Chapter 7: Spirit Furnace, Unexpectedly _2

Long Dangdang nudged him quietly as a signal to keep quiet.

The fire specialty mage said, "The Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace has a hidden special ability, which is why we brought it here. It is a rarity: a spirit furnace that can be used by any profession. It can affect both magic and inner spiritual power. Moreover, once fused with it, the spiritual power it provides could potentially be innate spiritual force. Yes, it may be possible to elevate the host's talent by absorbing the elemental energy from heaven and earth."

"According to the experience accumulated by the Temple over tens of thousands of years, the higher the host's talent, the lower the chance of enhancing innate spiritual force. Although it's quite random, it is possible. Your innate magic spiritual power is already at 84. If in the next ten or even twenty years, the Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace helped you increase your innate spiritual power by six points, then you would possibly possess the physique of the elements' prodigy."

When the mage mentioned the elements' prodigy, his face clearly twitched with excitement. An innate spiritual power above 90 meant an elements' prodigy. Currently, there wasn't any elements' prodigy in the entire Magic Temple.

Could talent be improved? Long Dangdang instinctively looked at Long Kongkong. Long Kongkong didn't seem to mind, adopting an indifferent attitude.

The fire specialty mage continued, "So, according to the Temple's idea, we hope you can first try to absorb the Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace. If successful, we look forward to seeing you gaining the elements' prodigy physique in the future. If absorption fails, you can try with the Divine Lotus Spirit Furnace next. Rest assured, the success rate of absorption of the Divine Lotus Spirit Furnace is directly proportional to your talent. You definitely won't have any problems."

Long Dangdang nodded, "Okay. So how do I absorb this Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace?"

The fire specialty mage manipulated the faint golden vortex and slowly moved it in front of Long Dangdang and Long Kongkong, "Just touch it with your hand. If it acknowledges you, it will be absorbed immediately, otherwise, there won't be any reaction. Although the success rate of absorption is very low, the Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace is also one of the rare spirit furnaces without risk of backlash. Despite its not-so-powerful functions, currently only we of the Magic Temple possess it—hey, what are you doing?"

While the mage was still speaking, he saw Long Dangdang suddenly lift Long Kongkong's hand swiftly, and in Long Kongkong's puzzled state, brushed it against the golden vortex.

More astoundingly, in an instant, "Whoosh——", the golden vortex… disappeared.

"What did you do?"

"What's going on?"

Both mages were stupefied.

Long Kongkong was equally dumbfounded. Golden light was swirling around his body, and a golden vortex was quietly thumping and rotating at his chest. The gentle golden light was warm and soothing, bringing an indescribable comfort.

Long Dangdang shook his hand and looked innocent, "My sleeve got caught with his."

The sleeves of their school uniforms did indeed have buttons. Long Dangdang and Long Kongkong had been standing side by side, and inadvertently, their buttons had caught on each other.

"This, how is this possible? It's a spirit furnace! You have to separate it now," the wind specialty mage tried to stride towards Long Kongkong.

"No." The fire specialty mage pulled him back, "Don't you know that the Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace can't be separated? Why do you think we only have one left? Because it's a non-inheritable spirit furnace. Once it's used, it's completely fused. Even if the host dies, it will dissipate."

The wind specialty mage's face changed significantly, "What do we do now? How are we going to explain this when we go back?"

Long Dangdang blinked, "You two seniors shouldn't worry. Ultimately, you were going to give me a spirit furnace anyway. Then I just won't take it. My brother and I look the same, as long as you don't say anything, there won't be a problem."

The fire specialty mage smiled bitterly, "That won't do. Once you reach the Temple, your spirit furnace will surely be checked! Spirit furnaces are a big deal in every temple, who would dare to fake it? Forget it, forget it. I will report the truth."

Long Dangdang was earnest, "Senior, actually you don't need to struggle. My brother is a genius at the Knights Academy. Didn't you mention that the Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace is difficult to absorb? The same applies to me, I may not have been able to successfully absorb it either. But it's different with my brother! His innate inner spiritual power is as high as 87. Now with the Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace, he may even become a prodigy of Luminosity in the future."

