Feng gazed upon the towering bookshelves lining the vast room, taking a moment to adjust. He couldn't help but sigh. So, books in other realms were also stored on shelves...

He walked around, his eyes suddenly catching sight of a specific volume.

"Continental Martial Artist Ranks?" Chen Feng's eyes lit up as he pulled it from the shelf.

Opening the first page, he read: "Martial Arts. The Continent is divided into three major tiers: Fighter, Master, and Venerable. Each tier is further subdivided into nine minor ranks, totaling twenty-seven levels..."

Chen Feng already knew this and quickly skipped ahead, turning to the section specifically detailing the Master realm rankings.

"Only when one's cultivation reaches the Master realm does a martial artist truly enter the world of Dou Qi..." the opening sentence concerning the Master realm stated.

"Hmm, I saw something similar in the Tiger Roar Fist manual last time. But I didn't pay much attention then. Now that I've entered the Master realm, I realize that statement makes perfect sense," Chen Feng mused inwardly.

He continued reading downward.

"...The primary reason why entering the Master realm signifies the true beginning for a martial artist, their entry into the genuine Dou Qi world, is because upon reaching the Master realm, one can enjoy the transformative modifications Dou Qi brings to the body! At the Fighter level, Dou Qi exists in a gaseous state; it cannot enhance physical potential, improve reaction time, sharpen vision, or perfect the body's structure... However, upon reaching the Master realm, the liquid state of Dou Qi can nourish the muscles, heighten reactions, and increase the body's perception of danger. In short, only by attaining the Master realm can one truly comprehend the physical benefits Dou Qi imparts..."

"Dou Qi enhances limb reaction speed. Why haven't I noticed it?" Chen Feng felt a bit confused reading this passage. Then it dawned on him: "My body has trained in the Tenfold Gravity Domain. My muscles are now full and robust. Even the influence of a Master's Qi Cyclone would be extremely faint. Reaching further progress from a high plateau is incredibly difficult, but after advancing to Master, my reaction speed is indeed significantly faster than before!"

"...The Master realm is divided into nine ranks, which are actually three stages: Ranks 1-3, 4-6, and 7-9. These are known as: Consolidation Stage, Solidification Stage, and Zenith Stage. The Consolidation Stage refers to the process where, after ascending from Fighter to Master, one masters and becomes familiar with the Dou Qi within the body, slowly consolidating it. This stage is the golden period for learning Dou Techniques and differentiating Dou Qi levels; it can also be called the foundational period! During this time, advancing one's Dou Qi to the Human-rank Dou Qi from the Earth-rank Dou Qi is easiest, and learning Dou Techniques also allows for better fusion with the Dou Qi..."

"Fusion of Dou Qi and Dou Techniques—what is that?" Chen Feng couldn't quite grasp it. "How do Dou Qi and Dou Techniques merge?" But the book didn't elaborate, so he kept reading on.

"...The Solidification Stage means the Dou Qi level has essentially stabilized. At this point, a Master can achieve 'will follows movement'; wherever the thought travels, the Dou Qi naturally follows—every strike carries the might of Dou Qi. The Zenith Stage signifies that a Master has truly grasped their Dou Qi, being able to condense it into tangible matter..."

By reading the books, Chen Feng finally understood many things he had previously been ignorant of, gaining a clear perspective on the entire continent's Dou Qi structure. Simultaneously, he achieved a clearer understanding of his own cultivation.

"As a Fighter, the maximum Cyclone power I could release while exhibiting my Qi Burst state was 60%. Now promoted to Master, I expected further improvement in Cyclone power, but without bursting, I can only exert 70% of the Cyclone power. Even in the Burst state, it's only about 5% more, meaning my absolute maximum release right now won't exceed 75% of the Cyclone power. Furthermore, the higher the Cyclone power, the greater the might, and the harder it is to cultivate! 90% Cyclone power is a hurdle, and 95% is another. Only by breaking through these two can one grasp the power of the Absolute Domain."

Chen Feng thought, "However, mastering the power of the Absolute Domain means reaching the Venerable level. Whether Venerable or Magus, the greatest strength isn't magical or Dou Qi attacks, but this domain power. Within the domain, everything is completely under my control, belonging entirely to me. What an incredibly potent ability!"

