The Wizard of Truth: Starting with Analyzing All Things

Lowe's consciousness swirled in endless darkness and excruciating pain. He felt like a shattered vessel, filled with turbulent spatial currents, the chilling whispers of the abyss, and the lukewarm energy of the gray stone slabs struggling to maintain order. The three clashed fiercely, each collision nearly tearing his soul apart. The deafening energy explosions, furious roars, and mournful howls outside seemed blurred and distant, veiled by a thick curtain of water.

He felt as if he had returned to that gray desert, the broken obelisk shaking violently before him, its dark red veins writhing wildly as if alive, threatening to devour his entire consciousness. And at the edge of the desert, a pair of enormous, insatiable, greedy, and savage dark eyes slowly opened, coldly watching him, this insignificant being who dared to defy it…

Just as his consciousness was about to be completely crushed or dragged into eternal slumber, the gray stone tablet in his arms erupted with unprecedented heat once again! This time, what flowed out was no longer lukewarm energy, but a vast, ancient torrent of information containing supreme order and defining power!

[Crisis Protocol activated... High-level chaotic will detected intrusion... Emergency resonance activated for 'Keystone Rune'...]

[Synchronization rate forcibly increased: 35%... 38%... 40%!]

[Unlocking core information fragments: The framework of "Lawful Contract" (incomplete), the law of "Definition of Existence" (fundamental), the principle of "Energy Entropy Reduction" (application)...]

Countless fundamental runes, representing the world's underlying rules and previously incomprehensible, were forcibly etched into Luo Wei's nearly collapsing consciousness like branding marks! Although still incomplete, they formed a weak yet highly essential barrier of order, firmly resisting the slumbering erosion and chaotic whispers originating from the abyss!

Outside, the battle for the Tower of Slumber has reached a fever pitch.

Master Walter's "Sky-Piercing Thunder Prison" bombarded the unstable dark pillar of light and tower body. Lightning and shadow collided violently, bursting out with a deafening roar. The dissipated energy tore and crystallized the surrounding ground!

Master Kalan roared, pressing his hands to the ground, and huge rock arms rose from the ground, slamming into the base of the tower in an attempt to physically destroy its structure!

Master Serafina, enduring the excruciating pain of the mental backlash, wove intricate mental runes with her hands, like invisible chains, binding Master Elena high above and disrupting her concentration on casting spells.

Barton shielded the unconscious Rowe and Lilith behind him, unleashing his full Flame Aura. He swung his greatsword, shattering the erratic shadow tentacles and nightmare derivatives that had escaped due to the ritual's fluctuations, like an indomitable war god.

"Insects! You have destroyed everything!" Master Elena roared shrilly, her face filled with madness and rage. The ritual was forcibly interrupted, the process of drawing upon the will of the Abyss Lord was disrupted, not only causing her to fail at the last moment but also resulting in a severe energy backlash! Her magnificent black robes were charred and torn in many places, and blood spilled from the corner of her mouth.

But she was, after all, a second-circle wizard, far surpassing the strength of everyone present. She withstood Seraphina's mental interference and Walter's lightning strike, slamming her staff heavily onto the ground!

"Shadow Tide! Engulf them!"

An even denser, viscous, inky shadow energy erupted from the tower, sweeping towards the assault team like a tsunami! Wherever it passed, the rock barrier summoned by Master Kalan was rapidly corroded and melted, and the lightning was also largely devoured and weakened!

"Hold on!" Master Walter's eyes were bloodshot as he pushed his magic power to its limit, making the lightning even more violent, but it was still difficult to completely stop the surging tide of shadows.

Master Kalan's defensive barrier groaned under the strain, and Master Serafina's face turned ashen, clearly at her limit. Barton's protective aura rapidly dimmed under the encroaching shadows.

At this critical moment—

A magnificent, solemn golden pillar of light, seemingly woven from countless rules and runes, descended from the sky without warning, precisely enveloping the entire battlefield!

Within the pillar of light lies an unquestionable absolute order and a will of judgment!

The surging tide of shadows melted and evaporated the moment it touched the golden pillar of light, like ice and snow meeting the sun! The suffocating pressure of the abyss and the whispers of slumber were also forcibly suppressed and isolated!

