His body descended lightly from mid-air. Ling Chen sheathed his sword, and his aura receded accordingly.
The ruptured lake took about ten breaths' time to return to its original state.
"Impossible... You seemed so weak..." the little girl stammered, still finding it hard to accept.
"If you learn from me, you'll eventually be able to do this with ease," Ling Chen enticed her gently.
"But...you're an outsider..." The little girl still hesitated.
"Little one, opportunities must be seized. If you aren't willing, I can only turn to others." Ling Chen shook his head, as if intending to leave.
"Wait, I'm willing!" The little girl gritted her teeth, quickly ran up to Ling Chen, and stopped him. "My name is Nina. I'll be relying on you from now on!"
"Alright then, Nina. I can teach you the methods to cultivate True Qi, but in return, you must also help me with something." Seeing his objective was achieved, Ling Chen's gaze grew focused, and he spoke lightly.
