Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

Chapter 107 The Concern of the Council of Elders

Enveloped in the emerald glow of the Sage of Life, Kate's figure returned safely from the raging and magnificent corridor of realms, reappearing in his tranquil treehouse within the Evergreen Fortress.

Before the afterglow of the spatial transformation had completely dissipated, Kate had already sat down cross-legged, her eyes closed, her aura like the sea after a storm, calm on the surface, but surging with a vast power after a complete transformation.

He needs time and absolute focus to process the earth-shattering changes brought about by this promotion and to thoroughly solidify the nascent, powerful, yet still needing-to-be-refined "Heart of Reincarnation".

The Sage of Life stood silently to one side, like an ancient tree guarding a budding seedling, emanating gentle yet powerful ripples of life, isolating Kate from all possible external interference and providing her with a vibrant environment...

An energy environment that is extremely conducive to consolidating one's spiritual realm.

Kate's mind was completely absorbed in the mental sea.

The scene there has changed dramatically!

The once rudimentary and vaguely defined "Reincarnation Nursery" has disappeared.

In its place is a perfectly rotating sphere of light, about the size of a fist, radiating a tri-colored interwoven glow—the Heart of Reincarnation!

It is like a miniature, nascent, strange universe.

At its core lies a vibrant, pulsating source of life, formed from fragments of the Immortal Root, and a deep, cold, slowly flowing gray vortex, formed from the rules of death of Neosa.

The two are not simply parallel, but rather they intertwine and permeate each other in an incredibly profound way, forming a dynamic and balanced core of "life and death cycle".

Countless silver-blue spatial veins, like the most intricate neural network, spread out from the core, forming the skeleton and channel system of the entire Heart of Reincarnation, firmly supporting and connecting everything.

Blood-Devouring Vine, Golden Thorn, Floating Flower, Moon Shadow—the primordial imprints of all symbiotic entities are like stars adorning key nodes in the spatial network. Their auras are closely connected to the Heart of Reincarnation, stronger and more condensed than ever before, and carry a trace of the unique characteristics of the Heart of Reincarnation: the cycle of life and death and the stability of space.

The Seed of Origin hangs high above the Heart of Reincarnation, casting a cold golden glow. Its roots have completely merged with the spatial network and core rules of the Heart of Reincarnation, as if it has become the "nervous system" and "control center" of this newborn heart, constantly optimizing and balancing at the microscopic level.

[Realm stabilizing: 1%...15%...50%...]

[Mental Purification and Adaptation: 126 (Early Stage of the First Ring) → Stable Period]

[Optimization of the Heart of Reincarnation Architecture: Enhanced Spatial Network – Improved Efficiency of Life/Death Cycle – Improved Symbiotic Feedback Path]

[Deepening Understanding of Rules: Rules of Life (Elementary → Consolidation), Rules of Death (Elementary → Consolidation), Rules of Space (Elementary → Consolidation)]

[Analysis Ability Upgrade: The Seed of Origin merges with the rules of the Heart of Reincarnation, enhancing the analytical force field and granting a visual understanding of the rules' pathways, allowing for a clearer perception of the flow of energy and rules.]

Kate could feel that her will extended to every corner of her spiritual sea, and her control over her own power had reached an unprecedented level of precision and subtlety.

With a thought, one can control one's mental power as easily as one's own arm; spells that previously required complex guidance can now be cast almost instantly.

The Heart of Reincarnation can spontaneously draw energy from the surrounding space and transform it into pure spiritual power to replenish itself, giving it an almost inexhaustible source of energy!

He attempted to guide a wisp of the power of the heart of reincarnation.

At the fingertip, a wisp of emerald green life forms a lifelike tender leaf, which then withers and turns to ashes. The ashes then reform into a tiny, verdant leaf through spatial fluctuations.

The power of the three rules of life, death, and emptiness is transformed seamlessly without any stagnation.

"This is the power of a formal wizard—" An indescribable surge of emotion welled up in Kate's heart.

It's not just a leap in quantity, but a qualitative transformation, a deeper understanding and application of the rules.

Time flew by during deep meditation.

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.

Kate's surging aura finally subsided completely, becoming much calmer, but it still made the wizard apprentice feel an invisible pressure. This was the feeling that Glenn and other wizards had given him before, and it also marked his initial control over his own mental power.

He opened his eyes, and the strange phenomena of life, death, and emptiness in his pupils had disappeared, only occasionally swirling in the deepest part of his gaze, making him appear even more mysterious and unpredictable.

The heart of reincarnation has been completely stabilized, like an eternally beating core within his soul, providing infinite power and wisdom.

"Very good." The voice of the Sage of Life was gratified. "You have completely stabilized your environment in ten days and have become familiar with the power of the Heart of Reincarnation. Your foundation is even stronger than I imagined."

She raised her hand, and a sliver of emerald light flew toward Kate, disappearing into his brow.

