Angelica rushed forward to meet her, but when she finally reached Robin, she found herself at a loss for words, looking quite flustered.

Robin glanced at her, surveyed the surroundings briefly, and then stated, "Let's begin!"

Ooo-lie?

Angelica was clearly taken aback, completely failing to grasp the meaning behind Robin's declaration of "beginning."

Seeing Angelica standing frozen and bewildered, Robin added, "Draw your sword!"

Angelica obeyed, unsheathing the longsword at her waist, yet she still had no idea what was expected next. A small, hopeful thought even crossed her mind: Could it be that she intends to teach me swordsmanship personally, hand in hand?

"My time is limited; do not waste it. Begin!" Robin stood with her hands behind her back, displaying an expression of absolute composure, as if facing down a mountain collapsing upon her.

Having spent so much time with Zhong Shenxiu, she had actually picked up one of his common phrases. Sigh, I wonder if Robin’s personality will also resemble Zhong Shenxiu’s when she grows up?

Angelica remained sheepish, utterly confused by Robin. She couldn't tell if this "beginning" meant she should first perform a sequence, and then Robin would offer guidance from the sidelines.

That must be it!

With this thought, Angelica prepared to execute a sword form for Robin to observe, but she was interrupted by Robin speaking again.

"You can attack me now!"

What??

This time, Angelica understood, but she couldn't believe it. To attack Robin? What a joke! She wouldn't dare even if she were given ten times the courage! The disparity in strength was obvious, and besides, Angelica had already witnessed Robin's formidable might!

"You want me to attack you?" Angelica asked dazedly, wondering if a lack of sleep had caused auditory distortion.

Robin merely nodded slightly, saying calmly, "We can start!"

"I... I can't..." Angelica was beside herself with anxiety! Though she couldn't fathom Robin's intent, she knew she would be instantly defeated under Robin's hand!

"Don't worry, it's just sparring!" Robin seemed to read Angelica's mind and stated abruptly.

Sparring was manageable. Angelica calmed down considerably, though she remained quite nervous.

She was usually a rather confident person, but for some reason, facing Robin now stripped her of any will to initiate an attack!

Robin was not Zhong Shenxiu, so she wasn't sure how best to guide Angelica. She only remembered one line Zhong Shenxiu had told her: Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth!

Having entered the second stage, Robin often engaged in live combat practice (shí zhàn P) with Zhong Shenxiu. During these bouts, Zhong Shenxiu would explain her shortcomings and points requiring attention, which had benefited Robin immensely, leading to remarkably fast progress!

So, Robin intended to follow suit, mirroring Zhong Shenxiu's method to instruct Angelica. She wasn't sure if it would work, but at least it was worth a try!

"If you don't attack soon, I’m leaving. I don't have time to waste on you!" Robin showed a flicker of impatience.

Seeing Robin on the verge of anger, Angelica quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I was overthinking. I’ll do as you say. Let's begin!" With that, Angelica assumed a ready stance!

Robin remained still, maintaining the exact same posture. That expression of serene detachment was exactly like Zhong Shenxiu’s!

Angelica stared intently at Robin, but after waiting for a long time without seeing any movement, she prompted, "You can draw your sword!" As she spoke, her eyes fixed fiercely on the bone sword at Robin's waist!

Angelica had an unforgettable impression of that bone sword—it was less a sword and more the scythe of Death itself!

However, what Robin said next greatly surprised her.

"No need. I am only sparring with you; there’s no need to be so serious."

Given Angelica's current strength, Robin saw no need to even draw the bone sword.

"You... you want to spar with me empty-handed?" Angelica had never heard such a reckless proposition.

Swords are merciless; how could one possibly defend against a blade barehanded? Angelica truly could not accept this suggestion.

"Do you truly think you can harm me empty-handed?" Robin inquired.

"That's not what I meant," Angelica said aloud, though in her heart, a tiny sliver of hope flared.

"Then let's start!" Robin gazed at Angelica, her eyes sharp as daggers. She genuinely wanted to see how the other girl intended to injure her.

Hesitating briefly, and daring not to argue further, Angelica reluctantly braced herself and stepped forward. She managed to utter, "Then be careful!"

With that, she swept her sword toward Robin, but she used only thirty percent of her strength and struck with the flat of the blade!

Just as the blade’s surface was one centimeter from Robin, Angelica abruptly halted the motion.

The reason was simple: Robin was still standing with her hands behind her back, neither blocking nor evading the sword swing aimed at her!

This instantly bewildered Angelica; she could not fathom what Robin was thinking.

Just as Angelica was about to ask, Robin spoke, "Why did you stop?"

"Because..." Angelica dared not speak the truth—she stopped because she was afraid the sword might actually hit Robin.

"Do you really believe your sword can reach me? Do you think I couldn't dodge a blow struck at that speed?"

Faced with Robin’s questioning, Angelica was about to explain, but then her pupils dilated as she noticed something bizarre.

Robin’s figure had vanished from her line of sight, yet her eyes had never left Robin for an instant! She had literally been speaking to Robin moments ago—how could she disappear so suddenly?

Angelica immediately turned and scanned her surroundings, searching everywhere, but there were few tall trees to conceal anyone. Where on earth had Robin gone?

Eerie! Terrifyingly strange!!

"Are you looking for me?" Robin's voice suddenly resonated from right behind Angelica.

Angelica visibly flinched; she had been thoroughly startled! Turning back, Robin was standing right there!

How... how was this possible? She had clearly checked behind her just a second ago; there was no one there. How could she suddenly be here?

Little did Angelica know, as she turned, Robin had been moving in tandem with her, which is why she never saw Robin!

What is speed? This is speed! Fast enough to remain beside you, yet undetectable to you forever!

"Now, do you still think your sword can touch me?"

The distance of one centimeter seemed close, but in Robin’s eyes, it was no different from a meter.

Angelica’s expression remained somewhat stunned, still trying to process how Robin had disappeared!

"Since you are holding back, I will take the initiative to attack first. I hope you don't end up dead because of it!" A detached voice issued from Robin’s lips.

Robin was about to move. What would be the consequence?