Once this thought took root, it grew like wildflowers breaking through soil, continuously proliferating in his mind. If he could truly use such a massive chamber as a planting site, the benefits would naturally be beyond words.

In the wizarding world, except for Hufflepuff's small greenhouse at its peak, soil conditions better than here probably didn't exist. Even the Sprout family greenhouse couldn't compare.

However, besides soil conditions, the most important aspect of a greenhouse is maintaining stable temperature and humidity. To truly use the Chamber as a planting greenhouse, the current cold, damp environment isn't sufficient. Need to add constant temperature and humidity magic. This not only costs tremendously, but constructing extensively underground at Hogwarts without being discovered is nearly impossible.

But without such magic, this place can probably only grow plants preferring cold environments—greatly diminishing its value.

He frowned slightly, re-examining this spacious Chamber from a greenhouse perspective. His gaze slowly swept over those magnificent stone pillars—they stood silently in the gloom like giants' arms, supporting the arched vault above.

The more he looked, the more he felt a sense of familiarity, as if he'd seen this somewhere before. Moments later, Occlumency rapidly operated, controlling his mental power to search through past memories at extreme speed. Finally, he found the clue triggering this familiarity.

Whether it was Hufflepuff's small greenhouse or the Sprout family greenhouse, their frameworks seemed quite similar to the Chamber's pillars and vault? The high arched vault resembled greenhouse tops, these pillars providing structural support.

A strange thought emerged in his mind—when first entering the Chamber, he'd felt it resembled a church. But could it be that during initial construction, this place was built modeled after a giant greenhouse, just incorporating some of Slytherin's aesthetic preferences?

At the same time, he had additional theories. The current thousand-year basilisk was indeed a powerful magical creature. But a thousand years ago, it was just a newly hatched baby—actually not much more dangerous than ordinary venomous snakes.

In his previous life as a farmer, he'd had considerable dealings with snakes—after all, farming inevitably involved digging irrigation ditches, which were favorite haunts of rodents and reptiles. Therefore, he had a decent understanding of snake habits.

Generally speaking, when temperatures drop to the teens Celsius, snake activity greatly decreases. Adult snakes curl up somewhere warm, waiting for the sun to come out so they can bask and maintain body temperature. Newborn snakes have it even worse—too low temperatures make survival impossible.

Basilisk hatching takes very long, plus juvenile growth time—if the Chamber stayed this cold, survival rates would be abysmal. Additionally, when Slytherin built the Chamber, would he endure long-term stays in such frigid, damp environments?

His eyes flickered slightly. Could it be that back then, climate control magic actually existed here, but after so long without maintenance, the magic stopped functioning?

With this thought emerging, after scanning around, his gaze locked eagle-like on the vault overhead. If his speculation proved correct, the most likely place retaining such magic traces was the vault—simultaneously the only place in the Chamber he hadn't yet examined.

So moments later, climbing those pillars reaching the vault, he agilely ascended. As he gradually approached the vault, he indeed sensed some abnormality—the vault did emit extremely weak magical particles. Definite signs of magical residue existed here.

Simultaneously, he squinted, gaze falling on places emitting magical particles—those were emeralds embedded in the vault. Between these emeralds, complex lines connected them, forming an ancient inscription pattern.

In his mind, he replicated the inscription pattern outlined by emeralds and lines on the vault. Then his pupils suddenly contracted. This is Ancient Runes. Moreover, runes related to ancient weather magic?!

He never imagined he'd see something related to long-lost ancient weather magic in the Chamber. More unexpectedly, this rune was precisely one of the many runes he'd missed when receiving ancient weather magic comprehension rewards.

Original ancient weather magic should control rising winds and surging clouds, lightning and thunder, rolling waves, landslides, and earthquakes. But because he'd only memorized three lightning-related runes then, his currently used ancient weather magic only commanded lightning.

He thought completing ancient weather magic required obtaining more Alder trees and more comprehension rewards. Never expected to accidentally obtain a new ancient weather magic rune in the Chamber.

He even discovered these emeralds embedded in the vault represented individual magical nodes in this rune—117 total, meaning Slytherin left a runic construct containing 117 magical nodes here. Precisely the type he urgently needed, corresponding to wind in ancient weather magic.

With it, though his ancient weather magic's lightning portion still couldn't advance further due to lacking subsequent elements, it could add wind-commanding effects. Even if he wanted to independently deduce lightning-related subsequent rune constructs, this rune could serve as a crucial reference.

