Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

The Evergreen Barrier, once sheltered by the elegant signboard of the Green Shade Market and the desperate contract of Allen's apprentice, has lost its idealistic halo, revealing the cold, skeletal framework of order.

Chen Lin understood that this was not the end, but another battlefield where he needed to overcome all obstacles.

The following morning, Chen Lin did not wait for the routine summons from Wizard Glenn, but instead went to the life energy research laboratory in the middle layer of the barrier. The laboratory door was made of intertwined living vines, emitting a gentle green light.

He took a deep breath, suppressed the increasingly intense hunger that the Bloodthirsty Vine in his right arm instinctively felt in the rich life energy environment, and knocked on the door.

The door slid open silently, revealing Glenn Wizard's serious, sharp face, as sharp as a hawk's.

He was wearing a dark green research robe, with a few streaks of light green energy liquid stains on his cuffs, clearly indicating that he was conducting some kind of experiment.

"Chen Lin?" Glenn frowned slightly, seemingly surprised by Chen Lin's initiative to come. "Your symbiote stability observation record should be due this afternoon."

"Wizard Glenn," Chen Lin bowed slightly, his posture respectful yet carrying just the right amount of urgency.

"That's exactly why I came here. Last night during meditation, I felt the Bloodthirsty Vine on my right arm... a kind of unusual restlessness, not a bloodthirsty instinct, but a kind of... deep thirst and resonance with the life energy of the barrier. It was actively trying to absorb and transform the energy here, and even... seemed to be exchanging some kind of weak energy with the life field of the barrier."

He deliberately avoided using words like suppression or loss of control, instead using relatively neutral terms like yearning, resonance, and exchange, which even have some research value.

At the same time, he carefully guided the Bloodthirsty Vine pattern on his right arm, and under the cover of the Moonlight Moss Wristband, he released a slight fluctuation of pure life blood energy. This fluctuation was not violent, but rather carried a sense of docility after being tamed by the barrier environment, yet it contained an energy level far exceeding that of an ordinary level three apprentice.

Glenn's eagle eyes sharpened instantly, piercing Chen Lin's right arm like a scalpel.

His powerful mental perception instantly enveloped them.

"Hmm?" Glenn let out a short, surprised sound.

He clearly sensed the fluctuation—the ferocious nature of the Bloodthirsty Vine was enveloped and harmonized by life energy, forming a peculiar stable state. Its energy activity far exceeded that of an ordinary level three apprentice, and it even faintly touched the threshold of a level four wizard apprentice!

More importantly, this fluctuation is indeed attempting to establish an extremely subtle connection with the life energy field escaping from the laboratory.

"Come in!" Glenn's voice carried the excitement of a researcher and an unquestionable command.

He stepped aside to make way.

The laboratory was simpler and more efficient than Chen Lin had imagined.

At the center is a huge energy analysis platform made of translucent crystal, on which several magical plant samples emitting different lights are suspended. Complex rune arrays flow around the platform, converting the life energy fluctuations of the magical plants into visible data streams.

Several culture tanks are embedded in the wall, filled with plant tissues or symbiotic samples of various shapes and sizes, connected to a dense array of tubes and monitoring crystals.

"Stand in the center of the analysis platform, relax, and don't resist the magic array's scan."

Glenn spoke rapidly, his hands moving quickly across the control crystal. Soft green beams shot out from around the platform, wrapping around Chen Lin's right arm as if they were alive.

The Seed of Origin was operating wildly in Chen Lin's consciousness:

[High-level life energy scanning array detected! Analysis mode: Energy compatibility/symbiotic structure stability/potential evolutionary path deduction!]

[Actively guide the energy fluctuations of the Blood-Eating Vine to simulate a "positive interaction" mode with the barrier life field!]

[Suppress bloodlust and enhance purifying symbiotic properties!]

Chen Lin relaxed as instructed, allowing the beam of light to scan him.

The Bloodthirsty Vine pattern on his right arm glowed slightly under the beam of light, with a warm, blood-red aura flowing through its dark golden veins. When it came into contact with the scanning beam, it even actively released a small amount of pure life energy, which merged into the energy flow of the magic array, causing a slight green ripple in the platform's data stream, representing "high compatibility".

