In a barren dimension, life forms were not even born yet. All was dead silent. Desolate, lifeless dimensions like this were found everywhere in the Void Zone. They were innumerable.
After all, dimensions truly suitable for life forms to survive and reproduce were not found everywhere. Among these, barren and lifeless dimensions comprised a part.
Stedman landed in this barren, desolate dimension. He examined his surroundings. There were no life forms nor powerful existences. Thus, he searched for a hidden cave and made his way in.
Stedman was so cautious in coming to this barren, lifeless dimension. This was because that mysterious, powerful Sir Merlin in the Illusory Subspace was going to help him condense a Mind Heart.
Over the past centuries, ever since he knew about Merlin’s existence, Stedman had never given up on cultivating the Mind training drill. Although he did not perceive a direct boost in abilities, the Mind training drill had indirectly aided him by much.
Without the Mind training drill, Stedman could not possibly reach his current stage.
However, the most crucial step of the Mind training drill was to become a Seventh-level Mind Power Master by condensing a Mind Heart. A century ago, Stedman had attempted to do so but ultimately did not succeed.
The Mind Heart was a threshold. Once crossed, one would reach a new realm. Without crossing it, this Mind training drill was unable to unleash its true might.
Merlin had now decided to help Stedman condense a Mind Heart. Therefore, Stedman had carefully looked for a barren, silent dimension to condense his Mind Heart in quiet.
Stedman soon immersed his consciousness into the Illusory Subspace, and stood respectfully before Merlin. Stedman felt deep, sincere gratitude to Merlin for helping him condense a Mind Heart.
He knew that the power of his blood had been unleashed to the maximum. It was almost impossible to progress further. However, the Mind training drill was far from reaching its limit.
This was Stedman’s future direction.
“Stedman, the Mind training drill which I’ve passed on to you – do you know what it is?”
Since Merlin had resolved to give Stedman a hand, naturally, he had to clarify the background of the Mind training drill to Stedman.
Stedman shook his head. He trusted Merlin very much. No matter the origin of the Mind training drill, he would choose to continue cultivating it.
“My civilization is the Spell Caster civilization that I’ve asked you to look for. In that civilization, there’s an entirely different cultivation method called Spell Casters! I too was once a Spell Caster, but later on, I realized that the Spell Caster’s path doesn’t suit me. Therefore, coincidentally, I met Titus.
“Back then, Titus was incomparably formidable. He founded the Mind Power system but it was not refined by far. Therefore, I started to cultivate the Mind training drill, becoming a practitioner of the Mind Power system. Moreover, step by step I filled in and improved the Mind Power system that Titus couldn’t perfect.
“At last, I refined the Mind Power system and shared the entire cultivation system with the Spell Caster civilization. Your current capability is very formidable in the Purple-eyed Tribe but if this was the Spell Caster civilization, you’re merely equivalent to an average Legend.
“Above the ordinary Legends, there were Honored Legends, Lords, and ultimate existences acknowledged to be contenders by the entire Void Zone. The Mind Power system carries forward to ultimate existences, even surpassing the cultivation methods of most ultimate existences!”
Merlin briefly outlined the Mind Power system. This was like a huge door. Today, it was flung wide open before Stedman, giving him the chance to reach a higher level.
He knew very well that the Purple-eyed Tribe was nothing in the Void Zone. His achievements would be limited if he relied on the Purple-eyed Tribe. In the immense Void Zone, there were plenty of formidable existences but Stedman did not know exactly how strong they were.
However, after Merlin’s explanation, Stedman finally learned that he was just about capable of traveling the Void Zone, merely equivalent to an ordinary Legend.
Above ordinary Legends, there were Honored Legends, Lords, and ultimate existences. The Mind training drill that Stedman had practiced every day could reach the league of ultimate existences and be on par with them. Of course, Stedman was indescribably, joyfully surprised.
Nonetheless, Merlin did not tell Stedman that not only could the Mind Power system compare to ultimate existences, but also, if one were lucky enough to consolidate an Illusory World, that was the real terror. One would become a preeminent existence of the entire Void Zone.
Still, when Merlin left the Spell Caster civilization, no one had consolidated an Illusory World. This was a fundamental evolution for Mind Power Masters. It was already inconceivable that a civilization could produce an existence that created an Illusory World.
Thus, Merlin would not demand this.
Even so, this was the first time Merlin had passed on the Mind training drill to a foreign civilization beyond the Spell Casters. Stedman was the first foreign member to cultivate the Mind training drill. Through this, he had perceived the wonders of the Mind training drill.
