Olivia understood what Melanie was saying. After all, she had actually asked the magic mirror how to improve herself a long time ago and received a very detailed answer; the magic mirror’s advice had also been to relax. However, even knowing that, gaining inspiration during the process of relaxation was not an easy task. It was a mysterious and ethereal thing that relied somewhat on luck. Nevertheless, Olivia still thanked Melanie for her guidance.
"Ms. Mills, as far as I know, you've joined a powerful transcendent squad that handles more high-end supernatural incidents. Isn't that very dangerous?"
"Danger is inevitable." Melanie sighed at the mention of it. "Only after reaching a higher position did I see just how magnificent and diverse the transcendent world truly is. The movements of truly powerful transcendents are terrifying; we don't normally see that kind of horrific display of power in our daily lives. However, Olivia, I cannot tell you anything specific about it because I have to abide by a non-disclosure agreement."
"I understand. I was just a little curious." Speaking of which, Olivia seemed to think of something. "By the way, Ms. Mills, do you have some time right now?"
"I do. Is there something you need?" Melanie asked.
Olivia smiled slightly. "If possible, I would like to spar with you to test my own strength."
"That’s no problem at all," Melanie agreed immediately.
"Ms. Mills, please follow me."
The busy streets were naturally not an appropriate place for a spar. Olivia immediately led Melanie away from the bustling thoroughfare. Once they reached a secluded spot, she utilized the teleportation function of the King's Domain to transport both Melanie and herself to an abandoned factory in the South District. This factory had been deserted for an unknown length of time; the surroundings were quiet, and a foul stench lingered in the air. The environment was not particularly pleasant, but for Olivia, it was a perfectly suitable location.
"The King's Domain is truly impressive," Melanie remarked, seeing that they had completed the teleportation in the blink of an eye. She was already aware that Olivia possessed the King's Domain, but personally experiencing its effects still left her somewhat awestruck. This was also why she, despite already being a Domainist, had accepted a sparring invitation from a mere Sensate like Olivia. With the King's Domain in her possession, Olivia’s true combat power clearly could not be judged by her class rank alone.
"I'm just a Sensate, so please go a little easy on me, Ms. Mills," Olivia said with a smile.
"Of course." Melanie nodded. She made an inviting gesture, signaling for Olivia to strike first.
Facing an opponent two class ranks higher than herself, Olivia naturally saw no reason to be modest. She picked up the Cross Grace, looking at the weapon with a touch of nostalgia. Come to think of it, Melanie was the one who had given this weapon to her, saying at the time that she no longer had a use for it. After taking a few deep breaths, Olivia suddenly charged forward and initiated the attack.
...
Before long, the sky began to darken. In truth, there was nothing particularly noteworthy about the battle between Olivia and Melanie; it was naturally not easy for a Sensate to deal with a Domainist. Olivia couldn't truly go all out, desperately utilizing forbidden artifacts like the King's Domain and Elemental Praise. Forbidden artifacts were, after all, forbidden artifacts and not her own inherent abilities; she did not have absolute control over them. Simply put, she wouldn't be able to hold back. A spar was only a spar; there was no need to be too reckless. Consequently, throughout the process, Olivia was essentially just on the receiving end of the hits. Fortunately, Melanie did indeed hold back quite a bit, so Olivia didn't end up looking too pitiful. As the sky turned dark, the sparring session finally came to an end.
"How do you feel?" After they stopped, Melanie still appeared calm and composed, asking about Olivia’s experience with a smile on her face.
Olivia also smiled. "The results were better than I expected. I felt a spark of inspiration. I think I can prepare for my advancement."
Question marks practically popped up over Melanie’s head. Just a short while ago, Olivia had felt she lacked inspiration and was seeking it out; how could she suddenly have it after just a brief moment? Was inspiration really that easy to come by?
"You really found inspiration?" Melanie couldn't help but ask.
"Yes, I can advance tomorrow. Come to think of it, my luck is pretty good; I don't have to wait another week," Olivia laughed. The third advancement for an Ascetic had strict timing requirements; it had to be performed on a Friday. And tomorrow was Friday.
Melanie's expression softened with a hint of gratification. "I was thinking before that you only lacked inspiration, so you should be able to successfully advance to a Transcender in the near future. I just didn't expect that 'near future' to come so quickly. You've surprised me, but I'm also very pleased. After all, I was the one who set you on the Path of Asceticism. Go back and prepare well. You should already know from the church what preparations an Ascetic needs to make."
"Yes, I'll be ready." Olivia was also filled with anticipation. Inviting Melanie to spar had merely been a sudden impulse; it hadn't even been part of the magic mirror's suggestions. The mirror had only told her to relax, but it hadn't specified how. Who would have thought that during this process, she would actually find her inspiration? Olivia then used the King's Domain to teleport Melanie back to the entrance of the Sunlight Cathedral. As for herself, she teleported back to her home at 88 Annus Street. It was time to prepare for the Ascetic's advancement. The details regarding the Ascetic’s third advancement ritual surfaced in Olivia's mind.
...
Ascetic's Third Advancement Ritual:
Time: Friday.
Location: A lively and joyful place.
Personal Preparation: Maintain a joyful mood.
Items: 300 liters of holy spring water, 1000 milliliters of god-gifted milk, 6 dawn chrysanthemums, 6 golden dew flowers, 6 smiley face flowers, 6 blue roses, 6 blazing sun flowers, and 6 holy word flowers.
Method: Pour the holy spring water and god-gifted milk into a bathtub, sprinkle the six types of flowers inside, and recite any prayer of the church in front of the tub; after completing the prayer, enter the tub to bathe and cleanse the body and mind. Then, change into new clothes and head to a lively and joyful place filled with the sound of happy songs to sublimate the soul through a dance, completing the advancement during this process.
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