Meeting Uncle Fu, Opportunity for Advancement

The morning after breaking through to Skin Tempering Grand Completion, Li Bufan felt as though the entire world had sharpened around him. The flow of air, distant sounds, even the surging of his own blood and qi—his perception had grown several times keener. As always, he appeared at the training grounds without fail, braving the biting wind to begin his daily ritual—practicing the Mighty Ox Fist.

This time, as he unfolded his fist stance, the sensation was utterly different from before!

His blood and qi flowed more smoothly and powerfully. With a mere flick of intent, they could swiftly converge at his fist, producing a heavier, more forceful sound of air splitting than ever before. Each punch felt more condensed in power, more effortless to release and withdraw. The skin and membrane across his body tightened, radiating a subdued, deep bronze sheen, as if he were clad in an invisible layer of bronze armor, greatly boosting his defense. His footsteps struck the ground with greater steadiness and force, and he could even faintly sense the slight rebound from the earth beneath.

On the [Heaven Rewards Diligence] panel, the proficiency of Mighty Ox Fist steadily ticked upward with each flawless execution of his forms. This clear perception of his own rapid progress immersed him completely, leaving no room for distraction.

Just as he was performing the Mighty Ox Fist with the most exhilarating fluency, the corner of his eye caught a thin, small figure at the edge of the training grounds, dressed in a servant's uniform, timidly peering inside as if afraid to step into this domain brimming with masculine vigor. The figure seemed familiar.

Li Bufan's heart stirred. He slowly withdrew his stance, letting the surging blood and qi within him gradually settle. He recognized the person—it was the young servant who had been on duty outside the courtyard when he last sought out Uncle Fu, the one who had told him Uncle Fu was away on business.

Seeing Li Bufan stop, the young servant dared to trot over, his face a mix of respect and slight nervousness. He lowered his voice and said, "Li... Li Guard, Uncle Fu has returned. He's in the courtyard now and sent me to invite you over."

Uncle Fu was back? And he wanted to see him?

Li Bufan dared not delay a moment. Uncle Fu had saved his life and guided his path, and as the chief steward of Lin Manor's inner quarters, he commanded great respect. He immediately nodded to the young servant. "Thank you for leading the way, brother."

He grabbed the outer robe he had set aside, threw it on, and followed the young servant briskly out of the training grounds, heading toward the courtyard in the inner quarters where Lin Fu handled affairs.

Along the way, Li Bufan's mind churned with thoughts. Uncle Fu's summons left him somewhat puzzled.

Lost in thought, he soon arrived outside the secluded yet imposing courtyard. After the young servant announced him, he gestured for Li Bufan to enter alone.

Li Bufan straightened his clothes, slightly rumpled from practice, took a deep breath, and stepped into the courtyard. There, by a stone table, sat an old man in a brocade cotton robe, his face gaunt but his eyes warm yet shrewd. He held a steaming cup of tea, sitting at ease—it was the chief steward, Lin Fu.

Hearing footsteps, Lin Fu looked up, his gaze landing on Li Bufan. He didn't speak immediately but studied him closely from head to toe with those eyes that seemed to pierce through a person's heart. His attention lingered especially on Li Bufan's steady stride, his lean and capable build, and his calm, resolute eyes.

The courtyard fell silent, broken only by the faint rustle of cold wind through withered branches and Li Bufan's steady breathing.

Suddenly, Lin Fu set down his teacup and burst into hearty, pleased laughter. "Ha! Good! Excellent! Not bad at all! Truly not bad!"

He praised repeatedly, his eyes fixed on Li Bufan with undisguised admiration. "I've been away barely half a month, and I return to hear the manor has gained a remarkable newcomer! Less than two months in, and you've risen from a mere herb-carrying servant to the finest among the new guards!

You distinguished yourself in the Winter Hunt, earned the Young Miss's favor, and what's more, your cultivation has advanced so swiftly! I knew my eyes weren't failing me—I saw you were sharp and full of potential that day. But I never expected you to stand out so much! You've far exceeded my expectations! Ha!"

Li Bufan felt a bit embarrassed by the praise, but even more, he felt deep respect for the old man. He stepped forward, bowed with clasped hands, and spoke with utmost sincerity and gravity. "Uncle Fu, you flatter me! This humble Li Bufan's meager progress is by no means solely my own doing.

If not for your kindness that day, Uncle Fu, granting me the grace of survival and the chance to enter Lin Manor and find a place to live, I would likely have frozen to death with my younger brother in the winter, reduced to bones in some mass grave outside the city. This kindness and debt, I have always kept in my heart and never dared to forget!"

