The Legend of the Eternal Throne.

Under the veil of night, Silver Crown City lay quiet, with only a few scattered pedestrians and the occasional sound of carriage wheels breaking the silence.

Roy stayed at an inn arranged by the elder. The room was modest but clean and cozy. On the table stood an ancient magic lamp, emitting a soft blue glow that added a tranquil atmosphere to the space.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Roy entered a state of cultivation.

His hands rested naturally on his knees, eyes gently closed, as his mind focused on the faint flow of spiritual energy within. Since awakening as a Level 1 Warrior, Roy had been learning how to sense and guide this energy.

The spiritual energy in the air felt like an invisible river, slowly flowing into his body under his guidance. It seeped through his pores, coursing along his meridians. Each circulation brought a soothing and clarifying sensation to his being.

"Steady breathing, guiding energy through the meridians…" Roy silently recalled the elder's instructions, striving to remain undistracted.

Gradually, he sensed the spiritual energy becoming denser, like a clear stream expanding through his meridians. His body felt sharper, and his muscles subtly pulsed with newfound strength.

"Just a bit more!" Roy encouraged himself, knowing that breakthroughs often hinged on a fleeting moment.

Suddenly, the energy converged at his core, forming a small vortex that rotated steadily, compressing the spiritual power within. A moment later, it was as if an invisible barrier shattered, sending a wave of energy rippling through his body!

"Boom!"

Roy's body shook, and a fine layer of sweat appeared on his forehead. Taking a deep breath, he slowly opened his eyes, excitement brimming in them.

"Level 2! I finally leveled up!" Roy was overjoyed, feeling his body lighter and the spiritual energy within him more abundant and powerful.

"This proves that cultivation requires focus and dedication. Only through persistence can one keep breaking through!" Clenching his fists, Roy savored the rush of energy flowing through him, brimming with confidence about the future.

He stood up and pushed open the window. The cool night breeze swept in, carrying the freshness of the evening. Gazing at the distant starry sky, Roy made a silent vow:

"The road ahead may be long, but I will train tirelessly and carve out my own legendary path!"

As dawn broke, Silver Crown City shimmered in gold under the rising sun, and the streets gradually filled with life.

While Roy was packing his belongings, a gentle knock sounded at his door.

"Come in," Roy called out.

The door opened slowly, revealing a city guard clad in Silver Crown armor holding a letter. "Mr. Roy, this is a recommendation letter prepared by the Elder of the Sanctuary. A carriage awaits downstairs to take you directly to Radiant Academy."

Roy accepted the letter, nodding solemnly. "Thank you!"

The guard smiled, bowed slightly, and departed.

Soon after, Roy boarded the carriage bound for Radiant Academy.

The carriage rolled smoothly along the city's broad streets. Roy gazed out the window, taking in the bustling scene: rows of shops lined the streets, pedestrians moved about energetically, and occasionally he spotted young students clad in academy uniforms.

After half an hour, the carriage slowed to a stop before a grand academy gate.

Two towering stone pillars flanked Radiant Academy's entrance, engraved with mysterious runes that radiated faint traces of spiritual energy.

Stepping off the carriage, Roy raised his head to admire the academy. A surge of anticipation welled up within him. "So, this is Radiant Academy. The environment looks promising, and the spiritual energy here feels much denser than outside."

He approached the gate, but a blue-robed gatekeeper stepped forward to block his way. "May I ask who you are?"

The gatekeeper scrutinized Roy from head to toe, noting his simple attire and absence of an academy badge, his expression puzzled. "You don't look like one of our students."

Roy smiled politely and retrieved the recommendation letter from his pocket. "I'm here to enroll. This is a letter of recommendation from the Elder. Could you please deliver it?"

Surprised, the gatekeeper's demeanor shifted upon seeing the official seal on the letter. "Very well, please wait here. I'll inform the Elder immediately."

He hurried away into the academy grounds.

While waiting, Roy observed his surroundings, finding them fascinating.

The academy featured elegantly arranged buildings amid flourishing greenery. Nearby, several students practiced combat techniques on a training field, the air thick with spiritual energy. Breathing in deeply, Roy felt the stark contrast between the academy and the outside world, his anticipation and nervousness intertwining.

Before long, the gatekeeper returned, accompanied by a middle-aged man who carried an air of authority yet radiated warmth.

"You must be Roy?" the elder asked, his tone steady.

Roy bowed respectfully. "Yes, Elder."

The elder took the letter, carefully examined it, and nodded approvingly. "A recommendation from the Sanctuary Elder speaks to your potential. Radiant Academy may only be a one-star institution, but with dedication, you can achieve much here."

"I understand," Roy affirmed resolutely.

The elder smiled with satisfaction. "Follow me. I'll guide you through the enrollment process and arrange your accommodations."

Following the elder through the academy gates, Roy entered the main campus of Radiant Academy. The stone-paved paths were flanked by exotic spiritual plants that emitted a faint fragrance. Spirit birds perched on branches, chirping melodiously as they hopped between trees.

