A Glimmer of Dawn

The illusion of Yali unleashed a ferocious display of fire-based martial arts. Not only could her flowing red hair serve as a whip, but other parts of her body could also summon searing flames at will, transforming into an array of formidable weapons. Had it not been for the icy essence cultivated from the unnamed martial arts, I would have had no chance to retaliate; I would have been reduced to mere charred remnants by this violent instructor. Guan Ling, astonished by my impulsiveness, seemed uncertain whether to admonish me or applaud my bravery.

Ugh!

Drawing from the technique I had gleaned from the Sandstorm Blade, I spun rapidly like a top, unleashing a frigid aura that burst forth, finally escaping the fiery tornado conjured by Yali's illusion and retreating to Guan Ling's side. Although I appeared tattered and singed from this brief skirmish, internally, I felt an indescribable exhilaration and triumph. 

I had initially thought her to be formidable, but it seemed that even a tenth-level martial artist was not so intimidating after all. Engaging Yali's tenth-level prowess with my own skills, which were barely at the sixth level, I found myself only slightly at a disadvantage, filling me with confidence for this training.

After utilizing a healing card, I sat in meditation to consolidate my true energy and mend the wear and tear from the battle. As an illusion, Yali's avatar within the training card lacked any significant cognitive abilities; upon my withdrawal from combat, she made no attempt to pursue me. Instead, she mechanically reiterated the rules for using the training card that she had not had the chance to convey.

My desire to train alongside Guan Ling stemmed from two private motives. The endless potential of the training card allowed me to save one for future emergencies, potentially averting life-threatening situations. The second reason was to strengthen my bond with Guan Ling—not in a romantic sense, but to cultivate a trustworthy partnership. Ever since Pan Li'er returned to the Seven Seas of Ruopa, I felt it was my responsibility to be a reliable man.

I harbored an innate aversion to frivolous pursuits and casual romances, particularly since Guan Ling was merely a middle school student, not yet ready for the complexities of adult relationships. 

Feyshiel had already designated new members for the combat team, among whom at least three were untrustworthy: Jack, Yali, and Gao Bo. While Meishu appeared gentle, her enigmatic nature left me feeling uneasy about her intentions. Even though the Wolf King and Hachijo Shinfu stood by my side, our trio was still a minority within the team, placing us at a disadvantage.

I held no illusions of swaying Jin Pingnan or Wen Chihu to my side; the only ally I could nurture was Guan Ling. In the event of any conflicts within the group, the combination of the Wolf King, Hachijo Shinfu, and myself alongside Guan Ling would at least ensure sufficient leverage.

On a personal level, I also wished to prevent anyone from taking Guan Ling away; after all, she was someone I had painstakingly rescued from Demon Island. How could I allow her to be taken for granted by others?

Within the training card, the seasons changed. As time passed, the weather within the martial arts training card gradually became cooler. With the complete set of unnamed martial arts cards in hand, my martial prowess advanced at an astonishing pace. Even my ethereal sword qi transcended its initial limitations, evolving from a pale gray to a vibrant crimson. Yali's illusion was no longer a match for me; each encounter left me feeling invigorated as I bested her.

As my strength and confidence grew, my interest in sparring with the illusion waned, and I began to devise ways to confront the real Yali. In addition to my relentless pursuit of martial excellence, I made significant strides in magic and alchemy; however, I struggled with certain nuances due to a lack of guidance. Remembering my impending rendezvous with Mostima that evening, I exchanged a brief farewell with Guan Ling, intending to leave together.

Yali's illusion mirrored her true self, exhibiting an unwavering strictness in training. Guan Ling, having been a sheltered girl before her arrival on Demon Island, had never faced such challenges. This stubborn young lady not only persevered but, when I suggested a break, resolutely refused, her expression fierce as she declared, "I must grow stronger to one day reclaim my father; I refuse to become a burden for others."

After spending several weeks together, I had come to understand Guan Ling's temperament well and knew how to coax her into compliance. I offered gentle reassurances to this fiercely spirited girl before I ultimately withdrew from the martial arts training card.

These past days had been consumed by relentless training, and my strength had surged to nearly that of a formal member of the Demon Sealing Mercenary Corps. Yet, I still felt a lingering uncertainty. 

With another month or two, I expected to master the unnamed martial arts completely, though I was apprehensive about what form my skills would ultimately take. After all, I had invested the most effort into this particular martial art; if it were to transform into something ineffectual, not only would it impact my capabilities, but it would also be a significant blow to my morale.

The Platinum Glory was a unique fusion of unnamed martial arts and spiritual energy, and I wondered if any changes to the unnamed martial arts would affect its power. Should a chain reaction occur, I would be left relying solely on the Heart of the Fallen Warrior and my magical abilities.

These were burdensome thoughts. As I awaited Mostima's arrival, I absently traced the silver sigils hidden beneath my skin, my emotions stirring within me. The myriad secrets of Demon Island loomed large, while the skies beyond promised even greater expanses. Initially apprehensive about my private meeting with Mostima, I found myself unexpectedly recalling Pan Li'er, and an overwhelming desire to see this enchanting figure surged within me.

Perhaps he could guide me on traversing the *** continent to reach the Seven Seas of Ruopa and reunite with that heart-wrenching girl. 

The spectral butterflies of the underworld, which spread across a ten-kilometer radius, reflected every subtle change in my surroundings with remarkable precision. The title of the Contracted One of the Underworld Butterflies endowed me with the ability to command this legion, a truly extraordinary power. 

While the underworld butterflies were not directly applicable in combat, they afforded me a panoramic awareness, eliminating any blind spots. This heightened sensitivity ensured that I would not be caught off guard by any adversary during battle, and it allowed me to perceive everything around me in ordinary situations.

I sat in my room for the better part of the night, and as the first light of dawn began to break, I felt a pang of disappointment at not having seen Mostima yet. Although I knew well that he was not to be trifled with, I couldn't help but mutter, "This bastard wouldn't dare stand me up, would he? How foolish of me to trust a demon who lies through his teeth, waiting here like an idiot for so long."

The anticipation that had once filled me now morphed into a deep sense of loss, mingled with a peculiar sense of relief. I couldn't quite discern whether I truly wished to meet this enigmatic figure or if I feared the encounter.