This sent increasingly rich surprise tumbling through his heart. From this Chamber seemingly usable as a greenhouse to rune constructs left on the vault—all things I need. Could Slytherin have foreseen my arrival a thousand years ago, even knowing what I lacked, deliberately leaving these? The Four Founders are truly unfathomable.

But soon he stopped worrying about Slytherin's intentions—no point dwelling on this. Better focus on the present. As for underlying purposes, once truly reaching this level, perhaps clarity would come naturally.

After exhaling softly, he firmly memorized this rune construct on the vault, then focused on the vault itself. He could tell this vault, like Hogwarts Great Hall's ceiling, similarly had weather magic applied. However, differently, the Chamber vault's weather magic focused on using wind to control the entire Chamber's temperature and humidity.

This was also a brilliant idea—otherwise using ordinary greenhouse temperature-humidity control methods for such an enormous space would require exponentially more complex magic, with maintenance resource consumption reaching astronomical levels. Yet the weather magic Slytherin left in the Chamber was far more efficient.

Even after so many years, restarting this magic only required injecting initial power—a force sharing its origin, which he coincidentally controlled.

He took a deep breath, wand pointing toward the vault center's largest emerald, chanting in a low voice the rune just obtained from the vault, "Ansuz! Winds—heed my command!"

Simultaneously, magical power surged, skillfully constructing the most basic 7 of the 117 magical nodes just obtained—the most fundamental construct for a rune to function. Immediately, magical power flowed from his wand tip, stirring a breeze in the stifling, cold Chamber.

This power naturally couldn't compare to the three lightning-representing ancient runes he mastered—after all, he still lacked the most important natural will corresponding to winds for activating ancient magic. But this sufficed to restart the weather magic left on the vault.

Starting from the emerald struck by his magic, glowing green light began surging, flowing like liquid along patterns carved on the vault, snaking onward, successively illuminating all other emeralds one by one.

Then an invisible, gentle yet powerful force fluctuation rippled outward like water waves, instantly sweeping every Chamber corner. A warm, dry wind began from the vault, surging through the Chamber. The bone-deep moisture and cold immediately neutralized. Air instantly became mild and stable, no longer sticky and oppressive. That uncomfortable feeling of being unable to stay vanished.

Even the Chamber's basilisk couldn't help comfortably narrowing its giant vertical pupils, its massive body slightly stretching, emitting a series of low, contented hisses. This long-missed comfortable environment resembling its hatching period felt much better than before.

Only then did he climb down from the vault, sensing the now "reborn" Chamber, involuntarily expressing fresh admiration for Slytherin. Capable of constructing such a chamber with such clever, efficient temperature-humidity maintenance—Slytherin's magical mastery and wisdom are truly unfathomable.

Such admiration pleased the basilisk greatly. It raised its head, hissing, "Of course, Slytherin is the greatest wizard I've ever seen. Even the other three Founders are considerably inferior—he's the strongest. But little wizard, you're already quite good yourself. Solving Slytherin's arrangements—you're clever enough not to resemble a Badger."

Saying this, it recalled the Slytherin heir who awakened it fifty years ago—he looked presentable then, spoke true Parseltongue, so it recognized him as heir. That guy apparently searched the Chamber endlessly trying to find Slytherin's magic but never thought to check the vault. Really stupid! How did I lack such judgment then, selecting such a person as Slytherin's heir? Comparing with this little wizard now—absolutely nothing!

Tom Riddle—utterly stupid fool.

Meanwhile, having already left the underground cave, Ron heard "Nagini's" voice in his mind. Nagini sneezed repeatedly. Ron asked curiously, "Nagini, what's wrong? Caught a cold? Can souls catch colds?"

"Nagini" felt equally confused—he hadn't sneezed in years. After all, I haven't had a nose in ages, let alone a body now. Why suddenly sneeze? Unless someone's talking about me—even using my true name! My name was enchanted—only that would make even my soul react. But who?

Following the faint sensation, "Nagini" closed his eyes—dimly perceiving a giant snake mentioning something. Then "Nagini" opened his eyes, an unusual color flashing through them. The basilisk is mentioning my name?

Because today a new Chamber heir was recognized, did the basilisk recall me from fifty years ago? Heh. It seems my past self was truly exceptional—after so many years, the basilisk still can't forget me. Even though it's about to have a new master, it still remembers me. Is it obsessed with me?

No matter. Before long, I'll reunite with the basilisk. Believe me, then the basilisk will eagerly prostrate at my feet. With the basilisk, what I can accomplish will far exceed what I can do now. When the Chamber reopens and the basilisk bows before me again, my comeback plan can begin. His lips curved slightly—it had been so long since he'd anticipated anything.

