The morning sun pierced through the cracks of the wooden shutters, casting a golden glow across the room. Lin Feng woke up, his mind still clouded by the frustration and anger from the previous night. He sat up slowly, stretching his sore muscles, and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. The Overseer had tried to comfort him, but Lin Feng's mistrust of the unknown still lingered.
As he dressed in the simple brown pants and shirt provided by the inn, he contemplated his situation. He knew that to progress, he needed more Gift Points, but the young woman he had gifted skills to had yet to use them again. His current amount of Gift Points had stagnated. He didn't wish to discard any of his current skills by gifting them, so he realized the best way to proceed was to use his "Heart of True Belief" to copy other people's skills and techniques.
Lin Feng pondered his options. An arena, perhaps, where fighters demonstrated their abilities in public? But the thought of mingling with rowdy crowds and participating in meaningless duels was unappealing. Joining the military might offer some opportunities to see various skills, but the idea of following orders and being part of a rigid hierarchy repelled him. Becoming a mercenary could be an option, but the unpredictability and lack of structure in such a life didn't suit his methodical nature. As for joining a school, the prospect of submitting to the authority of others and enduring the slow, formal pace of learning was intolerable.
As he marched through the busy streets of Baiyun, hawkers and vendors brandished their goods, trying their hardest to find customers. The chaotic scene was a sensory overload, but Lin Feng's sharp ears picked up on several shouts amidst the din:
"Fresh fruits! Juicy and sweet! Get them here!"
"Herbal remedies for all ailments! Guaranteed to work!"
"Exquisite silks! Soft and luxurious!"
"Spell Crafter's Book! Rare and valuable! Enhance your skills and knowledge!"
The last shout caught his attention. A Spell Crafter's Book? Intrigued, Lin Feng moved towards the vendor who had called out. The vendor had a small wooden stall on the side of the road, surrounded by street artists displaying their talents. Lin Feng approached, his curiosity piqued.
"What can you tell me about this Spell Crafter's Book?" Lin Feng asked, his tone steady and intense.
The vendor, a middle-aged man with a friendly demeanor, smiled brightly. "Ah, I see you're interested! The Spell Crafter's Book is a remarkable tome. It contains the knowledge of a Silver Spell Crafter from the Guild of Spell Crafters. These Spell Crafters delve deeply into the mysteries of spells, creating new kinds using both material and immaterial products. Their clients are mostly sects, schools, and clans, as their prices are often too steep for rogue cultivators."
Lin Feng's interest grew. "What exactly do these Spell Crafters do?"
The vendor's smile widened, sensing a potential sale. "They can enhance aspects of already created spells, transforming them to new heights of power. They experiment with spells, perfecting them, and even inventing new ones. Their work is highly sought after, as they push the boundaries of what is possible with cultivation and magic."
Lin Feng smirked. This was it. Spell Crafting. The very concept resonated deeply with him. The pursuit of understanding and perfecting spells, the blending of material and immaterial elements—it was exactly what he had been searching for. Even if the universe told him he couldn't be one, he would become a Spell Crafter still.
The vendor's expression shifted as he realized Lin Feng wasn't going to make a purchase. His smile faded, replaced by a cold demeanor. "If you're not buying anything, move along. I have other customers to attend to."
Undeterred, Lin Feng stepped away from the stall and approached a group of patrolling guards. These guards belonged to the Cloudtop Pavilion, the overlord of Baiyun. He stopped one of them, a stern-looking man in standard armor.
"I'm looking for the Guild of Spell Crafters. Where can I find them?" Lin Feng asked.
The guard eyed him suspiciously but eventually pointed down the street. "Follow this road until you reach the old quarter. There you'll see a high tower standing between some unassuming buildings. That's the place you're looking for. Be warned, few dare to approach it."
Lin Feng nodded his thanks and headed in the indicated direction. As he neared the old quarter, the bustling city noise faded, replaced by an eerie silence. The high tower loomed ahead, an imposing structure that seemed out of place among the modest buildings surrounding it. Few people were around, and even fewer dared to approach the tower.
