Lin Xiu clenched his fists, feeling a surge of power within him.

　　This was a sensation of strength he had never experienced before.

　　Lin Xiu's heart still pounded with shock. Just moments ago, he seemed to have replicated the abilities of the square-faced man into himself. He vividly remembered that sensation; after their bodies touched, a wave of energy surged from him, coursing through the square-faced man's body...

　　It appeared that due to his soul's arrival, this body underwent some transformation.

　　He awakened to a unique art, and his ability was—to replicate others' abilities!

　　Such a power would be useless on Earth, for he possessed no innate ability of his own, only the capacity to replicate others'. If those around him lacked abilities, he would forever remain an ordinary person.

　　But here, things were different. This was a world teeming with countless wielders of extraordinary powers.

　　Was there any ability more dazzling than this?

　　Lin Xiu was uncertain if this power could be used once, twice, thrice, or perhaps—endlessly.

　　Lin Xiu needed to find other ability users to verify this.

　　From his earlier probing, Lin Xiu knew that when he replicated abilities, the other party remained completely unaware.

　　However, being new to this place, he hadn't fully acclimated yet. He could only wait for the return of the square-faced man. This wait stretched for a full two hours.

　　Two hours later, the square-faced man stood outside the gates of the Lin Manor, peering nervously inside. At that moment, a voice that made him shudder came from behind.

　　"Sun Dalin."

　　Sun Dalin jolted, then turned around, taking two steps back before tentatively asking, "Young Master, what is it?"

　　Lin Xiu looked at him and asked, "Aside from you, who else do you know that has awakened a unique art?"

　　After the incident earlier, Sun Dalin kept a noticeable distance from Lin Xiu. After some thought, he said, "Most people who awaken unique arts are recruited by the imperial court to serve as honored guests..."

　　The honored guests of the imperial court were beyond Lin Xiu's reach. Even if he could contact them, he lacked a suitable reason to maintain prolonged physical contact with them.

　　However, while the imperial court did recruit many who awakened unique arts, not all who did were taken in.

　　One possibility was that their awakened abilities were too trivial, deemed unworthy of the imperial court's attention.

　　For instance, in Daming Prefecture, there was once a youth who awakened an art that accelerated his aging. Within half a month of awakening, the ten-year-old boy died of old age at home.

　　In Ningshan Prefecture, there was a woman who, at sixteen, awakened the ability to make her hair fall out. A blossoming maiden was left with a bald head ever since.

　　It was rumored that in the Great Luo Dynasty, a man awakened an art that allowed his body to emit light under sunlight. In the absence of sunlight, however, he was indistinguishable from an ordinary person.

　　While these could be considered unusual abilities, they were ultimately useless. Awakening such powers might as well be nonexistent, at least one could live a peaceful life as an ordinary person.

　　Another possibility for those who awakened unique arts but weren't recruited by the imperial court was similar to Sun Dalin's case—their awakening occurred too late, and their natural talent wasn't high, limiting their potential for future growth. The imperial court wouldn't waste time and resources cultivating them.

　　Lin Xiu also fell into this second category. Although he had awakened a unique art, his ability was still weak, far inferior to Sun Dalin's, let alone comparable to the prodigies renowned in the capital.

　　He replicated others' abilities, not their strength. Thus, even though Lin Xiu now possessed greater strength than an average person, he was far from matching Sun Dalin.

If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

　　Sun Dalin asked in puzzlement, "Young Master, why are you looking for these people?"

　　Lin Xiu waved his hand and said, "Nothing, I'm just curious."

　　Sun Dalin scratched his head, recalling something. "I heard that there's a girl at Pinfang Pavilion who claims she can understand animal speech, whether it's true or not, I don't know..."

　　Claiming to understand animal speech was difficult to verify, after all, others couldn't understand animal language and couldn't consult the animals themselves.

　　However, for Lin Xiu, truth or falsehood could be discerned with a touch.

　　Eager to test his abilities, Lin Xiu didn't wish to wait another moment. Rising, he declared, "Let's go to Pinfang Pavilion!"

　　Sun Dalin stared in astonishment. "Young Master, are you sure?"

　　Lin Xiu was certain, absolutely certain. Before understanding his abilities, he couldn't even sleep peacefully at night.

　　Soon,

　　Lin Xiu stood before the gates of Pinfang Pavilion, realizing why Sun Dalin had worn that expression earlier. Pinfang Pavilion was a brothel, and several flamboyantly dressed courtesans stood at the entrance, their clothes revealing, swaying their waists to attract customers.

　　Sun Dalin's gaze swept over the scantily clad courtesans, swallowing discreetly. He repeated to Lin Xiu, "Young Master, I advise you not to enter. If Lord knows, both you and I are finished..."

　　"Neither you nor I will say anything, who would know?" Lin Xiu glanced at him and said, "Wait outside, I'll be out soon."

