Evergreen Martial Arts Hall

"Preliminarily, the case has been ruled self-defense," Deputy Director Zhang said. "However, a life was lost after all, so there may still be some follow-up procedures. Keep your phone on, and cooperate with the investigation."

He paused, his gaze settling on Li He with a hint of admiration.

"Li He, after what happened last night, I can see that both your skills and mental fortitude are exceptional. You're good material. Are you interested in joining the police department? You can continue practicing martial arts there as well—training and real combat won't conflict."

Li He froze for a moment.

"Sorry, Director Zhang. I still want to devote myself to Ancient Martial Arts for now. I don't plan on taking a job yet."

Deputy Director Zhang smiled without pressing the matter. "Fair enough. Young people should stick to their own path. Take down my number. If you need anything, contact me. I think highly of you."

Wang Zhengyang immediately urged, "Li He, what are you standing around for? Get your phone out and save it. Deputy Director Zhang always keeps his word!"

Li He did not stand on ceremony and exchanged numbers with Deputy Director Zhang.

"All right, that's enough for today. You should head back. You've been through a lot all night, and you must be exhausted," Deputy Director Zhang said.

"Thank you, Old Zhang," Wang Zhengyang said gratefully.

"Thank you, Director Zhang," Li He added.

The two walked out through the main entrance side by side.

The cool early-morning air washed over him. Li He narrowed his eyes slightly as he adjusted to the light outside.

The sunshine was just right, and the streets were bustling with traffic.

Wang Zhengyang's car was not a hovercar, but an old-brand SUV that looked extremely expensive. Such vehicles cost a fortune, and these days they were mostly driven by wealthy elderly people with a taste for nostalgia.

After getting in, Li He watched the passing streetscape through the window. "Master Wang, thank you. I caused you trouble this time."

"Trouble? How is that trouble? I should be thanking you." Wang Zhengyang paused. "Let's go back to the courtyard first. Have some tea and settle your nerves."

Li He nodded and followed Master Wang back to the small courtyard.

Masters Zhou, Sun, and Yin had been waiting there since early in the morning. For some reason, Li He felt that everyone looked unusually serious today.

Wang Zhengyang motioned for Li He to sit and rest on a stone stool. Master Sun somehow produced a rough clay teapot from nowhere, poured him a cup of clear tea, and handed it over.

Li He thanked him and accepted it. As the tea slid down his throat, a warm current spread through his body, easing some of his fatigue.

"Li He," Wang Zhengyang began, "Old Zhang said you just graduated from high school, and that your college entrance exam results didn't seem too ideal?"

Li He nodded frankly. "Yes. My aptitude was limited, so I couldn't get into Martial Arts University." He did not conceal it, and his tone remained calm.

The moment those words were spoken, the three masters' expressions turned strange.

8.9 vitality.

If he had not been taken to the police station for a full examination, they would never have known Li He had hidden himself so deeply. And he called that limited aptitude?

"No need to be surprised. Li He has fifth-grade bone structure. Before practicing Ancient Martial Arts, his vitality was limited," Wang Zhengyang explained on Li He's behalf. "The Federation's martial arts system has strict requirements for bone structure. That isn't your fault."

Then he changed the subject. "We've spent so much time together, Li He. Whether it's your will, comprehension, or character, none of it can be defined by bone structure. You were born for Ancient Martial Arts."

The more Li He listened, the more he sensed something was off. Just as he was about to speak, Wang Zhengyang raised a hand to stop him.

"But, child," Wang Zhengyang said, "there is something I must tell you. What us old men can teach you is only the foundation of Ancient Martial Arts. If you want to climb to higher realms of martial arts, if you want to touch the pinnacle of power, if one day you want to stand no weaker than the prodigies of those elite academies—or even surpass them—"

"Then the skills in this little courtyard are not enough. Far from enough. In the end, you still need to go out into the world and join the mainstream tide of martial arts. You need to enter a martial arts hall and receive more systematic, comprehensive, and efficient training resources, along with real combat tempering."

