I Arrived At Wizard World While Cultivating Immortality Chapter 680: Yet Another Modification

Within the confines of the laboratory, the Nest rested quiescently upon the experimental platform, its form condensed into a basketball-sized mass of azure gelatin.

Jie Ming, accompanied by the imposing black giant priest, entered the laboratory, pushing the door open before him.

“Remain outside,” Jie Ming instructed, his gaze not yet turned toward his subordinate.

“Understood, Master.” The dark silhouette withdrew beyond the threshold, its chest bearing a vertical slit sealing itself with silence.

Jie Ming approached the workbench, his attention fixed on the gelatinous sphere before him.

“Nest.” He extended a finger, gently prodding its surface.

The azure mass quivered subtly before arching its body as though roused from slumber. A fissure appeared down the center of its spherical mass.

While possessing 360-degree omnidirectional perception, the Nest deliberately manifested such distinct markers—akin to a facial feature—to facilitate communication with its master.

“Cease your adorable displays,” Jie Ming chided, poking it once more with an impassive expression. “This is a matter of grave importance.”

The Nest immediately ceased its playful movements. The silver light within its perceptual seam solidified into a more defined shape, adopting a posture indicative of attentive listening.

Jie Ming then procured a collection of materials from his internal cave-heaven, summoning them forth.

These consisted of transparent crystal wafers, each no larger than a thumb, densely packed with data and imagery. A distinctive, dark purple sheen shimmered across each crystal.

This compilation represented the entirety of the data Jie Ming had painstakingly gathered during his in-depth research into The Strange.

He arranged the materials on the workbench, his gaze shifting between the crystals and the Nest.

Indeed, Jie Ming was embarking on another modification of the Nest.

Following its previous refinement, the Nest’s capabilities had already ascended to a level Jie Ming found quite commendable.

At that juncture, both Jie Ming and Viola had imbued it with core analytical functions, drawing from the principles of information lifeforms.

Its primary directive was to transmute ambient energy and matter into informational data, subsequently reconfiguring this data into its own structure to facilitate self-replication.

This fundamental design afforded the Nest theoretically limitless potential for expansion: the greater its mass, the more robust its information processing capacity; and the more potent its processing, the swifter its assimilation and proliferation.

This virtuous cycle, where “greater size begets greater speed,” bestowed upon the Nest an exceptionally formidable advantage in prolonged conflicts and defensive engagements.

With the symbiotic computational augmentation from the Fate Subsystem, a fully realized Nest could, in theory, contend effectively with an ordinary seventh-ring wizard. However, during the preceding modification, crucial research data concerning The Strange had been absent.

Entities such as The Strange exhibited uniquely specialized survival mechanisms.

They did not strictly inhabit the material or energy planes, but possessed the ability to directly integrate themselves within the very fabric of a world’s inherent rules. This extraordinary capacity complemented the information-conversion prowess of information lifeforms with remarkable synergy.

Consequently, after addressing his pressing engagements, Jie Ming eagerly commenced the modification of the Nest.

Standing before the workbench, Jie Ming flexed his fingers.

Thanks to the preserved research notes left by the professor, Jie Ming’s comprehension of The Strange had become remarkably profound.

Furthermore, as this modification was intended as a preliminary test, it did not pose an overly complex challenge.

Upon activating his spiritual power, Jie Ming initiated the process, causing layers of intricate magic arrays to manifest upon the experimental platform, subsequently superimposing themselves onto the Nest.

The Nest, in perfect accord, unveiled its internal informational architecture.

Jie Ming’s spiritual power permeated this structure, directly manipulating the foundational information chains.

His initial objective was to recalibrate the fundamental framework of the Nest’s information conversion capabilities.

He intended to integrate a novel module for the extraction of rule frequencies, enabling it to actively glean frequency data associated with world rules from assimilated matter and energy, subsequently weaving these extracted elements into its own constituent units.

Subsequently, he planned to bolster its inherent immortality by decoupling the core information from fixed anchor points, fragmenting it into myriad pieces, and disseminating these across the established rule stratum.

Finally, he aimed to enhance its defensive resilience, granting the Nest the capability to momentarily shift portions of its physical form back into the rule level during assaults, thereby evading conventional physical and energetic harm.

The entire procedure unfolded with astonishing rapidity.

The enhancement derived from the Dao Integration Realm extended beyond mere refinement of comprehension regarding various laws.

