Daily Life and the Elite Tournament

After breaking through to a level 6 warrior, Lin Qin's daily rhythm remained unchanged. He maintained his high-intensity training, only slightly adjusting his schedule to set aside time to spend with Aileen.

During the morning magic class, Lin Qin sat next to Aileen. They were now third-year students. The instructor was explaining the complex elemental structure of the level 4 earth-style spell, Earth Guardian Holy Armor. Lin Qin listened attentively, occasionally jotting down key points in his notebook. His elemental affinity was average, meaning he had to put in more effort to learn advanced magic, but his powerful spiritual energy and deep understanding of the fundamentals made up for the deficiency.

Aileen was making smooth progress in water-style magic; she had already stabilized at level 3 and was beginning to touch upon level 4 spells. Sometimes, the two would discuss the similarities and differences in energy control between their respective magic styles, inspiring one another.

At lunch, they usually ate with Linley, Yale, and the others. Linley was now a level 5 mage, and his warrior rank had also reached level 4, making him one of the most dazzling geniuses in the Ernst Institute. Yale remained as lively as ever, organizing the group meals. Reynolds and George had also shown their own growth.

"Lin Qin, you really kept that hidden well! You reached level 6 warrior without making a sound!" Yale slapped Lin Qin's shoulder hard. They could all sense the change in Lin Qin's aura.

"It's alright," Lin Qin replied simply, continuing to eat.

Linley looked at Lin Qin with clear eyes. "Congratulations, Lin Qin." He knew that Lin Qin was walking a different path, one built on solid, grueling hard work.

"You too, a level 5 mage now," Lin Qin replied. The two looked at each other and smiled, sharing a tacit understanding that required no further words.

Aileen sat beside Lin Qin, eating quietly and occasionally picking out the dishes he liked for him with natural movements. The others had long since grown accustomed to this.

In the afternoon at the Warrior Division, Lin Qin's training intensity was even higher. His level 6 warrior battle qi allowed him to withstand a heavier load. Buck was no longer a match for him, but their sparring sessions continued; Buck called it "valuable experience in getting beaten up."

Lin Qin began trying to integrate more of his insights into "momentum" into his swordsmanship. When he swung his broadsword, it carried a heavy, oppressive feeling, as if he were one with the earth beneath his feet. During his practice, he also began to simulate the use of a faint trace of the "Earth Element" profound mysteries, making the defensive and power characteristics of his battle qi more prominent. Although he was far from mastering it, he had taken the first step in the right direction.

Outside of training, he would go to the library with Aileen or occasionally take walks around the institute. Their way of being together was simple and comfortable; they talked about cultivation, shared what they had seen and heard, or simply walked side by side in silence. Aileen understood and supported Lin Qin's focus on cultivation, and Lin Qin would also care for her in the small details. This relationship provided Lin Qin with a warm comfort amidst his monotonous training.

The institute began buzzing with heated discussions about the upcoming fourth-year "Grade Tournament" and the even more highly anticipated "Ernst Institute Elite Tournament." The latter was a campus-wide grand event in which the top students would participate.

Linley was undoubtedly one of the favorites to win. Many people were also discussing Lin Qin; his strength as a level 6 warrior and level 3 earth-style mage definitely qualified him as an expert among the students. Coupled with his solid foundation and rich mercenary experience, he was considered a potential contender for the top spots.

"Lin Qin, are you participating in 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 be there to watch."

Lin Qin looked at his girlfriend's encouraging gaze and nodded. He had no obsession with rankings, but he would treat every battle with seriousness.