"With my current strength at the peak of a Rank Two Master, combined with the Fist Emperor techniques, I should have no problem against a Rank Four Master without bursting. If I can enter a full rampage, perhaps even a Rank Six Master would be no match!"

Chen Feng silently assessed himself.

In less than a year, rising from a Rank Two Fighter to the peak of a Rank Two Master—Chen Feng had leaped nine whole levels. Yet, he felt no elation; instead, there was a faint sense of worry.

"Before I possess absolute strength for self-preservation, I absolutely cannot expose my full power carelessly, or it will only invite endless trouble!"

If a Master under the age of sixteen were revealed to the continent, the result wouldn't be shock, but frenzy! Frenzy over how he cultivated. Trouble would then come in waves, something Chen Feng was unwilling to accept.

"However, participating in this Rookie Selection Tournament made quite a stir. Many people might recognize my clothes and hairstyle now," Chen Feng pondered for a moment. Then he thought, "The Dark Cyclone power is gone from my body, so why hasn't my red hair reverted to its original color? Strange! But my temper doesn't seem as volatile as before, and if I consume the Berserker Potion, it should still merge with the frantic blood in my body for a rampage!"

After advancing to Master, Chen Feng had meticulously studied every change within his body, so he knew all of this.

These physical changes, even to him, seemed exceedingly odd.

"Gurgle..." Suddenly, his stomach growled.

He looked up and realized the sun was nearly setting: "It's already this late?" Chen Feng was startled. "No wonder I'm hungry; I only ate breakfast!"

Chen Feng shook his head, placed the book back on the shelf, and left the library.

The prize for winning the tournament was supposed to be ten days of reading access in the library, but Chen Feng was special, so His Majesty Suomen didn't press the matter. For the next two months, he spent his days reading in the library and cultivating at night. During this time, Brent visited his manor once before returning to Kuta Town to resume his duties as the Young City Lord. Angelisa also paid a visit; there seemed to be some distance between them, and they didn't chat long before she departed.

Tomorrow was the day His Majesty Suomen had arranged for him to participate in the Four Nations Rookie Selection Tournament. Suomen hadn't shown any unusual behavior these past days. Chen Feng had been worried, but seeing things as they were now, he finally felt at ease.

Over these two months, although Chen Feng's cultivation hadn't seen obvious progress, his understanding of Dou Qi had made significant breakthroughs, and his control over his own power had advanced greatly. Especially his control over the Purple Flame; compared to two months ago, he was like a different person.

Another fortunate development was the marked improvement in Chen Feng's archery skills. He knew that having mastered the Aerial Movement Art to fly was now a major asset in his combat. With the Hou Yi Bow in hand, neglecting practice would undoubtedly be an irreplaceable loss to his strength.

"Swoosh..." With a sharp cry, an arrow formed of purple flame steadily pierced the bullseye.

The ability to control the power of the Purple Flame, making the resulting Purple Flame Arrow perfectly accurate, was the greatest harvest of this recent period. Watching the arrow strike the center of the target, Chen Feng smiled and put away his bow.

However, just then, his spiritual sense detected something inside the waterskin. With a flip of his wrist, a small, bright crimson bow appeared in his palm.

This was the bow he had bought intending to give to Judy, but due to various circumstances, he never did. He hadn't seen Judy in these two months, so the bow had remained with him.

Thinking of Judy, Chen Feng smiled. She was such a sweet girl who had gone through so much effort just to win the Rookie Tournament championship. Now that she had achieved her goal, she hadn't claimed her prize.

Though he didn't know why she hadn't come forward, missing this opportunity, the little girl must be hiding somewhere crying!

Recalling their first meeting, she was competing with the Young City Lord of Gnamu Town for a Rank Three Dou Core. At that time, the serene her stood quietly in place, appearing so pure and dignified. When he saw her again at John's smithy, he had consistently given her a cold shoulder; this girl must have been quite upset!

Shaking his head with a faint smile, Chen Feng held the small red bow and recalled how the girl had rushed forward recklessly when the Pseudo Rank Four magic scroll of Brut activated. A thread of emotion stirred within him.

