Lan Xin laughed. "Master taught me quite a lot, and I secretly picked up quite a few things from Senior Brother, too."
Wan Dongzhi's smile faded, and she told her very seriously, "Xin'er, your talent is extraordinary. I believe your master recognized that, too, which was why he took you in."
"Given time, you can surpass all of us. But remember, because of your innate deficiency, there are many things we can't blame you for. That doesn't mean you can act however you please. Whatever you do, at least be true to your own heart."
Lan Xin murmured her agreement. "I understand. Master said the same thing. I'll work even harder at my cultivation and try to surpass you all sooner. That way, when you want to get stronger, you won't have to challenge anyone else. You can just fight me."
Wan Dongzhi had always loved that innocence of hers. She hadn't expected her to remain unchanged after such a long separation. Some things really were ordained by Heaven.
She stood and pulled Lan Xin to her feet. "Come with me. Let's go outside. I'll teach you a few more things that should help with your current cultivation."
"All right!" Lan Xin agreed happily.
The two went outside to spar. Inside, Lin Yi had actually already awakened.
He was merely retracing what had happened. There had been no finesse whatsoever to those two moves his opponent had used-only sheer strength!
The thought filled Lin Yi with resentment. Before absolute strength, every technique was an illusion!
Yet he had awakened early enough to hear the conversation between Wan Dongzhi and Lan Xin.
He couldn't challenge Ning Bai again anytime soon.
Lin Yi clenched his fists. "Damn it! He defeated me so easily, and I can't even go back for revenge."
His