"Already second-rank?" Lin Tian felt the steadily swelling magic power within him and could not help but feel deeply moved. At that moment, he was like a child who had just discovered a treasure, excitedly and curiously exploring the brand-new power within his body. Magic power flowed slowly through his meridians, carrying a warm and wondrous sensation, as though telling him of the mystery and allure of the magical world.
Following Laun's instructions, Lin Tian continued focusing on refining the elements of heaven and earth. To his surprise, just as before, whenever his spiritual power lightly touched those fire elements, they were like weary birds returning to their nest, swiftly merging into his body and rapidly refining into part of his own magic power. This sense of ease made it seem as though he shared some innate understanding with those elements; everything was so natural and smooth.
Time slipped away quietly in the stillness, and two hours passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Lin Tian immersed himself completely in the wondrous process of refining elements. He could clearly feel that as his magic power continuously grew, his body was undergoing remarkable changes as well. The elements of heaven and earth seemed like the gentlest and most effective nourishment, nurturing every inch of his skin, every muscle, and every bone. Under the cleansing of these elements, his physical strength unknowingly reached the peak of the second rank. Every element that merged into him seemed to inject new vitality into his body, making him feel stronger and more powerful.
Laun quietly observed everything from the side, his eyes full of astonishment and emotion. He knew well that a child as extraordinarily gifted as Lin Tian was exceedingly rare. When Lin Tian gradually emerged from his cultivation state, Laun asked with concern, "Lin Tian, how do you feel now?" His gaze was filled with concern.
Lin Tian eagerly described his feelings. "Teacher, I have successfully refined the elements of heaven and earth and become a Second-rank Magus, but I feel that neither my spiritual power nor my body has reached its limit yet. I want to continue refining the elements of heaven and earth and become a Third-rank Magus." As he spoke, Lin Tian waved his arms as though he could already see the moment when he became a Third-rank Magus.
Laun frowned slightly after hearing this and carefully examined Lin Tian's physical condition and spiritual state. He gently placed both hands on Lin Tian's shoulders and closed his eyes. A gentle stream of spiritual power slowly entered Lin Tian's body, traveling through him and probing every subtle change. Then, like invisible tendrils, Laun's spiritual power sensed the fluctuations of Lin Tian's own spiritual power. Laun's expression was extremely focused, his brow drawn tight as he treated Lin Tian's condition with utmost seriousness.
A moment later, Laun opened his eyes, a trace of relief and encouragement flashing through them. "Lin Tian, with your talent, you indeed have a great chance of breaking through and becoming a Third-rank Magus. However, the path of cultivation is long and full of uncertainties. You must not be too eager for quick success. I permit you to attempt a breakthrough on your own, but you must act within your limits. With talent like yours, becoming a Saint Domain Mage in the future will not be difficult. There is no need to take risks for the sake of a temporary advancement." As he spoke, Laun gently patted Lin Tian's shoulder and earnestly warned him.
Lin Tian nodded seriously, his gaze firm. "Don't worry, Teacher. I will act within my limits and won't rush things." His eyes were filled with confidence and determination. He would not risk his future.
After receiving his teacher's permission, Lin Tian sat cross-legged once more, adjusted his breathing, and slowly entered a cultivation state. Laun expanded his senses and carefully watched every detail of Lin Tian's cultivation. His spiritual power was like an invisible net that enveloped Lin Tian, ready at any moment to awaken him should anything go wrong.
Feeling this, Lin Tian's heart could not help but warm.
Then Lin Tian devoted himself wholeheartedly to refining the elements of heaven and earth. He could feel the active fire elements around him being drawn toward him as if attracted by some powerful force. His spiritual power was like a general commanding thousands of troops, methodically guiding those elements and refining them one by one into his own magic power. Each element that merged into him brought a faint warmth, like a warm current slowly flowing through his body, continuously expanding his reserves of magic power while nourishing his body and subtly strengthening it. Lin Tian was like a diligent craftsman, carefully forging his treasury of magic power. Each element he absorbed filled him with incomparable satisfaction.
Second by second, time passed. After three long hours of waiting, Lin Tian finally broke through and became a Third-rank Magus. He was as excited as a child receiving his most beloved toy. He eagerly ran before Laun and said as if presenting a treasure, "Teacher, I did it! I became a Third-rank Magus! Wouldn't that make me the greatest genius on the continent?" Lin Tian's face was filled with a dazzling smile, and excitement gleamed in his eyes as he looked at Laun expectantly.
Seeing Lin Tian's excitement, Laun could not help laughing. He nodded in acknowledgment. "That's right. Reaching the realm of a Third-rank Magus at your age makes you the greatest genius since written records began on the Maya Continent. However, do not become arrogant or complacent because of this. Cultivation is a long journey that requires perseverance. You must not lose yourself in pride." Laun's smile was full of affection and relief, but it also carried a stern warning.
Laun seemed to suddenly remember something and said with a light laugh, "Right now, you are both the most talented magus on the continent and the weakest Third-rank Magus on the entire continent." His eyes were full of teasing as he looked at Lin Tian.
Lin Tian froze. After carefully considering his situation, he could not help calculating it and realized it was indeed true. Although he had reached the magic power level of a Third-rank Magus, he could not cast a single spell yet. Wasn't he the weakest magus? Still, Lin Tian insisted indignantly, "Teacher, I'm also a peak second-rank warrior. Those first- and second-rank magi might not be able to beat me." As he spoke, Lin Tian waved his fist to show off his strength.
Laun could not help teasing him. "Haha, a magus who only knows hand-to-hand combat? That is truly a novel way of putting it." Laun's laughter echoed through the room, making the atmosphere even more relaxed and cheerful.
Lin Tian could not help feeling a little embarrassed, and his face flushed slightly. Then he strongly demanded, "Teacher, since I'm already a Third-rank Magus, hurry up and teach me some magic incantations."
Laun helplessly shook his head and refused. "Lin Tian, it is already late today. You should return to the imperial palace. Besides, you have just refined a large amount of the elements of heaven and earth, and your spiritual power is somewhat exhausted. Now is not a good time to learn magic incantations. Learning them requires highly focused spiritual power and a clear mind. Go back and rest well first. Come again tomorrow, and then I will teach you." As he spoke, Laun pointed toward the sky outside the window, which had gradually darkened, patiently explaining the matter to Lin Tian.
Although Lin Tian felt somewhat disappointed, he understood that his teacher was right. He could only nod and say, "All right, Teacher. I'll come again tomorrow."
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