"I got a new ability. But, I lack a strong enough body to utilize the ability."
"I'll go into close-door cultivation until I can make a breakthrough."
***
Concurrently on the other part of the academy.
"I have gathered a year's worth of liquid Qi. I should be able to break through to the 4th level of the evolution realm in two years."
"Once I'm at the mid-evolution realm, the academy will start appreciating me more."
"After that, I can crush you like an insect, and no one will care even if they find out about it."
"Ha ha ha. Just you wait, Grim." He began laughing like crazy.
The disciples next door could hear the crazy laughter.
***
A year later.
Grim had filled all three crystals to the brim. The next step was to go through tribulation before breaking into the evolution realm.
"I can't go through tribulation in the dorm."
"I'll ask for help with the master."
Grim went to the manor of Instructor Lou Xiang.
He went in front of the door and started calling out for her.
"Master. Master. Master."
A voice came from inside, "What is it, disciple?"
Grim responded, "I need your help master."
"What do you need my help with?"
Grim replied, "I'm about to go through the tribulation. But, I don't have a safe place to carry out tribulation."
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"It's just a small matter. You can go through tribulation in my courtyard."
Grim bowed, "Thank you, teacher."
"You can start now." She waved her hand and went inside.
***
Grim sat in the courtyard and started absorbing Qi.
Soon, a dark cloud started forming rapidly. The cloud turned black and lighting started forming in the cloud.
Crackle! Crackle! Crackle!
Boom!
A lightning bolt came down on him.
"Earth shield"
Bam!
The shield was able to endure, and the bolt dissipated soon.
Boom!
Another lightning bolt made its way, and it was mixed with the 'earth' element.
"Vigor" His strenght multiplied by 25.
"Earth shield"
Bam!
The impact was heavier. But, he was able to endure it.
Boom!
One after another lightning bolts rained down on him. But, he was able to endure them with ease.
Then, it was the turn of the 'water' element.
Grim increased the size of the 'earth shield' to avoid water. He was able to pass it easily.
The 'wind' element wasn't a problem either.
Finally, it was the turn of the 'fire' element.
Previously, Grim had used multiple layers of defense last time to endure it. However, this time it was different.
His affinity with 'fire' had reached a major level. So, he just used an 'earth shield' to endure the tribulation.
The final tribulation lasted for ten minutes.
The cloud dissipated after the final lightning bolt.
"Now, I'll enhance the crystals."
Grim started gathering Qi and sending them to the crystals.
The crystals started transforming.
Their size was increasing and their shapes were getting more refined.
The transformation lasted ten days.
Grim sent his consciousness inside and observed the crystals.
"It's just like before."
The crystals had transformed into octagons, and they were pleasing to look at.
The first crystal in particular was alluring. It looked like a piece of a night sky.
"I'll complete the next step while I'm at it."
Grim started imprinting the 'thunder' element on the first crystal.
The process took a couple of hours.
He could feel the affinity with 'thunder' increasing rapidly, and it settled down after an hour.
***
Grim opened his eyes.
To his surprise, Instructor Lou Xiang was standing in front of him.
"Congratulation on your breakthrough."
Grim bowed and said, "Thank you, master."
"No need to thank me. It's your own effort. You can go and stabilize your cultivation later."
"Thank you master for providing a place to go through tribulation. I'll get going."
Grim turned around to leave.
"Before you go, I have some news."
"The 'Spring' sect hosts a tournament every ten years, and it will happen in two years. A total of five hundred disciples will take part."
"Each city will be allowed to take 50 disciples, and the rest of the disciples will be from the sect."
"From the Aran city, Meadow Academy is assigned 20 seats, and both Oak and Faith Academy are assigned 15 seats."
"I hope you can take part in the tournament with your brother and sister."
He thought for a moment and agreed to the request.
He had nothing to do anyway.
[Evo points left: 28,750]