Long Wei never imagined that his life would take such a drastic turn. He once thought he would be a pirate until death, inheriting the Sea Ghost crew from his father and becoming a feared pirate king.

  But now, he was entrusted by two legendary masters, whose names carried immense weight. In his pocket, Long Wei held the most sought-after treasure in the entire martial world. More than once, he wondered if this was all just a dream, but reality proved otherwise.

  Naturally, he was overjoyed and grateful upon hearing that Mystic Devil would pass down a martial art to him. This meant he would become stronger, and his chances of seeking revenge would increase significantly.

  As promised, that very afternoon, after Mystic Devil finished treating Yang Feng, he immediately explained the theory behind the martial art he was about to teach.

  "Its name is Im-Yang Mystic Art. 'Im' represents cold energy, while 'Yang' represents heat. To my knowledge, no one else in this world has ever been able to master this technique except for me."

  Yang Feng, who was also listening, was startled. "Are you sure you want to pass down that sacred technique?"

  Suddenly, Mystic Devil burst into loud laughter. "Then let me ask you, are you certain about choosing this former pirate boy as the heir to your martial arts?"

  "Absolutely. I believe this is fate."

  "Well, that's my answer to your question." Mystic Devil turned back to Long Wei. "Once you fully master this technique, you will become a rare and extraordinary warrior. That’s all you need to know for now. Watch closely."

  The old master then demonstrated the movements of the Im-Yang Mystic Art. First, he brought his palms together in front of his chest, as if in prayer. Then, suddenly, his hands moved alternately, delivering strikes and slaps in succession. Several times, he also moved his legs in swift motions.

  Each attack created a gust of wind so strong that Long Wei’s robe fluttered, even though they were more than three spears apart. The young man was in complete awe. If Mystic Devil had been serious, he would have been sent flying by now.

  "That was the first technique," Mystic Devil said before continuing with the second movement of the Im-Yang Mystic Art.

  The longer Long Wei watched, the dizzier he became, his eyes wide with amazement. No matter how hard he tried to focus on every step and attack, his memory could barely retain even a quarter of the twelve techniques of the Im-Yang Mystic Art.

  "So, have you memorized them? Now, perform it!" Mystic Devil commanded.

  This immediately triggered Yang Feng’s loud laughter, as he had been attentively watching the entire time. "You are truly a terrible teacher," he commented between his booming laughs.

  Mystic Devil squinted his eyes. "What do you mean?"

  "Look at Long Wei. Do you think he understands?" Yang Feng pointed at Long Wei, who remained frozen in place. "His head might start smoking any moment now."

  Mystic Devil stomped his feet in frustration. "You fool, you idiot! You have eyes, why don’t you use them? Did you not see me demonstrating just now?" he shouted, clenching his fists, ready to smack Long Wei’s head.

  The young man shrank back. "You demonstrated it too fast."

  "That was already the slowest I could go. Do you want to see the real speed of the Im-Yang Mystic Art? Watch this!"

  Mystic Devil leaped to the same spot where he had demonstrated before. This time, he performed the movements at an incredible speed. Long Wei grew dizzier just from watching.

  The Im-Yang Mystic Art was, by nature, a technique designed to confuse opponents. Not only did its attacks alternate between Im (cold) and Yang (heat), but its rapid movements played a crucial role in disorienting the enemy.

  Thus, it was not an exaggeration when Mystic Devil claimed that if Long Wei could master this technique, he would become an extraordinary warrior.

  "Stop!" Yang Feng suddenly called out as he stood up. Mystic Devil immediately halted his movements. Yang Feng then said, "I’ve memorized the movements. How about I teach Long Wei the forms while you instruct him on energy control?"

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  "Excellent. Why didn’t you say so earlier?" Mystic Devil glared at Long Wei. "Now, you fool, pay close attention to your teacher."

  Mystic Devil then took a seat while Yang Feng began demonstrating the movements of the Im-Yang Mystic Art. As a seasoned martial artist with vast experience, it was natural for someone of his caliber to memorize martial techniques at a glance. However, this did not mean Yang Feng understood its essence,he could only recall the movements.

  After finishing the first technique, Yang Feng instructed Long Wei to repeat it.

  Long Wei nodded and stood up. He bowed to Mystic Devil. "Forgive me if I make any mistakes." Then, he began performing the first technique of the sacred martial art.

  Both Mystic Devil and Yang Feng were taken aback by the young man’s performance. In just his first attempt, Long Wei had made almost no errors. After seeing the demonstration twice,once from Mystic Devil and once from Yang Feng,he had already memorized it.

  Mystic Devil could not hide his delight. His anger toward Long Wei for being "slow" had completely vanished. "Your eyes are indeed sharp. You have truly found an extraordinary heir," he said to Yang Feng, who simply smiled.

