CHAPTER 263: CHAPTER 178: RETURNEE FROM THE ABYSS (PART 2)

He signed his name on the certification document and stamped it with a complex rune stamp:

"Congratulations, Apprentice Ralph, you are now officially a Bloodline Modifier. This qualification is recognized throughout the Ring Abyss Continent Group."

"Thank you for your recognition, Master Maxim," Ron responded humbly.

After handing over the document to Ron, Maxim showed no intention of leaving immediately.

He walked to the window, his silver-scaled fingers stroking the frame as if lost in thought.

"I heard you’ve been interested in abyssal creatures lately."

Maxim suddenly spoke, his voice turning deep and serious: "You’ve even purchased a large portion of the Scorpion from that gladiatorial match?"

Ron’s heart tightened, but he remained calm on the surface:

"Yes, as research material. The adaptability and unique energy structure of abyssal creatures are significant references for bloodline modulation theory."

Maxim turned around, pulling down his collar, and this time, Ron noticed not only his hands being covered in scales but also similar mutation marks crawling up one side of his neck, extending to his right cheek.

"Do you see these?"

Maxim pointed at his mutations, his voice tinged with self-mockery:

"This is the cost of obsession with abyssal research. Twenty years ago, I was one of the most promising young Wizards at the Crystal Tower, thinking I could control everything, until that abyss exploration."

He rolled up his sleeve to reveal more silver scales on his arm.

The silver scales were arranged chaotically, like a fish with ruffled scales, a single glance causing discomfort, clearly not a benign transformation.

The red-robed Wizard continued to display his grotesque diseased body, saying:

"The sixth layer, the Maze Domain, where I lingered for less than three hours, yet paid a lifetime price. Even with the abilities of a Morning Star Mage at the time, I almost perished there."

Ron listened quietly, seizing a rare opportunity to hear first-hand abyss exploration experiences from a survivor.

"To have returned unscathed is a fortune in misfortune."

Maxim continued:

"Even though I carry these permanent mutation marks, I’m considered one of the two luckiest. Many companions who accompanied us either got lost in the maze or returned with worse contamination than mine, ultimately... going insane."

The silver-haired man’s eyes reflected a hint of painful recollection:

"The abyss changes not only our appearance but also our insides. The erosion is gradual and subtle, and when you notice it, it’s often too late."

He looked Ron in the eyes:

"I’ve learned through some channels that you’ve not only collected tissue from abyssal creatures, but also acquired the Abyssal Creatures Atlas. Young man, I don’t know what ambitions you have regarding the abyss, but I must warn you: any research involving the abyss requires utmost caution. Do not repeat my mistakes, nor end up in a worse situation than mine."

Ron took a deep breath:

"Thank you for your warning, Master Maxim. I assure you that my research will always remain prudent and rational."

Maxim stared at Ron for a long time, and eventually nodded slightly:

"I hope so. Otherwise, in some quiet night, when you look in the mirror and find that your body or mind has quietly changed, you will truly understand what I said today."

He took out a small vial from within his robe and handed it to Ron:

"This is a special detection potion, capable of showing early signs of an abyssal curse. If your research continues, using it for regular self-examination may help you detect dangers in time."

As Ron accepted the potion, he sensed the peculiar energy fluctuation within the bottle:

"Thank you very much for your generosity, Master Maxim. This is extremely precious to me."

Maxim waved his hand: "Remember, young man, true wisdom lies not only in the pursuit of knowledge but also in knowing when to stop."

With this grave warning and precious potion in hand, Ron left the stone tower, thoughts swirling in his mind.

Maxim’s words echoed within him, the visible mutation marks were such powerful warnings.

Yet at the same time, he realized that even after such a disaster, Maxim had not fully abandoned his research, only becoming more cautious.

"Moderate vigilance is exactly what I need,"

Ron pondered: "Neither taking blind risks nor being halted by fear."

After leaving the stone tower, Ron immediately headed to his next destination—the Advanced Apprentice certification location that Soron had arranged for him.

Unlike the bloodline modulation certification, the advanced apprentice certification was more formal and challenging.

Following the instructions in the advance notice, he arrived at a room on the fifth floor of the Central Tower, surrounded by special runes.

The guard at the door confirmed his identity and respectfully opened the heavy oak door.

The room was spacious and solemn inside, with a massive crystal platform at the center, surrounded by energy control columns of various shapes.

At each corner of the room stood a gray-robed recorder, holding a special recording device used specifically for measuring and recording spiritual power fluctuations.

Soron Griffiths was already waiting inside, along with two other mentors Ron wasn’t very familiar with.

Among them was a short but sharp-eyed elderly woman, and the other was a middle-aged man with a metal eyepatch over his left eye.

"Ron Ralph." Soron stepped forward, his tone calm and formal: