The interior of the Central Fortress was far more magnificent than it appeared from the outside.

Stepping through the main gate, the first thing that met the eye was a grand hall with a thirty-meter-high domed ceiling.

The dome was inlaid with countless glowing crystals arranged in a complex Star Map, casting a soft yet bright radiance.

The hall’s floor was paved with neatly cut black stone slabs, polished to a mirror finish that reflected the figures of the Wizards coming and going.

A subtle hum from intersecting Energy Fields filled the air, along with the faint scent of Purification.

’The Purification Array here must be at least Tier Two, perhaps even higher.’

Unlike the noisy square outside, the fortress interior was exceptionally quiet.

All those present were Official Wizards, dressed in robes of various colors. Their auras were composed and their steps unhurried.

When they spoke to one another, they kept their voices low, maintaining a certain reserve and detachment befitting the powerful.

Ian’s arrival didn’t attract much attention.

A newly promoted Level One Wizard wasn’t particularly conspicuous in a frontline stronghold that gathered the elites of various factions.

He looked toward the west side of the hall, where a massive Light Curtain stood. Still, a few gazes from the corners of the room quietly fell upon him.

That was the "Merit Point Exchange and Permission Level Update Station."

Three Wizards stood before the Light Curtain, browsing the list.

Ian stopped a short distance away and waited quietly.

His gaze swept over the Light Curtain. The information scrolling across it was completely different from what was available in the Apprentice Area.

[Tier Two Purification Array Disc (for Core Area residence): 500 Merit Points (Requires Level One Wizard permission)]

[Elemental Resonance Advanced Theory (Knowledge Scroll): 5,000 Merit Points]

[Tier One Top Level Meditation Method, Deep Lake Meditation Method: 12,000 Merit Points]

[Guidance from a Level Two Wizard (three-hour session): 6,000 Merit Points]

...

The prices were staggering, but the rarity of the items also far surpassed those in the Apprentice Area.

After only a few moments, the three Wizards seemed to have completed their exchanges and turned to leave.

Ian walked up, and after submitting the Abyssal Crystals, he took out his Demon Hunting Jade Token and placed it in a slot beneath the Light Curtain.

HUMMM...

The Jade Token vibrated slightly. The Silver Runes on the Light Curtain began to flow like water, rapidly undergoing Reorganization to display a brand-new interface.

At the very top, a line of silver text appeared:

[Identity Verification: Ian]

[Permission Level: Level One Wizard (Newly Promoted)]

[Available Merit Points: 13,760]

Below, the exchange list was divided into several sections: Knowledge, Resources, Potions, Arrays, Services...

Ian first clicked on the "Knowledge" section.

Countless entries unfolded, ranging from Tier One Witchcraft Models, Meditation Methods, Alchemy, Magic Potion Science, and Rune Array Theory, to various Travelogues, Hidden Histories, and the Abyssal Creatures Atlas... it had everything.

Prices ranged from several hundred to tens of thousands of Merit Points.

He quickly scanned the list, his eyes finally settling on a few items:

*Essentials of Building Tier One Compound Witchcraft Models* (3,000 Merit Points).

This was exactly what he needed right now. It could provide systematic guidance, helping him to further optimize and integrate his existing Limit-Breaking Skills, and even develop new Compound Witchcraft.

*Refining and Controlling Spirit Power after Vaporization* (2,500 Merit Points).

This was essential knowledge for a newly promoted Level One Wizard to solidify their Realm.

*A Guide to Summoned Demon Cultivation and Advanced Contracts* (1,800 Merit Points). This concerned Gaga’s future development.

’Knowledge is the true foundation.’ Ian didn’t hesitate, selecting all three.

In an instant, his Merit Points decreased by 7,300, leaving him with 6,460.

A notification popped up at the bottom of the Light Curtain: [The selected Knowledge Scrolls will be transported to the "Knowledge Retrieval Point" in the Core Area within a quarter of an hour. Please collect them with your Jade Token.]

Ian continued to browse the "Resources" section.

His gaze quickly locked onto one item:

[Private Residence in the Core Area (with Tier Two Purification Array, Basic Element Regulation, and independent protection).

Rental Price: 200 Merit Points for the first month (promotional price), 500 Merit Points per month thereafter (Requires Level One Wizard permission)]

’This is it.’

