Practice More

Zhao Han's posturing immediately displeased quite a few people.

Yang Wuji, Wu Hai, Yang Zilan, Yu Qiuyue, and the others all formed a poor first impression of Zhao Han.

Only the fourth disciple, Liu Dali, was simple and honest enough not to notice.

This kid was arrogant and showed little respect for others.

He stood straight, not even bending his back—was this how one was supposed to apprentice?

Anyone who had come to apprentice before had been overwhelmed by the favor, their faces beaming with joy, full of respect.

Some even kowtowed immediately, wishing they could knock their heads a thousand times.

This was a tremendous opportunity, unlike Zhao Han, who acted as if he didn't care at all.

"Zhao Yan, tell me where you are from, why you came to Blackwater County, and for what reason you wish to join my Mad Saber Martial Arts School to practice martial arts." Yang Wuji, having little interest in Zhao Han, asked casually.

He had already decided to find some excuse to send Zhao Han away in a moment.

Someone who didn't even know how to respect their master and the path was not fit to be a disciple of Yang Wuji.

Zhao Han blinked. This was like an interrogation of his background, so he replied immediately:

"This disciple is a farmer from Ji County on the border of Liang Province. Because rebel armies were running rampant and looting grain, I had no choice but to flee Ji County, eventually ending up in Blackwater County."

"I saw much during my flight and realized that one cannot survive without martial arts. That is why I want to train, to strengthen my body and cultivate martial power, so that I may protect myself in these chaotic times!"

"As for the saber, it is the king of all weapons—simple and efficient, better suited for a rough person like me. That is why I joined the Mad Saber Martial Arts School."

Seeing that Zhao Han remained neither humble nor arrogant, speaking with logic and reason, Yang Wuji's impression of him changed significantly.

At the very least, from this explanation, it was clear that Zhao Han had some education. He was a man of culture, not a simpleton like Liu Dali, nor a pure brute.

However, he still had no intention of taking Zhao Han as a disciple.

Having the drive to seek martial arts was good, and having Innate Divine Strength and the courage to fight were major bonus points;

But more importantly, one needed a sharp mind, and respecting one's master and the path was the most critical factor. Otherwise... it was out of the question!

"How are you progressing with the Mad Saber Nine Forms?" Yang Wuji asked.

"I have yet to enter the threshold; I can only swing the saber techniques."

Entering the threshold meant completing the first level and preparing to practice the second.

"That won't do... I understand your situation. You may head out for now. Practice more, and next month I will test you. If you meet the standard, I will take you as my disciple."

"Understood, this disciple takes his leave!"

Zhao Han turned and left, his expression calm, without a trace of disappointment. This left everyone present feeling somewhat dissatisfied.

It was as if becoming Yang Wuji's disciple wasn't a matter of any importance.

Yang Wuji waved his hand. "Everyone, disperse."

"Yes, Master!"

Leaving the main hall, Zhao Han couldn't have cared less.

His own strength was far greater than Yang Wuji's. To expect him to be respectful to Yang Wuji and his senior brothers and sisters, or even kneel to apprentice himself, was something he simply couldn't do.

The small Mad Saber Martial Arts School was merely a convenient place Zhao Han had found to live and hide; he hadn't come here to truly apprentice.

If it were kowtowing to the System, Zhao Han would have bowed immediately without hesitation—after all, it was his benefactor.

A mere Muscle Refining Realm practitioner who hadn't even taught him a single move—who did he think he was?

Walking along the road, Yu Qiuyue glanced at Liang Feng and said viciously, "Senior Brother Liang, this Zhao fellow is too ungrateful. I'm going to go teach him a lesson."

"Junior Brother Zhao has the talent of Innate Divine Strength, so it's normal for him to be arrogant. I don't think it's necessary," Liang Feng shook his head.

Regardless, Zhao Han was comparable to the Skin Refining Realm. If he introduced him to others, he could take a cut of the profits, so there was no need to offend him.

