Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 458 Spirit Realm Perception
The flood of knowledge continued to pour in, constructing a complete and grand framework of necronomics in his mind.

The names of those skills twinkled in my mind like stars, each exuding an alluring aura that made my heart race.

Barnabas described the immense power that these skills could achieve:
[Death Perception] - The ability to sense the signs of death in living beings, predict the time of death, and even observe the footsteps of death;

【Corpse Preservation Techniques】—Through special embalming techniques and energy infusion, the body of the deceased can be preserved in its original state for hundreds of years without decay;

【Memory Residue Extraction】—Extracting the last memory fragments of the deceased from their brain to recreate the scene before death;
【Soul Anchoring】—Forcibly fixing a dissipating soul to a material carrier to achieve a limited "resurrection" (this is also the only necromancy technique that is not explicitly prohibited at present).

[Negative Energy Transformation] - Transform negative emotions such as resentment, fear, and despair into a usable source of magic;

[Spiritual Communication] - Communicating and conversing with targets whose souls have not yet completely dissipated;
【Life Transfer】—Under specific conditions, the remaining lifespan of one living being is transferred to another.

[Dead Zone Construction] - Creates a temporary "dead zone" where the power of necromancy is greatly enhanced...

Each skill is accompanied by a detailed theoretical explanation and application prospects.

However, when Ron tried to delve into the specific methods of implementing any skill, the flow of knowledge came to an abrupt halt.

Those alluring theoretical expositions vanished like a mirage, leaving only an empty sense of hunger.

It's like someone showing you a cart full of delicious food.

They let you smell the aroma of each dish, but then suddenly push the cart away just as you're about to enjoy it.

This feeling is more unbearable than complete ignorance.

Ron immediately understood Sheena's ingenious plan.

"This woman's scheming is far more profound than I imagined."

He calmly analyzed the ingenuity of this layout in his mind:
"She did not choose direct coercion or bribery, nor did she use brutal psychological manipulation. Instead, she inspired the target's inner desire by demonstrating the allure of knowledge."

"This is not a gift, but an irresistible bait."

She showed me the boundless charm and broad prospects of necronomics, yet she also revealed the key to its treasure trove.

She forced me to take the bait and engage in a deeper level of 'cooperation' with her.

This strategy is indeed brilliant because it exploits the wizard's most fundamental weakness—his insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Any true seeker of the truth would find it hard to resist the urge to explore after encountering such a profound theoretical system.

The scarcity of necromantics, a field officially prohibited, amplifies its allure.

Sheena clearly has a deep understanding of human nature and knows how to precisely target a target's psychological weaknesses.

But no matter how much she planned, she couldn't have foreseen that Ron possessed the priceless treasure, "The Complete Guide to the Extraordinary."

"This knowledge may be tempting, but it is not irreplaceable."

Ron gave a mocking sneer:
"Once I have enough strength, or meet certain reading conditions, I will naturally be able to find a safer and more complete version of 'The Complete Explanation of Extraordinary Things.' There is no need for me to collude with a crazy organization for this reason."

Although the chapters on necromancy in "The Complete Guide to the Extraordinary" were sealed, it was only because he didn't have enough authority at the moment.

In contrast, Sheena's "bait" is not only incomplete, but may also contain various traps and backdoors.

It is obvious which one is better or worse.

………………

Just when Ron thought the gains were limited to "broadening his horizons," the silver pocket watch suddenly emitted a gentle energy feedback.

This feeling is like a satisfied signal sent to the brain by a hungry stomach after digesting nutritious food.

After thoroughly "digesting" the essence of the book, the pocket watch begins to give back the purest crystallization of knowledge to its user.

[Detection indicates that the digestion of high-value knowledge carriers has been completed]

[Skill Acquisition: Spirit Realm Perception (Beginner)]

[Note: This skill is a prerequisite for all necromancy arts.]

A detailed explanation automatically unfolded in Ron's mind, as if a learned mentor were patiently explaining something:
"The spirit world is not a specific geographical location, but a special dimension that overlaps and coexists with the material world."

It is composed of pure spiritual energy, echoes of the soul, fragments of memory, and emotional fluctuations; it is a strange realm that follows laws entirely different from those of the physical world.

"If the material world is a colorful oil painting, then the spiritual world is a distorted mirror reflecting that painting."

It reflects everything in the material world, but presents it in an abstract, symbolic way.

A concrete image of the spirit world began to emerge in Ron's consciousness:
It was a hazy world filled with flowing light and shadow, where all objects lost their fixed forms and became abstract patterns composed of light and color.

Buildings transformed into geometric energy structures, living beings became pulsating orbs of light, and emotions and memories floated in the air in various strange colors.

Semi-transparent "echoes" float everywhere in the spirit world.

Those are the imprints of the soul left by the deceased, and the residual energy of intense emotional events.

Some of these echoes were bright and clear, representing recent events;
Some are dim and blurry, indicating that they have existed for a long time.

“The strong emotions and obsessions of the living, the lingering echoes of the souls of the dead, and the energy imprints of major historical events will all leave lasting ‘ripples’ in the spirit world.”

