Chapter 104: Chickened Out!

Chapter 104: Intimidated!

Nighttime, within the dream world.

Li Wei attempted to cultivate the Illusory Form Technique.

The spell model of zero-tier Illusory Form was incomparably intricate—

more complex even than first-tier spells.

Eighteen spell circuits, far exceeding the normal number for a zero-tier spell.

And crucially, these eighteen circuits were half real, half illusory.

By "real and illusory," it meant whether the circuits were constructed from magical energy or spiritual force.

Magical energy was real; spiritual force, illusory.

This was the first time Li Wei had ever seen a spell model built from spiritual force.

Perhaps this was precisely what made mind-element spells so unique.

Excluding the nine circuits of spiritual force, the remaining nine, formed from magical energy, still fell within the scope of zero-tier spells.

After spending some time familiarizing himself, Li Wei finally cast the technique successfully after several minutes.

Only upon successful casting did he understand the function of the spiritual circuits.

They were the key to creating illusions.

Focusing his mind, Li Wei controlled the Illusory Form.

A streak of vivid red appeared in his palm—resembling a flower, yet too blurry.

With thought and imagination, he carved details into the illusion.

Gradually, the rose became clearer, more complete.

Over ten minutes passed before a barely acceptable rose finally materialized in his hand.

If used to deceive others, it would easily betray itself.

From another angle, the details were utterly disastrous.

Staring at the rose in his hand, Li Wei found the Illusory Form oddly fascinating—though undeniably difficult.

Compared to ordinary spells, both casting and controlling Illusory Form were several tiers harder.

Within the dream, Li Wei relentlessly practiced, pouring effort into raising his proficiency.

As long as his magical energy endured, the spell could be sustained indefinitely.

The flower in his hand grew increasingly vivid, then transformed into a dagger, a staff, a book…

The objects shaped by the illusion grew larger, their details richer, fuller.

One night passed.

Li Wei opened his eyes, rose from bed, and yawned, feeling somewhat weary.

His spiritual force remained full, yet the complexity of the dream had fatigued his mind.

The Illusory Form demanded immense mental endurance.

[Crystal Meditation Method (First Tier)] 2568/10000

[Fireball Spell (First Tier, Minor Mastery)] 5456/10000

[Invisible Armor Spell (First Tier, Minor Mastery)] 1860/10000

[Telekinesis (First Tier, Minor Mastery)] 1862/10000

[Great Dream Soaring Art (First Tier)] 320/10000

[Illusory Form Technique (Zero Tier)] 588/10000

[Shadow Tendril Surgery (First Tier, Initiate)] 450/1000

[Ice Arrow Spell (Zero Tier, Proficient)] 420/2000

[Stone Respiration Method (Initiate)] 856/1000

Judging solely by the speed of gaining proficiency, cultivating the Illusory Form was three to four times harder than other zero-tier spells.

After a night of training, Li Wei had made progress.

Where once crafting a simple illusion took over ten or even thirty minutes,

now he could conjure basic forms with ease.

Most importantly, he discovered a vital application.

Standing before a mirror,

he cast the Illusory Form.

The face in the reflection began to shift, morphing into that of a stranger.

Li Wei smiled.

"The zero-tier Illusory Form can only create illusions—it cannot replicate others' abilities like Torista's."

"But disguising one's appearance? That works rather well. Though the details still need refinement."

He began reshaping his own features.

In the future, going out on missions would be much easier.

Had he possessed this ability when he last met Lilia, he wouldn't now fear being recognized by Lilith.

Knock, knock, knock!

Li Wei quickly dispelled the illusion and walked toward the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me."

Opening the door, he called out, "Master Guze."

Guze stood fully armed. "I'm about to leave. Just came to say goodbye."

Li Wei nodded. "Yes. May your journey be safe and prosperous, Master."

Guze said, "Now that you're the Tower Lord's disciple, stay obediently within the tower and focus on cultivation. Don't rush for magical gear—anything the Tower Lord casually gives you will surpass anything sold outside by countless degrees."

Li Wei replied, "Yes, I understand."

With that, Guze didn't linger, turning and walking away.

From the window, Li Wei saw Guze leaving together with Rota.

Rota glanced back at Li Wei, then turned forward again, speaking to Guze.

Too far away, Li Wei couldn't hear their words.

Knock, knock, knock!

Li Wei walked toward the door again.

"Who is it now?"

Opening the door and seeing who stood there, he showed an expression of surprise.

"Levitan, what are you doing here?"

Levitan forced a smile. "Master Liwei, please forgive my rudeness from yesterday."

"This is a small token of sincerity—please accept it."

He held out a wooden box toward Liwei.

Liwei understood at once: news of his becoming the Tower Master’s disciple had already spread.

Though he hadn’t spoken to Guze about it, the meaning had been clear enough.

He’d visited the Tower Master, who had even gifted him a spellbook.

What else could that be but formal acceptance as a disciple?

Upon hearing the news, Levitan had rushed to the mage tower early in the morning to apologize personally,

hoping to mend their relationship.

Now Liwei was the Tower Master’s apprentice—a status far above his own.

Even the head of the Lainster family treated Tower Master Torresta with deep respect.

Better to act first than wait for the family patriarch to learn of the incident.

Seeing Liwei remain unmoved, Levitan quickly added, "I beg you, Master Liwei, forgive my insolence yesterday—this vial of mid-tier potion must be accepted."

At those words, Liwei’s expression finally shifted.

He took the wooden box and smiled. "Why didn’t you say so earlier? Do you really think I’d hold such a thing against you?"

"Oh, yes, of course!" Levitan hurriedly chuckled in relief.

Liwei said, "Well then, I should return to my practice."

Levitan immediately replied, "Of course, Master Liwei, by all means—don’t let me disturb your cultivation."

Before leaving, he couldn’t resist one last flattery:

"No wonder you’ve achieved such astonishing feats at such a young age—your talent and diligence make you a model for us all."

The moment the door closed, Liwei let out a quiet laugh. "Heh… heh…"

Once Levitan was far enough away, his face darkened, the smile vanishing, replaced by a look of bitter regret.

"Hah… damn it, what a loss!"

"That fellow truly won’t budge unless he sees the goods. The second I mentioned the potion, his eyes lit up."

"Why are today’s youth so pragmatic?"

Shaking his head helplessly, Levitan sighed.

In the past, a few lofty words would have smoothed things over easily.

Nowadays, that no longer worked.

Young people refused to swallow empty promises anymore.

Back inside, Liwei opened the wooden box. Inside lay an unopened vial of mid-tier magical potion.

"Got a free mid-tier potion—feels damn good."

That Levitan had actually brought such a valuable item surprised Liwei.

He’d thought becoming Torresta’s disciple might only spare him minor troubles.

He hadn’t expected Levitan to fold so completely.

Only now did Liwei realize how powerful the title of *Torresta’s disciple* truly was.

With this name behind him, he could walk through Maple City like a man without fear.

Two chapters today—heading out to visit relatives.

(End of chapter)