Conflict Breaks Out

After finishing his lessons, Roy left on his own, heading toward the cultivation tower reserved exclusively for inner sect disciples.

The tower stood within the inner sect grounds, an area typically off-limits to outer sect disciples. However, as the recent champion of the outer sect competition and now recognized as an inner sect disciple, Roy had earned the privilege to use a training chamber for three hours.

Upon reaching the entrance of the inner sect, Roy reported his name and was granted entry. As he walked further, a towering structure that seemed to pierce the clouds came into view—the Cultivation Tower.

Inside were numerous training chambers, each varying in quality. Superior chambers offered richer spiritual energy, greatly enhancing the efficiency of training, while lesser chambers yielded far less benefit.

Upon stepping inside, Roy noticed many inner sect disciples cultivating diligently. His appearance immediately caught their attention.

"Who is that? I've never seen him before," one disciple asked in confusion.

"Think he sneaked in here to use the cultivation rooms?" another speculated.

While the disciples muttered, Roy calmly selected a chamber and entered without hesitation, closing the door behind him.

The onlookers were stunned before breaking into mocking laughter.

"Who does he think he is, daring to take Chamber No. 8?"

"Exactly, that room belongs to Alan—no one else dares use it!"

"Go inform Alan now!"

Inside the chamber, Roy pushed open the heavy stone door, feeling an overwhelming surge of dense spiritual energy envelop him. The very air seemed saturated with pure essence, nourishing his spirit channels even with a simple breath.

"The spiritual energy here is several times stronger than in the outer sect," Roy thought, quickly sitting cross-legged to begin cultivating with the Thunderstorm Art technique.

Isolated from the noise outside, Roy focused solely on his training. The spiritual energy responded to his technique, surging toward him as he refined it through his body. Each pulse of thunderous energy strengthened his core and spirit veins.

Suppressing his inner excitement, Roy guided the energy to his dantian. The thunderous force exploded within him, pushing his cultivation level further.

Boom!

A barrier shattered within, propelling Roy to Level 19.

As he continued refining his energy, an icy voice echoed from outside the chamber.

"Who dares take my chamber?"

Moments later, a tall figure in golden robes stormed toward the chamber entrance—Alan himself. His expression was cold as he demanded, "Who took my cultivation chamber?"

"We don't know him; he looks like a newcomer," a disciple offered obsequiously.

"Daring to occupy my chamber? He's courting death," Alan growled.

Though he tried to enter, once the door was sealed, not even Alan could force it open. Furious, he had no choice but to wait outside.

As time dragged on, Alan's face grew darker, his anger intensifying.

Meanwhile, inside the chamber, Roy remained focused, oblivious to the commotion outside.

"The spiritual energy here is so rich—three hours of cultivation here is equivalent to a full day's training outside," Roy mused. "No wonder so many fight for these chambers."

Normally, disciples had to pay spirit stones for access. For ordinary inner sect members, spirit stones were scarce; even at a one-star academy, a monthly allowance of only 1,500 stones was provided.

Roy continued absorbing the spiritual energy, tempering his body and solidifying his cultivation.

Time passed swiftly, and after an hour, Roy abruptly opened his eyes.

"In just three hours, my Level 19 cultivation has become completely stabilized. This place is remarkable," he marveled, appreciating the tower's effectiveness.

"What an audacious fool, daring to seize Alan's training chamber. Such a disciple must be taught a lesson," one inner sect disciple sneered.

"Indeed, he needs a reminder that will leave a lasting impression," added another.

"I'll make sure he understands my power," Alan declared coldly.

As they spoke, the heavy door of the chamber creaked open.

Alan's eyes flashed with disdain as Roy stepped out of Chamber No. 8.

Emerging from the crowd, Alan walked forward in his ornate robe, his silver hair gleaming under the sunlight. His striking features carried a cold, haughty expression. With a cultivation level of 23 and mastery of a high-level sword technique, he was a top contender in the inner sect, ranked among the top 20.

