Old Shen was frail and bent, coughing frequently, resembling a candle flickering weakly in the wind. If his father hadn't explicitly told him Shen had once been a top warrior and a former Overseer, Ryan would never have believed it.

  The moment Ryan activated his Level-1 Skill-Stealing Card, four glowing red cards appeared clearly before him.

  It worked! Just as he'd hoped, Old Shen had fallen from his peak. As a former bloodline warrior, Shen was now a perfect target.

  Ryan casually selected one card from the four. Immediately, bold letters appeared: Clock of Time.

  What an impressive-sounding name—but what exactly did it do?

  The card instantly transformed into a brilliant red glow, merging into Ryan's body. At that moment, his perception of the environment shifted dramatically. Everything around him within a few meters seemed suddenly slowed, as if time itself had gently paused.

  Ryan felt a remarkable sense of control over his immediate surroundings.

  "I say, brat," Old Shen grumbled suspiciously, "What's with that goofy grin? Something good happen?"

  Despite not acquiring the Mystic Unity Blood Essence Technique yet, Ryan wasn't disappointed. He smiled warmly at Shen. "Elder Shen, of course it's something good! I've come specifically to ask for your guidance."

  Shen waved dismissively, pretending irritation. "A worthless old cripple like me? You're a real bloodline warrior now—why bother?"

  Though Shen sounded gruff, he couldn't completely hide the pleased glint in his eyes. Clearly, Ryan's respectful demeanor touched an old man's pride.

  "Elder Shen, you're our settlement's former Overseer and senior warrior," Ryan sincerely explained. "Besides, my father said you've helped him greatly in the past. Now, when I encounter difficulties, who better to ask?"

  Old Shen had grown reclusive after losing his bloodline power, but seeing the young bloodline warrior's humility softened him considerably.

  "Quit flattering me, brat," Shen scolded, though his voice had softened. "To be honest, I don't like you much. Becoming a bloodline warrior and immediately calling off your engagement—how irresponsible is that?"

  Shen continued indignantly, "What's wrong with Tiger Girl? Healthy, strong, good-tempered—she'd surely give you strong children too! If you want other beauties, fine—no one's stopping you from having lovers."

  Initially, Ryan felt annoyed by Shen's unsolicited relationship advice. He'd come here strictly to learn martial arts, not to discuss romance. But soon enough, he found Shen's blunt sincerity charmingly amusing.

  "Elder Shen, clearly I chose the right teacher!" Ryan laughed warmly, genuinely delighted. "Your wisdom and experience in handling life's issues far surpass mine. I'm learning a lot!"

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  Old Shen beamed proudly. "You're still too young. Haven't rolled around enough in this world yet. If you get stuck again, you come find me."

  Ryan hesitated, holding onto another Level-1 Skill-Stealing Card. He had only one remaining card left this evening. Failure now would be truly frustrating.

  "Elder Shen, relationships aside," Ryan carefully redirected the conversation, "I wanted your advice on cultivation, specifically the Mystic Unity Blood Essence Technique."

  Shen snorted dismissively. "You came to ask about that? Honestly, even a pig can learn the basics in a single day."

  Ryan winced inwardly. He hadn't even reached the basic level yet!

  "Forget that for now. Let me teach you something far superior—my original martial art, the Clock of Time," Shen proudly declared. "If Lucas Reed had learned my technique, he'd still be alive."

  "Clock of Time?" Ryan asked carefully, hiding his excitement.

  "Exactly!" Old Shen's eyes lit up, animated. "It allows you to slow down your perception of time around you. Master it, and battles slow down in your eyes—giving you unmatched control and reaction speed."

  After losing his bloodline power, Shen had stumbled upon this profound technique through years of solitary bell-ringing meditation. He considered it his greatest accomplishment, though others—like Overseer Marcus—found it incomprehensible.

  Yet Ryan instantly understood, because he had already absorbed the "Clock of Time" ability directly through his Skill-Stealing Card.

  "You understand?" Old Shen asked skeptically, noticing Ryan's calm expression. "Martial arts theory isn't something you can fake. Explain it."

  Ryan immediately replied confidently, "Elder, your Clock of Time is truly incredible. It uses mental discipline to alter your perception, slowing time within your immediate surroundings. Although the area affected isn't large, during critical moments, it could save your life."

  Old Shen stared in astonishment, grabbing Ryan's shoulder excitedly. "Brilliant! You're a genius! Even Overseer Marcus couldn't grasp it—but you understood immediately!"

  Ryan chuckled modestly. "Please don't flatter me too much, Elder Shen. My only strength is comprehension—though unfortunately, my other talents aren't quite so obvious."

  "Nonsense! You must practice diligently," Shen urged passionately. "Show those ignorant fools like Marcus the true worth of my Clock of Time!"

  Grinning happily, Shen pulled a hidden bottle of liquor from beneath his bedding. "Come, boy—we must celebrate!"

  Ryan hesitated. He hadn't come here to drink—he still needed guidance for the Mystic Unity Blood Essence Technique.

  "Elder Shen, about the Mystic Unity Blood Essence Technique..."

  Shen shook his head. "Cultivation ultimately depends on personal insight. Me explaining won't help—go study diligently yourself."

  Ryan sighed inwardly. Reading manuals usually put him to sleep; direct absorption was far easier. Deciding quickly, he activated his last Level-1 Skill-Stealing Card for this visit, hoping fervently for success again.

  Miraculously, it worked once more. Carefully choosing from the options that appeared, Ryan's heart skipped a beat when he saw:

  "Mystic Unity Blood Essence Technique—Level Five!"

  He could hardly believe his luck. Level five already—such advanced cultivation from Shen!

  Ordinary practitioners spent years painstakingly progressing through each stage. Ryan had effortlessly leapfrogged directly to the fifth level!

  Overwhelmed with gratitude, Ryan grabbed Shen's liquor bottle enthusiastically, taking a generous celebratory gulp.

  Shen gaped speechlessly at Ryan's sudden boldness. "You brat! You came here just to steal my liquor, didn't you? I'll teach you some manners!"

  Though Shen's furious cane swings posed no real threat, Ryan laughingly fled from the room anyway.

  Finally alone, Old Shen stared at the empty bottle, his anger quickly fading into melancholy satisfaction. "Finally, someone mastered my Clock of Time... Finally."

  He tilted the empty bottle, savoring the very last drop. "Good liquor—delicious. Too bad that brat drank it all."

  Shaking his head fondly, he chuckled softly. "That little rascal's even more shameless than I was at his age. But perhaps that's exactly what this cruel world needs."