On the sixth day, Mo Fan's lightning and fire elements had already broken through to Intermediate Level 2. When he opened his eyes and felt the surge of magic power coursing through his body, he knew it was time to attempt the third level.
"Hey, Lao Zhao, you're awake too?" Mo Fan said, noticing Zhao Manyan resting nearby. "Wanna head to the third floor together?"
Zhao Manyan gave him a wry smile and shook his head. "No need. I tried two days ago and couldn't make it. If it weren't for my magic recovery tool, I would've passed out on the spot."
"Oh, really?" Mo Fan raised an eyebrow, deciding not to push.
"Wait, Mo Fan," Zhao Manyan called out, tossing something his way. Mo Fan caught it and realized it was a magic recovery tool.
"There's only one left," Zhao Manyan said.
Mo Fan's heart swelled with gratitude. "Old Zhao, you're the best! If you ever need me, I'll have your back, no matter what!"
"Yeah, yeah. Just get out of here."
"Alright, I'm going!" Mo Fan exclaimed, setting off toward the third level with renewed determination.
The first step felt heavy but manageable. By the second step, it was as though a lead ball had been poured into his body. The third and fourth steps were even worse—his mind became foggy, his head pounding as if under immense pressure. But thanks to the recovery tool Zhao Manyan had given him, he managed to push forward.
Finally, he reached the third level. Collapsing on the platform, he let out a strange cry that startled Ye Chenfeng.
"Damn it!" Ye Chenfeng muttered, barely resisting the urge to kick Mo Fan back to the second floor.
Time flew by in the intense training environment of the Three-Step Tower. On the final day, Ye Chenfeng stepped out, looking invigorated, as though he had just discovered a newfound strength.
Mo Fan followed closely behind, grinning from ear to ear. "Old Ye, guess what! My fire element broke through to Intermediate Level 3, and my other systems hit Intermediate Level 2!"
"All three systems leveled up for me, too," Ye Chenfeng replied, equally thrilled. "And I've finally broken through to the Advanced Level before turning 20."
Mo Fan gawked at him. "Wait… Advanced Level? Are you serious?"
"Ahem, let's keep it low-key," Ye Chenfeng said with a smirk, though his expression betrayed anything but modesty.
Zhao Manyan joined them, giving Ye Chenfeng a thumbs-up. "It's super cool! Even my secondary water system is now at the same level as my main light system!"
Mu Nujiao, observing Ye Chenfeng's aura, couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. "Ye Chenfeng… have you reached the Advanced Level?"
"Smart as always," Ye Chenfeng confirmed with a nod.
Mu Nujiao was astonished. The magical fluctuations surrounding Ye Chenfeng reminded her of the high-ranking elders in her family.
Zhao Manyan broke the momentary silence with exciting news. "By the way, Dean Xiao has signed us up as exchange students to the capital!"
"Exchange students?" Mo Fan asked, confused.
"To put it bluntly, it's a competition between colleges. Happens every year," Zhao Manyan explained.
"Competition? That's not fair. I'm Advanced Level now—wouldn't that be bullying?" Ye Chenfeng said with mock exasperation.
Mo Fan laughed. "Exactly. Let's just think of it as a sightseeing trip."
Zhao Manyan, ever the jokester, added, "And maybe meet some beautiful girls from the capital."
Not happy with the decision, Ye Chenfeng and Mo Fan marched to Dean Xiao's office.
"Dean Xiao, this decision to send us as exchange students without consulting us feels like an insult," Ye Chenfeng said.
"That's right! We never agreed to this!" Mo Fan added.
Dean Xiao, sitting with Zhou Zhenghua, looked unfazed. Zhou Zhenghua quickly chimed in, "You two are the face of Mingzhu Academy! Who else could we send? Everyone else pales in comparison to your reputation and strength!"
Dean Xiao turned his attention to Ye Chenfeng. "You've reached the Advanced Level, haven't you?"
The room fell silent as Zhou Zhenghua processed the revelation. "An Advanced Mage? This is incredible! With you on our team, we'll crush the Imperial Capital Academy!"
Dean Xiao raised a hand to temper Zhou Zhenghua's enthusiasm. "While your advancement is remarkable, Ye Chenfeng, we don't want the Imperial Capital to accuse us of sending a ringer. We need to handle this tactfully."
Ye Chenfeng tilted his head. "So… I'm not going?"
Dean Xiao tapped his fingers on the desk, deep in thought. A sly smile played on his lips. He would send Ye Chenfeng, but in a way that would leave the Imperial Capital Academy speechless and defeated without giving them room to complain.