Currently, he looked at the Chamber before him, nodding with satisfaction. Thus, this could serve as a qualified herbology greenhouse. Some plants cultivated in Hufflepuff's small greenhouse could move here. Many future Dark Magic plants could also cultivate here—much more convenient.

What first emerged in his mind was that patch of nearly mature variant Devil's Snare. This magical plant seemed extraordinarily reactive to magic contained in basilisk feces. Previously, just mixing small amounts into small greenhouse soil, the already-mutated Devil's Snare showed trends toward re-mutation—absolutely unprecedented for him.

If transplanting Devil's Snare into the Chamber where soil overflowed with basilisk feces' magic and air filled with basilisk-emitted magic, impacts might prove even more significant.

Thinking this, he tentatively told the basilisk, "As you said, Slytherin indeed entrusted the Chamber to me for use. Can I do some things Badgers love doing inside? Like—planting vegetables?"

Hearing his words, the basilisk seemed offended, immediately raising its head, "Plant vegetables?! No, no, no—this is noble Slytherin's constructed chamber. How can it serve such purposes? Badger, this insults Slytherin!"

Regarding the basilisk's reaction, he first frowned, then had an idea, changing tack, "No, what I'm planting aren't ordinary vegetables. I mean those darkest, most evil, most dangerous magical herbs—only on the greatest dark wizard's territory would such horrifying things appear."

Hearing this, seemingly touched by words like "dark," "evil," "dangerous," the basilisk's vertical pupils slightly contracted, its massive tail unconsciously sweeping the floor, "Is that so? Seems you Badger aren't as honest as you appear. Actually wanting to grow dark, evil things? Hmph, this is what Chamber inheritors should do. But I must think, must reconsider—this is a major matter—"

Currently, he continued, "I naturally have my own herbology plans. But I also feel such a massive chamber standing empty seems rather unbefitting of Slytherin's status, don't you think? At least it needs some furnishings, greenery—no pureblood noble home would have only hollow pillars and walls, right? Perhaps back then Slytherin was too rushed, so he never got around to finishing the interior. But since I've inherited the Chamber, I'm obligated to make it match Slytherin's style."

The basilisk's tail swept increasingly faster, its head nodding involuntarily. "Makes sense, very sensible."

Then he spoke words that made the basilisk's vertical pupils brighten. "Of course, most importantly, I feel a basilisk like you who's been faithfully guarding the Chamber for a thousand years—you're not an ordinary basilisk, you're a distinguished basilisk with an exemplary service record. I'd say arranging some environments snakes prefer—like green trees and interwoven shrubs—isn't excessive, right? Having pleasant scents in the Chamber—aromatherapy, greenery—no problem, right?"

"Most critically—think about your identity and status! Slytherin's personal companion, the wizarding world's only thousand-year-old basilisk. How can you lack subordinates? If someday people invade the Chamber, must you personally handle every insignificant intruder? Cultivating some aggressive plants to help guard the Chamber—wouldn't that be convenient? After a thousand years of meritorious service, you deserve to enjoy life, start thinking about retirement—no problem, right?"

Upon these words, the basilisk's voice suddenly rose, carrying newfound excitement. "Hiss—you're right! A thousand years—I've stayed in this Chamber and these pipes for a thousand years! Improving the environment, enjoying life—what's wrong with that? Just—"

The basilisk's tail tip swayed slightly, seemingly somewhat embarrassed. "Wouldn't this trouble you too much? How embarrassing."

He showed a simple smile. "Not troublesome at all. We Badgers have always been the most helpful folk around. Wait here."

Then he swiftly left the Chamber, returning to the small greenhouse. His gaze fell on those variant Devil's Snares—very close to maturity. However, compared to maturity deadlines, the second mutation brought by basilisk feces seemed far from keeping pace.

Thus, by maturity, mutation would remain incomplete. Under such circumstances, mutation would likely struggle to continue—after all, variant Devil's Snare traits would completely stabilize then, and hardly any conditions for further mutation would exist.

Thinking this, after a brief hesitation, he decided to transfer all variant Devil's Snares to the Chamber before maturity, using Chamber conditions to facilitate the second mutation. Though he didn't know if mutation results would be good or bad, even if results proved poor, harvesting Devil's Snare rewards was no longer indispensable for his current self.

