Though it must be said, Sherfilia had always maintained this cold and calm demeanor.

Since Lin Mo first met her, he had never seen any other expression on her face.

It was just that when combined with what she had just said, it came across as particularly biting.

How to put it...

According to the trendy terms from Lin Mo's previous life, this should be called "three-noes" plus sharp tongue?

But at the same time, she possessed formidable strength and performed her daily duties as a maid exceptionally well, with dedication and responsibility.

Thinking about it this way made it somewhat intriguing?

Unfortunately, she was ultimately someone else's maid.

Shaking his head to dismiss these distracting thoughts, Lin Mo picked up the practice wooden sword from the rack nearby.

Fortunately, this small courtyard was quite spacious and open, making it perfect for training.

"Let's begin..."

A short while later, Lin Mo was rubbing the bruises on his body while inhaling sharply through gritted teeth, casting two Healing Arts on himself in quick succession.

Last time when he was just practicing skills, Lin Mo had taken quite a beating, let alone during actual combat.

Although he had some advantage in strength, he could barely touch Sherfilia - the gap in speed and combat experience was simply too vast. He was completely being toyed with one-sidedly.

But these beatings weren't for nothing. Lin Mo had been maintaining both [Fortitude] and [Lightness] throughout the session, and both skills had gained considerable proficiency.

[Fortitude] proficiency +8

[Lightness] proficiency +3

As for [Rock Shield], Lin Mo had experimented with it. If he activated both [Rock Shield] and [Fortitude] simultaneously, both skills would indeed improve together, but the gained proficiency would be distributed between them.

To put it simply, both were defensive skills that increased proficiency through taking damage. With their effects stacked, the growth each skill received naturally decreased.

In comparison, [Rock Shield] had other ways to gain proficiency, and faster ones at that, so Lin Mo focused solely on maintaining [Fortitude].

The goal for this break was to raise [Fortitude] to at least level 5 within two or three days - the higher, the better.

It had to be said, once skills reached the Excellent grade, their improvement speed slowed down considerably. They required more proficiency and became harder to level up.

Lin Mo's Excellent-grade skill closest to max level was currently [Vanish], which was also the first Excellent-grade skill he obtained. Its current progress was Lv6 (112/300), needing less than 200 proficiency points to reach max level.

When that happened, he would obtain his first Epic Level skill!

[Healing Art] proficiency +1

As the Healing Art proficiency registered, Lin Mo's injuries mostly healed, so he gathered his spirits again and looked at Sherfilia: "Continue!"

Sherfilia naturally showed no mercy, launching another series of fierce attacks that left Lin Mo completely defenseless...

This time, however, Lin Mo could clearly sense that she seemed to deliberately slow the pace somewhat, allowing him occasional opportunities to successfully dodge or even attempt counterattacks.

Merely taking hits wouldn't yield much improvement - genuine back-and-forth exchanges fostered better growth. Sherfilia was apparently adjusting to a rhythm suitable for his current level.

Lin Mo trained from morning until evening without even stopping for meals.

Such prolonged practice naturally yielded significant results.

Lin Mo glanced at his proficiency panel.

[Fortitude] Lv4 (54/100)

The progress was slightly faster than expected. At this rate, the skill would reach level 5 tomorrow.

As for [Lightness], during the recent battles, this skill had already advanced to level 3.

"Skill [Lightness] Lv2 (20/20) leveled up!"

"Current skill [Lightness] Lv3 (3/40)"

"Gained attribute point Agility +1!"

Healing Art still needed a few more proficiency points to level up.

Lin Mo now had four professions: Warrior, Knight, Assassin, and Mage. He didn't really plan to extensively develop the Ranger and Priest professions further.

Too many professions would slow down his improvement pace.

However, he still needed to learn the useful skills from these two professions.

And he had to obtain their special class skills too, though he wouldn't invest as much continuous effort into them as with his other professions.

"Thank you for your hard work."

After finishing practice, Lin Mo looked at Sherfilia, who remained expressionless but clearly showed some fatigue, and sincerely expressed his gratitude.

After all, Sherfilia was Finnie's maid, while he was merely Finnie's teammate - essentially just a friend. By any reasoning, Sherfilia had absolutely no obligation to spend so much time practicing with him.