"A newcomer?" Alan's voice was calm yet condescending. "Did no one tell you that Chamber No. 8 isn't a place for an outer sect disciple to trespass?"

Roy met Alan's gaze without wavering. "I'm now an inner sect disciple. If there's no rule stating this room belongs to you, no one can stop me from using it."

Alan's lip curled into a smirk, clearly displeased by Roy's composed demeanor. "Only 18th level? Riding on the fame of being the outer sect champion and already acting arrogant in the inner sect? You'll soon learn the true difference in strength."

Disciples nearby paused their training, watching the confrontation with growing interest.

"It's Alan! Is he really going to punish the newcomer Roy?"

"Alan's Frostblade Sword Technique can easily overpower opponents at the same level."

Unfazed, Roy stood his ground, his voice calm yet resolute. "If you want to fight, just do it."

Alan chuckled coldly. "As you wish."

Without warning, Alan raised his right hand, forming a sword gesture. A flurry of cold sword shadows materialized in the air, hurtling toward Roy.

Roy shifted his stance, lightning flickering between his palms. Thunder roared as he unleashed his spiritual energy, scattering the sword shadows in a flash of electric brilliance.

"Lightning-element energy?" Alan narrowed his eyes before letting out a sharp cry, intensifying his attack. Frost filled the air as he executed another strike.

"Frostblade Sword Technique: Piercing Slash!"

A massive arc of icy sword energy swept toward Roy, freezing the very air around them.

Roy snorted, channeling the full force of his Thunderstorm Art into a concentrated surge of violet lightning. He thrust his palm forward—

Boom!

Frost and lightning collided in a deafening explosion, shaking the ground beneath the cultivation tower.

As the dust settled, Alan wavered slightly while Roy stood firm, his fighting spirit burning brighter.

Alan's eyes flickered with surprise. "Level 19 already? Impressive. You managed to withstand my strike. But next time, you won't be so lucky."

With that, Alan lowered his hand, huffing coldly before turning to leave.

The breeze swept gently through the bamboo forest, causing the leaves to rustle softly. Roy walked through the sea of green with a light step and a faint smile. He knew the old man deep in the bamboo grove had been waiting for him.

Before long, he spotted the elder seated calmly by a stone table, exuding a serene aura as though untouched by the changes of the world around him.

"You're here?" The old man lifted his gaze, his expression both kind and sharp. "Your strength is growing steadily. Youth truly holds promise."

Roy smiled confidently, a hint of pride in his voice. "I feel like I'm quite the genius myself."

The old man let out a hearty laugh and spoke earnestly, "Genius you may be, but the world is never short of them."

He gestured toward the sky. "The Carlos Empire is far larger than you can imagine. There's always a higher mountain and a stronger person. Once you step beyond this city, you'll truly understand the meaning of power."

Roy's smile faded into seriousness. "I understand. Strength is the only path to reaching higher realms. As long as I keep growing stronger, I can control my own fate."

The elder nodded approvingly. "Good. Cultivating isn't just about gaining power but also about building resilience and wisdom. Today, I'll teach you an advanced technique derived from Thunder Sky Splitting Technique — 'Lightning Shadow Palm.' With it, your combat skills will become even more refined and dynamic."

Roy's eyes lit up. "Thank you for your guidance, senior!"

They began training intensely amid the bamboo grove. The tranquil setting was soon filled with waves of spiritual energy, faint flashes of lightning contrasting sharply with the forest's calm.

As time passed and the sun began to set, Roy opened his eyes from the deep practice, his aura steadier and more potent.

"Senior, how vast is the world beyond this city?"

The old man gazed toward the horizon. "Boundless. One day, you will step out from this land and face the true vastness of the world."

Roy clenched his fist slightly, anticipation surging within him. "One day, I will stand at the summit of this world and overlook all beneath me."

