The lock on Bailu's tail, according to the in-game explanation, was designed to prevent her from uncontrollably unleashing the power of the High Elder.
It was specially crafted by a skilled artisan from the tribe.
Of course, whether there was also an intention to deliberately restrain Bailu in order to exert control over the new High Elder… well, that's another matter entirely.
Sylvia reached out and pinched the broad lock clasp.
Having absorbed much knowledge about the High Elders, Sylvia realized she could understand the lock's structure.
It somewhat resembled a weakened version of the method used to seal the Ambrosial Arbor.
It also utilized the power of Permanence to enforce the seal.
And coincidentally, Bailu harbored an uncontrollable surge of the High Elder's power within her.
Since Bailu couldn't control it herself, the leaking energy flowed smoothly through her draconic tail into the lock, and by channeling this power…
The lock's mechanism activated, imposing restrictions on the High Elder's power within Bailu.
"Hmm…"
The artisan who designed this lock certainly knew their craft.
In theory, if Bailu were to master a certain degree of Permanence, truly dreaming of the ancestral dragon's echoes from the past…
If she could complete her inheritance of the High Elder's power, removing this lock herself would be effortless.
Conversely, if she never obtained the full High Elder's power, then this lock could only be undone by an outsider.
The artisan who made the lock might have had good intentions, but whoever demanded that Bailu be locked up with it… probably didn't have kindness in mind.
Through the lock, Sylvia could sense the power of Permanence circulating within Bailu.
Its intensity wasn't exactly weak either—it was simply in a wild, uncontrolled state.
One could say Bailu definitely wasn't completely untrained in the Cloudhymn magic, but her mastery of it… was probably on par with Sylvia's own expertise in medicine.
And honestly, whether anyone among the Vidyadhara had even tried to teach her Cloudhymn magic was an open question.
Her abilities to control lightning and summon water both awakened naturally, only to be immediately clamped down by this lock.
So, because Bailu had never attempted to master or control it, her command over the power was practically zero.
While mastering the power would unlock it, this very lock suppressed Permanence—so how could Bailu even learn to control it?
The lock appeared to offer a solution, but in reality, it was just for show.
After all, Bailu spent her days immersed in medicine and healing, with no one teaching her Cloudhymn magic—where would she ever learn to unlock it?
"Why are you staring at my tail? It's not like you don't have one yourself."
Bailu's voice snapped Sylvia out of her thoughts, pulling her attention back.
Bailu had just tried to twist away and pull her tail back, but after tugging a couple of times, it didn't budge.
It then occurred to her that she'd heard Sylvia wielded a greatsword almost as tall as a person.
Her grip strength was probably no joke.
"Nothing much, just looking at the lock on your tail."
Sylvia released the large lock, and Bailu's tail swiftly zipped back with a whoosh.
"Oh, this thing? My so-called 'family,' the Dragon Elders, hung it on my tail. It's so heavy."
"Do you want it removed?"
"Huh?"
Sylvia's bold question left Bailu staring up at her, looking utterly bewildered.
Sylvia simply smiled without answering, calmly meeting her gaze.
Of course, she wouldn't just remove the lock for Bailu right away.
The fragmented High Elder's power within Bailu was still in an uncontrolled state.
Unlocking it would undoubtedly cause Bailu a lot of trouble.
Like accidentally spraying water or unleashing lightning while treating patients—that wouldn't be good.
Besides, removing the lock so openly would immediately thrust both her and Bailu into the spotlight.
No need to invite that kind of trouble.
But the Cloudhymn magic Sylvia had recently learned—that was something she could teach Bailu.
Once Bailu mastered some of that power, she could remove the lock herself.
That would be the safest approach.
After all, she'd essentially borrowed the Vidyadhara's treasured clan magic.
In return, giving the Vidyadhara a young High Elder who could wield Cloudhymn magic would be a fair exchange—like repaying a debt.
Plus, having a genuine, next-in-line High Elder right here…
Sylvia was curious to see if there were any differences between how a true High Elder wielded magic and how she did.
Since Sylvia wasn't a true Vidyadhara, there might be distinctions between her and the tribe.
Having a subject for a comparative experiment was an excellent research opportunity.
So Sylvia raised a finger and, right before Bailu's eyes, gave a slight beckoning gesture.
A transparent, miniature dragon materialized from the teacup and soared into the air.
"I'll teach you Cloudhymn magic. Once you've learned it, you'll be able to remove the lock on your tail yourself."
"…"
Bailu didn't respond immediately. Instead, she looked at Sylvia with an intensely complicated expression.
Though she held no real authority and was confined to her quarters, Bailu had still studied plenty of knowledge about the High Elders and the Vidyadhara.
Today, watching Sylvia casually demonstrate these abilities had left Bailu utterly stunned.
As she stared at Sylvia now, she fell into deep self-doubt—just which of them was the Vidyadhara's next High Elder?
How come you not only bear the dragon's likeness but also know Cloudhymn magic?
Could it be that someone switched us at birth?
Though Bailu didn't say a word, her eyes conveyed her thoughts with perfect clarity.
So Sylvia smiled and gently pinched Bailu's cheek again.
"Don't overthink it. Just keep this between us. If you want to learn, come find me here from now on."
"Mmph—alright then—"
With her cheek still pinched, Bailu decided not to dwell on it too much.
She'd long grown tired of the lock on her tail. If she could learn magic from Sylvia, sneaking out in the future would be much easier.
"But first, come with me to treat patients elsewhere—"
The more Sylvia amazed her, the more Bailu felt she'd chosen the right person. Sylvia was so incredible—being around her made Bailu feel incredibly safe.
"No rush. The most dangerous phase has already passed. Those susceptible to Mara-struck transformation have already succumbed. The Cloud Knights have evacuated and cordoned off most areas in the Starskiff Haven. Where would we even find patients if we went out now?"
Sylvia wasn't particularly keen on going out today; she'd rather practice Cloudhymn magic a bit more.
Bailu, held back by Sylvia, pouted and fell into conflicted thought.
She'd vaguely sensed this on her way over as well.
Earlier, caught up in her emotions, she hadn't pondered it deeply. Now, with Sylvia pointing it out, Bailu finally recognized the issue.
Seeing Bailu hesitate, Sylvia stated plainly:
"If you go looking for patients now, you'll only find them at the Alchemy Commission's outposts. Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of sneaking out? Better to stay and learn some magic with me."
"Mmmhmm…"
Bailu crossed her arms, her tail swaying behind her as she furrowed her brows in thought for a good while.
She finally decided to listen to Sylvia—mainly because Bailu truly dreaded going back.
Too many rules, and she'd still be under house arrest.
Better to stay with Sylvia and learn for now.
Besides, Bailu was genuinely curious about this High Elder's magic.
Although… she was even more curious about where Sylvia had learned it all.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.