Yan Zhuo entered the school grounds, his eyes sweeping across the wide campus. Students were already gathered, standing in orderly rows and whispering excitedly among themselves. He joined them, facing the raised stage where a teacher stood with hands behind his back.
"Today," the teacher announced calmly, his voice carrying across the campus, "we begin the Battle Season. The students who place in the top 16 will advance their cultivation level and earn a transfer to the Senior Academy of the Ren Sect."
The moment the words left his mouth, the campus erupted with excitement. Students talked loudly, their faces glowing with anticipation.
"Battle Season already?" Astra said from within the ring domain, his tone sharp but approving. "This will force you to grow faster."
After the assembly ended, Yan Zhuo walked toward his classroom. As he entered, his eyes landed on the girl he had bumped into the day before. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward.
"Hello," Yan Zhuo said, forcing an awkward smile. "I wanted to apologize for what happened yesterday."
She looked at him slowly, then rolled her eyes.
"Do you even know who I am?" she said coldly. "My name is Xuan Yu. I am the daughter of the Yu Sect Master."
Her voice was filled with pride.
Yan Zhuo simply smiled. "I just wanted to apologize. That's all."
Xuan Yu walked past him, stopping for a brief moment to shoot him a sharp glance before leaving.
Yan Zhuo let out a heavy sigh. "Looks like things are only getting worse."
Astra emerged from the ring, floating in front of him with a stern expression.
"We don't have time for distractions," he said firmly. "Forget her. Focus on training and learning skills. The Battle Season won't wait for you."
Yan Zhuo clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes.
"We'll win the Battle Season," he said in a sharp, confident tone.
After school, Yan Zhuo sat alone, surrounded by scattered scrolls.
"Which skill is better?" he asked while reading.
Astra rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If you want a solid foundation in combat, focus on Cosmic Flame attributes."
Yan Zhuo's eyes lit up as he read faster.
"So there are seven types of Cosmic Flames," he muttered.
Astra nodded. "Correct. Most cultivators waste their entire lives trying to master even one."
Yan Zhuo sat cross-legged and began meditating. Slowly, the air around him grew heavy as cosmic pressure spread outward.
"You're doing well," Astra said proudly. "Now, turn that cosmic energy into your flame."
Yan Zhuo concentrated harder. The cosmic energy around him began to twist, heating up, transforming. A faint purple flame flickered around his body, and the temperature rose sharply.
"It's working!" Yan Zhuo said, opening one eye in excitement.
Astra smiled. "Good. Now it's time to learn a combat technique."
Yan Zhuo looked up eagerly. "Combat fighting… how?"
"There are countless combat techniques," Astra explained calmly. "They allow you to end battles quickly. Combine them with your purple cosmic energy to amplify your attacks."
"I'm ready," Yan Zhuo said, jumping to his feet.
Astra handed him a scroll. "This is the Sky Punch Technique. Master it, and your cultivation grade will rise much faster."
Yan Zhuo opened the scroll and began practicing, punching the air again and again.
"Nothing's happening," he complained.
"Because you aren't releasing your cosmic energy," Astra said. "Force it into your punch."
Yan Zhuo tried again—still nothing.
"This is boring," Yan Zhuo muttered.
Astra sighed. "You still don't understand how to transfer energy into your attacks."
Time passed. Yan Zhuo kept punching, sweat dripping down his face.
"I'm getting tired," he said between breaths.
"Focus," Astra said firmly. "Feel your cosmic energy."
Yan Zhuo closed his eyes. He felt the energy flowing through his body, guiding it into his fist. He punched forward—
BOOM!
A massive rock in front of him split cleanly into two.
Yan Zhuo's eyes widened. "That was amazing!" He turned around excitedly. "Master, did you see that?"
Astra nodded, pride clear in his expression. "You're learning quickly. Keep focusing, and one day you'll become the strongest."
Yan Zhuo grinned. "Can we go home now?"
Astra rolled his eyes. "Finish your running."
Yan Zhuo groaned and started running.
"This is so boring," he complained loudly.
Astra looked at him and spoke firmly,
"Keep running."
As evening fell, the sky slowly darkening, Yan Zhuo finally collapsed onto the broken rock nearby. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he struggled to catch his breath.
"I'm completely exhausted after all this training," he said breathlessly.
Astra floated above him, looking down with a faint smile.
"I can see it clearly. Your cosmic energy has increased significantly. You're very close to reaching the second grade of the Yuan Chu rank," Astra said calmly.
Yan Zhuo forced himself to sit up, wiping the sweat from his face as he looked at Astra.
"Then… how can I increase my cultivation speed even faster?" he asked seriously.
Astra smiled before explaining,
"The fastest way is battle. When you fight strong opponents and use large amounts of cosmic energy, the pressure forces your energy to adapt. It strengthens its flow and makes it easier for you to control in the future."
Yan Zhuo slowly stood up, his legs still trembling. A hopeful smile appeared on his face.
"So if I place in the top ten during the Battle Season, I could possibly reach the fifth grade of the Yuan Chu rank?"
"Of course," Astra replied with confidence. "Your opponents will push you to your limits. The more you are forced to use your cosmic energy, the more naturally it will respond to you later. And don't forget—learning new skills is just as important. Skills allow you to control your cosmic energy better and greatly amplify its power."
Yan Zhuo clenched his fists, his exhaustion fading under renewed determination.
"Alright," he said firmly. "I'll win the Battle Season."
Astra smiled and turned, walking toward the Zhuo Sect as the evening lights flickered on.
"Come on. You still have more scrolls to study tonight."
Yan Zhuo let out a long sigh before dragging himself after him.
"I know…" he replied helplessly.