"Junior Brother Lu..."

Zheng Wu’s expression grew more conflicted. He looked like he wanted to say something, but held his tongue.

Luo Yan sighed in relief and looked at Lu Chao with kindness.

The atmosphere fell silent. A complex look flickered in Luo Qianshan’s profound eyes.

In the end, he didn’t speak immediately, but simply gave a light wave of his hand.

"You’re dismissed."

"Master?"

Zheng Wu and the others were confused, but their master simply shook his head.

Though confused, the three of them took the hint and left, leaving only Lu Chao and Luo Qianshan in the backyard.

A gentle breeze stirred again, rustling their robes.

Looking at Lu Chao standing there so composed, an emotion flickered in Luo Qianshan’s eyes before he finally spoke softly. "You must have guessed by now. The third level of the Fighting Skill I taught you is indeed different from the version I taught Luo Yan and Zheng Wu."

Lu Chao had expected as much and waited for him to continue.

"It builds upon the Iron Bone foundation with an accompanying Secret Technique called Rock."

"Once you reach Minor Achievement, even before breaking through to the Elite Level, you’ll gain the ’Body of Rock.’ With your physique alone, without even using Martial Arts Power, you can ignore bladed weapons and absorb nearly a thousand kilograms of impact force."

"If you can break through to the Elite Level, it will enhance the power of your Iron Bone State by thirty percent. And once you activate your Martial Arts Power, you won’t even have to fear ordinary bullets, unless they hit a vital point."

Lu Chao’s eyes narrowed in surprise.

’This Secret Technique is a hardening skill?’

’And based on the description, it’s even beyond the scope of a basic Martial Skill.’

"If you can use this to reach Great Achievement and break the hundred-point barrier..."

"...you could move an armored car—a beast of steel—with your bare hands."

Luo Qianshan continued, but Lu Chao grew more and more shocked with every word.

’Are the effects of this Secret Technique really that insane?’

"Unfortunately, as powerful as this technique is, the training process is exceptionally painful."

"You must temper your muscles and bones as if forging iron, then soak in a specially prepared medicinal solution to heal the damage. This cycle is repeated over and over. For an ordinary person, it’s nearly impossible to succeed in under several years."

Luo Qianshan’s voice turned somber, as if letting out a sigh.

He had once considered teaching this technique to Shen Tianchen, but unfortunately, Shen Tianchen’s temperament wasn’t suited for it. He couldn’t endure that kind of suffering.

As for his other true disciples...

...most of them lacked the necessary aptitude, making them even less suitable.

"I see."

Lu Chao’s confusion vanished.

No wonder he’d taken a beating for a month or two and still hadn’t mastered it.

Even entering the [Flow State] hadn’t sped up the process by much, because it was simply a Martial Skill that demanded pure, grueling endurance.

"But you’re different."

Suddenly, Luo Qianshan looked up, his eyes filled with gratification. "Aptitude and patience—the two most important things on the path of Martial Arts. You have both."

"Besides you, there is no one else suitable for this technique."

Lu Chao’s eyes widened in surprise.

Then, Lu Chao smiled. It was rare to receive such a compliment.

’Clearly, my [Basic Toughness] is still pulling its weight. A Martial Skill that requires constantly pushing my limits is indeed a perfect match for me.’

Then, before he could say more.

"Have you truly made your decision?"

Luo Qianshan asked suddenly, his deep eyes seeming to see right through him.

His expression turning serious, Lu Chao nodded without hesitation.

’If I really wanted to leave, I would have done so already.’

’And now, it’s even more out of the question.’

At once, the atmosphere fell silent.

Seeing his resolve, a host of emotions washed over Luo Qianshan’s wrinkled face.

Gratification, admiration, approval, regret...

Finally, he nodded.

"There’s one month left. If you don’t succeed by then, the dojo’s affairs will no longer have anything to do with you. Don’t come on the day of the arranged battle."

"Just focus on your duties at the Patrol Department. Don’t get tangled up in these feuds, and don’t pay any mind to the rumors outside."

Lu Chao froze. He then saw his master clasp his hands behind his back and offer a faint smile. "Regardless of the outcome, to me, you will always be my closed-door disciple."