Chapter 142: Chapter 121: Never-Ending... Walking on the path back to the workshop, the unique dim light of the Black Mist Jungle filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Ron couldn’t help but touch the Intermediate Apprentice Badge on his chest, feeling the faint magic power fluctuations within it. He seriously suspected that this thing was actually a tracker, just not sure if it would have clear record and surveillance functions. "Since I’ve already entered the Candidate Wizard sequence, I must give it my all." He silently calculated in his heart: "The third phase of Spiritual Control and Magic Construction courses are of utmost importance, and Alchemy and Elemental Affinity courses can’t be neglected either." According to Soron’s tip, the Candidate Wizard sequence has clear progress requirements and evaluation standards for its members. If one wants to secure a favorable position in the sequence and gain more resources, they must show continuous and stable growth. "Strive to reach the top within a year," Ron murmured to himself, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes. Returning to the workshop, Ailan was busy arranging various potion bottles on the medicine shelf. Seeing Ron return, she immediately put down her work and turned to welcome him. "Congratulations, Master, on advancing to Intermediate Apprentice." Ailan’s vines gently swayed, with clear words appearing on the leaves: "I saw the new badge on your chest." Ron smiled and nodded: "Thank you, it seems your perception is becoming sharper and sharper." "In fact, I can feel the magic power fluctuation on the badge; it’s completely different from a normal Elementary Apprentice Badge." Ailan responded, the wisdom glimmering in her green eyes. Ever since absorbing the residual energy of the Sun Flame Essence, Ailan’s development indeed exceeded Ron’s expectations. Not only did her appearance become increasingly human-like, but her thinking and emotional expression also became more complex and nuanced. Ron nodded, then turned his attention to another important matter—next Wednesday’s Alchemist Gathering. Magnus had suggested during their last mention of the gathering to prepare some of his own improved formulas for exchange. Clearly, this was not just a social event, but an important opportunity to showcase one’s abilities and build networks. Sitting at the workbench, Ron opened his formula notebook and began carefully selecting suitable magic potion formulas to showcase at the gathering. "The Sun Flame Essence is too precious, and since it was given to me by Master Magnus, it’s unsuitable for sharing at this gathering. Though my improved Stimulant Potion is quite effective, it isn’t particularly outstanding..." He weighed in his heart, fingers continuously turning through the notes: "Perhaps the ’Amber Thought Liquid’ could be a good choice?" The Amber Thought Liquid is a recently self-improved spiritual aid magic potion, capable of temporarily enhancing the user’s mental agility and memory, especially suitable for absorbing large amounts of information in a short time. Compared to similar products available on the market, Ron’s version has lower side effects and does not cause dependency, making its practical value quite high. It is also one of the main products of his workshop recently. "Also, the ’Gray Scale Protection Ointment.’" Ron muttered to himself, "it’s also quite an excellent improvement." The Gray Scale Protection Ointment is a topical magic potion that can form a practically imperceptible protective film on the skin surface, effectively resisting corrosion, toxins, and minor physical damage. This product has widespread application scenarios in magic potion laboratories and field exploration. Ron’s improved version not only extended the duration of the protection effect but also mitigated the common skin stinging and discoloration side effects of the original formula. After thinking for a long time, Ron finally decided to bring these two improved magic potion formulas, plus a sample product, as his "gift" at the gathering. However, attending the gathering was not just about showcasing his achievements; more importantly, it was about acquiring valuable information and formulas from other alchemists. "Accumulating formulas and magic potion-making knowledge is of utmost importance in my transition to a Magic Potion Professor." Ron clearly knew that his long-term plans required the continuous absorption and integration of various extraordinary knowledge, and magic potion-making, as one of the core pillars, must maintain continual growth. Having carefully stored away his prepared formulas and samples, his thoughts then turned to his study plans. Now that he became an Intermediate Apprentice, he would face a whole new set of course challenges, especially the third phase of Spiritual Control and Magic Construction courses, which would be several times more difficult