Wizarding Age: I can analyze everything

Chapter 87 Substitute Spirits and the Selection Trials

The pharmacy room fell silent for a moment.

Mo Weng and Yin Xue both stared intently at Pei Ze, awaiting his answer.

Pei Ze did not hide anything and frankly admitted, "Yes, teacher, just yesterday, I reached the standard for condensing spiritual crystals."

Upon hearing this, Yin Xue couldn't help but gasp, her eyes widening in disbelief.

It's no wonder she reacted so strongly; this matter is simply too astonishing.

It's worth noting that it's only been a little over two months since Pei Ze obtained the Moon Ring Meditation Technique.

In such a short time, Pei Ze actually managed to construct the next twelve will runes?

What speed is that?

Yin Xue once again deeply realized the terrifying talent of her junior.

Mo Weng remained silent for a long while before letting out a long sigh and nodding emphatically.

"very good."

His tone revealed an undisguised sense of relief and joy.

At this moment, Mo Weng looked at Pei Ze as if he were looking at a sculpted gem that radiated a magnificent light, his expression exceptionally gentle.

When he first took Pei Ze as his disciple, he only valued Pei Ze's talent in potion-making and did not place much hope on the latter's aptitude in the path of wizardry.

Even though Pei Ze had already begun to show his talent at that time.

After all, he had seen many ordinary geniuses rise rapidly like stars, only to fall just as quickly and become just another ordinary person.

Not to mention that there was a genius like Yin Xue, who came from a prestigious wizarding family and had exceptional talent, to compare with, so naturally Pei Ze didn't have too many expectations in this regard.

Who would have thought that in the time that followed, Pei Ze would repeatedly display his astonishing talent and strength.

He first distinguished himself in the operation to eliminate the Hand of Deep Resentment, killing Honan and Li Ke in succession.

And now it has already reached the standard of condensing spiritual crystallization.

This talent is already even more outstanding than Yin Xue's!

Even among the many geniuses he had ever seen, he was certainly worthy of the word "shining".

At this moment, Mo Weng re-established Pei Ze's place in his heart.

"Now that you've reached the standard for condensing spiritual essence, it's time to learn about this aspect."

Mo Weng paused for a moment, then began to speak.

"The reason why it is difficult to condense spiritual essence lies mainly in two points."

"The first point is that the process of condensing spiritual crystals will rapidly consume the body's life force. Once the life force is too severely depleted to continue, it will lead to the failure of condensation. In severe cases, the life force will be drained and death will result."

"More than 90% of wizard apprentices who died from condensing spiritual crystals died from this cause of death."

"The role of these auxiliary medicines, such as the Lixin Water, is to replenish vitality, protect the human body, and prevent death from excessive loss of vitality."

Pei Ze nodded slightly; he had already seen this in the books in the library.

But Mo Weng's next words startled him.

"The second point is that the process of compressing mental energy will produce intense pain. This pain, which originates from the soul level, is enough to break a person with a weak will. Many wizard apprentices cannot bear the pain and interrupt the compression process, which leads to their ultimate failure and damage to their spirit."

Pei Ze had not seen this in any books.

Clearly, the information in the library on this topic is not very comprehensive.

After hearing Mo Weng's explanation, he couldn't help but seem thoughtful.

"The five standard doses of the glass essence solved the first problem, increasing the success rate to over fifty percent."

"Does solving the second problem increase the success rate to 80% or 90%?"

Thinking of this, Pei Ze's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked:

"Teacher, how do we solve the problem of suffering?"

Pei Ze didn't believe that the pain during the process of compressing mental energy could be resolved simply by willpower.

If it were that simple, there wouldn't have been so many wizard apprentices failing to advance over the past tens of thousands of years.

Mo Weng smiled faintly and said, "There are many solutions, but the best one is to find a substitute spirit to bear your pain."

Substitute Spirit?

Pei Ze searched his memory, but unfortunately couldn't find any relevant information.

Yin Xue was the most considerate in answering his questions.

"A Substitute Spirit is an artificially cultivated ghostly creature, belonging to the category of puppet manufacturing technology."

"The basic principle is to extract a segment of your soul aura and cultivate it into a ghostly creature with soul fluctuations identical to yours through special means, capable of taking all damage from the soul level for you."

There are such puppets?

Pei Ze was immediately astonished.

The art of puppet making is truly profound; even ghostly puppets like these can be created.