Just one Devil's Snare patch—he could afford the loss. Next year he could even plant an even larger batch of mutated Devil's Snare. But second mutation phenomena were extraordinarily rare occurrences. Even Herbology Masters would be intensely interested. He was no exception.

So quickly, he stuffed these variant Devil's Snares into an Undetectable Extension Charm-applied box, then returned to the Chamber. As the box opened, those variant Devil's Snares seemed to sense the Chamber's unique environment—not only filled with basilisk feces' magic but also such a spacious area. Compared to the small greenhouse where even vines couldn't fully stretch, these variant Devil's Snares obviously preferred the Chamber.

Within moments, vines drilled from the box, stretching open. In a short time, they demonstrated the origin of the name "Devil's Snare"—vine after vine connected and spread between various Chamber pillars, forming a vine network covering most of the Chamber!

The basilisk watched this scene curiously and confusedly, "What is this?"

He paused, "This is Devil's Snare, a fierce dark plant. These are cultivated mutant varieties—expensive, rare, the only such variety in the entire wizarding world, essentially custom-made. As Chamber decoration, most suitable. Moreover, it has a special function."

The basilisk grew more curious, "What function?"

He said quietly, "Can serve as a hammock bed. You can lie on it and enjoy it properly."

Hearing this, the basilisk curiously climbed along pillars, swimming toward the Devil's Snare suspended mid-air. Upon discovering the Devil's Snare could actually support its weight, the basilisk exclaimed repeatedly, "Hiss? This is interesting..."

It slowly moved its entire body onto the Devil's Snare, "Hiss-sss... moderate firmness... not bad! Very comfortable!"

From the basilisk's tone, discerning it was quite satisfied with this "decorative bed." Then something even more amazing happened to the basilisk—toward the resting basilisk, Devil's Snare naturally showed no courtesy. Branches whipped at the basilisk's body.

But snake bodies consist entirely of muscle with considerable strength—thousand-year basilisk body strength even more so, plus hard scales covering. Even variant Devil's Snare's whipping couldn't break its defense, instead feeling like massage. This made it increasingly amazed: "Comfortable—so comfortable!"

He then timely offered a lit Alihotsy cigarette. The basilisk's tail curled around the cigarette, bringing it to its mouth, lying on the hammock, deeply inhaling. This instant, the basilisk sincerely felt he was absolutely right—it had guarded the Chamber for a thousand years already.

Even for long-lived basilisks, how many thousand-year periods exist in a lifetime? I should properly enjoy life now.

"Little Badger, you're right. The Chamber should indeed add some precious, tasteful things like this. Hiss, here, here, ah, comfortable—this spot I could never reach before, always itchy. Comfortable, so comfortable!"

While the basilisk comfortably enjoyed the Devil's Snare "massage," unwilling to descend, his gaze suddenly focused intensely. He could clearly see—compared to mutations induced by basilisk feces' magic, the basilisk's body, especially magic emitted when excited, had even more remarkable effects on variant Devil's Snare already at transformation critical points.

Above, reward orbs gradually expanded in volume, meaning Devil's Snare constantly approached maturity. But simultaneously, flickering frequency continuously accelerated—lines of reward information wildly flashing. The second mutation was catching up with maturity progress!

Moments later, when the basilisk had comfortably fallen asleep on the hammock, even dripping deadly saliva from mouth corners onto Devil's Snare, reward orbs suddenly swelled a section. Heavy reward orbs resembled fruits—the variant Devil's Snare completely matured! Its surface emanated an increasingly deep black luster.

But immediately after, just as variant Devil's Snare traits were about to completely solidify from maturity, reward orbs' final flicker seemed to break through some constraint. Deep black metal-like coverings violently writhed and peeled off like shed snakeskin. Replacing them were countless fine, hard, cold, metallic-luster, diamond-shaped scales—layer upon layer "growing" from vine depths! Making each vine truly resemble living pythons.

Simultaneously, from the re-mutated Devil's Snare, an extremely special powerful magic surged forth. Currently in the Chamber, due to temperature changes, an ignorant rat quietly drilled into the Chamber from pipes. But the next second, the nearest Devil's Snare vine end suddenly sprayed a substantial gray-white magical force.

The instant it was struck by this magic, that rat immediately became a lifelike stone sculpture, then shattered to powder under the vine whipping. After witnessing this scene, his eyes widened.

The currently twice-mutated Devil's Snare reminded him of a creature—a creature that in ancient herbology, though not as notoriously fierce as Blood Soul Thorns, was similarly considered extremely dangerous:

"This is—Petrifying Devil's Vines?!"