"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 individu