Chapter 604: Chapter 296: Hermit’s Knowledge (2) Teaching, various experimental key phases, and meditation cultivation. Every morning, he would give lectures to apprentices in the classroom of the Crystal Tower, imparting knowledge of Magic Potion Making and Bloodline Modulation; In the afternoons, he focused on the energy guidance of Abyss Crystals and the cultivation and growth of Autophagic Slime Monsters, as well as configuring various magic potion orders, and studying weapon skills with Aksa; At dusk and night, he would engage in in-depth learning of Enchantment and practice the inscription of runes, conducting historical research training every few days; In the deep night, when the light of the star projection reached its peak, he would enter a deep meditation state, cultivating "Star Eater’s Ravings" in the consciousness space. Simultaneously, through the guidance techniques of "Astrology," he continued to deepen his connection with the starry sky. This nearly stringent time arrangement left him with less than two hours of rest every day, yet it brought about significant progress. The energy guidance experiment of the Abyss Crystal progressed smoothly, achieving about 0.5% charging progress daily, with the energy indicator of the Stand-In Puppet rising to 85%. Of course, what was more important was his breakthrough in meditation cultivation. The time to advance to Morning Star Level was nigh half a year, and tonight was the best opportunity for him to attempt a breakthrough. According to the astrological calculations, a rare celestial event called "Hermit’s Eye" would occur tonight. Under this special celestial phenomenon, "Hermit Star" would form a unique energy resonance with the ground. He stood at the center of the Meditation Room, gazing through the crystal dome towards the starry sky, searching for the location of the "Hermit Star." The night was descending, the stars were fishing... Tonight, the starry sky was exceptionally clear, without a trace of clouds. "Perfect timing." Ron slowly sat down, took a deep breath, and began adjusting his breathing frequency to match the meditation rhythm recommended by "Star Eater’s Ravings." As his consciousness gradually sank, external sounds slowly faded away, replaced by a peculiar humming, seemingly like whispers of the stars. In the consciousness space, that sea of stars appeared again. Countless star points flickered in the darkness, forming a vast and intricate star map. A star distinctly larger and brighter than others was emitting a gentle silver light — it was the projection of the "Hermit Star" in his consciousness. Ron’s consciousness drifted like a wisp of breeze towards that bright star. The light of "Hermit Star" grew stronger as he drew closer, but it was not dazzling; instead, it carried a reassuring warmth. He started striving to build a deeper connection with this star. Through the guidance techniques learned from "Astrology," his spiritual power transformed into countless tiny threads of energy, gently encircling the "Hermit Star," trying to perceive the mysteries within. Initially, the star seemed indifferent, merely emitting a steady light. But as Ron persisted with his attempts, a subtle change began to occur. The star’s light started to flicker in a certain rhythm, as if responding to his call. "Every star has its unique ’language,’ and through the correct way of communication, a deeper connection can indeed be established." His spiritual power adjusted according to the star’s flickering rhythm, gradually synchronizing their frequencies. At the peak of this tacit understanding, a silver-white beam suddenly shot from the "Hermit Star," piercing straight into Ron’s consciousness core. This beam was neither hot nor cold, yet carried an indescribable ancient sensation, as if traversing endless time and space, bearing some distant memory. In an instant, a vast and unfamiliar torrent of information surged into his consciousness, nearly overwhelming him. It was not conventional knowledge or memory but more akin to a pure perception and understanding, a direct grasp of the essence of the world. Most astonishingly, this information contained many secrets about "Hermit Star" itself. Ron’s consciousness seemed to traverse the river of time, returning to a distant past... In a dark and cold universe, an immensely large entity was quietly wandering. Its form defied human language to describe, neither being nor energy, but a condition of existence bridging all things. If one had to describe it, perhaps it was like a mist formed by countless light points, or a vast network woven from thoughts. This entity — "Hermit," is one of the oldest observers in the universe. It roams among galaxies, collecting various knowledge and mysteries of the universe, but never interfering, quietly observing the rise and fall of everything. At some unknowable moment, a terrifying entity arrived — "Devourer." It was a terrifying entity beyond dimensions, its mode of existence completely different from "Hermit." If "Hermit" is the guardian of knowledge, then "Devourer" is the nemesis of all high-dimensional existences. It lives by devouring other existences, assimilating the traits of the devoured into itself. Even an ancient and powerful existence like "Hermit" appeared so fragile before the "Devourer." When "Devourer" turned its attention to "Hermit," the latter immediately sensed danger and began a lengthy escape. "Hermit" traversed among galaxies, trying to shake off that terrifying pursuer. But "Devourer" was faster and seemingly able to predict "Hermit’s" actions through some ability surpassing space. Eventually, during a transit, "Hermit" was caught by a "tentacle" of the "Devourer."