Erwin had truly been fortunate to grasp the technique, even if his execution wasn't particularly refined yet.
But let's not forget, Erwin had been studying in secret with Professor Flitwick. As a Master of Spellwork, Flitwick possessed his own unique method for controlling magical energy. He could divide a single unit of magic into several parts without sacrificing power. It was essentially micromanagement of magical flow.
Erwin and Flitwick had practiced this extensively, making significant progress. Thanks to that experience, Erwin was able to understand Rainie Nangong's ability.
As Rainie Nangong's figure faded, the stairs reappeared. However, Erwin didn't rush up this time. Instead, he stood still, mentally reviewing and solidifying the experience he had just gained. His hands moved fluidly as he cast techniques, practicing their application in real-time.
On a nearby hilltop, Quincy Shen swallowed hard. "No way, you actually learned it?! That demon's ability... can someone really master it? Was she lying to me? Is this truly a technique that can be taught, or is it just her innate talent?" He looked thoughtful.
Just then, a cold voice rang out. "I told you long ago. You couldn't learn it because your talent wasn't sufficient. It has nothing to do with my techniques, nor is it a unique ability! Also, I said if I heard you speaking ill of me behind my back again, I would teach you a lesson!"
Quincy Shen froze, slowly turning to see Rainie Nangong's face, cold as ice. He was immediately shocked. "N-Nangong Senior! What are you doing here?"
Rainie Nangong ignored him, instead unleashing a series of hand seals. Compared to before, her movements were much faster. What fell from the sky wasn't just ice, but sharp ice cones—the very ones Erwin used in his techniques.
Quincy Shen was terrified. "Senior, are you going to kill me?"
Though he said this, Quincy Shen's movements were anything but slow. A brush and yellow talisman appeared in his hand, and he began drawing rapidly. The talismans shattered, blocking the ice cones.
Ten minutes later, Quincy Shen lay on the ground, bruised and battered. Rainie Nangong had already left.
Like a scolded child, Quincy Shen stared speechlessly at the sky, tears streaming down his face. He had suffered so much, enduring ten whole minutes of punishment. Why had his Senior's strength increased so rapidly after leaving Kunlun? Had the mountain been restricting her abilities?
Rubbing his aching body, Quincy Shen glanced at Erwin, who was still practicing diligently. He didn't bother watching any further; there was no point.
In reality, Erwin's test consisted of only these two stages. Once he mastered the abilities required for these, he could easily handle the rest. Unlike other tests that progressed from easy to difficult, the Elders didn't want to waste time. Knowing Erwin's strength, they simply gave him a difficult start. If he passed, great; if not, so be it.
Erwin practiced for another ten minutes. The spectators weren't in a hurry, however. They had already witnessed peak-level duels, which was enough.
But Erwin was considerate; he didn't keep everyone waiting too long. He stepped directly onto the third step.
Just as Quincy Shen had said, the third step posed no significant obstacle. Erwin immediately adopted Rainie Nangong's fighting style. When he was on the receiving end, Erwin could only endure bitterly, but after switching sides, he realized the approach was incredibly effective.
Erwin didn't rush to finish the challenge; instead, he continued to use the pressure of the Celestial Path to hone his body. Seeing this, the Elders in the air were amused.
"This kid is quite ambitious!" Silas Nangong said. "In this world, strength reigns supreme. What's wrong with pursuing power? A little ambition is what makes him stronger. As long as his nature isn't corrupt, ambition alone can take him further!"
The other Elders exchanged glances but didn't argue. They had known each other for decades and were used to his philosophical musings.
Erwin's path through the arena was remarkably smooth. Third level, fourth level... and soon, he reached the fifth level. The moment he defeated his opponent on the fifth level, a smile appeared on Erwin's face.
He had long understood why the Elders had sent him on the Celestial Path: to teach him how to use those two advanced techniques. Erwin remembered the kindness shown to him. Although he knew they had their own purposes, he still respected those who were willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good—especially since he had received genuine benefits in return.
Erwin looked at the white jade steps, hesitating. He could feel that after clearing the first five levels, his body had become much stronger. Continuing upwards should allow him to improve even more.
Just then, an Elder below shouted, "Don't go any further! Going higher won't improve you anymore. No need to waste time!"
Erwin turned his head and glanced back. Behind him, the void had vanished without him noticing. He could see everyone below: the Elder, the smiling Sunny, and the Kunlun students looking at him as if he were something otherworldly.
Erwin didn't hesitate. Since there was no further benefit, there was indeed no need to waste time. He turned and descended.
After descending the last staircase, the scene changed instantly, and he arrived at the foot of the mountain. Sunny immediately came to greet him.
"Congratulations, Erwin!"
"Thank you," Erwin smiled. "But it's also thanks to the techniques you prepared for me."
Sunny waved her hand. "That's all thanks to your own strength. Anyone else wouldn't have been able to defeat Shen and Senior Nangong, let alone learn their skills!"
Erwin smiled. He hadn't actually learned Quincy Shen's multi-casting ability; he had relied on his own method. The effect was the same, and with his more versatile approach, there was no need to learn Quincy Shen's specific technique, was there?