It was a matter that Youxiang had contemplated for a long time. While she was confident in her efforts, and Xiaozi possessed natural talent and intelligence, the two of them together were certain to progress much faster than if they trained alone. Yet, she knew they lacked the single most crucial element... a teacher.

Though the saying, "A master leads you to the door, but training is up to the individual," seemed quite popular, the reality was, without a master's correct guidance, how could a disciple even begin to train?

In this era, many talented yaoguai were taken in as disciples by Lord-level Great Demons, or taught by their own elders—this served as ample proof. Self-directed growth was true, but it was an arduous endeavor; sometimes, a single casual remark from a master or elder could equate to ten years of their own self-study.

If they could find a decent master, Youxiang was certain she could perform far better than she was now, but the problem was that in this chaotic age, finding a good disciple was not hard, but a good master was like a Bo Le, difficult to find across a thousand miles.

Even if they were fortunate enough to be accepted as disciples by a Lord-level demon, if they lacked powerful backing, they would most likely end up doing odd jobs. As for learning true skills? That was best forgotten.

Therefore, while Youxiang had held out hope for this matter over the years, she had never dared to expect it, but Lin Luo's appearance allowed her to glimpse a sliver of dawn.

Firstly, Lin Luo’s strength was undeniably profound. Although she hadn't witnessed it firsthand, the mere ability to bring her back after she had burned her soul was enough to surpass any Lord-level demon. Secondly, she had tried to deduce Lin Luo's purpose in saving them. After much thought, she couldn't find an answer; after all, she and Xiaozi had nothing of tangible value to offer. Could it really be for the simple reason Xiaozi suggested?

If so, it indicated that Lin Luo was a person of excellent character.

At the very least, no one had ever treated them this well since they were born—not only rescuing them proactively but also providing food, lodging, and beautiful clothes, and even maintaining an unpretentious demeanor during conversations. These points alone were enough to show that Lin Luo was certainly not arrogant like those Lord-level demons.

If they were accepted as his disciples, he likely wouldn't treat the matter perfunctorily.

It was for this reason that Youxiang nurtured the desire to formally become his disciple.

When Lin Luo heard her words, he was slightly taken aback. He had considered helping them improve their strength, as he couldn't leave them peacefully until they possessed sufficient self-protection capabilities, but taking them as disciples... that was something he genuinely hadn't considered.

Lin Luo subconsciously looked toward the two girls, noticing their expressions brimming with hopeful anticipation, and couldn't help but ask, "Do you truly wish to become my disciples?"

"Yes!" Seeing that Lin Luo didn't seem strongly opposed, the two girls rejoiced inwardly and nodded firmly. Lin Luo pondered quietly; taking them as disciples wasn't a major issue, and frankly, if he intended to teach them properly, having a legitimate status might even be better. It was just that... he somehow felt the relationship might become complicated... Oh well, he supposed he would accept.

"Fine, if that is truly what you desire, it is not impossible."

"Yay!" Upon hearing Lin Luo agree, the two girls immediately cheered.

What followed was the discipleship ceremony. Although, in Lin Luo's view, the ceremony itself mattered little, for Xiaozi and Youxiang, it was extremely significant. Only when the ritual was formally concluded would they truly possess a master; otherwise, it would just be empty words. Furthermore, having yearned for a master for so long, now that they finally had the chance, they naturally wanted to fulfill every step. After all, this rite, much like marriage, was something one only experienced once in a lifetime.

Thus, Lin Luo, who hadn't paid much attention initially, had to allow them to carry out the ceremony with seriousness. If he appeared distracted, it would not only crush the lolis' enthusiasm but also lead them to subconsciously feel that accepting them as disciples was merely a trivial, dispensable matter for him.

The process took a full three hours, with preparatory work consuming more than two, before the convoluted ritual finally concluded, and Youxiang and Xiaozi officially became Lin Luo's disciples.

"Master," after the ceremony ended, the two young lolis could barely contain their excitement and called out sweetly.

"Heh heh," Lin Luo chuckled wryly; compared to "Master," he much preferred the title "Onii-chan."

"Master, what will you teach us first?" Having formally accepted him as master, Youxiang was already impatient to begin learning, as apprenticeship and learning were historically inseparable.

"Ah?" This question stumped Lin Luo, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Right, what should he teach them?

Although he hadn't been entirely without disciples before—Take Nagi, for instance—Nagi was human, and his system was magic, which was easy enough to instruct, especially with Evangeline to use as a reference. But Youxiang and Xiaozi were yaoguai, and what exactly was the cultivation system for demons?

