The scent offreshly baked bread, roasted meat, and exotic spicesblended together, creating an aroma that made Echo’s stomach growl.

Rilan laughed at his expression."Hungry already?"

Eileen chuckled."Let’s get him something to eat first."

As they walked deeper into the market, Echo’seyes darted everywhere.

There werestalls packed with glowing gemstones, shimmering fabrics, and handmade jewelry.

Further ahead, a blacksmith was displaying hisfinely crafted swords and armor.

Echo watched infascinationas the man hammered a blade, sparks flying into the air.

"That’s real craftsmanship,"Rilan remarked.

"Can I have a sword?"Echo asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Rilan laughed."You don’t need one yet. But maybe in a few years."

They continued exploring, passing stalls filled withfresh fruit, steaming meat skewers, and barrels of different spices.

Echo couldn’t resist and grabbed a small, golden fruit from a stand.

It wassweet and juicy, unlike anything he had ever tasted.

"What is this?"he asked.

The vendor smiled."Sunberry. Grown in the eastern mountains."

Echo nodded, savoring the taste as they moved forward.

The market was more than just a place to buy goods—it was aglimpse of the world beyond their home.

People fromdifferent regionswere present, wearingdifferent styles of clothingand speaking invarious accents.

There werewarriors carrying massive swords, mages inflowing robes, and merchants withexotic pets perched on their shoulders.

For Echo, it was like stepping intoa whole new world.

It made him wonder—

Just how big is this world? How much is there to see?

A deep sense ofcuriosityawakened inside him.

After spending hours wandering the market, they finally returned home.

The experience had left Echobuzzing with excitement.

He had seenso much, but he knew there was stillso much more out there.

As he lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, he made a decision—

One day, I’ll explore everything this world has to offer.

And with that thought, hedrifted into sleep.

The Passing Years

Timemoved quicklyafter that day.

The seasonschanged, and so did Echo.

With each passing year, hegrew taller, stronger, and sharper.

His control over manabecame refined, and his spellsbecame more powerful.

By the time he turned11 years old, he had becomefar beyond what he once was.

The boy who once struggled to summon a small ball of water—

Was now a young warrior in the making.

And this?

---

TheTrolys Academywasbuzzing with excitement.

From the moment theannouncementwas made, studentsall across the academyhad been preparing.

The biggest student duel of the year was about to take place—

A tournament that woulddetermine the strongest young fighter in the academy.

Preparations Begin

The academy halls were filled with the sound ofclashing swords, crackling mana, and intense training sessions.

Sparring matches were heldeverywhere.

Some students focused onstrength, practicing heavy strikes with their weapons.

Others honed theiragility, dodging and weaving through attacks with precision.

For those skilled inmagic, the days were spent refining spells, pushing their mana control to the absolute limit.

Everyone wanted to be at their best when the tournament began.

After all—

Reputation, honor, and future opportunities were on the line.

The Academy’s Energy

Trolys Academy had always been a lively place, but now?

It feltcompletely different.

Whispers aboutpotential winnersechoed through the halls.

"Have you seen Leon train? His swordsmanship is unbelievable!"

"I heard Mira can cast five spells at once!"

"Kai has been training nonstop! He’s aiming for the top spot!"

Every studentwanted to prove themselves.

Even the teachers and academy officials were invested—

Some were placingfriendly bets, while others simply watched inanticipation.

Echo’s Perspective

For Echo, this tournament was anopportunity.

An opportunity to test himself—

To see how far he had come, and how much further he still had to go.

Over the past few years, he had trained relentlessly, mastering bothmartial skillsandmana control.

Now, he would get the chance to put it all to the test.

As theday of the duel approached, the academy’s training grounds weretransformed.

Massive stone platforms were set up, each serving as abattle stage.

Seats were arranged all around, providing a perfect view for spectators.

Banners ofdifferent house colorswaved in the wind, proudly representing the students competing.

The atmosphere waselectrifying.

Excitement, tension, and raw anticipation filled the air.

And then—

The day of the duel finally arrived.

Students gathered around the arena, talking in hushed but excited tones.

The contestants stoodready, each one mentally preparing for their battle.

Above them, therefereestepped forward, his voice echoing through the arena.

"All competitors, step forward!"

A wave ofsilencewashed over the crowd as the fighters walked onto the battle stages.

Echo took a deep breath,his heartbeat steady but strong.

This was it.

Everything he had trained for—

Everythingeveryonehad trained for—

Came down to this moment.

The referee raised his hand.

The crowd held their breath.

And then—

"Begin!"

Thefirst matchesof the tournamenthad begun.

------------------

1. World One – Boundary Energy

The starting point for all cultivators. Those in this realm had only just begun their journey, drawing in energy from their surroundings and refining it within their bodies. At this stage, progress was slow, and strength was limited. Most people in the world never advanced beyond this level, remaining forever at the mercy of those stronger than them.

2. World Two – Initial Energy

The second realm marked a cultivator’s true awakening. Their bodies became more attuned to energy, allowing them to control it with greater precision. Techniques became stronger, endurance increased, and the cultivator could start shaping their energy for specific purposes—be it combat, healing, or magical applications.

3. World Three – Unified Energy

This was the realm where true power began to manifest. A cultivator at this stage no longer simplycontrolledenergy; theybecame one with it.Their bodies and minds were fully synchronized with their energy, granting them incredible physical strength and supernatural abilities. It was at this level that warriors could shatter boulders with a single strike and healers could mend fatal wounds in seconds.

-----------------

1. World One – Boundary Energy

The starting point for all cultivators. Those in this realm had only just begun their journey, drawing in energy from their surroundings and refining it within their bodies. At this stage, progress was slow, and strength was limited. Most people in the world never advanced beyond this level, remaining forever at the mercy of those stronger than them.

2. World Two – Initial Energy

The second realm marked a cultivator’s true awakening. Their bodies became more attuned to energy, allowing them to control it with greater precision. Techniques became stronger, endurance increased, and the cultivator could start shaping their energy for specific purposes—be it combat, healing, or magical applications.

3. World Three – Unified Energy

This was the realm where true power began to manifest. A cultivator at this stage no longer simplycontrolledenergy; theybecame one with it.Their bodies and minds were fully synchronized with their energy, granting them incredible physical strength and supernatural abilities. It was at this level that warriors could shatter boulders with a single strike and healers could mend fatal wounds in seconds.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com