"Incredible..." Glenn stared at the data cascading down on the crystal platform, his eyes gleaming with the fervent passion of a researcher.

"The life energy of the barrier is not only not intensifying its bloodthirsty instincts, but is actually accelerating its purification and the elevation of its energy level? It is actively adapting, even... attempting symbiotic evolution? This contradicts the known characteristics of the Bloodthirsty Vine!"

He suddenly looked at Chen Lin: "When you were merging with it in the Thorn Garden, did you come into contact with a life energy source similar to a barrier environment? Or... did your talent play a key harmonizing role in the merging process?"

Chen Lin felt a slight stirring in his heart, knowing that the initial value had already been demonstrated.

He answered cautiously, "In the Thorn Garden, only the degraded moonstalk offered a meager purification. The fusion process was extremely painful, and I was indeed doing my best to suppress my instincts and guide the energy to transform my body. As for now... perhaps it's because the barrier's environment is too unique, coupled with my body's continuous adaptation and optimization, that this change has occurred."

He cleverly attributed his success to a combination of environment and his own talent, which both raised the bar and emphasized his own value.

"Continue to observe! This could be a key case study for understanding the transformation mechanism of dark symbiotes in a pure life-bearing environment!"

Glenn quickly recorded the data, his gaze towards Chen Lin less scrutinizing and more filled with the eagerness of a researcher.

"Starting today, you will come to the lab for two hours every morning to participate in more in-depth tests on the interaction between the symbiote and the environment. I will grant you access to some of the Level 3 plant-based spell model libraries, especially those related to life energy guidance and purification, which may help you control the symbiote."

"Yes, Wizard Glenn!"

Chen Lin wore an expression of gratitude and flattery, but his heart remained unmoved.

The first step was to leverage one's own "unusual" value to initially align with Glenn's research interests and obtain knowledge access, which was successful.

......

After leaving Glenn's laboratory, Chen Lin did not return to his residence, but went straight to the Pure Life Chamber area on the upper level of the barrier.

Before the heavy stone gate, engraved with purification runes, he saw the wizard Lina again.

Her brows were furrowed with deep weariness, and the marks of the conflict between the purifying energy and the abyssal aura on her dark green robe were more pronounced than yesterday.

"Witch Lina," Chen Lin's voice was filled with genuine concern.

"Wizard Glenn allowed me access to some knowledge of life energy guidance. I thought... perhaps it could be helpful, at least, let me see Senior Sister Ella? I have some ideas about the Abyssal Iron-Corroding Fungus, stemming from some... observations in the Thorn Garden."

Lina looked at Chen Lin with a complicated expression.

The young man before them had escaped from the hellish Thorn Garden with Ella and was himself fused with the dangerous Blood-Eating Vine, yet he was able to exhibit a peculiar adaptability to the life energy of the barrier.

His talent might actually offer some inspiration for Ella's situation.

"Come with me." Lina's voice was slightly hoarse as she waved to open the stone door. "But remain quiet; her consciousness is very fragile."

The life energy within the Pure Life Chamber was so dense that it almost transformed into a liquid, emerald-green mist.

Ella lay quietly on the central crystal platform, her entire body enveloped in a cocoon of light woven from countless fine vines. Emerald light continuously poured into her body, stubbornly resisting the frantically writhing silver-gray mycelium beneath the grotesque metal component on her left arm, covered with gray-white ice cracks.

Her face was as pale as paper, her breathing was weak, her mechanical eyes were tightly closed, and only the occasional slight twitching showed that she was still enduring great pain.

Chen Lin walked to the edge of the platform, and the Seed of Origin was operating at full power, analyzing the energy flow of the cocoon of light and the energy conflict within Ayla's body.

He could clearly "see" the immense life force of the barrier washing away the abyssal pollution of the iron-corroding fungus and the necrotic frost left by Kane like a tidal wave. However, the fungus, like a malignant tumor, was deeply entangled with Ayra's mechanical nerves and even began to erode the pure life energy in reverse, forming extremely fine, almost imperceptible dark golden pollution veins inside the cocoon of light. The aura of these veins faintly echoed the Blood-Eating Vine on his right arm!

