In agreement with Meishu's perspective, I advised Guan Ling, "I also suggest you change your practice; the Great Roc's Soaring Technique is better suited as a supplementary skill. There are numerous abilities to be acquired on Demon Island, and martial arts is not the sole path to enhancing one's strength."
Guan Ling, being a clever girl, had been struggling with the Great Roc's Soaring Technique for quite some time without making any progress. She understood the wisdom of patience.
"What options do I have? I desire something that is both easy and effective, yet powerful."
Meishu smiled gently, setting down two sets of cards. With a playful smirk, she said, "Such techniques do exist, although I have yet to discover them. However, you have an opportunity to try your luck."
"Unnamed Martial Arts Techniques!"
The two sets of martial arts cards that Meishu presented included one peculiar set titled the "Taijin Talismans," while the other astonishingly comprised a complete twenty cards of unnamed martial arts techniques. My previously stirred emotions became even more tumultuous.
"Where did all these unnamed martial arts cards come from?" I inquired.
Meishu patiently explained, "Unnamed martial arts cards are the most readily available type of martial arts cards on Demon Island. The mercenary corps has at least a dozen complete sets, with over a hundred scattered cards that do not form a complete set."
"How disappointing! Here I was, laboring so diligently, only to find that unnamed techniques are so common."
Perhaps my disgruntled expression appeared rather naive, as Meishu couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head. "There is a well-known secret about unnamed martial arts cards: once a technique reaches the tenth level, its true name will be revealed in the Book of Demons. The martial arts cultivated from unnamed cards vary for each individual; the experience of cultivation is unique to everyone, and it is only when the technique reaches its pinnacle that its true nature is unveiled, revealing its genuine power. Seasoned members of the mercenary corps are well aware of this."
Opting for unnamed martial arts cards is akin to gambling; one might initially feel quite inadequate, only to later discover they possess an extraordinary skill. Conversely, one might feel competent during training, only to find the technique becomes utterly worthless upon completion.
It seems the unnamed martial arts cards hold such mysteries, no wonder they were sold at such a low price.
I had already freed myself from the constraints of Demon Island's power laws, so I was not overly concerned about the potential transformations of the unnamed martial arts cards. Moreover, I still possessed the ability of the Ethereal Sword Qi. Ultimately, martial arts are lifeless; it is the practitioner who breathes life into them.
The merit of a martial art is not determined by the intricacies of its techniques, but rather by the innate talent of its practitioner. A true master could wield even a simple set of Tai Chi and emerge victorious against any foe.
However, Guan Ling displayed evident hesitation upon Meishu's revelation of the secrets behind the unnamed martial arts techniques. I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and said to this spirited girl, "I recommend you pursue a technique with a clearer path ahead; personally, I detest gambling."
Meishu remained silent, neither discouraging nor encouraging my attempt to persuade Guan Ling, evidently waiting for her to make her own choice.
Guan Ling, trusting in my strength and judgment, had always perceived my words as worthy of consideration due to my consistently assertive demeanor.
"I will select the Taijin Talismans. I wonder how long it will take to master it from the beginning?"
Meishu replied gently, "Most individuals manage to master a tenth-level technique within a year. The Taijin Talismans are considered quite challenging, so you may need to invest a bit more time."
After comforting Guan Ling, Meishu added, "Your foundational skills are remarkably solid; you should be able to break through in less than a month. My Dragon's Spiral technique has already reached the tenth level, yet I cannot contend with you, Wang Lin, who appears to be a natural martial artist."
Guan Ling scoffed at Meishu's praise, declaring loudly, "I will definitely achieve the tenth level before he does! Just you wait and see; don't say I'm afraid of you!"
"Isn't it rather me who should be cautious of you?"
I had little motivation to engage in a rivalry with a girl; my goal was to ascend to the highest ranks of the Demon Sealing Mercenary Corps. Competing with Guan Ling over who could cultivate faster seemed rather juvenile.
I casually placed the five unnamed martial arts cards into the Book of Demons and selected them for study. After experiencing the true power of the mercenary corps, my desire for strength intensified. The abilities of the Timekeeper could not foresee the distant future, yet I understood the significance of power. Ever since I was drawn into this fantastical world, the prospect of a peaceful existence had become unattainable. Nevertheless, I would strive with every ounce of effort to position myself at the pinnacle of strength; anyone who dared to confront me would face a river of blood.
"If you have no objections, I wish to commence my training immediately. You may take these two cards..."
Initially, I had anticipated undergoing rigorous training under Meishu's strict supervision, but to my surprise, this beautiful instructor presented me with such items.
The Level Four Special Martial Arts Training Card could create a unique space that accelerated the flow of time, allowing the user to practice martial arts.
With a time ratio of 1: This card is a one-time use card, effective for three days. Recalling the arduous days spent in Training Ground No. 2, I understood that I had underestimated Meishu.
No wonder she mentioned that some individuals completed all projects in just a day and a half; with this training card, I might very well approach that record.
"Guan Ling! Would you like to train together? It would provide us with an opportunity to test our skills against each other."
Without a moment's hesitation, Guan Ling agreed to my proposal. I flicked her martial arts training card, and together we vanished from the room.
Before entering the space within the card, I cheekily raised my middle finger at Meishu, unaware that behind my back, she was forming a circle with her thumb and forefinger, smiling cheerfully.
Damn it, it's Gu Yali again!
With her striking military attire, fiery hair, sapphire-like dazzling eyes, long and graceful legs, and an expression as cold as ice...
Her face bore the exotic, marble-sculpted perfection I had encountered before. Without a second thought, I launched a swift elbow strike, eager to test the capabilities of Gu Yali's phantom within this training card.
With a series of resounding impacts, I and Gu Yali's illusion exchanged blows, engaging in a fierce contest of twenty to thirty moves. It became evident that, despite my high expectations, I had still underestimated the combat prowess of this red-haired beauty.