During this intricate modification procedure, Jie Ming experienced an almost illusory sense of absolute control, facilitated by his Dao Integration state.

Upon the withdrawal of his spiritual power, the Nest resting on the experimental platform presented a transformed visage.

Subtle, ephemeral luminescence now drifted across the surface of its deep blue gelatinous form, its very presence feeling somewhat intangible and undefined.

Though clearly occupying the physical space, it evoked a sensation of being veiled by an immeasurable, ethereal mist.

Jie Ming extended a hand and tapped it. “Let’s proceed to the testing ground.”

The Nest obediently bounced, retracting to the size of a basketball before being stored within his internal cave heaven.

Located three thousand meters beneath the laboratory, the testing ground was an immense hemispherical chamber with a diameter stretching over two thousand kilometers.

Its surrounding walls were constructed from a multilayer composite of alchemical materials, intricately etched with protective runes and energy absorption arrays. The imposing black giant priest, having received Jie Ming’s directives via the Incense Fire Divine Dao, was already stationed at the testing ground’s command center.

This command center featured a single, expansive curved crystal panel displaying hundreds of shimmering runes, each representing a distinct functional module within the testing environment.

As his fingers danced over the runes, the vertical slit on his chest opened slightly, emitting a deep, resonating report:

“Master, all testing arrays have been fully activated. Standard energy attack targets, physical impact targets, spatial lockdown simulation fields, and rule seal simulation arrays are all prepared. The Fate Subsystem tracking module is interfaced and awaiting command.”

“Your efforts are appreciated,” Jie Ming replied, stepping onto the observation platform edging the testing ground. He retrieved the Nest from his internal cave heaven and instructed, “Enter.”

The azure gelatinous mass leisurely floated into the center of the arena, settling with a gentle sound. It seemed to swell slightly under the stark white illumination, its perceptive sensors orienting towards the observation platform, poised for further instructions.

“Initiate the first test: information conversion efficiency. Deploy a standard organic target.”

A ceiling panel glided open, releasing a standardized biological test subject directly above the Nest.

The creature, resembling a lizard approximately three meters in length, had been deceased prior to deployment, its biological structure perfectly preserved.

The Nest reacted swiftly.

In a flash, its form expanded from a basketball-sized sphere to a disk roughly five meters in diameter. Its edges curled upwards, resembling a hungry maw ready to engulf the descending biological specimen.

The very instant it made contact, the biological shell vanished wholly within the blue mass.

Every constituent of the creature—its muscles, bones, internal organs, and outermost skin—was instantaneously transmuted into an informational state, subsequently reconfigured into the Nest’s own structural components.

Jie Ming intently observed the real-time data displayed on the control station’s panel.

Conversion speed: Recorded at 3.2 times the rate prior to modification. Conversion efficiency: An impressive 97.6% of organic matter was assimilated into its structure, with a mere 2.4% loss—a significant improvement, nearly halving the previous rate.

“Proceed. Activate the standard energy attack target.”

The black giant priest manipulated a rune on the panel.

Three synchronized cannon-like emitters on the eastern wall of the testing ground flared to life, rapidly accumulating intense crimson light within their muzzles.

Three standard fifth-ring energy beams discharged in unison, striking the Nest with pinpoint accuracy.

Upon impact with the blue gelatinous surface, the energy beams dissipated as if absorbed by arid earth.

The Nest’s form remained undisturbed; conversely, the luminescence surrounding it intensified slightly.

The energy absorption rate displayed on the panel climbed to 99.1%.

“Engage sixth-ring energy attack,” Jie Ming directed.

The cannon muzzles shifted their hue from crimson to a blazing white.

More potent energy beams slammed into the Nest. This time, visible undulations rippled across its surface, and a noticeable depression formed within the blue mass. However, this cavity was immediately refilled by the surrounding gelatin flowing inwards.

The absorbed energy was meticulously dismantled and reprocessed by the newly integrated rule frequency extraction module.

Absorption rate: Achieved 94%.

“Initiate seventh-ring, penetration mode.”

The black giant priest's digit hesitated momentarily above the designated rune.

A seventh-ring energy attack, even at the standard output of the test apparatus, carried destructive penetration capabilities that could breach most conventional fortifications.

A slender, silver cannon barrel descended from the testing ground’s ceiling, its aperture no larger than a fingertip.

