Lucian declared proudly, "Once, an old man told me that my bones were extraordinary, with energy surging through my crown—destined to be a once-in-a-generation martial arts prodigy!"
"In that case, once I complete this commission, I shall teach you this technique."
Having said that, Jianxin turned to the two soldiers. "Gentlemen, does my approach pose any hindrance?"
"Is there a problem?" Lucian inquired.
"The displayed authority level shows the highest clearance, so procedurally, it's permissible..."
The speaking soldier thought to himself: With this level of authority, you could even lead troops out of the city...
However, Lucian wasn't entirely familiar with what the highest authority level truly meant, so he didn't pay it much mind.
The moment they left the city, a system notification chimed.
[Ding! Option 2 has been completed. Obtained B-rank skill: 'Blood Saber Technique']
[Blood Saber Technique Lv1: Wielding blood as a blade, the technique is ferocious, the blade energy crimson, exuding overwhelming killing intent—every strike draws blood.]
Instantly, Lucian's mind was flooded with the intricacies of the Blood Saber Technique, as if he had trained in blade arts for decades.
Such a brutal technique…
It doesn't quite match my elegant, carefree, and transcendent persona!
Still, having it was better than nothing. And he had just bought a blade earlier.
After leaving the city, Jianxin explained her reason for venturing out and the person she sought.
"So, you wish to go to the Midnight Rangers Camp in the Desorock Highlands to find the relative of a retired soldier," Yangyang asked.
"Indeed, Miss Yangyang."
Rover asked, "What's your relationship with the person you're looking for?"
"I've never met 'Zhiyuan' before. On my way down the mountain, I encountered his grandfather, Zongye, who was searching for his grandson alone—though it seemed he himself had gotten lost."
"An elderly man traveling alone is far too dangerous, so I escorted him to the nearest city, Jinzhou, to ensure his safety before making further plans."
Yangyang smiled faintly. "You protected him all the way despite not knowing him at all and brought him safely into the city."
"You're a good person, Daoist Jianxin."
Jianxin replied modestly, "Zongye and I made it to Jinzhou thanks to the kindness of many good-hearted people along the way."
On the road, Lucian summoned the Stonewall Bracer and sat on its arm, while Rover also climbed aboard.
Admittedly, the Stonewall Bracer's arm was quite comfortable but it's a bit uncomfortable on the butt..
Jianxin watched in amazement as Lucian released his Echo. "It seems the old man's words about you were true."
"Naturally!" Lucian said smugly.
"Jianxin, where are you from, and where are you headed?"
Lucian was curious about her background.
He found her eyes particularly striking—exceptionally clear, brimming with purity and spirit.
"I used to live on a nameless mountain. I was adopted by my master as a child, and all my skills were taught by him."
"Then why did you come down the mountain?"
Lucian felt Jianxin's backstory resembled those protagonists in novels who mastered everything in seclusion before their master declared, 'Child, you are invincible. Go forth into the world.'
"My master said I do not know how to love."
"Love?" Lucian was puzzled. "I can answer that!"
He slung an arm over Rover's shoulder. "For example, I love Rover very much! And Yangyang! And Chixia! And Baizhi! And Jinhsi! And Sanhua!"
Rover: "...I don't permit you to love so many people."
Yangyang: "...Thank you for your affection."
Jianxin laughed. "Not that kind of love. My master spoke of 'relieving the hardships of the world and showing compassion to the suffering masses.'"
"Oh, so it's about benevolent love for humanity?"
"Precisely. My master said, 'The highest attain the Dao among the three armies, the middling attain it in the cities, and the lowest attain it in the mountains and forests.'"
"One cannot merely cultivate techniques in isolation, nor can they simply retreat into the wilderness. True enlightenment comes from engaging with the real world—both aiding society and transcending the mundane."
Lucian had an epiphany. "Then doesn't that mean I'm halfway to sainthood?"
"How so?" Rover asked, confused.
"Yesterday, a man named Aalto spent two million Shell Credits buying information from me."
Yangyang: "Huh? Buying information from you? But don't you also know very little about Solaris? What could you possibly sell?"
"Exactly! So he spent two million to learn a lesson!"
"It'll make him deeply realize that money can't solve everything! That wealth isn't omnipotent!"
"Ah, there are so few merchants as conscientious as me in this world."
Rover shook her head. "So heartwarming..."
Yangyang mused, "Someone who can spend two million on information probably doesn't lack money... Hmm... It should be fine..."
Jianxin: "So this is another way to aid the world? Teaching those who rely solely on money that it isn't all-powerful? I've learned much!"
Lucian nodded in satisfaction. "Good, you're a quick learner. Jianxin, you still have much to learn."
Jianxin said admiringly, "I never imagined your heart was so vast, Young Hero. Truly, you are a chivalrous soul who cares for all under heaven."
"My master once said, 'The master is the one who attains the Dao.' I believe your heart surpasses mine, so I wish to acknowledge you as my master!"
Lucian laughed heartily. "I dare not accept such praise! But since you insist, and I too have grown fond of your talent, I shall reluctantly take you as my disciple!" Find the newest release on NoveI~Fire.net
Jianxin immediately prepared to perform the formal bow of apprenticeship.
Lucian suddenly turned serious. "Ah! No need!"
Jianxin looked at him in confusion.
"Jianxin, these are mere formalities. Your master cares not for such things."
"What I care about is whether you can spread this mindset across all of Solaris. To judge a person, do not listen to their words—observe their actions. This is your second lesson!"
In her eyes, Lucian's figure grew taller and more majestic, as if radiating a light that could illuminate the entire world. At this moment, he seemed like a reincarnated sage of legend.
She realized she still had a long road ahead, with much to learn.
Silently, she resolved to cultivate herself with even greater diligence, so as not to disappoint Lucian.
Suddenly, she recalled how her master had once humbly asked her to teach him the technique of 'seeing a thousand miles.'
For a master to set aside his status and seek knowledge from his disciple—what a rare and precious quality!
Jianxin's heart swelled with reverence. Her understanding of "The master is the one who attains the Dao" had deepened.
She understood now that true masters were not those who clung stubbornly to old knowledge, but those who continuously learned and improved.
Her master's actions were the finest embodiment of this principle.
Jianxin decided then to turn this respect into action—she would teach him with even greater devotion, imparting everything she knew without reservation!
Lucian noticed Jianxin's gaze growing brighter and more admiring. He scratched his head, unsure what she had imagined...
Just then, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Jianxin's affinity has reached 80!]
"Seriously, bro?! You're this easy to fool?! Even Rover's affinity isn't at 80 yet, and you're already there?!"