[WARNING: Signs of faint abyssal contamination merging with the host's (Ayla's) life energy detected. The contamination source has an unknown connection to the Bloodvine!]

[Abnormal energy consumption in the purification cocoon; core consciousness upload process stalled!]

"Witch Lina," Chen Lin's voice was low and solemn as he pointed to the area on Ella's left arm most severely affected by the mycelium.

"The life energy of the barrier is incredibly powerful, but it seems... unable to completely eradicate this fungus? It's like it's alive, resisting, even... learning to utilize life energy?"

Lena nodded wearily, her eyes filled with sorrow: "Yes. 'Icy Corrosion' is more troublesome than expected. The Abyssal Iron-Eroding Fungus itself has extremely strong adaptability and devouring ability, and Kane's necromantic frost energy unexpectedly catalyzed it, making it even more stubborn. We tried a variety of purification methods, but the results were not ideal. Consciousness anchoring and uploading is the last resort, but progress is slow, and her body and soul are being continuously eroded."

She looked at Chen Lin. "You said you have ideas?"

Chen Lin carefully considered his words: "In the Thorn Garden, I saw Vivian use materials containing strong negative spiritual energy to catalyze the evolution of certain experimental subjects. Since this iron-corroding fungus originates from the abyss, could it also react to specific negative energy or spiritual stimuli? Perhaps... we can try using a controllable, specific toxin to stimulate it, causing it to emerge from its deep dormant state and create an opportunity for purification? Or, could we use my talent to analyze its energy structure and find a more precise purification node?"

He proposed a dangerous but valuable research idea and positioned his talent as analytical tools.

Lina remained silent for a long time, her gaze shifting between Ella's pained face and Chen Lin's serious expression.

Finally, she took a deep breath: "Your idea... is very bold, but it might be a breakthrough in the current stalemate. I need to discuss it with Archmage Horn and Wizard Evelyn. However..."

She looked at the genuine concern for Ella in Chen Lin's eyes, and said, "It's rare to see someone with such a heart. Ella is my student, and seeing her like this, I..."

Her voice trembled slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Starting today, you can come here to visit her for an hour every afternoon. Don't disturb the healing array, but you can try to use your talent to sense and analyze it. Perhaps... you can find details we've overlooked. Remember, notify me immediately of any discoveries!"

"Thank you, Wizard Lina!" Chen Lin said solemnly.

......

Leaving the oppressive Purification Chamber, Chen Lin didn't return to his residence to meditate. Instead, he headed once more towards the Verdant Market at the base of the fortress. This time, his destination was clear—Carlos's Life Breath Potion Shop.

The shop is located in a relatively bustling part of the market, with a storefront much more spacious than the surrounding stalls, and the window displays a variety of potion bottles that gleam with an alluring light.

Carlos, still impeccably dressed and sporting a professional smile, was settling the bill for a few bottles of basic mental potions for an apprentice.

Chen Lin waited patiently until the apprentice left before stepping forward.

"Welcome to the Breath of Life, young apprentice. How may I be of service?"

Carlos's smile was impeccable, but his eyes were like a precise weight, quickly assessing Chen Lin's clothing and aura, especially lingering for a moment on his right arm, which was deliberately not fully concealed and bore the patterns of the Bloodthirsty Vine.

"Mr. Carlos," Chen Lin said calmly, handing over a small jade box wrapped in purifying moss. "I heard you buy high-quality magical plant materials here. This is a little thing I accidentally cultivated outside the barrier, and I'd like you to take a look at its value."

Carlos raised an eyebrow, took the jade box, and opened it with graceful movements.

Inside the box, three silvery-white mosses, their leaves seemingly bathed in a soft moonlight, lay quietly, emanating a pure and rich aura of purification. The purity of their life energy far surpassed that of the common goods found in the market.

"Oh?" Carlos's smile became more genuine. He picked up a plant, his fingertips swirling with faint spiritual energy as he carefully sensed it.

"Mutated Moonlight Moss? Its energy is pure, its purifying properties are significantly enhanced, and it even contains a trace of strange life activity… Excellent, very excellent! This quality is rare even in the herb gardens within the barrier. Did you cultivate it?"

