Chapter 216 Chapter214-Soul-Language of Nature
Old John's words were not an exaggeration; he had indeed identified a problem with Sherry.
Both Ethan and Sherry were aware of this issue as well.
It traced back to their first meeting in the Red Jade Valley, where Ethan discerned an issue in Sherry's Bloodline.
Her lineage was not whole, causing some of the skills she wielded to be fragmented as well.
However, since Sherry did not exhibit any adverse conditions, neither of them paid much heed to it.
Now, with Old John highlighting the inherent danger, Ethan couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Can alchemy complete Sherry's Bloodline?" Ethan asked straightforwardly, assuming that Old John pointed out the issue to persuade him to study alchemy.
"Yes," Old John nodded but clarified, "Not complete, per se. The Shadow Bloodline is a very special kind, incredibly rare, and has one particularly unique feature; it never resides in a single individual but splits between two people. Moreover, the Shadow Bloodline only manifests in twins."
"Twins?" Ethan turned to Sherry.
A perplexed look graced Sherry's face as she stated, "I don't have a sister."
"No! The records cannot be mistaken. Young girl, I can assure you, you must have a twin sister, and she is still alive. The most significant characteristic of the Shadow Bloodline is known as Shadow Twins. As long as one of the twins bearing the Shadow Bloodline lives, the other cannot die. Even in the face of death, they will become the shadow of the other, gradually regenerating. This is the origin of the shadow," Old John asserted with conviction, startling Ethan and Sherry with this revelation of such a mystical Bloodline.
"How can we find the other individual?" Ethan pressed, assuming that Old John brought up this matter because he had a solution.
Indeed, with a smile, Old John handed Ethan an ancient book titled "Magic Arrays and Magical Artifacts of Alchemy." He instructed, "Flip to page 174, you will find the details there."
Ethan followed the guidance and opened the book.
Despite its ancient appearance, it was well-preserved, with many annotations adorning its pages.
He turned to page 174 and began to read.
"[…Regarding Bloodlines, many people believe they are a heritage stemming from ancient beings. Just like the Dragon Bloodline, presumed to be birthed only among dragons. But is that really the case?]"
This page detailed knowledge about Bloodlines.
And just the initial question was enough to send ripples of shock through Ethan's heart.
Others might not know, but he was abundantly clear — he was not the descendant of a dragon.
The colossal Dragon Bloodline in him wasn't derived from a dragon but granted by the system.
Could it be…
A suspicion started to form in Ethan's mind as he continued reading.
"[Bloodlines can be innate, but they are not necessarily so. Under specific conditions, Bloodlines can be transferred, evolve, merge, and even split.]"
"[This is a topic that Alchemy explores in relation to Bloodlines.]"
"[This book only discusses some artifact creations regarding Bloodlines without delving too deeply.]"
"[…]"
"[Bloodline Guidance Tool, capable of locating individuals sharing the same Bloodline. However, to search for a Bloodline, a similarity of up to 99% is required, generally employed to find multi-person Bloodlines such as Shadow Bloodline and Blood Butterfly Bloodline.]"
"[Here are the instructions for its creation…]"
Ethan found the section Old John had directed him to.
After reading, he looked at Old John and asked, "Old John, can't you create this instrument?"
Old John chuckled, responding, "Me? Kid, I certainly can. But you need to understand where we are. This is the frontline command post, and we lack the necessary materials to create it. Another issue is time. To my knowledge, the outsiders arriving here can't stay for long — a month at most before they have to leave."
"Do you think you have the time to wait for me to construct it?"
Old John posed a critical question, leaving Ethan momentarily at a loss for words.
At that moment, Old John spoke solemnly and earnestly, "I know what you are thinking, assuming that Alchemy doesn't hold much significance. In the eyes of people like you, only power is eternal. Possessing formidable power, you believe you can conquer everything, oppress artisans, and dictate Apothecary work. But remember this, whether or not you choose to learn Alchemy: power will never be the strongest force."
"The true strength lies not just in power, but also in wisdom."
"And Alchemy can grant you that wisdom!"
These words reflected Old John's genuine feelings; he sincerely hoped Ethan would embrace the study of Alchemy.
From his vantage point, Ethan was distinct from others.
