In the grocery store, Huai Yin was calmly drinking soy milk and eating fried dough sticks.

The old-fashioned radio was playing a tune.

Jing Ci was wiping antique items nearby, his expression calm and composed, as he casually remarked, "Combined skills are not difficult for someone with your talent to master. It mainly comes down to practice. Your battles will become much more elegant in the future."

He added, "Once you've learned the combined skills, the teacher will teach you forbidden spells."

Gu Jianlin appeared thoughtful, recalling the scene earlier, and expressed his understanding.

These combined skills exponentially amplify one's extraordinary abilities.

Not only does the power increase, but the domain and scope of application also change, making them nearly impossible to counter.

Suddenly, he thought of something and couldn't help asking, "Then, what's the content of the third lesson?"

Huai Yin peeled a tea egg and suddenly sighed.

Jing Ci glanced at the elderly man and blandly said, "The third lesson is the simplest—it's about choices. Choosing whether or not to become the teacher's student, choosing whether or not to bear the teacher's karma—these are decisions you'll need to make. Of course, it's not time yet for the choice; you still have time to consider it carefully."

Gu Jianlin thought deeply for a long time and curiously asked, "What if, in the end, I decide not to take the teacher as my mentor? But I've already been taught the breathing technique and combined skills in advance—wouldn't that feel like a waste?"

Jing Ci patted his shoulder and said, "That's why you shouldn't let the teacher down. You know, he cherishes talent and staunchly defends his students, even though he has a bad temper, a difficult personality, and a not-so-great reputation. Over the years, he's been ostracized by others, and in his old age, he has no children, is disabled, and only I remain by his side."

Huai Yin's face darkened as he sat silently.

Gu Jianlin was utterly shocked—how could someone talk about their teacher like this?

Anyhow, he suddenly pulled out the Golden Phoenix Feather and asked, "Was this obtained by asking the President?"

Huai Yin silently chuckled and rarely glanced at him.

"You're quite clever."

Jing Ci leaned against the counter, casting him a sidelong glance: "But… the President? Isn't that the Vulgar Master?"

Gu Jianlin: "..."

Huai Yin's face grew even darker.

Jing Ci sighed, "You really dare to mock anyone, don't you?"

Gu Jianlin struggled for a while before saying, "I think I can explain. Mainly, I didn't know the President's identity. As for the Golden Phoenix Feather... thank you."

"Thank what? It's just a small item. Though Golden Phoenix Feather is indeed rare, since the teacher is the strongest in the human world, trading a favor with the President was still obtainable. After all, you're still young, and despite your rapid ascension, reaching the Third Rank in just half a month…"

Jing Ci paused: "Beating the Little Princess indicates that your strength has surpassed the teacher's expectations. Once you learn combined skills and forbidden spells, you'll likely be able to challenge higher ranks at any stage."

He emphasized: "But… the end of the world is approaching."

"The end of the world?"

Gu Jianlin frowned: "When I met with Candle Dragon Venerable, she seemed to mention something similar."

Huai Yin looked up, his gaze peculiar.

Jing Ci asked, "What did she say?"

"She said Bai Ze has already awakened, and Vermilion Bird has returned."

Gu Jianlin felt this was something worth alerting them about, but he refrained from mentioning Qilin and said, "It seems… something is about to happen."

The grocery store fell into dead silence.

Huai Yin and Jing Ci's gazes subtly shifted.

After a moment, Jing Ci raised an eyebrow: "Hmm, there is talk of that. Major upheaval is coming. The teacher is afraid you won't have enough time, so while he's still alive, he'll do everything to protect and nurture you."

Huai Yin sighed faintly, his gaze aged, his figure hunched.

Bathing in the morning light, he seemed already in decline.

Gu Jianlin fell into silence.

Truthfully, ever since he stepped into the extraordinary world, this pair of mentor and disciple had given him the most support.

If it weren't for them, he wouldn't have made it to where he was today.

He bowed deeply, expressing his respect.

"Don't overthink it, and don't put too much pressure on yourself. The best way to repay the teacher is to grow quickly and let him witness the day when you shine brightly and conquer the world."

Jing Ci gently said, "The teacher is old now, and his legs are already disabled. If you become the last piece of his legacy left in this world, then you must carry on the path of our lineage in his stead."

Gu Jianlin looked at the man's warm smile and the elderly man's crippled legs.

For some reason, a wave of indescribable bitterness welled up in his heart.

He took a deep breath: "Understood."

·

·

After a long while, Huai Yin put down his bowl and chopsticks, gazing toward the door: "The brat left?"

"He left."

Jing Ci was brewing coffee.

Huai Yin suddenly stood up from his wheelchair, stretched lazily.

All signs of frailty vanished; his body seemed full of vitality, his face radiant.

Jing Ci suddenly looked up, lost in thought: "Wait, I feel like I've forgotten something."

"Ah, I just remembered—I forgot to warn him about that reckless Wan Rentu."

Jing Ci calmly said, "I heard that guy's been obsessively practicing the Slaughter Domain these past few days."

Huai Yin chuckled, "Well, isn't that perfect? If the brat can't handle it, let him learn a lesson. Young people, full of themselves, mocking everyone—he's bound to meet some resistance. If he can withstand it, though, it means I've taught him well. Speaking of Wan Rentu, that fool has been an eyesore to me for ages."