Lu Jun thought to himself, although he was a guinea pig, the situation was similar to Feng Zhoulong's.
That was because he knew the future, deducing the process from the outcome — the Devouring Seed experiment would definitely succeed, so he boldly let Old Feng try.
The existence of the Nazca Lines proved that although these methods were not yet mature, cultivation was absolutely feasible.
He immediately realized this was a great opportunity — a top-tier technique researched with united determination by a great empire facing existential crisis, undoubtedly its richest heritage.
If he could concentrate on learning it, his Psychic, Space, and Summoning elements would all improve greatly.
However, Lu Jun's main concern was still the Eye of Time and Space. He did not want to remain forever in this time or dreamscape. Even if he learned top-tier techniques, it would be meaningless — all things are illusory.
If he could not return, he wouldn't see familiar people or things, unless he somehow survived hundreds of years, stubbornly enduring until his original timeline.
So Lu Jun asked:
"Elder Mina, when might I be able to access the sacred artifact, the Time-Space Divine Eye?"
Mina pondered briefly, then pointed at his chest:
"When you have fully mastered the three-element techniques, on the day of the ritual more than a month from now, use the Chief Summoner's proof I gave you to attempt entry."
"This gem is a supreme treasure created from the combined wisdom of the three major institutes, the key to unlocking the Eye of Time and Space."
Hearing this, Lu Jun looked down, shocked — a bright blue gem resembling a pupil, wasn't this the Nazca gem?!
He had fallen to this state because this gem triggered a strong reaction from the Eye of Time and Space. He had thought it vanished after entering the secret realm, but it was still on him.
Only now, compared to when it was brimming with vast energy before crossing, it seemed empty.
Lu Jun began to suspect the cause of his predicament — undoubtedly related to the Nazca gem. Also, his possession of Psychic, Space, and Summoning elements was likely a major factor.
Otherwise, as he traversed this bizarre dimension, it wouldn't be only the Water, Curse, and Metal elements sealed.
"Mo Fan also has Space, Summoning, even Chaos elements — why wasn't he caught in this?"
This puzzled him greatly. Then he considered a unique point about himself — he was outside of time-space, unlike Mo Fan, who traveled parallel dimensions within the entire magic world.
"I'm not sure if this guess is correct, maybe multiple factors are at play."
Lu Jun's thoughts were chaotic, unable to sort out the cause of his current situation, so he put it aside for now.
Originally, he wanted to continue questioning, but Elder Mina seemed to receive important intelligence and hurriedly left, instructing him to patiently cultivate. This was the safest place before the empire's destruction.
Seeing this, Lu Jun was helpless, forced to suppress his anxiety and stay in the Summoning Institute.
Fortunately, he had learned about the Eye of Time and Space. With his status here, accessing it would be easy, just a matter of waiting.
To his surprise, as a parachuted-in chief, Lu Jun was very popular in the Summoning Institute. Everyone treated him sincerely and warmly, answering all his summoning-related questions.
Those more senior High Summoning Priests spared no effort in imparting all knowledge to him.
A gentle elder led him deep into the base, where one of the Incan Empire's summoning foundations was hidden — the cultivation sacred ground of the High-level magic Beast Tide Summoning.
When Lu Jun arrived at the backyard, before him was a magnificent Stone Forest, vast in area. All around stood lifelike sculptures of demons and beasts, all at a one-to-one scale, even towering dozens of meters high.
Each demon's unique spirit was perfectly portrayed — some fierce and domineering, others cunning and sinister, or aloof and ethereal.
These stone statues densely packed like a forest, endless and boundless, encircling a central open circular plaza. He stood inside the circle, faintly feeling besieged by countless snarling monsters, glaring fiercely, exuding overwhelming murderous intent, like a lamb about to be slaughtered.
"This…"
Lu Jun's mind and spirit felt tremendous pressure, cold sweat pouring down.
Suddenly, beside him, Elder Ebert Byer spoke softly with a gentle smile:
"Little Lu Jun, you were frightened, weren't you?"
Interrupted by this, Lu Jun suddenly came to his senses. The Stone Forest around was quiet and dim, the statues had returned to normal, silent and lifeless.
Though exquisitely detailed and well-crafted, lacking the vividness of the earlier illusions, he still didn't dare look at the statues normally. Hastily, he shifted his gaze toward the elder, showing a look of seeking guidance.
The elder Byer had a broad face and a stout figure, unlike Elder Mina's sharp, hooked nose that gave off a more irritable and sharp impression.
Lu Jun respected this man greatly because Byer was the previous Chief of the Summoning Institute. Upon hearing about "Lu Jun," he voluntarily stepped down to make way and actively assisted him.
Whether it was to play the role or out of gratitude for being given the chance to approach the Eye of Time and Space, at least the superficial courtesy had to be done properly.
"Hahaha, quite impressive, right?" Byer first laughed heartily, then explained, "These stone carvings exist between illusion and reality. They are the technique pioneered by a strong psychic-summoning dual-element master in the empire's history, also called the 'Spirit Carving Technique.'"
"See that huge archway in the center?"
Lu Jun followed the elder's direction and looked up at a giant stone gate nearly a hundred meters tall — grander and more magnificent than many modern skyscrapers, standing proudly in the Stone Forest like a towering peak among small hills, revered by countless demons as if it were the moon surrounded by stars.
The stone gate was ancient, like a divine stele of heaven, suppressing billions of demons. Its shadow covered a large portion of the area.
"Wait." After the shock, Lu Jun's expression changed slightly as he perceived some mystery and exclaimed, "Isn't this the High-level Summoning magic 'Beast Tide Gate'?"
"You recognized it? You guessed right. This is a giant stone statue carved in imitation of the Beast Tide Gate."
Byer slowly said, "Your current task is to carve your own exclusive stone gate by referring to this one. The day you complete it will be the day you master the High-level magic. And this is just the entry to the Spirit Carving Technique."
"Remember, the key is to 'use your heart' — feel it, comprehend its unique essence."
After saying this, he casually pinched the air. The surrounding earth element quickly gathered and condensed into an irregular rock, thudding down in front of Lu Jun.
Byer, as if prepared in advance, took out a hammer and tossed it to him with a smile, saying, "From now on, start carving."
Lu Jun was puzzled — why did he have to start carving now?
Indeed, his Summoning element had just broken through to High-level; he hadn't yet mastered the Beast Tide summoning magic. But with his spiritual realm and the White Tiger pendant's aid, he could grasp the stars within a bit more than a month.
Why waste time learning stone carving?
However, hearing it was the summoning technique called "Spirit Carving," even if he didn't understand, he could only silently comply.
He picked up the hammer and approached the large rock, comparing it to the stone archway, and struck the first blow.
Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!
Seeing this, Byer was full of satisfaction and timely gave guidance nearby.
"This strike was too weak!"
"The direction is off!"
"Hey hey, how many times have I told you, use your heart, focus entirely."
Lu Jun listened to Byer's advice and constantly adjusted his technique, making remarkable progress.
Honestly, with his fifth-stage spiritual power, he easily captured the essence of the stone carvings. Under the Psychic element's influence, he was calm and composed. Coupled with his fourth-stage physical control, the requirements of stone carving—dexterity, physical endurance—were perfectly met.
On the first day, he got skilled at handling it. On the second day, the rock took shape. On the third day, the outline of the stone gate appeared...
For additional chapters
Versatile mage {40 chapters}
Douluo Dalu:This Soul Master is to Weird {30 Chapters}
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