Chapter 661: The Extremely High Learning Barrier of Totem Studies
“Xiao Han, how did you come to think about studying totems? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to stop you from learning anything; I’m just amazed at your courage to pursue learning at this moment.”
“Maybe… ignorance is fearless? I exchanged insights from the Reincarnation Rebirth Spell with a few Witch Sisters for equivalent knowledge. I originally intended to study Rune Literature, but then I noticed Totem Studies and took the opportunity to request it as well,” I explained while looking at Principal Mei.
“Ignorance is fearless, huh… That really is an enviable state. I have dabbled in Totem Studies, but I didn’t have your mindset back then,” Mei Linde seemed to reminisce about her past after hearing my words. “However… since that’s the case, I really shouldn’t give you my research materials.”
“Huh? Why not?”
I looked at Sister Mei in surprise. This sudden turn of events was unexpected; I thought this development meant she would agree.
“Because Totem Studies is not learned in a conventional way. The current teaching methods at the academy primarily include self-study, and rather than learning, it’s more about imitation. Although imitation is an important part of learning, the imitative approach in Totem Studies is a path that leads absolutely nowhere; it is the complete opposite of learning Runes,” Principal Mei seriously explained her insights to me.
“Completely opposite approach…” Upon hearing this, I felt a vague inspiration bubbling within, but I couldn’t materialize it into my own thoughts. “I have a similar idea because I found that no matter how much I study finished totems, they have no effect. So… it can’t be learned, remembered, or mastered like Runes, is that what you mean?”
“I don’t know, but at least it’s significantly different from a doomed way of learning.” Principal Mei shook her head. “So I won’t give you my research materials. It’s not that I don’t want to share my results; it’s that your approach is wrong. If you follow my path, the best outcome will be that you only learn what I teach you. Without mastery of the learning method, you’ll always rely on others, and that relationship is akin to that of an apothecary and alchemist.”
“If this relationship is all there is, isn’t that fine? Just like in Rune Literature, without mastering a large number of Runes, one can’t master the technique of complex Runes, so it can’t be self-taught,” I offered my rare rebuttal, though it was just out of curiosity, not because I genuinely wished to depend on others.
“The difference lies here. Your way of thinking isn’t wrong, but the analogy is for understanding the problem, not solving it. Runes can be understood generally, but totem studies cannot. This is the fundamental reason why the learning methods for both are similar, yet one is feasible while the other is not.”
“Then… does that mean the learning barrier for totems is too high?”
“Yes.” Principal Mei nodded in affirmation of my statement. “Generally speaking, learning knowledge is quite convenient, like Runes—learning the completed form can be put into practice right away, and spells—learning the prototype allows one to understand its principles. However, the finished prototypes of totems hold no real meaning.”
“They belong to rootless products with a gap in information. Whether it’s the perception of Real Time or your Spirit Vision, even floating-world level Spirit Vision won’t serve as a shortcut. It is even more troublesome than Rootless and Insightless concepts of Extraordinary Knowledge.”
“At least Extraordinary Knowledge can be researched slowly with a substantial accumulation; perhaps after thousands of years, one might understand what this Extraordinary Knowledge represents. But totems are a frustrating challenge with no starting point, an insurmountable gap that cannot be crossed by mere accumulation.”
After saying this, Sister Mei paused for a moment to calm her emotions; after all, she was an experienced Extraordinary Witch.
However, facing a gap she couldn’t bridge herself, she unconsciously revealed the weight of pressure in her words, imposing it on the listener.
“Let’s not dwell on that—sorry, I seem to have made things too heavy. In fact, Totem Studies really depend on talent and understanding. Xiao Han, you shouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself; in my view, your talent and comprehension are top-notch. Since you can take an interest in Totem Studies, that means you are qualified to boldly pursue it.” Mei Linde encouraged me.
However, she also understood that whether describing the difficulties to help Xiao Han recognize obstructions or encouraging her too much could lead to unnecessary pressure, neither seemed like a good choice.
