Lightning Is the Only Way

Gravis explained to Manuel how important it was to go through the Self Stage. Of course, he only did that via voice transmission. First of all, that method of communication was faster and more efficient since he could directly send concepts into another person's mind instead of translating them into language first. And second of all, this knowledge wasn't for everyone's ears. Other people's cultivation had nothing to do with him.

After Gravis was finished, Manuel's emotions were riled up. He hadn't gone through the tenth Stage of Energy Gathering. On top of that, he was ready to break into the Sapling Stage, which meant he had already invested 20 years into his cultivation. Hearing that he would be a doormat in the future and that all his work had been meaningless shook his confidence.

Manuel sighed heavily. "I don't want to believe it, but everything you told me makes perfect sense. Someone who went through the Self Stage is obviously more powerful than someone who only went through the Tree Stage. I might be a genius now, but will I still be considered a genius in the future? Even if my strength keeps increasing, at some point, I will only see people that went through the Self Stage. What then?"

"It's completely your decision what you make of this knowledge. I only told you because I feel bad for nearly killing you back then and indirectly killing your master," Gravis said.

Manuel sighed again, and Joyce looked with pity at Manuel. She had already felt bad for wasting around two years of her cultivation, but what was that in comparison to 20 years? Yet, who was Manuel? He was an Ascender's Talent that was close to condensing a Unity Will. That's what made him an Ascender's Talent. Would he be distraught by that? No!

Manuel's eyes narrowed with fiery motivation. "I will recultivate!" he said with fervor.

Gravis smirked when he heard that. He had already expected as much. Even though he and Manuel hadn't talked much, he had learned a lot about him in their fight. Manuel was able to jump a whole Stage even without going through the tenth Stage of Energy Gathering. He was incredibly talented. It would truly be a waste if he only went through the Tree Stage.

Manuel turned to the wind disciple in Joyce's group. When the disciple saw Manuel looking at him, he felt incredibly nervous. His idol was looking at him! Manuel was the most impressive genius and cultivator in the whole Wind Sect. Everyone looked up to him.

"Are you willing to give me your place for a fair trade? I will make it clear that I am not forcing you. You can decline, and I won't hold a grudge," Manuel said.

Everyone in the group was surprised. "But, what about the Wind Sect's group?" Joyce asked, stunned.

Manuel waved his hand nonchalantly. "There is another person in our Wind Sect that wants to join but was just short of qualifying. He can take over. We still have around two days until it fully opens."

The Wind Sect disciple was incredibly shocked. "O-Of course!" he stuttered in reverence. "You can just take the spot. I wouldn't dare to accept anything from Senior Brother!"

Manuel turned to the disciple. "I won't accept that! I will trade a high-grade Spirit Weapon for your spot. Is that okay with you?"

deep and shaking breath. "That's too much,

the disciple. "Accept it right now, or you won't be my junior brother anymore!" Manuel

have the honor to accept such a weapon! He was getting one just like that? Was he dreaming? He shakingly touched the longsword and looked at it in reverence. "Th-thank you, Senior

shoulder. "When I return, I will talk more with

don't even know the guy's name. How is he suddenly my friend?'

a smile. "You don't have anything

beamed when she heard that. "No! Not at all! It would be an honor to have you in our

let you join with

"I've already planned that," he

Whoom! BANG!

placed beside him, and then he immediately destroyed his Spirit. His face didn't even twitch from the pain. Then, he turned to the Wind Sect's group. "Get Julien here. I bet he will be

the Wind Sect's group grimaced a little. Manuel had been the most powerful of their group, but he had abandoned them. Yet, he was still their idol. They had seen his resolution, and instead of getting angry, they looked up to him.

disciples to join their Sect's team. The Wind Sect hated restrictions. Wind cultivators always searched for freedom, and the rules and

Energy Stones. Apparently, he carried enough with him to reach the tenth Stage of Energy Gathering. Yet, while Manuel

WHOOM!

jumped at him. He had noticed those five people glancing at him from time to time, and judging by what Sect they came from, Gravis was pretty sure what they had planned. Those disciples were from the

enveloped them and made them unable to move. The disciples that were here were all outstanding.

BANG!

They all exploded into loot, which Gravis quickly pocketed. The whole thing hadn't taken more than five seconds. The disciples hadn't even had the chance

the group of the Earth Sect? They saw that the group of the

looked at him with shock, including Manuel. What just

them. It's just another suicide squad,"

you? Why did you kill