Chapter 680: Personally Condensing the First Mana Source
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 680: Personally Condensing the First Mana Source
"One hundred million... that—that’s way too many!" Just thinking about the number was terrifying; it was a one followed by eight zeros!
"It’s alright, Xiao Han. Energy isn't an issue. Don't get so worked up over something so trivial," Sister Bai said, immediately moving to soothe me.
"Really? A hundred million... wait, something’s not right. If it takes a hundred million, and you have a complete domain too, Sister Bai, how did you finish so quickly?" After being comforted, I quickly regained my wits.
"That’s why I said you have nothing to fear. If someone with my level of talent could complete the accumulation in such a short time, you definitely can too."
"Alright, then I’ll take your word for it." I nodded, deciding not to dwell on it further.
However, aside from learning about things that were currently far beyond my reach, this trip hadn't actually solved my immediate predicament. No wonder no one had mentioned the issues regarding domains to me before; it was simply because I couldn't solve them yet. Bringing it up would have only added to my worries.
"Right, I have one more question." Thinking of this, another matter came to mind—something related to mana sources.
"What is it? You can ask me anything, Xiao Han."
"Well, I tried merging a mana source into my domain earlier. That attempt gave me two distinct sensations. One was the issue I just mentioned—that my current mana sources are a mere drop in the bucket for the domain. The other was... the mana source felt rejected by the domain. It felt like the mana source didn't truly belong to me, and the domain I've mastered didn't want this 'foreign object' interfering..."
"That happened?"
"Yeah. So I was wondering, do the mana sources possessed by Transcendent Witches have two states? One where it's completely mastered and cannot be freely removed—a fixed mana source—and another that can be freely traded—a non-fixed mana source? Is a fixed mana source similar to a completely mastered spellbook?" I hurriedly shared my theory.
"That’s a fair comparison, though it’s not exactly like that. But as for the domain rejecting the mana source... that’s actually quite normal. After all, shaping a domain is a difficult process."
"So even if a mana source is turned into a fixed one, it’s still hard to merge it into a domain?"
"Hmm... I’m not sure. Sorry, Xiao Han, I don't have any experience with that specific attempt, so I can't give you an answer. However, I do know the difference between a domain shaped by fixed mana sources and one shaped by non-fixed ones." Bai Yu recalled the time she spent studying after leaving the Main World and ascending to the Transcendent Saint Realm.
"A difference? There’s a difference in that too?"
"Yes. A domain shaped by fixed mana sources definitely cannot be traded. A domain shaped by non-fixed mana sources, however, has the potential to be traded—provided the spellbooks used to shape the domain are also tradable."
"Wait... wait? Trading domains?!" My eyes widened in shock at the mention of this.
"Yes, Xiao Han. I had the same reaction when I first heard about it. But think about it: is trading a domain really any different from trading mana sources or spellbooks? Not really. If you have the skill to shape multiple domains—even hundreds or thousands of them—then what are they but another form of currency?"
"Then... then doesn't that mean any witch who reaches the Transcendent level can just trade their way into the Saint Realm?" I asked, incredulous.
"It’s not as simple as you think. First of all, do you know how much a single domain is worth? If you don't have any skills of your own, no one is going to just give you charity. You only have leverage if you're capable yourself. And those who are capable can usually rely on themselves to shape their domains; they don't need anyone else's handouts."
"If 'capable' refers to special skills like alchemy or blacksmithing, and a group of such witches wants to reach the Saint Realm by trading domains, they face a major problem: they can't advance on their own. Every future promotion would require them to trade for more domains to improve themselves. Such individuals are generally referred to as being in the Pseudo Saint Realm."
"Therefore, using domains as a medium of exchange usually only happens between experts already in the Saint Realm. While trading between different stages is possible, it’s generally unnecessary. Xiao Han, you must never take such a shortcut. it damages your foundation! However... you already have experience in shaping a domain prototype. I still hope the first domain you master is one you completed independently, not one you traded for. As for what comes after... I believe you'll know where to draw the line."
"Mhm! I promise." I nodded and reached out to high-five Sister Bai, sealing the vow.