She should have suppressed her curiosity and desire to express from the start, calmly teaching when Xiao Han asked this question, so as not to dampen Xiao Han’s enthusiasm or leave her with guilt after failure following encouragement.
“Then… Sister Mei, how should I learn?” At this moment, I also asked my question.
If those research materials were not particularly useful for learning and the summarized experiences couldn’t serve as nutrients to advance the learning process, then there must be some method of learning, right?
Since Totem Studies could be summarized as such, there had to be a learning method, but this method was like a barrier—not everyone was qualified to learn it.
And I also had some guesses.
Earlier, when I was contemplating how to learn, I came up with two methods: one was understanding how to “trace back to the source,” and the other was understanding how totems come into existence.
They correspond to methods of trial and roads of methodology.
“Totems have no systematic learning methods, and scholars who embark on studying totems mostly come into contact with them by chance or coincidence, and then learn backwards,” Sister Mei explained this absurdity while trying to express it clearly.
“Because this sort of coincidence or inadvertent thought resonates with totems, and this breakthrough point is the learning barrier for totems. Moreover, each person’s learning method is different, and the same method cannot be replicated.”
“Uh… Is the barrier really that high?” Hearing this requirement, I was momentarily dumbfounded. Aren’t these coincidences just my method of “tracing back”?
Tracing back is just a concept, devoid of any techniques or methods, relying solely on luck?
“Yes, so… Xiao Han, are you still prepared to learn?”
“Mm, of course! Even if there’s no learning method, I’ll still ponder over it in my spare time.”
“Alright…” Sister Mei seemed quite satisfied with my answer. “In that case, I’ll give you an opportunity.”
Before I even had time to react, Sister Mei began to explain to me again.
“There are countless secret realms within the Witch Academy, and many of these were left behind by graduated students after they left. More so, there are experimental grounds that our instructors have opened up, similar to the Fool Village Secret Realm.”
“Since you want to study totems, I have a secret realm that can help you with your learning.”
“Really!” Upon hearing this sudden turn of events from Sister Mei, I could hardly believe it!
“Note, it can inspire you in many ways, but it cannot provide knowledge for your learning directly. On this journey, you may gain nothing, or you may have some inspiration but ultimately achieve nothing… but I believe you won’t refuse, right?”
“Right! I won’t refuse! Which secret realm is it? Can I go right now?” I eagerly inquired, following Sister Mei’s words.
“Not so fast.” Seeing my impatience, Sister Mei immediately calmed me down and began to explain. “That place is essentially an abandoned totem research experimental site of mine. Just going there won’t be of any help; I need time to arrange it in a way I can understand, so you must realize that because this is arranged according to my ideas, you need to have your own thoughts.”
“I understand! I’m going to trouble Sister Mei again…” I quickly replied, “Then… how long will this take?”
“Isn’t this too urgent? It will take some effort to clean up and arrange it; how about after the holiday? After all, I’m quite busy right now; you see me looking idle, but this clone of mine is just idle,” Sister Mei said with a smile.
“Oh, right… Okay then.” At this moment, I realized that I had been communicating with Sister Mei’s clone all along.
“However, I do have some materials that I can share with you for reference.”
“Huh? Didn’t you say I couldn’t refer to them?” I asked hesitantly, feeling like I was being led in circles by Sister Mei.
“I said those materials shouldn’t be given to you to avoid wasting your time; being obsessed with immediate knowledge won’t benefit you. But that doesn’t mean I can’t show you some materials—at least some foundational knowledge that is objective and won’t mislead can help you gain a higher understanding of totems.”
“Oh, I see.” I quickly nodded to indicate that I understood.
After wrapping up the discussion on Totem Studies, Sister Mei also shared that knowledge with me using the Great Knowledge Sharing Technique.
But now was not the best time to study this information.
In the subsequent period, Sister Mei and I discussed matters related to the Wanlian Main Network Tree and Knowledge Seeds.
Of course, it wasn’t a highly professional technical discussion, but rather a conversation that clarified how important what I was currently doing really was.
