"Zhao Xuan, my young friend—aren't you going to continue?"
Seeing Zhao Xuan standing motionless, Guildmaster Lian Jie couldn't help but ask.
Zhao Xuan shook his head firmly.
Even with his body reinforced by more than a thousand points of physical strength, that earlier countershock had been terrifying. He hadn't been injured—but still—
Even his strongest attack had failed to make Lian Jie budge.
Not a single step.
Not even a scratch.
There was no point in continuing the fight.
Lian Jie saw this and immediately spoke, fearing Zhao Xuan might lose confidence.
"Zhao Xuan, don't be discouraged. The gap between Tier 3 and Tier 4 isn't something that can be crossed so easily.
You know that a Tier 3 ability user can unleash about 500 Dao-force consistently—but do you know what the standard for Tier 4 is?"
Zhao Xuan looked at him curiously.
"No idea."
"Two thousand."
Lian Jie raised two fingers.
"To break through to Tier 4, one must be able to maintain a stable output of 2,000 Dao-force for at least five full minutes."
He paused, then added, "You're still young, Zhao Xuan. With your talent, there's plenty of time. Don't let this shake you."
"Guildmaster, I'm not discouraged," Zhao Xuan said seriously, clenching his fists. "In fact, knowing how powerful Tier 4 truly is only makes me more motivated!"
"Hahahaha! That's the spirit!"
Lian Jie laughed heartily, clearly pleased.
"With your potential, it won't take long before you become a Tier 4 ability user yourself."
"Guildmaster, may I ask something?" Zhao Xuan said suddenly.
"Of course, go ahead."
"How long did it take you to break through from Tier 3 to Tier 4?"
Lian Jie's eyes narrowed slightly, as if reminiscing. A hint of pride flickered across his face.
"Back then, I was considered a prodigy myself. I even competed in the Provincial Exam. I broke through to Tier 4 in my second year of university—roughly two years."
"I see… I understand."
Zhao Xuan nodded thoughtfully.
Afterward, instead of immediately returning to Tongcheng, he accepted Lian Jie's invitation to train inside the relic, taking advantage of the denser spiritual energy within.
He quickly realized what Lian Jie had said was true—
cultivation inside the relic was far faster than outside.
At least twice as efficient, by his estimation.
Still, compared to the proficiency gained through real combat, it was lacking.
So by afternoon, Zhao Xuan left the relic and returned to Tongcheng.
He visited the Ability Users' Guild, exchanged his newly earned points for low-tier energy fluids and training resources, then immediately accepted three Tier 3 bounty missions in one go.
Because one thing never changed—
Time waits for no one.
Only about ten days remained until the Provincial Exam.
The clock was ticking.
Zhao Xuan had to use every single minute to push his strength as high as possible.
He had barely stepped out of the Guild when—
The air in front of him began to ripple like disturbed water.
A moment later, a strange door—
a door seemingly made of pure air—
appeared out of thin space.
Zhao Xuan's pupils shrank.
"This… could it be the Door-Door Fruit ability!?"
Before he could think further—
Creak!
The air-door swung open.
And out stepped a stunning woman—
tall, curvaceous, wearing high heels, black silk stockings, and a faint smile that exuded mature charm.
A subtle pressure spread from her body, heavy and suffocating.
Instantly, Zhao Xuan's muscles tensed, his instincts screaming danger.
"Oh, my apologies."
The woman noticed his discomfort and withdrew her aura with a casual wave.
The pressure vanished at once.
"A powerhouse! A super powerhouse!" Zhao Xuan thought, stunned.
The black-stockinged lady spoke again, her voice low and elegant.
"Little brother, this should be Tongcheng, right?"
Zhao Xuan twitched internally.
(Little brother? Who's little? I'm plenty big, thank you very much!)
But he still nodded obediently. "Yes, this is Tongcheng."
"Phew, good. That's a relief!"
The woman let out a long breath, pressing a hand lightly against her chest—
and Zhao Xuan's eyes nearly popped at the sight of that majestic motion.
Good heavens… those waves could drown a man.
She then smiled again.
"Little brother, since you just came from the Ability Users' Guild, could you help me find someone?"
"Who?" Zhao Xuan asked curiously.
"A young man named Zhao Xuan," she said casually.
"I heard he's somewhat famous around here—recently graduated high-schooler, Tier 3 ability user."
The words hit Zhao Xuan like thunder.
He froze on the spot.
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