Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

Selena leaned lazily against the bar, her azure eyes gleaming mysteriously in the soft, glowing moss-like light of the hotel.

She gently pushed the glass of "Jade Kiss," which resembled liquid jade and was dotted with stardust-like bubbles, her fingertips tracing the rim and leaving delicate watermarks.

After listening to Selena's explanation of common magical plants and beasts, Kate took the initiative to ask about the magical plants "Sky Vine" and "Root of Immortality" that she wanted to know.

"Void Vine? The Root of Immortality?" She chuckled softly, her voice slightly languid and husky, as she took a sip of the golden mead in her cup.

"Young wizard, you certainly have quite the appetite. These two items are legendary even in the Emerald Dream."

Kate picked up her glass; the Jade Kiss wine, cool to the touch, transformed into a warm current of life, carrying a strange fragrance of herbs and a faint starlight energy, truly soothing to the spirit.

He didn't urge her, but calmly looked at Selena, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the cold facet of the Shadowthorn Ring.

Selena put down her glass, leaned forward slightly, and lowered her voice, as if sharing a secret:

"The Void Vine... It is said that it can only grow deep within the 'Starfall Rift,' where astral energy and matter planes intersect and where the spatial structure is extremely fragile."

It is very hard to find. Like a living spatial rift, the vines themselves can travel short distances through space. Mature vines can even weave together temporary spatial passages.

Its seeds contain fragments of spatial coordinates, a treasure coveted by spatial wizards. However…”

She paused, a hint of warning in her eyes.

"Starfall Rift is one of the most dangerous areas in Emerald Dream, where spatial storms are commonplace, and 'Sky Rift Beasts' that feed on spatial energy also inhabit the area."

Moreover, the Void Vine is extremely sensitive; any entity that is not spatially compatible with it approaching could trigger the vine's self-destruction or a spatial collapse.

Kate felt a chill run down her spine, but the cold analytical stream of the Seed of Origin was operating at high speed:

[Target: Void Vine. Characteristics: Spatial Travel, Coordinate Fragmentation.]

Acquisition risk: High (space storm, sky beast, self-destruct mechanism).

Value: Extremely high (enhances spatial awareness, constructs spatial spell models).

Selena continued:

"As for the Root of Immortality... that thing is more like a legend. It is said that it grows beneath the Emerald Temple, the core of the Emerald City-State, and is connected to the root system of the World Tree, which supports the entire demiplane."

It is not a true plant, but a highly condensed crystallization of life rules, containing an almost immortal life origin and faint traces of life rules.

It is said that only those who have gained the approval of the Emerald Temple's will, or those possessing the purest life force, can perceive and approach it. To obtain it? As difficult as ascending to heaven.

[Target: The Root of Immortality]

Characteristics: Crystallization of life rules, immortal origin, faint imprint of rules.

Acquisition Risk: Extremely High (Temple Will's Approval, Unknown Protection).

Value: Extremely high (lays the foundation for the path of a life-based wizard, and constructs the core of the "Wizard's Heart").

"Starfall Rift... Emerald Temple..." Kate murmured the two names, her eyes gleaming.

The Void Vine can greatly enhance his spatial abilities and make up for his lack of mobility; the Root of Immortality is the core foundation for his future advancement to a formal wizard.

He was determined to get both of them, as long as there was any trace of them!

"Thank you for the information, Miss Selena."

Kate put down her empty glass and took out a higher-quality magic stone, pushing it towards her.

"This information is very valuable to me. Are there any more detailed clues regarding the exact location and entry method of the Starfall Rift, as well as the 'approval' criteria of the Emerald Temple?"

Selena put away the magic stone, a sly glint in her azure eyes:

"Starfall Rift is located in the northwest of the city-state, near the 'Wailing Barrier,' which is the edge of the demiplane and where space is extremely unstable."

The city-state's "Starry Sky Watchtower" may have a more detailed star map.

As for the Emerald Temple's approval... that's not something you can buy with money.

However, I've heard that the Emerald Guardians who protect the temple seem to have a particular fondness for visitors who can cultivate rare magical plants or have a profound understanding of life.

Kate understood.

The Starry Sky Watchtower is most likely the base for Starry Sky Tower apprentices, and the Emerald Guardian's favor would require demonstrating his expertise in magical plants.

This all requires time and preparation.

"I understand. Thank you again." Kate nodded and got up to leave the bar.

He needed to immediately digest the intelligence he had just acquired and improve his strength to prepare for the next exploration.

Back in the tranquil room of the "Forest Whisper Inn," which was made up of a living treehouse, Kate activated the room's built-in isolation array.

Soft light filtered through the glowing moss on the walls, and a fresh woody scent filled the air.

Instead of inquiring about Starfall Rift or Emerald Temple, he sat cross-legged on a soft moss bed and took out two items: a jade box containing the Void Serenity Lotus and a specially made crystal bottle containing the Shadow Leap Vine seeds.

