"I can teach you a set of martial arts," Zhong Shenxiu observed Xia Xiong with perfect composure, his mood as if he had premeditated this for a long time.

Xia Luo started again, gazing at Zhong Shenxiu with disbelief. Through everything she had witnessed in recent days, she understood that Zhong Shenxiu possessed an immense wealth of knowledge—any small fraction of it would be enough to shake the world!

She was even more aware that the level of skill Zhong Shenxiu had attained was beyond her reach even if she spent her entire life striving for it. A few simple pointers from him would benefit her for the rest of her days.

She never expected Zhong Shenxiu to offer to teach her, and not just any skill, but a complete set of martial arts. Heavens, was she dreaming?

At that moment, Xia Luo felt a sense of elation, as if everything was unreal. She had just been in an abyss moments ago, how could she suddenly find herself in paradise? Was this what they called, 'A loss proves to be a gain in the long run?'

"If you don't want it, then forget it!" Zhong Shenxiu said when Xia Luo remained silent for a long time.

"I want it. I want it," Xia Luo exclaimed, startled. She absolutely could not miss such an opportunity, or she would regret it for the rest of her life!

Xia Luo hadn't imagined she could receive the same treatment as Angelia, being personally instructed by Zhong Shenxiu. This made her feel incredibly honored and overwhelmed; all her previous gloom had vanished in an instant!

"Don't say I didn't warn you beforehand—it might be tough. Are you mentally prepared?" Zhong Shenxiu asked again.

Xia Luo quickly nodded, excitement still evident on her face: "I can endure hardship."

"Also, learning my martial arts won't be something accomplished in a day or two. Are you prepared for that as well?" Zhong Shenxiu fixed his eyes on Xia Luo.

Xia Luo fell silent. The main issue was not knowing how long it would take. If it required decades to master, that was something she couldn't possibly accept.

"You are the leader of a mercenary group; you probably don't have that much time. If it feels difficult, I won't force you!" Zhong Shenxiu actually smiled.

"How long will it take to learn?" Xia Luo asked seriously.

"That depends on your talent. For Robin, it might take half a day. For that silly girl Angelia, perhaps about two months to achieve minor mastery. How long do you think it will take you?" Zhong Shenxiu tossed the question back to Xia Luo.

Xia Luo was slightly astonished and glanced inadvertently at Robin, who was standing quietly beside them. She hadn't realized Robin's learning capacity was also so monstrously high!

She knew Angelia; Angelia was by no means slow but possessed great talent, mastering everything extremely quickly—a fact that made Xia Luo somewhat self-deprecating.

A large part of why Xia Luo was so strong now stemmed from her innate, overwhelming strength, though she was still far behind Robin. And her strength was natural.

If Angelia needed about two months, perhaps she would need around three. Such a length of time made her hesitate!

Their Cloud Splitter Mercenary Group had already wasted too much time over the matter of the Double Axe Mercenary Group. According to her original plan, she was supposed to leave in a couple of days to continue missions. But she hadn't expected Zhong Shenxiu to offer such an enticing "compensation" at this moment, especially one that would consume about three months of her time.

"Hey, woman. Don't you want to know what martial art I'm going to teach you?" A knowing smile touched the corner of Zhong Shenxiu's lips again.

Xia Luo's attention was indeed drawn. She stared blankly at Zhong Shenxiu; she really wanted to know what martial art he intended to teach her.

"Do you want to know?" Zhong Shenxiu asked again, the manner of his inquiry like asking a little girl if she wanted candy.

Xia Luo nodded, her heart inexplicably speeding up!

"Then I will show you. Watch closely; I will only demonstrate once!" Zhong Shenxiu continued.

Xia Luo was already concentrating intently, and upon hearing this, she dared not relax even slightly!

Just then, Zhong Shenxiu finally began!

Astonishingly, Zhong Shenxiu's body seemed to multiply—one became two, two became four—leaving behind a series of afterimages, each one vividly lifelike, gradually fading over ten seconds before finally vanishing.

"This... this is..." Xia Luo was utterly dumbfounded. This was the first time she had witnessed Zhong Shenxiu display such an uncanny martial art.

It was simply too powerful; moving at high speed while simultaneously creating illusions—it was a nightmare for any enemy!

I must learn it. I absolutely have to master this set of arts!

Xia Luo repeatedly urged herself inwardly. Such an incredible technique was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Forget three months; she would gladly give up three years!

When Zhong Shenxiu stopped and stood still, Xia Luo remained rooted to the spot like a wooden statue, clearly still stunned by the magnificent display he had just performed.

"Hey, woman. Tell me your final answer now!" Zhong Shenxiu’s expression also turned somewhat serious.

