The Wizard of Truth: Starting with Analyzing All Things

The intermittent, peculiar fluctuations of starlight, like pebbles thrown into a calm lake, instantly shattered the silence of the astral cave and disturbed Lowe's recently calmed state of mind. They perfectly matched the characteristics of a high-level emergency distress signal recorded in the "Ultra-Long Distance Faint Light Signal" technique he was researching! The signal source was pointing directly northeast of the arrow left by Barton!

"Barton..." Lowe's heart clenched. The signal was so weak and unstable that the sender was clearly in dire straits, unable to even maintain a complete distress signal.

To go, or not to go?

Reason told him that, given his current state as a newly initiated wizard, with his star power not yet recovered and his injuries not yet healed, rashly leaving this relatively safe cave for an unknown and dangerous area would be tantamount to suicide. The pursuit by the Discipline Tower, the possible roaming minions of the Abyss, and the unknown threats at the signal source could all lead to his utter destruction.

But emotion and responsibility screamed at him that he had to go. Barton was not only a comrade-in-arms, but a brother. The coordinates and signals he left behind were a desperate cry for help. If he stood idly by out of fear of risk, he would never forgive himself for the rest of his life. Moreover, Barton might very well have crucial information about the state of the academy and the safety of Lilith and Lina!

After a moment's struggle, a resolute glint flashed in Luo Wei's eyes. He had to go! But he absolutely couldn't blindly throw his life away.

He forcibly suppressed the urge to rush out immediately, took a deep breath, and his brain began to work at an unprecedented speed. He still had some time; the signal, though intermittent, hadn't completely disappeared. He needed to devise a meticulous plan to maximize the use of all available resources and the power he had just acquired.

First, he adjusted his state. He immediately absorbed all the trace astral energy accumulated in the cave, fully activated his meditation technique, and accelerated the recovery of his astral power at any cost. At the same time, he swallowed the last bit of a potion to relieve mental fatigue. Half an hour later, his astral power had recovered to about 30%. Although far from its peak, he already possessed a certain level of mobility and spellcasting ability. The core of his star runes had stabilized considerably, emitting a lustrous glow.

Secondly, there's the integration of capabilities and tactical planning. He quickly outlined the available methods:

1.

Starfield perception: Core reconnaissance and early warning capabilities, with a range of approximately 100 meters, capable of detecting energy flow and hidden traps.

2.

Application of Star Runes: Initially master a few basic rune combinations such as "Starlight Shield" (defense), "Starlight Ray" (attack), and "Glimmer Concealment" (support). These have limited power but relatively low consumption.

3.

Astral Projection (Incomplete): A life-saving technique for short-distance spatial movement, but it consumes a huge amount of resources and can only be used twice consecutively in a short period of time.

4.

Key of Star Language: Directional guidance and node sensing, currently without direct combat assistance.

5.

External items: "Explosive Flame Amulet" (one-time high-power item) given by Barton, "Concealing Breath Powder" and a small amount of potion given by Lilith.

Lacking offensive capabilities, its strengths lie in defense and mobility. The core of its tactics must be concealment, reconnaissance, swift victory, and a quick retreat.

Next came the route and contingency plan. Based on the coordinates and signal direction left by Barton, combined with his stellar perception of the terrain outside the cave, he sketched out a route in his mind that would utilize the terrain for concealment as much as possible and avoid open areas. He also envisioned strategies for dealing with different enemies (Discipline Tower squad, abyssal creatures, wild monsters), as well as an escape route in the worst-case scenario (being targeted by a powerful being)—if necessary, he would use astral projection to escape in a direction away from the cave at all costs, and under no circumstances should danger be brought back to this only sanctuary.

Finally, there was the matter of leaving a record. He used water to briefly etch his destination, signal characteristics, and general plan in a hidden spot on the cave wall. In case he failed to return, someone else (whom he hoped would be Lilith or Lina) might be able to find it.

With everything ready, Luo Wei did a final check on his condition, sprinkled the concealing powder all over his body, took a deep breath, and stared intently at the crack at the cave entrance.

"Astral Projection: Short-Distance Travel!"

His figure transformed into a barely perceptible starlight, silently slipping out of the crack like a swimming fish and merging into the pitch-black night outside.

Outside the cave lay a desolate stone forest, its jagged rocks resembling lurking beasts in the night. The air was cold, thick with the faint stench of demonic creatures and a barely perceptible... taint of shadow energy. The influence of the Abyss Demon had indeed spread!

Luo Wei's heart skipped a beat. He activated his Star Domain Perception to the maximum, his figure moving like a ghost as he swiftly traversed the shadows of the stone forest, stealthily heading towards the signal source. He dared not fly high, as that would make him too conspicuous, so he could only skim along the ground, relying on the "Faint Light Concealment" rune to distort light and aura, blending into the night.

Along the way, he discovered numerous signs of battle—charred craters, rocks torn by claws, and dried, dark red bloodstains. Judging from the remaining energy fluctuations, there was Barton's familiar explosive fiery battle aura, as well as chilling shadow energy, and even a trace or two of the power of Lawful Words! Indeed, multiple forces had clashed here!

The signal was becoming clearer, but it was still intermittent, indicating that the sender's condition was extremely unstable. Luo Wei's heart was in his throat.

Finally, after crossing a low ridge, the star field perception detected energy turbulence and faint life signs in the valley ahead!

