Chapter 379 : Chapter 379

Chapter 379: Advancing to Transcendent and Transcendent Projects

"Oh, this... is it that fast?"

I subconsciously replied.

However, I also thought of many other things.

I hadn't expected Teacher Ji Niang to truly be preparing for the Grand Spellbook.

Before coming, it was just speculation, but hearing it directly from Teacher Ji Niang... it truly felt strange.

And the academy even assigned Teacher Ji Niang an exclusive laboratory.

Who would believe it?

The academy was truly casting a wide net to catch many fish...

I had heard the Academy Head say that the number of Transcendent Witches researching Grand Spellbooks in Witch Academy was significant.

"Do you also think it's fast?"

Ji Niang sighed and said, "I heard you participated in the making of the Academy Head's Grand Spellbook. How much do you know about Grand Spellbooks?"

"Um... my knowledge is limited to a shallow understanding of the concept."

Hearing Teacher Ji Niang's words, I explained, as this was indeed the truth.

To me, participating in the creation of the Academy Head's Grand Spellbook felt like a jump from 99% to 100%.

I had no sense of participation at all.

"Only a shallow understanding... that seems sufficient too."

Ji Niang nodded and said no more, but raised her head and looked at me solemnly.

"I'll ask you again: are you willing to research this [Transcendent Knowledge] with me? I won't be able to touch the creation of a Grand Spellbook in the short term, because I'm very clear that I don't have the capability yet. I must first thoroughly understand this [Transcendent Knowledge] before I'm qualified to step into that domain. And I can't even guarantee that even if you finish your studies in 10 years, we might still be stuck at the [Transcendent Knowledge] stage with no progress. This will significantly occupy your study time at the academy."

"Finishing studies... I have a question."

I thought for a moment and asked.

"What is it? Say it. If I know the answer, I'll tell you," Ji Niang said confidently.

"If I dedicate myself to this research of [Transcendent Knowledge] with you, Teacher, for ten years, can I advance to a Transcendent Witch?"

I asked.

After all, learning techniques was very important in Witch Academy, but no matter how important it was, it wasn't as important as achieving Transcendent Witch status!

I wasn't afraid of wasting time.

Witches have eternal longevity; why would I fear that?

I was afraid of being unable to achieve Transcendent Witch status within the predetermined time frame.

"I can't guarantee it for others. Achieving Transcendent Witch status also has a prerequisite: the individual must desire to become a Transcendent Witch. The other is the continuous ascension of the life level to the realm of True Time during the process of Witchification."

"Then... what about the so-called Project?"

I had naturally heard the information regarding advancing to Transcendent Witch status many times.

It was nothing more than the so-called life level, but the only method to enhance the life level was the so-called Witchification.

Everything seemed to be related to Witchification, as if we were all merely holding a Magic Power Source and idling here, waiting for the time to automatically advance to a Transcendent Witch.

Then, before Teacher Ji Niang could answer my question, I told her these thoughts.

After listening, Teacher Ji Niang was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

"Isn't that the effect that witches desire to achieve? Don't you think so? What could be better than this so-called 'idle automatic upgrade'? Or does this make you feel like you have no sense of participation?"

"What you're experiencing is life, not a game. Think about why Witch Academy doesn't rush to teach you the method of advancement, but implicitly encourages students to learn techniques and knowledge? This is to save that time for you."

"..."

"To be honest, Little Han, your current state is exactly the attitude that the teachers hoped to see from students joining Witch Academy when it was first created: diligent and eager to learn, curious about everything, and willing to study. Without the pressure of advancement, you can focus your time and energy on the accumulation of knowledge and the learning of techniques. This is how it should have been."

At this moment, I was silent, and even felt a touch of inexplicable emotion.

This was practically an unimpeded path straight to Transcendent status!

This was something I hadn't dared to imagine at first, yet Witch Academy had achieved it.

"Let's talk about the Project you mentioned. You can still advance to a Transcendent Witch without one, but the Project is the path you must take after advancing to Transcendent, and it is also the source of your power. Without choosing your own path and firmly walking it, the further you go, the more lost you will become."

"Let's return to the Project itself. There are many Projects. Most of them originate from the paths pioneered by the Truth Witches. For example, the witch race's initial Project, 'Witch,' is the great Project pioneered and mastered by the Primal Witch. The branch Projects branched from it, such as 'Magic Power,' 'Magic Power Source,' 'Oviparous Reproduction,' and so on, also have corresponding Truth Witches who pioneered them."