The high tower of the Guild of Spell Crafters stood before Lin Feng, an imposing structure of dark stone that exuded an aura of mystery and power. The air around it felt heavy, almost oppressive, as if the building itself held secrets that weighed upon the souls of those who approached. Lin Feng steeled himself and stepped towards the entrance, his resolve unwavering.
As he entered the tower, he was immediately struck by the stark contrast between the quiet of the old quarter and the bustling activity inside. The main hall was vast, filled with people moving about with a sense of purpose. Apprentices and adepts, clad in robes of varying shades, rushed to and fro, carrying books, scrolls, and materials. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment, incense, and a faint, acrid tang of alchemical substances.
Lin Feng's presence went largely unnoticed as he navigated through the hall, but he could feel the disdainful gazes of those who did take note of him. The people here had an innate air of superiority, their disdain palpable. It was clear that this was a place where status and knowledge were everything, and Lin Feng, an outsider, was regarded as insignificant.
Ignoring the looks, Lin Feng approached a counter where a young woman with sharp features and a cold expression stood. She barely glanced at him before returning to her task of sorting through a stack of documents.
"I'm here to learn about Spell Crafting," Lin Feng said, his voice steady.
The young woman finally looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Spell Crafting is not for the faint of heart or the empty of purse. It requires dedication, intelligence, and significant resources. What exactly are you looking for?"
Lin Feng met her gaze without flinching. "I want to become a Spell Crafter. I'm willing to start as an apprentice."
The young woman let out a short, derisive laugh. "You and many others. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to even become an apprentice here? The costs are exorbitant, not just in coin but in effort and materials. You need books on the theory of Spell Crafting, which are expensive and hard to come by. Then there are the materials for practicing and experimenting, and even rudimentary spells to study can cost a small fortune."
Lin Feng frowned but remained resolute. "I'm prepared to do what it takes. How do I begin?"
The woman sighed, as if tired of dealing with hopefuls like him. "First, you need to understand the basics of Spell Crafting. The cheapest introductory book costs five hundred Spirit Stones. Then you'll need materials—basic herbs, minerals, enchanted ink—another thousand Spirit Stones at least. After that, you might find someone willing to teach you rudimentary spells for a price. Altogether, you're looking at an initial investment of around three thousand Spirit Stones, just to scratch the surface."
Lin Feng's heart sank slightly at the cost, but he didn't show it. "Is there any other way? I don't have that kind of money right now."
The woman looked him over, her gaze critical. "Then give up and leave. This is no place for those without means. Spell Crafting is not for the poor or the uncommitted. Find another path." With that, she turned away, effectively dismissing him.
Lin Feng clenched his fists, a surge of anger and frustration rising within him. He had come so far and was not about to be turned away by a dismissive receptionist. Determined, he lingered in the main hall, watching the comings and goings of the people around him. He needed to find another way in.
He wandered through the tower, observing and listening. As he moved deeper into the building, he noticed a group of apprentices discussing their tasks for the day. They spoke of a Bronze Spell Crafter, Mei Lan, who was known for her strict but fair demeanor. Lin Feng decided to follow them discreetly, hoping to find an opportunity.
As the apprentices entered a side corridor, Lin Feng slipped in behind them. They led him to a workshop, where Mei Lan was instructing a group of novices. He watched from the shadows, taking in her authoritative presence and the respect she commanded.
After the lesson, Mei Lan dismissed the apprentices, who left the workshop one by one. Lin Feng seized his chance and approached her as she was tidying up her materials.
"Spell Crafter Mei Lan," he said, his voice steady but respectful. "I seek to learn Spell Crafting, but I lack the means to pay for the books and materials. I am willing to work hard, to serve, if only given the chance to learn."
Mei Lan looked up, her eyes narrowing as she assessed him. "You're not one of my apprentices. What are you doing here?"
Lin Feng bowed his head slightly. "I was turned away by the receptionist, but I am determined to find a way. I have a deep desire to learn and understand Spell Crafting. Please, give me a chance to prove myself."