But then I thought about it again. If they could even create terrifying weapons of war like the Divine Body Demon Statue, then a mere Substitute Spirit didn't seem so strange after all.

Coming to his senses, Pei Ze immediately recited in his mind: "Omniscient, five standard doses of Glass Heart Water plus one substitute spirit, calculate my success rate in condensing a spiritual crystal."

[86.31%]

really!

Pei Ze was overjoyed.

Although I haven't actually come into contact with a substitute spirit, the calculated success rate may have some errors, but the error shouldn't be too large.

Once he acquires a substitute spirit, his chances of condensing a spiritual crystal will be much greater.

Pei Ze suppressed his joy and quickly asked, "Then how do I obtain the substitute spirit?"

Mo Weng shook his head: "The principle of the substitute spirit sounds simple, but it involves the soul level. Only a master with superb skills and years of experience in soul puppetry can create it."

"Such master-level figures can be counted on one hand in the entire Dawn City; at least the Tower Academy doesn't have any like them."

Pei Ze was immediately disappointed.

Even Mo Weng said so, which shows how prestigious the status of a puppeteer who can create a substitute spirit is.

Such an important figure would not easily dedicate himself to creating a puppet for a wizard apprentice.

Even if he were willing, he would likely be unable to afford the payment.

Seeing Pei Ze's disappointed expression, Yin Xue gently comforted him, "Junior, you don't necessarily need a substitute spirit. Using a calming potion instead is also a good option. Although the effect is less, with two standard doses of Li Xin Water, the success rate of condensing a spirit crystal is at least 70%."

Pei Ze glanced at Yin Xue and immediately understood.

Yin Xue must have successfully condensed her spiritual essence by combining a calming potion with two standard doses of Li Xin Shui.

She just didn't know that Pei Ze had constructed 32 will runes, not 24.

The same treatment plan worked for her, but it didn't work for Pei Ze.

The final success rate is likely to be less than 50%.

However, on the surface, Pei Ze nodded helplessly, pretending to have no other choice, while in his heart he planned to use his all-knowing eye to deduce other methods when he got back.

At this moment, Mo Weng suddenly spoke.

"Actually, there is a way."

Pei Ze and Yin Xue were both taken aback.

However, both of them were quick-witted and realized what was happening very quickly.

"Does the teacher mean a competition with Red Lotus City?" Pei Ze pondered.

Mo Weng nodded slightly and said, "As long as you win that competition representing Dawn City, you can have both a substitute spirit, let alone one."

Pei Ze asked curiously, "Teacher, what exactly is the form of the competition?"

"To ensure fairness, a notary was specially invited from the Astral Alliance for this competition, and the competition format was also set by the notary. Before the competition began, neither we nor Crimson Lotus City knew the specific details."

"But no matter what form it takes, it all comes down to who has the bigger fist."

Pei Ze nodded in understanding; what he said made sense.

"Teacher, how does the Dawn Council plan to decide on the participants for the competition?"

Upon hearing Pei Ze's words, Mo Weng immediately knew that he had made a decision, and said, "In half a month, the Dawn Council will hold a trial. The three wizard apprentices who pass the trial will represent Dawn City in the competition."

Are there any restrictions on who can participate in the trial?

"Any level three wizard apprentice can participate."

Mo Weng glanced at Pei Ze, his expression turning slightly solemn.

"In order to win the competition, the Dawn Council will certainly spare no resources to strongly support the three wizard apprentices participating in the competition."

"For that reason alone, there will be no shortage of wizard apprentices participating in the trials."

"It's not just the four academies; many veteran wizarding apprentices serving in the military and from various wizarding families will likely participate."

"Although they are not as talented as you, they have accumulated a lot of trump cards and backup plans over the years. You must not let your guard down when facing these people."

"Yes, teacher." Pei Ze nodded solemnly.

Mo Weng nodded, then suddenly tossed something to Pei Ze.

Pei Ze subconsciously reached out and took it, then looked down and saw that it was a bottle about the size of a thumb, containing a silver liquid.

"This is a standard amount of Crystal Water, consider it a gift for you."

"However, my help to you is limited to this. If you need more support resources later, try to pass the trial and become one of the three participants in the competition. At that time, you can make a request to the Dawn Council. Even if you need three or five bottles of Glass Heart Water, they will satisfy you."

"Yes, teacher."

Pei Ze bowed gratefully.

Regardless of what Mo Weng's purpose was in suddenly taking him as a disciple, the help he received during this period was genuine.

He still remembers this kindness very well.

