Alaric Ye's rapid growth was largely due to the residual medicinal properties of the pearl Little White had given him earlier. As he cultivated, the medicinal power was fully absorbed and converted into his cultivation base.

Currently, Alaric still didn't know what kind of Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure Little White had given him. He couldn't find any similar treasures in the book "Dragon-seeking Mountain Range Chronicles."

After half an hour, the thin mist gradually dissipated, and more cultivators gathered on the training ground to practice swordsmanship. Zachary Song and Alaric Ye simultaneously sheathed their Black Iron swords.

Alaric respectfully cupped his fists towards Zachary in gratitude.

"Brother Zachary, your swordsmanship is becoming increasingly fierce. It won't be long before you step into the second realm of the Top Xuan Swordsmanship, the Spirit Profound Realm."

The so-called Spirit Profound Realm allowed one to directly communicate with the Spiritual Qi of heaven and earth through swordsmanship, unleashing double the basic power.

A month ago, Zachary had already officially stepped into the first level of Qi Refining. He was exceptionally accepted as an Inner Disciple by the Peak Master of Spirit Sword Peak, skipping the stage of being a miscellaneous disciple. He was taught more advanced swordsmanship and had already gained some fame within the Top Xuan Sect. His status was now quite different.

When they first joined, Alaric called him Brother Song, but now he had to address him as Senior Brother Song.

Even so, Zachary still sparred with Alaric every few days. Alaric's rapid progress in swordsmanship and agility was all thanks to Zachary's guidance.

Despite sparring with Alaric for so long, Zachary remained calm and composed, his hairstyle unruffled, while Alaric was drenched in sweat and panting heavily, clearly having reached his physical limit.

Then, Zachary tossed his treasured sword to Alaric and beckoned Elijah Wang with a finger. Elijah leaped forward with a "whoosh," and the two began to spar, the sound of their blows echoing loudly.

After sparring with Alaric, Zachary would usually practice fist techniques with Elijah, taking care of his two younger brothers as the leader of the Longevity Society.

What was astonishing was that Zachary's prowess wasn't limited to swordsmanship; his fist techniques and agility were equally impressive.

Elijah had also stepped into the first level of Qi Refining half a month ago, but he was still no match for Zachary in fist techniques.

However, Elijah had joined Thundercloud Peak as an Outer Sect disciple. With his high-grade Spiritual Root, he too skipped the miscellaneous disciple stage and specialized in spells rather than fist techniques.

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On the training ground, Elijah was forced to retreat repeatedly by Zachary's Tiger Roar Fist.

"Take this, Palm Thunder!" Elijah shouted softly.

Suddenly, arcs of lightning flickered all over Elijah's body, gathering in his palm. He struck towards Zachary, and with a thunderous "boom," a bolt of lightning shot from his hand towards Zachary.

Unexpectedly, Zachary casually tilted his body, and the lightning bolt missed him, striking the ground and disappearing without a trace. Then, Zachary punched Elijah, sending him flying three meters away.

Elijah's newly learned low-grade spell, Palm Thunder, was impressive in its display but lacked accuracy.

When he got up, Elijah was covered in dust, his face pale. It was clear that the Palm Thunder had drained him significantly, likely emptying his Dantian of its power.

Gasping for breath, Elijah said, "No more, no more. Senior Brother Song is just too strong. No wonder he's hailed as the Top Xuan Sect's number one Chosen of the year! Terrifying, truly terrifying!"

By this time, Alaric had also caught his breath, and the three of them headed to Juyuan Pavilion for breakfast.

Zachary said indifferently, "You made a mistake using spells. Spell attacks must be unexpected. Your Palm Thunder gathers slowly, and you even warned me. Not to mention me, even Brother Ye could dodge it."

Elijah chuckled, "I was afraid the spell's power was too strong and might injure you. I couldn't bear that responsibility."

Zachary coldly replied, "Fatty Wang, you're too confident in your spell. Minor injuries from sparring don't violate the sect rules."

Elijah: "..."

Then, Zachary turned to Alaric and said, "I've inquired about directly promoting to a senior miscellaneous disciple at Spirit Beast Peak."

Zachary and Elijah could skip the miscellaneous disciple stage due to their high-grade Spiritual Roots. After all, having them do menial tasks for years before becoming Outer Sect disciples would be a waste of talent.

Alaric, though possessing a mid-grade five-element Spiritual Root, couldn't directly become an Outer Sect disciple. He had to serve as a miscellaneous disciple for a while.

In the Top Xuan Sect, miscellaneous disciples were divided into ordinary and senior ones.

Ordinary miscellaneous disciples managed the herb fields and planted spiritual plants in the sect's outer areas, earning contribution points by supplying Spirit Herbs and Spirit Grains.

Senior miscellaneous disciples joined the main peaks early, such as taking care of low-level Spirit Beasts and Spirit Insects at Spirit Beast Peak or helping to smelt ores and forge swords at Spirit Sword Peak...

Alaric planned to go directly to Spirit Beast Peak as a senior miscellaneous disciple to start raising Spirit Insects. This way, he could quickly secure a legitimate status for Little White and Little Strong and enhance his own strength.

He possessed the Insect Emperor's body, and in the future, his Spirit Insects would be his main combat force, with his own strength as support.

Now, Little White and Little Strong had learned secret techniques to conceal their aura and reduce their size, but they still couldn't be openly displayed.

Zachary continued, "Every year, many cultivators want to become senior miscellaneous disciples, and each peak has its own assessment process. Spirit Beast Peak mainly tests the disciple's patience, perseverance, and spiritual affinity."

Zachary seemed worried that Alaric wouldn't understand and explained further, "Spiritual affinity refers to the ability to communicate with Spirit Beasts and Spirit Insects. Some people naturally have strong spiritual affinity after reaching the first level of Qi Refining and can communicate with birds and beasts, but most cultivators can't."

"Those with strong spiritual affinity are naturally suited to raising Spirit Beasts and Spirit Insects!"

Hearing this, Alaric's eyes lit up.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Song, for the information."

Elijah asked, "Brother Ye, are you inquiring about this because you're about to break through to the first level of Qi Refining?"

Alaric nodded slightly, "I feel it will happen in the next few days!"

Strictly speaking, only by breaking through to the first level of Qi Refining could one truly step into the Cultivation World. There was a vast difference between a first-level Qi Refining cultivator and a Spiritual Root Awakener who hadn't reached that level.

A hint of surprise flashed in both Elijah and Zachary's eyes.

Elijah said, "I seriously suspect you actually have a high-grade Spiritual Root. Your cultivation speed is ridiculously fast!"

Alaric smiled helplessly, "If I had a high-grade Spiritual Root, why would I bother becoming a senior miscellaneous disciple... The reason my cultivation is a bit faster is that years ago, while still in the mortal world, I accidentally consumed a strange, glowing pearl. I still haven't figured out what kind of Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure it was!"