Although it was expensive, the effect of a Tier Two Purification Array was far beyond what his Tier One Array Disc could achieve. Besides, this was a residence, not a temporary Cultivation Room.

It would not only completely purify the Energy for him to cultivate in peace but also regulate the elemental environment, which would be a great aid to his Meditation.

More importantly, the Core Area represented safety and status.

There, even factions like the Shadow Moon Tower or the Deep Red Royal Court would have to think twice before causing trouble for him.

No weaklings resided in the Core Area, and its inhabitants were protected by the stronghold’s stricter Rules.

He selected "Rent," and his Merit Points decreased by another 200.

With the remaining Merit Points, he exchanged for some materials to refine the Concentration Potion. He wanted to try for a Limit-Breaking version before deciding whether to look for other formulas.

Finally, he exchanged for some Concentration Dew, which was used to quickly restore the Spiritual Power of Level One Wizards. It wasn’t cheap, costing 100 Merit Points per bottle, and he bought 10 bottles.

He still had some Merit Points left, but he decided to wait a few days for the exchange list to refresh before looking again.

Once the exchange was complete, the Jade Token popped out of the slot.

Its color had changed from the original gray-white to a faint silver-white. An exquisite border of runic patterns had been added to its edge, and it felt smoother and warmer to the touch.

Next to the star-dot pattern on the back, a line of small text had appeared: [Permission: Level One].

At the same time, a side door next to the Light Curtain slid open silently.

A middle-aged Wizard wearing a Silver Ring Wizard Robe walked in. His aura was approximately at the Level One Middle Stage.

He wore a formulaic smile and gave Ian a slight nod.

"Wizard Ian, congratulations on your promotion. I am Eugene. I’m responsible for guiding newly promoted Level One Wizards with their permissions and assigning their residences. Please, follow me."

Ian put away the Jade Token and followed calmly.

Eugene explained as they walked, his tone gentle but with a business-like efficiency.

"The Core Area is located behind the fortress, built into the mountainside. There are a total of one hundred and twenty private residences, with a current occupancy rate of about seventy percent."

"The residence you’ve rented, No. 73, is located on the middle level of the eastern rock face. It has an open view and is relatively quiet. This is the key."

He handed over a palm-sized, silver-white Metal Token engraved with complex runes.

"This Token has been bound to your Jade Token. It is the central control hub for the residence’s protective Array. Please keep it safe."

"The residence comes standard with a Tier Two Source Purification Array, which can filter out the chaotic Magic Power from underground and regulate the elemental environment, with an adjustment range of plus or minus thirty percent."

"Additionally, the residence is equipped with early warning, soundproofing, and anti-scrying Barriers. Without permission, it cannot be forcibly breached by any Wizard below Level Two."

Ian took the Token. It was slightly heavy in his hand, and he could feel a stable flow of Energy within.

"Thank you."

"You’re welcome," Eugene continued. "As a newly promoted Level One Wizard, you are entitled to the following permissions:

One, free use of the public Cultivation Rooms for two hours daily.

Two, an updated exchange list, allowing you to view previews of some Tier Two knowledge—limited to the table of contents.

Three, access to ’Level One Wizard Exclusive Missions’ in the mission hall. The rewards are higher, but they are also more dangerous.

Four, participation in the monthly ’Wizard Exchange Conference’.

Five, full protection under the ’Witchcraft Prohibition Order’ within the stronghold. Of course, this does not apply once you leave its premises."

He paused, a strange look in his eyes as he glanced at Ian.

"Also, according to our records, you accumulated an extremely high amount of Merit Points during your Apprentice phase, ranking you ninth in the Eastern War Zone."

"As is customary, the war zone command will grant you an additional reward. You may choose one of the following three options."

Ian was stunned. ’Only ninth?’

"Wizard Eugene, do you know who the top ten are?"

Eugene handed him a thin booklet. "This records the names of the top ten from each war zone. Take a look."

"Thank you." Ian took it and unrolled it.

He first looked at the Eastern War Zone, but he hadn’t heard of any of the other nine names. Still, he secretly committed them to memory.

He then quickly scanned the lists for the other war zones. As his eyes passed over the Northern War Zone, the territory of the Shadow Moon Tower...

Suddenly, a familiar name caught his attention again.

"Irena!"