Now that things had been explained clearly, I understood what was permissible and what was not. Since I had chosen my own path, and only things that truly belonged to me were worthy of my focus, the shaping of my domain had to be entirely my own.
Consequently, I needed to speed up the process of completely mastering mana sources.
"By the way, Sister Bai, do you know the method for converting a mana source into a fixed one? And... the technique for condensing mana sources. I don't really have a clue where to start yet..."
"Of course I know." She was a Transcendent Witch now, after all; the accumulation of mana sources was something she had to take seriously. "I’ll share it with you through the Great Knowledge Seed, Xiao Han. However, the technique for creating mana sources is quite difficult. If one hasn't ascended to become a Transcendent Witch, they might be unable to learn it due to the strict requirements."
"Unable to learn?" I murmured to myself.
Back when I was shaping my Self-Generated Mana talent, I had asked Dean Mei about the structure of mana sources and related knowledge. It was indeed very troublesome; otherwise, I wouldn't have needed the Dean's help. I probably could have handled it alone.
"Yes, Xiao Han. You can't force these things. You're already ahead of so many people. There’s no need to rush; just move at your own pace," Sister Bai advised. This time, however, she didn't tell me to stop and rest.
She knew that saying such a thing would be useless. Instead, she urged me to follow my own rhythm and not let external factors break it, which would only lead to panic.
What Bai Yu feared most was that the information she just shared—the bit about the hundred million mana sources—would provoke me into pushing myself too hard. There was truly no need for that.
Sometimes, choices are more important than effort, and effort requires the right direction. There is a time for everything. Condensing mana sources at the moment of ascending to Transcendent yields twice the result with half the effort. But doing it before then... 'half the result with twice the effort' wouldn't even begin to describe it. It was simply a thankless, grueling task.
At that moment, I received the information shared by Sister Bai. The techniques for condensing mana were roughly divided into two types.
The first was to directly use the witch's own "Self-Generated Mana" to shape a mana source. This method was slow but stable and very simple. Sister Bai had specifically noted that mana sources condensed this way easily became fixed mana sources, as the mana was of the same origin as the user.
The second method was to find a place with abundant energy, draw in massive amounts of environmental energy, and then reverse-convert it into mana to condense a mana source. This method was fast and produced large quantities, but turning them into fixed mana sources was a bit of a hassle. Of course, if one didn't care about refining them into their own mana, there was no hassle at all.
Sister Bai also added an extra note to this path: under special circumstances, this method could be terrifyingly efficient. For instance, when shaping a domain, the domain requires a massive amount of mana sources for support. As long as the environmental energy is sufficient, this method can rapidly absorb and convert mana sources, and this efficiency lasts until the domain reaches saturation!
No wonder... Sister Bai had suddenly highlighted this information. She likely wanted to remind me that a hundred million wasn't an insurmountable threshold. The only real threshold for the Saint Realm was the domain itself. Once the domain was shaped, energy wasn't the main issue.
However, since I wasn't a Transcendent Witch yet, the second method was very difficult for me. Sister Bai thoughtfully suggested that if I wanted to try, I should start with the first method to test the waters.
"Xiao Han, looking at you, you've probably finished reading and understanding it, right?"
"Mhm. It really is quite troublesome..."
"It can't be helped. Techniques involving mana and mana sources are actually sub-topics under the Major Research Topic of Witches. In fact, these two sub-topics are basically inseparable, and they are inextricably linked to a witch's Self-Generated Mana. The essence of these topics is the continuous development of the witch's innate talent for Self-Generated Mana."
"So... can you teach me hand-in-hand, Sister Bai?" I leaned against her sideways and asked coaxingly.
"Xiao Han, you're asking for my help before even trying it yourself?"
"Oh, come on~ I just suddenly wanted you to teach me personally~" I continued to act spoiled, pressing my request.
I actually understood the technique for condensing mana. For a skill like this that lacked a high challenge threshold and only required understanding and long-term practice to accumulate experience, there was no real difference between trying it independently or not.
But the first one I produced under Sister Bai's guidance would be very meaningful as a memento.
