Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Elusive Legend Every enlightenment scripture is actually a form of meditation method. And the Star Ring Meditation Method is the meditation method that accompanies Sunan’s spiritual power activating enlightenment scripture. The core is to construct the star ring in the mind. Each time a star ring is constructed, spiritual power will increase significantly. According to the description in the enlightenment scripture, successfully constructing three star rings and reaching 12 points in spiritual power allows one to advance to the second-level Wizard Apprentice. With Sunan closing his eyes, his vision instantly plunged into darkness, and his consciousness sank like a stone into the bottom of a silent lake. A dazzling starlight slowly emerges from the darkness, gradually forming a lock ring. However, most of this lock ring has an illusory quality, with only about one-tenth being substantial. During meditation, points of light continually flashed around Sunan, merging into his body, constantly filling the illusory part of the star ring. No idea how much time had passed, Sunan suddenly opened his eyes and woke up. Checking his pocket watch, nearly two hours had passed. On the panel, the Star Ring Meditation Method had increased by 5 proficiency points, and spiritual power also increased by 0.01. "The same two hours of meditation time, yet the gains are about two and a half times more than usual." "This is the benefit of increased spiritual activity level." A smile appeared on Sunan’s face. Just then, footsteps were heard outside the door, followed by someone knocking. "Young Master Sunan, Master Kei has returned and asks you to go to the training ground." Sunan returned to his senses and said indifferently, "I know." ... Black Stone City is built against the mountain. In order to guard against the intrusion of the Black-scaled Lizardmen, the city walls were constructed exceptionally tall, with towers densely scattered on the perimeter. From afar, it looks like a fierce beast crouched in the mountains and forests. At the very center of the city stands a sprawling inner fortress. Unlike the crucial city walls, the inner fortress hasn’t been repaired for years and seems somewhat dilapidated. Only the training ground is flat and open, showing signs of recent expansion, reflecting the owner’s martial ambition. Sunan stepped into the training ground and immediately saw older brother Kei standing at the edge of the field, accompanied by seven or eight armored men. These men are the only knight power in Black Stone City, and the last bit of fighting force loyal to the Flashing Clan left by their father, Baron Yanest. "The physique of an Official Knight is at least 8, and someone like brother, a senior knight, can reach over 14 points." "Compared to these inhuman beings, my body is pathetically weak." Looking at his own constitution, only 0.7, weaker than ordinary people, Sunan couldn’t help but sigh. Born with deficiencies, weak physique since childhood, even practicing breathing methods showed almost no progress, utterly unsuitable to be a knight. From childhood to adulthood, he always lived under brother Kei’s halo, seemingly indifferent, but deeply resentful inside. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have pinned hopes on the elusive wizard legends, resulting in his own demise instead. Although many wizard scriptures remain on this continent, ordinary people can’t understand the text, so more often than not, these books are seen as collectible antiques. Wizards have become legendary creatures, appearing mostly in ancient tales. "Brother," Sunan called out. Kei turned to look at his younger brother, a smile appearing on his sculpted, stern face. "You’re just in time. I got what you wanted." Knights around them bowed respectfully to Sunan. Sunan’s gaze fell on a nearby cart. On it lay over a dozen bodies. These bodies were covered in black scales, with hands like eagle claws, protruding mouths, and sharp fangs. Even dead, they exuded a fierce and formidable aura. They were the mortal enemies of Black Stone City—the Black-scaled Lizardmen! These sub-human creatures dwell dozens of kilometers away in the Barbaric Zone. They produce nothing and only know plundering, raiding villages around Black Stone City every year, incurring deep hatred. The city’s guards frequently mobilize mainly to combat these bandits. "Please have someone move these to my laboratory." "No problem." Kei summoned a soldier, instructed him, then turned to Sunan, hesitated, and couldn’t help but ask: "Can you really find a way to enhance the army’s strength from just these Black-scaled Lizardmen bodies?" Sunan smiled slightly and said, "Whether you believe it or not now, brother, you’ll only be convinced when you see the results yourself." Kei sighed, "I’m not doubting you; it’s just that the wizard legends are vague, with no clear conclusion. I have no confidence." Sunan chuckled, "When it’s just over a dozen lizardmen corpses, there’s no pain even if they’re lost." Kei nodded without saying more. Half a year ago, their father unexpectedly died on the battlefield, with a mysterious cause. Uncle Owen Yanest, supported by Marquis Golden Rock, seized the Baron title of Flashing Clan and took over most of the Flashing Territory. If not for fear of excessive greed and the ambiguous attitudes of the other three noblemen in the Flashing Territory, Owen would have already assassinated the two brothers instead of implying exile to Black Stone City. Even so, the threat from Owen remains a Damocles’ sword hanging above them. It might fall someday, taking their lives. Therefore, Kei desperately trained, finding ways to strengthen Black Stone City’s power. To the extent of having a glimmer of hope in the so-called wizard methods. —Despite his inner skepticism about it. Listening to the brothers’ conversation, many knights displayed expressions of disbelief. They hardly believed anything useful for strength could come from Black-scaled Lizardmen. It’s not like no one tried eating Lizardman meat before, yet no sign of empowering strength afterward, and the meat was terribly unpalatable. Observing their demeanors, Sunan sighed inwardly. The people of this world simply don’t understand the power of wizards. Knights and wizards are like martial training and immortality cultivation, fundamentally incomparable. Even the highest level Legendary Knight of the Starlight Principality is merely a larger ant before an Official Wizard, extinguished in a blink. Shaking his head, Sunan didn’t bother explaining, exchanged a few words with Kei, then turned and left the training ground. Returning to his residence, Sunan went straight to the basement. This is where he had it cleared for exclusive use as a biological transformation research laboratory. In addition to the enlightenment scriptures and several books on magic models left behind, the rest are related to biological transformation and potion creation. Including "Biology," "Mutation Science," "Bloodline Extraction," "Anatomy," "Neurology," "Basic Alchemy," "Magic Plant Cultivation"... Thanks to these books and some practical experience, Sunan successfully maxed out potion crafting study progress, mastering this skill. Additionally, the study progress of the other skill ’Biological Transformation’ already exceeded 50%. It looks like it will be fully mastered within the next couple of months. "But to acquire other skills or magic, more wizard scriptures must be gathered." This is one of the reasons Sunan boasted before his brother. Only by making others recognize the power of wizard methods will they help more diligently with resource collection. Otherwise, even with brotherly sentiment, though brother willing to spend resources on collection, his knights would begrudge, working without effort. For over two months, Sunan has been busy with this matter. The meticulous mastery of potion crafting is also preparation for upcoming actions. Glancing at the pile of over a dozen lizardmen corpses in the corner, he took out a book from the cabinet, "Zero-Level Potion Compendium," turning to page 284. The pages are filled with dense text and intricate designs. The first line at the top is several bold black words. Dragon Blood Potion!