Mei Lan studied him for a long moment, then sighed. "You're either very brave or very foolish. Perhaps both. This tower does not take kindly to those who do not belong. However, I respect determination." She paused, considering. "There are always tasks that need doing, and few are willing to do them. If you are serious, you can start as a servant. Prove your worth, and I may consider teaching you."
Lin Feng's heart leapt with hope. "Thank you, Spell Crafter Mei Lan. I won't let you down."
"Very well," she said, her tone brisk. "Report to the head servant on the third floor. Tell him I sent you. You'll start with cleaning duties and running errands. Do your job well, and we will see."
Lin Feng nodded and hurried to the third floor. The head servant's office was a cramped room filled with shelves of cleaning supplies and mundane items. An older man with a stern face and graying hair sat behind a cluttered desk. He looked up as Lin Feng entered.
"Spell Crafter Mei Lan sent me," Lin Feng said, handing over the form she had given him.
The man glanced at the form and then at Lin Feng, his eyes narrowing. "You're an outsider. Why do you want to work here?"
Lin Feng met his gaze firmly. "I want to learn Spell Crafting. I'm willing to start at the bottom if it means getting a chance."
The head servant studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well. We always need more hands. You'll start with cleaning duties, running errands, and other menial tasks. Do your job well, and you might earn some small privileges. Fail, and you're out."
Lin Feng nodded. "I understand."
The head servant handed him a simple gray tunic. "Change into this and get to work. You'll be assigned to Spell Crafter Mei Lan. Report to her immediately."
Lin Feng changed into the simple gray tunic and made his way back to the workshop. The room was filled with various magical implements, shelves lined with jars of strange ingredients, and tables cluttered with open books and scrolls. The atmosphere was thick with the energy of ongoing experiments and the faint scent of alchemical substances. The Spell Crafter glanced up as he entered.
"So, you decided to stay," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Good. There is much to be done. Start by cleaning the shelves and organizing the materials. I'll have more tasks for you later."
Lin Feng nodded and set to work, moving quietly and efficiently as he tidied the workshop. As he cleaned, he noticed that Mei Lan was preparing to give a lesson to a group of five apprentices. He listened attentively, making sure to stay out of the way while soaking in as much information as possible.
The apprentices gathered around Mei Lan, each one a study in contrasts. One was a tall, serious young man with an intense gaze; another, a petite woman with quick, curious eyes; there was a muscular youth who seemed more suited to a battlefield than a workshop; a serene girl with an air of quiet confidence; and a lanky boy with a nervous disposition.
"Today," Mei Lan began, her voice commanding attention, "we will discuss the first steps towards Spell Crafting: elemental manipulation. Each of you was born with a natural communion to certain elements. These communions determine your affinity and ability to manipulate specific elements. The stages of your communion can differ, and it is unheard of for someone to acquire new communions after birth."
Mei Lan paused, letting the information sink in. Lin Feng, while cleaning the shelves, kept his ears sharp and his movements deliberate, careful not to draw attention to himself.
"Spell Crafters," Mei Lan continued, "use their Inner Sense to search for elemental particles in the Qi that surrounds every single person in the world. This is a constant process. I, for example, have communions with Ice and Wood."
She raised her hand, and a delicate lattice of ice crystals formed in the air, shimmering beautifully as it caught the light. The apprentices watched in awe as Mei Lan manipulated the ice, shaping it into a series of intricate patterns. Next, she extended her other hand, and tendrils of wood sprouted from her fingertips, weaving themselves into a small, ornate wooden sculpture.
"The first spell," she said, gesturing to the ice, "is called Frost Blossom. It allows me to create defensive barriers or offensive shards of ice." She demonstrated by forming a protective dome around herself that glittered with sharp, crystalline edges.
"The second spell," she continued, manipulating the wooden sculpture, "is called Verdant Growth. This spell can be used to create barriers, weapons, or even entangle enemies." She demonstrated by forming a dense, wooden shield and then letting the wood coil and twist into a set of sharp, wooden spikes.