Darkmoon Academy World Encyclopedia: Edict of Order

The powerful contractual force wielded by the Discipline Elders of Darkmoon Academy, inherited from the Academy's founding, is not traditional offensive magic, but rather a rule-based power that activates the Academy's ley lines and ancient oaths. Within the Academy's territory and specific surrounding areas (which must be anchored beforehand), the Discipline Elders can, at great cost, briefly formulate or enforce a "law," such as "Shadow energy is prohibited here," "The spatial structure of this area is reinforced," or "The target energy level is locked," possessing near-law-like effectiveness. However, its scope, duration, and target strength are limited, and it places a tremendous burden on the caster.

An elderly man, dressed in a simple grey robe, with a stern and solemn face and sharp, hawk-like eyes, appeared silently high in the sky at the edge of the battlefield. In his hands he held a heavy tome that emitted a soft golden light; he was none other than the Discipline Elder—Master Anderson (a third-circle wizard)!

"Elena Shadowthorn!" Elder Anderson's voice boomed like a great bell, carrying an undeniable authority. "You colluded with the Abyss and practiced this forbidden art; the evidence is irrefutable! In accordance with Chapter Seventeen, Article Four of the Academy's Law, I, in the name of the Discipline Elder, hereby strip you of all your privileges and arrest you! This place—Shadows disperse! Energy imprisoned!"

As he spoke, the power of the rules within the golden pillar of light suddenly intensified! The surging shadow energy around Master Elena was forcibly suppressed back into her body, and her energy connection with the Tower of Slumber was instantly severed! She groaned, her aura plummeting, clearly indicating that she was under immense pressure.

The surging abyssal will within the tower let out a silent roar of extreme resentment, yet it seemed somewhat wary of this power of order and rule. The dark pillar of light flickered violently a few times before finally dissipating completely, unwilling to accept its fate. Deprived of its energy source, the boy who served as the vessel stiffened abruptly, the dark veins on his body rapidly dimming and receding. He collapsed to the ground, as if stripped of all support, his life hanging in the balance. The terrifying pressure emanating from the tower also diminished dramatically.

"Anderson! You've finally come out!" Master Walter was both surprised and delighted, but mostly furious. "You knew all along, didn't you?! Why did you have to wait until now?!"

Elder Anderson's expression remained unchanged as his gaze swept over the chaotic battlefield and the unconscious Rowe and the others. A subtle, complex emotion flickered in his eyes: "Only when the chain of evidence is closed can the timing of intervention be maximized. Walter and Field are already on their way to provide backup. Clean up the remaining debris and take control of the scene."

His gaze finally settled on Master Elena, who was being suppressed by the power of the Law, her face filled with resentment yet struggling unwillingly: "As for you... the ambitions of the Gray Tower should end here."

The outcome is decided.

Under Elder Anderson's swaying covenant, the remaining members of the Grey Tower were quickly brought under control, and the abyssal aura within the tower was gradually purified and isolated (though the root cause was difficult to completely eradicate). Master Field quickly arrived with a rescue team, swiftly bringing the severely injured Rowe and Lilith, along with the exhausted Barton, Serafina, and Master Kalan, back to the academy for treatment. Master Walter remained behind to assist the Discipline Forces in clearing the battlefield and sealing the Tower of Slumber.

This thrilling raid ended with the Academy's official intervention and the complete failure of the Gray Tower.

……

Several days later, in the highest-level intensive care unit of Darkmoon Academy.

Lowe slowly opened his eyes. What greeted his gaze was a familiar, gentle aura of life energy and intricate protective runes. The intense pain had subsided, replaced by a deep-seated weakness and… a strange sense of clarity.

He looked inward and was surprised to find that the previously chaotic and conflicting spatial energy, abyssal imprint, and stone slab energy within his body had now formed an extremely fragile and entirely new balance.

The invading spatial energy, seemingly refined through its resistance against the abyssal mark and guided by the stone slab, transformed into countless finer, more complex silver-gray runes, deeply imprinted into his bloodline, bones, and even soul structure, beginning to merge with him. They were no longer violent; instead, they brought an incredibly acute perception of space, as if he could reach out and touch its very texture. His Void Affinity Physique, after enduring life-or-death trials, had truly stabilized.

