Roy's days of stabilizing his cultivation were peaceful yet fulfilling. Each realization and improvement in his sword intent brought him closer to the pinnacle of swordsmanship he pursued. The bamboo forest swayed gently in the breeze, its rustling leaves adding a serene backdrop to his training. After completing today's session, Roy decided to venture deeper into the bamboo grove to bid farewell to the mysterious old man.
The elderly figure sat on a bamboo chair, smiling warmly as Roy approached. "It seems you're about to step onto a grander stage," the old man remarked.
Roy was momentarily surprised. "Grandfather, how did you know?"
With a hearty laugh, the elder stroked his beard. "I'm the guardian of this place. How could I not know your situation?" His voice carried a tone of wisdom and kindness. "However, I never mentioned my own cultivation level, did I? I'm at Level 150—an entry-level War God."
"Level 150..." Roy was stunned, realizing this was a realm far beyond his current comprehension. But what followed shocked him even more.
"Even with my strength, I wouldn't qualify as an outer sect elder at the 4-Star Academy," the old man said calmly. "The world is vast beyond your imagination, and the caliber of the 4-Star Academy is something you cannot fully grasp just yet."
A wave of invisible pressure weighed on Roy's heart. He had worked relentlessly, pushing himself to break through, and had finally reached the threshold to enter the prestigious academy. Yet now he realized it was a place teeming with powerful beings far beyond what he had anticipated.
"Relax," the old man chuckled. "With your talent and determination, you will undoubtedly carve out your own place. The path of cultivation has no end, but perseverance always brings rewards."
Taking a deep breath, Roy bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Grandfather, for your guidance and encouragement."
"I merely offered a few words. Your true growth depends on you," the old man said, waving dismissively.
Just as Roy was about to bid farewell, the elder suddenly posed a question. "Roy, if one day this world faces destruction—whether to protect humanity or other races—and it requires you to sacrifice yourself, what would you do?"
Roy paused, looking up at the old man with unwavering resolve. "I would do it. From the moment I chose this path, I knew sacrifices might be necessary. Perhaps I lack the strength for such responsibility now, but I believe that one day I will have the courage to bear it."
The old man's eyes gleamed with approval. "Well said. Remember, no matter the circumstances, hold fast to your original intent. Swordsmanship is not merely the pursuit of power but also a commitment to protect and uphold."
As Roy turned to leave the bamboo forest, a newfound clarity filled his heart. No matter what challenges awaited, he would forge ahead with his sword as his guide, cutting through every obstacle in his path.
Roy practiced in the courtyard, his swordlight swirling around him like a domain woven from thunder and sword intent, making it impossible for anyone to approach lightly. Just then, an elder arrived at the courtyard entrance and spoke with a respectful tone, "Roy, the headmaster summons you."
Roy slowly opened his eyes, the waves of spiritual energy within him subsiding like a receding tide. His entire being seemed to merge with the world, exuding a sacred and profound aura. Rising to his feet, he responded softly, "Understood. I'll go now."
He made his way to the headmaster's garden. The place was filled with the fragrance of flowers, rich in spiritual energy, accompanied by the chirping of birds and cicadas, creating a serene and harmonious atmosphere. The headmaster sat by a stone table, holding a tea cup in hand. Seeing Roy approach, he smiled warmly, his expression full of satisfaction.
"Roy, your growth has brought me great joy. Now, the time has come for you to set out for the 4-Star Academy and step into a broader world." The headmaster retrieved a small pouch from his storage bag and handed it to Roy. "Here are 2,000 spiritual stones, a token of support from our academy. Remember, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, but I believe you have the strength to go far."
Taking the pouch of spiritual stones, Roy felt a surge of gratitude. He bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Headmaster, for your guidance and support. No matter where I go, I will never forget the academy's nurturing."
The headmaster nodded gently, his voice carrying a tone of earnest expectation. "Go now; someone is already waiting for you outside. Once you arrive, you will encounter more geniuses and face greater difficulties. But as long as you persist in your cultivation, you will eventually carve out your own place."
Roy turned and left the garden, his gaze resolute. Reaching the academy's entrance, he found a spirit-powered carriage waiting for him. The driver, a middle-aged man with a powerful aura, glanced at Roy and nodded slightly. "Roy, correct? Are you ready? Let's depart."
Roy nodded in response and leapt onto the carriage. As the spirit-powered carriage soared into the sky, the academy gradually receded into the distance.
The carriage traversed winding mountain paths as the light of dawn bathed the land. Mist lingered on distant peaks, resembling a living painting. Roy sat inside, gazing out at the picturesque scenery. Breaking the silence, he asked, "Where exactly is the academy I'm heading to?"
The middle-aged driver, steering the carriage with a composed demeanor tinged with reverence, replied, "We're heading to Starshine City, one of the most prosperous cities in the Carlos Empire, near the heart of the realm. The Celestara Academy, a 4-Star institution, is located there. It's a true testing ground for the strongest, attracting the most talented individuals across the empire."
Roy nodded slightly, his expression curious yet thoughtful. "Is it really that formidable?"
The driver chuckled lightly, eyes fixed ahead. "Celestara Academy is but one of the empire's 4-Star academies, second only to the prestigious 5-Star institutions. At your current level of 25, surviving in that environment will demand not just talent, but relentless effort."
Roy fell silent for a moment, clenching his fists. "I'll prove myself with my strength."
