Joan Michelle, now fully intoxicated by the sensation, could no longer restrain herself. She wrapped her legs tightly around Dean Bruce''s waist and her arms around his neck, intensifying their kiss.


    For a moment, the heated and passionate moans echoed through the spacious training room, filling the air with a palpable tension.


    Meanwhile, in the secret chamber of the Magic Guild in Notting City, Nichs William knelt respectfully before a ghostly, ethereal figure.


    "Ancestor, you possess incredible power. Why must I apprentice under Dean Bruce? Even though he can teach high-level magic, it just doesn''t make sense to me," Nichs William questioned, his eyes filled with confusion.


    Hearing this, the ghostly figure let out a low curse, "Fool! The magic I practice is the dark ritual magic of the God of Shadows. It''s far too conspicuous. If you were to learn from me, you''d be hunted down by so-called ''righteous'' warriors before you could even master it!"


    The ghostly figure was none other than Shelly William, the ancestor of the William family. After his death, his soul did not dissipate; instead, it lingered around Nichs, guiding him in the ways of magic.


    Having been taught by Shelly William for years and knowing him to be his own ancestor, Nichs did not dare to retort when scolded. He quickly nodded in agreement.


    Seeing Nichs''s submission, Shelly William calmed down and asked, "Has your teacher taught you any magic?"


    "Yes, Master has been very kind to me. Even though I''ve just started, he has already imparted a high-level spell to me. But the incantation… it''s so strange. I can''t seem toprehend it," Nichs replied, puzzled.


    "Hmm?" Shelly William grunted, intrigued. "A strange incantation? I''ve studied countless dark spells—how difficult could it be? Recite it for me!"


    Nichs William had no reason to hide anything from his ancestor. Magic was not something to be shared lightly, but in Shelly William''s current ghostly state, he could no longer cast spells. Thus, Nichs had no fear of breaking any taboos. He promptly recited the incantation Dean Bruce had taught him.


    As the words left his mouth, Shelly William''s ethereal face twitched in frustration.


    The incantation was from a dreamlike, symbolic poem—a far cry from any traditional spell. Trying to decipher it as a magical incantation was like trying to make sense of an abstract painting in the dark. It was no wonder Nichs was struggling.


    Realizing this, Nichs William felt a wave of relief wash over him.


    So it wasn''t that hisprehension skills werecking—Dean Bruce had simply given him an incantation that was incredibly difficult to grasp!


    After a while, Shelly William suddenly scolded, "You little fool, you need to learn how to think outside the box and be more flexible in your thinking! This kind of incantation clearly cannot be understood with conventional logic. You need to think more deeply!"


    "Huh?"


    Nichs William was stunned, staring nkly at Shelly William.


    Shelly William snorted and said, "Since you don''t get it, let me exin it to you, line by line!"


    "The water is cker than ink, flowing ceaselessly. Now tell me, when in the world is water naturally ck? From what I see, the ''water'' mentioned here isn''t literal water, but rather it symbolizes the human heart, people''s desires and greed, endlessly flowing, never ceasing throughout the ages."


    "Whether it''s the devout followers of religion or the high-ranking officials, the desires within their hearts are terrifyingly dark! Your ancestor here was once deceived by a prime minister, which led to my downfall."


    Hearing this, Nichs William was dumbfounded, blurting out in shock, "Is that really what this incantation means?"


    "Hmm?"


    Detecting the disbelief in Nichs William''s tone, Shelly William red at him before continuing, "What else could it mean? If there was no deeper meaning, why would there be such an incantation?"


    "Hmph, only because I''m your ancestor would I put in the effort to figure this out for you!" Shelly William paused for a moment before continuing, "I see many souls in the water, covered in filth. Souls in the water? Isn''t it obvious? Because the heart is water, it allows one to see souls!


    Covered in filth, perfectly matching the ckness of the water, showing that the human heart and soul are dirty and impure!"


    "They are naked, which further confirms my previous interpretation. Normal people wear clothes, even in the most intense battles, they wouldn''t bepletely bare! So, it''s clear that the earlier reference wasn''t to real people or real water!"


    "Furiously attacking and tearing at each other, leaving their bodies battered and broken. This part is even easier to understand."


    Shelly William''s voice grew louder as he continued, "Your teacher''s meaning is clear: those high-ranking officials and religious followers—no, no, that''s just a broad example. What your teacher is really saying is that you should let your enemies be consumed by their own desires, leading them to destroy each other.


    This way, you can watch them tear each other apart, and when they''re both weakened, you step in and easily finish them off!"


    Hearing this interpretation, Nichs William was left speechless. He had never dared to think this way before, and he muttered to himself, "Could it really be interpreted this way?"


    Shelly William scolded lightly, "You little brat, you''ve had it too easy so far, never faced any real setbacks, and you haven''t encountered the darker sides of human nature. From now on, you need to think more critically! Go and continue your training, and keep reflecting on what I''ve just exined."


    "Remember, what I told you is just my initial interpretation. There are likely even deeper meanings hidden within those words."


    "Your mentor is truly remarkable. This incantation… though peculiar, I can sense that it contains immense power. If you can grasp it fully, you might even touch the threshold of transcendent magic!"


    "And if you can master this magic to perfection, stepping into the realm of transcendent magic is not out of the question!"


    "You must treat this mentor with utmost respect. As long as he doesn''t ask for your life, you must heed his every word! If possible, regard him as you would your own father!"


    Nichs William was utterly shocked, finding it hard to believe that his ancestor, who had reached the level of a grand archmage, held Dean Bruce in such high esteem.


    Taking a deep breath, Nichs William''s expression grew more serious, and the figure of Dean Bruce in his mind became increasingly mysterious and unfathomable.


    If Dean Bruce were aware of the conversation between Shelly William and Nichs William, he would likely give a thumbs-up and exim, "Exactly what I was hoping for! I just need you to think a bit more for yourselves!"


    Meanwhile, in the Michelle family''s training room, after over an hour of intense "battle," Joan Michelle''s body trembled slightly as she copsed onto the mat, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, her pale chest heaving with each breath.


    Dean Bruce didn''t withdraw but instead copsed directly onto Joan Michelle, their bodies still closely connected.


    After a long while, Joan Michelle finally caught her breath and, with a shy smile, suggested, "I''m covered in sweat… shall we go to the back and take a bath?"


    "There''s a ce to bathe back here?"


    Hearing this, Dean Bruce raised an eyebrow, giving Joan Michelle a curious look.


    Joan Michelle paused, then realizing what he meant, yfully pped his arm and exined softly, "To restore the glory of my ancestors, I spend most of my time training here. I even eat and sleep here. To save time, I had a study and bedroom built right behind this room."


    Upon hearing this, Dean Bruce couldn''t help but admire her dedication. If she had lived in modern times, with such determination, she would undoubtedly have be a powerful businesswoman!


    After resting for a bit, the two finally separated. Joan Michelle, still trembling slightly, got up and walked toward one of the walls.


    When she reached the wall, Joan Michelle pressed a few spots, and suddenly the wall trembled, then rotated to reveal a hidden doorway.


    As they stepped through the doorway, Dean Bruce nced around and was immediately struck by the sight of a bed, a bath, and hundreds of neatly arranged bookshelves filled with books.


    This surprised Dean Bruce, and he asked with a hint of skepticism, "Are all these books genuine? No filler among them?"


    Noticing his surprise, Joan Michelle responded with pride, "My ancestors were indeed once very prosperous. These books have been passed down through the generations, covering many subjects and types. In fact, our family''s collection might even surpass that of many magical academies in terms of both quantity and quality!"