The ethereal crystals were divided into two levels—the Spirit Realm and the King Realm. Each of the
realms was still further classified into low, grade, and high grade. The ethereal crystals at the low grade
of the Spirit Realm were suitable for warriors below the third grade of the Spirit Realm, while the ones
at the medium grade were befitting for warriors below the sixth grade of the Spirit Realm. When the
crystals were used, each of them was equivalent to about a month's cultivation. On the other hand, the
ethereal crystals at the high grade of the Spirit Realm were very much desired by spirit warriors at the
seventh grade of the Spirit Realm, because such crystals could contribute to about three months' worth
of their cultivation.
As for the ethereal crystals at the King Realm, they were just invaluable. Even a low-grade one was
enough to bring out unmatched power, which enabled warriors to fight for it with all their might.
Therefore, now that Rocky had acquired so many ethereal crystals, it was no wonder that most of the
other disciples were very envious of him.
However, after Rocky was bestowed with this reward, he did something way beyond everyone's
expectations.
"Captain Ramon, I decided to only keep one high-grade ethereal crystal. Please distribute the rest to
the disciples that got injured when they were protecting Miss Hannah," Rocky said without any hint of
hesitation as he handed the ethereal crystals to Ramon.
Such an action was unprecedented, so even Ramon was extremely surprised. He had never seen such
a selfless attitude before.
With Rocky's astounding generosity, the disciples of the Cloudlet Team looked at him in a new light.
Besides, if it weren't for Rocky's heroic actions, Hannah would have been in danger and might have
been caught by their enemies. If that happened, all of the disciples would have been punished instead.
Therefore, they were already grateful to Rocky in the first place. With the benevolent gesture, they
even admired him all the more.
Of course, Rocky had also an ulterior motive on why he did that. He deliberately gave the ethereal
crystals to the other disciples to leave a good impression on them. Besides, he didn't need the crystals
in the first place.
After that, Rocky left the lounge of the Cloudlet Team under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
Although his wounds from the previous incident had already healed, he still got a few more days off to
rest and recover because he was supposed to be seriously injured.
Hence, he grabbed the opportunity to continue his research on the asexual reproduction of the spiritual
beasts, intending to obtain a milestone and cultivate an all-around type.
A few days later, he went back to the lounge of the Cloudlet Team after his leave was over. He was
now ready to return and work with the rest of the team.
As soon as he entered the lounge, he was warmly greeted by the disciples of the Cloudlet Team, and
their attitudes had been totally different thus far. After all, his previous actions regarding the ethereal
crystals had really impressed them.
However, the Wolf Team was utterly displeased because of the meritorious contribution that was made
by Ramon's Cloudlet Team as they protected Hannah on their mission. Not long after Rocky arrived at
the lounge, a few members of the Wolf Team led by their captain, Xavier, also entered.
Although Xavier had the same position as Ramon in the guard team, he was more valued than Ramon
in the Sword Spirit City. Firstly, he was recognized as the strongest master among all the disciples at
the Spirit Realm in the entire city. In fact, his strength had almost reached the King Realm. Secondly,
he was a disciple of a known elder of the Sword Spirit Sect, so he had a powerful figure backing him
up, making him a rather prominent figure in the Sword Spirit City. It was also the main reason why no
one dared to provoke him and people wanted to be on his good side.
After a while, Rocky noticed an unfriendly gaze from one of the Wolf Team members behind Xavier. As
he looked over to know who it was, it turned out to be the white-robed man who visited the Fragrance
Pavilion last time.
The white-robed man looked at Rocky with such disdainful eyes, but Rocky just pretended to not notice
that.
"Captain Xavier, I haven't seen you around recently. What brings you here?" Ramon asked and
approached as he saw the inimical look on Xavier's face.
"Nothing much. I've just heard about your team's achievements during a mission a few days ago. I
thought we should come by and congratulate you. By the way, I've heard that a guy called Basil made
the biggest contribution. If it weren't for him, Miss Hannah would have been taken away by the
enemies. Hence, I was intrigued and wanted to see him personally." Xavier looked rather menacing at
all times. He always exuded a ferocious aura that sent a shiver down people's spines whenever they
saw him.
"Oh, him? He's just a newcomer. I think you're just overestimating his abilities," Ramon replied
dismissively. Knowing about Xavier's nature, Ramon believed that he simply wouldn't waste his time
appearing here just to meet Rocky.
