Sudden Enlightenment

Swish!

In an instant, countless gazes shot toward Chen Yao like arrows as she occupied several spots.

The intensity of the stares caused a deep flush to rise across her fair face.

Hong Ming noticed that the person who had spoken was not Chen Yao, but Zhou Min.

Although the two stood in the same row, the latter had deliberately kept a distance of half a zhang from Chen Yao, subtly implying an intent to isolate her.

The look in her eyes as she glanced at Chen Yao was filled with a thinly veiled sense of disdain.

Lin Zhen sought Chen Yao's opinion: "Chen Yao, what do you say?"

"I..." Chen Yao opened her mouth, instinctively wanting to politely decline.

But then she caught the gaze Hong Ming cast her way, and recalling the scene of him being left behind, she felt a pang of sympathy.

She sighed softly, finally nodding slightly to accept the task.

"Chen Yao, you..."

This response did not cause much of a ripple in Lin Zhen's eyes, but it shocked Wen Xin.

Wen Xin suddenly felt abandoned; she widened her eyes, full of silent questioning: What about me?

Chen Yao wanted to say something but stopped, eventually shaking her head.

The placement of Shen Lin and Hong Ming was quickly settled by Lin Zhen.

And then? Nothing!

It was as if Lin Zhen had come specifically to deal with the two of them; the moment it was resolved, he turned and left.

The other soldiers were long since accustomed to such things and returned to their respective positions to cultivate.

Wang Heng beckoned to Shen Lin, who trotted over eagerly.

Hong Ming walked toward Chen Yao under the intriguing gaze of Qin Hao.

Seeing this, Wen Xin let out a soft huff, leaving behind an expression of "life is meaningless" before retreating in dejection.

Chen Yao shook her head slightly and said to Hong Ming, "Follow me."

"I have troubled you, Miss Chen." Hong Ming thanked her for the earlier situation.

Chen Yao understood his meaning and replied in a gentle voice, "It is no trouble."

She led Hong Ming to a less crowded area near the corner, intending to instruct him there.

"Hong Ming, I will demonstrate it twice. Observe and grasp it carefully."

At first, Chen Yao had been somewhat reserved, but once the instruction began, she seemed like a different person, her attitude becoming exceptionally serious.

Her movements gradually opened up, revealing a sense of agility that made her sturdy physique seem as if it were non-existent.

Hong Ming observed carefully, but as he watched, his expression gradually turned strange.

Why does it feel like Chen Yao's demonstration of the Frost Sky Fist is even more fluid than what Instructor Lin Zhen displayed?

Some of her movements even lacked unnecessary complexity, possessing a touch more finesse.

Is it an illusion?

Hong Ming's heart was filled with doubt, and he decided to inspect the traits on Chen Yao.

He didn't look at first, but once he did, he was instantly stunned into a statue.

As soon as he drew near, he saw the traits on Chen Yao popping up rapidly:

[Metal Affinity]
[Status: Solidifiable]
[Required Luck: 99 points]
[Solidification Effect: Sense the rhythm of metal energy between heaven and earth; gain a minor boost to the power of any weapon used; double the efficiency of cultivating metal-attribute martial arts...]

--

[Sword Heart Clarity]
[Status: Solidifiable]
[Required Luck: 99 points]
[Solidification Effect: See through the deceptions and bottlenecks of ordinary sword techniques; handle both usage and cultivation with ease.]

--

[Above-Average Aptitude]
[Status: Solidifiable]
[Required Luck: 99 points]
[Solidification Effect: Significantly increase the efficiency of cultivating any martial art.]

That was it?

No, there are still many more!

Such as Fist Expert (Level 3, Green), Breathing and Exhalation (Level 2, Green), Rhythm of Metal, and Full of Energy.

There are a total of seven entries!

And almost all of these entries are of excellent level and effect.

Hong Ming had to admit that the moment he saw these entries, his heart was fiercely moved.

He couldn't help but covet them; many of these entries were ones he did not possess.

Even if he did possess them, they were not of as high a level as the other party's.

He finally realized why he felt that the fist technique Chen Yao practiced was superior to Lin Zhen's.

