In an unassuming courtyard of a residential house, the broad green leaves of a sycamore tree shielded the midday sun. An elderly man with white hair and beard, but rosy and radiant cheeks, sat naturally in a chair, with rows of empty bottles on the table beside him.
The medicine spread throughout the body, its powerful effects reaching every tiny part of the body via the blood vessels. Wisps of heat rose from the pores of the skin, like white clouds, enveloping the entire courtyard.
Feeling his magical power rapidly accumulating, Logo's mind was as calm as still water, as if everything was happening naturally.
The aging body, like a dried-up riverbed, is revitalized under the increasingly powerful magical force. The surrounding natural elements are also drawn in, absorbed into the magical cycle through the pores distributed throughout the body.
Gradually, a feeling of emptiness being filled welled up in his heart and grew stronger, causing Logo's dormant mental will to rise slightly, as if he were about to awaken.
After a long while, Logo slowly opened his eyes, exhaled a breath of stale air, and frowned slightly. His gaze, which seemed to see through everything, swept over the small courtyard.
"So the natural elements in the Star God Realm are indeed suppressed by some kind of force? Even though I've created the most advanced meditation method, I still can't absorb the natural elements as smoothly as I can in the Astral Realm..."
Logo quietly sensed the changes in the world, and many thoughts welled up in his mind.
"Moreover, it's not just that the natural elements themselves are suppressed and difficult to absorb; the elements here are mixed with too many... impurities!"
What are impurities?
Something that shouldn't be here!
In Logo's view, a certain power hidden in the natural elements of the Star God Realm was like adding a spoonful of arsenic to a pot of nutritious hot soup.
The hot soup and arsenic were so highly integrated that they were almost indistinguishable, making separation extremely difficult.
"Perhaps the reason why the Fate Master System has a short lifespan is that these impurities are mixed into the natural elements. How can one live long by consuming poison?"
"So, have the Fate Master of the Star God Realm noticed anything unusual?"
After pondering for a moment, Logo shook his head slightly, answering his own question, "The probability is high."
Humans cannot imagine things beyond their own perception.
Similarly, as native beings of the Star God Realm, they would hardly realize that the ' Ether Power ' they spoke of was actually a counterfeit and substandard product.
Logo was able to detect impurities in natural elements because he came from the Astral Realm, which gave him a broader perspective; he had seen what natural elements looked like in their pure state.
However, the Fate Master of the Star God Realm, from the very beginning of their cultivation, absorbed their first Ether Power in a mixed form.
First impressions are hard to change.
At this point, even if you tell them the truth, they are unlikely to believe you. Instead, they will think you are lying and trying to fool them.
Ultimately, cognition has its limitations.
Besides the anomalies in natural elements, after formally practicing the Fate Master System, Logo also discovered a problem, namely the so-called "Fate" and its influence on his own spiritual will.
After receiving divine grace, once one successfully obtains a "Fate," it means becoming Fate Master and officially stepping into the realm of the Transcendent.
According to the research of the various Fate Master Sect in the Star God Realm, "Fate" is bestowed by the 'Holy Emperor' who is in charge of everything. According to Logo's understanding, this so-called Holy Emperor is the Plane Will of the Star God Realm.
In other words, the decision of whether or not one can become Fate Master rests in the hands of the Plane Will.
This is not surprising at all. The Astral Realm also has a similar cultivation system. Whether it is based on the Plane Will or a powerful life form, as long as a stable Transcendent system can be formed, there is no problem.
The key is that the "Fate" of a Fate Master Fate Master System, from the very beginning of their practice, almost determines their future Fate, thus eliminating many variables that should exist.
The quality of one's "Fate" not only affects the speed of cultivation and one's potential, but also subtly alters one's personality and even one's soul and will, essentially reshaping a person through a coercive means.
If that were all, it wouldn't be so bad.
It's normal for power to influence one's temperament, but the Fate Master System has another chilling problem: anyone who becomes Fate Master will gradually lose empathy for mortals and develop an extremely abrupt attitude of indifference.
This is an extremely abnormal situation.
Even the evil Transcendent of the Astral Realm gradually develop a sense of superiority over mortals until they form a class barrier. This process involves a transformation.
However, the Fate Master of the Star God Realm do not have this transformation process.
If the former was a slow cornering maneuver, then the latter was a direct 180-degree drift, yet strangely, it did not produce any impact on one's mental will, which aroused Logo's interest.
