Apprenticeship and Sparring

Wang Shuo led Wang Yue back into the house, pointed to the chairs by the table, and said in a much gentler tone than before, "Sit down. There are some things I need to make clear to you."

Wang Yue sat down as instructed. He watched Wang Shuo take a yellowed ancient book from the bookshelf, his heart filled with curiosity. Whatever could make Wang Shuo treat it so solemnly must be something important related to martial arts realms.

Wang Shuo opened the ancient book, his fingertip gently gliding across the pages, and slowly began, "Legend has it that when our Great Chang Dynasty was founded, the founding emperor was called the Martial Ancestor by later generations. In the Blood Condensation Realm, he condensed a number of Qi and Blood far beyond the norm, laying an unparalleled foundation for his martial path. Later, relying on this foundation, he broke through step by step, eventually establishing the dynasty with his allies from the Sects."

He looked up at Wang Yue, his eyes carrying a hint of seriousness. "And our Wang Clan also has such an example. The current clan leader, Wang Hezheng, condensed sixteen strands of Qi and Blood when he was in the Blood Condensation Realm, far surpassing his peers in the clan. It was precisely because of this talent that he was able to smoothly secure the position of clan leader."

"Later, he broke through to the Energy Refining Realm, shattering the existing power structure within the clan. With the help of disciples from the overlord Sect of Spirit Seeking Prefecture, the Dragon Transformation Sect, he forcefully elevated the status of our Wang Clan from Black Fort to the county town, gaining control of the current mine and farmland resources."

Wang Shuo closed the ancient book, his gaze falling on Wang Yue, his tone filled with expectation. "I can see that condensing nine strands of Qi and Blood is far from your limit. You have such talent, and I only hope you don't waste it. Strive to condense more Qi and Blood in the Blood Condensation Realm to lay the most solid foundation for your future martial path."

"As for the Harmonious Flow Fist's energy condensation diagram, you can come to me anytime you want to study it. I will open the clan's secret archives to you."

Wang Yue was stunned by this. His heart churned with disbelief. He had always thought that condensing nine strands of Qi and Blood in the Blood Condensation Realm was the mark of perfection, but he never imagined that someone could condense more, even reaching sixteen strands!

Thinking about it carefully, it made sense. Some people were born with strong physiques and had a far greater capacity for Qi and Blood than ordinary people, so it was normal for them to condense more.

Not to mention those monstrous talents who appeared only once in an era; their Qi and Blood count in the Blood Condensation Realm would likely subvert everyone's understanding.

"So, nine strands of Qi and Blood is just the minimum standard to successfully break through to the Energy Refining Realm?" Wang Yue asked subconsciously, a bead of cold sweat forming on his temple.

He had previously thought that after condensing nine strands of Qi and Blood, he would rely on his talents of "Talent" and "Talent" to attempt a breakthrough to the Energy Refining Realm, especially since he already had a perfect energy condensation method. Although he hadn't seen the energy condensation diagram, he felt confident in succeeding.

Now, it seemed fortunate that he had proactively sought out Wang Shuo today. Otherwise, he might have wasted his talent due to his narrow perspective and regretted it in the Blood Condensation Realm.

"It's good that you understand," Wang Shuo nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. "In the martial path, one wrong step leads to a cascade of errors. The more solid the foundation, the farther you can go."

Suddenly, Wang Shuo's tone became a little nervous. He looked at Wang Yue, his fingers slightly curled. "Wang Yue, do you... are you willing to take me as your master?"

Seeing that Wang Yue did not reply immediately, he quickly added, "If you feel it's not appropriate to take me as your master, you can take Hezheng. I'll speak to him personally. With your talent, he will definitely be willing to take you as a disciple."

Wang Yue was taken aback. He hadn't expected Wang Shuo to suddenly propose taking him as a disciple. Wang Shuo was not only a senior with high seniority in the clan but also a top master of the Harmonious Flow Fist, and he treated Wang Yue very well.

Without hesitation, he stood up, bowed deeply to Wang Shuo, and said in a deep voice, "It is my honor to be accepted as a disciple by Master Wang! It's just that my visit today was too sudden, and I didn't bring any gifts for the apprenticeship. Tomorrow, I will personally host a discipleship banquet for you, Teacher, to fulfill the proper etiquette."

"Hahahaha!" Wang Shuo couldn't help but laugh heartily upon hearing this, the nervousness on his face vanishing. He waved his hand, "What discipleship banquet? There's no need for so many formalities! I'm taking you as my disciple because I value your talent and character, not for these empty rituals."

