Mo Fan at his best – Versatile Mage

Inside the Demon City Tower laboratory, three sealed boxes from the Zhao Family were placed on the central experimental platform.

Zhao Manyan stood in front of them, staring at the boxes with rare seriousness. Usually, anything sent by his family would make him complain first and act proud second, but this time was different.

These were three high-quality Water Element Soul Seeds.

For a young master of the Zhao Family, expensive resources were not unfamiliar. But resources that perfectly suited his current Water path, and could help evolve the Water Seed embryo refined from the Merfolk Sea crystal, were another matter entirely.

Mo Fan leaned against the side of the laboratory with his arms crossed.

Feng Zhoulong stood beside the control platform, his eyes shining as if he were about to witness a new species being born.

“Open them,” Feng Zhoulong said.

Zhao Manyan took a deep breath and opened the three boxes.

Instantly, abundant water vapor burst out.

Multicolored radiance surged from the boxes, illuminating the silver-white laboratory in a dazzling cascade of flowing brilliance. For a moment, everyone felt as if they had been submerged in the deep sea. The sound of ocean waves faintly echoed through the room, rising and falling in slow, powerful rhythms.

Splash—

The laboratory trembled softly.

The combined energy of the three Water Element Soul Seeds was simply too immense. Each carried its own unique spiritual essence. One was azure-blue and full of lively tide energy. One was pale-white, cold and quiet, like deep ocean frost. The last was dark and heavy, giving off the pressure of water buried thousands of meters beneath the sea.

Zhao Manyan’s gaze swept across the three Soul Seeds.

His newly formed Water Seed embryo stirred inside his spiritual world.

It was hungry.

Not in a violent way, but in the way a young sea might long for rivers to flow into it.

Feng Zhoulong quickly reminded him, “Do not resist the energy. Your seed was born from the Merfolk Sea crystal and already carries a devouring framework. Let it guide the absorption. You only need to stabilize your Water Star River.”

Zhao Manyan swallowed. “You make it sound easy.”

Mo Fan glanced at him. “You survived the deep sea. Don’t embarrass yourself here.”

“Can you not pressure me right before I gamble with my cultivation?” Zhao Manyan snapped.

Even while complaining, Zhao Manyan extended both hands and placed them into the radiance of the three Soul Seeds.

Water light rippled.

Wave after wave of pure Water Element energy surged into his body through his arms.

Rumble!

The next moment, Zhao Manyan felt as if his body was being washed from the inside out. His bones, tendons, blood, and organs were soaked in a dense, nourishing power. It was not violent like Fire, nor sharp like Lightning. It was deep, continuous, and overwhelming, like an ocean slowly raising its tide around him.

His physique began to strengthen.

This was only a side effect.

The true transformation was taking place inside his spiritual world.

His Water Star River opened like a dark-blue heavenly river, accepting all forms of Soul Seed origin power without rejection. The Water Seed embryo floated above it, rotating slowly as it swallowed the three different essences. The more it absorbed, the deeper its color became.

The Star River rose as if the water level itself was climbing.

Its riverbed broadened.

Its depth increased.

Although its cultivation level did not directly leap forward, its essence became far more profound, like an ordinary river beginning to transform into a vast sea.

Outside, waves burst from Zhao Manyan’s body one after another.

Dark-blue brilliance shimmered around him, lighting up half the laboratory. The air became heavy with moisture. Water vapor gathered overhead like storm clouds, and faint lightning-like flashes moved inside those clouds as the pressure continued increasing.

Nearby lab personnel were pushed toward the edge of the room by wave after wave of invisible water pressure.

Their eyes filled with shock as they watched Zhao Manyan being engulfed by a dark-blue ocean aura.

“This defensive tendency is incredible,” Feng Zhoulong muttered, staring at the readings. “The seed is not simply increasing water power. It is reshaping the quality of his Water Element.”

Mo Fan looked at Zhao Manyan and nodded slightly.

This suited him.

Zhao Manyan’s combat path had always been defense, endurance, and protection. If this Water Seed succeeded, his Water Element would no longer be a simple shield. It would become a system: absorbing impact, weakening attacks, layering defense, and turning pressure into strength.

No one knew how much time passed.

Eventually, the violent water aura settled.

Zhao Manyan opened his eyes.

A deep-blue light flashed through his pupils, then slowly faded.

Feng Zhoulong, who had been watching nervously the entire time, immediately asked, “How is it? How much has your strength improved?”

Zhao Manyan carefully sensed his condition.

First of all, his body had changed.

His blood energy had risen under the nourishment of the Water Seed’s sublimation. He was still far from a true Commander-level physique, but compared to before, his body had clearly become tougher, more resilient, and more full of vitality. His breathing was deeper, his heartbeat steadier, and his muscles felt as if they had been soaked in pure ocean essence.

Zhao Manyan clenched his fists lightly.

Water vapor condensed around his fingers.

“Damn,” he muttered. “I feel like I could get punched by a Warrior-level creature and not immediately regret being born.”

Mo Fan said calmly, “That’s your standard?”