A highly concentrated energy beam streaked forth, leaving a distinct trail of ionized air in its wake.

The beam impacted the Nest. Instead of absorption, it pierced directly through the entirety of the entity.

However, Jie Ming observed with clarity that at the precise moment of impact, the Nest had actively repositioned the affected zone to the rule dimension. That specific section of gelatin momentarily ceased to exist on the material plane, allowing the energy beam to traverse unimpeded and strike the absorption array on the opposing side of the testing ground. The Nest itself remained entirely unscathed.

Jie Ming’s eyebrows lifted slightly, a subtle expression of satisfaction gracing his features.

The fundamental principle behind this defensive enhancement was to momentarily embed the impacted section within the fabric of the world's rules. This method proved effective against both physical and energy-based assaults, allowing for evasion as long as the attacking force lacked the capacity to target at the rule level.

"Initiate physical impact assessment," he commanded.

The testing ground's surface ruptured, revealing a robust physical impact device from beneath.

Standing three meters tall, this metallic apparatus featured a one-meter-diameter blunt hammer head, intricately inscribed with kinetic amplification runes. The hammer descended with immense power.

The Nest was momentarily flattened, resembling squashed jelly.

However, it instantly reformed from both sides of the hammer. The compressed section had, through rule frequency shifting, bypassed the majority of the kinetic energy. Instruments indicated an 87% absorption of physical damage, with the remaining 13% of kinetic force being entirely mitigated by the gelatinous body's inherent buffering structure.

From the observation deck, Jie Ming meticulously logged the data, his fingers a blur as he recorded each metric.

All three primary metrics—information conversion, energy absorption, and physical resilience—surpassed the projections made prior to the modifications.

The subsequent phase, the main event, was about to commence.

"Activate spatial lockdown simulation field."

Simultaneously, silver runes illuminated the walls encircling the testing ground.

This spatial lockdown simulation field was an extensive array designed to encompass the entire testing area.

It was capable of replicating various spatial sealing effects, including spatial solidification and spatial compression—confinement techniques commonly encountered in combat situations.

Intricate silver patterns coalesced into a vast grid suspended in the air, enveloping the Nest.

Confronted by these measures, the Nest… simply vanished.

In reality, it had seamlessly merged with the world's rules.

Before the spatial compression could affect its form, the Nest had successfully transitioned from the material plane to the rule level.

The testing ground's spatial lockdown proved ineffective, as the Nest's existence was no longer constrained by spatial configurations.

Faint blue halos flickered intermittently across the testing ground, akin to a phantom lurking within dark currents.

"Introduce teleportation interference," Jie Ming escalated the test to its next stage.

The moment the interference field was activated, intense distortion ripples surged throughout the testing ground.

These powerful fluctuations were more than sufficient to disintegrate or displace any entity attempting to teleport.

Yet, even this proved to have minimal impact on the Nest.

The tracking data displayed on the control station's secondary panel fluctuated erratically.

Jie Ming expressed his satisfaction with a nod.

This indicated that, in a real battle scenario, even the typical lockdown techniques employed by wizards would be incapable of preventing the Nest from escaping.

Its most significant prior vulnerability—its immobility—had been effectively addressed.

While its current movement speed was not exceptionally high, it would no longer be rendered a static, defenseless target.

"Final test," Jie Ming declared. "Rule seal simulation array, activate."

The colossal black priest pressed the final rune.

The ambient lighting within the entire testing ground significantly dimmed.

Within the operational radius of this array, any technique attempting to leverage the world's rules would be forcibly disrupted.

The Nest's form materialized at the very center of the testing ground.

The rule seal simulation array had exerted its influence.

Unable to sustain its integration with the rule level, it was compelled back into the material plane.

Jie Ming harbored no surprise; after all, this was a newly devised countermeasure specifically targeting 'The Strange'.

When confronted by a seal designed to affect the rule level, the Nest's integration capability would falter temporarily.

The crucial aspect, however, was that despite the suppression from the rule seal, the Nest's other abilities remained fully operational.

Its azure gelatinous body showed no signs of diminishing, and although its halo was suppressed, it was not extinguished.

This implied that the rule seal only impeded its integration and escape functions; it could not fundamentally jeopardize its continued existence.

Consequently, most standard rule seal methods could only impose partial restrictions, failing to achieve complete neutralization. Furthermore, the Nest retained significant offensive capabilities when subjected to such measures.