Just as Wang Yue was about to kneel to perform the grand apprenticeship ceremony, Wang Shuo quickly stepped forward, gently supported his arm, and said with a hint of emotion, "I appreciate your sentiment, but there's no need for such formality. A martial artist's life is to pay homage to heaven, earth, and all living things. Bowing to me, an old man with one foot in the grave, is unnecessary."

He patted Wang Yue on the shoulder, his eyes full of anticipation. "Perhaps it won't be long before my strength is no match for yours. By then, I might need you to guide this old man!"

Wang Yue's heart warmed. Looking at Wang Shuo's hearty smile, he said solemnly, "Once a teacher, always a father! No matter what achievements I make in the future, you will always be my teacher."

Wang Shuo smiled and nodded.

He patted the back of Wang Yue's hand, then changed the subject, his tone becoming serious again. "Since you've acknowledged me as your master, there are some things about the Sects that I should make clear to you in advance, lest you miss opportunities in the future."

He walked to the window and looked out at the night outside the Martial Academy, speaking slowly. "Over the past period, in the dozen or so county towns surrounding Spirit Seeking Prefecture, various forces, big and small, have been recruiting disciples on a large scale. Even disciples from humble backgrounds, who were previously denied entry, are now being eagerly taken in. Do you know why?"

Wang Yue shook his head, his mind filled with confusion. Although he had heard news of Sects recruiting disciples, he didn't know it would cause such a stir.

"Because next spring, the Dragon Transformation Sect will open its gates wide to recruit disciples!" Wang Shuo's voice carried a hint of imperceptible reverence. "As long as you are under twenty years old, have a high-grade root bone, or possess special talents, you have a chance to join the Dragon Transformation Sect."

"Dragon Transformation Sect?" Wang Yue repeated the name, his heart suddenly racing. When Wang Hu mentioned Sect recruitment earlier, he had been filled with curiosity about the powerful forces in this world. Now, hearing the specific name of a Sect, he couldn't help but yearn for it.

"Don't underestimate the Dragon Transformation Sect," Wang Shuo turned around, his expression serious. "It is the overlord of the entire Spirit Seeking Prefecture, so powerful that even the imperial court dares not provoke it excessively. Under the rule of the Dragon Transformation Sect, including our county town, apart from a few officials sent by the imperial court like the county magistrate, all local gentry, clan leaders, and industry managers are either secretly arranged by the Dragon Transformation Sect or are forces that have submitted to the Dragon Transformation Sect."

He paused and continued, "The reason our Wang Clan can establish a foothold in the county town and control mines and farmland is, on the surface, due to the clan leader breaking through to the Energy Refining Realm. In reality, it's also because the clan leader received a favor from a disciple of the Dragon Transformation Sect years ago, establishing a connection with them. Otherwise, we would have long been swallowed by other forces."

Wang Yue listened, dumbfounded, his heart churning with shock. He never imagined that a Sect's influence could be so immense, even affecting the appointment and dismissal of local officials. It was simply unheard of!

What concerned him even more was that he suddenly thought of the Blood Dragon Secret Method, the middle part of the "Eighteen Forging Golden Body Technique" he was cultivating. The grade of this secret method was far superior to the Harmonious Flow Fist of the Wang Clan. If it were an ordinary Sect, they would not possess such a heritage.

In response to the requests of many readers, VIP membership now offers an ad-free experience.

Click to view

"Could it be... that this Blood Dragon Secret Method originates from that Dragon Transformation Sect?" A bold guess emerged in Wang Yue's mind. If that were the case, he had to visit the Dragon Transformation Sect, not only for higher martial arts but also to clarify the origin of the Blood Dragon Secret Method.

As if seeing through his thoughts, Wang Shuo added, "The specific recruitment time is set for January 1st of next year. There will be an assessment point set up in the prefecture capital of Spirit Seeking Prefecture. Everyone, regardless of background or identity, will have a chance!"

"Ten months..." Wang Yue clenched his fists, his expression solemn. From now until January of next year, there were indeed only ten months. It seemed like a long time, but for him, who needed to condense more Qi and Blood and break through to the Energy Refining Realm, every day was precious.

"I understand, Master!" Wang Yue solemnly replied, already beginning to plan his cultivation for the next ten months. First, he would quickly condense more Qi and Blood, and then use the Harmonious Flow energy condensation diagram to break through to the Energy Refining Realm. Only then could he gain an advantage in the Dragon Transformation Sect's recruitment assessment.

When he emerged from Wang Shuo's room, the sky had completely darkened. The moon was bright and the stars were clear, and the cold moonlight sprinkled on the bluestone path of the Martial Academy, casting a faint silver glow.

As Wang Yue walked along the small path towards his room, he heard steady footsteps behind him. He instinctively turned around and saw Wang Daoling standing under the shade of a tree not far away, his figure tall and straight, his eyes calmly looking at him.

Encountering Wang Daoling at this time was truly unexpected for Wang Yue. He cupped his hands in greeting, "Greetings, Senior Brother Wang."

Wang Daoling did not engage in pleasantries. He simply said, "Follow me."

Wang Yue was a little confused but still followed him. As the clan leader's nephew and a top disciple of the Martial Academy, Wang Daoling would not act without reason.

As they walked side by side, Wang Daoling broke the silence first. "Today, the disciples of the Martial Academy privately organized a competition, a sparring session among fellow disciples. Since you arrived at the Martial Academy, you've spent many days in your room and haven't interacted much with your peers in terms of martial arts, but I've noticed the changes in your physique."

He glanced at Wang Yue and said with a hint of expectation, "I hope you can participate in a match."

Wang Yue fell silent for a moment, his brow furrowed. His current strength far surpassed that of ordinary Martial Academy disciples. If he were to go all out, he might dampen the enthusiasm of other disciples, so he asked, "Do I have to participate?"

Wang Daoling walked ahead, his steps not faltering, and asked back, "Why not participate?"

With that simple question, Wang Yue said no more.

The two fell silent and, passing through the quiet residential area, soon arrived at the Martial Academy's training grounds.

Unlike the focus of the daytime.

The training grounds were exceptionally lively at this moment: more than a dozen torches were planted around the field, their flames dancing and illuminating the entire area as if it were broad daylight.

A large number of disciples from the Martial Academy were gathered, chatting in small groups, their conversations revolving around the upcoming competition.

Some stewards within the clan responsible for the Martial Academy's affairs were also drawn by the lively atmosphere, standing at the edges and observing.

Wang Yue's gaze quickly swept through the crowd and he actually spotted Wang Hu. He was standing in a corner, looking towards the center of the field with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Not far away, Wang Shanhai was also present, his expression calm, lost in thought.

They didn't realize that on the four-story building next to the Martial Academy, the window was open. Wang Hezheng was sitting by a tea table by the window, sharing tea with a stranger dressed in black.

The man in black appeared to be around thirty years old, with a handsome face and sharp eyes. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table and suddenly smiled at Wang Hezheng, "Your Wang Clan Martial Academy is quite lively every day."

Wang Hezheng picked up his teacup, gently blew on the foam, and smiled slightly, "They're just some restless young men, eager for some sparring."

The man in black raised an eyebrow, his tone shifting, and he lowered his voice slightly, "By the way, have there been any developments regarding the Zhao Kingdom spies I mentioned to you before?"

Wang Hezheng's eyes darkened. Without answering directly, he simply raised his cup in a gesture, "Let's have some tea first. We can discuss this later."

On the training grounds below, as the disciples saw Wang Daoling leading Wang Yue toward them, they all stopped their conversations and shouted in unison, "Greetings, Senior Disciple!"

Wang Daoling nodded slightly and walked to Wang Yue's side, asking in a low voice, "Do you want to step forward and take the first place?"

Wang Yue stood in the torchlight, feeling the curious, dismissive, and expectant gazes of the surrounding disciples. The hesitation he had felt earlier gradually dissipated. He possessed a solid foundation and had mastered the Harmonious Flow Fist to great success, his strength far beyond what it used to be. This confidence was enough for him to face any challenge with composure.

Wasn't the purpose of martial arts cultivation to gain greater strength and reach higher realms? And wasn't showcasing oneself before others, gaining recognition from peers for one's strength, also a part of the pursuit of martial arts?

With this thought, a flame ignited in Wang Yue's heart, his blood beginning to boil.

He no longer hesitated. Taking two quick steps, he walked directly to the center of the training grounds. Turning around, he faced all the disciples' gazes and spoke in a clear, loud voice, filled with the unique boldness of youth, "I am Wang Yue. New to the Martial Academy, I wish to spar with all my senior disciples. Who among you will fight me first?"

As his voice fell, the training grounds fell silent. All eyes focused on the young man in the center of the field. This tall, slender new disciple with an extraordinary aura had actually taken the initiative to challenge them, which was truly beyond everyone's expectations!

In response to the requests of many readers, the VIP member ad-free feature is now available.

Click to view