"Seven does not know." Stirling replied.

  "They are Black Armor Guards," Master Kim sighed.

  "These Black Armor Guards were all formed through the worshippers of Samurai. They are naturally very strong. Their fierce beasts, the blue-maned, red-tailed horses, have iron bones and steel sinews. On the battlefield, they are a nightmare."

  Master Kim sighed.

  "What? They are all worshippers?" Stirling was in seventh heaven but he tried his best to suppress the change in his expression, only his voice couldn't help trembling.

  Hearing his distorted tone, Master Kim assumed the terror of the Black Armor Guards shocked Stirling. So, he chuckled and said, "No worries. These guards are limited in number. These Black Armor Guards are the best at the Yearning Palace. They won't be sent out unless they are really needed."

  "Back then, when I fought the Calamity with Empire army, it always used civilians as shields. Then it drove ordinary people infected by its malice to battle; and finally, the Black Armor Guards."

  "Look at Farfield County; why are there so many civilians left? They're simply there to be infected by the Calamity's Malice and used as soldiers in crucial moments!"

  As soon as he heard this, Stirling thought of the older adult couple from Rock Village.

  Despite their age, they had amazing strength, moved fast, and fought with a fierceness beyond that of an ordinary adult.

  Now, looking back, they must have caught the blood malice. It turned into what Master Kim called

  Stirling finally saw the terror of the Calamity. It was like cancer cells, wiping out the entire world by absorbing all nutrition.

  "Don't think so much; just focus on your work. As your strength increases, you'll as a matter of course see different scenery. But please remember, if destiny is a sea, it will not welcome sea jumpers. I will execute you once you worship a deity one day. " Master Kim gave Stirling a solemn look.

  "Follow your instructions. By the way, Master, I came to ask if there are any leaping arts or footwork." Stirling continued.

  The recently discovered Glittering-Malice made Stirling realize something was amiss. He desired to learn lightness skills, which would help him chase and escape.

  "Footwork? You've been in the Bone Forging stage for months. Your leg bones are strong enough now, so it is okay to start."

  Master Kim recalled Stirling's training time, then said, "Wait here," and got up to walk towards the side room.

  When he came out, Master Kim was holding a thin book in his hand. "This isn't my family's inherited skill. You can copy it and take it with you today."

  "However, this footwork is extremely difficult to master at a high level. I got it from the battlefield."

  "Practice it first, and ask me if you understand anything." Master Kim said, handing the book to Stirling.

  Stirling took the book and saw the words written on it.

  "What level of technique is this, Master?" Stirling asked.

  "To be honest, I've only reached the minor mastery stage. I estimate it's at least at the fourth rank of the Mortal Realm," Master Kim stroked his beard and commented.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Saxon martial arts have nine ranks, with the first rank being the strongest and the ninth the weakest.

  Techniques before the Gnosis Stage are known as the Mortal Realm. This is because they focus on the circulation of blood, as well as the flow of internal forces like Aether.

  Stirling didn't know what rank hiswas, but it seemed at least the second level. "Thank you, Master."

  Stirling closed his book and then whispered, "Master, did you see anything odd about Yearning Malice last night?"

  Master Kim's pupils shrank slightly at this, but he denied it. "What could be unusual? Focus on your practice; don't think about such things."

  Stirling did not chase. Instead, he consulted Master Kim with some questions about cultivation. As evening approached, he took his leave.

  After leaving Master Kim's room, Stirling saw a figure flash by in the corridor. He frowned and hurried to walk towards the corridor.

  When Stirling got to the front yard, he looked around. He saw Mosley there, apparently moving something.

  "Mosley?" Stirling pretended to bump into him casually.

  "Ah, it's Senior Brother Luis." Mosley looked over and felt surprised to see Stirling.

  "What are you doing so late?" Stirling asked.

  "I'm carrying a bucket of water inside to have a bath." Mosley chuckled, then winked at Stirling, saying,

  "Speaking of which, Senior Brother Luis has not bathed with us before, has you?"

  "Fuck off." Stirling laughed and cursed, then turned and left.

  Mosley watched Stirling's departing figure and breathed a slight sigh of relief. He then bent down, picked up the bucket of water, and continued walking towards the side room.

  Just then, from around the corner of the wall, half a face peeked out. Stirling pressed against the wall. He tilted his head and watched Mosley like a hawk. He hadn't gone far; instead; he returned to detect what Mosley was up to.

  Ever since Mosley had entered the room, Stirling had felt that something was amiss. The fat boy was too proactive with others. In these chaotic times, actively seeking connections was hardly normal.

  At Sean's Lounge, Mosley quickly spotted the carriage decorations. They belonged to the Cathode Sub-Palace, which seemed strange given his status. Therefore, Mosley's bizarre behavior tonight only deepened Stirling's suspicions.

  Now, Mosley had carried the wooden tub into the compartment and hadn't come out again. Meanwhile, the sounds of people playing and laughing came from inside; they had clearly started bathing.

  Stirling didn't move, standing there motionless. A dozen minutes later, the carriage door opened again, and Mosley emerged carrying the tub. Stirling saw Mosley take the bucket to a yard corner. This boy then poured the dirty water out onto the ground.

  Afterward, Mosley grabbed an empty bucket and strolled back inside the house. He acted completely as normal.

  Stirling frowned, puzzled. He let out a soft sigh and continued standing by the wall.

  One minute, two minutes, three minutes... Ten minutes later, Stirling was sure Mosley wouldn't come out again. So, he quietly left.

  Back in Dojo's room, Stirling grew increasingly suspicious. Mosley might be doubtful, but what secret did he hold?

  After a moment's thought, Stirling grabbed a pen and paper. Under the lamplight, he wrote, and placed it in front of him.

  [Current enhancement requires a lifespan: 21 years and 13 days. Enhance?]

  Stirling was utterly shocked.

  Stirling stroked his chin, drawing a conclusion.

  Stirling desired enhancement, but he wasn't sure if this secret meant much to him. Also, everyone has secrets. His secret might mean nothing to other people, while the one he cares about could be unimportant to others.

  This deal wasn't worth it.

  Stirling pursed his lips, not ready to give up. He jotted down: and

  After writing it all down, Stirling found it a bit funny. He thought it was lucky it was on paper, since there wasn't anywhere else to write.

  At this moment, the enhanced lifespan was directly reduced to three years and seven months.

  It was promising, but not enough to tempt him.

  Stirling pondered for a moment, then changed the word in the first entry to The hint before him suddenly changed to:

  [Current enhancement requires a lifespan: 3 months and 3 days. Enhance?]

  Stirling thought to himself, while also understanding something.

  This kind of enhancement revealed the secret, but came at a very high cost. It's like the Earth saying: sharing heavenly secrets brings divine retribution.

  With Stirling's inner shout, the white paper glowed softly. All the black characters vanished, and two faint words appeared.