The two year period had come to an end. His time as a transfer student at the academy had reached its close, and Li Ye did not linger. He returned directly to the Rising Cloud Sect.
When he stood before the sect's main hall once again, his entire aura was completely different from the youth who had left. Restrained and profound, he was like an ancient well whose depth could not be seen.
"Ye'er, you are back."
Li Canglan, the Sect Master of the Rising Cloud Sect and his father, personally came out to greet him. His face carried excitement and relief that were hard to conceal. He could feel that the spiritual energy within his son's body was so vast it shocked even him.
"Father," Li Ye nodded slightly.
The two entered the hall and dismissed the attendants. Li Canglan's voice trembled slightly as he asked the question burning in his mind. "What realm are you at now?"
"Spirit Origin Realm, Seventh Level," Li Ye answered, his tone plain and indifferent.
Li Canglan's body shook violently. He was immensely shocked, followed by a surge of wild joy. A twenty year old at the Seventh Level of the Spirit Origin Realm was a concept that few could grasp. In the entire Grand Azure Empire, among the younger generation, those who could reach this height were few and far between.
"Good! Good! Good!" Li Canglan paced back and forth in excitement. "With your current cultivation, being a Sect Elder would be more than enough."
Li Ye did not respond. An Elder? His goals were far beyond such a small pond.
"By the way, there is a major matter I need to discuss with you," Li Canglan said, his expression becoming serious. "The empire's once every five years event, the Grand Azure Competition, is about to begin."
Li Ye's brow quirked. He remembered that in his previous life, this period should have been a smaller academic competition.
"This competition is different from before," Li Canglan explained. "It is no longer limited to academies. The Imperial Family has issued a decree that sect forces, children of noble families, and loose cultivators can all participate, provided they are under twenty five and have reached at least the Seventh Level of the Foundation Breath."
"The scale has expanded that much?"
"Yes, it is said to be because of constant friction at the borders. The Imperial Family wants to select a group of true geniuses for the military and various key locations." Li Canglan sighed. "Our Rising Cloud Sect is small. Besides you, the highest cultivation among the other disciples is only the Eighth Level of the Foundation Breath. Going there would just be providing cannon fodder. I hope you can represent us."
A sharp light flashed in Li Ye's eyes. This was a perfect opportunity to obtain more resources and draw closer to his ultimate targets.
"I will participate."
Four months later, Li Ye successfully broke through to the Ninth Level of the Spirit Origin Realm.
The Imperial Capital of the Grand Azure Empire was now more bustling than ever. Countless flying vessels bearing different flags shuttled through the air. Young cultivators from all over the world gathered here, filled with high spirits.
Li Ye walked alone down the wide street, choosing to arrive early on his own. He found an inn and was preparing to head to the registration office when a familiar voice came from behind him.
"Brother Ye?"
Li Ye turned to see a slightly chubby young man with a face full of joy. It was Fatty Han, one of his few friends from his time as a transfer student.
"Why are you here?" Li Ye was somewhat surprised.
"I am here for the Grand Azure Competition, of course!" Fatty Han ran over and gave Li Ye a bear hug. "You vanished after leaving the academy. I thought you had gone into secluded cultivation! Are you representing the Rising Cloud Sect?"
"Yes."
"Great!" Fatty Han slapped his thigh. "This competition is a real clash of dragons and tigers. The Ten Great Sects, the Five Great Noble Families, and the Imperial Family have all sent their best. Look over there, that guy in the gold threaded robe is the head disciple of the Golden Sun Sect. It is said he reached the Seventh Level of the Spirit Origin Realm a year ago."
Fatty Han was speaking enthusiastically when his eyes suddenly went wide. Following his gaze, Li Ye saw a peerless beauty stepping out of a high end restaurant.
It was Su Qingxue.
After two years, she had become even more striking, and her cultivation had reached the Third Level of the Spirit Origin Realm. Her appearance immediately drew the attention of everyone around. She saw Li Ye as well, her eyes lighting up instantly with surprise and shyness as she walked quickly toward him.
"Li Ye!"
Fatty Han's jaw nearly hit the ground. He nudged Li Ye's arm, keeping his voice extremely low. "Brother Ye... this goddess... you know her?"
Li Ye looked at his friend's stunned expression and spoke calmly. "She is mine."
Fatty Han felt as if something had exploded in his head. "A backstab! Brother Ye, this is a blatant backstab! While we are still struggling, you have already won over such a beautiful goddess!"
Just then, several young men with extraordinary auras followed her out of the restaurant. The leader, looking arrogant, blocked Su Qingxue's path.
"Junior Sister Qingxue, is this the sweetheart you often mention?" The young man looked Li Ye up and down with disdain. "How can someone from an unknown small sect be worthy of you?"
Su Qingxue's brows furrowed. "Senior Brother Mu Chen, please show some respect. This is my private matter."
The young man, Mu Chen, sneered and turned his gaze to Li Ye. "Kid, I will give you a chance to leave her on your own. Otherwise, I have a hundred ways to make your life miserable in this capital."
Fatty Han became nervous. He recognized Mu Chen as a core disciple of the Moonlight Academy with a cultivation at the Fifth Level of the Spirit Origin Realm. "Brother Ye, don't be impulsive. This guy is trouble."
Li Ye acted as if he had not heard. He did not even give Mu Chen a glance, instead walking straight to Su Qingxue and naturally taking her hand. "Let us go and register."
This blatant disregard ignited Mu Chen's fury. "You are looking for death!"
He roared, his spiritual energy erupting. His Fifth Level Spirit Origin Realm aura pressed down as he threw a punch. The surrounding crowd gasped.
However, Li Ye remained where he was. Just as the fist was about to touch his face, an indescribable, terrifying pressure erupted from his body.
Bang!
Mu Chen's body was struck by a massive invisible hand, sending him flying far away. His companions were also knocked to the ground, coughing up blood.
The scene fell silent. He had not even made a move. Merely by relying on his aura, he had defeated multiple cultivators.
"What kind of strength is this?"
Li Ye withdrew his aura as if he had merely swatted away flies. He looked down at the still stunned Su Qingxue and smiled faintly. "Let us go."
As they walked away, the scene erupted into whispers. "That must be at least the Eighth or Ninth Level of the Spirit Origin Realm! Which hidden monster is he?"
Fatty Han stood frozen for a long time before muttering to himself, "Did I just hitch my wagon to a real powerhouse?"