The essence of the world is often hidden in the details, which is precisely where Logo's interest lies. Curiosity is the primary driving force behind an alchemist's actions.
Unable to suppress the surging thoughts in his mind, and feeling the surging magical power within his body, Logo slowly stood up from the chair, striking a strange pose.
Different regions of the same planet can produce species with vastly different structures, let alone two human bodies from different Space-Time and space planes.
The humans of the Star God Realm may appear to be no different from those of the Astral Realm, but their internal structures are vastly different. If the cultivation methods of the Astral Realm were applied to the Star God Realm's Fate Master without any alteration, the latter would have no other way to die except by exploding their bodies.
However, none of this posed a problem for Logo.
His greatest strength lies in research and creation.
With his intelligence, he could create a top-notch meditation method in no time, and naturally, he could also create the most advanced method for physical exercise.
The Fate Master System in the Star God Realm cultivates in a manner similar to that of Mage, emphasizing Divine Power and showing little attachment to the physical body, resulting in extreme weakness.
Logo, however, had no intention of leaving his body idle. He didn't want to be caught off guard and have no means of resistance, since the Nirvana Tower hadn't descended upon the Star God Realm with him.
Besides, it would be a waste not to use the physical body.
With a relaxed mind and a body that alternates between relaxation and tension, the two work together to feel the subtle vibrations emanating from the body, capturing these vibration frequencies little by little to temper this aged body.
In the small courtyard, the old man with white hair and beard moved faster and faster, gradually stirring up a howling wind, his body growing at an astonishing speed.
Compared to Lancelot and Gustavo's path of leveling up by fighting monsters, Logo chose to cultivate the Fate Master System.
Although the body left behind by the original owner, Lude, is old, it has been honed through eighty years of cultivation, and its foundation is solid. The only thing it lacks is sufficient magical power and the inheritance of Fate Art.
In the former case, Logo resolved the issue with potions, and his magical power quickly transformed from a trickle into a vast river.
The latter, he could easily create a whole bunch of them himself.
While his physical body grew stronger, within his brain, Containment magical power, surging magical power, under Logo's control, was transformed into threads that wove into various complex patterns. As these patterns merged layer by layer, a thick, ancient book appeared in his brain.
On the book's cover is an Eye of Omniscience, twinkling with countless stars.
"The Book of Runes is complete!"
The sun was high in the sky, and a warm breeze was blowing.
In the alley near Logo's residence, several figures emerged from the shadows.
"Have you confirmed the location?"
"It's confirmed. That old bastard who survived by sheer luck is hiding there." One of the figures pointed to a house not far away.
"Hidden? I doubt it. That old man is very flamboyant. He often sends his servants to buy all sorts of medicinal herbs, although most of them are just junk for ordinary people."
"Hmph, it's just a way to prolong its life. I heard this old guy is a Fate Potion Master. No wonder he didn't die after I devoured all his magic power; he actually survived."
"It's all your fault, Daniel! If you hadn't spared them, we wouldn't have been reprimanded by the elders, and we wouldn't have had to come all this way to kill them to cover our tracks," one of the figures said angrily.
The figure named Daniel immediately prepared to retaliate, but was held back by his companions. After whispering among themselves, they dispersed and surrounded the courtyard where Logo was.
Whew~
In the small courtyard, as Logo made various complex movements, wisps of white steam filled the entire courtyard like water vapor, and a howling sound like the roar of a ferocious beast resounded endlessly, yet strangely, it did not escape at all, as if it were sealed within this small courtyard by some force.
Suddenly, Logo slowed his movements slightly, then resumed as before, as if nothing had happened or he had noticed anything. Only a slight upturn of the corners of his mouth revealed his good mood. A mission had come knocking on his door; of course, he was happy, wasn't he?
"What is that old man doing?"
"Who knew, shrouded in white mist, it was all a charade."
"Hurry up and finish him off, stop wasting time. Follower of the End, even the Aberrant Demon are under our control. What monster can compare to us?"
"That's true!"
After exchanging glances, the figures finally stopped hesitating. With a surge of magical power, several Fate Art were instantly activated, Ether Power converged, transforming into a deep demonic mist that enveloped the entire courtyard.
Under the cover of the demonic mist, dark purple blades, giant lizards covered in green venom, and giant hands formed from the rising earth all attacked Logo, creating a deadly attack.
