The Three-Step Pagoda stood proudly in the heart of Mingzhu Academy's main campus—one of the academy's most sacred cultivation grounds. Only the most exceptional students were ever granted the right to enter.
It was said that the cultivation speed inside was dozens of times faster than outside—one day in the Pagoda could equal weeks of progress elsewhere.
"The Three-Step Pagoda!" Mu Lei's eyes sparkled with envy when Song Jie mentioned it.
He had heard of this legendary cultivation site countless times. Whether he would ever have the chance to step inside was another matter entirely.
"Song Jie, you're really on a roll this time," Mu Lei sighed.
The next morning, Song Jie went to see Dean Xiao, who was in the middle of a discussion with Old Deng Tou.
When Song Jie entered, Old Deng Tou barely glanced at him before pretending to ignore his presence.
Song Jie walked straight up to him. "Professor Deng, you're not going to go back on your word, are you? I've waited for days and still haven't seen that spiritual magic tool."
Old Deng Tou glared at him. "Don't rush me. I'm already searching for one suitable for you."
Song Jie crossed his arms. "Good. When you find it, I'll have Dean Xiao take a look. If it's not up to standard, I won't take it."
Old Deng Tou nearly ground his remaining teeth into dust.
Song Jie simply smiled and turned toward Dean Xiao. "Dean, I wanted to discuss something with you."
Dean Xiao raised his head. "What is it?"
"I want to enter the Three-Step Pagoda for cultivation."
Dean Xiao nodded without hesitation. "Alright. When do you plan to go in?"
"Today. The sooner the better."
Dean Xiao smiled. "That works out. I was planning to visit the main campus anyway."
"Perfect," Song Jie replied.
The two left the office together, while Old Deng Tou muttered curses under his breath.
When they arrived at the main campus, the grand structure of the Three-Step Pagoda loomed before them.
Several guards stood around the base, maintaining the sacred area.
"Dean Xiao!" They quickly straightened up and saluted.
"I'm bringing a student to cultivate here," Dean Xiao said. "Let him in."
The guards looked at Song Jie with undisguised envy.
"Follow me," one of them said respectfully, leading Song Jie to the entrance.
"This is where you enter."
Song Jie nodded and stepped inside without hesitation.
Beforehand, Dean Xiao had already explained the rules to him—he could only stay for seven days. After that, he had to leave.
Inside the Pagoda, he immediately noticed the steps stretching upward. Each level demanded tremendous magical energy to climb, as Dean Xiao had warned.
Song Jie couldn't help but think of Mo Fan's experience here.
"What a pity," he muttered. "I'm not a natural dual-element mage like him. I can't sustain the energy needed to climb higher."
He recalled the differences between each floor:
First floor: 20× cultivation speed
Second floor: 40× cultivation speed
Third floor: 80× cultivation speed
Each level doubled the results of the one below it. One day on the second floor equaled forty days outside. The third floor was four times that!
Unfortunately, with his current reserves, Song Jie could only reach the first floor.
He began climbing, feeling his magic energy drain rapidly with every step. By the time he reached the first floor, he was nearly empty.
"I wonder if, once my Summoning Element advances to the Intermediate level, I'll have enough energy to reach the second floor," he mused.
He quickly calmed his mind. Even on the first floor, progress would be immense. And with his bronze bracelet enhancing his cultivation by another 2.5×, his speed would reach 50× that of the outside world.
"Fifty days of progress in one!" he whispered with satisfaction.
Seven days passed in a blur.
When Song Jie finally opened his eyes, the results were astounding.
His Summoning Element had reached the second level of the Intermediate stage, while his Light Element was also at the second level, just a step away from the third.
After checking the time, he left the Three-Step Pagoda and stretched, his spirit refreshed.
He still needed to find a suitable summoned beast for a new contract, but that could wait.
Just as he exited the campus gates, his communicator buzzed—it was a message from Mo Fan.
Mo Fan had known he was cultivating and messaged him the moment he came out.
The address led him to a bustling roadside barbecue stall.
Evening had fallen, and the place was packed with people eating, drinking, and laughing after a long day.
Mo Fan spotted him and waved enthusiastically. "Brother Jie! Over here!"
Song Jie walked over with a smile.
"This stall is amazing," Mo Fan said proudly. "Once you try their skewers, you'll never forget them."
Song Jie chuckled and took a seat. Across from him was Ye Xinxia, her delicate figure seated in her wheelchair. Her long, silky hair framed her face like a waterfall, and her clear eyes lit up when she saw him.
"Hello, Brother Song," she said softly, smiling.
Song Jie smiled back and nodded politely.
After the food was served, the three ate and chatted casually.
Halfway through the meal, Mo Fan's phone rang—it was Mo Jiaxing, calling for help with something urgent.
Mo Fan groaned. "Brother Jie, I need to help my dad. Can you look after Xinxia for a while?"
"No problem," Song Jie said. "I'll take her home later."
As soon as Mo Fan left, the atmosphere grew quiet.
Song Jie looked at her. "Do you have any plans for the future?"
"I'm self-studying for now," Ye Xinxia said softly. "I'll take the college entrance exam later."
Song Jie nodded. "That's great. You're really strong-willed."
They continued chatting until the meal ended. Mo Fan still hadn't returned, so Song Jie paid the bill himself—despite Mo Fan's promise to treat.
He pushed Ye Xinxia's wheelchair along the street under the night lights.
Suddenly, a BMW pulled up in front of them. A burly man got out, smirking.
"Well, well. Didn't expect you to be into this kind of thing too. Guess we've got similar tastes," the man said with a disgusting grin.
Song Jie's expression darkened. "Get lost."
The man laughed and pressed his car key, showing off his luxury vehicle.
Song Jie stopped walking.
Ye Xinxia noticed the tension and whispered, "Brother Song Jie…"
He raised his hand slightly, signaling her not to worry.
Then, in the next instant, the Summoning Star Path formed under his feet—light flaring briefly as the Wind-Riding Skyhawk burst out from its dimensional space!
The massive creature spread its wings, its eyes gleaming with menace.
The man stumbled back in terror, tripping over himself.
Song Jie calmly lifted Ye Xinxia into his arms. She blushed slightly but didn't resist.
The Wind-Riding Skyhawk grabbed the wheelchair with its talons as it took off. Its wings stirred a violent gust—knocking an air conditioner loose from the nearby building.
The heavy unit crashed straight down onto the BMW.
The man's jaw dropped in horror. That luxury car… had been rented just to show off.
Song Jie didn't even glance back.
The Skyhawk soared into the sky, carrying him and Ye Xinxia away under the glowing lights of Magic City.
...
Author's Note:
The first half (completed version) of Versatile Mage: My Magic Has Gone Beyond Limits! is now available on Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
Thank you all for your continued support! 💙