In the weeks following her victories, Shinta maintained a rigorous routine. She dedicated three days to intense sword training in Hall 120, ensuring she met her quota of sword swings while also stealing some short quality time with the head instructor. She would occasionally make tea and engage in memorable small talk with him.

Shinta dedicated one day each week to facing off against the top-ranked acolytes in Hall 7. Despite their disbelief and resentment at her previous victories, Shinta continued to face them head-on, all from rank 33 to 26, defeating them one by one. Each victory earned her a few thousand extra contribution points on top of her weekly allotment of 10,000.

With her accumulating points, she eventually gathered enough to spend more time at the Origin Stone Room. In these sessions, Shinta predominantly chose the darkness stone room to deepen her understanding and solidify her foundation of the dark element.

As the time for the monthly evaluation approached, anticipation and tension filled the air. Shinta eagerly awaited the chance to showcase her progress and test her skills in the duels. Twenty acolytes, including Shinta, participated in the evaluations, each vying for a coveted spot in the top ranks.

During the duels, Shinta demonstrated remarkable prowess, easily maneuvering her way into the top four positions. However, as the battles progressed, she couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in strength between Hall 120 and her own Hall 7, which she noted with a deep sigh of frustration.

Despite her formidable performance, Shinta ultimately suffered defeats against both Dillion and surprisingly Ha Ron, landing her in third place. Emery, acknowledging Ha Ron's impressive performance, decided to select him as his second acolyte to receive his personal coaching.

The outcome left Shinta surprisingly irritated, a feeling she hadn't expected. Adding to her frustration, she fell short by 200,000 hits of her target, leaving her unable to learn the next stage of the Dao skills. Shinta could only grit her teeth, as she watched six acolytes receive the special training, including Dillion, Ha Ron, Kingrig, Kat, and the two centurions.

"Don't worry, there's still next month," she reminded herself.

Unfortunately, Emery demanded a repeat of 1,000,000 strikes, a task that many found daunting and discouraging. Shinta resolved to persevere, determined not to falter this month.

Channeling her frustration and determination, Shinta decided to challenge the ranks 24 and 23 acolytes of Hall 7. With strategic maneuvers and skillful tactics, she emerged victorious in both duels without relying on her mixed bloodline power, gradually ascending in rank while keeping her true strength concealed.

As she climbed into the higher rank, Shinta became eligible to challenge the top 20 for further advancement. However, she hesitated, mindful of the influence of Instructor Lucius, who held sway over both the center hall and the right-wing hall.

"Better to keep my distance," she mused, recognizing the potential complications.

While reaching the top 20 was the goal for many acolytes, particularly those aspiring to compete in the upcoming games, Shinta remained pragmatic. She understood that her strength was still insufficient for such a challenge, but she remained undeterred, knowing she had four months to continue her training and improvement before the games commenced.

Unbeknownst to Shinta, Lucius Corvin had taken a personal interest in her development, recognizing her potential to become his top acolyte within a year or two.

"Silviana personally asked me to take care of her, She is special indeed, but not that special as to attract the attention of the Serpent Supreme. I wonder what trouble Silviana is into these days!"

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