Sean purchased the douqi technique from Lucio not to dual-cultivate magic and martial arts—he had no intention of practicing douqi . Early-stage douqi and magic cultivation yielded minimal EXP, and juggling both would slow his progress. The technique was for future use in his territory; a viscount needed a proper douqi manual.
He tossed it to Windsor and retreated to his tent.
…
The next dawn, a groggy Sean found Windsor beaming. "I mastered the douqi technique last night. I'm Level 12!"
Sean: " "
Unfairly fast.
…
The garrison advanced toward Riverside, growing cautious as Black Iron Rank Monster appeared. By 3 p.m., they reached Thorn Ridge—a hill where Sean's predecessor had watched Morifin die.
Lucio ordered camp. "After this ridge lies Riverside. We attack at dawn—wait, movement in the woods!"
"Archers ready!" Lucio nocked an arrow. Dozens of gray wolves burst from the trees, including two Black Iron Rank demonic wolves.
"Fire!" Lucio roared. Arrows felled most wolves. One demonic wolf died instantly; the other writhed in agony, pierced by arrows.
Sean stopped Lucio. "It's suffering."
Lucio protested: "A wild beast—"
"Windsor, with me." Sean approached the dying wolf. With a swift strike, he slit its throat.
EXP +21! Sean's panel jumped to Level12 127/300.
Lucio gaped. "You could've let us kill it!"
Sean adopted a pious tone. "Only through my hand can it find peace. The Light God's love demands blood."
Lucio rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say."
But Matthew's shout cut through the air: "Gnolls! They're here!"