"Am I? If the newcomer is so powerful, I'm afraid that you won't be able to keep your position for a long
time," Xavier mocked with an evil grin.
"Do you really have the right to say that?" Rocky cut in out of nowhere.
Everyone in the lounge looked at Rocky who suddenly spoke and dared to butt in between the
conversation of the captains.
"And who the hell are you?" Xavier asked as he glared at Rocky.
"I'm Basil, the one you wanted to meet," Rocky answered with a straight face as he introduced himself.
"Oh, you are that guy, huh?" Xavier uttered as he examined Rocky from head to toe.
"Yes, I am."
"Well, it seems that Captain Ramon is correct. You're just a weak-looking newcomer. I guess you're just
at the first grade of the Spirit Realm, right? Come to think of it; how were you able to protect Miss
Hannah? I think the enemy must be too weak and stupid!" Xavier taunted. He found it very distasteful
that Hannah was protected by such a weak warrior and was even given a great commendation for it.
Hearing Xavier's words, the members of his team also burst into laughter.
"Carrying out a task doesn't only rely on one's own strength. Are you familiar with the term 'strategy'?
You should look it up sometime. I'm not just a simpleton with developed limbs who would rush
headfirst," Rocky retorted without even flinching. Even with Xavier's intimidating stare, he wasn't a bit
fazed.
"What did you say, brat?!" Xavier instantly scowled, not expecting that a mere low-grade spirit warrior
would try to talk trash in his face.
"Basil, shut up at once!" Ramon shouted and was also surprised by Rocky's audacity. He was afraid
that his subordinate would suffer a severe punishment if he provoked Xavier further. "Captain Xavier, if
you have already fulfilled your business here, please head back. Isn't today supposed to be your shift?"
"I don't have anything to deal with today. That's why I brought some of the disciples from my team to
learn and exchange experience with your team. It's been such a long time since our teams challenged
each other. So, I'm proposing a competition. Why don't you send a few of your members and compete
with mine? I'm expecting that you will pick this guy. I'd really like to see what he is capable of!" Xavier
said as he pointed at Rocky, who had just angered him.
When Ramon heard his words, his eyes flashed with coldness. He knew that Xavier had always been
an imperious figure in the Sword Spirit City. More importantly, if he refused, Xavier wouldn't let him off
in peace.
Moreover, the Cloudlet Team had just been recognized for a meritorious contribution. Turning the
challenge down would look like he was discrediting the abilities of his own members. It was just a
competition between fellow disciples, so in theory, there was really nothing to worry about. But still,
Ramon couldn't stop worrying, especially when Xavier specifically requested Rocky's involvement.
"Captain Ramon, since Captain Xavier is personally inviting me to participate in this event, I think that I
would disgrace the Cloudlet Team if I didn't accept the challenge. Besides, I'd rather lose than be called
a coward..." Rocky knew what was running on Ramon's mind, so he immediately made his stand and
showed his determination.
Although Rocky's words alone didn't sound very convincing, he couldn't help but notice that the morale
of the Cloudlet Team had dramatically improved. Rocky wasn't their most powerful member, but he
didn't show any hint of fear at all. Therefore, they became much more confident even if they were faced
with Xavier's team.
Seeing how Rocky had also affected his team's overall drive, Ramon couldn't help but show some
appreciation for him. Thus, he said to Xavier, "Since you invite us with enthusiasm, fine, I will send a
few disciples from my team to compete with yours. I will also let Basil fight, but he will be the last one to
compete. If your men want to fight him, then they have to defeat the other disciples on my team first!"
Ramon deliberately made the arrangement to protect Rocky to the greatest extent. He felt that the
overall strength of the Cloudlet Team and the Wolf Team was about the same, so in the instance that
Rocky really needed to fight, there would probably be just one or two members of the Wolf Team left. It
meant that Rocky wouldn't need to fight too much or he could just ask Rocky to quit the competition.
"Fine by me." Xavier glanced at Rocky and sneered confidently. As they finished deciding on the terms,
Xavier led his team out of the lounge.
Soon enough, Ramon and the members of the Cloudlet Team followed them.
Outside of the lounge, there was a huge open space, which was generally used for sparring, so it was
where they were going to hold the competition.
While the Wolf Team prepared, Ramon also selected several disciples from his team who were going to
compete along with Rocky.
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