Bamboo grove, Imperial elite academy. Time 3. a.m.Light blue arcane hexagrams glowed inside the circle in which Ragnar sat cross legged, eyes closed, fore finger and middle finger held together, the rest fisted and facing the sky. The circle attracted light strings of soul power being tapped from the surrounding, all siphoning into Ragnar's body. The circle was an attracting formation, drawing in energy for Ragnar. At the same time it was a soul strengthening technique, forging and empowering the user. On Ragnar's forehead, a faint blue trident could be seen glowing on it. The airflow and energy cycle in the bamboo grove and the surrounding forest slightly changed, all flowing towards Ragnar, forming an invisible vortex with him at the center. Soon, the trident mark appeared at the back of his palm, energy forming little needles which pierced into him, pumping somewhere around his brain, trying to form the soul sea. He was unlocking a new phase of power which even some of the so-c

Imperial elite academy, bamboo groveRagnar carefully looked around. The groove was dark and slightly damp. The area Ragnar normally stayed for nightly practice was slightly on a higher ground, hence better drained, and dryer than the rest. Only birds, dangerous creatures, or tiny spirit animals prowled there at night. Most students wouldn't dare travel that deep into the grove at night, let alone sit there for hours cultivating.As for Ragnar, he was someone who already died once, and he had a mental capacity far higher than most students. His current strength was the culmination of two lifetimes of wisdom and experience. Hence, his ability to try what others wouldn't dare to imagine. Ragnar briefly checked his time. Eleven at night. The patrols must have started moving around. But they rarely got to this spot. After all, what student would be brave enough to prowl around in such an environment? Ragnar inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, immediately, he found himself inside the vo

Thane and the rest remained expressionless, even though their pulses were racing. Ryujin felt no loyalty towards Ragnar. There was no need to lie for his sake. Moreover, Ryujin was a very rigid person with intolerant moral values. In his eyes, lying was an unforgivable step too far.Everyone's eyes were fixed on Ryujin, while Thane, Vonn and Ragnar tried their best to keep their expressions neutral and not give themselves away. Ryujin opened his mouth, and closed it, then he sighed. The patrol's eyes glinted, lips curled with wicked satisfaction. He could almost taste the victory of putting those handsome rich arrogant young masters in a position they would forever taste with bitterness each time they remember it. “I slept off immediately after returning from my training sessions last evening. While sleeping, no one entered or left the room, except for a while ago when I heard you guys knock.”The confident smile on the patrol’s face froze, then dissipated. He already knew the culp

Cold sweat appeared on his palm and he let out a low ragged breath. The person searching for it doesn't know where the Void Ice archive was located. Otherwise, they would have come knocking. It also seemed to be someone very powerful. In his previous, no one said a peep about the void ice archive. What's going on this time? Could it be because he activated the void ice archive and began to use it? However, it's been ages since anyone heard about it. It was among the treasures that got lost to time. How come someone still remembered it? “The seller will also be willing to trade for information.” The message dropped on the screen. “Information?” Ragnar’s heart tightened. “What kind of information is the seller looking for? Maybe I can help.”Of course, Ragnar had no intention of helping anyone. He just needed to know what clues they had and adequately block it. “The seller has decided not to sell. Maybe next time.”Ragnar’s fingers flew over the glass like keyboard, eyes sharp and ca

Day 1 of theoretical exams. Wisdom Pavilion.“Ragnar, did you also choose ‘The History of Magi-tech and Its Importance to Earth’s Evolution’?” Vonn’s face was grim as they exited the hall. He wasn’t the only one. Even strong cultivators didn’t dare answer the theory questions carelessly. For most, battles were simple; master yourself, understand your opponent. Theoretical knowledge demanded a different beast entirely. It devoured focus and drained every ounce of wisdom you had.“Nope. I picked ‘Principles of Advanced Magic and Core Elements Application’.”Thane’s mouth dropped open. Ryujin, walking just behind them and listening in silence, froze mid-step. Vonn stared for a beat, then burst into laughter, shoulders shaking as he pointed at Ragnar.“You chose what? Do you think this is a basic mage class where any answer scrapes you a pass? You skipped every simpler option in Part B and went straight for that?”Thane shook his head with a heavy sigh. “You never even attended the class