Killing one's father.

Ace studied Shan Yifeng's eager expression before shaking his head.

"Becoming a disciple isn't something you decide on a whim, Yifeng. Go get your parents' permission first. If they agree, then we'll talk."

Shan Yifeng's face fell slightly. "But—"

"No buts." Ace cut him off, his tone firm but not unkind.

"A master-disciple relationship is a commitment, not just a title you can claim because you feel like it. Go home, ask your parents, and if they approve, I'll consider it."

Liu Mei smirked at Yifeng's deflated look. "See? Master is different from a teacher."

Yifeng clicked his tongue in frustration but didn't argue. "Fine. I'll ask them later."

Ace nodded in approval before clapping his hands together. "Alright, enough of that. Today's lesson is on swords."

Liu Mei's eyes lit up with excitement, while Yifeng straightened, his frustration momentarily forgotten.

Ace led them to the courtyard, where a simple wooden rack held three training swords. He picked one up and tossed it toward Yifeng, who caught it with ease, then handed another to Liu Mei.

The final one, he spun lazily in his hand before pointing it at them.

"First, let's talk about form. A sword is an extension of your body, not just a weapon you swing around. If you treat it like a stick, you'll fight like a fool."

Yifeng nodded seriously, gripping his sword tightly. Liu Mei, on the other hand, held hers awkwardly, shifting her fingers to find a comfortable grip.

Ace sighed.

"Mei'er, loosen your hold. Holding it too tight will make your swings stiff." He stepped behind her and adjusted her grip.

"See? Let the weight of the sword guide your movements, don't fight against it."

Liu Mei gave a small nod, concentrating.

Ace turned to Yifeng. "You seem familiar with a sword. Ever practiced before?"

Yifeng grinned. "A little. My brother let me swing one around a few times."

"Good. Then let's see if you can back up that confidence."

Ace took a stance, raising his sword in a lazy yet practiced manner. "Try to land a hit on me. Both of you."

Yifeng's grin widened, while Liu Mei gulped. The lesson had just begun.

....

....

The sword training continued for a few more hours until exhaustion finally caught up with them.

Well, at least for Ace and Shan Yifeng.

Liu Mei, having reached Silver Rank, possessed a much stronger soul force, allowing her to keep going without breaking a sweat.

Meanwhile, Ace—despite being their teacher—found himself struggling to keep up.

Trying to mask his exhaustion, he quickly called for a break.

"Alright, that's enough for now."

Without waiting for protests, he turned and made his way inside, collapsing onto a chair with a long sigh.

'Phew... Did I really do the right thing by taking her in as my disciple?'

Doubt crept in, nagging at the back of his mind.. Could he really teach her properly? She was already Initial Silver Rank, while he was still at Peak Warrior Rank.

Before the thought could settle, he slapped himself lightly.'No overthinking. I have a system on my side—plus, if I can't teach her, I can at least feed her full.'

Determined to stay positive, he retrieved a few Spirit Apples and boiled a liter of Spirit Milk.

Once everything was ready, he carried the refreshments outside, setting them down in front of the two children.

"Today's special—milk and apples. Eat up."

Liu Mei's eyes brightened immediately.

"Master, you're the best!"

She eagerly grabbed an apple and took a big bite.

Yifeng, still catching his breath, accepted his share with a nod. "Thanks, Teacher."

Ace leaned back, watching them eat, and allowed himself a small smile.

After a couple more hours of training , it was time to go back. Ace made sure the two kids were completely tired out before handing them each a carefully packed bundle—a liter of Spirit Milk and a few more Spirit Apples for later.

As he watched them go, he couldn't help but feel satisfied with his students..

[Spirit Cow]

Gold Credit Cost: 10,000

Production: 1 liter of Spirit Milk every 2 hours

Effects: Fortifies soul force, enhances spiritual energy recovery.

Worth every single gold credit.

_________

Shan Yifeng burst through the door, breathless. "Dad! I'm back!"

Inside, his father, Shan Erbi, lay on the bed, looking pale and tired. Even so, he gave Yifeng a small smile.

Yifeng hurried over, carefully unwrapping the bundle Teacher gave him. He pulled out an apple and started peeling it, his hands slow and careful.

His father always looked at him with regret.

Yifeng never asked why. He already knew.

Their family was struggling. His father was sick. His mother was always out working. He should've stayed home to help.

But… he wanted to learn.

He missed his brother, too.

So he told himself that going to class wasn't wrong. That bringing apples home made up for it. That he wasn't being selfish.

Even though the guilt never went away.

Forcing a grin, Yifeng held out the peeled apple.

"Here, Dad! You gotta eat a lot, okay? I'm gonna cook today! I know how to make rice—I've watched Mom do it!"

Shan Erbi chuckled weakly. His ten-year-old son cooking? That was a disaster waiting to happen.

Before he could say anything, a bright voice called out, "Uncle! How are you?"

Liu Mei skipped inside, grinning.

Shan Erbi blinked. Yifeng groaned.

"Why are you here?!" he whispered harshly.

Liu Mei beamed.

"I followed you!"

"Go home!"

"Nope!"

Yifeng gave up and stomped to the kitchen.

There, he grabbed the bottle of Spirit Milk from his bundle and poured it into a pot to boil.

Liu Mei peeked over his shoulder.

"Ooooh, whatcha doing?"

"Making milk for my dad," Yifeng muttered.

Liu Mei's face scrunched up. "Are you trying to kill him?"

Yifeng froze. "Huh?! What are you talking about?!"

Liu Mei pointed at the steaming pot. "That's Spirit Milk! It's super strong! If your dad drinks it, BOOM! He could explode!"

Yifeng's eyes went wide. "Wha—WHAT?!"

"Yep!" Liu Mei nodded seriously.

"Normal people can't drink that! Only cultivators like us!"

Yifeng felt his stomach drop. He hadn't even thought about that.

Liu Mei grabbed his wrist. "Come on! We need to get my mom! Grown-ups know what to do!"

Yifeng hesitated, then nodded quickly. "Right! Let's go!"

The two of them bolted out the door, running as fast as their legs could carry them.