  After Long Wei completed the first technique, Mystic Devil spoke again. "Now perform it again, but this time, channel cold energy whenever you strike with your left hand and hot energy whenever you strike with your right hand."

  Once again, Long Wei was left stunned.

  "Ah, I haven’t taught him how to strike using Im or Yang energy yet," Yang Feng admitted.

  "Fools, all of you!"

  And so, Long Wei remained at Mystic Devil’s hut for two weeks, undergoing rigorous training to master the incredible Im-Yang Mystic Art.

  ***

  The first thing Cang Er saw when she opened her eyes was the face of an old man smiling at her. His expression was so calm that it made Cang Er feel at ease for a moment before she suddenly jumped up and snapped.

  "Cowardly dogs, only daring to attack in groups!" She reached for her sword, only to be shocked when she realized that the weapon she usually carried on her back was gone.

  "Ah, Miss, you're awake."

  Cang Er turned to find Lady Xi there with her daughter.

  "Where are those Blood Serpent bastards?" Her anger was replaced by shock when she felt a sharp pain in her shoulder. She suddenly remembered that she had been injured during the battle.

  "Calm down, young lady, sit down." The kind-faced old man, none other than Cao Yin, guided Cang Er to sit. "You're still not fully recovered."

  Lady Xi handed her a drink, and Cang Er, still confused, accepted it.

  After finishing the drink, she asked, "What happened?"

  "When you were overwhelmed and lost consciousness, these two heroes saved you, Miss Cang. Fortunately, they arrived in time; otherwise, who knows what would have happened to you." Lady Xi's face was filled with worry.

  Cang Er quickly turned to the old man beside her and bowed respectfully. "Thank you. I hope I can repay this debt someday."

  "Hahaha, among comrades of the same path, there's no need to talk about debts. I saved you, you're safe, and that's that," the old man said.

  Cang Er couldn't help but smile at his words.

  Just then, Liang Kun and Xi Yan arrived after gathering the remaining valuables from the wrecked carriage. Xi Yan immediately smiled. "Ah, Miss Cang, you're awake."

  "Thanks to these two heroes." Cang Er immediately realized that the man dressed in plain white standing next to Xi Yan must have been one of her saviors. She bowed to Liang Kun.

  "You are truly brave, worthy of being called a heroine," Liang Kun responded with admiration.

  Cang Er's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. Who wouldn’t be pleased to be praised as a valiant warrior, especially by a handsome young man?

  "Where were you headed? Why were you attacked by the Blood Serpents?" Cao Yin asked. "Before that, allow me to introduce myself. I am Cao Yin, and this is my disciple, Liang Kun."

  "I am Xi Yan, and this is my wife and daughter. We are just small merchants returning home after delivering goods to Baizhu Village, but we were ambushed here." Xi Yan looked gloomy. "Fortunately, heroes like Miss Cang and you two arrived in time."

  "Hahaha, this must be fate. It was already written that the Xi family would survive this ordeal. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to defeat that bald one, Mu Lin Dong. A shame... a shame... someone as strong as him still roams free, and that’s a serious threat." After letting out a long sigh, he turned his gaze to Cang Er. "And you? Where were you headed?"

  The question immediately reminded Cang Er of Qinglan Village and the tragedy she wished to bury deep within her heart. Her expression darkened, and she lowered her head. "I don't know where I'm going," she muttered.

  "It’s dangerous for a young girl to wander alone," Liang Kun remarked.

  Cao Yin nodded in agreement. "That is indeed very dangerous. Why are you traveling alone?"

  Cang Er clenched her fists unconsciously. "To become stronger." That was her only response.

  No one pressed the matter further, fearing they might touch on painful memories.

  "I believe Miss Cang has yet to introduce herself," Liang Kun changed the subject. "May we know the name of this heroine?"

  "You flatter me too much," Cang Er said with a faint smile. "My name is of no significance. My surname is Lu, and my given name is Cang Er."

  Both Liang Kun and Cao Yin widened their eyes in shock.

  "The Lu family?" Liang Kun asked in disbelief.

  "Lu Taihiap,what is he to you?" Cao Yin inquired.

  Though puzzled by their reaction, Cang Er still answered, "Lu Taihiap is my father."

  The astonishment on the faces of master and disciple grew even more, while the Xi family, who were unfamiliar with the situation, remained silent, observing.

  Cao Yin burst into loud laughter, even louder than before. "Hahaha! Fate truly works in amusing ways. Liang Kun, my disciple, we traveled so far to visit Lu Taihiap, only for the one we sought to appear right before us. Isn't that funny?"

  Liang Kun's face turned red, and Cang Er, noticing this, became even more curious.

  "What is this about?"

  "I was planning to arrange a marriage between my disciple and Lu Taihiap’s daughter."