After Duke successfully condensed a drop of liquid spiritual power, he stopped, carefully reviewing the entire process and summarizing some experiences.

This drop of liquid spiritual power, once formed, was like a miniature gravitational core in itself.

It naturally attracted the surrounding gaseous particles to it. Although this gravitational pull was still very weak and far from being able to compress particles automatically, it provided an anchor point around which subsequent compression could be conducted.

Duke realized that perhaps as the liquid spiritual power increased, the compression process would become increasingly easier.

Even if there was enough liquid spiritual power, the compression process of spiritual power could be completed automatically.

Moreover, once spiritual power was completely liquefied, any future spiritual power cultivated would also be directly in liquid form.

After stabilizing the state of his spiritual power, Duke had a rough grasp of the knack for compressing spiritual power.

He did not plan to continue compressing spiritual power today. His spiritual power was too exhausted and needed rest; he must ensure a good self-state when compressing spiritual power.

...

In the morning, Robert logged in early. Last night while browsing the forum, he saw that players mentioned something happening in Azure Vault City.

Her Highness, the Holy Daughter of the Light Sect, personally led a large group of people to a small alley. Due to the strict vigilance there, no one knew what had happened.

The Holy Daughter, Dali, was already popular among the player community. Her pure and charming maiden figure, coupled with the holy radiance brought by her white long robe, had earned her a large fanbase.

Many players even sneaked into the Light Sect just to catch a glimpse of Dali's appearance.

The result, of course, was that they were discovered after barely taking a few steps and then expelled.

This time, with the Holy Daughter, Dali, taking action personally, it naturally drew a lot of players' attention.

Robert keenly realized that something game-related must be happening in that alley; otherwise, the Light Sect wouldn't make such a big scene.

Unfortunately, there were always people from the Light Sect guarding the alley at night, prohibiting anyone's entry.

Robert could only come back the next morning. When he arrived near the alley early, he found that the people from the Light Sect had indeed left.

He hurriedly entered the alley, carefully observing his surroundings, searching for possible quest clues.

The alley was quiet, with only his footsteps echoing on the cobblestone path.

He carefully checked the bricks' seams on the walls, the marks on the ground, and even looked up at the window ledges and clotheslines protruding from the buildings on either side, hoping to find some unusual traces or marks.

However, everything seemed so ordinary.

While Robert was slowly observing in the alley, the door of an inconspicuous shop suddenly opened, with the signboard reading "Star Embers."

He watched the old wooden door slowly open, revealing a familiar figure inside. A closer look caused his face to instantly show surprise and delight.

"Duke... Duke, sir!" Robert never expected to encounter this mysterious NPC, Duke, here.

Since Duke left two months ago, Robert had not seen him again and was regretting that it might be difficult to ever meet him again.

During this time, he had been practicing the Earth Breathing Technique Duke left behind and had successfully become a Knight Level expert.

Robert knew that many people's progress in practicing the Breathing Technique wasn't as quick as his. He suspected it was because the grade of his Breathing Technique was relatively high, allowing him to progress so fast.

Duke had already sensed Robert's presence from the moment Robert stepped into the alley.

He was somewhat surprised that Robert had become a Knight so quickly.

"Less than two months in total, right? This person's talent is somewhat terrifying..." Duke thought to himself.

When Duke became a Knight Level, he had relied on the skill tree to achieve it in a few months; Robert practically reached this step on talent alone.

This was also why Duke chose to come out and see Robert. Since he had talent, he could be nurtured.

"Come in and sit." Duke said little more, directly turning around and returning to the courtyard where a pot of hot tea was steaming on a small stove.

He casually sat on his deck chair, while Robert stood in front like an obedient student, seemingly waiting for a lecture.

Robert thought of many things in an instant. He realized that the Holy Daughter Dali probably came here yesterday because of this NPC, indicating that there were many unknown secrets behind Duke.

"Duke sir, I've become a Knight Level!" Robert reported his strength, thinking it might reflect some of his value, as it was his proudest accomplishment.

Duke didn't say a word, merely picked up the teapot, poured two cups of tea, took a slight sip himself, and then said, "Knight Level, not bad."

Upon seeing Duke's expression, Robert immediately felt he had been too proud.

"How could someone of such stature regard a mere Knight Level? I've been too arrogant," Robert thought to himself.

"Your progress is acceptable." Duke finally spoke again, his tone calm, "The Earth Breathing Technique suits you well, but being a Knight is just the first crack in the doorway to true power."

"Yes, Duke sir, as you have taught," Robert replied, head bowed, with a chill in his heart, knowing his strength meant nothing to Duke.

He quietly glanced at the information above Duke's head, with the level still marked as a question mark.

Duke's fingers lightly tapped the armrest of the lounge chair, producing a rhythmic soft sound, as if contemplating something.

Robert held his breath and concentrated, not daring to interrupt.

The morning sunlight shone through the gaps in the branches of the old tree in the courtyard, casting mottled shadows on Duke, adding to the sense of mystery.

The teapot emitted a soft gurgling sound on the stove, with steam curling into the air.

"Do you have business here?" Duke inquired.

After hearing this question, Robert immediately explained his reason for coming here, holding nothing back apart from player forum information.

"I see, it's nothing significant. It seems a Shadow Council rat sneaked in, and Holy Daughter Dali came to take a look upon learning of it," Duke casually remarked.

Robert listened quietly, yet his heart was stirred; those few words contained a lot of information.

Firstly, there's the Shadow Council, which hasn't been much of a secret among the player community for a while.

It seems to be an evil organization where players can join and become Shadow Knights or Shadow Mages.

Once you join the Shadow Council, you stand against the Four Gods Sect and Light Sect, and must not reveal your identity, or you'll invite pursuit from both sects.

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