It was the same as yesterday. Angelia brought Charlotte back and reapplied the ointment. But just as Angelia stood up to leave, Charlotte grabbed her hand.

“Wait a moment,” Charlotte suddenly said, then uttered something that genuinely surprised Angelia: “I’m coming too!!”

This decision had only just occurred to her. The reason she wanted to return to Zhong Shenxiu's small courtyard was her intense curiosity about what Angelia and the others had been doing all day, and even more so, the secrets between Zhong Shenxiu and Robin.

Besides, she held a small, lingering desire to try and ask Zhong Shenxiu if he might offer her some guidance too! Though she had never witnessed Zhong Shenxiu fight, she could infer from Robin's existence that he must be an absolute monster among monsters!

No matter how formidable Charlotte appeared in front of Angelia and the others, in this Dragon-Crouching, Tiger-Hiding Winter Moon Empire, there were countless individuals stronger than her.

Broadly speaking, Charlotte’s current strength was that of a Great Swordsman. However, if one were to scrutinize it, she likely belonged to the High Tier of a Great Swordsman.

This brings up a necessary introduction: for both Swordsmen and Mages, every rank is precisely divided into four tiers, ascending from lowest to highest: Novice, Low, Mid, and High!

For Swordsmen, “Great Swordsman” represents a significant hurdle. To break through to the “Sword Saint” realm is extraordinarily difficult.

Many talented individuals, given diligence and continuous effort, can ultimately achieve the rank of “Great Swordsman,” though their specific stage within that rank will vary. But reaching “Sword Saint” is not something achieved merely through study and effort; too many limiting factors come into play, and the requirement for ‘Intent’ alone causes many to stall indefinitely!

Although Charlotte had only recently begun sparring with Angelia and the others, she had gained numerous insights she’d never had before, and through Robin, she witnessed the infinite complexity and variation within martial techniques!

This was exhilarating for Charlotte because, even though she trained every day, she had only managed to increase her raw power and speed, seeing no improvement in other aspects.

But now, stimulated by these new insights, she could clearly feel that her stagnant progress had finally started moving forward again.

Charlotte had a feeling that if she could only spend a little more time near Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, she might be able to break through that critical barrier and attain the strength of a “Sword Saint”!

“Sword Saint” is the dream every swordsman strives for; it symbolizes not only power but also prestige! In the Winter Moon Empire, if you reach the rank of “Sword Saint,” you will be respected wherever you go, and you might even leap into nobility!

Returning to the main thread, Angelia stared blankly at Charlotte, somewhat perplexed as to why, right after getting injured, she wanted to rush back into the fire pit.

Hadn't she been punished enough?

Angelia truly could not fathom why she had developed this sudden urge.

Charlotte seemed to read Angelia’s confusion and smiled faintly. “Do you know, I actually envy you. Perhaps you haven't noticed it yourself, but your daily progress can be described as lightning fast. I don't know how you achieve it, but I suspect it has something to do with that small courtyard…”

Lightning-fast progress?

Angelia looked at Charlotte with an even duller gaze. She truly hadn't considered the extent of her improvement. If it weren't for that clash with Laurent, she might have doubted if she had improved at all.

Now, to be told her progress was "lightning fast"—how could that not shock her?

The truth was, this rapid ascent was entirely because Robin was too strong; no matter how much she improved, Robin could still easily trounce her!

Charlotte smiled faintly again: “Perhaps you are too close to see clearly.”

Angelia nodded gently, saying nothing more.

When the two emerged from the room, it seemed a discussion was taking place in the courtyard. Seeing Charlotte step out, the group immediately quieted down.

“Commander,” Fern asked curiously as Charlotte headed outward, “Where are you going?”

“I’m going back. None of you are to follow me this time,” Charlotte said with a remarkably calm tone.

“Commander, you cannot go back there. We just discussed it, and we think—” Fern looked extremely eager, but his words were cut off by Charlotte.

“You don’t need to worry; I know what I’m doing!” Charlotte stated lightly.

“But—” Fern tried to speak again, but Charlotte waved him silent.

In the end, Charlotte left with Angelia, leaving the others staring at each other in bewilderment.

Meanwhile, Zhong Shenxiu was wondering why Angelia was so slow today, why she hadn't returned yet. Just then, the courtyard gate opened, and Angelia walked in with Charlotte.