Despite these attacks, Logo didn't even lift an eyelid, nor did he stop his Body Tempering movements. Instead, a thick, ancient book rose from behind him.
The Book of Runes.
Splash!
As the book was opened, on the blank first page, runes suddenly appeared, radiating a dazzling light.
Complex patterns appeared out of thin air, and after arranging and combining, they transformed into an inverted hemispherical energy barrier.
The dark purple light blade struck the barrier like an egg hitting a rock, instantly shattering into dust. The giant lizard could not advance, roaring repeatedly. Its massive hand, formed from earth and stone, pounded against the barrier, causing the entire courtyard to tremble, but it could not shake the barrier in the slightest. Instead, it was itself shaken, developing cracks.
"What?!!"
Upon seeing this, the Follower of the End were shocked and then enraged, seemingly unable to accept the scene before them. They frantically channeled their magic power and unleashed their respective Fate Art once more.
This time, the attack was even more intense.
Logo, however, remained quite composed, continuing his Body Tempering exercises at a leisurely pace, while the second page of the Fate Art Template - "Book of Runes" on his back was turned.
The patterns combined and arranged, this time not for defense, but to transform into a huge fireball. Blazing flames erupted, instantly destroying and incinerating the various Fate Art launched at the attention of the Follower of the End. With undiminished momentum, the fireball severely injured three believers on the spot, right before their shocked and fearful eyes.
Then, the Book of Runes turned to its third page, from which chains extended, binding the three Follower of the End and sealing their magic, rendering them completely powerless to resist.
"Old man, how come you're so strong?! You should have been crippled after I absorbed your magic power!!"
Daniel, Follower of the End, stared in disbelief at the familiar yet unfamiliar old man before him, unable to comprehend what was happening.
Not long ago, this old guy faced me without any resistance. The only thing he could do was display his powerful magic. But without the power of Fate Art manipulation to unify his magic, no matter how strong it was, it was just a pile of loose sand, and his combat strength was far inferior.
However, in just a few days, the old man seemed to have become a completely different person, incredibly ferocious.
It's like a dying old dog suddenly transforming into a tiger in sheep's clothing; the change is nothing short of earth-shattering.
If the other person's aura hadn't remained unchanged, Daniel would have thought he was blind and had chosen the wrong person.
At that moment, a deep voice came from outside, "Yes, I'm also curious. How did a centenarian Mage on the verge of death suddenly become Fate Art Master? With that kind of power, why was your magic power taken away by your current defeated opponent?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the courtyard gate burst open, and a gust of wind blew in, dispersing the remaining demonic mist and ruffling Logo's robes.
Logo looked up and saw a rugged-looking middle-aged man standing at the door. He had dark skin, a high nose, and a fierce, hawk-like appearance. His clothes were embroidered with ancient beast patterns, and a short sword hung at his waist.
Behind the middle-aged man were his old servant Duolong and his loyal dog Hake, both of whom were being held captive by his men. They were struggling frantically, but to no avail.
Logo's eyes flashed, Logo recognized these people, but he didn't reveal it directly. Instead, he asked, "Who are you? Why are you binding my servants and pets? What crimes have they committed?"
"A crime? Not at all. On the contrary, they killed quite a few Aberrant Demon, which, according to the laws of the Dynasty of Stars, is considered meritorious."
The middle-aged Fate Master leading the group entered the courtyard, glanced at the several Follower of the End bound on the ground, and then looked at Logo. "Let me introduce myself, Ouljia, a member of the Apocalypse Cult, and... also a member of the Star Guards. Now, it's your turn to answer my question! Why are you so strong?"
As his words fell, Ouljia's aura surged instantly, like a dragon rising from the ground, flapping its wings, revealing its claws, and its sharp pupils locked onto Logo, ready to strike him with lightning if he made any move.
However, Logo remained completely unfazed by Ouljia's imposing manner, his expression unchanged like Qingfeng across a mountain. He simply explained calmly, "Who told you I was hiding my strength? I just didn't want to offend these madmen from the Cult of the End."
"Oh? Is that so? Then I misunderstood you."
Ouljia's expression shifted slightly. After glancing at the unusually calm Logo, she also withdrew her aura. Taking a few steps forward, this Fate Master from the Apocalypse Cult fixed her gaze on the empty bottles scattered on the table. Her nose twitched a few times, and her expression changed slightly as she asked, "What kind of potion is this?"