Mo Weng waved his hand calmly, indicating that the two could leave.

Back at the plantation entrance, Yin Xue smiled and said, "Junior, this is a great opportunity for you. If you can win the competition representing Dawn City, you won't have to worry about the resources to advance to a wizard."

Gathering the resources needed to advance to the next level of wizardry is a huge challenge for any wizarding apprentice.

Whether it's a life-restoring potion or a rare item to alleviate soul pain, they are all incredibly valuable, and collecting them all is no easy task.

Even for someone like Yin Xue, a member of a wizarding family, this was the case.

While wizarding families possess vast resources, they do not simply give them away to their descendants.

Having a large family and needing resources for cultivation is one aspect.

On the other hand, gathering resources for advancement is itself a test for wizard apprentices.

They must work hard to acquire resources, instead of sitting idly by and waiting for their families to feed them.

A wizard cultivated with smooth sailing and abundant resources is merely a hothouse flower, unable to withstand the storms of life.

The initial stages may be smooth, but without the resilience and will to face difficulties, one will not go far on the path of wizardry.

Only wizards who fight their way through thorns and brambles, overcome all difficulties and advance to higher levels, can truly shine on the path of wizardry.

Even the family members are like this, not to mention ordinary wizard apprentices.

In terms of gathering resources for promotion, they face far greater difficulties than the former.

The reason why many wizarding apprentices fail to advance to wizardhood is not entirely due to insufficient aptitude; a lack of sufficient resources is also an important factor.

Hearing Yin Xue's words, Pei Ze smiled slightly and said, "It's a pity that you broke through so early, otherwise you would definitely be one of the three spots in the competition."

"You have so much faith in me," Yin Xue said with a smile that made her eyes crinkle.

"Of course," Pei Ze replied earnestly.

Of all the level three wizard apprentices he has encountered so far, Yin Xue is the only one who has made him feel pressured.

Now that he has advanced to the rank of wizard, Yin Xue is like a bottomless abyss in his perception, completely unfathomable.

Even using the All-Seeing Eye to investigate, the feedback was "Insufficient mental energy, analysis failed."

This shows just how amazing Yin Xue's true strength is.

As for Mo Weng, that's on a completely different level.

"You," Yin Xue affectionately tapped Pei Ze's forehead, then gently instructed, "Prepare well during this time. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to come to me, and I will do my best to help you."

Upon hearing this, Pei Ze's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said, "I happen to have something I need to trouble you with, senior."

Yin Xue chuckled and asked, "What is it?"

"I need as many Knight Breathing Techniques as possible, the rank doesn't matter. Could you please help me find some?"

Yin Xue was somewhat surprised, not expecting such a request.

However, she didn't ask any further questions and nodded in agreement.

On his way back to the apartment, Pei Ze pondered his next steps.

Now that we've decided to compete for a spot, we have to give it our all.

Whether we can gather enough resources to advance to the level of a wizard depends on this opportunity.

There are still two weeks until the trial, so I need to improve my strength as soon as possible.

"I need to complete the Lightning Rune and Blink Magic Tattoo as soon as possible. With these two methods, my combat power will be greatly improved. If time allows, it would be best to analyze a few more elemental runes."

"We also need to come up with the metal combination formula for Silver Star as soon as possible, and try to fuse it a few times before the trial."

Strengthening Yin Xing's offensive and defensive capabilities is secondary; Pei Ze hopes to reduce Yin Xing's mental energy consumption.

Only in this way can the Silver Star be used as more than just a trump card.

Once Silver Star becomes a standard weapon, his combat power will see a leap forward.

"And spells, I need to master a few more first-level spells."

Who knows what form the trial will take? Mastering more spells will make it easier to deal with unexpected situations.

"And the Mist Feathers also need to be transformed into Mist Ravens."

Over this period of time, the number of mist crows inside Wuyu's body has increased to more than 3,800.

Now only the southern part of the outer city has not been searched.

Pei Ze estimated that once the search of the southern district was completed, the number of fog crows should increase to around five thousand.

No, this should be the limit.

If we want to increase the number of fog crows, we'll have to go to other places to catch crows.

However, this matter is not urgent; it can be dealt with after one is promoted to wizard.

"Let the little guy go hunting on his own these days."

As he thought about it, Pei Ze realized that there were many areas where he needed to improve.

Fortunately, the Truth Realm will open in about ten days. At that time, I can reap a wave of power of rules and improve my strength much faster.

(End of this chapter)