Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

In the early morning, Chen Lin slowly got up after finishing his daily meditation and let out a long sigh.

The improvement of his mental strength had reached a stalemate. Although he had expected it, Chen Lin still couldn't help but feel a little frustrated when he realized the actual situation.

His 45 points of mental strength were like a solid dam. No matter how he meditated or took the mental strength potions provided by Carlos, the effect was negligible. Even the energy impact from the blood essence transformed by the Blood-Eating Vine could not shake it in the slightest.

The final five points require not quantitative accumulation, but qualitative transformation—a deeper understanding and stimulation of the essence of the spirit.

The Seed of Origin, combining information gleaned indirectly from wizards with scattered records from the Fortress Library, provided a crucial clue:

[The essence of the mental bottleneck for a fourth-level wizard apprentice: solidification of the mental sea, requiring external spiritual substances with high compatibility or extreme mental stimulation to trigger a qualitative change and resonance]

[Current Symbiote Bloodvine Traits: Bloodlust, Plunder, Vigorous Life, Dark Affinity]

[Host's Mental Strength Characteristics: Analysis, Suppression, Control, Adaptation]

The optimal breakthrough medium must satisfy:

1. Highly spiritual, containing pure spiritual energy or fragments of unique spiritual laws.

2. The energy attributes resonate deeply with the core characteristics of the symbiote, and there are no other major rejection reactions.

3. It can be absorbed or deeply communicated with by the host, triggering a restructuring of the mental structure.

[WARNING: Forcibly using a medium with conflicting attributes or insufficient energy level may result in damage to the mental sea or backlash from the symbiote.]

Chen Lin began frantically searching through the Demon Plant Vault of the Barrier and the mutants he had cultivated.

He used the Seed of Origin to scan dozens of magical plants, but he could only access a few that were potentially effective:

"Silver Vein Tranquilizing Flower": It has an excellent calming effect, but it tends to soothe and stabilize, lacking the impact to bring about qualitative change.

"Starlight Moss": Contains a faint stellar power that can nourish the soul, but its energy level is too low and it is slightly incompatible with the dark attribute of the Bloodthirsty Vine.

"Nightmare Lily": Contains powerful hallucinogenic spiritual energy, but is too violent and chaotic, full of fragments of negative emotions, and is extremely prone to causing mental pollution and the rampage of the Blood-Eating Vine.

"Moonlight Shadow Grass": Provides strong mental protection, but its essence is a mental protective barrier, not a catalyst.

The essence of the aerial roots of the ancient tree guarded by the barrier: the energy is vast and pure, but too gentle and grand. Its attributes and characteristics cannot play a powerful impact, making it difficult to trigger the "raging waves" needed for the qualitative change of Chen Lin's spiritual sea. Moreover, the will of the ancient tree will not allow him to absorb a large amount of it.

He even tried to use radiation-induced mutation combined with grafting to cultivate a strange magical plant called "Light and Shadow Fern" that contains both light energy and dark energy, but its energy is extremely unstable, and the analysis results show that the risk of forcibly absorbing it is over 70%!

He tried again and again, only to fail again. Chen Lin's mental strength remained firmly stuck at 45 points, unmoved.

Time was flying by, and only four months remained until the Southern Region Trial. Anxiety clung to him like vines.

The turning point came during an in-depth analysis of Moonlit Shadowweed. This herb typically grows near Moonscalp, relying on the Moonscalp's purifying field to resist undead corruption; its sap is the main ingredient in spirit protection potions.

When Chen Lin’s Seed of Origin scanned a Moonlight Shadow Grass growing next to Optimized Moonlight Moss, it captured a faint energy fluctuation that resonated with the Bloodthirsty Vine!

He immediately focused his mind and analyzed the situation with all his might:

[Target: Moonlight Shadow Grass]

[Standard Characteristic: Generating a Mental Protective Field]

[Hidden Trait: Under long-term nourishment from a specific high-purity Moonstalk purifying field, there is a very low probability of symbiotic evolution, resulting in the deposition of trace amounts of "Moon Shadow Essence" in the leaf veins.]

[Moonlight Essence Characteristics:]

1. Energy attributes: pure, inert, highly spiritually compatible, and with weak spatial refraction properties.

2. Resonance Point: The inertia of the "Forgotten Stream" fused with the Bloodthirsty Vine has a deep affinity; its "spatial refraction" property has a potential resonance point with the core ability of the Seed of Origin to "analyze all things"; its pure spiritual energy can be highly compressed, forming a spiritual lens effect, focusing and impacting the solidified barrier of the spiritual sea.

[Breakthrough in applicability assessment: 89.7% fit!]

[Difficulty in obtaining: The probability of natural generation is extremely low; artificial induction requires long-term, high-intensity optimization of the moonmoss force field for precise radiation, and the original seed must guide the symbiotic evolution process throughout. Estimated success rate: 35%]

"Moon Shadow Essence!" Chen Lin's eyes blazed with astonishing light! This was it! The key that perfectly matched his own and his symbiote's characteristics, capable of triggering a qualitative change in his spiritual sea!