---
After a bumpy journey, the carriage halted at the edge of a small town by dusk. Though modest in size, the town bustled with activity. On its cobblestone streets, people moved about busily, while market stalls displayed fresh fruits, wild game, and handmade goods. The air carried the tantalizing aroma of roasted meat and spices.
The driver glanced back at Roy. "We'll rest here for the night. Feel free to wander around and pick up anything you might need."
Roy alighted from the carriage, strolling through the lively streets as his gaze swept over the surroundings. The vitality of the townsfolk and their bustling lives struck a contrast with his own journey of trials and challenges. He murmured to himself, "What kind of threats do humans and other races truly face… Perhaps I'll understand someday."
He scanned his surroundings, his eyes settling on a shop with a sign reading Secret Elixirs hanging above the entrance.
---
Roy pushed open the wooden door and stepped into the alchemy shop. The interior was dimly lit, the air heavy with the rich scent of herbs. Dried plants and rare magical beast materials adorned the walls. Behind the counter stood an old man in a gray robe, his weathered face etched with time's passage, but his sharp, wise eyes betrayed his keen intellect.
The old man looked up, his gaze meeting Roy's, and smiled faintly. "Young man, there's an unusual aura about you. Are you here for elixirs?"
Roy nodded. "That's right. I need something to aid my cultivation, preferably something that enhances lightning-element spiritual energy."
The old man set down the mortar he was grinding and approached a nearby cabinet. He retrieved a small purple vial, the surface of which faintly glimmered with lightning patterns.
"This is the Thunder Spirit Essence Pill, a top-tier Grade 3 elixir. It accelerates the cohesion of lightning-element spiritual energy, but it's extremely potent. Without proper control, it could harm your spiritual meridians," the old man warned, his tone cautious. "It's only suitable for those with exceptional control."
Roy took the vial, sensing the faint thunderous hum emanating from within. A satisfied smile crossed his face. "This is exactly what I need."
"It's not cheap," the old man remarked with a chuckle. "1,500 spirit stones."
Roy carefully counted out the stones and handed them over. "It's worth it."
The old man nodded approvingly but added, "Remember, when you consume this pill, your mind must remain calm, or you may suffer from internal thunderstorm backlash."
Roy acknowledged the warning, his resolve growing stronger. This was yet another step toward reaching his goals.
Night fell, and moonlight streamed through the inn's lattice windows, casting a cool glow across the dimly lit room. Roy sat cross-legged on the wooden bed, his breathing steady, his presence as still as a reef submerged in the deep sea. Slowly, he opened the small purple vial in his hand. The moment the stopper was removed, the faint crackle of thunder and a rich medicinal aroma filled the room. The air seemed to carry traces of static electricity, raising the hairs on his skin.
"The Thunder Spirit Essence Pill… truly extraordinary," Roy murmured, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. He carefully placed the pill in his mouth. As it melted instantly, it transformed into scalding liquid lightning that coursed down his throat, spreading through his body in an instant.
---
The moment the pill's potency dispersed, the ocean of spiritual energy within Roy roared to life, as if a dormant thunder dragon had been awakened, rampaging through his meridians. His body trembled slightly, cold sweat beading on his forehead, yet his expression remained unwavering. He knew this was a gamble—if he lost control, his meridians could be torn apart by the lightning's ferocity.
"Control… I must control it…" he muttered through gritted teeth, reciting the Thunder Resonance Technique. Using his spiritual core as a guide, he began to channel the raging energy into his dantian.
As the liquid lightning coursed through his meridians, it burned like fire, causing searing pain with every pulse. Yet within the agony, Roy could feel his spiritual power surging at an astonishing rate. Every thread of the liquid lightning that merged with his dantian became a solid foundation, powerful and unshakable.
Time ticked by, and Roy's body became a furnace of thunder, emitting faint arcs of electricity. Blue and white lightning danced across his skin, forming an almost divine armor that radiated strength and resilience.
"Now!" Roy growled, fully activating the Thunder Resonance Technique to release the accumulated energy. In that instant, the lightning energy within him surged like a flood, breaking through a bottleneck and propelling him into a new realm. His dantian expanded, doubling in size, while his lightning-element spiritual power grew denser and emitted an aura of overwhelming dominance.
A muffled roar echoed from deep within his body. Suddenly, a spectral thunder dragon emerged faintly in the air around him, its head held high, exuding an aura of majesty and command. At that moment, Roy successfully broke through to Level 26!
---
In the aftermath of his breakthrough, Roy realized his lightning-element spiritual power had undergone a transformation. What had once been sharp and aggressive now carried a profound depth, like an ocean—unfathomable and boundless. The lightning that gathered in his palm no longer crackled chaotically; instead, it resonated with the roar of a dragon, each arc of electricity brimming with destructive might.
Opening his eyes, a streak of blue lightning flickered in his pupils, accompanied by the faint sound of thunder echoing in the room. He clenched his fist, feeling the surging energy coursing through his veins, and a satisfied smile crept across his lips. "Level 26… stronger than I expected."
---
As dawn broke, Roy pushed open the window, letting the cool morning breeze wash over him. After a night of cultivation, his spiritual energy felt stable and refined, while the thunderous power within him surged like an ever-flowing river, ready for the battles ahead.
Softly, he muttered to himself, "The Thunder Spirit Essence Pill didn't just push me to Level 26—it also enhanced my control over lightning. With this power, I feel more prepared than ever for the challenges awaiting me at the 4-Star Academy."