ficcloud.com [https://ficcloud.com/images/ficcloud.jpg]

Faced with Nia's serious expression, Mengdie didn't smile. Instead, she looked at Nia earnestly, speaking slowly and carefully to ensure Nia understood.

"Nia, I want you to understand. At this beginning stage, I absolutely don't want to see you confront enemies head-on. You might get angry with me for saying this, but I have to say it. You... are too weak."

Nia's eyes filled with tears of disappointment almost immediately.

"This isn't to undermine your confidence, but a fact. So, at this stage, your primary task when we encounter enemies is to run and hide. Minimize direct confrontations with enemies. If you're caught by an enemy, it's usually by the collar, and then you can use this move to break free and escape again. Remember what I said earlier? The primary purpose of martial arts is self-protection. As long as you can protect yourself, you won't be a burden to Edward, me, or the future magician of our team. This is your main task for now."

After the persuasion, Nia finally accepted the answer. She nodded slightly disappointedly and tried the simple elbow swing movement again. Although she accepted Mengdie's words, she still found the movement too simple and uninteresting.

"Okay, I've learned it! Mengdie sister, what's next?" Nia swung her arm, demonstrating the elbow strike in front of Mengdie. Her face was as relaxed as her arm.

To this, Mengdie shook her head with a smile. She patted Nia's head and said, "That's it, just this movement, continue practicing it. Hmm… when I learned this movement... no, I vaguely remember I swung it a hundred thousand times in one day? It was when I was twelve years old... probably… right? Let's not push you too hard, start with ten thousand times for today."

"Ten thousand times???" Nia's mouth gaped wide open, as if she was about to swallow Mengdie whole.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Yes, ten thousand times." Mengdie checked her pocket watch and smiled, "Three seconds per swing, back and forth, ten thousand times takes a little over eight hours. That means... around five o'clock in the evening."

Thinking about her hard-earned break being spent this way, Nia's expression immediately turned reluctant. She stepped forward, grabbing Mengdie's hand and swinging it left and right, whining, "Mengdie sister, isn't that too much? It's just a simple movement. How could it possibly take ten thousand times to learn? It's so boring!"

"Hehe, martial arts are built on tedious and repetitive practice. The stronger the fighter, the more of this tedious practice is required. Do you think someone suddenly becomes a combat expert out of nowhere?"

Nia looked dejected, tears sparkling in her eyes. Mengdie gently smiled, wiping away her tears and affectionately tousling her hair, "Alright, I'm going to shop, and you can practice while we walk. Remember, put strength into it. Imagine every swing smashing the enemy's head. If you're just going through the motions, don't bother practicing."

With the dense fog, Mengdie adjusted her damp hair and set off with Nia, who was still practicing the elbow strike, one on each side. Within a few minutes, they reached a clothing store. Mengdie walked over thoughtfully.

Due to high humidity, the store owner was busily instructing employees to bring clothes inside. As Mengdie approached, she heard them complaining loudly about the fog.

"It's so strange, there shouldn't be fog these days?"

"Such thick fog, Galuru Town has never experienced such heavy foggy weather."

While they were talking, Mengdie walked closer. The store owner, seeing a customer, quickly greeted her. Upon seeing Mengdie, she paused, then excitedly exclaimed upon noticing Mengdie's simple male attire.

"Miss, buying clothes? This is the best clothing store in town! Not only do we have Silver Moon court dresses, but also garments from the Luweir Empire. I guarantee you'll knock out a bunch of stinky men!"

Mengdie sighed, not bothering to explain. Just as she was about to enter the store, a familiar voice called out from the fog on the left—

"Miss Mengdie! Please wait! You... you ran too fast!"

The fog parted, revealing the breathless Hsiu. He stood in front of Mengdie, leaning on his wand, gasping for air, looking weak. After regaining some strength, he wiped his forehead with his robe and approached Mengdie with a smile, "Ah, finally found you. Miss Mengdie, you sure run fast!"

Mengdie frowned at him, while the puzzled store owner scrutinized the useless man, then looked at Mengdie, saying, "Who are you? I don't think I've seen you before. Don't disturb my customer."

"What's she here for?" Hsiu pointed at Mengdie with his wand.

"She's my customer!" The store owner glared.

"Fine, I'm a customer too." Hsiu casually nodded, pointing at the female clothing store's sign.

Mengdie didn't want to talk more. If he wanted to follow, let him. There was no point in arguing. She entered the store with the still-practicing Nia, and Hsiu followed, tightening his robe.

Read more at: fⅰÇçlоūd▪çōm

ficcloud.com [https://ficcloud.com/images/ficcloud.jpg]