However, the challenges are equally immense: the probability of natural generation is too low, and he cannot afford to wait too long. Artificial induction requires long-term, high-intensity, and high-precision operations, posing a huge test to both mental strength and the seed of origin, and the success rate is not 100%.

"There's no turning back." Chen Lin clenched his fist. He immediately sprang into action.

First, he used his access to Glenn's lab and Carlos's connections to frantically collect Moonlight Shadow Grass seeds and seedlings.

At the same time, he pushed the optimized moonlight moss on the windowsill, which served as the core of purification, to its limit, and used the Seed of Origin to guide their purification field, creating a high-intensity, pure silver radiance domain in the cultivation room.

Next, he created a small cultivation area in the center of the area and transplanted the collected Moonlight Shadow Grass seedlings into it.

The Seed of Origin, like the most sophisticated controller, began executing the artificial induction program:

First, there is force field regulation: a high-intensity moonshine moss purification force field is continuously maintained and fine-tuned according to the specific frequency and fluctuation pattern calculated by the Seed of Origin, simulating the energy environment most conducive to inducing the deposition of moon shadow essence.

Next comes the energy guidance: the Seed of Origin sends out a strand of core power, like an invisible root, to connect the core of each Shadow Grass seedling, guiding it to absorb and transform the energy of the Moonmoss force field, and attempting to integrate a trace of energy characteristics into its growth process.

Finally, there's the symbiotic promotion: Every day, Chen Lin pricks his fingertip and drips a drop of blood containing his own essence and a trace of the life force of the Blood-Eating Vine into the cultivation substrate. The Seed of Origin guides the inert nature of the Forgotten Stream in this drop of blood to communicate with the Shadow Grass seedling in an extremely slow and gentle way, promoting its evolution towards compatibility.

This was an extremely demanding process. Chen Lin was like a master conductor, simultaneously controlling the Moonlight Moss Force Field, the precise guidance of the Seed of Origin, and the rhythm of his own blood dripping in.

His mental energy was being depleted like a flood, forcing him to take large amounts of expensive mental energy recovery potions provided by Carlos, and his face grew paler day by day. But the flames burning in his eyes grew even more intense.

Time passed day by day. The shadow grass in the cultivation area grew quietly in the silvery glow.

Most of the seedlings were normal, except for a few whose leaf veins occasionally flashed a faint, pale blue luster, different from the ordinary silver sheen, at a certain angle.

A month later, when Chen Lin's spiritual energy was once again nearly exhausted due to overuse, the Seed of Origin sent him a notification:

[Target for manipulation: Sample 3]

[Status: Trace amounts of "Moon Shadow Essence" deposited deep within the leaf's main vein! Concentration 3%, stable activity!]

[Symbiotic Evolution Process: Initial Completion!]

It worked!

Chen Lin's tired face lit up with ecstasy!

He carefully transplanted the "Moonshadow Companion Grass," which had only three leaves and a faint pale blue halo flowing deep within its main vein, into a specially made crystal flowerpot with energy-gathering and stabilizing runes engraved on its inner walls. The bottom of the pot was covered with high-purity moonlight moss powder.

Next comes extraction.

He dared not entrust the task to others, nor did he dare use a centrifuge, for that might damage the fragile essence of the moon.

After a day of rest and adjustment, the extraction began.

He chose the most primitive and reliable method—manual extraction. At midnight, when the moonmoss field was at its densest, he used a bone knife reinforced with the Seed of Origin to precisely cut three leaves containing the essence.

The moment the leaf touched the blade, a faint blue halo swirled around it.

He placed the leaf in a pure obsidian mortar and added a small amount of a specially prepared medium made from the juice of the Soul-Gathering Grass and pure moon dew. Then, he cleared his mind of all distractions and completely immersed himself in the Seed of Origin.

The Bloodthirsty Vine patterns on his right arm lay dormant, lending their power to their master. Holding a pestle also crafted from obsidian, he began grinding, following the frequency and intensity calculated by the Seed of Origin to perfectly match the energy fluctuations of the Moon Shadow Essence.

This is not a simple physical grinding process, but a spiritual and energetic resonance ritual.

Each time the pestle falls, it carries a specific spiritual tremor, subtly resonating with the essence of moonlight within the mortar.

As the grinding process continued, a pale blue halo gradually emerged from the blades, blending into the medium and transforming the originally colorless liquid into a dreamlike, starlight-like pale blue.

The entire process lasted a full hour. When Chen Lin stopped, his forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, and his mental energy was almost completely depleted.

In the mortar, only a small half spoonful of a pale blue paste, radiating a mesmerizing starlight and containing a heart-stirring pure spiritual energy, remained—Moon Shadow Essence Extract!

Looking at the hard-won key, Chen Lin took a deep breath. He didn't use it immediately, but instead sat cross-legged and entered a deep meditation, adjusting his state to its best.

