Chapter 3: Guidance (Please Follow)

Damiya nodded slightly, then said: "I called you this time because there is something important to tell you. The territory will soon face a greater crisis; we need more brave warriors like you. I have decided to give you a promotion opportunity."

Robin heard these words, his heart jolted, and a flash of joy crossed his eyes.

This is an excellent opportunity to change his fate; if he seizes it, he will be one step closer to his dream of becoming a knight.

"Grand Knight Leader, I will surely not disappoint your expectations!" Robin said excitedly, his voice filled with determination.

Damiya looked at Robin's determined eyes, smiled satisfied. He indeed had not misjudged him.

In the days ahead, you must prepare well. I will teach you the Knight Breathing Method and arrange specialized personnel to train you, enhancing your strength. I hope you can exert your full strength in the upcoming battle and earn merit for the territory. Damiya said earnestly.

"Yes! Grand Knight Leader, I will give it my all!" Robin replied loudly, slapping his chest with his right hand again.

At dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun, like blood, sprinkled over the militia camp's grounds, draping the entire camp in a veil of gold.

Robin sat before his tent, gazing at the fading glow on the horizon, his heart full of anticipation and apprehension for the future.

Just then, a uniformed footsteps sound came; Robin looked up and saw a knight in fine armor approaching him with steady steps.

This person was precisely the Malizi Knight, behind him followed two attendants holding an exquisite wooden box.

"You must be Robin, Gabriel's son." The Malizi Knight walked up to Robin, gazed at him gently, and spoke.

Robin quickly rose, performed a respectful salute, his eyes revealing a hint of nervousness and anticipation: "Greetings, Knight Leader."

The Malizi Knight nodded slightly, carefully scrutinizing the youth before him.

He saw in Robin's eyes resilience and yearning, an obsessive pursuit of power, which reminded him of Robin's father Gabriel.

"Your father was a brave knight; I still remember his deeds." The Malizi Knight said emotively, "Now you too have embarked on the knight's path; I hope you can inherit his legacy and become a true strong one."

Hearing the Malizi Knight mention his father, Robin felt a warm surge in his heart, and his resolve grew firmer.

"Knight Leader, I will strive hard, not disappointing you or my father." Robin declared loudly, his voice full of determination.

The Malizi Knight nodded, then the attendant behind him stepped forward and handed the wooden box to Robin.

"This is the Knight Breathing Method entrusted to me by the Grand Knight Leader; from today on, I am your Breathing Method Instructor." The Malizi Knight said, "The Breathing Method is key to becoming a knight; it lets you better control your power and enhance your strength."

Robin received the wooden box with both hands, his heart brimming with excitement.

His hands trembled slightly as he carefully lifted the lid of the box.

Inside, resting on the velvet lining of the box, lay a crystal-clear crystal ball.

The crystal ball was small, fitting snugly in the palm; its surface shimmered with mysterious runes that seemed like living things, faintly glowing, as if whispering of ancient, mighty power.

Robin took a deep breath, slowly reached out, and the instant his fingertip touched the crystal ball, a strange sensation spread through his body.

The mysterious runes, like agile swimming snakes, swiftly surged into his body along his palm, so fast he had no time to react.

In an instant, Robin felt the world before him blur, his mind dazed, as if he were adrift in a chaos.

His consciousness drifted in that chaos, striving to grasp something, yet found nothing.

When he regained clarity, he found he had gained no substantive insight; it seemed the mysterious force had merely passed through him, leaving nothing behind.

A hint of doubt and tension appeared on Robin's face; he lifted his head and gazed at the Malizi Knight.

The Malizi Knight seemed to have anticipated this reaction, smiling and saying: "Don't be nervous; that is merely the entry-level energy of the Breathing Method, its purpose is to help you initiate a connection with the Breathing Method. It's normal to feel nothing now; I will guide you gradually. Cultivating the Breathing Method is not an overnight achievement; it requires persistent effort."

Hearing the Malizi Knight's words, Robin's tension eased somewhat.

He focused on the Malizi Knight, listening attentively to every word.

"During your cultivation, you will encounter various difficulties and challenges, but as long as you persevere, you will surely succeed." The Malizi Knight continued, his eyes conveying encouragement and expectation.

Robin nodded firmly, saying resolutely: "Knight Leader, I understand. I will diligently cultivate and not let down your teachings."

"Very good." The Malizi Knight smiled satisfactorily, a hint of relief in his smile, "Starting tomorrow, come to my tent; I will personally guide you in cultivating the Breathing Method."

"Yes, Knight Leader!" Robin replied, performing another respectful salute, his heart brimming with anticipation for the future.

From then on, each morning, before the first ray of sunlight fully penetrated the thin mist, Robin would already be immersed in his daily training.

And when the sun gradually slanted west, after finishing a day's regular training, Robin would eagerly rush to the Malizi Knight's tent.

The Malizi Knight always waited patiently for Robin.

Once Robin settled, Malizi lightly placed his palm on Robin's back, a gentle yet powerful Qi Mechanism flowing slowly along Robin's spine into his body.

Robin closed his eyes, focusing entirely on sensing the wander of that Qi Mechanism within him.

Under Malizi's guidance, Robin needed to use this Qi Mechanism to adjust his breathing rhythm.

His breathing alternated between long and short, constantly changing as the Qi Mechanism circulated within him.

With each breath, he felt as if the surrounding air were drawn into his body, mingling with that Qi Mechanism.

After countless attempts and adjustments, under Malizi's day‑after‑day guidance, Robin finally managed to let that Qi Mechanism slowly form a circulation within him.

When he first sensed that energy flowing smoothly within him, a surge of indescribable joy and accomplishment welled up in Robin's heart.

Although Robin had mastered the Breathing Method and could feel his strength increase, he knew little about its underlying principles.

He had no idea how to study it independently or master it deeply, nor did he know how, if given a future opportunity, to transmit this precious Breathing Method to others.

(End of chapter)