“I’m a defensive mage. Not dying is a very important standard.”

Feng Zhoulong ignored their bickering and continued recording.

Zhao Manyan then looked inward again.

His Water Star River had not directly broken through to the next cultivation level, but it had advanced significantly. He had only recently reached High Tier Water, yet now the Star River felt much fuller and more stable. It had been pushed close to the peak of its current stage, saving him a large amount of cultivation time.

However, those were only secondary gains.

The true harvest was the Water Seed.

The Water Devouring Seed embryo had been promoted into a top-grade Soul Seed.

Its amplification had reached six times.

Combined with the special water-repelling artifact and defensive resources Zhao Manyan carried, the practical effect of his Water Magic could approach an absurd level. In terms of pure defensive output, it was already close to the lower boundary of a minor Heaven Seed.

Feng Zhoulong’s voice trembled slightly with excitement.

“Successful. Completely successful.”

Zhao Manyan’s eyes brightened. “How strong is it?”

Feng Zhoulong adjusted his glasses and said, “The amplification alone is six times. But that is not the most important part. The true value lies in the four special effects.”

“Four?” Zhao Manyan immediately straightened.

Mo Fan also looked over.

Feng Zhoulong nodded. “The original seed embryo had two foundational tendencies: Tide and Withering. After devouring three high-quality Water Soul Seeds, it awakened two more secondary effects: Mystic Weight and Abyssal Sea.”

Zhao Manyan repeated the names slowly. “Tide… Withering… Mystic Weight… Abyssal Sea.”

Feng Zhoulong pointed at the first projection.

“Tide is a passive effect. It strengthens flow, recovery, and layered defense. When you cast Water Shield or high-tier Water defense magic, the shield will not simply take the attack once. It will circulate like waves. The first layer receives impact, the second layer disperses it, and the third layer repairs the defense.”

Zhao Manyan’s eyes grew brighter.

That was exactly his style.

Feng Zhoulong continued, “Withering has also evolved. It is no longer simple erosion. It now carries an Extreme Yin tendency. Any attack that enters your Water Magic will have its force, heat, and energy activity weakened layer by layer. Against Fire, Lightning, poison, corrosive magic, and even some spiritual pressure, it will have a draining effect.”

Mo Fan raised an eyebrow.

That was strong.

For Zhao Manyan, who already specialized in defense, Withering would make his shields extremely annoying. Enemies would not merely be blocked. Their attacks would be worn down, softened, and exhausted.

Feng Zhoulong then pointed at the third projection.

“Mystic Weight. This one came from the deep-sea pressure contained in the Merfolk Sea crystal. A single drop of water refined to the extreme can become dozens of times heavier than normal water. When used with Water Shield, Raging Tides, or Water Curtain, both impact force and defensive strength will increase significantly.”

Zhao Manyan raised his hand.

A small drop of water appeared above his palm.

It looked ordinary.

Then it fell.

Tap.

The experimental platform beneath it immediately trembled, and a small dent appeared where the water drop landed.

Zhao Manyan’s mouth slowly opened.

“Holy…”

Mo Fan glanced at the dent. “Not bad. You can finally hurt someone by crying on them.”

“Can you let me enjoy this for one second?”

Feng Zhoulong looked even more excited. “And this is not the limit. Mystic Weight will scale with your cultivation. In the future, the pressure could become hundreds or even thousands of times heavier. At that point, your Water Magic will no longer be soft defense alone. It can crush, suppress, and immobilize enemies through sheer pressure.”

Zhao Manyan suddenly imagined himself dropping a curtain of water on an enemy and flattening them like a mountain pressing down.

His smile became much brighter.

“What about Abyssal Sea?” he asked.

Feng Zhoulong’s expression became more serious.

“Abyssal Sea is the only active effect among the four. It draws from the concept of the deep sea as a boundless abyss. Water is soft, but because it is soft, it can dissolve and swallow all things. When activated, Abyssal Sea can devour incoming magical attacks and convert part of their energy into Water Element power.”

Mo Fan’s gaze sharpened slightly.

“That sounds close to Chaos.”

“Yes,” Feng Zhoulong said. “It carries certain characteristics similar to Chaos Magic, but the principle is still Water. It does not reverse attacks directly. It absorbs, dissolves, and transforms. The cost is high, and the stronger the attack, the greater the burden on Zhao Manyan’s Water Star River.”

Zhao Manyan fell silent.

This was not a simple defensive Soul Seed anymore.

Tide strengthened his layered defense.

Withering weakened enemy attacks.

Mystic Weight gave his water crushing pressure.

Abyssal Sea could swallow and convert magic.

These four effects together made his Water Element terrifyingly complete.

Feng Zhoulong said, “The first three are passive and apply automatically to your Water Magic. Abyssal Sea is active and consumes a large amount of magic energy. Don’t use it recklessly before your Water Element stabilizes further.”

Zhao Manyan nodded seriously.

For once, he did not make a joke.

He could feel how valuable this was.

The seed had not simply made him stronger. It had given his Water Element a direction.

Defense.

Erosion.

Pressure.

Devouring.

