process.
In this mountain before him lived a gatekeeper named "Tataka Gilimu," a member of the tree people. However, the information did not specify how to gain his approval and permission to enter.
Indeed, it made sense. The number of wizards wanting to join Spirit Lake had already reached a point of near "overwhelming abundance." Every wizard participating in the selection process was essentially a competitor. With one less person entering, there would be one less rival. Such crucial information couldn't possibly be easily uncovered by Jason.
Ronan didn't dwell on it too much. With a calm expression, he stepped forward toward the massive mountain.
Before him lay a narrow, winding path that stretched straight ahead. The driver of the sparrow carriage must have deliberately brought him to this spot. Presumably, if he walked a bit further, he would encounter the so-called gatekeeper.
Ronan hadn't walked far along the path when his expression shifted slightly, and his steps naturally came to a halt.
After a few breaths of time, the bushes not far from him rustled, and two figures emerged one after the other from the thicket.
(End of Chapter)