For example, the model of the Wanlian Main Network Tree is based on a network of plant root systems. These technologies are actually not difficult to achieve; there are even alternative Extraordinary Networks available. These technologies exist in many worlds that have reached modernity and touch upon Extraordinary Power.
In the Void, it’s virtually possible to create different Extraordinary Networks.
But why is my Wanlian Main Network Tree so highly regarded?
Because it has two foundations.
The first foundation is its remarkable compatibility, meaning it can almost accommodate the vast majority of existing Extraordinary Networks, which is built upon its powerful compatibility derived from its plant characteristics, spanning multiple extraordinary energies and earth veins.
Extraordinary Networks can generally be divided into two types: one constructed from Extraordinary Energy, which includes common energies such as elements, magic power, witch power, and natural forces. As long as one masters Extraordinary Power, they have methods to adapt to energy networks.
The other type is the more advanced earth vein network. Because of its uniqueness, earth vein energy is listed separately, which shows its distinctiveness as it’s better suited to the world’s very nature.
The Wanlian Main Network Tree’s compatibility thus spans both types; it is itself an extraordinary creation and can also communicate with earth veins.
Although it is not perfectly universal, it can be compatible and adaptable; this is the main point. As long as there is a foundation, compatibility issues can be resolved.
The second foundation is that it is a technological creation under the Great Knowledge Tree system, fully compatible with the Great Knowledge Sharing Technique, representing a natural symbiosis.
What is the Great Knowledge Sharing Technique?
It is a fearsome skill tested in extreme void environments, serving as a foundation for interconnecting worlds across the void.
With just these two foundations, it is deserving of the attention of many witches in the Expanding Realm, who have established a massive laboratory centered around a single Wanlian Main Network Tree.
As for the advantages of easy dissemination and simple repair, they have become mere supporting characters.
I also shared some of my thoughts, such as the Initial Dream World login technique possessed by the Witch Race, which can also ignore the boundaries of the void for communication, but this is limited to Extraordinary Witches and not applicable to an entire world.
Even if one wanted to let non-Extraordinary Witches use the Initial Dream World, it would require specialized equipment and permission applications. Just considering that the Witch Academy cannot provide one device per student shows the degree of difficulty in its popularization.
Keep in mind, witches have footprints across the void but are not spread from world to world. Many worlds that do not reject the Witch Race need means to connect with the void when touching worlds beyond their own. Many witches do not mind helping them out when they have the ability.
As for how inter-world communication occurs in the current void environment, there are many approaches, such as relying on designated individuals to cross the void and relay messages.
If several worlds are close together in the void, they may even initiate a massive void interconnection project, and this prerequisite is mutual trust among the worlds.
Another approach is mastering techniques to establish large cross-world teleportation channels, which require constant determination of void positions to prevent catastrophic misalignment.
However, regardless of the method, a foundational element is required—a massive quantity of extraordinary powers or incredibly advanced techniques.
Thus, small worlds are usually unqualified for void communication.
In the void, there are the most small worlds, yet they cannot send even a whisper of information or news to worlds beyond theirs.
So, without possessing profound void detection abilities, they can only explore the void, and only upon reaching the door to that world can they discover the other; otherwise, they would not even know that there is a small world here in the void.
Therefore, the Wanlian Main Network Tree plus the Great Knowledge Sharing Technique can interconnect the worlds discovered by the Witch Race through this technology.
Although there are still many issues, such as promotion and civilization gaps, in general, it is certainly beneficial.
Even if there are no benefits, there are plenty of witches among the Witch Race who, feeling bored, enjoy finding things to do, simply for the fun of it.
For example, linking two civilizations that have conflicting developments, clashing cultures, and differing concepts through a network, and watching the two worlds hurl insults at each other during idle times.
Moreover, since the two worlds cannot physically interact, they can only engage virtually. If a gaming platform is built, it could potentially lead to a virtual world war occurring yearly.
How entertaining is that?
There’s no doubt; if witches possess such abilities, then Extraordinary Witches can genuinely conduct such activities.
Even finding excuses is easy, promoting cultural exchanges between different worlds.