His overwhelming spirit, almost too blinding to behold, resembled the sun, making it hard for Old John to maintain direct eye contact.
Before this, the individuals Old John acknowledged as having the most robust spirit were Rhine followed by another outsider, Lana Mokos.
However, Ethan's spiritual strength surpassed both, naturally making him a born Alchemist.
This potential deeply intrigued Old John, fueling his desire to persuade Ethan to delve into Alchemy.
Eventually, his advice bore fruit as Ethan verbally expressed his agreement, realizing the validity in Old John's perspective.
Reflecting on his past, Ethan acknowledged that he had largely bulldozed his way through challenges, with virtually no enemy capable of hindering him.
The sole exception had been his experience in Red Jade Valley where he faced defeat.
Though technically not a failure, as he had Oksd's heart in his possession, could it genuinely be termed as success?
Ethan never regarded that outcome as a victory.
Seeing Ethan acquiesce, Old John voiced his delight, "Kid, you won't regret this decision. Once you grasp Alchemy, you'll be captivated by its potency, a fascination surpassing the allure of sheer power. It is a pursuit of knowledge, a beacon of wisdom!"
At this moment, Old John mirrored a devout disciple.
"Then, Master, how should I commence my learning?"
After consenting, it was only natural to address Old John more formally, prompting Ethan to adjust his tone accordingly.
Old John nodded approvingly, appreciating another aspect of Ethan - his sharp acumen.
"To embark on the journey of learning Alchemy, you require enlightenment."
"Truth be told, the scarcity and limited dissemination of Alchemy stem from its stringent lineage transmission. Only those with a certain level of spiritual strength can venture into its study. Moreover, the pivotal first step involves guidance from a true Alchemist, serving as a mentor. This is a crucial part of the initiation process."
"The enlightenment of an Alchemist can be utilized just once, unless one becomes a deity Alchemist," John elucidated with a gravity that seldom graced his countenance. "You are the strongest spirit I've ever encountered. If one day you reach the divine realm, I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised. Alchemy is essentially the pursuit of the truth of all things in the world, including deity."
"Well, enough talk. Let me now guide you to witness the world of Alchemy!"
With unprecedented solemnity surfacing on his face, Old John gathered himself meticulously, a force emanating from him, oppressive like a mountain bearing down on both Ethan and Sherry.
"This power..." Ethan was struck with awe, finding himself powerless in the face of this energy. Comparatively, even Aisya, whom he encountered in the first trial at Hot Spring Ruins, couldn't match the force enveloping John. And this was a might that had remained unnoticed until this moment, a capacity to conceal such vigor was equally astonishing.
"Focus, kid!" Old John admonished before pressing his thumb against Ethan's forehead.
In the blink of an eye, Ethan felt his consciousness drifting away from his physical self, venturing into a nebulous unknown, a sensation akin to his initial encounter with the Thunder-Language of Nature.
But this time, Old John was there beside him, and shock gripped him too, eclipsing to a point of being dumbfounded.
Gazing at Ethan, he stuttered as though faced with a monstrous entity, "You... you... could you be the illegitimate child of a deity?"
"Why?"
"Why has such an unreasonable creature appeared?"
"Ha ha ha!"
"Excellent! The more monstrous, the better! You are now the disciple of me, John Divik!"
Old John's hysterical state left Ethan baffled.
Instinctively, Ethan looked at his conscious form, only to notice the anomaly of three peculiar symbols floating on his body, each exuding a mysterious aura: Thunder, Dragon, and Holy Light — all Languages of Nature.
On Old John's consciousness, a dark green rune manifested, unfamiliar to Ethan.
Yet the instant he beheld it, he understood — it represented another Language of Nature, indicative of the Soul.
However, this time, Ethan couldn't grasp this particular Language of Nature.
Noticing Ethan's movements, Old John remarked, "Kid, since you've acquired three Languages of Nature, there's no need for introductions. Also, to become a formal Alchemist, it's imperative to understand the Language of Nature representing the soul. This shouldn't pose much of a challenge for you. So, brace yourself for what comes next, and enjoy the journey."
A mischievous smile graced Old John's face, prompting a surge of apprehension in Ethan.
Before he could react, he felt a nudge from Old John, a sensation of plummeting into an abyss overwhelmed him.
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