"Innate inner spiritual power is at 87?" Both mages' eyes widened instantaneously.

Long Dangdang nodded, "Yes, the Knights Temple said my brother might be the next God's Seal knight. So, I think, since my brother accidentally absorbed it, how about this: we interact with the Knights Temple. They should be willing to compensate with a spirit furnace. That way, our Magic Temple wouldn't really lose anything."

"No, no, no, there's no need for any compensation from them. Since your younger brother's innate inner spiritual power is eighty-seven..." The fire specialty mage's eyes gleamed brightly as he spoke, "On behalf of the Magic Temple, consider this a gift from us to him."

A spirit furnace might be rare, but how does it compare to a future God's Seal knight? This investment is absolutely worthwhile! And once taken, it can't be returned. If this child could become a key figure in the Knights Temple, the Temple's favorability in his eyes will certainly increase! Although the Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace is precious, it isn't vital. If they could secure the allegiance of a God's Seal knight...

In a split second, the fire specialty mage made up his mind.

Long Dangdang turned his head to look at the Divine Lotus Spirit Furnace that was emitting a white halo, "So... this...?"

"Of course, of course, you should absorb it. Come, we will protect you. Absorb it now." The fire specialty mage had already made up his mind. As a 7th Rank Great Magic Mentor, he carried a certain amount of authority at the Temple Headquarters. He also believed that his decision would receive the Temple's approval.

The gentle Divine Lotus Spirit Furnace was guided to Long Dangdang. Under the fire specialty mage's urging, the white glow that looked like a lotus bud slowly bloomed like a petal.

A soothing halo bathed Long Dangdang, who felt as if he was submerged in a hot spring. The next moment, a milky-white halo rippled from his body. Circles of milky-white light quickly integrated into his body. The Divine Lotus Spirit Furnace slowly enlarged and floated towards Long Dangdang, causing his body to levitate in the air.

Standing on the white lotus, he appeared somewhat sacred.

Long Kongkong stood aside, watching Long Dangdang with a strange look in his eyes, recalling how during the fire specialty mage's explanation of the Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace, Long Dangdang had kept tugging at his sleeve. At that time, he thought it was out of excitement and nervousness. He knew his brother too well - this outwardly shy guy was actually quite mischievous! Just like the white lotus under his feet at the moment.

Half an hour later, the two mages who had gifted the Magic Temple's large gift bag and two spirit furnaces hastily left.

"Did you do that on purpose?" Long Kongkong asked, staring at Long Dangdang.

"Yes! I wanted you to try it. A spirit furnace that enhances talent! What if it worked for you? That would mean there's hope for you. As your older brother, it's my duty," Long Dangdang said with a smile.

Long Kongkong retorted, "Stop it, you just want me to become stronger too, to help you share the pressure from mom and dad."

Long Dangdang replied, "Think what you like. I just wanted you to try it. If it didn't work for you, I could always give it a shot. I didn't expect it to work for you right away. Nice, one for each of us. We've gained an extra spirit furnace."

"Anyway, don't think I'm going to help you share the family's pressure! No way. I'm going to stay low. When the Magic Temple comes, the Knights Temple will surely not be far behind with their gifts. When the time comes, you'll be the one to go! I don't want any spirit furnace, all of them are yours."

"Fine." Long Dangdang seemed thoughtful, "Do you think there's a chance the Knights Temple might also bring a couple of spirit furnaces? The more the better! If we can't absorb them, they'll be good for mom and dad!"

...

Many years later.

"Brother, why did you intentionally give me the Elemental Vortex Spirit Furnace back then?"

"Didn't the mage say at the time that the lower the innate talent, the higher the probability of enhancing innate spiritual power?"

"Were there any other reasons?"

"What did you just call me?"

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Happy New Year everyone! Wishing you joy, prosperity, and happiness!