Feng Zhoulong continued, “The reason your body improved so much is likely due to the cleansing effects of the first three abilities. Tide nourishes and permeates the body. Withering destroys impurities and stale energy. Mystic Weight tempers your blood, muscles, and bones through pressure. Together, they are extremely suitable for strengthening physique.”

Zhao Manyan clenched his fists again.

His body did feel lighter and heavier at the same time. Lighter because the Water Element flowed more naturally through him. Heavier because every movement carried a faint deep-sea pressure.

Mo Fan looked at him and said, “Your turtle shell just became much harder.”

Zhao Manyan grinned. “Call it a dragon turtle shell from now on.”

“No.”

“Damn it.”

Feng Zhoulong ignored them and stared at the Water Seed readings like a man looking at his greatest masterpiece.

“Your Water Devouring Seed and Mo Fan’s Blood Abyss cursed-bead system are two of the greatest creations I have worked on so far,” Feng Zhoulong said. “This Soul Seed is practically a half-Heaven Seed already. What do you plan to name it?”

Zhao Manyan froze.

“Name it?”

“Of course,” Feng Zhoulong said. “A seed with four special effects and this level of growth potential deserves a name.”

Zhao Manyan rubbed his chin.

For once, he did not pick something flashy immediately. He thought about the deep sea they had crossed, the Merfolk Sea, the escaped Water Elemental Spirits, the terrifying pressure of the abyss, and the heavy, dark-blue water now flowing in his spiritual world.

After a moment, he said, “North Underworld Heavy Water.”

Mo Fan glanced at him.

Zhao Manyan continued, sounding more satisfied the more he spoke. “North Underworld represents the abyssal sea—immeasurably deep. The water is dark, extremely yin, infinitely soft, but so heavy that even feathers cannot float on it. Layered waves rise until they reach the sky.”

Feng Zhoulong’s eyes lit up.

“What a name! Full of grandeur. North Underworld Heavy Water… good, very good. This Soul Seed of yours practically qualifies as a half-Heaven Seed.”

Zhao Manyan’s face immediately filled with pride.

Mo Fan said, “Don’t float away. Your water is too heavy for that.”

Zhao Manyan’s expression stiffened. “You really can’t let me be cool.”

Feng Zhoulong continued, “If you want my suggestion, your future fourth-stage improvement should be to absorb a real Heaven Seed outright. Stack the multiplier to twelve times, stabilize the four effects, and your Water Element will have a place even among the strongest magical halls in the world.”

“Heaven Seed?” Zhao Manyan’s pride instantly faded.

That thing was not something even the Zhao Family could casually hand out.

A true Heaven Seed depended on will, compatibility, and opportunity. It was not just a resource that could be bought with money. Even if one appeared, countless clans, organizations, and Super Mages would fight for it.

Mo Fan crossed his arms and said, “At least you have a direction.”

Zhao Manyan sighed. “A very expensive direction.”

“You’re from the Zhao Family.”

“That doesn’t mean I can burn money like paper!”

Mo Fan looked at him silently.

Zhao Manyan coughed. “Fine. Maybe a little.”

Feng Zhoulong carefully shut down the experimental formation. “For now, don’t overuse North Underworld Heavy Water. Let it settle in your Water Star River. Once you fully adapt to it, your defensive ability will be completely different from before.”

Zhao Manyan looked at his hand.

A dark-blue ripple appeared, then slowly sank into his palm.

He could feel it.

The Water Element had become part of him in a deeper way.

When he had gone into the Merfolk Sea, he had relied mostly on defensive tools, Light Magic, and Mo Fan’s support. But now, if he entered the deep sea again, he would not be nearly as helpless.

Mo Fan looked at the time.

They had already delayed another day.

Feng Li’s missed calls were becoming increasingly terrifying.

Zhao Manyan noticed Mo Fan checking his phone and asked, “Are you finally going back to the National Team?”

Mo Fan put the phone away. “Yeah.”

“Mentor Feng Li is going to explode.”

“He’ll live.”

“You might not.”

Mo Fan smiled. “What’s one more scolding?”

Zhao Manyan shook his head.

Only Mo Fan could say something like that after repeatedly skipping team arrangements.

Before leaving, Zhao Manyan turned back toward Feng Zhoulong and said sincerely, “Old Feng, thanks. I owe you one.”

Feng Zhoulong waved his hand. “No need. Just cooperate with future tests.”

Zhao Manyan’s sincere expression immediately collapsed.

“Can I take back the thanks?”

“No.”

Mo Fan laughed and walked toward the exit.

Zhao Manyan followed behind him, still feeling the dark-blue water flowing through his spiritual world.

North Underworld Heavy Water.

Tide.

Extreme Yin.

Mystic Weight.

Abyssal Sea.

The Water Elemental Spirit had escaped, but this trip had not been wasted. The next time Zhao Manyan stood in front of Mo Fan as a shield, he would no longer be only a rich young master hiding behind magic tools.

He would be a true defensive mage.

And perhaps, when they found the Water Elemental Spirits again, this seed would become the bridge that allowed him to earn their recognition.