The valley was a scene of devastation, clearly the site of a fierce battle. In the center of the valley, a burly figure knelt against a massive rock, covered in blood, his left arm twisted unnaturally – it was Barton! He was weak, but still gripped his signature greatsword tightly; the blade was dull, clearly exhausted. A faint, unassuming amulet on his chest gleamed with the same light as his distress signal – he was sending it!

Around him, three shadow hounds, resembling hunting dogs but entirely composed of viscous shadows, were closing in! These monsters were roughly equivalent to advanced apprentices, skilled in ambushes and encirclement, and highly resistant to physical attacks. Barton was clearly at his limit, barely managing to parry with his fighting instincts and remaining battle aura, facing imminent danger.

Are the people without the Discipline Tower not nearby, or have they already been dealt with by Barton, or... are they waiting in the wings?

Luo Wei didn't have time to think it through; the rescue was of utmost urgency! He made a decision instantly.

With the "Hidden Light" effect activated to its maximum, he moved like a streak of light in the dark night, silently slipping into the valley and circling around to the side and rear of the three shadow hounds.

"Starlight Shield!" he murmured to himself, and a pale silver shield made of countless tiny starlight instantly appeared in front of Barton, barely blocking the attack of a Shadow Hound! The shield fluctuated violently, but successfully blocked the attack.

The sudden help startled the Shadow Hound, and Barton also struggled to lift his head, a hint of unbelievable surprise flashing in his cloudy eyes.

"Starlight Rays!" Taking advantage of the opportunity, Lowe flicked his hands, sending several condensed silver beams precisely towards the energy core of the Shadow Hound—the weakness of these energy entities that he had seen through his star field perception!

*Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle!* Starlight has a natural restraining effect on shadow creatures! The ray hit, and the shadow hound let out a silent wail as its body instantly faded and disintegrated!

The remaining two hounds went berserk, abandoning Patton and lunging at Rowe.

"You're courting death!" Luo Wei's eyes turned cold, and he held back no longer. He moved swiftly, using Astral Projection to instantly appear beside a hound. His "Starlight Ray" pierced straight into its core, while his other hand drew a "Starlight Shield" to block in front of him.

One was instantly killed! The other's attack was blocked by the shield.

Upon seeing this, the last hunting dog let out a shriek and its body suddenly swelled up as if it were about to explode!

How could Luo Wei give it a chance? The Astral Projection was activated again, appearing behind it. The starlight on its right index finger shone brightly, and a "Starlight Ray - Piercing Strike" that gathered most of the remaining star power pierced into its core like a silver needle!

*Poof!* The Shadow Hound vanished like a punctured balloon.

The battle ended in a matter of breaths. Lowe was slightly out of breath; casting spells continuously had taken a toll on his star power. He immediately rushed to Barton's side.

"Barton! Hang in there!" He quickly checked Barton's injuries: internal organs damaged, excessive blood loss, depleted fighting spirit, and a broken left arm. His condition was critical.

"Lo...Love...you actually came..." Barton grinned, but the movement aggravated his wound, causing him to cough violently, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "Quick...hurry...the scum of the Discipline Tower...might be nearby..."

"Don't speak!" Lowe immediately fed Barton the best healing potion he had on him, and used the life energy contained in the Star Power he had just mastered to temporarily protect his heart meridian and stabilize his injuries. The Star Power seemed to have a unique effect on healing, and Barton's complexion improved slightly.

"What happened? How is the academy? Where are Lilith and Lina?" Rowe asked urgently, sensing his surroundings warily.

Barton leaned against the rock, panting, and began to speak haltingly:

It turned out that after the Tower of Slumber exploded that day, the seal at the tower's core shattered completely. A portion of the Abyss Demon's consciousness, carrying immense power, broke free and engaged in a massive battle with the Discipline Tower's powerful members within the tower (Elder Anderson's faction and Casper's faction seemed to have also clashed due to ideological differences). The entire Darkmoon Academy descended into unprecedented chaos, with numerous buildings destroyed and countless students killed or wounded.

Barton barely managed to break through the encirclement under Master Walter's desperate cover. Master Walter was seriously wounded while trying to hold off the pursuers and his whereabouts are unknown. Barton, relying on his near-wizard abilities and some prior preparations, fled and, following the emergency contact method he had agreed upon with Rowe, found the vicinity of the Star Speaker's Cave, hoping to see if Rowe was hiding there.

Unexpectedly, he encountered a small squad of pursuers from the Discipline Tower (who seemed to be die-hard loyalists of the Kasper faction). After a fierce battle, he killed all the pursuers, but he was also seriously injured. His Star Power Amulet was also damaged in the battle. He could only send out a distress signal with his last bit of strength, and then he was besieged by shadow creatures that came after hearing the news.

"Lilith and Lina... I don't know... when the chaos happened... we were separated..." Barton's eyes were filled with pain and worry. "The academy... is finished... the Discipline Tower is finished... that demonic figure... it's terrifying..."

Luo Wei's heart sank to the bottom. The worst had happened. The academy had fallen, his mentors were missing, his companions were scattered, and the shadows of the abyss raged...

"We must leave here immediately!" Lowe made a snap decision; the pursuers from the Discipline Tower could arrive at any moment. He helped Barton up, preparing to return to the Astral Cavern. It was currently the only relatively safe place.

However, just as he turned around, a very strong warning suddenly came from the Star Domain Perception!

A cold, sharp, and murderous sword aura, like a venomous snake, silently shot out from the shadows behind them! Its speed far surpassed that of the Shadow Hounds!

The target is aimed directly at Lo Wei's back!

There's an ambush! And the attacker is an extremely skilled concealment and sneak attack expert!

Another crisis is looming!