These ripples carry a wealth of information, waiting for a capable observer to decipher them.

The connection between spiritual perception and the three laws of necromancy has also become clear:

First, the law of the immortality of the soul:
It is precisely because the souls of intelligent beings enter the spirit world after the death of their physical bodies and continue to exist in some form that they have the possibility of being "perceived" and "interacted with".

Spiritual perception is the first step in recognizing these soul imprints.

Second, the principle of life and death transformation:
The essence of necromancy is to open a temporary "channel" between the material world and the spirit world through specific rituals and energy frequencies, so as to achieve the exchange of energy and information between the two dimensions.

Without spiritual perception, it's impossible to pinpoint the opening points of these passages.

Third, the memory materialization hypothesis:

In the spirit world, memories and emotions condense into semi-physical entities similar to "energy crystals".

Spiritual perception can see these "crystallizations" and interpret the information they contain through special techniques.

"Therefore, 'spirit perception' is the cornerstone of the entire necrology system."

Ron mentally assessed the importance of this skill:
"It's like giving a wizard eyes that can see the spirit world and ears that can hear the whispers of the dead."

Only after 'seeing' and 'hearing' can subsequent communication, extraction, and manipulation take place.

………………

Having mastered this basic skill, a bold idea suddenly popped into Ron's mind:

"Since a pocket watch can devour a 'book,' an inanimate object that carries information."

Could it also devour 'pheromone markers,' those energy markers that are attached to me?

This possibility made his heart start racing.

The tracking mark left by the leader of the Timehounds squad has always been a thorn in his side.

This is a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.

Whenever he uses time-related abilities, he worries about being detected by those terrifying predators.

If this hidden danger can be completely eliminated...

He immediately took action, but soon faced a technical challenge:
How to "hunt" a mark that is invisible and intangible, existing only in concept?

Traditionally, prey targets are tangible objects.

Pheromones are more like an abstract "brand," deeply imprinted on the essence of his existence.

Ron closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and began to activate all available sensory means.

He first activated the "Eye of Observation," allowing those virtual pupils, capable of discerning fluctuations in reality, to meticulously scan every detail of himself.

Then, activate the newly acquired "spiritual perception" to extend the tentacles of consciousness to deeper dimensional levels.

Finally, he activated the silver pocket watch's "hunting" ability.

At the same time, focus your mind entirely on the concept of "that damn tracking mark on me".

With the combined effect of multiple sensory means, Ron's consciousness entered an unprecedented state of introspection.

He seemed to have become an observer floating within himself, able to examine his own existential structure from a higher-dimensional perspective.

In this state, he finally "saw" the long-hidden mark.

It does not exist in the physical flesh and blood, nor in the surface magic circuits.

Instead, it was like a tiny, gray, poisonous thorn radiating a malicious red light, deeply rooted in his soul.

This poisonous stinger is thinner than a human hair.

But it emanates a terrifying pulse, like living parasites wriggling within his very being.

Most chillingly, Ron could feel a faint "gaze" coming from the other end of the stinger.

That was the cold scrutiny of the Time Hounds.

"No wonder they don't need other tracking mechanisms." He suddenly realized.

"This establishes a 'guiding line' that goes straight to the soul level."

No matter where I escape to, no matter what means I use to hide, this clue will reveal my exact location.

The pocket watch sensed his intention, and the deep vortex reappeared on its dial.

This time, however, the vortex did not manifest on the physical plane, but appeared deep within Ron's consciousness. A phantom image of a pocket watch, composed of silver light, slowly approached the soul dagger.

The moment the two came into contact, the illusory pocket watch suddenly opened an invisible "giant mouth" and fiercely "bite" down at the poisonous stinger.

Ron felt a slight but sharp sting from the depths of his soul, as if a long-standing barb had been pulled out.

Although the pain was brief, it was accompanied by a sense of liberating pleasure.

As the poisonous stinger was completely swallowed, an unprecedented sense of ease spread from the depths of my soul.

The oppressive feeling of being constantly watched and feeling like I was being watched by a thorn in my side completely disappeared, replaced by a feeling of freedom like a gentle breeze.

Ron knew that he had temporarily disappeared from the Time Hounds' tracking list.

Although this only provides short-term security, it at least buys him valuable time to develop.

………………

At that moment, the pocket watch once again sent energy back to the watch.

This time, it not only digested the temporal energy contained in the marker, but also reverse-engineered the construction principle of the pheromone marker.

[Pheromone Marking Has Expanded to: Covert Imprinting]

[Hidden Markings:]
Based on a deep analysis of the Timehound tracking mechanism, you are now able to create pheromone markers that are virtually undetectable.

Unless the target is extremely sensitive to the power of time, it is very difficult to detect the existence of such a mark.

This achievement made Ron extremely satisfied.

Originally, it was just to eliminate the safety risks on my body, but I didn't expect to gain a useful tracking enhancement.

Now he can mark targets without being detected.

This will undoubtedly play an important role in future actions.

"An unexpected surprise..."