Lost in thought, Chen Feng found it strange. He, who was usually cold and indifferent to others' feelings, was currently feeling a strong urge to miss Judy.

It seemed his Cyclone state had changed, and he had reverted to his original personality.

The first thing his restored personality caused him to do was think of Judy. This struck him as somewhat unexpected.

Holding the small red bow, an impulse surged within him to deliver it to her immediately.

This red bow was so delicate; she would surely love it!

Chen Feng's heart grew warm. He activated the Aerial Movement Art, and instantly, his body shot upward like a large bird.

He was leaving the Imperial Capital tomorrow, so delivering this gift to her today was timely. The more Chen Feng thought about it, the more excited he became. He increased his speed, moving through the pitch-black night like a soaring eagle.

He had long known the location of the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group but never had the time to visit. Now, under the cover of darkness, he headed straight there.

He had killed the Vice Leader of the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group, Greif, as well as Danny and Moco. He didn't know if they had found out, as no one had approached him yet. But even if they hadn't, he needed to be careful. As long as he saw Judy and gave her the small bow, that was enough. There was no need to provoke conflict with the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group members.

Hovering silently above the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group headquarters, Feng gently spread out his spiritual sense and soon located Judy's quarters.

Using the Aerial Movement Art, Chen Feng softly landed outside her window. Just as he was about to knock, he heard hurried footsteps approaching from nearby.

Chen Feng frowned and immediately concealed himself in the shadows behind the house.

"Judy, open the door!" a young man's voice rang out calmly.

Hearing this voice, Chen Feng found it somewhat familiar. After careful recall, he realized: it was the Young Leader of the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group he had met on the hunting grounds a few days before the competition—Judy's older brother.

"Creeak," the door opened, revealing Judy's beautiful, delicate face.

"Have you prepared everything?" the Young Leader's voice was slightly deep.

"Everything is ready," Judy replied in a crisp voice.

"Good. You spent considerable time with that brat; don't go soft on him!" The Young Leader's tone held a hint of coldness. "Soft? Danny and Moco grew up with me. I never imagined they would be killed over such a small matter. Such a vicious and petty man—I will personally kill him!" Judy's voice carried intense hatred.

"That's good!" the Young Leader praised. "Decisive action—that's my sister. He leaves tomorrow. You pretend to see him off, then put the drug prepared for you into his drink. Once he takes it, he'll definitely be dead within three days, and no one will be able to trace it back!"

"Okay," Judy agreed, her tone full of resolve.

As soon as these words fell, a wild, uncontrolled burst of laughter erupted nearby.

"Hahahaha..."

Chen Feng walked out of the shadows, clutching his forehead, his laughter echoing wildly through the silent night, appearing utterly bizarre.

"It's... Yagami..." Judy recognized the voice, a slight tremor in her tone.

"The first person I thought of after regaining my personality was someone actively plotting to murder me... How ridiculous!" He had arrived full of excitement only to encounter this. The stark contrast threw him into a state of frenzy.

"Yagami, so you are the one who killed Greif. You've come here today, so you won't be leaving!" the Young Leader said with chilling intent.

Judy glared fiercely. "This lunatic! Danny and Moco only offended you once. I already apologized to you on their behalf, yet you still killed them. I hate you! I want to kill you! To tell you the truth, I saved you in Kuta Town because I was wearing the Suojin Armor. My injury was faked! The goal was to use you to win the tournament. I never expected to bring a wolf into my den—I am the one who harmed Danny and Moco..."

"Good, good, good," Chen Feng said 'good' four times in a row, his eyes now replaced with icy severity. Then he burst into laughter again, mockingly raising the small bow in his hand: "I originally intended to give this to you. It seems all my thoughts were misplaced... Hahahaha..."

Chen Feng stood there, laughing so wildly and mournfully. She had been deceiving him all along. He had actually felt grateful to her for saving him. How laughable!

After his laughter subsided, Chen Feng raised his left hand. A ball of purple flame erupted in his palm with a "Peng" sound. The small red bow he had gone to such lengths to deliver was instantly burned to ashes!