Duel invitation

Roy had just finished his cultivation session and was making his way to the academy classroom. As he walked along the academy's path, an unfriendly voice called out from behind him.

"Hey! Yeah, I'm talking to you, rookie!"

Roy stopped and turned around, spotting several young disciples in academy uniforms blocking the path. The leader, a tall figure with a cold sneer masked by a faint smile, stepped forward. "We run things around here. Newcomers need to learn the rules. Pay 500 spirit stones each month, and we'll make sure you're protected."

"Protection fee?" Roy chuckled coldly. "You're not qualified."

The smile on the youth's face froze, a flicker of malice flashing in his eyes. "Listen, punk, don't push your luck! Rules are rules. Whether you like it or not, you're paying up today."

Before he finished speaking, the group had surrounded Roy, with the leader raising a fist as spiritual energy surged around him, clearly intending to make his point through brute force.

"It seems you won't back off without a fight," Roy said coolly, his eyes gleaming with sharp resolve as his internal energy quietly surged. Despite only recently reaching Level 7, his battle prowess far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators due to his formidable purple-grade talent.

The youth charged, his punch slicing through the air toward Roy's face. However, Roy remained unfazed, his spiritual energy circulating steadily. He effortlessly sidestepped the heavy blow.

"You're quick! Let's see how long that lasts!" the youth roared, channeling energy into a flurry of powerful punches.

"Not so fast," Roy smirked, his fingers glowing faintly with spiritual light. With a sudden burst of energy, he seized the youth's fist mid-air and redirected the force, completely neutralizing the attack.

The surrounding disciples stood dumbfounded, shocked that this newcomer had so effortlessly countered their leader's assault.

"You!" The youth's face darkened as he staggered back a few steps, disbelief etched in his expression. "What level are you? I'm at Level 8!"

"Level 7," Roy replied calmly, his gaze unwavering and resolute. "But if you want to keep trying, I'm more than willing to play along."

Cold sweat beaded on the youth's forehead. Although Level 7 wasn't the highest rank, Roy's mastery over spiritual energy and combat skills far outmatched the average disciple. He realized continuing this fight would only end in humiliation.

"Hmph, fine! You win this time!" the youth snarled, waving his hand. "Let's go!"

The group of disciples slunk away in defeat, leaving Roy standing there, his gaze icy as he watched them retreat. He understood all too well that not everyone in the academy harbored good intentions.

"They want me to pay for protection?" Roy murmured with a cold smile. "Too bad — I don't need protection."

Adjusting his clothes, he resumed his steps toward the classroom, undeterred.

This unpleasant encounter did not disrupt Roy's focus on his classes and cultivation, but it was clear his opponents had no intention of letting the matter rest.

A day later, as Roy stepped out of the cultivation chamber on his way to the dining hall, a group of aggressive disciples once again blocked his path. Leading them was not the same youth as before, but a tall, cold-eyed man clad in a black cloak. His presence exuded defiance, and the spiritual energy emanating from him marked him as far superior to the average disciple.

"So you're the freshman bold enough to lay hands on my brother?" the man said, his gaze sharp and appraising.

Roy stood firm, his expression calm but resolute. "What if I am?"

"I'm Jerel, ranked 31 in the outer academy and a Level 13 Warrior," the man declared coldly. "I don't care about your so-called talent. Since you dared to touch my men, you'll pay the price. Meet me at the dueling grounds in five days. If you're too scared to show up, everyone in the academy will know you're a coward!"

Gasps rippled through the surrounding disciples.

"It's Jerel! A Level 13 fighter! Roy doesn't stand a chance!"

Despite the sudden challenge, Roy remained unfazed. His eyes hardened, and a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Fine. Five days from now at the dueling grounds."

Jerel's cold laughter followed his retreat. "Let's see if you're still smiling by then."

The crowd buzzed with discussion.

"Is Roy out of his mind? Jerel is no pushover."

"He's only been here a few days. How does he expect to win this fight?"

Ignoring the chatter, Roy strode forward with unwavering determination. He knew Jerel was formidable, but this challenge was exactly the test he needed to sharpen himself further.

"Five days at the dueling grounds?" Roy thought, steeling his resolve. "Then I'll use those five days to grow stronger."

Returning to his cultivation room, Roy seated himself cross-legged, recalling the techniques his mentor had taught and the insights shared by the wise elder in the bamboo forest. He understood that winning this battle would require more than just accumulating spiritual energy; mastering its precise control and refining his combat techniques were equally crucial.