The martial arts school's business wasn't just about collecting silver from apprentices to teach them martial arts; it was more about referral services and maintaining good relationships with various factions.

For instance, he, Liang Feng, had long been a consultant for several shops, protecting them from harassment by gangs.

Yu Qiuyue gritted her teeth and said angrily, "Hmph, I just can't stand his attitude."

Previously, she had been beaten into a pig's head by Zhao Han. She had been mocked by her two older sisters for several days after returning, and the servants had been gossiping about her behind her back.

This had made her lose a lot of face, and she had bottled up a lot of anger. Zhao Han's behavior today had landed right in her crosshairs.

"Junior Sister Yu, one must be calm when practicing martial arts. Don't let petty people or trivial matters harm your health."

"Look at Junior Brother Dong. He was fond of killing and fighting; perhaps he provoked someone, and that's why..." Liang Feng smiled mysteriously, implying something, before drawing his saber to practice.

"Uh... Senior Brother Liang, you..." Yu Qiuyue's pupils constricted. She hadn't expected Liang Feng to suddenly bring up the matter of Dong Qiang.

Liang Feng seemed to know something. He laughed, "Junior Sister Yu, heaven watches what men do. I also feel deep regret over Junior Brother Dong's death, and I assume you do as well."

Yu Qiuyue's voice was low. "Senior Brother Liang, if you have something to say, just say it plainly. Don't beat around the bush."

"Heh heh, Junior Brother Dong and I were on good terms. That day, when Junior Brother Dong went out, he happened to greet me."

"And that night, he never returned!"

"Then, his corpse was discovered!"

"Besides having a good relationship with me and Senior Brother, Junior Brother Dong was also madly pursuing you, Junior Sister Yu. I'm certain he must have gone out with you that day!"

Listening to Liang Feng's constant analysis, Yu Qiuyue's expression gradually turned ugly.

"Junior Brother Dong, you were the one who killed him, weren't you!" Liang Feng's final sentence struck directly at Yu Qiuyue.

"No, it wasn't me!"

Liang Feng sneered, "Heh, if you don't want anyone to know, you shouldn't have done it in the first place. Your expression, Junior Sister Yu, has already betrayed everything."

Yu Qiuyue's face turned deathly pale.

"Junior Sister Yu, you know my temperament. If you want to keep this a secret, this amount... you know what I mean!"

Liang Feng rubbed his fingers together, his intent obvious: he wanted hush money.

"Twenty Taels of Silver, not a single coin less."

Yu Qiuyue's expression was dejected. "I understand. I will give it to you tomorrow!"

"Junior Sister Yu is sensible after all!" Liang Feng chuckled and turned to leave, looking as if he had her completely under his thumb.

Yu Qiuyue walked out of the central courtyard with a desolate look, intending to go to the front yard to bully Zhao Han to vent her frustration. However, she saw Yang Zilan holding a Bow and Arrow, talking to Zhao Han about something.

"Junior Brother Zhao, I see that you are also a fan of the Bow and Arrow. If you want to practice archery in the future, I can take you along."

"I've joined a professional archery team; it's made up of young Martial Artists from Blackwater County who love the Bow and Arrow."

"Besides, you have Innate Divine Strength and power comparable to the Skin Refining Realm. If you are short on money, you can tell me. I can recommend suitable jobs for you. If you come practice archery with me, you'll also be able to meet some helpful people."

"Many thanks for your care, Senior Sister Yang. I am truly grateful!" Zhao Han cupped his fists in thanks.

"It's nothing. But you should focus on your martial arts this month. When my father tests you next month, if you can reach the entry level of the Mad Saber Nine Forms, he might just take you on as a formal disciple."

"By then, when I take you out, I can say you are my junior brother, so I won't have to tell others that you're still just an apprentice who hasn't even reached the Skin Refining Realm."

"Also, you need to rein in your temper."