"This is what I promised: the complete chapters of the 'Life Origin Star Chart' meditation method, up to the stage of the Saint Realm, as well as some of my insights and understandings about life, death, and the rules of space. The potential of the Heart of Reincarnation is limitless; how to grow it is up to you to explore. This knowledge can guide you."

A massive amount of knowledge, far more profound and obscure than that of the apprentice stage, flooded into Kate's mind, and was quickly absorbed, organized, and archived by the Seed of Origin.

This knowledge opened a door to a whole new world for him, allowing him to see a broader path ahead.

"Thank you, teacher!" Kate bowed respectfully, appreciating the immense value of this gift.

"Hmm," the avatar nodded slightly, "Now that you have advanced, you are qualified to know more. The Heart of Reincarnation you have condensed has caused quite a stir in the rules. In the past few days, several subtle yet powerful thoughts have swept across the Evergreen Barrier, all of which I have blocked. Even the Elder Council's observers in the Southern Region have turned their attention to you. After all, your mental image is extraordinary, so it's normal for these old guys to be curious."

Kate's gaze sharpened. She had indeed attracted the attention of an important figure.

"There's no need to worry or be alarmed," the avatar said calmly. "For nearly a century, not a single first-ring wizard like you has appeared, condensing a legendary mental image with complex rules. Your appearance signifies new possibilities and will naturally attract attention. This is both pressure and opportunity. The Council of Elders' attention represents a form of recognition."

She looked at Kate: "The choice is yours. You can stay in the Southern Region and grow steadily under the protection of the Ring of Life; or go to the Central Continent, where there are more opportunities, but the competition is also more intense and brutal, and you may even get involved in higher-level conflicts; or—like many newly promoted wizards, choose a remote demiplane or small world as your base and develop quietly."

Kate paused for a moment, a thoughtful glint in her eyes.

He had already thought about this problem.

Staying in the Southern Region offers stability and the protection of wise mentors, but one's potential may be limited.

Heading to the Central Continent offers limitless opportunities, but it is inevitably accompanied by enormous risks. His possession of the Seed of Origin and the Heart of Reincarnation may not be a good thing.

He can leverage his current advantage in the Southern Wizarding World to accumulate resources and improve himself as much as possible, laying a solid foundation for future advancement.

"Teacher," Kate raised her head, her gaze resolute, "this disciple wishes to remain in the Southern Region for a while. My Heart of Reincarnation is newly formed, and many of my abilities still need honing and development, and much knowledge urgently needs to be digested. The Hand of Life is the most suitable place for me. Once I am strong enough and have a clearer understanding of my own path, I will then consider going to the Central Continent or exploring new planes."

This is a prudent and wise choice.

The Sage of Life smiled with satisfaction: "Very good. Remain humble and focused, and accumulate knowledge and experience. The Ring of Life will always be your support."

Furthermore, now that you have become a formal wizard and are temporarily conducting some research here, you should first sign some agreements with the Hand of Life. This is a necessary procedure for all white wizards.

Afterwards, I will have Horn prepare resources for you. You can choose a place to build your own wizard tower, which will also make it easier to conduct some of your own witchcraft experiments.

During the preparation of the Wizard's Tower, you have free access to all the libraries and laboratories of the Ring of Life. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

"As for outside attention," she paused, "you just need to act normally. Demonstrate your value and potential, and you will naturally earn respect, which will also eliminate any unnecessary probing. I will handle things with the Southern Council for you."

"Yes! I will follow your teachings, teacher." Kate felt reassured.

With a legendary wizard as a mentor, many troubles indeed disappeared.

A few days later, as he was inside the treehouse reviewing the rules and insights bestowed by the Sage of Life, a familiar fluctuation came from outside the door.

It was Evan, Sophia, Elena, Kyle, and Serena. They were clearly already aware of Kate's successful promotion.

Kate opened the door, and the five of them immediately felt an invisible yet immense pressure. Although Kate had tried to restrain herself, the difference in their life levels still filled them with awe, and their attitudes became even more respectful.

"Lady Kate, congratulations on your promotion to a full-fledged wizard!" Evan spoke first, his tone filled with sincere admiration and a hint of barely perceptible envy. His former junior was now someone they had to look up to.

"Congratulations!" Sophia said succinctly, a smile even appearing on her rock-like face.

Elena's silver eyes sparkled as she bowed slightly: "The celestial trajectories are made brighter by you, Lady Kate."

Kyle and Serena bowed silently in the shadows.

Kate smiled and said calmly, "No need for such formalities, we're still partners. Come in and have a seat."

With a wave of his hand, the space inside the treehouse rippled slightly, the tables and chairs automatically arranged themselves, and a refreshing, tranquil atmosphere filled the air.

This was just a tiny application of space and life energy, yet it already secretly alarmed Evan and the others.