And... I wanted to relive the feeling of Sister Bai pressing a mana source into me. Back when I first enrolled, it was that one press from her that completely changed my life!
"Alright, alright~ I really can't do anything with you~" Sister Bai continued to pat my head dotingly. Then, she reached out, held my shoulders, and shifted me from leaning against her into a lap pillow position!
"Oh? A Sister Bai-exclusive lap pillow." I lay on the sofa, my legs dangling and swinging leisurely over the other armrest. With my head resting on her lap, it was not only soft and comfortable, but I felt completely enveloped by her scent!
Not only that, if I just turned my head, I could even see Sister Bai's... ahem, well, this was fine.
I felt like Sister Bai's lap pillow had granted me a super buff to my learning efficiency! I was suddenly raring to go!
"Do you like it? I’m going to turn into a strict teacher in a moment, you know. If you're clumsy, there will be a punishment."
"Punishment? Ooh~ I’m so scared~"
"If you do well, there will also be a reward~"
"What if I want both?"
"Both? Hehe~ Greedy Xiao Han. If you want both... I’ll just flip you over and spank you!" Sister Bai said jokingly.
And so, the hand-in-hand guidance on condensing a mana source began in this cheerful atmosphere.
The prerequisite for shaping a mana source was understanding one's own "Self-Generated Mana" talent and knowing what mana actually was. I had already completed this step, and I had done it in reverse. Because I wasn't a Transcendent Witch, I had to know the essence of mana before I could rely on Self-Awakened Body Cultivation to generate the Self-Generated Mana body talent.
One could say my starting point was much higher than that of a typical newly ascended witch, so this step proceeded very smoothly.
However, during this stage, a sudden flash of inspiration struck me. I thought of a possibility, but this sliver of inspiration was difficult to grasp, causing me to become a bit distracted while Sister Bai was teaching me.
"Xiao Han? You were spacing out just now, weren't you? You can't do that. If you keep this up, I won't give you your punishment!"
"Eh? Wait! Sister Bai, you can't go back on your word!"
"Then focus, my dear Xiao Han. With your talent, you should have been able to 'rub out' your first one by now."
"Ugh... sorry. I was thinking about something else. I’ll be good this time, I promise!"
"I’ll trust you one more time," Sister Bai said helplessly, then continued her personal instruction.
This time, after setting that inspiration aside for the moment, I threw myself entirely into the creation of the mana source.
That inspiration had stemmed from the Self-Generated Mana body talent, but I hadn't yet figured out how to implement it. Since I didn't have a mature idea to realize, I had to honestly accumulate experience first.
Before long, the first mana source was completed, just as expected!
Once my full concentration was applied, the entire process went off without a single hitch. Even Sister Bai was quite surprised; my efficiency when serious was truly terrifying!
"So this is a mana source... the fountainhead of mana."
I stared at the mana source in my hand, somewhat dazed. Normally, mana sources are invisible to the naked eye, but with Spirit Vision, I could see it. Furthermore, after possessing Self-Generated Mana, my body had a terrifying affinity for mana, which also granted me "Mana Vision."
These abilities meant that while ordinary people couldn't see mana, someone with Mana Vision could see its flow. This "seeing" had moved beyond the principles of light reflection in normal vision and was beginning to touch the level of "True Vision." I could feel that this sight was distinctly different from my Spirit Vision.
"Sister Bai... can you... press it into my body for me? Like you did when I first enrolled?"
"Hmm? Of course." Sister Bai was stunned for a second before reacting.
She was naturally willing to satisfy Xiao Han's request.
I continued to lie on Sister Bai's lap, waiting to savor the feeling of being "filled" by her.
I felt the mana source touch my chest through Sister Bai's hand, and then her palm came into intimate contact with my skin... I knew the process was over.
Another mana source had been added to my body. Compared to the total amount required, it was infinitesimal, but I could still feel the warmth of her intent.
At that moment, the inspiration I had previously set aside began to flourish under this sense of release, until... a complete idea was born in my mind!
The Self-Generated Mana body talent... could it be granted in bulk to those who haven't yet reached the Transcendent level?