CHAPTER 156: CHAPTER 156: TOP-TIER [GALLOWS], SQUEEZING SU XINYAN

Fang Zhou chuckled but didn’t dare to show off in front of Instructor Su Xinyan, whose face was a mask of envy and resentment.

Isn’t it normal for someone handsome to receive a little more favor from Mother Blue Star?

To change the topic, he quickly asked, "Instructor Su, I noticed the [Heart Steel] Rune has appeared before. It’s definitely not a new Rune, right?"

Still stewing in her resentment, Su Xinyan mumbled noncommittally before answering, "I remember the [Heart Steel] Rune was originally comprehended by General Ning Feihu. It was with the help of the [Heart Steel] Rune that he found a way to calm himself from the [Berserk] state, which significantly raised the upper limit of the [Berserker] Profession. I think comprehending the [Heart Steel] Rune while you were purifying General Ning’s remains is a form of inheritance."

Fang Zhou nodded slightly. He hadn’t known there was such a backstory for the [Heart Steel] Rune. After a moment of thought, he asked again, "Instructor Su, are there any resonance combinations for the [Heart Steel] Rune?"

Su Xinyan shook her head. "None have been discovered yet."

Fang Zhou wasn’t disappointed. He asked curiously, "Instructor Su, what World Rune did you comprehend?"

Su Xinyan sat up straight with pride. "[Gallows], the best Skill Rune! Moreover, I’ve already upgraded it to a Mid Level Rune. If I can upgrade it further to a high-level one, it will provide a significant boost even to Gold Tier skills."

Fang Zhou quickly skimmed through the World Rune data and soon found the description for the [Gallows] Rune.

[Gallows]: Can be bound to a direct-damage skill. Every time an enemy is killed with the bound skill, a certain amount of Spiritual Power or stamina is recovered.

Killing enemies to recover mana... a Divine Skill for sustainability!

Fang Zhou’s eyes flashed. Based on the description, although the [Gallows] Rune lacked any flashy effects, it possessed an unpretentious and formidable power. If he could also comprehend this Rune and bind it to his most powerful skill, [Skeleton Flying Spear], he could restore Spiritual Power with each enemy he killed. It would undoubtedly enhance his sustained combat ability tremendously.

Seeing Fang Zhou seemingly lost in a wonderful fantasy, Su Xinyan poked him gently with her finger. "Alright, alright," she said, slightly resentful. "Fang Zhou, you’re truly insatiable! You already have two World Runes, yet you’re still coveting mine. That’s just outrageous!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Zhou chuckled, though his gaze toward Instructor Su remained just as fervent.

Instructor Su and her legendary father, the principal, are two massive gold mines! In comparison, the two assistants, Bai Xiaochan and Meng Hongzhuang, are at best a pair of little clam spirits, capable of producing only a few lustrous pearls. I need to probe Instructor Su’s depths in the coming days and fleece some of this fine wool. I absolutely cannot return empty-handed from this treasure mountain!

Seeing Fang Zhou’s fiery yet pure gaze, Su Xinyan found it a bit much to handle. She gave a slight, guarded cough and adopted the stern demeanor of a mentor. "Just like with learning skills, developing World Runes is about quality over quantity," she lectured. "Take Skill Runes for example. A Basic Level Rune can only enhance Black Iron Tier skills at most. A Mid Level Rune can only enhance Silver Tier skills. A high-level Rune, however, can enhance skills up to the Gold or even Glory Champion Level. As your Professional Tier increases, a single high-level Rune will be far more valuable than any number of Basic Level Runes you’ve mastered. With your talent, you should understand this principle."

Fang Zhou nodded repeatedly and asked, "Instructor Su, how do you upgrade World Runes?"

Su Xinyan picked up a colorful fruit juice and mumbled through the straw, "According to current research, World Runes can only be upgraded through the blessings of the World Will. So, go kill more Demons and purify more desecrated auras. If you make Mother Blue Star happy, She’ll naturally shower you with Her favor."

At the mention of purifying desecrated auras, Fang Zhou remembered something. He quickly opened his personal terminal, transmitted two brand-new Skill Books to Su Xinyan, and then asked earnestly, "Instructor Su, these are new skills I comprehended while purifying desecrated auras. This [Soul Realm] skill was obtained while purifying the core of a Desecration Torch in the Town Ruins. This [Mental Shock] skill was comprehended while purifying the Fierce Ant Queen’s Magic Crystal. Instructor Su, I’m inexperienced, so I’d appreciate your advice."

In fact, while purifying General Ning Feihu’s remains, he had also absorbed some skill fragments of the Golden Tier Soul Judge Demon’s talent skill, [Soul-Vibrating Poison Arrow]. Unfortunately, due to his limited strength, he couldn’t parse them yet.

PFFT!

Hearing Fang Zhou’s words, Su Xinyan, who had been leisurely sipping her juice, sprayed it everywhere. Luckily, Fang Zhou’s Agility Attribute was high enough that a slight turn of his body was all it took to dodge the instructor’s unexpected sneak attack.

COUGH! COUGH! COUGH!

After a violent coughing fit, Su Xinyan slammed the table in anger, pointing at Fang Zhou and shouting, "Is there any justice in this world?! Is there?!"

As he watched her heaving chest strain against her slim, form-fitting magic robe, threatening to burst the seams, Fang Zhou understood.

It seems I’ve overstimulated Instructor Su today. I’d better help her calm down.

He quickly grabbed a new bottle of otherworld juice from the table and handed it to her. As clever as ever, Fang Zhou immediately found the right words to soothe her. He gently took hold of the trembling hand she was pointing at him with, then took the [Moon Orchid Fragrance] from his waist and placed it in her slightly cold palm. "Instructor Su," he said with utmost sincerity, "it’s all thanks to the [Moon Orchid Fragrance] you gave me that I was able to grasp that spark of inspiration while purifying the desecrated aura."

Seeing her ragged breathing begin to even out, Fang Zhou winked at her and pressed on. "Instructor Su, I can honestly say that without you, these two new skills wouldn’t exist. Unfortunately, my own ability is limited, so they’re both still in a very rudimentary stage. For the true greatness of the Undead Mage Profession, Instructor Su, you have to help me perfect them!"

"Hmph, you smooth-talker!"

Su Xinyan lifted her swan-like neck, shook off Fang Zhou’s hand, and puffed out her cheeks as she vented her frustration by downing the rest of the juice in one go. Then, she gently wiped her moist lips, gave Fang Zhou a sidelong glance, and opened her personal terminal to receive the [Soul Realm] and [Mental Shock] data he had sent.

Fang Zhou sat back down with an obedient expression, quietly waiting for his instructor’s assessment.

As a Golden Lower Rank Undead Mage, Su Xinyan’s strength placed her in the top echelon of her Profession. With her expertise, it didn’t take her long to grasp the casting principles behind the two new Apprentice-level skills Fang Zhou had devised.