Chapter 147: Advanced Meditation Technique

Merlin's heart leaped with joy; he hadn't expected Mage Leo to allow him a request beyond granting access to level-one spells. In fact, Merlin had been planning to make this request for some time but hadn't found the right moment to bring it up.

Seizing this opportunity, Merlin spoke in a low tone, "Since Master Leo has offered, I do indeed have a request, if you would be so kind."

Mage Leo nodded slightly. "What is it? Let's hear it."

"An advanced mental meditation technique! The intermediate mental meditation technique you provided has been quite helpful, but now that I've constructed spells in six elements, the mental power required is immense. The intermediate technique's effect has become too slow for me."

Merlin hesitated as he finished, glancing at Leo, who showed no change in expression; a faint smile remained on his face.

"Merlin, are you aware of how many contribution points it would take to obtain an advanced mental meditation technique?" Leo asked calmly, rather than directly answering.

Merlin thought back. He knew that advanced meditation techniques were incredibly rare in the Tower of Myriad Phenomena, with only about ten in existence, each costing well over a thousand, if not several thousand, contribution points.

To most entry-level mages, these prices were astronomical. For Merlin to acquire such a technique through contribution points alone would be impossible in the short term. Even as a level-one mage, such a high contribution cost would still be formidable, given that level-one mages also need various spells and tools, all of which require points.

After a long pause, Leo shook his head slightly. "You know as well as I do that an advanced meditation technique costs over a thousand points. Even I cannot provide you with one from the Tower."

Merlin felt a pang of disappointment but quickly steadied himself. In the Dark Spirit Domain, mentors are only responsible for guidance and aren't obligated to provide resources. Leo offering free access to level-one spells was already exceedingly generous.

"However," Leo continued, "many years ago, I defeated a level-six mage and acquired an advanced mental meditation technique in the process."

Hearing this, Merlin felt both surprise and elation. Not only did Leo actually possess such a technique, but he also seemed to be teasing Merlin—a sign of their increasingly close relationship. Leo's attitude toward Merlin had gone beyond that of a typical teacher-student bond.

This was promising news. Leo might not enjoy lecturing on the intricacies of spell model construction, but in other areas, Merlin was more than satisfied. Leo was powerful, decisive, and Merlin could sense his growing regard for him.

Perhaps Merlin's stellar performance at the gathering had given Leo pride, or maybe his status as a six-element mage intrigued him. It was even possible that Leo sympathized with Merlin's position, given that both had once been underestimated by the level-seven mages.

For whatever reason, Leo was now taking Merlin seriously, which was Merlin's greatest satisfaction.

"Here, take it. This advanced meditation technique is quite effective," Leo said, producing a roll of yellowed parchment from his ring. Merlin quickly accepted it, noting its cool, smooth texture.

"All right, off you go. Once you've selected your spells, come see me."

Merlin nodded, respectfully exiting the room. As he watched Merlin depart, Leo murmured under his breath, "Those old fools think a six-element mage is impossible? Well, I'll show them differently. A six-element mage... It was something I once dared not attempt. Don't let me down, Merlin…"

With a forceful wave, Leo closed the door.

---

Returning to his room, Merlin immediately examined the advanced meditation technique Leo had given him. It astonished him that Leo had obtained it by defeating a level-six mage. Though Leo mentioned it lightly, Merlin recognized the significance: a level-six mage was far beyond what he could currently imagine.

A level-four mage could destroy a military fortress on their own, while a level-six mage, in an unrestrained fury of spellcasting, could devastate an entire city. The fact that Leo had slain such a mage demonstrated his formidable power and explained why other level-six mages in the Dark Spirit Domain were wary of him.

Committing the advanced meditation technique to memory, Merlin began to meditate.

Moments later, he opened his eyes, filled with delight.

"It's incredibly powerful! Far stronger than the intermediate technique!"

Even after a brief meditation, Merlin noticed a rapid increase in his mental strength, at least ten times faster than what the intermediate technique offered. No wonder these advanced techniques were so valuable in the Tower—they were leagues beyond intermediate ones.

While he was tempted to continue, Merlin decided to wait. He had the technique now, so there was no rush; he would have plenty of time in the future. First, he planned to visit the Tower of Myriad Phenomena to review level-one spells. As a six-element mage, he needed carefully selected spells for his other elements, in addition to the fire-based *Flame of Fury* he already possessed.

Since it was still early, Merlin left the tower and headed for the Tower of Myriad Phenomena.

---

The Tower of Myriad Phenomena was unusually crowded with mages that day, mostly entry-level ones.

As Merlin entered, he could feel many eyes on him, which was a stark contrast to the quiet attention he usually drew. These mages were likely here because of his performance at the Dark Spirit Domain's gathering, where he had revealed himself as a six-element mage but had not been chosen as a student by any level-seven mages.

This unusual twist had quickly become one of the most talked-about subjects across the Dark Spirit Domain.

Ignoring the curious stares, Merlin made his way directly to the second floor, where he once again became the center of attention. Being accustomed to "flying under the radar," Merlin found this level of focus somewhat uncomfortable.

He approached the shelves of level-one spells, each requiring at least twenty contribution points, with some as high as a hundred.

Merlin didn't look for the priciest spells; he knew that the best spell was the one that suited him. He first sought a defensive spell for his earth element, as his current zero-level *Earth Guard* spell, though decent, no longer met his needs.

Recalling his previous opponent, Mage Luan, Merlin had been quite impressed by Luan's *Guardian's Stone* spell scroll. Its defensive capability was formidable, rendering Merlin's attacks with large fireballs useless.

He quickly found *Guardian's Stone* and read the description:

"*Guardian's Stone*—a level-one earth spell with powerful single-target defense capabilities. Requires eighty contribution points."

Eighty points was steep. Most level-one spells cost between twenty and fifty points, with those above fifty typically having unique benefits. *Guardian's Stone* was a single-target spell, but combined with Merlin's enhanced physical condition from practicing mysterious carvings, it would make him nearly untouchable.

Despite his interest, Merlin continued to browse and discovered two other promising earth defense spells: *Wall of Stone* and *Earth Armor.*

*Wall of Stone* was similar to *Guardian's Stone* but offered a broader area of protection. Meanwhile, *Earth Armor* created a thick, armor-like shell of earth over the caster's body. While effective, *Earth Armor* consumed significant mana, and even with Merlin's ample reserves, he estimated he could sustain it for only half an hour.

Though half an hour might suffice for most battles, it posed a risk in prolonged fights. In comparison, *Guardian's Stone* demanded less mana.

Although *Earth Armor* had slightly better defense, Merlin ultimately chose *Guardian's Stone* for its balance of effectiveness and mana efficiency.

"Ah! Mage Merlin, are you also selecting level-one spells?" A surprised voice suddenly sounded behind him as he finalized his choice of *Guardian's Stone.*