　　With that, he stepped into the gates of Pinfang Pavilion.

　　Sun Dalin leaned against the outer wall, muttering, "Soon... Is Young Master that quick?"

　　Although the Lin family had declined, a fallen noble was still a noble. Lin Xiu was handsome and dressed splendidly, exuding an aura of nobility. As soon as he entered the gate, the madam led a group of courtesans to greet him.

　　"Gentleman, please come in!"

　　"Gentleman, what type of girl do you prefer? Tall, short, fat, thin, I have them all!"

　　"Gentleman, see if I'm to your liking..."

　　...

　　Lin Xiu took a step back, avoiding the advances of two courtesans.

　　This was Lin Xiu's first visit to such a place in both lifetimes. Partly due to his aversion, partly because, given his circumstances in his previous life, he was never lacking in female company.

　　His visit to the brothel was for business.

　　Lin Xiu looked at the madam and got straight to the point. "I heard that you have a girl here who understands animal speech?"

　　The madam paused, then smiled. "Gentleman, you're talking about Hai Tang. She's available right now, shall I take you to her?"

　　Hai Tang was indeed one of their courtesans, but whether she truly understood animal speech, the madam didn't know. She claimed so herself, and indeed, there were some curious patrons who liked to request her services. The madam merely assumed it was a tactic she employed to attract customers.

　　Following the madam, Lin Xiu arrived at a room on the second floor. The madam pushed the door open, leading Lin Xiu inside. To the woman standing by the window, she said, "Hai Tang, this distinguished guest specifically requested you. You must use all your skills to entertain him well..."

　　A birdcage hung by the window. The woman, dressed in a green skirt, was playing with the bird inside. Hearing the sound, she turned to look. Seeing the madam bring in a young man of exquisite appearance and remarkable bearing, her eyes brightened slightly.

　　Men who frequented the brothel were often old and ugly. Meeting a young, handsome, and refined customer like this was rare, perhaps not even once a year.

　　Serving such a customer was a pleasure for her. Even without payment, she would be willing.

　　She smiled charmingly and softly said, "Mother, rest assured, I will satisfy this gentleman."

　　The madam chuckled and said, "Then enjoy yourselves, I'll leave you two alone."

　　With that, she exited the room, closing the door behind her.

　　The green-clad woman named Hai Tang smiled at Lin Xiu again and said, "Why don't I play a tune on the zither for the gentleman?"

　　Lin Xiu waved his hand and said, "No need."

　　Hai Tang was taken aback. Was this gentleman in such a hurry? She had prepared quite a few preliminaries...

　　Lin Xiu got straight to the point. "I heard you can understand animal speech?"

　　Hai Tang was startled again, then nodded. "It's just a useless unique art. Gentleman, are you interested in these things as well?"

　　Among her regular patrons, many came out of curiosity. She had seen enough of such cases over the past few years.

　　By the window, the magpie chirped incessantly. Lin Xiu pointed at the magpie and asked, "What is it saying?"

　　Hai Tang smiled and said, "It's complimenting the gentleman on his good looks."

　　Lin Xiu tugged at the corner of his mouth and said, "How could a bird's perspective be the same as a human's, Miss Hai Tang, don't deceive me."

　　Hai Tang looked at Lin Xiu helplessly and said, "That's exactly what it said. If the gentleman doesn't believe me, there's nothing I can do."

　　Lin Xiu didn't continue this topic. Whether she was lying or not, a touch would reveal the truth.

　　Lin Xiu sat down at the table. Hai Tang approached slowly, picked up the teapot, and poured him a cup of tea. Suddenly, Lin Xiu reached out and held her hand.

　　She was delighted. This gentleman was really in a hurry...

　　At the same moment, Lin Xiu was also delighted. The moment he touched this woman's hand, the force within him reacted again!

　　This woman was truly a wielder of a unique art!

　　At that moment, Hai Tang wriggled her body, feigning shyness. "Gentleman, don't be so hasty..."

　　Lin Xiu didn't release her hand. Pointing to the stool beside him, he gestured for her to sit down.

　　Hai Tang had intended to sit in this young gentleman's lap, but he didn't seem to have that intention. Reluctantly, she sat on the stool next to him.

　　Lin Xiu continued holding her hand, allowing the force to invade her body. Smiling at her, he asked, "Where is Miss Hai Tang from?"

　　Hai Tang didn't expect this young gentleman to engage her in casual conversation. Surprised, she responded with a smile, "My hometown is Jiangning Prefecture."

　　Lin Xiu asked, "Jiangning Prefecture isn't close to the capital. How did you end up here later?"

　　This question seemed to stir her memories. After a brief silence, Hai Tang said, "When I was young, my family couldn't afford to raise me, so my parents sold me. After several twists and turns, I ended up here..."