It turned out it wasn't an illusion, but rather a result of her innate talent.

This Chen Yao was the true "wealthy woman" who kept her light hidden!

"I have finished demonstrating. Do you have any questions?"

Chen Yao, unaware of the turbulent waves in Hong Ming's heart, asked after withdrawing her energy.

Hong Ming was still immersed in the richness of her stats and shook his head: "No."

"None?" Chen Yao was slightly stunned.

She immediately noticed Hong Ming's distracted appearance and frowned imperceptibly.

After a moment of contemplation, she asked again: "Then have you learned it?"

"I would like to ask Miss Chen for further guidance," Hong Ming pondered.

He had already observed it four times; once the fifth time was complete, he would be able to activate the Eidetic Memory entry, and then he would have no more confusion.

Chen Yao fell silent at his words, and after a moment, she seemed to compromise: "Follow me and practice this time."

There was no sense of participation in just watching, so she intended to lead Hong Ming in practice directly.

Hong Ming had no objections and followed her instructions obediently.

Chen Yao quickly assumed her stance, and while leading the practice, she did not forget to observe Hong Ming's situation.

The more she looked, the tighter her willow-leaf eyebrows knitted together.

The fist technique Hong Ming displayed was not skillful, revealing a sense of unfamiliarity.

At this rate, it would take at least three or four days of effort to fully master the Frost Sky Fist.

And that was assuming diligent practice; if it were left to Hong Ming's perfunctory attitude, it would likely take even longer.

She didn't mind Hong Ming being clumsy, but this attitude...

"Done!"

As the fifth round ended, before Chen Yao had even withdrawn her energy, Hong Ming felt a tangible change.

Whether it was the Frost Sky Fist taught by Lin Zhen or the one taught by Chen Yao, both instantly became deeply ingrained in his mind.

All the movements and essentials of the Frost Sky Fist flowed like a torrent, sinking deep and fixing themselves into his spirit and flesh.

Finally, it transformed into intuitive data, branded onto his panel:

[Frost Sky Fist (Entry 2/500)]

"Chen Yao, it's almost time. Are you done yet?"

At this moment, Wen Xin walked over with quick steps, urging her.

Chen Yao pursed her lips; she was fine, but the key was Hong Ming.

Hong Ming did not know what Chen Yao was thinking and said: "Miss Chen, if you have matters to attend to, please go ahead."

"Forget it, my matter isn't urgent. Let me teach you one last time," Chen Yao hesitated slightly before shaking her head.

Hearing this, Wen Xin's pretty face fell, looking quite helpless—Chen Yao's damned sense of responsibility was acting up again!

Hong Ming glanced at Wen Xin, who was winking at him frantically, and had no choice but to say: "Miss Chen, I have basically learned this Frost Sky Fist; there is no rush."

Basically learned it? That still meant he hadn't learned it!

Chen Yao did not expose Hong Ming's lie; she cast an apologetic look at Wen Xin and prepared to continue leading the practice.

Seeing this, Wen Xin stomped her feet in frustration and glared fiercely at Hong Ming.

After a moment of thought, Hong Ming interrupted: "Miss Chen, why don't you let me demonstrate it once?"

"You?" Chen Yao was skeptical, not believing that Hong Ming could demonstrate the complete fist technique.

But considering that doing so would allow her to point out his shortcomings for future teaching, she nodded in agreement.

Hong Ming took a light breath, dropped his shoulders, braced his waist, and began to strike the Frost Sky Fist rapidly.

As the fist was thrown, Chen Yao's eyelids twitched, and she immediately felt something unusual.

"This fist technique..."

Her pretty face was slightly stunned as she caught the change in Hong Ming's technique compared to before, feeling quite surprised.

The fist technique Hong Ming displayed this time was completely different from before.

It was as if he had been immersed in it for months, turning every movement into pure instinct.

There was not the slightest hesitation between the transitions of his moves; it was all sheer mastery!

Such a change left Chen Yao not only astonished but also somewhat bewildered.

Could it be that this brat had suddenly had an epiphany?