Meanwhile, he had everything arranged: the Moonlight Moss barrier in the cultivation room was fully activated; several bottles of high-concentration life essence potion and soul stabilizing potion were placed within easy reach; and the Bloodthirsty Vine patterns on his right arm were in their most docile state under the suppression of the Moonlight Moss.

Three days later, late one night, as the fortress was shrouded in silence and moonlight streamed through the gaps, Chen Lin opened his eyes. His gaze was sharp yet calm.

He picked up the crystal spoon, scooped up a small amount of the pale blue moonlight essence, and put it in his mouth.

The paste melts in his mouth, has no taste, only a cool, pure, and soul-cleansing energy that instantly floods into his mind!

This energy is not violent, but it has a peculiar penetrating and focusing power.

It acted like an invisible lens, instantly focusing all the scattered spiritual energy in Chen Lin's spiritual sea!

At the same time, its pure and inert nature resonated strongly with the properties of the Forgotten Stream that were fused with the Bloodthirsty Vine!

The dark gold patterns on his right arm lit up instantly, and a warm, life-giving energy surged in through the symbiotic channel, merging with the energy of the moon shadow essence!

"Buzz—!"

Chen Lin felt as if a star had been thrown into his mental sea! The mental barrier, which was originally as solid as a layer of ice, cracked under the impact of this highly concentrated energy that resonated both inside and outside!

The spatial refraction properties of the Moon Shadow Essence began to manifest! It guided this fusion energy, continuously refracting, focusing, and impacting within Chen Lin's spiritual sea!

Each impact was like a heavy hammer slamming into ice, causing cracks to spread rapidly! The Seed of Origin operated frantically, analyzing the structure of the barrier and guiding energy to precisely strike the weakest points!

"Ugh!" Chen Lin let out a painful groan, blood seeping from his seven orifices, his body trembling violently.

The turmoil in his mental sea made Chen Lin feel as if his soul was being torn apart! But he held fast to his mental clarity and guided this power with all his might!

Guided by the essence of moonlight, the life force of the Bloodthirsty Vine was no longer violent and bloodthirsty, but instead transformed into a tenacious support, protecting Chen Lin's core body. The Blood Qi Replenishment Talent was running wildly, repairing the damage caused by the impact.

The silvery glow of the moonshine moss acts as a gentle barrier, suppressing any potential dark energy that might escape.

"Break for me!"

Chen Lin roared silently from the depths of his consciousness! He poured all his will, all his power, and the core analytical power of the Seed of Origin into this final strike!

Boom—!

A deafening roar, like the dawn of the universe, exploded within the mind! The solid barrier shattered!

The mental sea, which was originally like a lake, instantly boiled, expanded, and underwent a qualitative change! A powerful, condensed mental force, carrying a faint pressure, swept over the entire body like a flood breaking through a dam!

[Mental strength has exceeded the threshold!]

[Promotion: Fourth-Level Wizard Apprentice!]

[Mental Sea Transformation Completed! Acquired Traits: Mental Condensation (Beginner), Prototype of Magical Pressure]

[Symbiotic Synchronous Evolution: Blood-Eating Vine Activity Increased, Blood Qi Feedback Efficiency Enhanced!]

Chen Lin suddenly opened his eyes, and a faint blue starlight seemed to flash in his pupils before returning to its deep color.

He felt an unprecedented surge of power within his body, his mental perception range doubled, and he could clearly see the trails of dust floating in the air wherever his thoughts went! A faint but real mental pressure naturally emanated from him.

He succeeded! Relying on the analysis of the Seed of Origin, the application of Earth knowledge, and the Moonshadow Companion Grass he cultivated himself, he crossed the chasm that was considered an insurmountable barrier and officially entered the ranks of fourth-level wizard apprentices!

Just as his mind was in turmoil, the Seed of Origin sent him a new message:

[Trace amounts of residual Moon Shadow Essence detected, deeply integrating with the host's spiritual essence and the Bloodthirsty Vine symbiotic organism...]

[New Status: Moon and Shadow Symbiosis]

[Characteristics: Increased mental perception; enhanced resistance to illusions and mental contamination; weak spatial refraction ability]

[Symbiotic Status Update: Bloodvine (Fused with Moonshadow Ability - Stable)]

[Warning: Moon Shadow Essence possesses high inertness and spatial properties. Deep integration may trigger unknown mutations and requires continuous monitoring.]

Chen Lin felt a chill and immediately looked inward.

At the core of the spiritual sea, a faint, pale blue starlight had quietly merged into the golden roots of the Seed of Origin. At the same time, a faint, almost imperceptible pale blue luster had also appeared deep within the dark gold patterns of the Bloodthirsty Vine on the right arm.

Power comes with unknown risks. But this is the norm on the path of a wizard. Chen Lin clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within him and the newly born, mysterious power of the moon shadow.

A fourth-level wizard apprenticeship is just the beginning; the battlefield of the Southern Trials is the true peak he needs to conquer. And the hope of Ella's awakening seems to have become clearer with the increase of this power. He looked towards the Chamber of Purification, his eyes resolute.