Magic Test

From then on, Lin Tian's daily rhythm became distinct and deeply fulfilling. Whenever the first rays of dawn pierced through the thick clouds above the imperial palace like a gossamer veil, carrying a hint of coolness as they scattered across the Martial Arts Arena, Lin Tian, already dressed in light training clothes, would focus entirely on practicing the Qi Gathering Stance under the meticulous guidance of Captain of the Guard Kahn. Kahn's burly, towering figure stood steadfastly by Lin Tian's side like a lofty mountain peak. His eyes, sharp as an eagle's, locked onto every subtle movement Lin Tian made; the moment he spotted any deviation, he would step forward and correct it with precision. With each steady, powerful breath, Lin Tian's body, through day after day of cultivation combined with magical medicinal baths, grew stronger bit by bit, like fine steel tempered repeatedly in blazing fire.

When night quietly descended and the bright moon hung high in the vast sky, casting its silvery glow, Lin Tian would step into the serene and solemn Library Pavilion within the palace. Inside, the ancient aura, thick as aged wine, permeated every inch of space. Bookshelves rose layer upon layer, as if reaching toward the heavens, filled with precious books recording the rise and fall of this world's history, its geography, the distribution of magical beasts, and the mysteries of magic. Holding a candlestick whose flame swayed gently in the breeze, Lin Tian moved between the shelves, his gaze eager and fervent, like a starving beast greedily sweeping over one ancient tome after another, voraciously absorbing the nourishment of knowledge and silently amassing immense power.

In this seemingly uneventful stretch of time, Lin Tian's parents—Hubble Leo, Emperor of the Leo Empire, and Empress Nicole Rossi—kept a constant, watchful eye on their son's growth.

One day, in the opulent and spacious imperial study, the soft fragrance of sandalwood curled upward, drifting in wisps throughout the room, adding a layer of tranquil serenity. The Leo Emperor, dressed in a golden form-fitting outfit, sat upright at his desk, holding an exquisite quill as he carefully reviewed a mountain of memorials. Yet his mind seemed not entirely immersed in state affairs; from time to time, he would lift his head, gaze out the window into the distance, and a faint trace of worry would inadvertently flicker in his eyes.

Just then, Empress Nicole Rossi entered with graceful steps, wearing a long, light blue gown. She carried a cup of steaming black tea, its rising aroma seeming to convey her concern. She gently placed the tea on the table before Leo. "Have some tea and relax for a moment."

Leo nodded slightly, slowly setting down his quill, and reached up to rub his tired temples. With a hint of worry in his voice, he said, "Nicole, what do you think? Is Lin Tian's path of cultivation going smoothly? This past year, I've seen his body grow stronger, but still, I can't help feeling uneasy."

Nicole Rossi smiled softly, sitting down beside Leo, her eyes full of tenderness and resolve. She comforted him in a gentle voice, "Your Majesty, there's no need to worry so much. Lin Tian is exceptionally intelligent and hardworking. He practices the Qi Gathering Stance every day without a single moment of slack. Besides, Captain Kahn is teaching him with all his heart. I doubt anything will go wrong."

Leo furrowed his brow slightly and let out a soft sigh. "Even so, the magic assessment is right around the corner. I know this is a crucial step for Lin Tian. The level of his magical talent will, to a great extent, determine the path he walks in the future."

Nicole Rossi gently took Leo's hand, the warmth in her palm seeming to convey boundless strength. She said tenderly, "Your Majesty, don't you know your own child? No matter what his talent turns out to be, Lin Tian has an unyielding heart. Even if his magical talent is ordinary, he will surely inherit our battle qi talent and carve out his own domain on the path of battle qi. What's more, we will always be behind him, his strongest support, watching over him."

Leo gazed at Nicole Rossi with deep affection and gratitude. "Nicole, having you by my side is the greatest fortune of my life. I hope Lin Tian will have outstanding magical talent, as we wish. Then perhaps his future path will be smoother."

