As Gu Caiyi's injuries gradually healed, Luo Chen suddenly found himself with much more free time. The refinement of the Jade Dew Pills and Blood-Burning Pills had become almost effortless for him. With his alchemy skills now honed to mastery, these were no longer an issue. Naturally, Luo Chen redirected his attention elsewhere.

One major focus became the improvement of his combat techniques. It wasn't just about increasing his proficiency anymore, and this time, he went deeper. He retrieved a collection of artifact control manuals from the Duan family, archived in the Succession Palace. Day after day, he poured over them, diligently studying the art of wielding enchanted artifacts through refined techniques of control.

The other focus was researching the Divine Ghost Heartmirror. Though the enchanted treasure was incomplete, it still retained a significant portion of its power. And with the Woodrot Go Stone in hand, his exploration of the mirror had become considerably safer, although not entirely safe.

Every few days, Luo Chen would be pulled into one of the mirror's illusions. Sometimes he would be lost for only moments. Other times, it was two or even three full days. Each time he awoke, it was with bleary eyes and a dazed expression, as if emerging from a dream too deep to grasp. This behavior frightened Gu Caiyi and Bai Meiling terribly.

One afternoon,...