"This is the heart of Radiant Academy," the elder explained calmly. "You will study and train here. Though our environment isn't the finest, it's more than adequate for beginners to grow."

Roy nodded in agreement. "The spiritual energy here feels much denser than outside."

"Indeed," the elder smiled. "The academy uses a Spirit Gathering Array to channel and concentrate ambient spiritual energy, making cultivation easier. But remember, true progress depends not just on the environment but also on your perseverance and wisdom."

Soon, they arrived at a tall administrative building marked by a sign that read "Radiant Academy Office." Inside, several staff members were busy with various administrative tasks.

"This is a new student, Roy," the elder introduced, handing over the recommendation letter to a staff member.

A middle-aged man scanned the letter quickly and nodded approvingly. "A promising talent. With a purple-grade spirit potential, you meet the academy's criteria."

He handed Roy a form from a stack of documents. "Please fill in your basic details."

Roy swiftly completed the form, entering his name, age, and spirit level before returning it.

"Everything is in order," the man confirmed, writing Roy's name in the registry. He handed over a pale blue identification badge. "This is your student ID badge, required to access various areas in the academy. Here is also a handbook outlining academy rules and your course schedule. Be sure to read it carefully."

"I understand," Roy responded, carefully storing the badge and booklet.

The elder continued, "Now let me take you to the dormitory area. Your room has already been arranged."

They followed a winding path to a collection of cottages surrounded by vibrant gardens. Each building bore a sign indicating its block and room numbers.

"This is the Radiant Academy dormitory area," the elder explained. "Each room includes a private training chamber and living quarters, providing a quiet environment for cultivation."

Stopping before a modest cottage, the elder handed Roy a key. "This will be your residence. For now, you're classified as an ordinary disciple. Once you advance to an inner or elite disciple, your accommodations and privileges will improve. You'll also receive a monthly stipend of 1,000 spirit stones to purchase weapons, techniques, pills, and other resources for your training."

Roy bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Elder."

Unlocking the door, he stepped inside. The room was simple but cozy. The training space contained a spirit array disk, while the living area featured a wooden desk and bed. Through the window, Roy could see a tranquil bamboo grove. Spiritual energy flowed freely through the room, making the atmosphere fresh and invigorating.

"The spiritual energy here is denser than outside," the elder explained further. "Each room is equipped with a Spirit Gathering Array to enhance training. If you have any questions, you can come to me or your assigned mentor."

Roy expressed his gratitude sincerely. "Thank you for your arrangements, Elder. I will train diligently and live up to your expectations!"

The elder smiled approvingly. "That's the spirit. Tomorrow, your formal lessons begin with your mentor. Be sure to attend all scheduled training and combat practice."

"Yes!" Roy affirmed with determination.

After a few final words of encouragement, the elder departed.

After stepping into the room, Roy gently closed the door, sealing off the noise of the academy outside.

The air within was rich and fresh with spiritual energy, making the atmosphere feel lighter. He walked slowly into the training chamber, sat cross-legged, and placed the spirit array disk before him. Taking a deep breath, Roy gradually entered a meditative state.

Soft light emanated from the spirit array disk, guiding the surrounding spiritual energy to flow gently into his body.

The energy coursed through his meridians, like a clear stream running through mountain valleys, bringing warmth and comfort. Roy felt his mind become clearer, his spirit calm, as if merging with the vastness of the world.

"Guide the energy into the body, circulate through the meridians, refine the spiritual essence."

Following the cultivation method taught by the elder from the temple, Roy meticulously directed the energy to flow in continuous cycles, steadily tempering his core meridians.

As time passed, he sensed his spiritual power growing denser, the flow within his meridians becoming smoother. However, when the energy surged toward his energy sea, it encountered an invisible barrier — the bottleneck between levels 3 and 4.

Roy remained calm, carefully controlling the energy to repeatedly strike at the barrier.

Though resilient, the barrier began to loosen under the persistent assaults of spiritual energy. Clenching his teeth, Roy maintained his concentration, seizing every opportunity to advance.

Boom!

A faint tremor echoed through his body as the blockage impeding his spiritual flow shattered at last!

An overwhelming surge of energy flooded his energy sea. Roy felt an unparalleled sense of relief, as if the entire world had brightened. The spiritual energy within him moved autonomously, completing a new cycle, and his strength clearly ascended to a higher level.

"I've finally broken through to level 4!"

Slowly opening his eyes, Roy's gaze sparkled briefly with determination. Clenching his fists, he reveled in the newfound power surging through his body, a deep sense of accomplishment swelling within him.

"Endless cultivation, constant breakthroughs."

He whispered to himself, delighted by his progress yet resolute in his determination to continue growing stronger. Radiant Academy was just the beginning of his journey.

Outside, the bamboo grove swayed gently in the breeze, as if quietly celebrating Roy's advancement.