As the day of the magic assessment drew nearer, the entire palace seemed shrouded in an atmosphere thick with tension and anticipation.

Finally, on a bright, sunny morning, the important day of the magic assessment arrived as scheduled. The main hall of the palace had been meticulously arranged to be solemn and majestic. The floor was inlaid with all kinds of rare gems, which, under the sunlight, refracted a dazzling array of colors, dreamlike and enchanting. At the center of the hall stood a massive crystal ball—the Magic Crystal used to test magical affinity.

Lin Tian, dressed in a brand-new red form-fitting outfit, looked dashing and spirited, his steps steady and powerful. Under the expectant gazes of his parents, his elder sister Fanny Leo, and his elder brother Mickey Leo—who had specially returned—he walked slowly toward the Magic Crystal, a hint of nervousness and hope for the future flickering in his eyes.

Standing before the Magic Crystal, Lin Tian took a deep breath to calm his slightly tense emotions, then slowly extended both hands and gently touched the crystal ball. In an instant, the crystal ball blazed with brilliant light, dazzling like the rising sun. Red light burst forth from within the ball like surging waves, turning the entire Magic Crystal into a radiant ruby that bathed the whole hall in a magnificent crimson glow.

Looking at the pure red light, Lin Tian couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Only fire affinity? It seems I'm not the destined protagonist after all.

The chief court mage responsible for this assessment was a white-haired yet vigorous old man named Roland. He stared intently at the crystal ball, and a flash of barely concealed shock suddenly crossed his eyes. Then, he announced in a loud voice, "Elemental affinity: Fire Super Grade!"

At these words, waves of exclamations rippled through the hall. Fire Super Grade affinity meant that Lin Tian possessed an extraordinary sensitivity to fire elements and formidable control over them, granting him a tremendous advantage on the path of fire magic cultivation in the future.

Emperor Leo and Empress Nicole Rossi exchanged glances, their eyes instantly brimming with surprise and relief. A smile tugged at the corner of Leo's mouth as he unconsciously clenched his fist, joy flooding his heart like a burst dam. Nicole Rossi was so moved that her eyes reddened, tears glistening at the corners.

But the surprises did not end there.

Mage Roland looked at Lin Tian with a focused expression and said, "Your Highness, please concentrate all your attention. Next, I will test your spirit power. Remember, stand as straight as you can, hold on as long as possible, and do not kneel or fall easily. The longer you endure, the better."

As soon as he finished speaking, a warm white light enveloped Lin Tian. As the chief court mage of the Leo Empire, Roland was a powerful Saint Domain Mage of the light element, capable of casting the "Deterrence" spell instantly without relying on a magic array.

Lin Tian felt an invisible, immense pressure hammer directly against his soul like a heavy blow. However, since Lin Tian had lived a second life, his spirit power was already far superior to that of his peers. Moreover, through a year of practicing the Qi Gathering Stance and tempering his body with magical baths, his physical strength had reached the level of a second-rank warrior, allowing his spirit power to function more effectively. Thus, this pressure initially caused him little trouble—it didn't even feel as taxing as the fatigue from staying up late in his previous life.

But as time passed, the intensity of the magic steadily increased, and Lin Tian gradually felt the weight growing heavier. Noticing the surprised looks from those around him, Lin Tian considered his future and decided to hold back. Seizing the moment when a new wave of pressure struck, he went along with it, dropping to one knee and bracing his hands on the floor.

Seeing this, Roland immediately stopped the magic. Empress Nicole, displaying the formidable strength of an eighth-rank warrior, shot forward like a blue bolt of lightning, steadying Lin Tian and anxiously checking his condition.

Roland seemed unfazed by this and promptly announced, "Spirit power is seventy times that of an average peer: Spirit Super Grade!"

This news struck like a bombshell, stirring up a storm of shock among the crowd. Spirit Super Grade was an exceedingly rare talent. In the realm of magic cultivation, spirit power played a pivotal role—it not only determined the strength and complexity of the spells a mage could cast but also influenced the depth of their understanding and their capacity for innovation in magic.