His words carried no trace of false modesty or formality—they were a heartfelt outpouring of gratitude.

Hearing this, Lin Fu's smile grew even warmer. He stroked his beard, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. Not arrogant, not impatient, and grateful for favors—such character was rarer than talent.

"Heh, Bufan, there's no need to be so modest." Lin Fu's tone softened considerably. "Giving you that opportunity that day was indeed because I saw you were clever and sharp, with clear eyes that didn't mark you as a deceitful sort. But an opportunity given is one thing—whether you can seize it, and to what extent, depends entirely on you. That you've reached where you are today is because you're willing to endure hardship, have insight, and possess a drive to fight. I merely lent a hand. That you remember it shows I didn't misjudge you."

He shifted the topic, his expression growing slightly more serious as he offered guidance. "Still, Bufan, you must understand that Skin Tempering Grand Completion, while outstanding among the new guards, is only just stepping through the door when viewed across all of Lin Manor, or even Huaiyuan County. It grants you little more than a modicum of self-preservation."

Li Bufan's expression turned solemn. He replied respectfully, "I understand. I dare not harbor the slightest complacency."

"Mm, good that you understand." Lin Fu nodded, pleased with Li Bufan's clarity. He continued, "I called you here today for two reasons: first, to see how you're doing, and second, to remind you of something."

He picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and spoke slowly. "It's now mid-December. In a little over a month, the New Year will arrive. According to past custom, a few days before the New Year, the true master of Lin Manor, Master Lin, will set aside his business in the Prefectural City and return home for the holidays. And after the master returns comes the annual Guard Promotion Assessment."

"Guard Promotion Assessment?" Li Bufan's heart stirred, and his eyes lit up. The difference between a guard and a protector was just one word, but in status, treatment, and access to resources within Lin Manor, it was a world apart!

Guards mainly handled perimeter patrols and heavy labor, while protectors were closer to the core, responsible for inner quarters security, escorting key figures, and even having the chance to learn higher martial arts!

Lin Fu looked at him meaningfully. "That's right. This is the manor's biggest annual event and the best chance for all guards to leap through the dragon's gate. When the time comes, there will be strict martial skill assessments, strength evaluations, and possibly some practical tests. Those who perform exceptionally will be promoted to protector, with doubled treatment and access to better cultivation resources and support."

Li Bufan thought this might be what Coach Qin had hesitated to mention that day.

"Now that you've reached Skin Tempering Grand Completion, you're a standout among the new guards. But to shine in the promotion assessment against the older guards and even the protector reserves won't be easy. This month is crucial—make good use of it and don't slack off. If you can secure a promotion to protector, it will greatly benefit your future development. That's a small hope I hold for you."

These words were an immensely important pointer and opportunity! Uncle Fu was clearly showing him the path forward, giving him a clear timeline and goal!

A surge of warmth and fierce determination welled up in Li Bufan's heart. He bowed deeply once more, his tone utterly serious and resolute. "Thank you, Uncle Fu, for your guidance! Every word you've spoken today, I will engrave in my heart! I will train diligently and never betray your expectations or the kindness you've shown me!"

"Good. Go on. Train well." Lin Fu smiled and waved his hand, lifting his teacup to signal the conversation was over.

Li Bufan bowed respectfully before slowly backing out of the courtyard.

As he stepped through the gate, the cold air hit him, but it couldn't cool the boiling blood and sense of purpose in his heart.

The master's return! The promotion assessment! Protector!

Each keyword echoed in his mind. This was undoubtedly a massive opportunity—a springboard to access higher-level resources faster and boost his strength more quickly!

But he also knew, as Uncle Fu had said, the competition would be fierce. His Skin Tempering Grand Completion strength might be top among the new guards, but the manor had veteran guards who had reached Skin Tempering Perfection or even touched the threshold of Muscle Tempering! In the month ahead, he had to race against time.

He didn't return to the training grounds immediately. Instead, he went back to his dorm to calmly plan.

"Mighty Ox Fist must continue to be honed, pushing toward Grand Completion's peak—that's the foundation."

"Spirit Ape Three Leaps footwork needs to break through to the proficient level, or higher—mobility is crucial in combat."

"Herbal Compendium can't be neglected. Recognizing herbs and understanding their properties will be useful in the future, and might even yield short-term methods to aid cultivation."

"Medicinal Cuisine must be consumed at every meal to fully absorb it. The next Medicinal Bath needs to be used wisely..."

"Perhaps... entering the mountains again!

Right. With the Winter Hunt experience, this trip might yield greater gains. If I can find another Spirit Item that boosts blood and qi growth, my strength could take another leap."