158: Good news, bottlenecks, and choices

Time quietly flowed by in the tides of the Boundary Sea.

August, 3626.

In the Main Tower laboratory, Brian's and spiritual pupil - dawn's research, having shifted to practical applications, had unexpectedly yielded many gratifying advancements.

They successfully analyzed a specific frequency of life fluctuation emitted by the heart of the source during its self-repair process.

By simulating this fluctuation, the basic healing spell effectiveness of the Sanctuary robots improved by about 15%, and their purification ability against certain complex ailments was also enhanced.

Simultaneously, using another observed energy dissipation pattern, they optimized an alloy formula for construct self-repair; although far inferior to the heart of the source's reconstruction capability, it slightly boosted the sustained combat capability of the robot legion on the battlefield.

Although these results seemed minor, they represented solid, steady progress, which greatly satisfied Brian.

Meanwhile, battle reports from the front lines were transmitted back through the Spirit Eye Network like snowflakes.

The A-01 [Scorched Earth Wasteland] plane, overseen by spiritual pupil - slaughter, lived up to its name, facing the fiercest yet most direct resistance.

Under the absolute suppression of power and ruthless decapitation tactics, over 70% of the plane's core forces were destroyed within the first month.

The remaining forces retreated to desolate areas with harsh environments, conducting sporadic guerrilla warfare.

spiritual pupil - slaughter's report was as concise as ever:

"Primary threat eliminated. Mopping up remnants. Resource point exploration 87% complete. Anticipate full suppression 15 days ahead of schedule, preparing for traction."

The A-02 [Sea of a Thousand Sails] plane, overseen by spiritual pupil - seeker, saw a brilliant display of economic and intelligence warfare.

She successfully caused the three main city-state alliances to fall into internal conflict using provocation, trade sanctions, and precise commercial aid.

When two of the city-states were mutually annihilated, her robot legion intervened as mediators and peacekeepers, taking control of most areas without shedding a drop of blood.

The last remaining neutral commercial city-state, after witnessing the absolute military might displayed by the [Patrol] and the generous trade terms promised by spiritual pupil - seeker, also chose to surrender.

"Done! All ports and markets are under our control, and the procurement list for local specialties has been sent back. I'm looking forward to a good price!"

spiritual pupil - seeker's voice was full of triumph.

The A-03 [Emerald Forest Realm] plane, overseen by Spiritual Pupil - Grace, progressed relatively slowly but more steadily.

Her continuous purification and healing actions gradually dissolved the hostility of the indigenous wood-elemental beings.

Some ancient trees that had been tormented by the aura of the abyss for many years regained their clarity with her assistance and began to support her instead.

Although the oldest and most powerful Treant Elders remained stubborn, clinging to their xenophobic traditions, signs of internal division had already appeared.

"The resonance of the Heart of Nature is strengthening, and the will to resist continues to weaken. I suggest maintaining the current strategy. We anticipate achieving peaceful evolution within two to three months, preserving the plane's ecology and potential to the greatest extent."

Spiritual Pupil - Grace's report was gentle and patient.

Three fronts, three styles—all were advancing steadily according to plan, even slightly exceeding expectations.

The ability of the evolved Spirit Eyes to operate independently had been fully verified.

However, just when everything seemed to be going smoothly, Brian himself encountered a moderate bottleneck.

After successfully rescuing and pulling the Verdant Source, his cultivation, which had already reached the late stage of Level 5, was pushed by the 30% cultivation bonus, allowing him to touch the invisible barrier leading to Level 6.

In his Sea of Consciousness, the 16 mental spheres representing a Level 5 Mage were full and robust, eager to proceed.

But to merge them into one and condense the first Mental Singularity, which marks the beginning of Level 6, he only had an 80% chance. Although it looked sufficient, he always felt he was missing a crucial opportunity.

This was not due to insufficient energy accumulation or lack of knowledge reserves; rather, it was like the final kick that failed to break open the door on the level of understanding power and the world.

Forcing the breakthrough was not impossible, but it carried the risk of damaging his spiritual foundation, which went against his core principle of steady, deliberate progress.

Brian woke from deep meditation, his brow slightly furrowed.

He knew he needed some external stimulus or a flash of inspiration that could bring him sudden enlightenment.

His gaze involuntarily fell once more upon the carefully preserved [Special Reward].

Previously, he had restrained himself from opening it, feeling the time was not right, wanting to wait until his accumulation was deeper.

But now, the conquest on the front lines was proceeding systematically, research in the rear was on track, yet he was stuck at a crucial bottleneck.

"Perhaps... the time has come."

Brian thought to himself.

The opportunity contained within this Special Reward, obtained from the traction of a mid-level plane, might be exactly the spark he currently lacked.

He took a deep breath and said to spiritual pupil - heart, who was waiting by his side:

"Inform spiritual pupil - dawn to pause the current research. You will accompany me to the secret chamber."

"Yes, Master!" A flicker of curiosity and anticipation flashed in spiritual pupil - heart's eyes.

Moments later, inside the core secret chamber—the most heavily defended area of the Main Tower—only Brian and spiritual pupil - heart were present.

Brian solemnly took out the [Special Reward], which emitted a unique fluctuation, as if sealed within an amber of time.

Without further hesitation, his mental power, like the most precise carving knife, slowly touched the seal.

Buzz... The seal dissolved like melting ice, and the cluster of light slowly unfolded, transforming into a hazy curtain of light seemingly composed of countless fragmented starlight.

An ancient, vast aura, pointing directly to the origin of knowledge, permeated the air.

On the light curtain, there were no concrete images or complex texts, only three strange, constantly shifting symbols that seemed to be condensed from the rules themselves, along with a stream of information that projected directly into the depths of Brian's consciousness:

[Reward: One-time "Law Lens" Experience]

[Description: This is neither knowledge infusion nor a bestowal of power. It will provide you with a brief window, allowing you to transcend the limitations of your current level and observe the shallow law patterns contained within a spell or technique of your choosing, from a perspective closer to the essence. Duration: Thirty seconds.]

[Warning: The level of observation far exceeds your current comprehension limit. The risk of information overload is extremely high. Please choose your observation target carefully.]

A one-time Law Lens Experience?!

Brian's heart violently skipped a beat.

This was not a direct gift of power or knowledge he couldn't control, but an opportunity for observation!

A precious chance allowing him to glimpse a trace of the laws ahead of time!

This reward was practically tailor-made for his current bottleneck!

He didn't need to understand everything; even a fleeting glimpse, the perspective and insight gained from transcending his current level, could very well become the key to breaking the barrier and pushing open the door to Level 6!

His gaze instantly sharpened, and all the spells and techniques he mastered flashed rapidly through his mind—

Level 4, Level 5 Railgun, the Spirit Fusion Meditation Method, and even the heart of the source energy model he had just begun to study... These thirty seconds were incredibly precious.

He had to choose the target that would bring the most breakthrough insight.

His choice would directly influence his path to higher levels.