"The Seed of Origin, the proposed fusion plan: prioritize the Void Serenity Lotus, followed by the Shadow Leap Vine Seed. Objective: maximize spatial awareness and mobility in preparation for exploring the Starfall Rift."

A cold, analytical stream flooded into my consciousness:

[Fusion Simulation:]

Target A: Void Serenity Lotus (Mature Form, Space Contract)

Core Conflict: High-Speed ​​Energy Aggregator vs. Bloodthirsty Instinct of the Blood-Eating Vine/Abyssal Fragment Contamination

Key ingredients for harmonization: Moon Shadow Essence (of the same origin in space) + Silver Star Moss Starlight (purifies and stabilizes) + Seed of Origin (absolute suppression and harmonization)

Estimated benefits from integration:

1. Anchoring in the Sea of ​​Spirit: Greatly enhances the stability of the Sea of ​​Spirit, providing extremely strong resistance to mental shocks, pollution, and illusions.

2. Leap in Spatial Perception: Increases perception of spatial fluctuations, fissures, and folds by over 300%, and enhances the efficiency and power of learning spatial spells.

3. Qualitative Change in Mental Power: The purity and capacity of mental power are enhanced, providing the most solid foundation for building the "Wizard's Heart".

4. Rule Fragments: Weak spatial folds and stable rule fragments can aid in comprehension.

Integration risk: High. The spatial energy is too large, and integration needs to be guided in stages to avoid impacting the mental sea structure.

The Blood-Devouring Vine may instinctively retaliate when stimulated by spatial energy, requiring the Seed of Origin to suppress it powerfully throughout the process.

Recommendation: Deep integration should be carried out in a safe environment (such as the current hotel).

Target B: Shadowvine Seed (Shadow/Spatial Affinity)

Core conflict: Weak, the shadow jump capability is complementary to the host's existing spatial ability (moon shadow).

Estimated benefits from integration:

1. Unlock new talent: Shadow Jump (short distance): Consumes mental energy to perform a short distance (<15 meters) shadow jump. It has a short cooldown time, lands silently, and is difficult to track.

2. Enhance existing spatial capabilities: Slightly improve the spatial refraction effect of Moon Shadow Essence and spatial perception sensitivity.

Fusion risk: Low. The seed's energy level is relatively low; the original seed can be easily harmonized.

"Fuse the Void Serenity Lotus first! Use the Shadow Leap Vine Seeds as a supplement." Kate made the decision.

Enhancing fundamental spatial abilities is the basis for exploring the Starfall Rift, while the Shadow Leap Vine's shadow leaps are the icing on the cake.

He took a deep breath and adjusted himself to his peak condition.

The effects of the Lunar Eclipse Concentration Dew had long since worn off, but his spiritual sea remained exceptionally stable after being baptized in the Garden of Life and the Temple of Purification.

He took a highly concentrated mental stabilizing agent, applied Soul-Devouring Heart-Guarding Ointment to stabilize his soul core, and guided the Blood-Devouring Vine into a deep slumber.

He solemnly opened the jade box.

Om-!

A cool, vast spatial fluctuation, seemingly containing the endless mysteries of the starry sky, instantly spread out.

The palm-sized Void Lotus of Tranquility, flowing with a tangible silver-blue luster and pale gold stardust, floats silently. The mysterious patterns on its petals slowly swirl, emanating an aura that stirs the soul.

Kate formed hand seals, and the Seed of Origin was activated at full power!

Dark golden roots spread through the sea of ​​consciousness, forming the strongest line of defense for will.

The essence of the moonlight flowed throughout the body, forming a thin, silvery halo on the skin with spatial refraction properties.

"Merger begins!"

He extended his right hand, his fingertips swirling with pure spiritual energy and a trace of moonlight essence, and slowly touched the core of the Void Serenity Lotus.

The moment my fingertips touched the lotus heart.

boom--!!!

Kate felt as if her mind had been thrown into the center of the Big Bang!

An unimaginably vast amount of spatial energy, like a bursting dam, surged wildly into his fingertips!

This energy was not a violent destruction, but rather carried a supreme spatial law will, attempting to wash away, reshape, and anchor his entire spiritual sea structure.

Excruciating pain, indescribable excruciating pain!

It was as if the soul was being forcibly stretched, torn apart, and then reassembled by billions of spatial threads.

The boundaries of the mental sea were forcibly stretched open by this force, and the stardust particles that make up the mental sea groaned under high pressure.

The golden roots of the Seed of Origin danced wildly, like the strongest anchor chain, firmly anchoring the core area of ​​the spiritual sea, guiding this torrent along a specific trajectory, and preventing it from completely spiraling out of control.

"Moonlight Harmony, Spatial Resonance!" Kate gritted her teeth and activated the essence of moonlight with all her might.

A silver halo shone in the sea of ​​consciousness, attempting to resonate with the surging spatial energy and guide it to become docile.

The inertia of the moon's shadow acts like a buffer, neutralizing the most intense impacts; its spatial refraction properties cleverly guide and deflect some of the spilled energy.

