Really!
It’s actually true!
By consuming the Origin of the world in the painting, Feng used the technique of verification to perform a reality check on Angel’s words. The result clearly showed that Angel was not lying.
This means he really has refined a half-step Mysterious Object!
Although Feng was quite incredulous, the result indicated so, leaving only this truth.
Feng was stunned by this news for quite a while before he slowly came to his senses. He looked at Angel with a complex expression, as if blaming him for not speaking earlier, but upon reflection, he realized he hadn’t asked.
Feng was silent for a moment, then spoke in a slightly dry tone: "Can you talk about the situation at that time, regarding the half-step Mysterious Object you refined..."
In the Southern Alchemy Realm, this matter was actually not a secret, so Angel did not hide it and recounted the events that transpired when he went to the Black Castle.
"...In summary, the biggest factor was the accumulation of too many undead in the Black Castle itself, leading to an environmental qualitative change. As for me, it was mostly a coincidence, with luck playing the dominant role."
With a neutral and objective attitude, Angel explained the circumstances of that time.
After hearing Angel’s detailed description, Feng no longer doubted him. Additionally, given the involvement of a renowned witcher organization such as the Black Castle and a well-known wizard like Isabel, Angel didn’t have much room for deceit.
Having gone through skepticism and disbelief to now believing, Feng’s feelings became somewhat nuanced.
He always thought Angel was just an ordinary alchemist, and he even considered writing a recommendation letter for him to further his studies in the Sky Mechanical City, lest he waste his gifted mysterious magic pattern. But now with the facts before him, Angel’s alchemical skills were not only strong, but his strides had already surpassed many alchemists.
In terms of level, even Rekton could not compare to Angel.
Rekton has yet to even approach the edge of the mystic.
Even if Rekton’s alchemical experience and techniques far exceeded Angel’s, and even if Angel only relied on what he considered luck to refine a half-step Mysterious Object, the fact remains that Angel had touched the mystic level, whereas Rekton had not even shown signs of doing so.
This is the reality of the gap.
Furthermore, the talk of luck is merely Angel’s modesty. According to Feng, refining a Mysterious Object itself is an unreplicable process. Since it is unreplicable, luck is an indispensable part of the refinement.
Feng felt it was unfortunate that if Isabel hadn’t stopped Angel back then, he might have already become a true Mystical Alchemist. By that time, Angel could truly be said to have ascended in one leap.
But even with just half a step into the mystic, with Angel’s current progress, he could be considered a reserve Mystical Alchemist in the Origin World. If his reputation spread, many powerful wizards would likely pay attention to Angel, willing to offer an olive branch, even if they do not become his followers.
Furthermore, Feng felt that ascending in one leap might not be wholly beneficial for Angel. Without sufficient foundation, being held high could lead to a direct fall into the dust... The current state might actually be the best for Angel.
"In the Southern Domain Wizard World, you shouldn’t be unknown, right?" Feng asked.
Angel thought for a moment: "Probably only those in the alchemy circles would know me?"
Feng: "Then you should have been to the Sky Mechanical City, right?"
Angel nodded: "I am currently a member of the Research and Development Institute."
Feng: "...I knew it."
There was no need to worry about Angel’s potential with his alchemical strength; how could he remain unknown? Originally thinking of writing a recommendation letter to the Sky Mechanical City, it turned out to be unnecessary.
"Know what?" Angel couldn’t understand Feng’s implication.
Feng shook his head without explaining and asked: "You’re not yet twenty, are you?"
Angel nodded slightly: "Just a bit shy of it."
Feng sighed deeply and, under Angel’s puzzled gaze, softly said: "If Rekton were here, he would probably feel that his cultivation has been utterly wasted."
Being a wizard in the Southern Domain, Feng deeply understood the significance of the Research and Development Institute. A wizard under twenty years of age, not only a member of the R&D Institute but also involved in the mystic tier.
Just this resume would put ninety-nine percent of the members of the Dreyer Alchemy Guild to shame.
He now somewhat understood why the Book of Kael awarded him a mysterious magic pattern, as it was indeed most suited for Angel. Furthermore, a previously unexplored doubt now found its answer—perhaps it was because Angel had contact with the mystic aspect that the black hat coronation ceremony’s complex mysterious information had no effect on him.
"Ah?" While Feng was absorbed in various thoughts, Angel still couldn’t follow Feng’s train of thought and how it tied back to Rekton.
Feng: "Nothing, I’m just a bit relieved that it’s me who met you, not Rekton. If it were Rekton, he’d probably do something out of dissatisfaction, making it difficult for you to leave peacefully at that time."
Feng casually mentioned this and then fell silent.
"Back to the main topic, now that you’ve touched the mystic level, even if you occasionally present works with a mysterious aura, it shouldn’t cause much of an issue in the Southern Domain." Feng continued, "However, I still suggest that the enchanted works you publicize should preferably be those crowned by a black hat. Those crowned by a white hat are more easily traced back."
Angel nodded, naturally understanding this point.
"The downsides I mentioned are not due to the traits of the mysterious magic pattern itself but are secondary issues. Yet, ignored, they could lead to disastrous consequences. The primary duty on the path of a wizard is not about pursuing truth; it’s about surviving. You must be alive to chase truth; if you’re dead, nothing remains," Feng looked at Angel with eyes full of seriousness and hope for the first time: "I earnestly hope to encounter you again on the path of pursuing truth in the future. And next time, it will be my True Body speaking with you."
Angel: "I also hope to meet your True Body."
Feng waved his hand: "You don’t need to be so formal with me. You can just call me Feng."
In Feng’s eyes, Angel, who had explored the mystic domain, had earned such a right.
Pausing for a moment, Feng added: "Aside from the downsides of the mysterious magic pattern, do you have any other questions for me? I can only remain here for another half hour at most."
Half an hour? Angel looked on in confusion; hadn’t Feng previously said he could stay from half a day to a full day?
Feng: "There’s indeed enough remaining energy in the painting to extend my presence, but I see no reason for it. This energy might be more meaningful elsewhere."
Feng did not mention what "other places" referred to. Instead, he signaled Angel to quickly ask if he had any questions.
Angel did not dare to hesitate and proceeded to voice all his doubts.
These included Odeclass, the follow-up with Master Ye, the development rights of the Tidal World, and most importantly... how should he help Nami Midori achieve ascension?
"Odeclass and the night, their circumstances, I am not aware of either. However, since you have formed friendships with them, as long as you continue along your path, future reunions are likely."