"What’s this?" he asked curiously.
Thompson explained softly:
"An attributeless energy crystal, one of the fundamental materials of alchemy, able to store and transform various elemental energies. Alchemists often use it as a core material to construct various alchemy devices."
Ron observed the crystal in his hand curiously, feeling a subtle energy fluctuation emanating from it.
"For beginners, this type of crystal is an excellent tool for practicing elemental manipulation."
Thompson continued: "It can intuitively reflect whether your spiritual power output is precise."
Ron carefully channeled his spiritual power into the crystal, which immediately lit up with brighter purple light and began to vibrate slightly.
"Very well controlled," Thompson praised:
"Now, try to guide this energy in a specific direction—imagine it forming a vortex within the crystal."
Ron closed his eyes, focusing on sensing the energy flow within the crystal, guiding it according to Thompson’s instructions.
The glow of the crystal began to change, presenting spiral light patterns from the center outward.
[Alchemy Experience Points + 1]
"Outstanding." Thompson smiled and said, "It seems you truly have a remarkable talent for spiritual control, and you are an excellent alchemist yourself, so..."
He pondered for a moment, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes, as if considering whether to share some secret knowledge.
Finally, he decided to continue: The source of this content ɪs ɴovel(ꜰ)ɪre.nᴇt
"Do you know? Although the attributeless energy crystal is very practical, in the ultimate pursuit of alchemy, it is but the most basic step."
"Ultimate pursuit?" Ron asked curiously.
Thompson lowered his voice, his tone becoming mysterious and reverent:
"The Philosopher’s Stone—it’s the ultimate dream of all alchemists. It’s said to create anything the heart desires, even things that don’t exist in the world."
Ron’s eyes lit up: "Does such a thing really exist?"
"This question has troubled countless alchemy masters for several eras."
Thompson sighed lightly: "Some call it a fictional myth, some claim to have glimpsed its true form, and others believe it is not truly a material, but a realm or state."
He took a book from the shelf and turned to a page, where a complex circular pattern was drawn, with a red crystal at the center surrounded by countless runes and lines.
"The ancient tablet ’The Jade Record’ once recorded:
’The Philosopher’s Stone, neither stone nor material, born of nothing, dies in reality. It is both the beginning of all things and the ultimate destination. He who masters it holds the power to rewrite reality; he who seeks it may gain eternal wisdom, or fall into eternal madness.’"
Thompson closed the book, his gaze deep:
"It’s said that the Philosopher’s Stone can transform base metals into pure gold, cure all diseases, and even grant the bearer immortality. But more alchemy masters believe its true power lies in crossing the bounds of reality and the void, creating miracles that should not exist."
His words carried a hint of warning:
"However, all records of those who pursued this item inevitably recount terrifying costs—most ancient alchemists who touched upon the ultimate secrets lost their sanity or completely disappeared in the river of history."
Ron pondered: "It sounds very much like symptoms of deep spiritual contamination..."
"Keen observation," Thompson nodded appreciatively:
"Indeed, some scholars speculate that the Philosopher’s Stone may be related to some ancient chaos existence, and perhaps the pursuers’ spirits couldn’t withstand the collapse when facing that existence."
He returned the book to the shelf and resumed his calm tone:
"In any case, as a beginner, you just need to master basic alchemy techniques. As for those ultimate secrets, consider them after you become an official wizard. After all, secrets that even official wizards spend their entire lives unable to reach are too distant for an apprentice."
The extra guidance lasted for nearly half an hour, and by the end, Ron felt his understanding of alchemy had progressed further.
But he also felt a strange unease about that legendary Philosopher’s Stone, as if it was a taboo that should not be touched by mortals.
Next was the "Elemental Affinity" course, which was vastly different from "Alchemy Practice" but equally captivating.
The classroom was a circular space with walls painted with complex runes representing various elements.
At the center was an elemental pool, where different elemental powers flowed freely, creating a dazzling spectacle.
The instructor was Laila, an advanced apprentice, a graceful woman with a long grey robe embroidered with silver edges, long hair cascading to her waist, and holding a magic wand inlaid with a water-blue gemstone at the top.
"Elemental affinity is a fundamental ability for every wizard." Laila’s voice was as gentle as a breeze:
"No matter what specialization you choose in the future, understanding and mastering the essence of elements will benefit you for a lifetime."
The first lesson primarily explained the basic traits and identification methods of different elements.
Laila demonstrated through the elemental pool, showing students the traits of foundational elements like fire, water, earth, wind, light, and darkness.
"Close your eyes, feel the elemental fluctuations around you."
Laila instructed: "Each element has its unique frequency and rhythm. Learning to identify them is the first step to mastering elemental affinity."
Following the instructions, Ron closed his eyes, carefully extending his spiritual power outward.
Initially, he could only sense a chaotic energy fluctuation, but as his focus increased, the fluctuations of different elements gradually became clear.