"Ma'am, I'm truly honored by your offer, and I'll never forget your kindness, but I've already sworn allegiance to a mentor. I'm afraid I must decline," Felix said with an apologetic bow.

Deborah had expected as much. Felix's young age and his remarkable attainment of Physical Refinement Realm clearly indicated that he was not self-taught.

"It's fine," she replied with a smile. "Your mentor can't possibly be an expert in every field. The path of learning never ends, and truly talented individuals often have more than one mentor. I would only be guiding you in pill cultivation and nothing more."

Before coming to Martial City, Gerald had mentioned that Felix could consider taking on a mentor for pill cultivation, as Gerald himself was not an expert in the field. However, Felix had too many unknowns to deal with right now and did not dare rush into such a commitment.

"I appreciate your understanding, ma'am," Felix said politely, bowing again.

Deborah felt a pang of regret but decided