Sixth Level

Time flew by as he followed his steady cultivation routine.

Two years later

Lin Qin's life remained as disciplined as ever: classroom, training grounds, back mountain, library, dormitory—a five-point routine. His relationship with Aileen continued to grow steadily. Everyone considered them a couple, but that didn't interfere with their cultivation; if anything, they spurred each other on. Aileen made rapid progress in Water Element magic, while Lin Qin steadily advanced in Earth Element magic and Earth Battle Qi.

His Heaven Rewards Diligence talent continued to produce astonishing results. Every day of sword practice, meditation, and spellcasting translated into tangible growth. His Battle Qi was steadily approaching the peak of the fifth level, and his grasp of Earth Element magic deepened. In his hands, Earth Spike Spear and Earth Wall Technique had become so versatile that he'd developed numerous practical applications for them.

Over those two years, he regularly took mercenary jobs and ventured deep into the Magic Beast Mountain Range. His combat experience grew, and he became more composed. He encountered all kinds of magic beasts, fell victim to schemes by other mercenaries, and even brushed against death. The mercenary badge at his waist had gone from Bronze to silver.

Meanwhile, Linley's name shone ever brighter. He grew at an astonishing pace, becoming a true sensation at the Ernst Institute. Lin Qin was unfazed. He knew his path was different and only needed to focus on each step in front of him.

On the back mountain, Lin Qin had just finished an intense simulated battle. Using both peak fifth-level Battle Qi and third-level Earth Element magic, he had fought several simulated magic beasts made of earth element. His breathing was steady, but the Battle Qi in his body was nearly saturated, and the barrier to the sixth level stood clearly before him.

He didn't rush. Sitting cross-legged, he focused inward. His peak fifth-level Battle Qi surged through his meridians like a thick, ochre river. He guided it to strike the invisible boundary again and again.

He had accumulated more than enough. Breaking through was only a matter of time. Thanks to Heaven Rewards Diligence, the process came without the slightest strain.

After an unknown stretch of time, it was as if a river burst its banks, or a seed finally pushed through the last layer of soil. A far more powerful surge of Battle Qi erupted from deep within him, instantly smashing through the barrier to becoming a sixth-level warrior!

His meridians widened further, and the quantity and quality of his Battle Qi rose once again. His strength, defense, and speed all improved, and his spiritual power grew along with them.

A sixth-level warrior!

Lin Qin opened his eyes, feeling the powerful force surging through him, far greater than before. He didn't test it right away. Instead, he closed his eyes again to stabilize his new level.

When he stood again, his aura was more restrained, but every gesture carried even greater strength. He casually threw a punch, and the air gave a faint crack.

He drew his greatsword and began practicing. With the Battle Qi of a sixth-level warrior behind him, his sword wind was sharper and faster, while his control over its force had become more precise. He felt that his understanding of "momentum" had deepened, too; his sword's momentum was heavier.

As for magic, with his increased spiritual power and deeper understanding of the Earth Element, he could now easily cast most third-level Earth Element spells and had begun exploring fourth-level magic.

That evening, he returned to the dormitory. Luo De and the others noticed that something about him seemed different again, but they were used to his steady "progress" by now and simply greeted him.

Lin Qin found Aileen and told her he had broken through to the sixth level.

Aileen was genuinely happy for him. "Congratulations, Lin Qin!" She knew how much he had put into reaching this point.

"You're getting close to becoming a fourth-level mage, too." Lin Qin could sense the fluctuations of magic power around Aileen.

"Mm. I'll catch up as soon as I can." Aileen nodded firmly, her gaze resolute. She didn't want to fall too far behind.

Lin Qin looked at his hardworking girlfriend, feeling warmth in his heart. He took her hand. "No rush. One steady step at a time."

In two years, he had advanced from the fourth to the sixth level. At a place like the Ernst Institute, crowded with geniuses, that pace wasn't the very best, but it was certainly impressive. More importantly, his foundation was astonishingly solid, and his understanding of power far surpassed that of others at his level.