Mage Yu Hao, have you challenged your limits?

While the people of the Douluo Continent were still immersed in the power of the Dimensional Demon Gods described by Venerable Gu Yi, in the Heavenly Screen, Huo Yuhao had already joined the Sacred Hall as a formal Mage Apprentice.

[The scene shifts, the setting changes.

In the Sacred Hall's deep library, Huo Yuhao, clad in a cyan gray mage robe, gently placed several heavy magic classics on the counter.

The librarian, slightly thin, took the magic classics, his gaze showing a hint of surprise. "I remember you were the newcomer who arrived about half a month ago. You've already finished these so quickly?"

"Yes." Huo Yuhao pointed to his temple. "My spiritual power has always been strong, so I learn things quickly."

The librarian nodded and casually asked a couple of questions to assess Huo Yuhao's current knowledge base. He then asked Huo Yuhao to wait while he walked into the rows of bookshelves behind him.

The librarian's old robe sleeves brushed past the bookshelves, stirring up fine dust. He picked out a few new magic classics, registered them, and handed them over. "These will be good stepping stones for your advancement."

"Thank you!" Huo Yuhao took the books, but his gaze lingered on a particularly eye-catching bookshelf deep within the library.

That bookshelf seemed like an independent forbidden zone. The book covers displayed there exuded luxury and mystery. Some were wrapped in dark metal, while others were inlaid with gems as deep as the night sky, completely out of place with the surrounding yellowed, simple, ordinary classics.

Most importantly, every book on that shelf was tightly bound and sealed by chains that shimmered with a faint light.

"May I ask, Senior," Huo Yuhao's gaze remained fixed on the unusual bookshelf, and he inquired with curiosity, "What are those special books...?"

The librarian looked over, adjusted the crystal spectacle lens that had slipped down his nose, and understood. "Oh, that area... those are the private collection of Venerable Gu Yi."

He paused and said, "Although the knowledge of the Sacred Hall is open to all mages, these classics... the power and knowledge they contain are simply too profound and difficult to comprehend for anyone other than a Supreme Mage."

"Profound knowledge collected by the Supreme Mage?" Huo Yuhao's eyes lit up, and he subconsciously asked, "Can I... take a look at them?"

"Of course, child," the librarian gave an understanding smile, seemingly accustomed to such situations. "In fact, many young mages like you have been drawn by their mystery and tried to approach them. However..."

He gently shook his head. "For the vast majority, even exhausting their lifetime of learning might not be enough to even touch the threshold of deciphering these secret tomes."

Given permission, Huo Yuhao walked towards that bookshelf. He carefully took out a book scroll, its cover inlaid with a huge gem, from between the gaps of the chains.

Gently opening it, he was met not with ordinary text, but with mysterious runes that flowed like star trails. The complexity of it made him dizzy at first glance.

Huo Yuhao flipped through a few more pages and, completely bewildered, returned it to its place.

Finally, he left the library with the few "safe" classics the librarian had chosen for him, suitable for his current stage of learning, and departed silently.

Huo Yuhao devoured the magic classics with insatiable hunger, absorbing knowledge and common sense for novice mages at an astonishing speed.

When he returned to the library for the second time to return books, the librarian took the book, his fingers brushing over the still-warm pages. He looked up, his deep gaze falling on Huo Yuhao's young face.

"Child, if you have completely mastered this foundational knowledge... then it is time."

"...It is time to put down the scrolls and truly touch the power of magic."

The scene changed again, and Huo Yuhao found himself in a medium plaza.

Nearly a hundred mages, all wearing standard mage robes, stood solemnly. Each of them wore a brass suspension ring on their finger that shimmered with a faint light.

A middle-aged mage with a gloomy complexion and a chilling aura stood at the very front of the plaza, guiding the mages' movements.

Slogans echoed in the air. Following the synchronized casting movements, the mages raised their arms.

"Hum!" In an instant, dazzling golden red magic sparks, like ignited star fragments, violently burst forth from the void!

Energy rings, with fiery edges, appeared, but their sizes varied greatly.

The largest fire ring barely maintained a basin-sized outline, while some struggled to even stabilize a fist-sized shape.

More were like candles in the wind, their light scraps flickering unstably, unable to even form a basic circular shape.

The middle-aged mage guiding the many mages noticed Huo Yuhao, who had just arrived, and waved him over.

He led Huo Yuhao to an empty spot. The middle-aged mage's chilling gaze scanned Huo Yuhao from head to toe. His face, like a stone sculpture, showed no expression. He said, "The Dimension Door, commonly known as a portal, utilizes cosmic energy to cast spells. It can be used for travel or to traverse reality and other dimensions. It's highly practical and, most importantly, doesn't require any extra price. It's one of the best choices for practicing spellcasting techniques."

After speaking, he turned to Huo Yuhao. "But honestly, this spell is quite difficult and not really suitable for beginners. Most formal mages, even after spending years or even decades, may not be able to perfectly master it."

He paused slightly and continued, "But Kailan said you have great talent, and Venerable Gu Yi also has high hopes for you. Therefore, I will not hold you to the standards of an ordinary apprentice."

The middle-aged mage added, "My name is Kaecilius. I will be your guide for the next period."

"Thank you, Master Kaecilius," Huo Yuhao replied solemnly, then asked curiously, "Who is Kailan?"

"He is the librarian, a Magic Master who once assisted Venerable Gu Yi in fighting a Dimensional Demon God," Kaecilius said.

"During that battle, his knee was hit by an arrow. The demon god power on the arrowhead contaminated his spirit and soul, which is why he can only be a librarian and train newcomers now."

Huo Yuhao nodded, took out his suspension ring, and put it on his finger. He said solemnly, "Master Kaecilius, I am ready!"

At this moment, Kaecilius suddenly gave a slight smile, reached out, and drew a portal with flowing fire sparks in front of him. He stepped into it and then beckoned to Huo Yuhao. "Come."

Huo Yuhao followed him through the portal and found himself on a desolate dark land, with the starry sky filling his vision.

"Master, where is this?" Huo Yuhao asked, somewhat confused.

Kaecilius wore a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "This is the place I've prepared for your training."

"Now, let me see what's so special about someone Venerable Gu Yi values so highly... Huo Yuhao, have you ever challenged your limits?"