Chapter 603: Chapter 296: Hermit’s Knowledge The Stand-In Puppet lay quietly on the experiment table. The surface runes shimmered with a dim sheen under the weak glow of the Magic Crystal Lamp. Ron stood to the side, his gaze sweeping over the meticulously arranged Energy Isolation Array around him. The risk of this experiment far exceeded that of ordinary research, as any energy leak could trigger unpredictable chain reactions. "The guidance this time must be exceptionally cautious, remember to keep the monitoring instruments and the highest level of isolation barriers active at all times." He spoke to the nearby dryad, holding the Abyss Crystal obtained from the stone betting shop in his hands. It was an irregularly shaped dark purple crystal, its surface covered with fine lines resembling veins. When light hit from a specific angle, something inside seemed to flow and writhe, as if the crystal itself was a micro-ecosystem. "According to my calculated energy threshold, if the energy contained within this Abyss Crystal were released all at once, it would be enough to level this workshop." Ron’s tone was calm, but his gaze was exceptionally focused: "And to completely guide its energy out and convert it stably would take at least two to three weeks." "Is the master planning a phased guidance?" Ailan softly inquired, her branches swaying gently. "That’s right." Ron nodded, taking a set of precise Alchemy Tools from beside the experiment table: "First, I need to inscribe Energy Guidance Runes on the crystal’s surface, establishing a miniature energy stabilization cycle to release energy at a controllable rate." He picked up a fine carving knife, carefully etching on the surface of the Abyss Crystal. Each contact between the knife tip and the crystal surface caused a faint but distinctly perceptible energy ripple. Through ’Extraordinary Recognition,’ Ron could clearly see how the energy flowed and gathered inside the crystal, and how it resisted external interference. "The activity of Abyssal Energy is even higher than expected..." He slightly furrowed his brow, his hand movements uninterrupted: "They seem to have a certain degree of ’instinctive reaction,’ actively resisting external disturbance." As the rune network gradually completed, a subtle glow emerged on the crystal’s surface. That was the energy constrained within fixed channels trying to release itself. Ron took out a small Crystal Container, placing it at the center of the experiment table, and used specially made silver wire to connect it with the Stand-In Puppet. The construction of this device was exquisite, a masterpiece Ron had spent nearly two weeks crafting, an "Energy Guide Device." Inside the container, complex energy filtering runes were inscribed, capable of capturing and purifying the polluting factors in Abyssal Energy, leaving only the purest energy essence. "Initiating the first guidance test." He took a deep breath, his right hand lightly touching the crystal surface inscribed with runes. A strand of Spiritual Power, like a thin thread, delved into it, guiding the first trace of energy along a predetermined path. In an instant, the purple-black energy overflowed from the crystal surface, forming a thin energy thread in the air, akin to ink spreading through clear water. The energy thread did not rush directly towards the target container but instead hovered and twisted in the air, seemingly resisting Ron’s guidance with a will of its own. "As expected of a high-purity Abyss Crystal..." Ron’s expression was solemn, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead: "Even the first guidance is this difficult." He increased the output of his Spiritual Power, simultaneously tracing a complex rune in the air with his right hand, instantly activating the support array prepared on the experiment table. Silver light surged from the formation, like an invisible net, gradually enveloping and constraining the twisted energy thread, finally forcing it into the Crystal Container. Once the first strand of energy was successfully captured, the air in the entire room seemed to become heavier. Inside the Crystal Container, the purple-black energy rotated slowly under the constraint of silver runes. It was gradually decomposed and filtered, ultimately transformed into a pure dark purple energy flow. And the Stand-In Puppet connected to the container had its core rune at the chest light up with a faint purple glow. This indicated that it had begun absorbing the converted energy. "Temporarily stabilized..." Ron breathed a sigh of relief, though his eyes remained vigilant: "This is merely one percent of the entire crystal’s energy; to fully extract it, at least fifty to sixty cycles of operation will be needed." He stood up, stretching his shoulders which had become stiff from maintaining the same posture for a long time: "Moreover, the interval between each operation cannot be less than twenty-four hours, otherwise, the energy will accumulate too quickly." Ailan listened quietly, recording the various experimental parameters with her green branches: "Is the master planning to fully automate this process?" "No, that’s too dangerous." Ron shook his head and replied: "The instability of Abyssal Energy far exceeds that of conventional energy; each guidance requires my personal supervision, at least during the first ten cycles. If operations stabilize, a semi-automated guidance process might be set up later, but I would still need to perform periodic checks." He looked at the Stand-In Puppet, now with the purple glow on its chest becoming even and stable, indicating a good energy absorption state. "Within two months, combining this Abyss Crystal and the ’Breath of Chaos,’ it should be sufficient to fully charge the Stand-In Puppet’s energy to 100%." Ron calculated the time in his mind: "By then, the ’Incarnation Form’ function will be fully activated; that will be a brand-new beginning." ...... In the days that followed, Ron allocated most of his time to three main tasks: