Chapter 311: Dean Smith
Sophia looked at John with hopeful eyes, silently pleading for a small favor. If he refused, she planned to turn to Anita—someone who would never deny her such a request, given their long-standing friendship.
John studied her expression and sighed. "It's rare to see you this self-aware," he said at last. "Alright, I'll speak to my seventh sister about your situation. It shouldn't be too hard to get you in."
Then his tone turned serious.
"But you need to be mentally prepared. Everyone in there is a genius."
His words were harsh—but true.
Sophia, although still in her twenties, was already considered late to begin martial arts training. The others she would be surrounded by were prodigies—young, disciplined, and far ahead of her in cultivation.
Just imagining Sophia trying to keep pace with such a group was daunting. She would have to put in a hundred times the effort just to reach the same milestones. That wasn't the worst part. The psychological burden—watching others surge ahead while she stumbled through the basics—was not something the average person could bear.
But Sophia didn't flinch.
Clenching her fists tightly, she said with resolve, "I'm not afraid. I'll do whatever it takes to catch up. I won't be easily discouraged."
She had already endured things far crueler than that. In comparison, the challenge of cultivation seemed almost merciful.
John gave her a soft smile. "I'm just reminding you not to pressure yourself too much. If the Martial Arts School doesn't accept you, I'll still be here."