After bidding farewell to a few wizards, Jeming turned around, somewhat dazed at the vacant logistics element area before him.
He could clearly feel that as he turned away, the logistics element mentors who seemed indifferent all cast their eyes of attention on him.
Obviously, that illusionary barrier could only block ordinary apprentices, and was pointless to these mentors whose powers even Jeming could not fathom.
Though reluctant, since he was already aboard the pirate ship, he had no choice but to continue making choices.
Despite saying so, Jeming glanced at the myriad familiar and unfamiliar names in the unclear area, feeling his scalp tingle uncontrollably.
"It's quite like the aesthetic of a high school graduate choosing their college major."
Sighing silently, Jeming wandered through the logistics element area while calmly pondering in his mind:
"Although unwilling, since I've already joined the academy, it's likely impossible to leave for a short time. I can only strengthen myself under the precondition of hiding my true self, to cope with future battlefields."
If possible, Jeming very much wanted to simply abolish his cultivation and switch to the extraordinary system of the Wizard World, hiding the biggest problem on his body.
Unfortunately, that cannot be done.
Refining Essence and Qi, this cultivation technique, although near obsolescence, still has its merits.
The most important advantage is that the cultivation strengthens the connection among the three treasures of essence, qi, and spirit within the cultivator.
In simple terms, if any one of the essence, qi, or spirit strengthens, it can pull up the other two components simultaneously.
Likewise, if one sustains significant damage, it can heal through the consumption of the other two components and accelerate the recovery.
This is indeed an advantage, but if placed on the option of "abolishing cultivation," it becomes an unavoidable flaw.
The overly tight union of essence, qi, and spirit would lead to almost irreparable damage to Jeming's body and soul, should he attempt to abolish his cultivation.
At that point, let alone becoming a wizard, survival becomes uncertain.
"Since it can't be abolished, I'll have to disguise my power as the local strength. Maybe after I become an official wizard, other solutions could be found… Alongside this option, my future development must also be considered…"
Jeming began to evaluate himself: What distinguishing characteristics do I possess compared to other wizards?
Experience of living a second life?
Another world's extraordinary system?
Or perhaps…
Jeming instinctively shifted his focus to the White Jade Palace deep within his consciousness.
The main difference between him and others is, of course, this extraordinary knowledge from another world!
"Leaving such great advantage unused is indeed wasteful, but it must be masked. Moreover, the Wizard World lacks spiritual power, so such knowledge must be adjusted according to this world…"
Upon examination, Jeming gradually clarified his needs.
Overall, there's no urgent need to enhance combat capabilities in the short term. His chosen discipline should ideally uncover the nature of this world, at least allow him to understand the distinct characteristics of its various materials, energy, and rules to better utilize them.
"The answer is quite clear then."
Resolute, Jeming decisively turned and headed toward a certain area.
As he approached, he could smell a peculiar mix of fumes from metal smelting, plant burning, and various unknown reagents.
"Alchemy, fools regard it as the art of metal transmutation, whereas it is a mirror of the universe's truth. This ancient wisdom is not only a technique of material transformation but also a path of soul sublimation…"
Jeming silently recited the introduction on the light screen before him, affirming his thoughts.
This is his choice: Alchemy.
Delving into the transformations of matter and soul to further research the world's truth.
If mastered proficiently, it would not only assist Jeming in "localizing" the Great Dao Book Pavilion's arts but also assist in masking his own power.
He walked directly toward the innermost consultation desk, where sat a wizard who looked very much like an alchemist—he was slim, with sparse hair that clearly exposed his scalp, wearing a peculiar monocle from the mortal realm, behind which were sharp yet weary eyes.
His finger joints were large, yet his fingers were notably nimble, clearly accustomed to dealing with various materials for years.
"Hello… Professor Clark," Jeming nodded slightly, noticing the name tag on the wizard's chest, "I'd like to join Alchemy."
Professor Clark calmly raised his head, scrutinizing the approaching Jeming with eyes that seemingly pierced through appearances.
"Talent… Sixth Level?" Professor Clark adjusted his monocle, his tone lacking surprise, merely confirming.
Evidently, Professor Clark had already learned Jeming's assessment result by some means.
"Yes, Professor." Jeming responded respectfully.
"Wise choice." Professor Clark nodded faintly, his tone still calm but carrying an imperceptible hint of approval, "A dead genius is nothing. Those who survive, even if mediocre in aptitude, will eventually see their own landscape."
"Yes, I heed your guidance."
Professor Clark seemed satisfied with Jeming, the apprentice, and said no more, retrieving a scroll from beneath the table.
The scroll exuded a faint glow, emitting considerable energy fluctuation.
"The Nolun Workshop apprentice contract." Professor Clark spread out the scroll, showing it to Jeming, "Read it thoroughly, if there are no doubts you may sign. Remember, any violation after the contract becomes active will incur severe penalties."
Jeming took a deep breath, accepting the weighty scroll.
The scroll was not large, and the content displayed was quite limited.
Light screen composed the text, yet it seemed to end abruptly, without content following.
Raising his head, Jeming glanced at Professor Clark, who seemed indifferent to explaining.
As he observed the modest scroll in his hand, inspiration struck Jeming, first pretending to inspect the scroll from different sides, then "attempting" to swipe his finger upward on the light screen!
Just as he imagined, the text on the scroll slid along with his finger's motion—this was evidently a scroll-like display.
Seeing Jeming "find" the correct usage for the scroll in such a short time, Clark's previously stern face couldn't help but show a satisfied smile.
Due to the logistics element's quietness and Jeming's prior actions, other mentors within the logistics element covertly observed the happenings.
Upon witnessing Jeming's displayed abilities and the pleased smile of Clark, the old man, other mentors' gazes turned "resentful."
Especially when Clark intentionally offered them a proud smile, the resentful gazes transformed into envy, jealousy, and hatred.