Roy left the grand hall, his steps firm as he made his way toward the Technique Hall. Upon seeing him, one of the elders smiled approvingly. "Roy, here to choose another technique?"
"The Headmaster instructed me to select a high-tier earth-grade sword technique."
"Oh? It seems your progress has been remarkable!" The elder chuckled and gestured for Roy to enter the advanced technique section.
Inside, rows of sword techniques lined the hall, each radiating distinct sword intent that filled the space. Roy's eyes scanned the selection, seeking a technique that resonated with his path of cultivation.
Finally, his gaze locked onto an ancient tome emanating a faint lightning glow. Three bold characters were engraved on its cover: Thunderclap Sword Technique.
Gripping the tome, Roy felt the surge of thunderous energy within, as if submerged in a sea of lightning. Each page seemed to carry boundless sword intent intertwined with the might of thunder.
"Sword as the core, thunder as the force…" Roy murmured, recognizing how perfectly this technique harmonized with his Thunderclap Art, destined to become the foundation of his future battles.
The elder, noticing Roy's selection, adopted a solemn tone. "This is a high-tier earth-grade technique driven by lightning-attribute energy. It can tear through the void with fierce sword intent. Though difficult to master, once comprehended, it will significantly elevate your swordsmanship."
Without hesitation, Roy chose the tome. "This is the one."
The elder nodded approvingly. "The technique has three stages: The initial stage requires mastery over the balance between energy and sword intent; in the intermediate stage, the sword moves as swiftly as lightning, striking enemies a hundred paces away. Upon mastering it, you can summon the might of celestial lightning to annihilate all obstacles. Whether you can awaken the full potential of lightning and sword intent depends on your own fortune."
Returning to his training chamber, Roy sat cross-legged, eyes closed as his internal energy surged. The lightning-attribute energy coursed through his body like a raging river, seamlessly merging with the Thunderclap Sword Technique as its essence imprinted upon his spirit.
"Sword follows thunder, intent reaches the skies!"
His eyes snapped open, and a phantom of thunder manifested behind him. As his sword swept through the air, lightning crackled, and sword energy carved searing marks into the chamber walls.
Day and night, Roy trained tirelessly, refining each move and technique. His swordsmanship advanced rapidly, while his internal energy surged ever higher.
With each strike, he could feel the resonance of the world's energy. Every arc of sword light carried the formidable power of thunder, growing ever more formidable as his mastery deepened.
For three months, Roy dedicated himself to cultivating his spiritual power in the training chamber while tirelessly refining the Thunderclap Sword Technique, gradually fusing the swordsmanship with his lightning attribute energy. Sword light intertwined with flashes of thunder, creating a powerful resonance. Whether in practice or meditation, he could feel the surging power of thunder and the elevation of his sword intent.
Each sword swing seemed to slice through the air, and every lightning flash roared like the wrath of a thunder god.
Time passed swiftly, and the three-month training period neared its end. At dawn one day, Roy's eyes snapped open, sharp gleams flickering like sword light as an overwhelming aura radiated from him.
"Level 25!"
A torrent of powerful spiritual energy surged from his core like a mighty river. His muscles and meridians had been refined to perfection, and his aura firmly stepped into the pinnacle of the Intermediate Warrior level.
More significantly, his mastery of the Thunderclap Sword Technique had broken through the first layer of comprehension—his sword now moved with the force of thunder, and his intent pierced the skies.
"My sword intent has awakened!" Roy murmured, feeling the surge of newfound power within.
Though only at the initial stage of sword intent, its manifestation represented more than technique—it was a breakthrough in mindset and an insight into the true path of the sword.
Many swordsmen spent their entire lives without grasping the threshold of sword intent, yet Roy had achieved this understanding in just three months.
"Even at the initial level, this sword intent is enough to significantly boost my combat strength." Roy confidently tightened his grip on his sword.
He sheathed his blade, his gaze resolute. "The Thunderclap Sword Technique and my spiritual energy have merged seamlessly. My next goal is to fully unleash this power."
As the morning breeze swept through the courtyard, whispers spread among the disciples:
"Roy has emerged from his training! I heard he reached Level 25!"
"More than that—he's awakened sword intent! What a prodigy!"
After Roy emerged from his cultivation, his fighting spirit remained unyielding. He casually stopped a disciple of the Inner Sect and said, "Please inform Allen that I'll be waiting for him at the duel platform. I wish to have a sparring match."
The news quickly spread, and although Allen appeared calm on the surface, his mind was turbulent. "Roy is already at the peak of Level 25 Intermediate Warrior, and I've heard he has awakened sword intent. How do I fight against such an opponent?"
At the duel platform, the two faced each other, with Inner Sect disciples gathering around to watch. Conversations buzzed around them.
"Roy is actually challenging Alan?" "Alan is at Level 23, but Roy has awakened sword intent. This fight seems like it has no suspense."
Alan's expression became serious. "Once we're on the platform, there's no turning back."
