I can receive unlimited protection; my parents handed me over to the state.

Hearing Lu Yuan agree so readily, Yan Ji visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

She wasn't afraid of Lu Yuan setting conditions; she was afraid he wouldn't agree.

With her status and position as an SSS-level Star Envoy, as long as Lu Yuan asked, she had the ability to obtain anything, whether it was a fortune beyond measure or rare resources that could make a family rise to power.

"What are your conditions?" Yan Ji's voice returned to its usual coldness, but if you listened carefully, you could detect a hint of barely perceptible expectation.

Lu Yuan stroked his chin and looked Yan Ji up and down.

That gaze didn't seem to be looking at a powerful, superior being, but rather as examining a raw material awaiting processing.

Yan Ji felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze, and frowned slightly: "What are you looking at?"

"I'm thinking, what kind of weapon would be worthy of you?" Lu Yuan withdrew his gaze and said seriously, "Your talent is [Undying Flame], which is a top-tier fire talent with extremely strong offensive capabilities and sufficient burst damage. The 'Burning Heaven' weapon you're using now, although it's epic-level, is too conventional. It simply increases fire damage and doesn't fully utilize your talent's advantages."

Yan Ji was stunned.

She hadn't expected that Lu Yuan could analyze her combat system so thoroughly in such a short time.

Her weapon, "Burning Heaven," was crafted by the most famous eighth-tier blacksmith in the empire. It cost her almost all her savings and the help of her family to acquire it, and she has always treasured it.

But in Lu Yuan's mouth, it actually became a "normal" ordinary product?

If anyone else had dared to say that, Yan Ji would have slapped them across the face long ago.

But the one who said this was Lu Yuan, a monster who could casually conjure up an unreasonable weapon like "Wind and Thunder Guidance".

She had to admit that Lu Yuan was qualified to make that assessment.

"Then... in your opinion, what kind of weapon should I use?" Yan Ji's tone unconsciously carried a hint of seeking advice.

"Your flames have the characteristic of 'immortality,' which means they possess extremely strong adhesion and continuous burning ability," Lu Yuan said eloquently, revealing his "theory master" nature at this moment.

"Therefore, what you need is not a sword that simply increases fire damage, but a 'vessel' that can deliver your 'Undying Flame' to every corner of the battlefield in the most efficient and diverse forms."

"For example," Lu Yuan held up one finger, "a bow that can split into countless burning feathers for a wide-range, all-encompassing attack?"

"Or," he held up another finger, "a staff that can summon fiery meteors to rain down from the sky and cause devastating damage?"

"Or perhaps, a pair of boots and wings that would allow you to transform into a fiery phoenix, soaring freely through the sky and incinerating everything in its path?"

Every time Lu Yuan uttered a new idea, Yan Ji's eyes lit up a little more.

She seemed to see a door to a new world slowly opening before her.

She never imagined that her fighting style could have so many possibilities!

If any one of these ideas could be realized, it would be enough to elevate her combat power to a whole new level!

"I..." Flame Princess's breathing became rapid, "I want them all!"

"Ahem." Lu Yuan choked on her confident reply. "Instructor, do you think this is like buying cabbage at the market? Every single one of these designs requires legendary-level core materials and a massive amount of epic-level auxiliary materials. Even if you emptied your coffers, you'd probably only be able to make one part."

A faint blush flashed across Yan Ji's cheeks, and she realized that she had lost her composure.

She coughed, resuming her icy demeanor: "Then let's forge a sword first. A sword... worthy of my status."

"Okay." Lu Yuan nodded. "My conditions are very simple."

He held up three fingers.

"First, you'll have to prepare the materials yourself. The main materials must be at least legendary grade; I'll give you a list of the auxiliary materials later. Remember, I don't accept any substitutes; you have to find me whatever I need."

"No problem." Yan Ji agreed without hesitation. Although legendary materials are rare, she could still obtain them with some effort, even if it came at a cost.

"Secondly," Lu Yuan's expression turned serious, "from today onwards, you must personally guide my physical training and combat training, without any slack. I need to improve my physical fitness and combat skills in the shortest possible time."

He knew very well that no matter how powerful the weapons were, they were merely external objects. True strength lay within oneself.

Having an SSS-level full-time sparring partner is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he must seize it.

