It wasn’t a sensitive issue.
Jie Ming had asked Felix to anonymize his identity simply to avoid unnecessary trouble.
“Oh?” he asked, puzzled. “How did you know, Master Roland?”
His response indirectly confirmed Roland’s question.
A sly smile crept across Roland’s lean face.
“Rest assured, no one else should know. Felix is quite reliable.”
“The creator’s information was indeed blank, but I sensed a familiar ‘habit’ in the logic of the rune arrangements and the structure of the energy nodes.”
Jie Ming nodded in understanding.
It made sense.
They had fought side by side on the Frostfire plane and collaborated on research tasks. Jie Ming also owed Roland a substantial loan, making them quite familiar.Rune structures were like a mortal’s handwriting.
Over time, every wizard developed a unique, subconscious style.
To someone familiar, it was easy to spot with careful analysis.
Upon Jie Ming’s confirmation, Roland’s gentle eyes sparkled with excitement!
He pressed eagerly, “Wonderful! Wizard Jie Ming, do you have any higher-tier follow-up technology? I’m willing to pay a hefty price!”
Jie Ming found the request odd. “Master Roland, what do you plan to use it for?”
Rubbing his hands, Roland looked thrilled. “I discovered your [Self-Stabilizing Field Regulation Protocol] not only stabilizes energy exceptionally well but also works wonders for spatial stability!”
“It creates a smooth, fluctuation-dampened state within spell formations, making it perfect for wizards like us studying spatial technologies!”
His tone shifted to regret. “But the version on sale has too low a power output.”
“Scaling up the formation’s coverage can improve results somewhat, but for deeper phenomena like ‘spatial ripples’ or ‘dimensional crevices,’ where stability is critical, it’s barely adequate.”
“It’s usable, but since I’ve met the creator today, I must ask—do you have a better version, one with even slightly improved spatial stability?”
“For research, the more stable the experimental environment, the better!”
Master Roland’s expertise in spatial studies was impressive, recognizing the protocol’s potential for spatial stabilization.
But he underestimated it. Derived from the Internal Circulation method, the protocol’s true strength was stabilizing space, with energy stabilization as a mere side effect.
Jie Ming considered, then nodded. “I do have it.”
Looking at Roland, he continued, “And I can sell it to you.”
“As for the price…” Jie Ming smiled faintly. “How about offsetting the loan I’ll owe you after advancing to third-level wizard?”
Roland’s eyes lit up, and he agreed instantly!
Though he coveted an advanced All-Purpose Eye spell model, the upgraded version with new observation modules was sufficient.
He had his own specialized observation methods; the All-Purpose Eye was merely supplementary, not essential.
Higher-tier observation methods existed but were costly.
Trading for a more advanced, stable “research environment” was a no-brainer!
“But I don’t have the data stored on my terminal…” Jie Ming realized a snag. “Luckily, it’s in my head. Shall we find a place, and I’ll write out the technology and formation for you?”
“Perfect! Follow me—I know a great spot.”
Led by Roland, they entered a high-end restaurant floating in the void and secured a private room.
Without delay, Jie Ming established an encrypted channel between their terminals.
On his terminal’s light screen, he recorded the knowledge, sending streams of complex data to Roland.
When developing the [Self-Stabilizing Field Regulation Protocol], Jie Ming had deliberately toned down its “cultivation system” origins to avoid attention.
He also downgraded it multiple times for gradual “harvesting” of profits.
The version sold on the magic network was a “standard edition.”
Now, he was giving Roland the superior “professional edition”!
After verifying the data’s integrity, they signed a binding contract, finalizing the valuable trade.
Overjoyed with his coveted technology, Roland skipped the meal and hurriedly left, likely eager to build a new lab.
Seeing him off, Jie Ming stayed, leisurely savoring the meal.
Hours later, satisfied, he arrived at the towering Affairs Center hall.
Approaching an open counter, he stated his purpose to the staff: “Hello, I’m here to register for the next planar war.”
As a repeat registrant, the process was swift.
Wizard civilization required re-signing a contract for each new war, in person, with a soul imprint.
Thus, Jie Ming made the trip.