The elder smiled warmly. "Train diligently and live up to your ambitions."

Back at the courtyard, Roy sat cross-legged and slowly swallowed the Enlightenment Pill. Instantly, a surge of dense spiritual energy flowed like a torrent through his core meridians. He focused all his attention on guiding the formidable energy to break through to a higher realm.

As time passed, his aura steadily intensified, and faint thunderous echoes resonated through his spirit veins, as if the heavens themselves celebrated his impending breakthrough.

Boom!

A muffled roar erupted from within him, and Roy's spiritual energy soared to new heights. He had officially ascended to the pinnacle of level 20, marking him as a true mid-level warrior!

Roy's entire being radiated a powerful presence as the atmosphere around him thickened with energy.

While he was stabilizing his newfound strength, a voice from outside the courtyard interrupted his concentration. "Roy, the Headmaster wishes to see you," a senior elder announced.

Suppressing his energy, Roy rose and followed the elder to the central hall of the academy.

Inside the grand hall, the Headmaster sat majestically on a raised platform, his gaze profound and commanding. When Roy entered, the Headmaster nodded approvingly, evident admiration in his expression. "Roy, you are indeed a genius."

"Thank you for your praise, Headmaster," Roy replied respectfully.

The Headmaster smiled warmly. "Now that you've broken through to mid-level warrior status, your strength already surpasses your peers. However, you lack a suitable weapon. What kind of weapon do you desire? Speak freely, and I shall grant it to you."

Roy pondered briefly before responding firmly, "I wish to train with the sword. I seek a fine blade!"

The Headmaster's eyes gleamed with approval. "The sword is the monarch of all weapons. Since you have made your choice, follow me."

With a wave of his hand, the space within the hall shifted and transformed, revealing a vast armory filled with a myriad of swords. Each blade radiated unique spiritual light and sword intent.

"This is the Sword Pavilion of our academy. Choose the sword that resonates most with you."

Roy walked among the swords, sensing their energy and waiting for a blade to call to him. His gaze finally settled on a silver longsword crackling with lightning. Lightning patterns glimmered along its edge, naturally attuned to his thunder-elemental spiritual energy.

"This is the one," Roy declared resolutely. As he grasped the hilt, a burst of lightning illuminated the air, and the sword's energy harmonized perfectly with his aura.

The Headmaster nodded in satisfaction. "This sword is called Thunder Blade, a high-tier earth-grade weapon. Its most unique quality is its ability to evolve in rank. It once accompanied a legendary swordmaster through countless battles. Now, it has chosen you as its new master."

"Thank you, Headmaster!" Roy expressed his gratitude with a deep bow, his heart filled with excitement.

The Headmaster smiled. "Roy, your journey is just beginning. The sword may be your aid, but your heart is the foundation. May you wield this blade and walk your path far and wide."

"I will remember your guidance!" Roy vowed solemnly.

The Headmaster sat on the high platform, his gaze profound yet warm with a gentle smile. "Roy, I'm giving you three months to break through to level 25. If you succeed, I will recommend you for admission to a Four-Star Academy."

Roy was momentarily taken aback. "A Four-Star Academy?"

"Exactly." The Headmaster nodded slowly. "Your rate of progress is astonishing. Sooner or later, this place will no longer be enough for you. The world beyond is vast and filled with powerful challengers. Only there can you truly temper yourself."

"I understand, Headmaster!" Roy's eyes glowed with determination. "I won't let you down."

The Headmaster smiled in satisfaction. "Master your combat techniques well. To aid you in your quest, I grant you permission to enter the Technique Hall and choose a high-tier earth-grade sword technique."

"Thank you, Headmaster!" Roy cupped his hands gratefully, excitement surging within him. A high-tier earth-grade sword technique was a rare and precious treasure beyond the reach of outer disciples and ordinary inner disciples. Mastering it would significantly enhance his combat prowess.