“Oh! Accompany me? So generous? Aren’t you just a spoiled rich kid.” Anna Sullivan raised her eyebrows in apparent disdain: “Want to learn kung fu? That’s easy, just kowtow and formally become my disciple.” She deliberately made things difficult.

“Born to be a spoiled rich kid, nothing I can do about it. I have plenty of arguments to defend myself, but saying them is pointless, so I won’t bother.” James Carter was very straightforward and didn’t get angry: “Fine! Never mind kowtowing to become your disciple, as long as you teach me, I’d even be willing to offer myself to you!”

“Pfft!” Anna Sullivan finally burst out laughing, not expecting James Carter to be so amusing: “You wish.”

James Carter actually knew his own shortcomings very well. This Iron Sand Palm was fierce and powerful, but ultimately it only trained the muscles, bones, and skin. Without authentic internal martial arts to nurture the internal organs, he was just relying on his youth and daily tonics for now, so he didn’t feel anything yet. But in another twenty years, his body would completely break down. Those who only practiced external martial arts always ended up paralyzed in old age. Back in the Republic era, the great martial artist Huo Yuanjia injured his lungs practicing Iron Sand Palm and never fully recovered. Moreover, throughout history, most martial arts masters specialized in internal arts, or at least combined internal and external training.

The three major internal martial arts are Xingyi, Taiji, and Bagua. Their mysteries are profound and unimaginable, the crystallization of countless generations’ wisdom and refinement. No matter how talented you are, it’s impossible to master them on your own without a teacher. When James Carter fought just now, he vaguely noticed that although Anna Sullivan hadn’t reached perfection, she had already entered the inner circle, especially in her moves, which faintly incorporated the essence of all three styles. Clearly, she came from a martial arts family. Not digging into such a treasure would be truly foolish.

As long as he learned the essence, it would be easy to resolve the internal injuries from practicing external arts. Besides, mastering both internal and external skills had always been his dream.

“Grr! Grr!” Just as James Carter was about to speak, his stomach suddenly growled. A lot had happened today. He hadn’t eaten all day, and with James Carter’s appetite, he really wasn’t used to it.

“Anna Sullivan. Anna Sullivan, I think I’ve heard of the The Sullivan Family, all government officials and politicians, and they clearly have ties with our The Carter Family, otherwise she wouldn’t have come to save me. I wonder how Mom arranged this. Feels a bit like she’s dragging me into something.” Although James Carter wasn’t very familiar with his family’s affairs, he knew a little—things were too complicated and messy.

“Master, how about this: I’ll treat you to a meal. First, to formally become your disciple, and second, to thank you for saving my life. How about it?” James Carter seized the opportunity to push his luck.

“Oh! You haven’t even kowtowed yet and you’re already calling me Master.” Anna Sullivan didn’t expect James Carter to turn sly so quickly, overturning her previous assessment of his character: “This guy’s personality is really hard to figure out. Interesting.”

“No problem, I’ll make up for it at the formal disciple banquet.” James Carter was starving, but when he looked at himself, he was covered in blood and couldn’t help but feel awkward. “Where can I change clothes?”

“Your junk was already brought in. The trouble you caused isn’t that big, but it’s not small either. For now, just stay here and lay low. Don’t go back to school. If it weren’t for the fact that our The Sullivan Family and your Carter family are old friends, I would’ve thrown you out already. This place is my private villa. Don’t wander around or snoop. You have to follow all my arrangements.” Anna Sullivan slipped on her sandals, walked into the house to wash her feet, and then led James Carter to another room. Sure enough, all his things were there: computer, iron sand, medicinal herbs, medicinal wine, everything. She rummaged through them again.

“Is this what you’re looking for!” James Carter looked up to see Anna Sullivan standing at the door, holding up the “Secret Iron Sand Palm Manual.”

“It’s not some martial arts secret manual. If you want to read it, take it. I have herbs here, you can practice too. Only by combining internal and external training can you become a true master. You hit me a few times just now, I could take it, but if I hit someone, just one blow would break their bones or even kill them!” James Carter squinted as he searched for something to wear.

Anna Sullivan flipped through it and snorted coldly: “It’s authentic Iron Palm technique, but you should practice it yourself. Look at your hands—neither human nor ghost.” James Carter secretly laughed. If a woman really trained her hands like that, it would be quite unsightly.

Seeing Anna Sullivan toss the book over and slam the door shut, James Carter smiled, quickly took a hot shower, and changed clothes. “There’s nothing much to read in the book. No matter what, I have to learn internal martial arts, or ending up paralyzed in old age would be no joke.” James Carter decided to stick with Anna Sullivan.

“How’s that boy from the The Carter Family?” A dignified and steady voice came from the phone. Anna Sullivan thought for a moment: “Seems like a martial arts fanatic, a bit of a loose cannon, ready to draw his sword at the slightest disagreement, completely disregarding reason. But sometimes his temperament changes quickly. I’ve never seen anyone like him. But he’s pretty straightforward, kind of interesting.”

“Oh! The The Carter Family actually has such a weirdo? But the Sullivan and Carter families do have some ties, so we can’t ignore this. Besides, you’re here to gain experience now, and a lot of people are watching you. Since this kid knows martial arts, he can be of some help. After these two years, you’ll return to Beijing as planned. That’ll make things easier.” The voice paused for a moment. “That boy from the The Foster Family came with you too. You need to be careful. He’s even more cunning than his father. Very devious.”