Upon hearing this condition, Yan Ji paused for a moment, then a playful smile flashed in her golden eyes.

This kid knows how to make demands.

While others tried every means to avoid training, he took the initiative to ask for extra training and even specifically requested that I, the "devil instructor," personally take the lead.

"Alright." A dangerous smile played on Yan Ji's lips. "But I must warn you, my 'personal guidance' is not the same as yesterday's childish game. Don't come crying and begging me to stop later."

"I couldn't ask for more." Lu Yuan met her gaze without fear.

"Okay, what's the third condition?" Yan Ji asked.

"The third one..." Lu Yuan pondered for a moment, then suddenly revealed a somewhat sly smile, "I haven't thought of the third condition yet, I'll leave it for now. I'll tell you when I come up with it."

Looking at his expression, Yan Ji suddenly felt, for some reason, that she had been tricked.

But since she had already said it, she couldn't go back on her word.

"It's a deal." She snorted coldly, which was taken as tacit agreement.

"It's a pleasure working with you, instructor." Lu Yuan extended his hand.

Yan Ji hesitated for a moment, then reached out and shook his hand.

The moment their hands clasped, Lu Yuan felt that the other person's hands were soft and boneless, but an astonishing heat emanated from their palms, as if he were holding a red-hot iron.

Yan Ji, on the other hand, felt that Lu Yuan's hands were broad and strong, with distinct knuckles. His hands, which were exceptionally nimble from years of twirling pens and forging, gave her an unusually reliable feeling.

The two quickly let go of each other's hands.

"I'll send you the list tonight. I'm going to training." After saying that, Lu Yuan didn't linger and turned to walk towards his S-0 villa.

Watching Lu Yuan's departing figure, Yan Ji stood still for a long time.

She looked down at her palm, where the other person's warmth still seemed to linger.

"This guy..." she murmured to herself, her golden eyes flashing with an uncertain light.

interesting.

This is getting more and more interesting.

He possesses an F-level talent but has godlike abilities.

A level 0 newbie, yet possessing combat wisdom and composure that even she finds astonishing.

She suddenly felt a surge of anticipation for the future.

She was eager to see just how far this boy named Lu Yuan could grow.

And what kind of extraordinary and powerful weapon will the sword he forges for himself be?

……

At the same time, Lu Yuan returned to the villa and was immediately greeted by Zhao Qingxuan.

"Mr. Lu, you're back." Zhao Qingxuan was still as gentle and refined as ever, but Lu Yuan could read a hint of barely concealed excitement in his eyes.

"Butler Zhao, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Elder Su just sent over new instructions." Zhao Qingxuan handed over a tablet. "In view of your outstanding performance in the T-3 training ground and your successful forging of 'Wind and Thunder Guidance', the Supreme Committee, after an emergency meeting, unanimously decided to comprehensively upgrade your training program."

Lu Yuan took the tablet and saw the contents on it.

[Notification Regarding the Second Phase of the Training Program for Comrade "Master Craftsman" Lu Yuan]

[I. Resource supply level upgraded from Grade A to the highest Grade S. Daily food allowance increased to millions, and all regular medicines are supplied in unlimited quantities.]

[II. Enhanced access to the exclusive materials library; a new quota of ten legendary materials can be exchanged each month.]

[Third, we will assign a top-tier weapons master to provide you with comprehensive weapon usage training.]

[IV. Higher-level instance access is now available, including exploration privileges for certain 'Abyss Contaminated Zones'.]

Looking at these extravagant terms, Lu Yuan's heart couldn't help but beat a little faster.

This is the power of a nation.

As long as you demonstrate sufficient value, it will go to great lengths, regardless of cost, to propel you to the top.

"Is there another new instructor?" Lu Yuan noticed the third point.

"Yes." Zhao Qingxuan nodded. "This instructor is a true legend in the military. He is proficient in all eighteen weapons and is a true 'weapons master.' Elder Su specially invited him back from the front lines to be in charge of your weapons training."

When will he arrive?

"He has arrived now."

No sooner had Zhao Qingxuan finished speaking than a loud, bell-like voice suddenly came from the direction of the training ground.

"Which one of you is Lu Yuan? Get your ass out here!"

The voice was powerful and resonant, full of the ruggedness and boldness unique to soldiers, making the windows of the entire villa vibrate.