Deviant: No Longer Human

When a practitioner awakens two dots within the Star Map and connects them, their strength increases exponentially.

As more dots are connected and the entire Star Map begins to glow, the practitioner ascends to the next level of mastery.

This intricate process is one of several methods to harness and manipulate Aether, each offering unique paths to power.

The technique of the Mage, specifically, was not the only path; there were numerous others.

However, the 'Star Map' held a special place as it was a gift from Athene to Wang Xiao when he first began to explore the possibilities of Aether.

Despite his already superior strength, Wang Xiao was surprised by the potential of Aether and wished to explore its capabilities, having no pressing engagements.

Athene advised that it would be wiser for the world to adopt a structured approach to Aether, rather than a haphazard exploration.

Although such explorations posed no risk to a freak like Wang Xiao, they could lead to corruption or worse outcomes if pursued carelessly by the general populace.

The Star Map technique, introduced globally in 2027 by Wang Xiao through various channels, became one of the most prominent methods due to its structured nature.

He entrusted Li Zhiming with the technique, allowing him to decide whether to disseminate it further.

Over time, Wang Xiao provided Li with numerous techniques and methods for refining Aether, granting him the discretion to release them to the world or withhold them as he saw fit.

For beings like Athene, and similarly for Wang Xiao, these techniques were essentially obsolete; both had transcended the need for Aether and were no longer dependent on it.

These methods belonged to an era long past, yet they held relevance for those still bound to the physical and energetic constraints of their world.

Regarding the concept of the 'sea of consciousness,' it related less to the human notion of consciousness and more directly to Aether.

This mystical sea was not merely a psychic or mental landscape but the literal presence of Aether within the practitioner, which granted transcendent powers to humanity.

The sea of consciousness was a profound and mystical phenomenon, yet Wang Xiao understood it as a manifestation of people's conciousness of Aether flowing through their bodies.

All those who had successfully harnessed this power shared a certain affinity with Aether.

While it was normally impossible to converse directly with Aether, once it resided within one's body, an individual could feel its presence and interact with it, giving rise to what was perceived as a 'sea of consciousness.'

As Wang Xiao observed Seraphina's sea of consciousness, he noted that she had awakened a dot within it, which emitted a chilling aura.

The Aether in her body was naturally drawing in the elements of ice, indicating a strong affinity for them.

This ability was not only unique but also held significant potential for development through the Star Map and related techniques.

Despite her powers, the deeper mysteries of the Star Map and the techniques to harness this strength were still largely unknown to Seraphina.

She had once sought more knowledge from Elara, but her inquiry had been met with a cold refusal, stating that without the 'Eight Prince's' express permission, no assistance would be forthcoming.

Wang Xiao, currently in seclusion in Xianthera, was beyond her reach for direct contact, leaving Seraphina with limited options: either wait patiently or rely on the techniques now distributed among various institutions, which she suspected to be inferior and unstable.

"Thank you." Seraphina's voice was thick with gratitude as she accepted the scroll from Wang Xiao.

Yet, almost immediately, her expression shifted, and she snorted with a mix of annoyance and resentment. "You should have given this to me sooner!"

Her grumbling stemmed from a feeling of imbalance in their relationship—despite having surrendered so much to him, she felt she had received little in return.

In fact, she even felt somewhat victimized by the loss of control over her own body.

Wang Xiao, observing her reaction, smiled faintly. He understood the roots of her resentment, but such matters held little significance to him.

He had never intended to monopolize these powers or keep them hidden from his people.

"If you need anything more, ask Elara."

"Elara?" Seraphina's frown deepened, and she rolled the scroll back up, putting it away with a swift motion.

She looked at Wang Xiao, her eyes reflecting a mix of animosity and exasperation. "Why do you want to push me into the fire pit? .... That woman obviously doesn't take me seriously at all, even threatening me with her poisonous body."

"Hm?" Wang Xiao's expression shifted to one of genuine surprise upon seeing the aggrieved look on Seraphina's face.

"Did something happen between you two?" he inquired, aware of Elara's generally obedient demeanor in his presence, yet also recognizing her potential to be less than kind to others.

"I... Forget it." Seraphina's lips quivered with hesitation, her sigh betraying her reluctance to stir trouble or create discord.

Clearly, she was unsure of Elara's standing with Wang Xiao and felt intimidated by the other woman's importance to him.

Little did she know, Elara's primary role as Wang Xiao's intermediary with the outside world stemmed not from her significance to him personally but rather from her unique poisonous capabilities.

"Tell me." Wang Xiao extended a hand, gently grasping Seraphina's, which were soft as dough, her fingers slender and delicate.

Caught off-guard by his sudden gesture, Seraphina's cheeks flushed with a blush.

With some reluctance, she recounted the incident that had happened between her and Elara.

As she spoke, Wang Xiao's brow furrowed—Seraphina's tone revealed her reluctance and underlying fear of Elara.

After hearing the details, Wang Xiao reassured her, "Don't worry about Elara from now on. She won't do anything without my permission, including harming you."

Though Wang Xiao had reassured Seraphina, he resolved to visit the troublesome Elara before returning to Xianthera.

Her recent display of attitude had not gone unnoticed, and it was clear she might need a reminder of her place.

Seraphina shivered as she caught the look in Wang Xiao's eyes—a look reminiscent of a past that promised swift and decisive action.

She knew that Elara was likely to face some 'consequences' soon.