"Come," Roy saidly, his long sword held horizontally before him, lightning swirling around it, exuding a powerful aura.
Alan took the first strike, wielding a green sword to unleash a dense web of sword strikes, his spiritual energy erupting as he tried to push Roy back. But Roy stood firm, his gaze sharp like a bolt of lightning.
"Thunderclap Sword Intent!"
With a low shout, Roy's sword transformed into a sky of thunderous sword shadows, filling the air with a dense and impenetrable barrage aimed straight at Alan. The thunder rumbled, the sword light dazzling, as though it would drown the entire duel platform.
Alan quickly mobilized his spiritual energy to protect himself, raising his sword to block, but the pressure of Roy's sword intent came like a massive wave, crashing relentlessly.
Sword Intent: One Strike to the Throat
Seeing that Alan was cornered, Roy suddenly activated his sword intent, his body transforming into a streak of lightning as he lunged forward, aiming for Allen's opening.
"This is bad!" Alan's heart raced with alarm, but it was too late to defend.
With lightning speed, Roy's sword, infused with overwhelming sword intent, struck towards Alan. A blinding sword light cut through the air, followed by a powerful explosion, shaking the entire arena.
Alan's sword was knocked away, and he staggered back several steps, sweat beading on his forehead.
"I've lost," Alan said, his gaze dimming, deeply shaken. "His sword intent is just too terrifying."
The disciples watching below gasped in astonishment. "Alan was instantly defeated! Roy's sword intent is too strong!" "This is beyond ordinary swordsmanship; it's a genius-level talent!"
Roy sheathed his sword and stood calmly, saying, "It was just a sparring match. Thank you."
Alan gave a wry smile. "You've entered an entirely different realm. I humbly admit defeat. My previous bias was wrong. I apologize."
In this duel, Roy not only showcased his swordsmanship talent but also made it clear to all the Inner Sect disciples:
The future king of the Inner Sect will undoubtedly be Roy!
Roy silently gazed at the sky, his thoughts distant. The King of the Inner Sect? My goal is not here.
With that, Roy turned and left, heading to find the Dean.
Inside the hall, Roy looked at the Dean and asked, "Dean, do you really think I am ready for the 4-Star Academy?"
The Dean smiled slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. "You've done exceptionally well. Your progress in swordsmanship alone proves the terrifying potential you have. As for your strength, the speed of your progress is your greatest advantage. The 4-Star Academy is strict, but as long as you continue to grow, you'll be more than capable."
With that, the Dean took a letter from the table and handed it to Roy. "This is a letter of recommendation. With it, you can enter the 4-Star Academy for more rigorous training. There, you'll face more challenges and stronger opponents. Be prepared."
Roy took the letter, his heart not filled with excitement, but with a calm nod. "Thank you, Dean. I will keep working hard."
Roy's thoughts returned to his sword. After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "Dean, is there any way to improve the quality of my sword? Although it's good, I feel that when facing stronger opponents, it may not be enough."
The Dean smiled slightly. "A sword can indeed be improved in quality. With the right materials and a skilled blacksmith, its quality can be enhanced. However, there's no rush. When you enter the 4-Star Academy, there will be more resources and opportunities, and there may even be specialized smiths who can assist you."
Roy's eyes brightened with understanding. Swordsmanship and spiritual power were not isolated. Only by continuously improving his overall abilities could he stand firm in the broader world.
The Dean continued, "But remember, while the Academy is important, the real world is far more complicated than you think. In the Academy, your opponents may be powerful cultivators, but what's more crucial is how you handle the changes of the outside world. The Academy provides the learning platform, but your true cultivation happens when facing external challenges."
The Dean's words caused Roy to reflect deeply.
External challenges... what kind of challenges could there be? Roy muttered to himself. This world is vast, and the true strong ones are not confined to an academy or a specific domain. They are the ones who can face various difficulties and solve all kinds of problems. He already had enough strength, but this was only the first step.
Roy took a deep breath and put down the letter of recommendation. He didn't rush to pack his bags but chose to stay in the Inner Sect's training room for a while longer. During this time, he would thoroughly master the basic level of his swordsmanship, stabilize his sword intent, and prepare himself for the upcoming challenges.
For the next few days, Roy did not stop his cultivation. He often stood alone on the training platform, recalling every sword strike and every burst of sword intent during his battle on the duel platform. The application of sword intent was so exquisite, and his next goal was to learn how to quickly detect the enemy's openings in combat and strike decisively with the fastest and most precise blow.
He gradually realized that swordsmanship wasn't just a contest of power; it was more about cultivating one's mindset and understanding the enemy. And now, he had entered a higher realm of swordsmanship, where the fusion of sword intent and spiritual energy made his sword technique even more imposing.
Roy cast his gaze into the distance, silently vowing to himself, No matter what enemies I face next, I will never turn back.
The Dean had once mentioned that the 4-Star Academy was only the starting point, and the real world would be the test of whether he could stand out. He no longer sought to be bound by the Academy but intended to carve out his own path in the vast world.