At this moment, Zi Lin, standing behind Zi Yan, also spoke up. "Master, I... I want to become stronger like them too, so I won't hold you back."
"Sure. Since all of you want to grow stronger, I happen to have time to teach you how to cultivate in the days ahead."
Xiao Yao changed his tone and deliberately put on a stern face. "Once cultivation begins, no matter how grueling it gets, I won't go easy on you at all. If you're afraid, it's not too late to say so now."
Qing Lin immediately straightened her back, her eyes shining as though tempered by light. "Master, I'm not afraid! No matter how hard it is, I can endure it!"
Zi Yan clenched her little fists too, swallowed, and shook her head indignantly. "Exactly! Who would be afraid? It's just cultivation, isn't it? I'll definitely learn faster than Qing Lin!"
Though Zi Lin said nothing at first, she pressed her lips together tightly, slowly raised her head, and looked at Xiao Yao with resolute eyes. Then she answered softly but clearly, "I'm not afraid either. As long as I don't hold Master back, I can bear anything."
Seeing the three of them, so different yet equally earnest, Xiao Yao's stern expression could not help softening, warmth filling his eyes. "Since none of you are afraid, cultivation will begin tomorrow."
Just then, Xiao Yan walked over from the Arena and called out with a smile from afar, "Brother Yao, are you planning to train all of them into experts? How about adding me to the group?"
Xiao Yao looked up at him, his tone casual. "They're willing to learn, so I'll put in a little more effort. But you have your teacher by your side. Do you still need me to