Versatile Mage: White Tiger Pendant

Chapter 6: Mastering Magic

In Bo City, seasons shifted swiftly from summer to winter, and half a year passed by in the blink of an eye.

Ever since his magical awakening, Lu Jun had dedicated himself to hard work. The pressure of future disasters, the thirst for extraordinary power, his calm temperament from his past life, and the pursuit of fame and wealth all turned into powerful motivations.

The world rewarded hard work.

During the first half of the semester, aside from a few monster-related lessons, school mainly consisted of meditation classes. Nothing trivial distracted them.

At this moment, Lu Jun sat cross-legged in his bedroom, engrossed in meditation. The white tiger pendant hanging from his chest emitted a radiant platinum glow. Its gentle force enveloped him, and his pores expanded as if he soaked in a warm spring.

In the spiritual world, both the blue and platinum stardust had grown several times. Under the nourishment by this mysterious power, they rapidly expanded, even without active meditation.

During this time, the White Tiger Pendant continued to amaze Lu Jun. It was indeed a top-tier auxiliary magic tool. Even in its partially damaged state, it retained its ability to nurture stars, comparable to Stardust Magic Weapons and Nebula Magic Weapons.

A "Stardust Magic Weapon" was a unique tool designed to aid in cultivation. Typically, people would tire after ten hours of meditation and they would need rest and sleep.

Even the weakest Stardust Magic Weapon could extend this time by several hours and rejuvenate mental energy. The most potent ones didn't even require practice; they would automatically enhance cultivation while warming up.

These magical tools were extremely precious and is divided into in primary and intermediate levels, ranging from stardust to nebula and advanced galaxy levels.

The White Tiger Pendant itself equaled a top-grade Nebula Magic Weapon. Intermediate-level mages could quickly reach the pinnacle of their power when they immersed themselves in it, particularly newly awakened junior mages.

"Water Control!"

Lu Jun's eyes suddenly flashed with a blue light as he controlled the seven stars of water stardust. Water mist swirled around him, and a brilliant blue star trail passed by.

Countless condensed water droplets from the air gathered into a flowing, water-blue ribbon, about ten feet long and two spans wide. It enveloped Lu Jun like a flexible, shining shield, covering most of his body.

Water might be inherently soft, but falling from a great height onto water could be as hard as hitting a rock, shattering the surface. This was the principle of non-Newtonian fluids.

Lu Jun felt that this primary water magic was similar in nature, and he rejoiced in mastering the first level of water control.

Each mage realm comprised three levels in addition to the five realms, and as they progressed, they unlocked numerous fundamental changes to amplify their magic's potency.

For example, in the second-level "Water Control: Guardian," Lu Jun could create multiple water belts with almost no blind spots. In the third level, "Water Control: Circulation," the water belt became dynamic, flowing ceaselessly, seemingly endless.

Unless it is destroyed in one breath or using intermediate-level destruction magic.

"Finally, I can release water magic. In just half a year, I've mastered the basics of gold and water magic, even faster than Mo Fan. He's likely only mastered the basic Thunder System so far and will attain third-level magic by the end of next semester. The next element is Fire."

"Mu Ningxue took eight months to master elementary ice magic. Mo Fan, aside from his natural talent, isn't inferior to other geniuses based solely on his cultivation. Of course, both relied on their relentless efforts without any stardust magic tools. It was only in their second year of mastering basic magic that they were lent magic tools by their clan and school to aid them."

"Hence, my rapid progress is perfectly normal, and this is just the beginning. The stardust magic weapon provides minimal assistance in star control. My true strength will shine when I enhance my magic power."

The condition of Lu Jun's White Tiger Pendant was clearly superior to Mo Fan's Azure Dragon Pendant. At first, Mo Fan's pendant seemed lifeless. It wasn't until he swallowed a stardust magic weapon from the school in his second year of high school that some of its abilities awakened.

If one were to reach the level of Lu Jun's White Tiger Pendant, they would need to consume the Earth Holy Spring two and a half years in advance. The Bo City Holy Spring was a rare treasure that boosted cultivation and even brought about the source of disasters, making one a target for the Black Vatican.

"There are still two and a half years left. Let's aim to reach the first and second levels in both departments next semester," 

Lu Jun said with determination, clenching his fists as he stood up from the bed. He was surrounded by an aqua-blue shimmering ribbon, and a gentle mist enveloped him, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Downstairs, Lu Mei sensed the water element's fluctuations and spotted a black-haired boy descending. He was adorned with the aqua-blue ribbon, and his skin looked rejuvenated.

With a touch of envy, Lu Mei quipped, "Water magicians have it good—a natural skincare routine."

Hearin this, Lu Jun was rendered speechless by his sister's comment. Wasn't the focus supposed to be on his magic itself? At the introductory level, the popularity of water magic was on par with that of the thunder system. Among the seven elemental systems, it was the only one offering defensive skills at the introductory level. The others had to wait until the intermediate level.

"You're kidding," Lu Mei chuckled and remarked, "I didn't expect you to master the basics in just half a year. If I didn't know your strengths and weaknesses so well, I'd think you've learned in the evil ways of the Black Vatican."

Lu Jun didn't want to entertain his sister's teasing. He dissipated the water magic surrounding him and said in frustration, "I've not only mastered water magic but also metal magic. I could have used it three months ago if the promised alloy was ready. It's completely powerless without it."

Lu Mei, her tone serious now, asked skeptically, "Lu Jun, are you really unable to...?"

After a moment of silence, Lu Jun raised an eyebrow and responded, "Don't just guess. I'll tell you everything when the time is right."

The fewer people who knew about the White Tiger Pendant, the better. However, when it became more potent, secrecy wouldn't matter. Initially, it was just an auxiliary magic tool. The real quest would be in searching for the totem's foundation.

Like noble families who expend vast resources to nurture individuals, resources that were likely not inferior, possibly even several times greater than the White Tiger Pendant's potential.

"Okay," Lu Mei sighed. She felt that since his magical awakening half a year ago, her younger brother had been consumed by his pursuit, tirelessly dedicating over ten hours a day to his training.

To be honest, for a high school freshman, such self-discipline was astonishing. Coupled with the unprecedented gold system, there were likely many mysteries, but she chose to place unwavering trust in her brother.

Lu Jun inquired once more, "Where's my alloy?"

"Be patient," Lu Mei responded, pained. "It has been shipped from the laboratory. You're like a gold-devouring beast, needing millions in resources at the introductory level. This comes from my own earnings, and it's also related to my best friend's research project to make some extra money."

Lu Jun was surprised. One million could buy a house in a second-tier city or a magical shield sturdy enough to withstand a middle-level mage's destruction. His sister's cultivation would undoubtedly benefit significantly from it. He felt a twinge of guilt but was deeply moved. Only true family would trust your word and support you, no matter how crazy the endeavor.

This time, they had truly emptied the family's resources, including their parents' inheritance, life insurance, and the money Lu Mei had earned over the past two years.

Lu Jun could only hope that the power of his metal system when casting magic would justify this substantial investment.