Chapter 4: Knight Commander Malizi (Seeking Patronage)

At this point, Robin finally understood that this was the nobles' exquisite control and ruthless monopoly over the Knight Breathing Method.

They used this seemingly instructional yet strictly controlled approach to clutch the secrets of the breathing method in their hands, so that even knight retainers of common birth, though able to access and practice it, could never truly reach the core, unable to break the nobles' absolute grip on this powerful force.

Late at night, the whole camp lay in silence, only Robin's tent still emitted a faint glow.

Robin sat quietly on the crude cot, slowly opened the System Panel, and the familiar pale blue light illuminated his focused face.

What came into view were the details of his skills:

First-level Swordsmanship: sword attacks gain 10% power, Experience: 5/2000

First Rank Hand-to-Hand: close‑combat attacks gain 10% power, Experience: 5/2000

Basic Archery: no effect, Experience: 5/200

Earth Dragon Breathing Method: accelerates Life Force recovery, Apprentice Level Experience: 3/1000

Robin frowned slightly, his eyes flicked over the data, thoughts racing in his mind.

"It must be that after becoming a knight apprentice my basic skills advanced. This experience of 3 should be from practicing the Earth Dragon Breathing Method three times," he quickly formed his judgment, silently pondering the link between the system's experience points and his own cultivation.

With that thought, Robin took a deep breath, a hint of resolve flashing in his eyes.

He sat up straight again, adjusted his posture, and alone began to practice the breathing method as guided by Malizi Knight.

The tent was utterly quiet, only his even, slow breathing could be heard.

Following the rhythm of his breath, Robin gradually fell into the state.

He could feel a faint warm current flowing slowly along the meridian path that Malizi had previously guided.

Each circulation of breath seemed to activate every cell in his body, a tingling sensation spreading from deep within.

During cultivation, Robin repeatedly recalled the key points taught by Malizi Knight, carefully guiding the flow, daring not to slack.

When the first session ended, Robin snapped his eyes open, surprise and disbelief shining in them.

Thanks to the system's aid, his breathing method ran smoother than expected, like a small boat gliding on a calm lake, without any hindrance.

Even its speed was a few points faster than when Malizi Knight guided it.

The current circulated freely within him, as if it had become part of his body.

"It's the system's assistance," Robin thought ecstatically, like a traveler stumbling in darkness who suddenly sees the light ahead.

He realized the system was not merely a tool for logging experience, but a powerful aid on his cultivation path.

This discovery was like injecting Robin with a dose of stimulant, reviving his weary body with renewed strength.

With almost no hesitation, Robin readjusted his posture and entered cultivation again.

The next morning, Robin, brimming with excitement and anticipation, returned to Malizi Knight's tent.

Inside the tent a faint incense scent lingered, sunlight filtered through the gaps and dotted the floor with golden specks.

Malizi Knight had already been waiting there; upon seeing Robin enter, he smiled and nodded.

Robin wasted no time, immediately sat as before, ready to begin.

As cultivation deepened, Robin became increasingly certain of his thoughts.

With the system's aid, he clearly felt the breathing method's circulation speed was faster than yesterday, and the flow of power smoother.

Compared with when Malizi Knight guided him, his current cultivation speed was exactly twice as fast.

He knew that training with Malizi each day could add at most three experience points, yet last night his solo practice added six.

At this rate, in about half a year he could break through the current bottleneck and become a true knight apprentice.

Thinking of this, Robin felt a secret joy, confident about the future.

"Did you stay up late training last night?" Malizi Knight asked with a smile, seeing Robin's slightly weary yet excited expression.

Robin blinked in slight surprise, then awkwardly nodded.

He hadn't expected Malizi Knight to see through his thoughts at a glance.

"Ha ha, that's perfectly normal," Malizi Knight laughed heartily. "Most knight apprentices, when they first encounter the breathing method, stay up late to train because they are eager to improve. However, cultivation requires a balance of work and rest.

The operation of the breathing method is extremely complex; any mistake during practice can pose a life threat, even damage your foundation and affect your future cultivation path."

Malizi Knight withdrew his smile, said solemnly, then gently patted Robin's shoulder, his eyes full of concern.

"Your condition is good now; moderate evening training is fine, but do not overdo it. If during practice you feel a burning sensation in your breath, you must stop immediately. It's a warning signal from your body that must not be ignored," Malizi Knight admonished gravely.

"Thank you, Knight Commander, for the reminder," Robin said respectfully, a warm feeling rising in his heart.

Malizi Knight's words were valuable advice, a sincere concern for him.

Robin couldn't help but wonder; last night he trained until dawn without noticing any abnormality—no burning breath as Malizi Knight described, nor any fatigue or discomfort.

Could this be another hidden auxiliary function of the system?

One that silently protects him during cultivation, allowing him to improve without any worries?

The thought flashed through his mind, followed by growing curiosity and anticipation toward the system.

Ordinary days flew by in the intense training, like a white horse slipping through a crack.

In the blink of an eye, a month had passed.

During that month, Robin immersed himself day and night in cultivation, and with the system's aid and his relentless effort, finally achieved a major breakthrough—he officially became a knight apprentice.

At this point, the Earth Dragon Breathing Method's experience had risen to 332/1000.

As the experience accumulated, his mastery of the breathing method grew increasingly skillful; now he could freely mobilize Life Force in combat.

This wondrous power, like a sleeping dragon within him, once awakened, erupts with astonishing might.

At this moment Robin's strength was worlds apart from before, reaching three times his former level.

Moreover, his already proficient combat skills, under this great power, were like a tiger gaining wings.

Now, even a dozen ordinary militia could not match him.

When he stepped onto the training ground again, the surrounding militia looked at him with added awe and envy.

Robin stood at the center of the training field, feeling everyone's gaze, his heart filled with pride and emotion.

Now everything depends on data; the opening of a new book is crucial for readers to keep up. To make it easier for everyone to follow, I'm releasing two chapters at once in one go. Please bear with me and take a look, or just click, and then let it get fat.

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(End of chapter)