"This includes the witch race's current most popular Project, 'Soul.' The Soul Project also has a relationship with the Dream State Project that is currently incomprehensible, and... because the Soul involves the Interpretation of Life, the great Soul Project also includes Life, Memory, Emotion, Value, Oblivion, Ordinary, and so on. However, these concepts were only proposed by the Truth Witch of Soul and have not yet reached the level where a corresponding witch walks the path of truth..."

"Now, do you have a concept of the Project?"

After speaking a long while, Teacher Ji Niang paused, looking at me and asking.

"Mhm... roughly..." I nodded.

After all, with so many examples from Teacher Ji Niang, I naturally formed my own concept.

"Then... can the Project be changed midway?"

"Naturally, you can, but you'll have to start over from the beginning, though it's generally not recommended to change the Project. It's only recommended to pursue secondary projects. After all, after advancing to a Transcendent Witch, you've already embarked on the paths of many Projects without even realizing it."

"Huh?"

"Haven't you realized it? Advancing to a Transcendent Witch—this action itself is walking on the 'Witch Project.' After advancing to a Transcendent Witch, the life essence transforms into the soul, which means you've already embarked on the 'Soul Project.' When you want to enhance your strength and fully control magic power, you're walking on the 'Magic Power Project/Thesis.' When you want to strengthen yourself and obtain, condense, and master the Magic Power Source, you're walking on the 'Magic Power Source Project.' When you want to reproduce your own offspring, you're walking on the 'Oviparous Reproduction Project...'"

"This is the Transcendent Witch. Every step you take is a road paved for us by previous witches through the method of Truth Offering. And those who pave the road for all witches are the Truth Witches. Thank them."

I quietly listened to Teacher Ji Niang popularize this common knowledge for me, no longer interrupting or commenting.

If all this information were organized, it was essentially showcasing the profound heritage of the witch race.

The Truth Witches used their own methods to tell their fellow witch kin that they could slack off freely or strive for progress.

The road was already underfoot, and it was even paved smoothly.

It only depended on whether you were willing to walk it.

I was stunned for a long time, contemplating and accepting the information.

But at the same time, another question arose: why wasn't the number of Transcendent Witches advancing at the Witch Academy... as high as I had imagined?

"Have you recovered? So, as far as you're concerned, you absolutely don't need to worry about the problem of becoming a Transcendent Witch."

"I'm even hoping you can join my exploration of [Transcendent Knowledge]. [Transcendent Knowledge] is both knowledge and power itself. It is an indefinable existence at the Transcendent level. [Transcendent Knowledge] is merely the most general umbrella term for it."

"Indefinable..."

At this point, I really didn't have any concerns.

Joining was definitely something I wanted to do.

This was [Transcendent Knowledge]!

Having the privilege to participate in research at this level would greatly broaden my horizons.

But hearing Teacher Ji Niang describe [Transcendent Knowledge] like this, then...

"Since [Transcendent Knowledge] is so difficult to define, it shouldn't just be usable for creating Grand Spells or Grand Spellbooks, right?"

"That's natural. It's just that [Transcendent Knowledge] is most closely compatible with spells, because spells are also products that combine knowledge and power, and they are the most superficial and convenient way to utilize [Transcendent Knowledge]. It can also be used in alchemy items, as well as the Divine Arts of the Holy Angels, the Sorcery Tools of the Wizards, and so on. In other words, every Transcendent Race has its own characteristic way of utilizing [Transcendent Knowledge], but the essence is actually the same concept as a Grand Spell."

"I see..."

I nodded, pondering if I had any other questions.

But having accepted so many concepts all at once, I was momentarily unsure what to ask.

"Then I don't have any questions for now. I agree to join."

"Good. I won't let you down."

At this moment, Ji Niang finally showed a relieved smile, as if a weight in her heart had finally been lifted.

She finally had the mind to open her lunch box and prepare to eat lunch.

"Oh, right, Teacher Ji Niang, I have a few things I need to mention beforehand," I said, having thought of something.

"What else?"

Ji Niang paused, holding her chopsticks, and looked at me.

"I have a daily schedule for meditation and Body Forging that takes up a lot of time. While participating in the [Transcendent Knowledge] research, I don't want to neglect these techniques..."

"Meditation is the absolute foundation, and Body Forging is also very important for you, a Self-Awakened Body Cultivator. I fully understand this, and I will support it."

Teacher Ji Niang immediately relaxed upon hearing my words.