Lin Mo wanted to repay her in some way, but she seemed completely desireless - she wouldn't accept money or gifts, leaving sincere thanks as his only option.

Sherfilia waved her hand dismissively and turned to leave.

"If you're coming tomorrow, come find me directly here."

With these words, her figure disappeared around the corner.

Leaving the City Lord's Mansion, he went to pick up Lena after work, then treated themselves to a lavish meal to replenish nutrients.

Lin Mo specifically went to an upscale restaurant in the city that served dishes made from magical creature meat, with professional chefs at the helm.

This would help replenish his energy while letting Lena taste properly prepared dishes by real chefs, benefiting her subsequent learning.

The only drawback was the cost.

The meal cost a full 1 Gold Coin, and this was just meat from Elite-level magical creatures, not even in large portions.

But the flavor was truly exceptional... unlike the simplicity of ordinary restaurants, it carried a certain "premium feel."

This wasn't to say it was necessarily much tastier than regular home-style eateries, but it definitely had distinctive characteristics. Combined with the quality ingredients, the overall dining experience was quite satisfying.

Returning to the inn after eating his fill, Lin Mo's day of practice wasn't over yet.

Next, there was still another skill to practice...

Early next morning.

Upon waking, Lin Mo checked his proficiency panel.

[Joint Cultivation] Lv3 (29/40)

It wasn't far from reaching level 4.

Once Joint Cultivation reached level 4, its effects would likely become more noticeable compared to level 3.

But beyond the effect improvements, Lin Mo was actually more curious about whether this skill could evolve like other skills. If so, what would it evolve into, and what additional effects would it have?

After meditating for a while after getting up, he gained another point of [Primary Meditation Technique] proficiency.

This skill was also close to reaching level 2.

Today would be the same routine - head to the City Lord's Mansion and ask Sherfilia for sparring practice...

Life in the city was much more relaxed and comfortable than in the wilderness, making time seem to pass faster. Unconsciously, another two days went by.

On the morning of the third day, Lin Mo went out as usual but chose not to visit the City Lord's Mansion. Instead, he went to the Adventurer Commercial Street and arrived at Shachel's Alchemy Workshop.

With the familiar chime of the wind bell, Shachel glanced up before comfortably leaning back again.

"Next time, remember to bring little Finnie along..."

Lin Mo spread his hands helplessly: "We're just teammates, please don't make things difficult for me. Finnie has her own matters to attend to - how could she waste time just accompanying me to pick something up?"

"Is that so? That's hard to say..."

Shachel smiled but didn't press further, pointing to the exquisite small box on the counter: "Your item."

Lin Mo opened the box to find a perfectly round, jade-like sphere inside, about the size of a magic stone with exquisite craftsmanship.

As expected from a near-transcendent alchemist - truly reliable.

But why would someone of this caliber stay in Silverstream City?

Logically, such a highly skilled expert should be in the royal capital or at least one of the kingdom's major cities. Staying in a remote backwater like Silverstream City somewhat wasted her talents.

Lin Mo eagerly embedded this sphere, crafted from the icy rotted corpse's core bone, into the reserved socket on his mithril gloves, then opened his panel.

Now, below his fire, lightning, and earth elemental affinities on his attribute panel, there was an additional ice elemental affinity.

Ice Elemental Affinity: 16%

As expected, this "artificial" magic stone made from the core bone had significantly better effects than what he previously obtained in the secret realm.

If crafted from that flame rotted corpse's core bone, the affinity would probably be around 13.5%, only 0.5% better than his previous magic stone, making it not worth replacing.

Today, Lin Mo decided not to seek Sherfilia for more sparring practice.

The high-intensity training of recent days had been quite effective and was nearly sufficient. Besides, Sherfilia deserved some rest too.

But even without training, Lin Mo didn't plan to idle. He headed straight for the church.

Along the way, he reviewed his gains from the past couple days.

First was the [Fortitude] skill, which had unsurprisingly reached level 5 with plenty of extra proficiency.

[Fortitude] Lv5 (53/180): Strengthens personal defense, reducing physical damage taken by 26% for the next three instances

Level 5 Fortitude now provided 26% damage reduction - quite substantial.

Next was [Lightness]. During continuous combat, this skill's proficiency increased rapidly, successfully leveling up again.