This was the kind of person Zhong Shenxiu was. Although he enjoyed teasing people for his own amusement, he would never mistreat those he involved. He was not accustomed to owing favors. In the Cultivation World, many were willing to be 'teased' by him. This wasn't because they were inherently cheap, but because the compensation Zhong Shenxiu offered far exceeded the slight suffered!

Therefore, those who truly understood Zhong Shenxiu would often just smile faintly after being teased, knowing that Zhong Shenxiu would grant them greater benefits later on—it was just a matter of time.

"I'll learn!" Xia Luo stated, exceptionally moved.

"What about your mercenary group then?" Zhong Shenxiu did not forget to remind her.

"I... I will hand it over to Li!" Xia Luo already had a suitable candidate in mind.

Zhong Shenxiu chuckled lightly, then stopped abruptly as he turned to leave: "Do you want to know how the 'Double Axe Mercenary Group' died?"

Xia Luo was about to say, 'I don't want to know,' but Zhong Shenxiu paused before continuing: "They were annihilated by Robin and me!"

With that, ignoring the stunned look on Xia Luo's face, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin entered the house.

In truth, Xia Luo was not the only one left speechless. Liss had been standing motionless for quite some time already. His expression was clearly that of a simpleton!

Of course, his state wasn't due to Zhong Shenxiu's last sentence, but since Zhong Shenxiu displayed his martial arts!

His mind was filled only with thoughts of Zhong Shenxiu's movement technique, repeating one sentence over and over: How did he do that?

It was unclear how much time passed before Xia Luo recovered from her shock. Seeing Liss's expression, she understood completely and chose not to disturb him. Just as she was looking for something to do, the sound of knocking came from the courtyard gate again.

It must be Angelia returning! Xia Luo mused as she went to open the door.

However, when she opened it, she was startled: "It's you?"

Standing at the doorway was none other than Solomon, who had left earlier!

What was he doing here?

Solomon looked slightly awkward when he saw Xia Luo, unsure of what to say. His arrival here felt almost guided by some unseen force; even he found it somewhat unbelievable. From the moment he saw Angelia erupt with battle energy to block Amyrida, he felt he had been stimulated by something, and a voice in his heart kept telling him: To become stronger, this is the only place!

Since being defeated by Austin that day, he had not emerged from the haze of loss and frustration. The more he thought about it, the more unwilling he felt, especially recalling Austin's indifferent expression—he longed to immediately take revenge and reclaim his honor!

Despite his deep-seated resentment, he had to admit that Austin was far stronger than him. To surpass him, he needed to become even stronger!

But how to become stronger had become a very severe problem. Both he and Laurent wanted the answer. Although they had tried many methods and trained continuously, the gains were minimal.

Yet, after witnessing Angelia's burst of battle energy earlier, he finally found the answer: This place was the undeniable choice!

This girl named Angelia had clearly reached another level in just a few days; there must be some secret trick! That was Solomon's assumption.

Since he had come here, he was prepared for anything. No matter what harsh conditions Zhong Shenxiu proposed, as long as it allowed him to grow stronger, he would agree!

While Xia Luo was unsure how to proceed, Zhong Shenxiu's placid voice sounded from behind her: "Let him in!"

Xia Luo glanced back at Zhong Shenxiu, feeling immensely relieved, and told Solomon: "Come in!"

Solomon appeared somewhat constrained after entering, avoiding direct eye contact with Zhong Shenxiu.

"Boy, why are you back again?" Zhong Shenxiu inquired.

"I want to become stronger!" Solomon stated.

"What does that have to do with me!" Zhong Shenxiu was utterly indifferent.

"Please allow me to train here too!" Solomon adopted a very earnest expression.

"I refuse!" Zhong Shenxiu replied curtly. "Is there anything else?"

Solomon stared at Zhong Shenxiu, stunned. After a long pause, he managed: "Please give me a chance like they have!" As he spoke, he glanced at Liss and Xia Luo.

"No chance!" Zhong Shenxiu refused mercilessly once more.

Faced with Zhong Shenxiu's resolute refusal, Solomon was left speechless. Although he knew Zhong Shenxiu was difficult to deal with, he hadn't expected it to reach this point, with absolutely no room for negotiation!

"If there is nothing else, then leave. I am busy; don't waste my time!" With that, Zhong Shenxiu turned and walked back toward the house. Before entering, he did not forget to instruct Xia Luo, "Woman, if he hasn't left within one minute, throw him out for me!"

Xia Luo looked at Zhong Shenxiu, then at the already wooden Solomon, feeling an overwhelming wave of emotion!

Only now did Xia Luo realize how incredibly fortunate she was to be allowed to stay here! Compared to that, the little bit of grievance she suffered was negligible.

Finally, Solomon left in disappointment.

Just then, Liss shuffled closer. He started with a question that caught Xia Luo completely off guard.