The abyss mark was enveloped and suppressed by the power of these newly formed spatial runes and stone tablets, its activity suppressed to the lowest point in history. Although it still could not be eradicated, it was no longer a threat in the short term.

His wizarding level remained at the late intermediate apprentice stage, but his overall "state" underwent a dramatic change. His mental power became more refined due to this tempering, especially his understanding of the nature of energy and spatial rules, which far surpassed his peers.

"You're awake?" Lilith, who was standing by her side, exclaimed in surprise. Her face was still a little pale, but her injuries were no longer serious. "That's wonderful! You've been unconscious for five days! Master Field and Elder Anderson have come to see you several times!"

Through Lilith's narration, Lowe learned what happened next, and his heart was filled with emotion. Elder Anderson's eventual intervention, although the timing was extremely "political," did indeed prevent the worst outcome.

"Master Elena is imprisoned deep within the Discipline Tower, the Gray Tower's forces have been eradicated, and the academy is undergoing a massive purge. The boy who served as the vessel... has been rescued, but his soul has suffered permanent damage; whether he can regain his senses is still unknown." Lilith's voice was low. "We... have won, haven't we?"

Lowe nodded silently. The victory came at a great cost, but ultimately a disaster was averted.

The ward door was pushed open, and Master Field and Elder Anderson walked in together.

"Looks like you're recovering well." Master Field checked on Rowe's condition, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes. "Void Affinity is stable, Abyssal Mark is suppressed... You kid, you always manage to turn misfortune into blessing."

Elder Anderson's gaze was sharp as a knife, as if trying to see through Lowe's soul: "Apprentice Lowe, the Discipline Elders have recorded and affirmed your courage, wisdom, and protection of the Academy's interests in this incident. The corresponding reward for your contribution will be issued later."

He then changed the subject: "However, the source of your power, especially that stone tablet, and your entanglement with the Abyss Mark, still require close monitoring and evaluation. The Academy allows you to continue your research and improvement, but you must report your progress to the Discipline Council regularly and promise never to use your power for anything that harms the Academy. This is the 'Overseer's Contract,' take a look."

He handed over a scroll that emitted a faint magical glow. The terms weren't harsh, mainly concerning reporting and constraints, but they clearly reflected the academy's higher-ups' attitude towards him: to value him, utilize him, control him, and guard against him.

Without hesitation, Luo Wei took the scroll and used a wisp of his spiritual power to leave his mark on it. This was the best possible outcome at the moment.

Elder Anderson closed the scroll, his tone softening slightly: "The Academy will investigate any clues regarding the 'Source Codex' and the 'Key' as top-secret documents. You must report any discoveries you make immediately. Also," he glanced at Lowe, "given your special circumstances, the third floor of the Academy library will be conditionally opened to you; perhaps you can find some... ancient knowledge there that could be helpful to your current situation."

The third floor of the library! That's a place only authorized wizards have permission to enter!

Luo Wei's heart skipped a beat, and he thanked him sincerely. This was both an opportunity and a further step in "regulation".

After the two masters left, Luo Wei pondered alone. The crisis at the Tower of Slumber was temporarily averted, but he knew that an even greater challenge might have just begun. The balance of power within him remained fragile, the gaze of the Abyss had not completely vanished, the Academy's attitude was subtle, and the pursuit of the "Source Codex" was a long and arduous journey.

He touched the warm gray stone slab in his arms, feeling the vast knowledge and secrets within it.

The road ahead is still long.

He needs time to process the gains from this life-or-death experience, to consolidate his newly acquired power, and to truly understand and master the tip of the iceberg of the framework called "Lawful Contract" from the stone slab.

Current status: Rowe (Late-stage Intermediate Apprentice)

•

Strength assessment: While the cultivation realm has not improved, the soul strength, energy control, and spatial perception have been greatly enhanced. The Void Affinity Physique remains stable, and the Abyss Mark has been suppressed.

•

Core capabilities: Basic mastery of "Keystone Runes" application (defense, boundary), spatial awareness (intermediate), and optimization of sorcery models (proficiency).

•

Main objectives: Consolidate the current situation, digest the knowledge, explore the third floor of the library, and pursue clues to the "Original Text".

•

Potential risks: Academy oversight, the gaze of the abyss, and the potential disruption of the balance of power.