These were not issues at all.

Furthermore, Ji Niang knew very well that even if Little Han didn't bring it up, she would advise Little Han to stick to daily meditation; Body Forging could be set aside, but meditation could not.

"Thank you."

Having received a positive response, my inner concerns were further reduced.

Now, there was just about one last question left.

"Finally, regarding the time arrangement for this research... what is it like?"

"If you're asking me, my answer is year-round, non-stop. I can dedicate everything to this. But for you, I will give you sufficient flexible time."

"Really?"

"Of course."

Ji Niang nodded.

She knew very well that before Little Han grew up and had enough time for accumulation, premature exposure to [Transcendent Knowledge] would not have much positive effect on Ji Niang herself.

This was an undeniable fact.

At this moment, the matter was settled.

Everything happened quickly, but it had all been deeply considered by me.

But from an objective perspective, it seemed I had once again filled my leisurely daily life to the brim.

Perhaps I was simply destined to be so busy.

When I embarked on the path of the Transcendent, yearning for its unknown splendor, a seed of forward momentum was planted in my heart at that moment.

It had taken root and sprouted, enduring wind and rain, yet remaining strong.

While waiting for Teacher Ji Niang to eat lunch, I also took the opportunity to call Betty.

After all, I had previously said we would try alchemy together, but it seemed that plan had to be postponed for now.

"Alright, this meal was good. I didn't expect you to start spending lavishly, Little Han, and even added an extra dish for me?"

"Um... I just thought it's been a while since I saw you, Teacher Ji Niang. I'm usually quite frugal... Um, should we go directly now?"

"Mhm. Our laboratory is in a special place in the academy. Ordinary students can't enter it."

"Special place? Where is it?"

"It's in a Secret Realm that is anchored within the Witch Academy's range."

"Secret Realm? Similar to the Witch's Secret Realm?"

"It is similar, but this Secret Realm is different from the Witch's Secret Realm, and it is not governed by a club. It is a highly classified, segregated space. After all, you should know that the places where Transcendent Witches conduct experiments are very dangerous. It cannot be placed directly in a corner of the Witch Academy, not even a small one. So, only those with authorization can pass through."

As Teacher Ji Niang spoke, her hand rested on my shoulder.

Then, I felt a strong spatial fluctuation.

I was very familiar with this feeling—it was the sign of spatial teleportation!

The next moment, my figure appeared in an unfamiliar place.

I subconsciously looked around the environment.

It was a large hall, and in the center was a conspicuous giant statue, but this statue gave me a very familiar feeling.

This was... a public teleportation landmark!

Was Teacher Ji Niang opening a new map for me?

However, Teacher Ji Niang wasn't moving at the moment, seemingly busy with something right here.

"Little Han, you have the Teleportation Spell, right?"

"Mhm. Then do you know about the Witch Academy's teleportation landmark?"

"Um... I know. This is it."

I pointed to the central statue.

"It seems you know quite a lot. Then, first resonate with this teleportation landmark and memorize its location. Next time, you can come directly here yourself."

"Um, do I have to use teleportation to get here?"

I asked tentatively.

"This place is not connected to the outside, and it's merely a transit space leading to that hidden laboratory research room. I still need to process your entry and exit permission later."

I obediently nodded and walked up to the statue, beginning to resonate and sense the spatial anchoring.

"Mhm, all set."

I nodded and looked at Teacher Ji Niang.

Without further ado, she led me toward the front desk.

Sitting at the front desk was a witch who looked somewhat listless, seemingly zoning out from long periods of inactivity, until her gaze fell upon us, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

"Eh? Is that Little Han? How did you get here?"

"Um... Hello, Teacher."

I replied politely, though feeling a bit awkward.

I was polite because I was getting used to it, but awkward because I didn't recognize this Transcendent Witch...

Seriously, any Transcendent Witch I run into can call me by name now, can't they?

"Aiya Calling me Teacher sounds so formal, doesn't it?"

She glanced at Ji Niang, but then, losing interest, focused her attention back on me.

"Call me Older Sister Tell me what you're doing here?"

"Hello, Witch Sister."

"Hehehe."

After being called Older Sister, this Transcendent Witch let out a silly laugh, causing Teacher Ji Niang's brow to furrow.

"Help me register and authorize permission for Little Han."

"You brought Little Han here? Hehe, it seems a certain witch is about to enjoy a blessing. Take good care of Little Han. Don't let her be snatched away by other witches."