Evergreen Martial Arts Hall

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

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

"Xiao Li, after what happened last night, I can see that both your skills and mental fortitude are exceptional. You're promising material. Are you interested in joining the police department? You can still continue practicing martial arts there, balancing training and real combat."

Li He froze for a moment.

"Sorry, Director Zhang. I still want to devote myself to Ancient Martial Arts for now. I have no plans to work 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 ever need anything, contact me. I think highly of you."

Wang Zhengyang immediately urged, "Xiao He, what are you standing around for? Take out your phone 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, we'll leave it at that for today. You should head back first. You've been through a whole night of trouble; you're all tired," Deputy Director Zhang said.

"Thanks, Old Zhang," Wang Zhengyang said gratefully.

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

The two walked out through the gates side by side.

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

The sun was shining brightly, and the streets bustled with traffic.

Wang Zhengyang's vehicle was not a hovercar, but an expensive-looking old-model SUV. It had cost a fortune, and these days, most people who drove such cars were nostalgic older folks with some spare money.

After getting in, Li He watched the streetscape flash past outside the window. "Master Wang, thank you. I've caused you trouble this time."

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

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

Masters Zhou, Sun, and Yin had been waiting there early. For some reason, Li He felt that everyone's expressions were unusually grave today.

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

Li He thanked him and accepted it. As the tea went down his throat, warmth spread through him and eased some of his fatigue.

"Xiao He," Wang Zhengyang began, "Old Zhang said you just graduated from high school, and it seems your college entrance exam didn't go too well?"

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

The moment he said that, the three masters wore strange expressions.

8.9 vitality.

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

"Don't find it strange. Xiao He has fifth-grade bone structure. Before cultivating Ancient Martial Arts, his vitality level was limited," Wang Zhengyang explained on Li He's behalf. "The Federation's martial arts system has stringent requirements for bone structure. You can't blame yourself for that."

Then he changed tack. "We've known each other for so long, Xiao He. Whether in resolve, comprehension, or character, you are far beyond what bone structure can define. You were born to practice Ancient Martial Arts."

The more Li He listened, the more he felt 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 wish to climb to higher martial realms, touch the pinnacle of power, and one day stand no weaker than the geniuses of those top academies—or even surpass them—"

"Then the skills in this little courtyard won't be enough. Far from enough. You must eventually go out into the world and join the mainstream tide of martial arts. You have to enter a martial arts hall and receive more systematic, comprehensive, efficient training and 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 also owes you an apology."

Li He's heart trembled.

"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 is rooted in the same tradition as our Ancient Martial Arts. It also believes that foundations come first, and that great achievements come from steady accumulation."

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

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

Wang Zhengyang concluded, "Xiao He, this is also what we old fellows hope for you. What do you think?"

The four elders 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 best suited to his fifth-grade aptitude and the one that could maximize the advantages of his system. His masters had not only pointed him in the right direction, but laid the first step of the path before him.

Facing the four gray-haired elders and their eager gazes, he gave a deep bow. "This disciple, Li He, thanks you seniors for your generous regard. I am willing to follow your arrangements. I will surely enter Evergreen Martial Arts Hall and not disappoint your expectations."

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

Silk-Reeling Power!

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

Clearly, Li He's astonishing comprehension and character, 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 hum came from afar, steady and powerful.

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

It was a Black Phantom, worth a fortune.

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

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

It was Su Yutong.

A genius whose vitality had already surpassed 10 during the college entrance exams.

She looked somewhat surprised.

"Li He?"

Today, she had been inspecting the nearby community for a family project and had asked her driver to take a detour. She had not expected to run into him.

"Su Yutong?" Li He was also slightly surprised, but quickly regained his composure. "Long time no see."

"Why are you here?"

"I'm learning something around here."

Su Yutong looked over the quaint old street. It did not seem like the sort of place that would have any advanced martial arts halls.

She then remembered 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 second-rate 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 in the car, then looked at Li He standing by the roadside, upright yet somewhat slender. "Mm. Then I'll be going. You... take care."

"Take care."

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