"The third spell is a combination of both elements," she said, combining the ice and wood in a stunning display. "Winter's Embrace. It entangles the enemy in a wooden grasp, which then freezes solid, rendering them immobile." She demonstrated, and the apprentices watched, captivated by the beauty and power of the spell as a wooden vine wrapped around an imaginary target and then encased it in ice.
As Lin Feng glanced at her discreetly while continuing to clean, he felt a surge of determination. His heart pounded as he screamed internally, I CAN DO IT! I CAN DO IT! COME ON, DAMMIT! His eyes grew bloodshot as he focused all his willpower on believing that he already possessed these communions.
Suddenly, a series of notifications appeared before his eyes:
[System Notification: New Communions Acquired]
Ice Communion: Lowest Communion, Stage 2
Wood Communion: Lowest Communion, Stage 2
There were no fanfares, no outward signs of his internal victory. Lin Feng continued his work as if nothing had happened, his heart racing with excitement and satisfaction. Mei Lan, sensing his lingering gaze, merely assumed he was mesmerized by her display and paid him no further mind.
Returning her attention to her apprentices, Mei Lan said, "While I have natural communions with Ice and Wood, a Spell Crafter can still gather elemental particles of other elements from the surrounding Qi. This allows us to perform spells of elements we do not have a natural communion with, albeit at a slower rate."
She extended her hands again, and this time, small flames danced at her fingertips before forming into a fireball. Then, she caused a small gust of wind to swirl around her, lifting her hair slightly. The delay in forming these spells was nearly negligible, yet it was evident to her experienced apprentices.
One of the apprentices, the tall young man with an intense gaze, raised his hand. "Spell Crafter Mei Lan, how do you manage to control elements you do not have a natural communion with so effectively?"
Mei Lan smiled slightly. "It comes with years of practice and a deep understanding of elemental manipulation. By honing your Inner Sense and constantly practicing, you can become adept at controlling multiple elements. However, you will always be most proficient with the elements you have a natural communion with."
Another apprentice, the petite woman with quick, curious eyes, asked, "Are there any risks in attempting to control elements we do not naturally commune with?"
Mei Lan nodded. "Indeed, there are. Without proper control, the elemental particles can react unpredictably. It requires immense concentration and precision. A single mistake can result in backlashes or unintended effects."
The muscular youth, seemingly more comfortable with physical challenges, asked, "How do we start practicing this? Is there a specific method or technique?"
Mei Lan gestured to the shelves lined with books. "Begin with the basics. Study the theory and understand the principles behind elemental manipulation. Practice meditating to hone your Inner Sense. Start with your natural communions and gradually extend your practice to other elements. Patience and persistence are key."
As the apprentices absorbed her words, Lin Feng listened intently, every word reinforcing his newfound abilities. He continued to sweep the ground, his mind now filled with new possibilities. He had the communions he needed, and with determination and relentless practice, he knew he could master the art of Spell Crafting.
The apprentices continued to ask questions, and Mei Lan answered each with the patience and knowledge of an experienced Spell Crafter. Lin Feng watched and listened, his resolve hardening with each passing moment. He would learn all he could from Mei Lan and her lessons, absorbing every bit of knowledge and skill.
The petite woman asked, "Spell Crafter Mei Lan, what is the most challenging aspect of elemental manipulation for you?"
Mei Lan paused thoughtfully. "For me, it's the balance between elements. When combining different elements, like Ice and Wood, maintaining harmony is crucial. Any imbalance can cause the spell to fail or behave unpredictably. It's a delicate dance, one that requires constant attention and adjustment."
The serene girl with quiet confidence inquired, "Is there a particular mindset or mental state we should cultivate for better control?"
Mei Lan nodded. "Focus and tranquility. Your mind must be clear and your will unwavering. Distractions and doubts can disrupt the flow of Qi and elemental particles. Meditative practices and mental exercises can help in achieving the necessary state of mind."
The lanky boy, still nervous, asked hesitantly, "What if we feel we're not progressing fast enough? Is there a way to accelerate our learning?"