He gently stroked the silver pocket watch on his chest:
"The potential of 'hunting' ability is far greater than I initially imagined."

It can devour not only tangible objects, but also abstract concepts and energy imprints.

“Every successful hunt brings corresponding feedback in terms of knowledge and skills, which is simply a perfect growth mechanism.”

Now, he has completely escaped the threat of the Time Hounds' pursuit, gained valuable introductory necromancy skills, and enhanced his marking abilities.

This handling of Sheena as "bait" was a resounding success.

………………

After a training session, Ron carefully examined the old acquaintance who had taken the initiative to approach him.

Holt was indeed considered quite good among his peers, becoming a formal wizard in his early twenties.

Moreover, both magic control and spell construction have reached a considerable level.

But in this level of competition... he felt that his opponent was getting a little cocky.

Back when he was in the Black Mist School, he thought Holt was quite steady. How did he become like this now?

Is it because you've been living too comfortably in the quicksand lately?

"Are you sure you want to have a match with me?" Ron didn't refuse directly, but asked in return:
“We are a whole rank apart.”

In the past, I always fought against opponents of a higher level, but now I'm being challenged myself. This is quite interesting.

“I know it will be difficult.” Holt gritted his teeth.

"But you have to try to know, right? Besides, I feel I've made a lot of progress lately, so maybe..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the sound of footsteps.

Hayek walked from the other end of the corridor and saw the two men talking in the doorway. Curious, he asked:
"What are you discussing?"

“Holt wants to participate in the Elemental Night competition and wants to spar with me beforehand,” Ron replied truthfully.

Hayek stopped, his deep eyes lingering on Holt for a moment before he shook his head:

"Kid, you have no idea what your own strength is!"

Holt tried to maintain his firm stance: "Vice Dean, could you give me a chance to test myself?"

"A test?" Hayek raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes:
"Alright, then don't bother Ron anymore. I'll just show you what a real difference in strength is."

As he spoke, he raised his right hand and gently stroked it with his five fingers.

In an instant, the ground beneath Holt's feet began to undergo strange changes.

The once solid stone floor seemed to have turned into fluid and began to collapse inward.

A gravity vortex with a diameter of three meters was formed instantly, and the gravity intensity at the center reached more than ten times that of normal gravity.

"Gravity collapse".

Hayek said calmly, his voice devoid of any emotion:
"This is just my most basic control spell."

Before Holt could react, he was dragged to the ground by the immense gravity.

He tried desperately to stand up, but the pressure of ten times the gravity made it extremely difficult for him to even lift his arms.

Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his face was flushed red from exertion.

"It's me, the vice dean."

He tried to speak with difficulty, but the immense pressure made his words broken and intermittent.

“Give up the struggle.” Hayek looked at him calmly:
"I only used 30% of the power of this spell."

If used at full power, even a wizard of the same level would need to expend a considerable amount of magic to escape.

Just then, Magnus's signature laughter echoed from the end of the corridor:

"Haha, another young person overestimating themselves?"

The old potion master strolled over.

Seeing Holt lying motionless on the ground, a gloating look appeared in his eyes:
"Young man, you can't even beat an old man like me who specializes in potion making, yet you want to challenge those bloodline monsters?"

He took out a bottle of pale blue potion from his pocket and shook it gently:

"I have a 'boost potion' here that can increase the user's magic output by 50% for ten minutes."

Even so, you still cannot escape Hayek's gravity spell.

“That’s the difference in levels.” Magnus crouched down and whispered in Holt’s ear:

"It's not something that can be made up for by hard work, understand?"

Hayek then waved his hand, dispelling the gravity spell.

Holt collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, his clothes completely soaked with sweat.

"Do you consider yourself to be on the same level as Instructor Ralph?"

Hayek looked down at him, his tone filled with undisguised mockery:
"When he was at the Morning Star level, he was able to survive alone in the fourth layer of the Abyss."

"You can't even break one of my control spells right now."

These words struck Holt like a thunderbolt, completely shattering the last shred of hope in his heart.

He slowly got up, straightened his disheveled clothes, and bowed deeply to the group:

"I underestimated things. I apologize for wasting everyone's time."

After saying that, he turned and left, his steps filled with obvious frustration.

Ron watched Holt's departing figure, a pang of sympathy rising in his heart.

The blow to one's spirit by reality is a necessary lesson, but it still evokes a sense of pity.

Don't pity him.

Hayek seemed to have discerned Ron's thoughts:

"In the wizarding world, a false sense of self can lead to death."

Rather than letting him be torn apart in the arena, it's better to make him face reality now.

Magnus nodded in agreement:

"Moreover, this kid has a fairly steady personality; he gave up immediately after hearing our analysis."

This shows that he possesses basic rationality and still has potential for future development.

"It just takes more time and experience."

………………

The following morning, the Sand Sea School underwent a special internal test.

Dean Salamander arrived in person, her eyes, as black as molten gold, sweeping over everyone present with a serious expression.

Behind him stood three young wizards, the most outstanding of the current generation of the Sand Sea School.

(End of this chapter)