"Provide the test data," Jie Ming extended his hand.

The imposing black priest presented him with a recording crystal.

Conversion rate, absorption rate, resilience, integration velocity, performance degradation under rule seals, precision of the Fate Subsystem's tracking…

Jie Ming meticulously reviewed the data line by line, his attention fixed on several pivotal figures.

The information conversion rate had surged by a factor of 3.2, consequently expanding the theoretical upper limit of its physical size.

The Nest's mass could not grow indefinitely; its previous limitation had been the inability of its information nodes to keep pace with the rate of body expansion.

However, with its conversion rate more than tripled, the Nest could now manipulate a considerably greater amount of matter and energy using fewer nodes. This advancement significantly pushed back the critical point for its size.

Coupled with its inherent ability to integrate into world rules, the expansion process would see further reductions in energy loss and physical constraints.

Jie Ming swiftly ran through a mental calculation.

According to the current data, and disregarding the computational support from the Fate Subsystem, the Nest's fully developed theoretical size would dramatically increase, jumping from the previous 'great lake level' to at least an 'inland sea level'.

Furthermore, with the assistance of the Fate Subsystem's computations, its strength and capacity to directly confront high-tier adversaries would be substantially enhanced.

Jie Ming estimated that its resistance level would escalate from merely holding off seventh-ring wizards to a point where it could pose a threat to ordinary seventh-ring wizards.

While this was purely a theoretical deduction…

After all, enabling the Nest to reach such a colossal scale would necessitate an astronomical quantity of both matter and energy.

Nevertheless, the possibility indisputably existed. The remaining task was simply the accumulation of resources and the passage of time.

Jie Ming returned the recording crystal to the imposing black giant priest, a slight, almost imperceptible smile finally gracing the corners of his lips.

"Excellent," he stated.

"The test is concluded. Nest, let us depart."

The Nest sprang up from the center of the testing ground. By the time it settled into his hand, it had already autonomously reverted to its basketball-sized form.

The serene halo on the surface of the blue gelatin pulsed rhythmically, with silver light flickering intermittently in the seams—resembling a loyal hound that had faithfully completed its assignment, now awaiting its master's next command.

Jie Ming gave it a pat before storing it back within his internal Cave Heaven.

He then pivoted and proceeded through the testing ground's corridor, the distinct echo of his footsteps resonating against the stone walls, while the dark-robed giant priest maintained a silent vigil behind him.

Upon returning to the laboratory, he paused before the workbench.

His internal Cave Heaven opened once more. This time, he produced several Prowlers.

These fist-sized, silver-gray, bullet-shaped entities were meticulously arranged on the workbench, their tail ends adorned with pale blue rune rings that emitted a faint glow under the artificial lights. Initially created as basic aerial cannon fodder, their primary attributes were high-speed flight and self-destruct capabilities.

As the threat levels of adversaries escalated, making pure explosive power insufficient, Jie Ming later augmented them with spatial concealment modules, repurposing them as reconnaissance units.

They would approach targets by phasing through spatial concealment and transmit intelligence. Their effectiveness in this role was quite satisfactory.

However, the inherent limitations of spatial concealment had become increasingly apparent. The spatial ripples generated during phase-shifting could not be entirely eliminated; beings at the sixth-ring level and above, or sophisticated professional spatial detection equipment, could indeed detect these disturbances.

The fundamental value of a reconnaissance unit hinged entirely on its 'invisibility'. Once detected, its usefulness plummeted to zero.

Fortunately, The Strange's innate capacity for integration into fundamental laws far surpassed conventional spatial abilities in terms of stealth.

Back on The Strange plane, if a variant of The Strange specialized in law integration had been employed, even high-tier sixth- or seventh-ring wizards would have struggled to locate a concealed one—provided, of course, it refrained from causing a scene and devastating the surrounding area.

Undoubtedly, this superior level of concealment would prove immensely beneficial in enhancing the Prowlers' capabilities.

He selected the leftmost unit, channeling his spiritual power into its metallic shell.

In contrast to the Nest modification, which focused exclusively on augmenting mobility, the primary objective for modifying the Prowlers was not to boost their combat prowess but to push their concealment abilities to their absolute limit.

Jie Ming's fingers moved gracefully through the air. Crystal wafers inscribed with data from his research on The Strange materialized once more above the workbench.

After an extended period of sifting through the materials with his spiritual power, Jie Ming finally selected a