As the skill points were consumed:
The ability "Scroll Crafting" appeared in the professional skills column.
Skill: Scroll Crafting
Cost: 1-3 low-tier scrolls/5MP (MP cost doubles every three tier increases)
Description: Can craft corresponding tier blank magic scrolls from appropriate materials (requires significant material and mana consumption).
Tang Zheng looked at the skill information on the panel, his eyes slightly gleaming. Unexpectedly. The scroll crafting technique had been obtained so easily!
But with the "Papermaking Technique" that could be upgraded using skill points, Tang Zheng could completely achieve self-sufficiency in materials. The only consideration was mana consumption.
"This should be second-tier magic scrolls, right?" Tang Zheng suddenly asked.
The middle-aged mage first glanced at Master Bellrose beside him. Finding that his usually rigid teacher showed no intention of stopping him, he felt surprised but proactively explained:
"Magic scrolls made from normal parchment can only bear first-tier magic, but not second-tier magic. This requires combining parchment with second-tier 'Papermaking Technique' paper to create the magic scroll."
Understanding dawned on Tang Zheng's face as he curiously looked at the pale golden liquid used to soak the paper earlier: "What is this liquid?"
Having the technique to craft magic scrolls wasn't enough! He still needed the skills and methods to infuse magic into the scrolls. He had no interest in becoming a disciple of a spellcaster who could probably only use third-tier magic. Seizing this opportunity, Tang Zheng naturally wanted to acquire as much scroll-making knowledge as possible.
The middle-aged mage subconsciously glanced at his teacher again, noticing him examining the newly crafted magic scroll, still paying no attention here.
"It's a magical solution that maintains mana stability."
This time, the middle-aged mage looked at Tang Zheng with obvious goodwill, his voice even gentler. Initially thinking this black-haired youth was just somewhat special to be brought here by his teacher, it now appeared he might have caught the teacher's eye.
"Learning second-tier 'Papermaking Technique' is far more difficult than other magics of the same tier. Due to factors like the caster's mana strength and proficiency, the mana content in produced paper varies slightly. This often causes instability during scroll crafting, leading to failures or even dangers. Hence this magical solution is needed for stabilization."
Here, the middle-aged man adopted a flattering expression toward Master Bellrose, subtly buttering him up:
"Only the teacher can produce perfect second-tier paper without needing the magical solution's assistance."
So that's how it was! Tang Zheng's interest in the pale golden magical solution immediately waned, while his gaze held a trace of pity for the middle-aged mage before him.
This flattery had missed its mark. Earlier in the main hall, when this rigid old man examined Tang Zheng's second-tier paper, he had pretentiously commented that "this level would be considered excellent among his disciples." Now it was clear he was just boosting his own reputation.
Tang Zheng's second-tier "Papermaking Technique" should be on par with Master Bellrose's. Of course, this was thanks to "player" abilities and had nothing to do with his own skills, but the results were the same. No wonder he'd been directly asked about becoming a disciple without even inquiring about his details.
Sure enough. As the middle-aged mage finished speaking, Master Bellrose, who had been examining the magic scroll, paused his movements.
"How many blank magic scrolls have you made today?" Master Bellrose raised his head, expressionlessly staring at the middle-aged mage.
The middle-aged mage seemed to sense something amiss, stammering his reply.
"Only two in all this time? Since you're so idle, clean this entire place." Master Bellrose spoke lightly.
The middle-aged mage looked bewildered and wronged: "Huh?"
Crafting magic scrolls wasn't troublesome, but selecting papers with similar mana levels, preparing the magical solution, and mana recovery all took time.
"Shall I repeat myself?" Master Bellrose narrowed his eyes.
Not daring to argue, the middle-aged mage quickly turned and left.
Having his hidden thoughts accidentally exposed, Master Bellrose's wrinkled face showed no change in expression, remaining composed as he calmly said: "This is the process of crafting magic scrolls."
Finished speaking, Master Bellrose continued deeper inside, though his footsteps noticeably quickened.
Under his guidance, Tang Zheng followed into a somewhat dim, crowded room.
Indeed! "Crowded" was the right word.
At a glance, the room covered about 100 square meters, with nearly one-third occupied by densely packed bookshelves.
On the wall opposite the door hung an enormous ancient map, where a thick central mountain range seemed to divide the entire map in two.
Was this... the map of the "Li Yestige Kingdom" and the "Bahāruth Empire"?
Tang Zheng recognized the distinctive terrain of the "Angelicia Mountains" and had this thought.
Besides this, many strange objects cluttered the room - some were stone tablets, others appeared to be fragments taken from certain structures. The rest comprised various notes, scrolls, and animal hides of different colors.
In one corner, Tang Zheng even spotted a complete adult hellhound hide - no wonder the old man hadn't cared upon seeing the young hellhound earlier.
These items filled every available space, giving the entire area an intensely crowded feeling.
"I know you currently have many questions in your mind. No hurry, let's sit and talk slowly."
After entering the room, Master Bellrose's stern, rigid, even somewhat harsh expression softened considerably, with a trace of weariness appearing between his brows.
Tang Zheng didn't stand on ceremony either, walking over to sit opposite him.
Master Bellrose paused briefly, then chuckled lightly: "This is good too. The talented should naturally differ from mediocrities."