"Breaking through to Level 7 was just the beginning," Roy murmured to himself. Forming seals with his hands, he entered a state of focused cultivation. "In these five days, I'll push myself beyond my limits."

The spiritual energy within the room surged like tidal waves, continuously gathering under Roy's precise guidance.

The Energy Conduction Technique operated steadily and meticulously, channeling strands of energy into his dantian. From there, it circulated through his meridians, fortifying his cultivation.

"Patience is key. Cultivation is like forging iron—haste leads nowhere," Roy reminded himself, maintaining clarity of mind. Though he stood on the brink of a breakthrough, he kept calm, precisely guiding the energy to cleanse every inch of his meridians and laying a solid foundation for the future.

Suddenly, the energy within his meridians reached saturation, building up like a flood on the verge of release.

Boom!

A resonating explosion echoed through Roy's body. Accompanied by a surge of energy, his cultivation broke through its bottleneck, propelling him directly into Level 8.

"It worked!" Roy opened his eyes, a flash of brilliance crossing his gaze before quickly subsiding.

However, the gathering of spiritual energy did not stop.

With his broadened meridians, energy flowed more freely than ever. Seizing the opportunity, Roy continued to channel the energy, reinforcing his cultivation. He could sense an even more immense pool of energy surging around him, responding to his unwavering will to improve.

The Energy Conduction Technique accelerated its rotation, sending energy through his meridians like a raging river, washing over every joint and node.

"Control the rhythm, maintain the breathing," Roy silently reminded himself, staying vigilant. He knew that any mistake at this crucial moment could undo all his progress.

The energy boiled, pushing the endurance of his meridians to the limit. Gritting his teeth, Roy focused his mind, directing all the energy into his dantian before evenly distributing it throughout his body.

Boom!

Another surge rippled through him as his cultivation ascended yet again.

Roy's spiritual energy now resembled a vast, tranquil lake—expansive yet serene. His aura had grown more powerful and stable than ever. He exhaled a long breath, his clear eyes gleaming like stars.

"Level 9." Roy spoke softly, fully attuned to his transformation. His body felt stronger, and the energy within him flowed effortlessly and naturally.

After two successive breakthroughs, it was time to solidify his meridians and energy reserves.

"Jerel? In five days at the dueling grounds, I'll show you the true power of talent and strength." Roy's gaze hardened with resolve. Standing tall, he looked out the window at the vast sky, envisioning the limitless possibilities of his future.

During the past few days, Roy continued attending classes and cultivating diligently.

At noon, he entered a tranquil bamboo grove and saw the mysterious elder seated on a green stone, surrounded by gently flowing spiritual energy as if it had become part of him.

"Grandpa!" Roy greeted warmly, striding forward with a cheerful smile.

The elder opened his eyes, studying Roy with a pleased expression.

"Well done, young one. Your spiritual power has advanced significantly. It seems you haven't slacked off these past few days."

Roy grinned broadly. "Haha, I've already reached Level 9! I'm so close to breaking through to Level 10. I can feel it!"

The elder nodded gently, his tone warm but meaningful. "While breakthroughs are important, the path of cultivation demands steady progress. You must not rush—haste only brings setbacks."

Hearing this, Roy's smile faded slightly, and he nodded respectfully. "Thank you for the reminder, Grandpa. I'll keep that in mind!"

The two shared a knowing smile before Roy sat cross-legged beside the elder, immersing himself in meditation.

As he activated the Energy Conduction Technique, Roy felt the spiritual energy within him flow steadily, like a tranquil stream. The bamboo grove's serene environment and natural energy further calmed his mind.

The elder silently observed Roy's focused cultivation, admiration flickering in his eyes. "This boy may be young, but his heart is steady. If he continues like this, his future will be boundless."

Time passed, and the spiritual energy within the grove thickened. Roy's meridians gradually strengthened, hinting at the cusp of a Level 10 breakthrough. However, knowing the dangers of impatience, he wisely withdrew and stabilized the gathered energy within his body.

After concluding his cultivation, Roy rose and respectfully addressed the elder. "Thank you, Grandpa, for your guidance and help. Over these past few days, I've not only improved my cultivation but also found greater inner peace."

The elder chuckled, waving dismissively. "With your talent and composure, you won't lose in the duel the day after tomorrow."

Roy clenched his fists. "I won't let them look down on me!"

A gentle breeze swept through the bamboo grove as the elder watched Roy's departing figure, his gaze filled with deep expectations.

"The road ahead is perilous, but may you tread it higher and farther than anyone else…"