Evelyn Ross entered and observed the current second highest master of the Cortez Sect.

Charles Cortez sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion.

His face looked remarkably young.

He didn't appear to have a daughter as old as Kiki Cortez.

He should be nearly fifty, yet he looked only in his early thirties.

Martial artists truly knew the secret to preserving youth.

She followed Ethan Valentine and Kiki Cortez inside.

She immediately felt Charles Cortez's gaze pass over the other two and land precisely on her.

Then, his eyes lit up slightly.

Ethan had said he wanted his sister to become a Registered Disciple.

Charles Cortez had been reluctant.

He wasn't as particular as the Sect Leader, who only took one personal disciple.

But his own disciples were few in number.

Each disciple slot was precious.

But Ethan was his most accomplished senior disciple.

He'd also heard this sister was William Ashcroft's daughter…

William Ashcroft had personally called him last night!

He had to give the Ashcroft family this face.

He had been somewhat reluctant.

He didn't understand why a young lady from a wealthy family would want to learn martial arts.

But when he saw Evelyn's steps as she entered, he unconsciously straightened his posture.

They were all martial artists.

Light steps were a fundamental skill.

Ordinary people had heavy footsteps when they walked.

Right now, both Ethan and Kiki's footsteps were very light.

But he didn't hear a third set of heavy footsteps.

He instinctively looked at the feet of the three.

He discovered each of Evelyn's steps was exceptionally light.

That posture… somewhat resembled the Sect Leader's.

It was like a peerless master hiding their true capabilities.

This suddenly piqued Charles Cortez's interest.

He examined Evelyn's face carefully and smiled slightly.

"I heard your name is Grace Nan?"

"You've been in the outer sect all these years?"

Evelyn nodded.

Grace Nan it was…

After her sister was recognized by the family, she would probably take the Ashcroft name too.

Charles Cortez asked again, "How long did you practice daily in the outer sect?"

Evelyn thought for a moment.

"One or two hours."

Charles Cortez frowned.

"So short?"

"Yes. I had other matters to attend to."

Evelyn replied calmly.

Charles Cortez felt somewhat disappointed.

He wondered if he had misjudged.

He then remembered this "Evelyn" seemed to have been pregnant and given birth in recent years.

This was why martial arts were harder for women than men.

After men achieved success in training, their bones and muscles were largely set.

After women gave birth, their bone seams opened, and their physique changed significantly.

Many skilled female martial artists were powerful before having children.

But after childbirth, they were no longer the same…

Of course, there were exceptions.

Some were average before having children but transformed completely afterward.

He had already inquired about this Evelyn before she came.

As a child, she had her bones assessed by Elder Xavier several times but was never chosen.

She wasn't famous for her martial arts in the outer sect either.

Those disciples who trained well were all renowned.

But Evelyn was unknown.

Could her excellent physique be due to a sudden change after childbirth?

Charles Cortez suddenly wanted to test her current martial arts level.

He immediately stood up from his cushion.

"Grace Nan, come. Let's go outside and exchange a few moves."

Upon hearing this, Ethan and Kiki immediately stepped in front of Evelyn.

They objected in unison.

"Master, didn't we agree she would just be a Registered Disciple? Why bother testing her?"

"Dad! You don't know your own strength. What if you hurt her?"

They spoke simultaneously.

They glanced at each other, then looked back at Charles Cortez.

"Master, I think Kiki is right!"

"Dad, Second Senior Brother is right!"

Charles Cortez: "…"

The corner of his mouth twitched.

He said helplessly, "Do you really distrust me so much?"

"I think Evelyn has talent in martial arts."

"Her demeanor suggests she has some foundation."

"I just can't gauge her depth, so I want to test her."

"How can I know how to teach her without testing?"

Ethan said, "She's just a Registered Disciple. No need to be so serious!"

"Exactly! Second Senior Brother is right!"

"If you train her until she's all hard and muscular, I won't like touching her anymore!"

"…"

Charles Cortez and Ethan simultaneously looked at Kiki.

She quickly covered her mouth.

She had accidentally spoken her thoughts aloud.

Charles Cortez ignored them and looked directly at Evelyn.

"Do you dare?"

Evelyn nodded.

"Alright."

Since she was going to acknowledge him as master, she should learn seriously.

But…

She suddenly spoke.

"Senior, there's something I should mention."

"I've already acknowledged a master before."

She already had a master.

So even if she acknowledged another, her first master would always come first.

Hearing this, Charles Cortez smiled.

"I knew you must have a master."

"That's fine. Martial arts are one family."

"Your master will only be happy for you knowing you've acknowledged me."

"After all, no one in the industry has a higher status than me."

"Well, except the Sect Leader."

Ethan also said, "Right. Who is your master?"

"After you acknowledge my master, your master's status in the industry will also rise."

Evelyn: "…Well, I'll tell him when I see him next time."

The key was she didn't even know her master's name!

The group walked into the courtyard as they spoke.

Charles Cortez stood in the center, tucking the hem of his robe into his waist.

He looked at Evelyn.

Evelyn assumed an offensive stance.

This stance was taught by her master.

It happened to be the most basic starting stance of the Cortez Sect.

Outer disciples had all learned it.

So no one found it unusual.

Charles Cortez smiled.

"Young lady, attack me with all your strength."

"Let me see your current level."

Evelyn nodded seriously.

"Alright."

Ethan on the side couldn't help shouting.

"Master, you must go easy on her!"

"I only have one sister!"

"My uncle only has one daughter!"

Kiki also said worriedly, "Dad, aren't you ashamed to fight a girl?"

"If you want to practice, I'll spar with you. Don't pick on her!"

Charles Cortez smiled.

"What do you know?"

"The Sect Leader will also attend today's acknowledgment ceremony."

"There are still ten minutes until the agreed time."

"Exchanging a few moves is better than sitting here waiting for him."

He waved to Evelyn.

"Come on, young lady!"

Evelyn nodded solemnly.

Since Ethan's master wanted to test her, and this was the top martial arts family in the country…

She would use her true skills!

Evelyn gathered all her strength.

She threw a powerful punch directly at Charles Cortez!