Stepping into the cultivation room, Xiao Yan leaned against the doorframe. His originally rosy complexion suddenly turned pale. Having taken the Fengsu Lingdan before beginning his cultivation, his qi circulation had intensified temporarily. However, once his practice was interrupted, the drawbacks of the Fengsu Lingdan became apparent—his internally flowing qi moved slowly, leaving Xiao Yan feeling weak throughout his body. Earlier, when he fought against Lei Na, he had directly employed the Buddha's Wrath Lotus, partly to establish his authority, and partly because his weakened qi was simply insufficient to sustain him against Lei Na for long. Gazing at the tattered robe, Xiao Yan exhaled softly, feeling a lingering sense of relief and even some trepidation. Had Rená's attacks been a few steps faster earlier, he might have been forced into a defensive posture and sustained serious injuries. Fortunately, the emergence of Fú Nù Huǒ Lián had first shaken Rená's resolve, and the desired effect of intimidation had been achieved perfectly—though all of this had been tinged with a touch of good fortune. Clearing his throat a few times, Xiao Yan slowly walked toward the black stone platform, sitting down with some difficulty, and deeply inhaling and exhaling several warm breaths before forming the meditation seal and re-entering his meditative state, steadily restoring his energy through the circulation of his battle aura. After nearly three or four hours of continuous meditation, the weakness within him gradually subsided, and the sluggishness in his battle aura, caused by the Wind Speed Pill, began to slowly return to normal. And after his internal condition had stabilized, Xiao Yan once again produced a Swift-Wind Spiritual Pill, swallowed it, and entered a state of seclusion for cultivation once more! Having learned from Liu Fei earlier, he knew she had a formidable cousin—indeed, from the evident respect she showed toward that cousin, it was clear his cousin's strength far surpassed his own. Though today's outcome had been favorable due to He Elder's partiality, he would likely have completely alienated that woman. This woman, seemingly composed and calm on the surface, yet deeply arrogant at heart—according to Xiao Yan's expectations—was unlikely to understand the art of compromise. Therefore... to prevent future complications, Xiao Yan now needed to rapidly enhance his own strength! During the period of cultivation, time slipped by effortlessly. By the time the events at the third level had unfolded, nearly five days had passed, and during those five days, Xiao Yan's name had gradually reached nearly every student throughout the Tianfen Qi-Tower. A terrifying flame lotus strike left the four-star Du Ling-level warrior Reina stunned and completely defenseless, offering the renowned Li Fei—known for her snow goddess beauty—no semblance of dignity. Even after delivering a decisive blow, Reina received only minor reprimand from the usually strict He Elder. These rather unusual events, occurring in a short span of time, have made Xiao Xin the most talked-about figure within the Tian Fen Qi Tower. Certainly, as these stories were shared among the students, many couldn't help but develop deep admiration for Xiao Yan. One need not question why the usually strict He Elder treated Xiao Yan with such courtesy—merely the terrifying fire lotus that left Leina stunned and unable to fight, was enough to instill profound respect in them. In the Tian Fen Qi Tower and throughout the Inner Courtyard, strength has always been paramount. Precisely because of Xiao Yan's awe-inspiring fire lotus, several admirers of Liu Fei hesitated to approach and challenge him. Otherwise, after offending Liu Fei, a renowned beauty in the Inner Courtyard, how could Xiao Yan have remained so quietly sequestered for five days, undisturbed by anyone? Regardless, the impact Xiao Yan sought—undeniably—had been successfully achieved! ... Inside the spacious third-floor tower, people flowed continuously, the atmosphere bustling and lively, with occasional battle circles blazing with intense action. Outside these active zones, large crowds of onlookers gathered. As the stream of visitors passed through a corridor, they invariably cast curious and slightly reverent glances toward an advanced training room marked with a sign indicating occupancy. Over the past few days, nearly every student training on the third floor has learned that this very room belonged to the new student Xiao Yan—whose single move of igniting a flame lotus had driven the four-star Douling strength warrior Leina to retreat. Many students had come specifically to see him in person, hoping to witness his appearance. However, since the battle concluded that day, Xiao Yan had entered the training room and never stepped out again—this did somewhat dampen their expectations. Still, no one could do much about it. While ordinary duelists or duelist-level practitioners might need to eat meals simply to sustain themselves during a day of training, as one's power grew stronger, so too did their ability to endure hunger. At the level of Grand Duelist, though they couldn't claim to go completely without food, their bodies reached a minimal state of consumption during periods of focused meditation and cultivation. Thus, even after five or six days without eating, they