Chapter 291: Chapter 187: Phoenix Breath (Part 2) This statement resonated strongly in Ron’s mind. He suddenly realized that although his "Thousand Transformations" recording ability is powerful, it has a fundamental limitation: It can replicate the form and power of magic spells, but it cannot replicate the caster’s nearly instinctive fine control. "If I release such recorded magic spells in actual combat..." Ron thought to himself: "The released energy is likely to run out of control, not only harming the enemy but also potentially damaging myself and allies. Faced with prepared official wizards, such spells lacking fine control might backfire." The recording ability of Thousand Transformations is indeed a powerful trump card, but relying on it excessively while neglecting the improvement of basic skills is no different from taking shortcuts at the expense of a solid foundation. "Thank you for your guidance, Master Yuni." Ron bowed respectfully, his voice filled with sincerity: "Today’s demonstration has benefited me greatly." Yuni nodded slightly, her purple eyes seemingly seeing through something: "Remember, young man, the essence of magic does not lie in its form or power, but in the caster’s understanding and control of energy. Any power acquired from external forces is not as reliable as skills truly integrated into one’s being." After leaving the training ground, Ron’s thoughts could not calm for a long time. The "Phoenix Breath" recorded by Thousand Transformations is undoubtedly a powerful trump card, but it also made him more clearly aware of his own shortcomings. "External objects are ultimately external." Ron had his own insight: "True power must originate from one’s own understanding and control. The recording ability of Thousand Transformations can serve as an emergency measure, but it should not become a reliance." He looked at his palm, gently conjuring a small Ring of Brilliance. Compared to Yuni’s magic, his Ring of Brilliance appeared rough and simple, but it was the power he truly understood and mastered. ......... On the second floor of the workshop, Ron was focused on manipulating a floating glob of golden liquid in front of him. The trait of "Material Refining" reduced this complex refining process, which ordinarily took at least four hours, to just an hour and a half. Ron’s hands moved elegantly in the air, looking less like potion refining and more like conducting a delicate symphony. The golden liquid danced with the changes of his gestures, sometimes spinning, sometimes separating, and sometimes reintegrating. On the shelf beside him, dozens of different types of magic potions were neatly arranged, each reflecting Ron’s recent breakthroughs in magic potion making. "Teacher, are you planning to refine the potion quota for the whole school together?" Lilia asked half-jokingly, handing over a cup of chilled medicinal tea. Ron accepted the teacup, took a sip, his gaze still fixed on the glob of golden liquid: "The challenge of the Bloodline Altar is unknown, and there’s never too much preparation." This was perhaps rooted in the soul—"firepower inadequacy phobia." Lilia nodded, her gaze sweeping over those meticulously refined magic potions: "Then with all you’ve prepared, is it enough?" Ron smiled lightly: "Whether it’s enough depends on the trial’s difficulty, but at least I need to prepare as thoroughly as possible." He pointed to different potions on the shelf, introducing them one by one: 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶 "Enhancing Potion—temporarily boosts constitution and recovery rate, especially effective for prolonged battles; Spiritual Shield—can resist a certain degree of spiritual interference and pollution, essential when facing abyssal creatures; Spiritual Vision Dew—enhances spiritual sight, allowing one to see ghosts more clearly; Magic Recovery Liquid—quickly restores consumed magic power, a key supply in prolonged battles..." Besides magic potions, Ron also prepared a large number of alchemy tools: Energy Crystals, Alchemy Flash Bombs, Isolation Talismans, Tracking Marks, etc. Although these tools have limited individual power, flexible use can create unexpected tactical effects. "Teacher, your preparation is truly thorough." Lilia genuinely praised, yet also sighed with worry: "I just hope all these things end up unused." Ron smiled slightly: "I hope so, but I don’t harbor too much luck." For the final step, he gently clasped his hands, and the glob of golden liquid immediately formed a perfect sphere, then slowly descended into the crystal bottle prepared in advance. Ron carefully sealed the bottle, looking satisfied at the even glow emanating from the liquid inside. [Material Refining (Proficient) Experience Points + 1] "Teacher, are you sure you don’t need my help?" Lilia looked at Ron as he took out another set of materials, asking with some concern: "You’ve already been working for eight hours straight." "I’ll rest after making one more batch of Spiritual Shields." Ron answered gently: "You can go prepare Dale’s dinner first, Ailan said her training today was quite exhausting." Lilia nodded, though her face still carried concern, she turned and left nonetheless. Ron continued to focus on the refining work, his mind simultaneously recalling the preparations he made for offensive measures. Magic potions and alchemy tools are important, but in the face of real danger, powerful offensive capabilities are often the most direct guarantee. Fortunately, he recently acquired an important "trump card"—Alchemy Explosives. The process of acquiring this powerful tool was not simple. Through his relationship with Master Thompson, he finally persuaded him to teach this formula, which was only circulated internally. "Three complete Magic Stones, plus two bottles of the high-purity ’Amber Thought Liquid’ you personally refined." Thompson’s voice echoed in his ear: "That’s the bottom price, no bargaining." Three Magic Stones accounted for a significant portion of Ron’s current savings; after all, despite his high income, his experimental expenses were also considerable. Even so, considering the potential role of alchemy explosives in the Bloodline Altar trial, the transaction was still very worthwhile. "Deal." Ron agreed without hesitation at that time. In the following days, under Thompson’s guidance, Ron learned the basic principles and safety considerations of alchemy explosives. This powerful alchemy item can unleash a massive explosive impact upon activation, causing effective damage to a wide range of enemies. "The key is the stable containment and directional release of energy." Thompson’s tone was extremely stern, as dealing with explosives recklessly could harm oneself and others: "If the containment is unstable, the explosive might detonate prematurely; if the release is not directed enough, the explosive energy will be scattered and wasted, significantly reducing its effect." Ron’s first attempt failed, with energy suddenly fluctuating during containment and nearly causing a small explosion. Fortunately, Thompson was experienced and stabilized the situation in time. "Slow down, young man." Thompson’s gaze grew sterner: "Alchemy explosives are not overpowered by brute force but require precise guidance. It’s like taming a horse; what you need is not to forcefully control but to establish a harmonious relationship with it." This analogy inspired him. In the following attempts, Ron no longer tried to forcibly suppress the energy fluctuations but instead went with their natural flow, only guiding and correcting them at key points. Eventually, an iron-gray metal sphere stabilized and floated in the air after forming. Its surface engraved with complex energy guiding patterns, containing enough power internally to destroy a castle. "Well done, considering this is your first successful attempt." Thompson evaluated, carefully examining the quality of the finished product: "The patterns are still a bit rough, but the overall structure is stable, and the activation mechanism is reliable enough." ......... "The Magic Stone reserve is less than half..." Ending his thoughts, Ron looked somewhat wistfully at the three explosives, murmuring softly: "Hopefully, I can find a worthwhile reward in the Bloodline Altar."