System:"Flower Sword Saint Roland has initiated a swordsmanship lesson with you:[Roland's Floral Swordsmanship]. Do you accept?"

  "Accept!" Kenley, of course, had no reason to refuse.

  Roland suddenly grabbed Kenley's hand, pressing her body close against his.

  Hiss—

  Kenley had never expected Roland to teach him this way... Feeling the soft warmth from behind, he couldn't help but let his thoughts wander.

  Roland was only thirty this year, just one generation above Kenley. More importantly, after becoming a Silverborn, her lifespan had extended, and her appearance remained youthful.

  With how well Roland maintained herself, the situation felt as if he was being guided by a senior university student. That vague sense of infatuation was almost too much to bear.

  "Watch closely, like this..."

  Roland was demonstrating the sword technique when she unintentionally noticed Kenley staring at her with a dazed expression. Her fair cheeks instantly flushed red."Are you even paying attention? Show me what you've learned!"

  "Ah, sorry, sorry! It's just that... Teacher, you were so beautiful just now that I got a little lost in the moment."

  "When did I ever agree to be your teacher? I haven't even graduated from my own training yet!" For some reason, being stared at by a man ten years her junior left Roland feeling inexplicably flustered. She clicked her tongue at Kenley in mock reprimand, though her expression clearly showed she wasn't displeased.

  "From the moment you taught me the first move, you've already become my teacher. Teacher, thank you."

  Kenley's eyes gleamed with sincerity, like rippling water, causing Roland's heart to skip a beat.

  System:"Flower Sword Saint Roland's affection for you has increased by 8 points."

  Already at 110? Kenley was speechless. That strategy guide was truly lethal.

  "Ahem, enough nonsense. Show me what I just taught you." She feigned indifference, but Kenley was no novice—how could he not notice her flustered state?

  "Alright!" Kenley smiled faintly, and only then did their bodies separate.

  The moment they parted, the warmth and soft sensation on his back instantly vanished. Kenley had quite enjoyed it, after all, what man wouldn't relish being so close to a beauty?

  But he quickly composed himself."Then, Teacher, prepare yourself!"

  "Hmph, if you want to be my student, you'd better pass my test first." Roland had already regained her composure, no longer lost in the moment.

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  "Third stance—Flourishing Bloom!"

  Kenley's gaze sharpened as he lifted his sword and spun!

  Roland was momentarily stunned. This is his first time learning? No way—why does it feel like he's already proficient?

  The third stance, Flourishing Bloom, like the first two, focused on explosive attacks. As his sword whirled, it resembled a violently spinning windmill, carrying tremendous force.

  Kenley's unyielding momentum even took Roland by surprise.

  "Interesting!" Roland raised her sword, pressing her left hand against the tip of Floral Whisper—Aether. She seemed to have her own way of countering this move.

  A resounding clang echoed as their swords clashed, sending a fierce gust of wind between them, making their robes flutter wildly.

  "Good! That was beautiful!" Roland's eyes sparkled with delight—this was the first time she had ever admired someone using her sword technique.

  Who would have thought her first student would be someone so talented?

  "Teacher, I've made a fool of myself." Kenley retracted his sword and bowed.

  "No, not at all. Your swordsmanship is excellent, though your speed isn't quite fast enough, and your strength could be heavier. But at your age, reaching this level is remarkable—you'll surpass me in the future." Roland praised him sincerely.

  "Teacher, if you keep flattering me like this, I might just grow wings and fly into the sky." Kenley's face reddened.

  Roland chuckled."Haha, then you should eat less."

  "Uh, why should I eat less?"

  "Because that way, your body will be lighter, and you won't fall as hard when you come crashing down."

  "Ah, so even Lord Roland has such a playful side." Kenley laughed along with her.

  "Hmph, enough. Give me your address—who knows, I might drop by to personally check if your swordsmanship is improving." Roland sheathed her sword, clearly satisfied with Kenley.

  "Then, Lord Roland, does this mean you agree to be my teacher?!" Kenley's eyes lit up.

  "I never said that." Roland rolled her eyes, her demeanor fully displaying a young woman's charm.

  "Huh?" Kenley was learning the sword, but his goal was far beyond that. Only by officially becoming her disciple could he learn even more valuable things. Mere swordsmanship was far from enough.

  Seeing his look of frustration and disappointment, Roland found it rather amusing.

  "Then, Teacher, may I have your address?" Kenley asked.

  "What are you plotting? And I told you, I haven't agreed to be your teacher."

  "I just want to visit and learn whenever I have time. Teacher, your swordsmanship is simply too beautiful and powerful—I truly, truly admire it!" Kenley's words were honeyed, and they undeniably pleased Roland.

  To be pursued so boldly and fervently by a younger man, Roland momentarily doubted Kenley's true motives. But considering his talent and potential, she thought it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on his progress. Even the most gifted individuals could become complacent, and even geniuses needed discipline.

  After a brief moment of thought, Roland finally said,"Fine, let's exchange addresses."

  "Thank you, Teacher!" Kenley said immediately.

  "Hold on!"

  The moment she spoke, Kenley held his breath. Does she have some new condition in mind?

  "Remember, we are only sparring partners. And you are not allowed to get any funny ideas!"

  Funny ideas? What kind of funny ideas? Kenley was utterly confused.

  "Teacher, I... I don't quite understand. Could you be a bit more direct?" Kenley furrowed his brows, looking genuinely puzzled.

  Roland's expression shifted."Hmph, you're surprisingly smooth-tongued for someone so young. I have every reason to doubt your intentions. Kenley, I don't know why you're always following me around, but let me be clear—I have no interest in romance. As for your earlier claim about pursuing me, I'd like you to take it back."

  Wait—so all those affection points I racked up were for nothing? Kenley was dumbfounded.

  "Teacher, I—" Kenley hesitated, his mind racing through the strategy guide to see if he had made a misstep.

  But before he could continue, Roland suddenly changed her tone and said something completely unexpected:

  "Unless... you can defeat me!"