than before. Ron opened a new notebook and began to detail the study plan for the next month: The third phase courses twice a week are the main focus, requiring full effort; Although Alchemy and Elemental Affinity courses have a lower frequency, they cannot be overlooked, especially the experiments and practical components involved; During leisure time, he needs to study independently in the library, focusing on high-tier theories such as Magic Circuit Construction, Inspiration Flow Control, and Magic Model Optimization; Bloodline Ability development and training must also be scheduled for fixed time slots, at least one hour every day; The magic potion refining in the workshop and order processing should be arranged as much as possible in the evenings and early mornings. He filled his schedule to the brim, leaving himself hardly any time for sleep. Thankfully, after becoming a Bloodline Knight, his Constitution had improved significantly twice, and less sleep didn’t matter much to him anymore. Perhaps... once his Constitution reaches a higher level, he could completely forgo sleep? Then study intensely for 24 hours a day. Shaking his head to end his reverie, Ron opened several reference books recommended by Eric and Leia to begin previewing the content of the upcoming third phase courses. As he delved deeper into his reading, he gradually understood the essential differences between the third phase and the previous two: The first two phases mainly focused on constructing and stabilizing a single magic model, while the third phase began to involve short-term continuous construction and coordinated control of magic models. "This is the first step toward becoming an Official Wizard with complex combined magic in the future," Ron felt deeply: "It’s also the critical watershed between Intermediate Apprentices and Advanced Apprentices." It is said that apprentices who can proficiently master short-term continuous construction of more than three magic models will receive special ratings when promoted to Advanced Apprentice. "Currently, I have already mastered Sound Wave Vibration and Slime Splash spells. The next step is to quickly master a third one, preferably a defensive spell, such that the three can be more comprehensive when combined." He pondered various possible choices, his gaze landing on the book "Elemental Guidance Basics" on the bookshelf. "Fire Element or Light Element would be a good choice, especially considering my high affinity for these two elements." Ron recalled his evaluation in the Elemental Affinity Class by Master Laila: "Fire Resistance Ring or Shield of Radiance might be an ideal starting point." His plan was to attempt building and stabilizing the three magic models simultaneously after mastering the third basic magic, laying the foundation for future combined magic. Of course, all of this would require a lot of practice and training, and the Time Guardian Pocket Watch’s reset ability would play a crucial role in this process, helping him complete a large amount of high-intensity training in a limited time. "Assuming I can reset my state ten times a day, it’s equivalent to the efficiency of eleven people studying simultaneously..." Ron calculated silently in his heart: "It should be completely feasible to master the contents of all three phases of courses and gain advanced qualifications within a month." The night deepened, yet he was still immersed in his studies, showing no sign of fatigue. It wasn’t until Ailan gently nudged his arm, reminding him that it was already past dinnertime, that he realized how engrossed he was. "Thanks for the reminder, Ailan." Ron smiled, closing the book, "Looks like I’ll need to learn to manage my time better." Just as he was about to get up to prepare dinner, he suddenly remembered something he needed to explain. "Oh right, Ailan. Next Wednesday, I need to attend an Alchemist Gathering, and I might return late. You are responsible for watching over the workshop. If any guests come, just say I’m out on business and will return soon." Ailan’s vines swayed gently, indicating understanding: "I’ll take good care of the workshop. Rest assured, Master." Seeing Ailan’s growing initiative and sense of responsibility, Ron couldn’t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. His gaze swept over the calendar on the wall; there were still five days left until the Alchemist Gathering next Wednesday. He knew that before attending, he needed to complete the initial third-phase course study and prepare the magic potion formulas and samples for exchange. He felt that this was completely feasible within a month, mastering all the advanced content of the three-phase courses to gain the advancement qualification. As the night deepened, he remained immersed in his studies, showing no trace of weariness. Everyone seemed to be chased by some dreadful monster, and even a brief rest would lead to being utterly devoured...