Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

The Qing Teng Workshop is now running smoothly, like a new gear embedded in the massive machine of the Evergreen Barrier, turning steadily and efficiently. In the adjacent simple potion preparation room, a faint medicinal fragrance mixed with the fresh scent of herbs and trees permeates the air, as the improved version of "Breath of Awakening Type III" is being packaged.

Due to the excellent profits, Chen Lin hired two more Level 3 apprentices with extensive experience in potion making as assistants, allowing Chen Lin to handle workshop affairs for an average of only one hour per day.

Master Liria's second large order of raw materials has been delivered on schedule, with impeccable quality, and the magic stones received in return have filled the workshop's working capital pool.

Carlos's finished product sales channels have also stabilized. Although the volume is not large, the profits are considerable, providing the workshop with a continuous cash flow.

As planned, Chen Lin kept 1000 magic stones in the workshop's account as working capital to ensure that rent, salaries, procurement, and the operation of the magic array were not a problem.

The huge investment previously made in the research and development of "Moon-Eating Spirit Dew" and "Soul-Devouring Heart-Guarding Ointment", as well as the subsequent purchase of materials, had exhausted Chen Lin's personal disposable magic stones. After making up for the deficit, only a few low-purity magic stones remained in his dimensional bag for daily emergencies.

In the secret room, Chen Lin sat cross-legged, feeling the surging power within his body.

The initial stage of the fourth-level wizard apprenticeship has been stabilized. Under the tempering of "Eclipse Moon Concentration Dew", the spiritual sea has become more refined and sharp, and the precision of energy perception and control has been significantly improved. Under the harmonization of "Soul Devouring Heart Guardian Ointment", the ferocious aura of the Bloodthirsty Vine pattern on the right arm has been restrained, and the control of nerve paralysis toxins has become more and more subtle.

The Southern Region Trial Selection Competition within the Hand of Life organization is about to begin; it's time to find a way to qualify.

Chen Lin walked out of the secret room and came to the workshop's simple office.

He unfolded a magic notice rubbing scroll about the selection competition that he had bought from the market.

The cold, analytical information from the Seed of Origin flowed through my consciousness:

[Selection Tournament Name: Southern Region Trial Qualification Selection]

[Organizer: Evergreen Barrier Division of the Hand of Life (Presided over by Archmage Horn)]

[Objective: To select outstanding apprentices to represent the stronghold in the Southern Trials and allocate dedicated organizational resources]

Registration Requirements:

Applicants must be under 30 years old.

His mental strength has reached the level of a third-level apprentice.

A formal wizard recommendation or 500 contribution points from an organization is required; exceptional individuals may apply for an exemption.

Sign a trial risk disclosure and liability waiver agreement.

[Competition Format:]

Preliminary selection: Contribution value assessment + basic ability test (mental strength, energy control, mastery of basic spells).

Second Round: A single-elimination tournament in a real-world setting, with the top 50 qualifying for the trial.

Ranking Tournament: A round-robin tournament where players receive rewards based on their ranking.

Opponents are determined by drawing lots, and the use of lethal forbidden techniques and items of mass destruction is prohibited.

Final Ranking: Based on the final scores, the top fifty will qualify for the trial and receive a basic resource pack; the top twenty will receive additional resources and guidance from high-level wizards; the top ten will receive a custom-made apprentice-level magical artifact or equivalent resources; and the top three will receive direct attention and focused training from top experts such as Archmage Horn or Master Liria.

[award:

The qualification for the trial itself represents organizational recognition and subsequent resource support.

Based on the final ranking, you will receive rewards of different levels, including magic stones, potions, spell model fragments, and equipment enhancement materials.

Those who excel may be accepted as disciples by high-ranking wizards or receive exclusive research project support.

Their affiliated faction (mentor) will receive organizational resource rewards.

Chen Lin focused his attention on the two points: special talents could apply for exemptions and the top ten would receive a custom-made apprentice-level magical artifact.

His organizational contributions were almost zero, and he had no formal mentors; his relationship with Glenn and Liria was more of a collaborative one.

However, his identity as the owner of the Green Vine Workshop, and his contribution to the stability of the barrier by providing high-quality magical plant materials, may serve as a stepping stone for exceptional talents.

"It's time to show more value." A glint of light flashed in Chen Lin's eyes.

He needs to use the selection competition as a stage not only to acquire resources, but also to prove his potential and indispensability to the higher-ups and leverage greater interests.

He changed into a relatively neat dark green apprentice robe, which concealed the complex symbiotic patterns on his right arm, and left the workshop, heading straight for the Resource Allocation and Event Management Office in the center of the barrier.

The lobby of the management office was bustling with people, crowded with apprentices who came to register or inquire. The air was filled with excitement, tension, and a faint smell of sweat.

Long queues stretched out in front of several registration windows, with apprentices either chatting excitedly or nervously clutching their identification badges and contribution point certificates.

Chen Lin did not queue, but instead walked to a relatively quiet cubicle on the side of the hall with a sign that read "Special Affairs Consultation".

Inside the cubicle sat a stern-faced, middle-aged witch dressed in a dark blue robe with silver trim; the badge on her chest indicated she was a Level 3 Officer.

"Name, identity, what is it?" The witch asked without looking up, her voice formulaic.

"Chen Lin, head of the Green Vine Workshop," Chen Lin replied calmly, placing a specially made jade pendant on the table that emitted a faint life force and purification fluctuations—his latest identity badge, engraved with the workshop emblem entwined with green vines and bearing the purchasing mark of the Liria Laboratory.