When Zhong Shenxiu saw Charlotte again, he frowned slightly in confusion, not understanding why this woman had returned. Did some old grievance remain unresolved?

Robin, standing nearby, also eyed Charlotte up and down, his expression seeming to ask: Do you want another spar?

At this moment, Charlotte appeared rather constrained. This wouldn't happen if she were facing ordinary children, but the issue was that the two children standing before her were each more monstrous than the last!

Finally, Zhong Shenxiu spoke first, his tone laced with amusement: “Hey, woman, why are you back? Still hoping for another session?”

Charlotte started, quickly shaking her head. She stole a glance at Robin, hesitated, and finally managed to say, “May I stay and watch your training?”

Zhong Shenxiu first adopted a thoughtful pose, then shifted to a look of mild difficulty before saying, “That’s a bit complicated. But since you asked, I can’t be completely heartless. If you are willing to double both the duration of your coaching contract and your daily coaching time, I will agree to your request. What do you think?”

Charlotte was visibly startled. Doubling the coaching contract to ten days was acceptable, but if the daily coaching time increased to one hour, could she endure it? After all, she and Robin—in less than five minutes—would usually lose all combat effectiveness!

Seemingly sensing her hesitation, Zhong Shenxiu quickly added, “Don’t worry, your spar time with Robin remains unchanged. You’ll just be spending longer coaching her and Lise!” He pointed to Angelia and Lise as he spoke.

“Fine, I agree!” Charlotte’s expression was serious; it seemed she had already braced herself before coming.

However, the next sentence Zhong Shenxiu uttered nearly shattered her composure!

Zhong Shenxiu said, with a contemplative look, “However, the order of your sparring sessions might change from now on!”

This sentence struck Charlotte like lightning.

Sparring order changing? If she had to spar with Robin first, and then—

Thinking this, Charlotte’s face paled green, because the consequences would be truly unimaginable. Then she wouldn't just be beaten up by Robin alone; even Lise could easily defeat her!

Yet, her worry was slightly misplaced. Zhong Shenxiu was merely joking with her. If the sparring order truly changed, it would only concern Angelia and Lise.

Charlotte remained stunned from her worry for a long moment. Zhong Shenxiu paid her no more mind and called Lise over.

“Alright, everyone is here. Let’s set off!” Zhong Shenxiu said with an air of profound mystery. No one knew what he was planning.

Set off? Where to?

Not only were Charlotte and Lise surprised and curious, but even Angelia, who had been with Zhong Shenxiu for several days, looked utterly lost!

Zhong Shenxiu had no intention of explaining. He took Robin and walked toward the courtyard exit first, not forgetting to remind the others: “Don’t just stand there, hurry up and follow!”

Though curious, the group dared not ask any more questions and could only trail behind.

Judging by the direction Zhong Shenxiu was heading, they were going toward the Magical Beast Forest. No one knew what Zhong Shenxiu intended to do in the forest, especially bringing this group along. One thing was certain, though: it wasn't a trip for sightseeing or a picnic!

As they walked, Zhong Shenxiu suddenly stopped. Then, with a wave of his hand, a ‘Swift Hawk’ flew down from the sky!

The Swift Hawk was extremely affectionate upon seeing Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, chirping happily from time to time.

While Lise and Angelia didn't find this particularly strange, Charlotte was greatly astonished. She had often seen this very Swift Hawk while searching for ‘Substandard Immortal Stones’ in the Magical Beast Forest with her subordinates, several of whom had loudly suggested shooting it down to roast and eat!

“Th-this is your magical beast?” Charlotte asked, stunned.

Zhong Shenxiu turned back and countered, “Is that strange?”

It wasn't just strange; it was utterly bizarre!

Charlotte could never have imagined that people as incredibly powerful as Zhong Shenxiu and Robin would choose such a low-level magical beast as a familiar. This was difficult for her to accept.

In Charlotte’s estimation, given their strength, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin should have captured at least a rank seven or eight magical beast as a pet!

Guided by the Swift Hawk, Zhong Shenxiu and the group continued toward the inner depths of the Magical Beast Forest.

After walking for nearly an hour, Zhong Shenxiu finally turned back and addressed everyone:

“Are you ready? We are almost there!”

Ready? Ready for what?

The confusion in Charlotte's and the others' minds grew deeper.

At this moment, Angelia’s expression was strange, tinged with palpable worry. She knew that whenever Zhong Shenxiu told them to 'get ready,' nothing good was about to happen!