"We old men have discussed this for a long time. We should have told you over dinner yesterday, but this old man hesitated again."

"This old man owes you an apology too."

Li He's heart jolted.

"Master Wang, what do you mean?"

Wang Zhengyang exchanged glances with his three old friends.

"Evergreen Martial Arts Hall! Its founder is an old acquaintance of ours. Though it also teaches Federation martial arts, its core philosophy carries on the same lineage as our Ancient Martial Arts. It too believes that foundations are king, and that great achievements come from steady accumulation."

Master Yin added, "We old fellows can still put in a few words with the hall master. If you're willing, we can write you a letter of recommendation."

Master Sun added as well, "Evergreen Martial Arts Hall's assessment is at the beginning of next month. With your current strength and our recommendation, passing it will be no problem. That is where your future lies."

Wang Zhengyang gave the final word. "Li He, this is also what we old fellows hope for you. What do you think?"

The four elderly men looked at Li He with expectation, encouragement, and a trace of barely perceptible nervousness.

Ancient Martial Arts as the foundation, a martial arts hall to set sail!

Without a doubt, this was the path most suited to his fifth-grade aptitude and the one that could maximize the advantages of his system. His masters had not only pointed out the direction for him, but laid down the first steps of the road!

Facing the four white-haired elders and their earnest gazes, he gave a deep bow. "This disciple, Li He, thanks all of you seniors for your kindness. I am willing to follow your arrangements. I will surely enter Evergreen Martial Arts Hall and live up to your expectations."

"That's more like it!" Wang Zhengyang let out a long breath, his face full of relief. "Li He, the path of martial arts requires both tension and relaxation. Go home and rest today. Tomorrow, I'll personally teach you Silk-Reeling Power!"

Silk-Reeling Power!

A secret technique never passed down to those without a solid foundation!

Clearly, Li He's astonishing comprehension and temperament, especially his decisive ruthlessness during last night's bloody conflict and his calm composure afterward, had completely earned Wang Zhengyang's trust and approval!

Li He suppressed the excitement in his heart. "Thank you, Master Wang! This disciple will certainly arrive on time tomorrow!"

After bidding farewell to the four masters, Li He walked along the streets and alleys.

At that moment, a low engine rumble approached from afar, steady and powerful.

A sleek hovercar glided to his side and slowly stopped. Its windows were dark and one-way.

It was a Black Phantom, worth a fortune.

Li He slowed slightly and looked at the luxury car, which seemed utterly out of place amid its surroundings. Cars like this were rarely seen in this neighborhood.

The window slowly lowered, revealing a delicate profile: fair skin, a high nose bridge, and long, slightly curled hair draped casually over her shoulders, giving her an exquisitely aloof air.

It was Su Yutong.

A genius whose vitality had already broken through 10 by the time of the college entrance exam.

She looked somewhat surprised.

"Li He?"

Today, she had been inspecting nearby communities for one of her family's projects, so she had asked the driver to take a detour. She had not expected to run into him.

"Su Yutong?" Li He was surprised as well, but he quickly regained his calm. "Long time no see."

"Why are you here?"

"I'm learning a few things around here."

Su Yutong surveyed the old-fashioned street. This place did not look like it had any high-end martial arts halls.

She then thought of Li He's failure in the college entrance exam, and a trace of regret appeared in her eyes. In her view, Li He had probably found some low-tier martial arts hall to keep struggling at. After all, with fifth-grade bone structure, what better path could he possibly have?

"Miss, it's about time. The foundation is still waiting for us," a middle-aged man's voice came from the front of the hovercar.

Su Yutong glanced at the time display inside the car, then looked again at Li He standing by the roadside, upright but somewhat thin. "Mm, then I'll be going. You... take care."

"Take care."

The window rose, cutting off their view of each other. The hovercar gave a soft hum, accelerated smoothly, merged into traffic, and soon vanished at the end of the street.