"Green Vine Workshop?" The witch finally raised her head, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

She had recently heard about the high-quality raw materials produced by the workshop that had attracted some attention at the higher levels of the barrier.

She picked up the jade pendant, her fingertips swirling with a magical detection power as she swept it over, confirming the authenticity of the mark.

"Workshop owner? You signed up for the selection competition? Have you met the contribution point requirements? What about your mentor's recommendation letter?"

"No," Chen Lin said frankly. "But I applied for a 'special talent exemption.' The Green Vine Workshop provides a stable barrier, especially Master Liria's laboratory, which provides high-quality basic magical plant raw materials, improving research efficiency and potion quality. I believe that this support for the organization's logistical support and high-end research is also a 'contribution.' Moreover,"

He paused, his voice carrying just the right amount of confidence, "I am a fourth-level wizard apprentice, and I have the ability to win honor for the Bulwark in the selection competition."

"A fourth-level wizard apprentice?" The witch frowned slightly and looked Chen Lin over carefully again.

She could sense the faint spiritual pressure emanating from the other party, which had indeed reached the fourth level, but the aura was somewhat... peculiar, carrying a hint of barely perceptible ferocity.

"The contribution of the Green Vine Workshop... Master Liria's mark..." She pondered for a moment, clearly weighing her options.

A workshop owner who can reliably provide high-quality raw materials is already quite valuable; if he also possesses the strength of a fourth-level wizard apprentice, he is indeed worth making an exception for.

She picked up a communication crystal and whispered a few words.

A moment later, a young apprentice dressed in Glenn Laboratory assistant's robes strode over and whispered a few words in the witch's ear.

The witch nodded, her gaze towards Chen Lin now carrying a hint of caution.

"Wizard Glenn has confirmed your strength level. Master Liria's laboratory has also confirmed a stable supply of raw materials for the workshop. You meet the criteria for 'Special Talent.' You may apply."

She produced a parchment contract shimmering with magical light: "Sign it. You assume all risks. The preliminary rounds will begin in three days at the central training ground. Specific arrangements will be communicated through your identification badge."

Chen Lin quickly reviewed the contract, and after confirming that everything was correct, he imprinted his soul mark on it.

A new temporary entry plaque, engraved with his name and number 527, fell into his hands.

"Thank you." Chen Lin put away the nameplate and turned to leave. He could feel all sorts of gazes directed at him from behind—curiosity, scrutiny, and even a hint of jealousy.

A fugitive from the Thorn Garden, a plant workshop owner, a fourth-level wizard apprentice... these labels are enough to make him the center of attention.

Three days later, at the central training ground of Evergreen Barrier.

The enormous circular arena was constructed of solid obsidian, with intricate protective runes inscribed on the ground.

The surrounding area was a tiered viewing platform, which was now filled with the apprentices of the stronghold and some wizards.

Excited chatter and faint energy fluctuations filled the air.

The first criterion in the preliminary selection was the contribution value assessment. A huge magic crystal panel floated in the center of the venue, displaying the contestants' numbers, names, and contribution value scores.

Most apprentices contribute between 100 and 300 points, while a few promising students favored by their mentors contribute over 500 points.

Following Chen Lin's name, his contribution value was a shocking 0.

This caused a slight commotion and whispers.

"Number 527, Chen Lin? 0 contribution points? How did he get registered?"

"The owner of the Green Vine Workshop? The one who supplies Master Liria?"

"A fourth-level wizard apprentice? Doesn't seem like it... the aura is a bit strange..."

"Hmph, just trying to take shortcuts. With zero contribution points, their base score is already far behind!"

Chen Lin stood expressionless in the contestants' area, ignoring the surrounding discussions.

The Seed of Origin operates coldly, analyzing the energy fluctuations and mental states of the other participants on the field.

His gaze swept over several figures with exceptionally powerful auras; those must be the elite seeds cultivated within the barrier.

The second item was a basic skills test. On testing platforms separated by small barriers, the apprentices took turns:

The first step is a mental strength test: mental strength is injected into a specially made crystal pillar, and the strength is determined by the number of halos that light up.

Chen Lin easily lit up the four halos representing fourth-level wizard apprentices. The steady light attracted the attention of several proctoring wizards.

The second step is the energy control precision test: using mental power to guide a subtle flow of energy through a complex rune maze.

Under the precise guidance of the Seed of Origin, Chen Lin, like the most nimble fingers, channeled energy through all the nodes flawlessly at an extremely fast speed, eliciting a low gasp.

The third step is the Basic Spell Mastery Test: Cast the specified level 3 plant spell.

Chen Lin's secondary vine entangling technique had actually been upgraded. The vines were solid and tough, with a faint dark golden luster and an imperceptible pale purple halo on the surface. These were characteristics of the nerve paralysis toxin after fusion, and the binding force far exceeded that of ordinary level three spells. The life shield, on the other hand, was a strange emerald green with a faint silver glow, and its defensive power was astonishing.

A hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the wizard in charge of scoring, and he gave a high score.

Ultimately, Chen Lin's preliminary selection score was: 0 contribution points, near-perfect score in the basic ability test, and an overall score of 78.5. Although his basic ability test score was extremely high, his contribution points significantly dragged down his overall score, placing him outside the top 100. However, this was enough for him to advance to the second round—the practical elimination round.