After breaking through to the sixth rank as a warrior, Lin Qin's daily routine remained unchanged. He continued his intense training, only making a slight adjustment to his schedule to set aside some time to spend with Aileen.
During morning magic class, Lin Qin sat beside Aileen. They were now third-year students. Their instructor was explaining the complex elemental structure of the fourth-rank Earth Element spell Earth Guardian Holy Armor. Lin Qin listened attentively, occasionally jotting down key points. His elemental affinity was average, so learning advanced magic required extra effort, but his powerful spiritual force and solid grasp of the fundamentals made up for it.
Aileen was progressing smoothly with Water Element magic. She had already stabilized at the third rank and was beginning to study fourth-rank spells. Sometimes the two of them discussed the differences and similarities in energy control between different branches of magic, inspiring each other in the process.
At lunch, they usually ate with Linley, Yale, and the others. Linley was now a fifth-rank mage, and his warrior rank had also reached the fourth rank, making him one of the brightest talents at the institute. Yale was still as lively as ever, organizing group meals. Reynolds and George had both made progress as well.
"Lin Qin, you've been keeping this under wraps, haven't you? You quietly made it to the sixth rank as a warrior!" Yale slapped Lin Qin firmly on the shoulder. They could all sense the change in Lin Qin's aura.
"Not bad." Lin Qin gave a brief reply and continued eating.
Linley looked at Lin Qin, his gaze clear. "Congratulations, Lin Qin." He knew Lin Qin was following a different path, relying on genuine, painstaking cultivation.
"You too. You're a fifth-rank mage now," Lin Qin replied. They exchanged smiles, sharing a tacit understanding that needed no words.
Aileen sat beside Lin Qin, eating quietly. Every so often, she naturally served him some of the dishes he liked. Everyone was used to seeing them like this by now.
In the Warrior Division that afternoon, Lin Qin trained even harder. His sixth-rank Battle Qi let him withstand a greater workload. Barker was no longer a match for him at all, but they still sparred. Barker called it "valuable experience getting beaten up."
Lin Qin began trying to incorporate more of his insights into "force" into his swordsmanship. As he swung his greatsword, it carried a weighty, oppressive presence, as though he were one with the earth beneath his feet. During practice, he also began simulating the use of a trace of the profound mysteries of the Earth Element, making Battle Qi's defensive and strength-enhancing qualities more pronounced. He was still far from mastering it, but he had taken his first steps in the right direction.
When he wasn't training, he would go to the library with Aileen or occasionally take a walk around the institute. Their time together was simple and comfortable. They talked about cultivation, shared things they had seen and heard, or simply walked side by side in silence. Aileen understood and supported Lin Qin's dedication to training, while he looked after her in small ways. Their relationship gave Lin Qin a warm comfort amid the tedium of cultivation.
People at the institute began discussing the upcoming fourth-year "grade tournament," as well as the even more anticipated "Ernst Institute Elite Tournament." The latter was a major event for the entire institute, and all the top students would take part.
Linley was undoubtedly one of the favorites to win. Many people were also talking about Lin Qin. As a sixth-rank warrior and third-rank Earth Element mage, he was unquestionably one of the institute's strongest students. With his solid foundation and extensive mercenary experience, people thought he had a chance of placing near the top.
"Lin Qin, are you going to enter the Elite Tournament?" Aileen asked him.
"I am." Lin Qin nodded. He needed actual combat to test himself, and the Elite Tournament was a good opportunity.
"Good luck!" Aileen clenched her fist. "I'll come watch, too."
Lin Qin looked at his girlfriend's encouraging gaze and nodded. He wasn't fixated on his ranking, but he would take every battle seriously.
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