Chapter 12: Breaking Through Once More

Over the next few days, David's routine remained consistent: spending time with his wives, knightly training, and managing the affairs of his territory.

[You have completed a session of dual cultivation. Ice Element Gift +28.]

[Ice Element Gift: Basic (1023/1000)]

[You have completed a session of dual cultivation. Frostwolf Bloodline +42.]

[Frostwolf Bloodline: Tier 3 (5069/5000)]

Through his relentless efforts, David's Frostwolf Bloodline and Ice Element Gift had finally reached the threshold for advancement.

In the second-floor training room, David sat cross-legged in meditation.

With a single thought, his Ice Element Gift began its breakthrough.

Closing his eyes, he entered a void-like realm where countless particles of ice energy sparkled like stars in the sky.

At the basic level, his Ice Element Gift had allowed him to sense the presence of ice energy. But now, with his gift advancing to the intermediate level, he felt as though he could reach out and touch the ice elements.

With another thought, the star-like particles of ice energy gathered around him, swirling in a vibrant display.

When he opened his eyes, the temperature of the training room plummeted, the gathered ice energy radiating an intense chill.

However, his control over the ice elements was still limited. Unlike Amy, he couldn't yet manifest them into tangible forms of ice and snow.

"Next is the breakthrough for my Frostwolf Bloodline," David murmured, his expression serious.

Recently, aided by his Ice Element Gift, his mastery of the Frostwolf Breathing Technique had progressed at an incredible pace. He could feel the ice energy stimulating his Frostwolf Bloodline, awakening its latent frost powers.

This was why he had chosen to advance his Ice Element Gift first, using it as a catalyst for the bloodline breakthrough.

"Let's begin."

Taking a deep breath, David willed the breakthrough to commence.

The Frostwolf Bloodline seed in his chest began to radiate waves of powerful energy.

As a surge of life energy from the system flowed into the Frostwolf Bloodline, it began to transform.

A sharp pain coursed through David's body, and he couldn't suppress a wolfish howl that echoed through the room.

In the void of his consciousness, a mighty Frostwolf cloaked in a storm of ice and snow appeared, its head thrown back in a thunderous roar.

Suddenly, ice began to form around David's body, spreading outward from his skin.

The frost quickly expanded, engulfing the entire training room and transforming it into a realm of ice and snow, with icy winds howling relentlessly.

Amid the frozen domain, David's body underwent a profound transformation.

The Frostwolf Bloodline seed embedded in his heart gathered the surrounding frost energy, shaping itself into the form of a Frostwolf encased in crystalline ice.

"It's done."

"Tier 4 Frostwolf Bloodline, Tier 3 Knight Strength."

David opened his eyes, a gleam of excitement lighting up his face as he felt the immense power coursing through his body.

He had originally been some distance away from achieving Tier 3 as a knight, but the transformation of his Frostwolf Bloodline had propelled him across the threshold.

Beyond this, he could sense the formidable frost energy imbued within his bloodline—a force far exceeding that of a typical Tier 4 Frostwolf Bloodline. This power was undoubtedly bolstered by his intermediate Ice Element Gift, which had drawn ice energy from the world around him.

Raising his hand, David activated the frost energy within his bloodline. The icy winds in the room coalesced into a concentrated storm, swirling into a powerful snow cyclone in his palm.

Despite his Ice Element Gift still being at the intermediate level, he could now manipulate ice and snow just like Amy.

Additionally, his surging blood energy burst forth, forming a silver aura that shot from his fingertips—a burst of combat energy.

Any Tier 3 knight witnessing this would be astounded, as such energy was a hallmark of Tier 4 Earth Knights. Yet David, a mere Tier 3 knight, had already mastered it.

The combination of his Tier 4 Frostwolf Bloodline and intermediate Ice Element Gift allowed David to achieve feats typically reserved for Tier 4 Earth Knights.

"This is a massive leap in strength," David remarked, his excitement evident.

Though he was technically a Tier 3 knight, his actual combat ability far surpassed that of his peers, elevating him to an unparalleled level within his tier. Even against Tier 4 Earth Knights, he believed he could hold his own or retreat unscathed if necessary.

This newfound strength gave him the confidence to challenge the northern nobles on equal footing. No longer would he need to rely on the Grey Wolf Knight's support or bow to the whims of more powerful aristocrats.

"But this isn't my limit yet," he said to himself.

"Give me more time, and I'll elevate my knightly strength to Tier 4."

David took a deep breath, calming his excitement, and opened the system panel to review his progress.

[Ice Element Gift: Intermediate (23/10000)]

[Frostwolf Bloodline: Tier 4 (69/10000)]

With his advancements, the experience required for further progress had increased dramatically to 10,000 points.

Resolving to accelerate his growth, David stood and decided to find Leah and Amy for another cultivation session.

In the attic on the castle's third floor, another round of cultivation concluded. Leah and Amy lay utterly exhausted, their energy completely spent.

Yet David, invigorated by his breakthrough, seemed brimming with vitality, ready for more.

Leah gritted her teeth and pushed herself forward for another attempt.

However, with David's newfound Tier 3 strength, even the combined efforts of Leah and Amy were no match for him.

Before long, Leah collapsed in exhaustion, barely able to move a finger.

"You should just take in Fire Dance and Water Lotus as well," Leah suggested seriously.

Amy nodded in agreement. "The lord's needs are too overwhelming. I don't think Leah and I can handle this on our own."

Hearing this, David's thoughts briefly wandered to the twin sisters. The idea stirred a spark of heat within him.

Given their unwavering obedience, he knew they wouldn't refuse if he made the request.

However, he quickly dismissed the idea. The twins hadn't yet displayed any unique bloodline or talent, and he wasn't inclined to take them in solely for personal satisfaction.

If he sought mere physical comfort, there were plenty of maids in the castle who would eagerly oblige. But such pursuits held no meaning for him.

Shaking off the thought, he gently patted Leah and

Amy's heads with a mischievous smile.

"I don't just want your bodies," he teased. "I want your hearts as well."