"Some family tricks, plus a bit of luck."

Chen Lin gave vague answers, attributing the credit to a nonexistent family tradition.

"Heh, luck is also part of skill." Carlos's eyes gleamed as he quickly offered a price.

"This quality of mutated Moonlight Moss usually costs around 5 standard magic stones per plant on the market. Since you're a new customer, I'll give it to you for 6 stones per plant, 3 plants for 18 stones. How about it?"

The price seemed fair, even slightly high, but Chen Lin, who had done his research, instantly saw the greed hidden in Carlos's mental fluctuations—the purification effect was so excellent that the actual value of Moonlight Moss was at least 8-10 magic stones per plant!

He was trying to lower the price, but he was also testing the waters.

Chen Lin did not agree immediately. Instead, he took back the jade box and closed it. "Mr. Carlos is indeed straightforward. However, I am more interested in whether you have any seeds of the 'Tranquility Flower' here, preferably old and highly viable ones."

In addition, I am also very interested in some drug formulas that can stabilize the mind and help break through bottlenecks.

He presented his needs: the Tranquilizing Flower was the magical plant he had previously suggested to Glenn for "testing" the Bloodthirsty Vine, and it was also the main ingredient for making the Spiritual Power Potion, which was analyzed from the Seed of Origin. The Spiritual Power Potion was the key to his breakthrough to level four!

Carlos's smile deepened, like a fox that had caught the scent of its prey. "Peace-Tranquilizing Flower seeds? Those are controlled materials; they require contribution points to exchange for or special permits..."

He drew out his words, observing Chen Lin's reaction, "As for the formula... knowledge is priceless, but it also requires an equivalent exchange. Young man, you seem to really need to improve your strength?" He glanced meaningfully at Chen Lin's right arm.

"In the Pale Woods, strength is the guarantee of survival."

Chen Lin readily admitted, "I'm skilled at cultivating mutated magical plants. Perhaps... we can establish a long-term cooperative relationship? I'll provide rare or enhanced magical plant materials, and you'll provide the resources, information, and even... certain channels I need?"

He pointed out the essence of the transaction directly.

Carlos narrowed his eyes and carefully examined Chen Lin.

This young man, who had merged with a dangerous symbiote, had a calm look in his eyes that belied his apprenticeship, and seemed to understand the rules of this place very well.

"An interesting suggestion," Carlos said slowly. "I like dealing with people who understand the rules of equivalent exchange. I can find a way to get the Peacebloom seeds, but they're expensive. As for the recipe... that depends on what you can offer in return. How about we complete our first transaction? 18 magic stones and these three Moonmoss plants. Cooperation needs to start with building trust."

He reached out his hand again.

Chen Lin knew this was Carlos testing him and trying to lower the price, but he didn't hesitate and handed over the jade box: "Deal. I hope this is just the beginning of our cooperation, Mr. Carlos."

He accepted the 18 standard magic stones that emitted a faint glow, feeling the energy contained within them.

Chen Lin smiled slightly, using the magical plant he had cultivated with the Seed of Origin as a stepping stone to establish a preliminary, profit-based connection with Carlos, the shrewd potion merchant, thus sowing the seeds for acquiring key resources later.

After leaving the Life Breath Potion Shop, Chen Lin put the magic stone into his pocket.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the gaps in the walled dome, casting a warm golden hue over the verdant market, but it could not dispel the chill in Chen Lin's heart.

He glanced back at the direction of the Pure Life Chamber on the upper level of the barrier, then looked at the cold magic stone in his hand.

The thorny path has already been laid out beneath our feet.

He exploited Glenn's research desires, Lena's concern, and Carlos's greed to pry open a crack for survival and growth for himself and Ella within the barrier called "Evergreen."

The next step is to use these gaps to frantically absorb nutrients, making this "thorn" grow sharper and more resilient, until it is enough to pierce through all cages, whether Vivian's or the Hand of Life's.

He clenched his fist, the bloodthirsty vine patterns on his right arm pulsating slightly in the setting sun, as if silently echoing his master's resolve. In the shadow of the Evergreen Fortress, a dangerous thorn was quietly stretching out its sharp spikes.