Level Six

Time passed quickly amidst a routine of disciplined cultivation.

Two years later.

Lin Qin's life remained extremely regimented. Classroom, training grounds, back mountain, library, dormitory—a five-point line. His relationship with Aileen developed steadily; the two were a recognized couple, but this did not hinder their cultivation. Instead, they spurred each other on. Aileen made rapid progress in water-style magic, while Lin Qin advanced steadily along the path of earth-style magic and Earth Battle Qi.

His Heaven Rewards Diligence talent continued to exert a terrifying effect. Every day of sword practice, meditation, and spellcasting translated into tangible growth. His Battle Qi was steadily advancing toward the peak of the fifth rank, and his understanding of earth-style magic grew increasingly profound. He had mastered the Earth Spike Spear and Earth Wall Technique to the point of artistry, deriving various practical applications for combat.

Over these two years, he regularly accepted mercenary missions, venturing deep into the Magic Beast Mountain Range. His combat experience grew richer, and his temperament became more composed. He had witnessed all kinds of magic beasts, encountered schemes from other mercenaries, and even walked along the edge of life and death. The mercenary badge at his waist had changed from Bronze to Silver.

During this period, the name Linley became increasingly dazzling. Growing at an astonishing speed, he became a true man of the hour at the Ernst Institute. Lin Qin felt no ripples regarding this; he knew his own path was different and only needed to focus on every step beneath his feet.

In the back mountain, Lin Qin had just finished a high-intensity simulated battle, simultaneously utilizing his peak fifth-rank Battle Qi and third-rank earth-style magic to fight several simulated magic beasts composed of earth elements. His breathing was long and steady, but the Battle Qi within his body was nearing saturation, and the barrier leading to the sixth rank was clearly visible.

He did not rush, sitting cross-legged and sinking his mind into his body. His peak fifth-rank Battle Qi surged through his meridians like a thick, earthy-yellow river. He guided it, repeatedly crashing against that invisible boundary.

The accumulation had long been sufficient; the breakthrough was only a matter of time. Under the influence of Heaven Rewards Diligence, this process was not forced in the slightest.

He did not know how much time had passed, but it felt as if a river had burst its banks, or as if a seed had finally pushed through the last layer of soil. A more surging and powerful Battle Qi erupted from the depths of his body, instantly shattering the barrier of a sixth-rank warrior!

His meridians were further widened, and the total volume and quality of his Battle Qi leaped once more! His physical strength, defense, and speed were all comprehensively enhanced, and his spiritual power rose accordingly.

A sixth-rank warrior!

Lin Qin opened his eyes, feeling the surging, far superior power within his body. He did not test it immediately, but instead closed his eyes again to stabilize his realm.

When he stood up again, his aura was more restrained, yet the sense of power contained in his every movement was stronger. He threw a casual punch, and the air emitted a faint sonic boom.

He drew his broadsword and began to practice. Supported by the Battle Qi of a sixth-rank warrior, the sword wind was sharper, the speed faster, and his control over power became increasingly exquisite. He felt that his comprehension of "momentum" had also deepened by a layer, making his sword momentum heavier.

In terms of magic, with the increase in his spiritual power and a deeper understanding of earth elements, he could already easily cast most third-rank earth-style magic and had begun to tentatively explore fourth-rank magic.

In the evening, he returned to the dormitory. When Luo De and the others saw him, although they felt he seemed a bit different again, they were already accustomed to his steady "progress" and simply greeted him.

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

Aileen was genuinely happy for him: "Congratulations, Lin Qin!" She knew how much Lin Qin had sacrificed for this.

"You are also very close to becoming a fourth-rank mage." Lin Qin could sense the magic fluctuations on Aileen.

"Mm, I will catch up as soon as possible." Aileen nodded firmly, her eyes resolute. She did not want to be left too far behind.

Lin Qin looked at his hardworking girlfriend, his heart warming slightly. He squeezed her hand: "No rush, steady and solid."

Two years, from the fourth rank to the sixth rank. This speed could not be considered the absolute top in the genius-filled Ernst Institute, but it certainly belonged in the ranks of the excellent. More importantly, his foundation was terrifyingly solid, and his understanding of power far exceeded those of the same rank.