After everyone took their seats, Kate looked at them and said, "Your energy is abundant and your spirits are focused. It seems you are not far from forming your mental images."

Evan nodded: "The last trial was very fruitful, and we exchanged for the resources we needed. We've all made breakthroughs recently. I'm now 70% confident in condensing the Heart of the Thousand Winds Vortex."

Sofia replied, "I've also gathered most of the materials for my 'Living Mountain Heart'."

Elena whispered, "The stars have guided me to the right tributary of destiny."

Kyle and Serena also indicated that the Heart of Shadows was about to be formed.

"Very good," Kate said with satisfaction. "Focusing on the mental image is crucial. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

He is now a first-ring wizard, and his ability to analyze the Seed of Origin has been enhanced, making him more than capable of guiding them.

"Thank you, sir!" The five were overjoyed. With the guidance of a formal wizard, especially one who had condensed a legendary mental image, their path to advancement would be much smoother.

"Just call me by my name, or you can call me senior." Kate waved his hand, not wanting to distance himself from these partners who had been through thick and thin together because of his promotion.

Upon hearing this, the group's expressions softened, and the atmosphere became more harmonious.

They exchanged cultivation experiences, and Kate's casual insights often enlightened them.

Afterwards, Kate visited Mentor Glenn and Archmage Horn.

When Glenn met Kate, he was filled with emotion. He hadn't invested much in Kate in the early stages, mostly in knowledge exchange and providing some research assistance. He was very pleased with Kate's visit, as he was certain that Kate, with her legendary mind image, would surpass him, a second-circle wizard, in the future.

Archmage Horn, on the other hand, valued Kate even more, and personally took him to choose the site for the wizard's tower.

Located on the edge of the Evergreen Barrier's core area, atop a floating hill with extremely rich life energy and relatively independent space, it promises to mobilize the Barrier's best resources to build him a space that is both life-friendly and...

A wizard tower that provides spatial stability and defensive power.

Kate visited Green Vine Workshop again.

When Terriel saw Kate, she was so excited that she could hardly speak.

Kate handed over the complete formula and improvement ideas for the "Concentration Vine Potion" to her, and left behind a portion of her own wizard-level mental imprint as the workshop's foundation and protective measure.

From then on, the Green Vine Workshop would truly become an evergreen fortress, and even a well-known potion workshop throughout the entire Southern Region, and its owner would be a newly promoted, highly promising formal wizard.

Finally, Kate returned to Master Liria's laboratory.

Liria looked at Kate, who exuded a profound aura and was now on equal footing with her, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes, which ultimately turned into pure admiration.

"Looks like you had a good haul."

"Thanks to Master's previous help and investment," Kate said sincerely, handing Liria a sealed potion that shimmered with a strange tri-colored halo. "This is the first dewdrop condensed from the new magical plant, the Reincarnation Flower, which I attempted to cultivate using the power of the Heart of Reincarnation. It contains a faint power of the rules of life and death, which may be helpful to Master's research."

A glint flashed in Liria's eyes as she took the potion. After sensing it for a moment, a look of surprise appeared on her face: "A creation of rules?! Although weak, its characteristics—incredible! This gift is too precious."

She knew that this was not just a gift, but also a return and a promise.

"If you encounter any difficulties in potions and alchemy in the future, you can come to me anytime to discuss them," Liria promised.

After dealing with these trivial matters, Kate felt increasingly clear-headed.

He arrived at the floating hill that had been designated as the site of his wizard's tower.

The hill is currently empty, except for lush magical plants and flowing pure energy.

The embodiment of the Sage of Life has departed, but she left behind a concentrated emerald halo that floats atop the hill, continuously improving the environment.

Kate stood alone on the edge of the hill, looking down at the vibrant evergreen walls below and gazing at the boundless world in the distance.

A gentle breeze carries the scent of distant lands.

His gaze seemed to pierce through space, revealing a wider world and sensing countless possibilities for the future.

The V2X recorder on my wrist vibrated slightly, transmitting new information.

It was an official notification from the Southern Council, confirming the registration information of the newly appointed official wizard Kate, the list of permissions granted (including higher-level knowledge base access, resource exchange list, and dimensional battlefield information query permissions), and ——— an invitation letter from the "Elder Council's Subordinate - Potential Rising Star Observation List" as an appendix.

Kate smiled slightly but did not reply immediately.

He raised his hand, the power of the Heart of Reincarnation flowing slightly at his fingertips, sensing the endless mysteries of the intertwined rules of life, death, and emptiness.

"One ring is just the beginning."

, 9

"The path of the mind of reincarnation has only just begun."

"The next goal is to explore its further capabilities, raise the wizard's level, build a wizard tower, and then—explore those unknown planes, pursue more ancient knowledge, unravel the mysteries of the Seed of Origin, and even—peek into the secrets of immortality."

His eyes were firm and full of expectation.