However, the spatial laws contained within the Void Lotus of Tranquility are too high-level, and the harmonizing effect of the Moon Shadow Essence is insufficient.

What's more troublesome is that this extremely pure spatial energy clashed violently with the bloodthirsty, predatory instincts originating from the abyss that remained in the core of the Bloodthirsty Vine in Kate's right arm even after it had been purified.

Space demands order, stability, and nothingness; the abyss instinct represents chaos, devouring, and the desire for substance.

The two, like ice and fire, engaged in a fierce battle within Kate's mind!

"Roar—!" The Bloodthirsty Vine's will was completely enraged. Under the suppression of the Seed of Origin, it let out a silent roar. The dark golden vine phantom frantically whipped and tore at the surging spatial energy flow, trying to devour and corrupt it.

Kate's mental sea trembled violently, and tiny cracks began to appear at its edges! A wave of excruciating pain washed over her consciousness.

"Soul-Devouring Heart-Guarding Ointment, firmly guard your true self!"

Kate endured the excruciating pain, doing everything she could to maintain her mental barrier.

The applied ointment emitted an even stronger protective glow, firmly protecting his core consciousness from being overwhelmed by pain and conflict.

"Seed of Origin, analyze, suppress, guide!" Kate roared in her heart.

The dark golden roots burst forth with unprecedented light! They were no longer merely for defense and guidance, but rather, like the most precise energy scalpels, began to actively analyze the incoming spatial energy structure, while simultaneously allocating a portion of their power to form cold shackles, fiercely suppressing the rampaging will of the Bloodthirsty Vine!

[Analysis progress: 1%...The spatial energy structure is too complex...Forcibly suppressing the Bloodthirsty Vine's instincts has consumed a huge amount of energy...Risk of the mental sea crack widening: High!]

The chilling reminder was like a warning bell.

Kate knew she couldn't tough it out.

He changed his strategy, no longer trying to completely suppress the Bloodthirsty Vine. Instead, he used the Seed of Origin to guide a wisp of purified spatial energy, like the most exquisite carving knife, to begin constructing an extremely weak "cage of order" composed of fragments of spatial laws around the core will of the Bloodthirsty Vine.

This "cage" does not eliminate instinct, but rather wraps and isolates it, preventing it from directly clashing with the spatial currents. At the same time, it utilizes the stability of spatial laws to forcibly "discipline" some of its chaotic characteristics.

This was an extremely delicate and dangerous operation.

The Blood-Devouring Vine instinctively resisted fiercely, and the Cage of Order fluctuated violently under the impact, on the verge of shattering at any moment.

Kate's forehead veins bulged, sweat poured down her face, and her mental energy poured out like a flood.

The light from the Soul-Devouring Heart-Guarding Ointment was also rapidly diminishing.

At this critical moment!

The Void Lotus seemed to sense Kate's intention to construct the "Cage of Order," and the stardust flowing at its core suddenly lit up!

A more refined fragment of spatial laws, with a slight temporal stability, flowed like a trickle into the "cage of order" that Kate was constructing!

hum!

The cage of order instantly stabilized, its light blazing brightly, and its structure became even more mysterious and resilient.

The struggles of the Bloodthirsty Vine were effectively contained within the cage. Although it continued to roar, it could no longer violently impact the mental sea.

The conflict has been temporarily contained.

Kate seized this precious respite, and the Seed of Origin guided the remaining spatial torrents with all its might, washing away, expanding, and strengthening his spiritual sea.

The boundaries of the spiritual sea were forcibly expanded amidst excruciating pain.

Stardust particles become more condensed and brilliant under the tempering of space energy.

The volume and quality of the spiritual sea are undergoing a qualitative leap!

[Mental Strength: 69.3 → 70.1 → 71.5 → 72.8 → 73.6...Continuing to climb!]

[Mental Sea Stability: Significantly Improved! Spatial Anchor Point Initially Formed!]

[Spatial Affinity: Significantly Enhanced! Moon Shadow Essence Spatial Properties Optimized!]

I don't know how much time passed, it felt like an eternity.

The torrent of energy in the mind's sea finally began to subside and recede.

The illusory image of the Void Lotus of Tranquility has been deeply imprinted in the core area of ​​the spiritual sea, intertwined with the golden roots of the Seed of Origin, slowly rotating and emitting stable and vast spatial fluctuations.

The will of the Bloodthirsty Vine was firmly imprisoned within the "Cage of Order." Although it still exuded a ferocious aura, it was isolated by the cage wall formed by fragments of spatial laws and could no longer directly interfere with Kate's mental core. Instead, deep within its core, it seemed to be subtly "organized" by the spatial laws, gaining an indescribable sense of "order."

The initial integration is complete!

Kate slowly opened her eyes, and a silver-blue nebula-like vortex seemed to flash briefly in the depths of her pupils before returning to its deep color.

His face was as pale as paper, his body was soaked in sweat, and he felt a sense of emptiness and pain deep in his soul, but an uncontrollable ecstasy curled up at the corner of his mouth!

It worked!