As he looked at the respectful Stedman before him, Merlin continued saying, “Stedman, this is the Mind Power system in general. Condensing the Mind Heart is the key step in determining whether you can become a Seventh-level Mind Power Master. Only by creating a Mind Heart can you become a Seventh-level Mind Power Master. You’re the only foreign member that I’ve taught but your talent in Mind Power isn’t exceptional. Thus, if you consolidate the Mind Heart, not even I can predict the subsequent changes.”
Merlin gave a solemn caveat. This was not without danger. Stedman’s cultivation of the Mind training drill all along had been risky. It was Merlin’s experiment.
However, since the experiment had progressed to such a stage now, Merlin wanted to see how Stedman would change after condensing the Mind Heart.
“Sir Merlin, even if there’s a danger or any unpredictability, I’m willing to try!”
Stedman answered steadfastly.
After some thought, Merlin said, “From now on, you’ll be my disciple.”
Merlin had always liked Steman’s character but he had been testing Stedman before this, and thus never mentioned any intention to make Stedman his disciple.
However, since he had decided to help Stedman condense a Mind Heart now, this formed the crux of the matter. It was impossible if it was not between a teacher and a disciple.
Stedman felt a rush of elation, and hurriedly knelt before Merlin respectfully, calling out, “Teacher!”
“Haha, Stedman, I’ll say that you have this good fortune, young fellow. There’s more to your teacher than meets the eye. Someday, you’ll know this. Hehe, now you should calm your emotions and condense the Mind Heart!”
By one side, Titus revealed a gratified look. He liked Stedman as well. Now that he saw Merlin had finally taken Stedman as a disciple, he was overjoyed for Stedman.
Nonetheless, joy was just joy. As the first founder of Mind Power Masters, Titus knew, of course, the significance of the Mind Heart. Only after condensing the Mind Heart would Mind Power Masters undergo an essential evolution.
Condensing the Mind Heart was the first evolution, and condensing the Illusory World was the second evolution. As for the final materialization of illusions into reality, that was the third evolution.
If anyone could complete the three evolutions, then reversing the natural order and becoming a being like Aruba would be a cinch. However, even now, the most powerful Mind Power Master, Merlin, had merely undergone two evolutions.
Stedman immediately calmed his emotions. He had wanted to condense the Mind Heart for a very long time, making countless attempts, but had failed each time.
Merlin could help Stedman, but could not directly or forcibly help Stedman condense the Mind Heart. This was something not even Merlin could do. Anyone who condensed the Mind Heart must rely on themselves.
Nevertheless, Merlin could let Stedman enter an illusion to experience countless years and various events, honing Stedman’s heart. Merlin was even going to include, in the illusion, some of his realizations during his own condensing of the Mind Heart.
With attentive assistance from a formidable and accomplished Mind Power Master like Merlin who had the Illusory World, even if Stedman had not much talent, his chances of condensing a Mind Heart would greatly increase.
“Hum.”
There was a wave of fluctuation in the Illusory World. Fortunately, this was in Stedman’s body, so the energy fluctuations of the Illusory World would not attract the attention of the Void Zone. Merlin had only used the power of the Illusory World to draw Stedman into the illusion.
This was a lengthy illusory experience. Merlin’s illusion could even fool ultimate existences, let alone Stedman. Therefore, Stedman started to experience lifetime after lifetime in the illusion, as all sorts of events occurred to Stedman.
This honing through illusion consumed the power of the Illusory World, and Merlin had to retain control to prevent any harm to Stedman. Therefore, this was not that easy.
By his side, Titus observed Stedman’s performance in the illusion.
“Stedman had experienced nine lifetimes? He still shows no signs of condensing the Mind Heart. His aptitude is lacking.”
Titus shook his head. If this was some other Mind Power Masters such as an average Mind Power Master from the Spell Caster civilization who had Merlin’s attentive guidance, and was sent into the illusions for practice, they would have condensed the Mind Heart long ago.
Nonetheless, Stedman did not even show any signs of condensing the Mind Heart. If it were not for Stedman being a foreign member, and Merlin wanting to see if the Mind Power system could be received by foreign tribes, he definitely would not help Stedman in this manner.
Stedman went through about a dozen lifetimes, and did not sense anything himself. However, a vortex suddenly emerged in his Awareness, and his consciousness instantly awakened.
“Who am I?”
After experiencing such a long illusion, Stedman’s numerous memories were mixed up. Therefore, he had a momentary moment of confusion.
Still, in a moment, he gradually recalled himself, and his eyes grew brighter.
“I’m Stedman… Teacher, I can now feel the turning point of condensing the Mind Heart!”
Stedman exclaimed with great surprise and delight. He had never felt such intense feeling as this. This was enough to show that Merlin’s illusory honing had been effective for him.