Ron carefully observed this material, and with the help of the [Herb Recognition] ability, he could feel the special rhythm contained within it.
"Your acuity surprises me." Lady Allen noticed his focus, "Most people, when they first come into contact with this material, find it hard to detect the 'rhythm' within."
Ron did not conceal his feelings: "Its frequency of fluctuations is quite similar to the basic meditation rune of spiritual power, but more..."
He paused, searching for the right word: "More fluid, lacking that sense of hindrance."
"A very apt description." Lady Allen nodded in satisfaction, "This is exactly why the Star Dust Liquid can stabilize spiritual power—it provides an ideal 'rhythmic template' that allows spiritual power to flow more naturally."
She poured some Moonlight Crystals into a specially crafted mortar: "Now, I am going to teach you how to make a simplified version of the Star Dust Liquid, though its effect is not as good as the genuine article, it's relatively easy to make."
For the next two hours, Lady Allen thoroughly taught every detail of the crafting process.
From the angle of grinding the materials, the control of heating temperature, to the guidance of energy fluctuations, each step required precise operation.
[Magic Potion Refining Experience Points +1]
[Basic Magic Potion Making Experience Points +1]
…
Finally, through Ron's persistent efforts, a bottle of liquid emitting a faint silver glow was successfully concocted.
"The color is a bit lighter, but overall, it's a success." Lady Allen picked up the bottle and observed it under the light:
"The effect of this simple Star Dust Liquid can last for about three days, enough for you to complete a full magic experiment."
She handed the bottle to Ron: "However, continuous use can cause slight dependency, it's best to use it during critical breakthroughs."
Ron solemnly accepted the bottle: "Thank you very much for your guidance, Lady."
"No need to thank me." Lady Allen waved her hand: "I'm merely curious about the research results of that deceased apprentice; if you truly manage to perfect it, remember to show it to me."
After work ended, Ron left the herb store with the bottle of simple Star Dust Liquid.
The gains of today were not just this potion, but more importantly, a deeper understanding of magic potion refining, especially regarding how to guide energy fluctuations.
Walking on the way back to the dormitory, he continually recalled Lady Allen's teachings in his mind:
"In magic potion refining, the most crucial factor isn't the materials themselves, but how to harmonize the energies of different materials..."
This concept was so similar to his discovery in meditation.
Whether it was the flow of spiritual power or the fusion of magic potion materials, they seemed to follow some common law.
Ron returned to his room and began organizing his notes and thoughts.
Today, during the concoction of the simple Star Dust Liquid, his understanding of spiritual power deepened another level.
Especially the concept of the "ideal rhythm," which gave him new inspiration.
After completing his notes, he took out his training wooden sword and began practicing the "Corona Swordsmanship".
Every sword strike coordinated with the rhythm of his breathing, and his movements became increasingly fluid.
[Basic Swordsmanship Experience Points +1]
[Basic Swordsmanship Experience Points +1]
[Basic Swordsmanship Experience Points +1]
…
[Current Progress: Basic Swordsmanship (Beginner 28/50)]
In the evening, Ron reopened the "Basic Meditation Technique"; today's magic potion refining experience gave him a new understanding of spiritual power dynamics, and all of this could be applied to meditation.
[Basic Meditation Begins]
In the Consciousness Space, he began attempting to simulate the fluid rhythm found in the simple Star Dust Liquid.
Though he couldn't completely replicate it, the attempt itself brought considerable gains.
[Basic Meditation Experience Points +1]
…
[Current Progress: Basic Meditation (Beginner 48/100)]
"The progress is over halfway..."
Ron opened his eyes, looking at the data on the panel, and a trace of anticipation rose in his heart.
With the current progress, plus various profession bonuses, aiming to reach the skilled level of basic meditation within a month should not be an issue.
With this expectation, he tidied up the messy notes and books on the desk and prepared to rest.
Tomorrow would be another fulfilling day, and he needed to maintain enough mental state to face various challenges.
......
Ron's spirit was somewhat lackluster.
Last night, he lay in bed tossing and turning, with the matters of Darrend replaying continuously in his mind.
After all, of the two souls fused within him, one had only just stepped into society not long before crossing over, and the other was a pampered count's young master from childhood, neither had experienced such a terrifying killing field when survival was at stake.
Perhaps because of adrenaline induced by tension while being in the midst of it, there wasn't any particular feeling.
But in the quiet of the night as he lay in bed, the twisted and struggling posture of the other, along with the whimper filled with reluctance and pain prior to death, made him find it increasingly difficult to calm down.
In fact, during the quick battle, Ron vaguely felt some prying eyes around him.
With the heightened perception after multiple body refinings and career changes, he could capture the faint signs of life from the rooms on either side of the corridor.
The candidate apprentices from the same period were hiding behind the doors, secretly observing everything happening outside through the door cracks.
But not until Holt arrived with the law enforcement team did they dare to open the doors and come out to accept inspection.
"Heh, this certainly aligns with the survival rules of the Black Mist Jungle."
He let out a cold laugh, as the weak would only cower in the shadows waiting for the strong to differentiate the victor, and then choose to attach themselves to the victor; such survival strategy was quite common here.
......
After finishing up with Lady Allen's work and completing his daily exercises, the time was nearing dusk.
When Ron walked into the communal dining hall, he immediately sensed a different atmosphere.
There usually wouldn't be many people at this hour, but today the hall was crowded.
More unusually, the candidate apprentices who usually lingered in threes and fives were gathering together, frequently casting glances towards him.
"That's Ron? Heard he took down the mutated Darrend all by himself..."
"I heard he did it with a wooden sword..."
"And he's still working at the herb store in the marketplace, even Lord Holt..."
The murmuring constantly reached his ears, and Ron, with an expressionless face, carried his tray and went to sit in a corner.
Just then, a tall, thin youth came over with a tray: "Ron, may I sit here?"
Ron looked up and recognized him as a fellow candidate apprentice who had arrived at the Black Mist Jungle in the same batch, but he couldn't quite recall the name.
Before he could answer, two others joined in.
"Ron, I heard you obtained that set of spells Darrend researched? I wonder if I could get a look..."
"I have some Magic Stone Fragments here, if you could offer some guidance..."
Ron put down the black bread in his hand, his face indifferent: "Sorry, I'm very busy right now."
He stood up, holding his tray, intending to leave.
But more people surrounded him, speaking earnestly and animatedly.
As he was about to lose his temper, a familiar voice sounded from the side: "Clear the way."