Cultivation is Creation [World-Hopping & Plant-Based Xianxia]

Chapter 113 - 108: A New Victim

"The fruit appears to be a nexus point," Azure said. "If you interact with it, there's a high probability it will propel us to another world entirely."

I stared at the slowly rotating golden sphere for a long moment, feeling its gentle pull. The promise of new worlds, new possibilities... it was tempting. Very tempting. But...

I shook my head firmly. "We're here for the vine. We can't afford to get distracted."

"A wise choice, Master," Azure agreed. "The fruit isn't going anywhere. We have time to investigate its properties and potential destinations later."

I lay back on the thin mattress. My mind wandered to the problem of acquiring the vine. I couldn't simply ask Elder Molric for it directly – that would raise too many questions. Even in a place as strange as this, randomly asking about a specific magical plant I had no business knowing about would make people suspicious.

"We need to build rapport first," I mused. "Get him to trust us enough to share his more... experimental re

Finally, he remembered why we were here. "Ah, yes! The runes! Let's get them properly inscribed. Where would you prefer to place them?"

"The same positions as in the guide," I replied. "Back of the left hand for the Titan's Crest, left thigh for the Blink Step, and back for the Aegis Mark."

He nodded approvingly. "Traditional placements, tried and tested. Though given your apparent talent, we might experiment with more innovative positions later..."

The actual inscription process went smoothly. The crystal knife sliced clean lines, and the red sun's energy flowed perfectly through each pattern. When the final rune settled into place, I felt the familiar surge of power as my capabilities expanded.

"Perfect!" Elder Molric declared, examining his work. "Now comes the fun part!"

He was already heading for the door, that familiar mischievous glint in his eye. I followed, knowing exactly where we were going but curious about how this version of events would play out. Without Zoren actively hunting me, Kiran wouldn't be in the hallway nearby.

Sure enough, when we stepped into the hallway, there was no sign of the reluctant noble. Elder Molric didn't seem concerned. He simply raised his hand, and suddenly the air itself seemed to twist.

A young disciple who had been walking past suddenly found himself pulled toward us as if caught in an invisible current. His eyes widened in recognition and fear as he realized who had summoned him.

"Ah, perfect!" Elder Molric said cheerfully. "You'll do nicely for today's lesson."

The disciple – a thin boy with short black hair and nervous eyes – looked like he wanted to object but didn't quite dare. Smart of him, really. Refusing an elder's "request" was generally considered hazardous to one's health.

"Time for some proper combat training!" Elder Molric declared, already heading down the hallway toward the Crucible. We hurried after him, the other disciple shooting me worried glances.

The crystalline structure of the Crucible was just as impressive as before, its spires reaching toward the red sun while waves of energy formed intricate patterns across their surfaces. This time, when we entered, the training room was empty. There was no need for Elder Molric to kick anyone out and create more 'training partners' for me.

"The walls are reinforced with defensive formations," Elder Molric explained as we entered. "And there are healing runes built into the floor in case of... accidents."

The way he said "accidents" made the other disciple pale slightly. I couldn't blame him – Elder Molric's reputation for explosive experiments was well known throughout the academy.

"Take your positions," the elder commanded, his eyes gleaming with that familiar enthusiasm that usually preceded something dangerous.

We moved to opposite sides of the room as the defensive formations activated around us, creating a containment field.

The other disciple took up a defensive stance, his own enhancement runes beginning to pulse with crimson light.

Elder Molric raised his hand, and I could have sworn his smile grew even wider. "Begin!"