would only feel slightly weakened, with no major complications. Therefore, upon seeing the firmly closed door of the training room, the students who had come specifically to see him simply sighed and departed, as they had no idea how long Xiao Yan's current period of seclusion would last. …… "Creak…" The sound of a door opening in the corridor suddenly drew several sets of eyes toward it, and especially when those eyes registered the room number—everyone paused, then their gaze instantly intensified. Throughout the bustling corridor, an unexpected hush settled in, as every single gaze now fixed upon the now-opened door. Under the collective attention, the young man in black robes stepped out calmly. Upon noticing the intense stares fixed upon him, a slight furrow formed between his brows; he sighed in resignation, then turned and walked steadily toward the entrance to the Tiān Fén Qiān Tǎ on the fourth floor. After nearly seven days of cultivation at the third level, Xiao Yan's progress was so remarkable that he himself was nearly stunned. Though he had benefited from the Wind-Speed Pill, Qingzhi Fire Spirit Ointment, and the refinement technique of heart-fire cultivation, within just these seven days, he had already begun to sense that he was approaching the peak of the Seven-Star Battle Master rank. At this pace, he might soon be able to touch the barrier of the Eight-Star rank and make a breakthrough. Excited by his own achievements, Xiao Yan was about to continue cultivating with the aim of achieving this breakthrough when he suddenly felt surprised. After nearly seven days of adapting his battle energy to refine the heart-fire, the current flow of his battle energy had begun to strain the third-level heart-fire, which now occasionally faltered, forcing him to interrupt his cultivation sessions and step out of the meditation midway. Now, the intensity of the third layer's heart flame no longer meets Xiang Yan's requirements, so he must continue downward to the fourth layer; otherwise, his cultivation pace will surely decline significantly. Under the watchful eyes of numerous enthusiastic spectators, Xiang Yan slowly faded from view at the end of the corridor. As people observed his path, they began to murmur softly among themselves. "He seems to be heading toward the fourth layer." "Hmm, isn't it true that one must reach the level of Battle Spirit to enter the fourth layer? Xiang Yan hasn't quite reached that level, has he?" "Indeed... but who knows? He defeated Lian Na, after all—surely he should be able to enter the fourth layer." The crowd exchanged puzzled glances and then shook their heads with a gentle smile. Unaware of these murmurs behind him, Xiang Yan walked steadily down the corridor, turned several corners, and eventually came upon a passage strictly guarded by tower mentors. He hesitated slightly before briskly proceeding forward. "To enter the fourth level, one must possess the strength of a Spirit Combatant. Those who haven't reached that level are strictly prohibited from proceeding!" A mentor approached slowly, speaking lazily as he observed Xiao Yan walking toward him. "Huh?" Xiao Yan paused, a look of surprise crossing his face before he shook his head with a苦笑. He hadn't expected such strict requirements for the fourth level—was it possible he'd have to continue his cultivation at the third level? Yet, as he thought about the somewhat clumsy flow of his internal qi, especially the flickering flame within him, a growing sense of concern settled in. "You... are Xiao Yan?" Just as Xiao Yan was pondering this, another mentor, who had been carefully assessing him, suddenly exclaimed in surprise. Hearing his companion's astonishment, the previously laid-back mentor raised his head in curiosity, gazing at the black-robed young man now standing before him. Recognizing the familiar features and recalling the instructions from He Long, he quickly asked, "Are you the Xiao Yan who had a conflict with Lei Na a few days ago?" "Seeing the two mentors' astonished expressions, Xiao Yan hesitated slightly, then nodded gently, and bowed to them, saying, 'Since I haven't yet met the requirements, I'll continue my cultivation at the third level. Thank you for your patience, both mentors.' 'Wait a moment!' As Xiao Yan turned to leave, the first mentor quickly intercepted him, smiling warmly, 'Heru Elder has already instructed that if you wish to enter the fourth level, you need not follow the usual procedures. So, go on then.' Observing the mentor's cheerful demeanor, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, a sense of joy spreading across his face. If he could indeed enter the fourth level, a breakthrough to an eight-star Great Battle Master was now within reach. He promptly bowed to both of them, saying, 'Thank you so much, Heru Elder and both mentors.' 'No need to thank us,' the two mentors chuckled, 'Though your rank hasn't yet reached the standard, your actual strength certainly qualifies you.' "Alright, go on ahead. I've noticed you've been meditating for several days now. After reaching the fourth level, you should eat something first—otherwise, your body won't be able to sustain this prolonged seclusion." "Thank you, Master." With a bow of gratitude, Xiao Yan hurried into the corridor, vanishing around the corner as a series of astonished glances followed him.