Mei Lan gave a reassuring smile. "Progress in Spell Crafting is not always linear. There will be times of rapid advancement and times of slow, steady improvement. Trust the process and keep practicing. Over time, you'll find your pace. Pushing too hard can lead to mistakes and setbacks."
As the discussion continued, Lin Feng absorbed every bit of information, his mind a whirl of strategies and plans. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but his determination burned brighter than ever. He would master these new communions, refine his control, and push the boundaries of his abilities.
As the day drew to a close, Lin Feng finished his duties in Mei Lan's workshop. He had worked tirelessly, cleaning the shelves, organizing materials, and making sure everything was in order. The other apprentices had long since left, and Mei Lan had departed without a word, leaving Lin Feng alone in the dimly lit room. He expected some form of payment or acknowledgment for his efforts, but as he made his way to the reception area, he found nothing but dismissive attitudes.
The receptionists barely looked up when he approached. "I'm here to receive my payment for today's work," Lin Feng said, his voice tight with anticipation.
One of the receptionists glanced at him with a bored expression. "You're just a servant. There's no payment for you. Now move along, we're busy."
Lin Feng's anger began to simmer beneath the surface. He had worked diligently all day, pouring his heart into every task, yet he was dismissed so easily. His fists clenched at his sides as he tried to control his temper. He knew this was an investment for the future, the only way to possibly learn new spells and progress. But the injustice of it all gnawed at him, feeding the fire of his rage.
Feeling the heat rising within him, Lin Feng decided it was best to leave before his emotions got the better of him. He turned abruptly, his mind a chaotic storm of anger and frustration. As he made his way towards the exit, someone accidentally stepped on his shoe. It was a light graze, barely noticeable, but in Lin Feng's current state, it was the final straw.
The apprentice who had stepped on his shoe quickly apologized, his arms full of books and parchments. He was a bashful young man, barely managing to stand straight under the weight of his load. His hair was disheveled, and his face flushed with embarrassment as he stammered out his apology. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there. Please forgive me."
But Lin Feng's mind had already drawn a blank. All he could see was the tip of his shoe, now smudged with dirt. His vision tunneled, and his thoughts became a single, laser-focused point of rage. Mechanically, his head turned towards the young man, his eyes narrowing with a predatory gleam.
This young man, with his awkward demeanor and apologetic nature, had become the perfect target for Lin Feng's displaced fury. In that instant, Lin Feng made a vow. He would make this young man's life miserable, would make him experience the worst feelings known to man. He would deprive him of everything he cherished, only to crush him when he thought he had achieved greatness.
The apprentice, unaware of the storm brewing within Lin Feng, continued to stammer his apologies. "Really, I didn't mean to—"
Lin Feng cut him off with a cold, calculating smile. "It's fine," he said, his voice dripping with a false kindness. "Just be more careful next time."
The young man nodded gratefully, relieved that the encounter seemed to have ended without incident. He quickly shuffled away, his load of books and parchments swaying precariously as he disappeared down the corridor.
Lin Feng watched him go, his mind already plotting. He could see the young man's bashful expression, the way his eyes darted nervously around, the way he struggled to maintain his balance. It was all so pathetically human, so weak. And Lin Feng would exploit every bit of it.
As he left the Guild of Spell Crafters, his anger simmered into a cold, focused determination. The injustices of the day had ignited a new fire within him, one that burned with a desire for revenge and dominance. He would use this anger, channel it into his cultivation, and ensure that the apprentice who had crossed him would live to regret it. Every slight, every insult, every obstacle placed in his path would be repaid a thousandfold.
Lin Feng's thoughts were consumed by this new vendetta. The young apprentice had become the focal point of all his rage, the embodiment of everything that had gone wrong in his life. And Lin Feng would not rest until he had seen him broken and humiliated, his spirit crushed beneath the weight of Lin Feng's vengeance.
With these dark thoughts swirling in his mind, Lin Feng strode through the streets of Baiyun, his path illuminated by the flickering lanterns of the evening. He had a new purpose, a new goal to drive him forward. And nothing, not the Guild of Spell Crafters, not the disdainful receptionists, not even fate itself, would stand in his way.