If it were the previous version of himself, perhaps he could teach them some magic. But ever since reaching the Quasi-Heavenly Rank, Kashi had converted all his abilities into two extremes: he knew nothing outside of Creation and Destruction, or conversely, because he possessed Creation and Destruction, he knew everything.

If Youxiang and Xiaozi were capable of learning, he wouldn't be stingy about teaching them Creation and Destruction. However, even if he wanted to teach them, the prerequisite was that they must be qualified to learn!

Since Creation and Destruction were off the table, all he could offer were fist and foot combat, swordsmanship, and the realm of Killing Intent... Wouldn't these options be utterly useless?

This wasn't a wuxia novel; what use were martial arts like footwork and swordsmanship? Although future Youxiang, and even the current Youxiang, primarily relied on physical combat, their foundation rested upon their demonic energy (yaoli), and the technical aspect was merely the control of that energy. As for Xiaozi, her nature was entirely different.

As for the realm of Killing Intent, if they could grasp that, they could go out and challenge Lord-level demons right now.

Therefore, based on the summary above, Lin Luo truly had nothing appropriate to teach.

At this juncture, he realized that perhaps he wasn't cut out to be a master.

However, he couldn't afford to lose face like the Young Mistress did the moment she stepped outside. So, to maintain the dignity required of a master, he feigned deep contemplation for a moment, then said sternly, "Before I formally teach you, I need to see what you already know and what level your foundation has reached. So, we'll go outside first, and I'll watch you spar a few moves... Oh, right, Youxiang, is your body completely healed?"

Youxiang nodded, stretching her limbs. "Although I’m not as good as when I was perfectly fine, there are generally no issues. As long as it’s not a fight to the death, it won’t affect me."

Lin Luo couldn't help but nod inwardly. Although he had administered some spiritual elixirs while healing Youxiang yesterday to mend her shattered limbs, his estimate was that at her current strength, it would take her at least three days to recover completely. In reality, she had recovered mostly in just one day—her physical resilience vastly exceeded her current realm.

"Let's go, we'll go outside." Knowing this, Lin Luo stopped saying more, waved his hand, and led the two out of the dwelling, thinking to himself: During the time you spar, I am certain I will come up with something suitable for you to learn... Yes... Probably.

Arriving on the grass outside, Xiaozi and Youxiang stood facing each other, their gazes intersecting, revealing faint but intense fighting spirit.

Though they were good friends, it didn't stop them from being competitive opponents. When it was just the two of them before, they often sparred, trading victories. Now, with Lin Luo's command, they dared not slacken, each wanting to display their best side.

"Begin!"

As Lin Luo commanded, both moved simultaneously. Youxiang rushed forward, while Xiaozi retreated. The former was a melee specialist, the latter an artillery type. If Youxiang managed to close the distance, Xiaozi would certainly lose. Likewise, if Xiaozi created sufficient distance, Youxiang couldn't win either.

Both understood the other's strengths and weaknesses, and neither intended to let the other succeed. Youxiang sped up, pressing the attack step by step, while Xiaozi circled the area, attempting to drain Youxiang's stamina.

Lin Luo watched the two lolis running back and forth on the grass, feeling somewhat bored. If it weren't for fulfilling his duty as a master, and perhaps because the lolis were somewhat pleasing to the eye, he might have fallen asleep... This was quite understandable; it was like watching two kindergarteners fight—it would eventually become dull.

Finally, after half an hour of circling, both stopped, panting heavily, neither having gained an advantage.

"Hmm..." Lin Luo stood up, about to say something, when suddenly, a large group of yaoguai flooded in with a clamor from the surrounding woods.

Youxiang and Xiaozi's expressions shifted instantly.

However, the group of demons merely glanced at them once before turning their heads away, completely ignoring Lin Luo and the others. One demon pointed at the house and exclaimed, "Strange, when I came by the day before yesterday, this house wasn't here. What's going on?"

"What's the big deal?" another demon chimed in. "Heaven must have known a few of us were going to stay here, so it quickly put up a house for us. Not bad, not bad."

Such brazen words made even Youxiang and Xiaozi inwardly feel disdain.

These demons acted as if Lin Luo and the others didn't exist, completely disregarding their presence. Likewise, Lin Luo disregarded their intentions and personalities; seeing them, his eyes lit up, and he smiled warmly, "Yo, you lot showed up just in time. Come here, come here, be my two disciples' punching bags."