[Lightness] Lv4 (2/100): Consumes a trace amount of Qi and Blood, granting you lighter footsteps, movement speed +6.5%!

If only they could become passive skills...

Finally, there was Healing Art.

After taking so many beatings over these days and using Healing Art frequently, it had reached level 3.

"Skill [Healing Art] Lv2 (20/20) leveled up!"

"Current skill [Healing Art] Lv3 (28/40)"

Not only had it reached level 3, but it was already close to level 4 - clear evidence of how much punishment Lin Mo had endured recently.

From this perspective, perhaps Sherfilia didn't feel shortchanged either - at least she got to enjoy beating him up...

Arriving at the church, unsurprisingly, Finnie was still together with the other church priests, healing the townsfolk and adventurers who came.

Of course, the church wasn't running a charity - these treatments came with fees. However, with many priests available here, prices were actually cheaper than in Roland Town, costing only 5 Silver Coins. While still expensive for commoners, Silverstream City's situation differed from Roland Town. Common workers here typically earned 10-15 Copper Coins daily, with some reaching 20 or even 25. Moreover, the church offered approximately half-price discounts for commoners. For occasional serious ailments, they could grit their teeth and afford a visit.

Lin Mo came today to join the activity.

Mainly because he had nothing else to do elsewhere. Being here allowed him to grind Healing Art proficiency, which beat aimlessly wandering around.

"Mr. Lin Mo? Is something the matter?"

Seeing Lin Mo, Finnie's face brightened before showing confusion.

"I wanted to ask - if someone isn't a church sister or clergyman, can they help with healing here?"

"Of course!"

Finnie nodded: "The church welcomes any priests willing to help others."

"Then I'll give it a try."

As he spoke, Lin Mo walked to an empty station nearby and suddenly produced a sign.

Written on it were the words: "Free treatment comes with ten white bread loaves or five eggs."

Immediately, several vendors carrying large bundles entered, carefully placing their packages beside him.

"Customer, your goods have arrived, please check them..."

"Hmm."

Lin Mo opened them for a look, nodded, and promptly paid.

This series of actions attracted considerable attention, especially when people saw the sign he hung up.

"Healing that comes with bread or eggs... What is this?"

"Seems kind of interesting!"

"Could there be some problem?"

"Just bread and eggs - I know that vendor, I usually buy from his shop. What problem could there be?"

"I meant that person's skill level..."

"Well, that's hard to say indeed."

As everyone discussed, nobody actually came forward for treatment initially.

"Ah—! Priest, I need a priest!"

Just then, a voice suddenly called from outside the church. Everyone turned to see someone whose clothes were soaked with red liquid, most of his face covered in blood, being supported by two companions.

Finnie froze momentarily - wasn't that Mr. Solan...? Was he injured?

No, something didn't seem right...

And those two supporting him - were they Mr. Rick and Mr. Carson?

She stared blankly as the three made their way to Lin Mo's station: "Lin... *cough*—Mr. Priest, please save my teammate!"

"No problem."

Lin Mo nodded and immediately cast a Healing Art, throwing in a "Cleansing Flow" for good measure.

Instantly, Solan—who had been wailing dramatically—stopped pretending, and the pig blood recently splashed on him was washed clean by the "Cleansing Flow."

"Thank you, Mr. Priest, thank you!"

This was followed by another "tearful" performance, after which the three clowns left with the five eggs Lin Mo provided.

You could do it like this?

Finnie was completely stunned.

Meanwhile, the surrounding onlookers were astonished, with many uninformed people marveling: "This young priest seems quite skilled! Not only did he heal the injuries, he even cleaned off the blood instantly!"

"And his treatments come with bread or eggs..."

"Grandson, be good, come with grandpa to get treatment over there..."

Gradually, several elderly people brought their children and grandchildren over.

Lin Mo applied Healing Art to each one. If one cast didn't fully heal them, he provided another free treatment, added a "Cleansing Flow," and finally gave them some bread or eggs.

After several groups of patients were treated, the crowd surging toward him grew larger and larger.

Lin Mo grinned from ear to ear.

Before coming, he had carefully considered that as a newcomer whom nobody knew, and being quite young, people might not necessarily seek treatment from him if he just showed up.

So he employed a small trick, using some marketing tactics.

Now he was thoroughly enjoying grinding that proficiency.