"Fang Yu, it has been two months since you entered the martial hall."
On the training ground.
Senior Brother Ding Shan placed a hand over Aaron's lower abdomen. "Try sensing your qi and blood..."
Aaron closed his eyes, doing his best to sense the qi and blood he simply could not sense.
After several breaths, Ding Shan withdrew his hand in disappointment, his face turning expressionless. "Fang Yu... you have failed to grasp your qi and blood. If you wish to continue studying at the martial hall, you'll have to pay. What will you choose?"
"This disciple possesses nothing of value. I can only return to fishing for now, then come back to study once I've saved enough money." Aaron answered neither humbly nor arrogantly.
"You... sigh..."
Ding Shan said nothing more. He simply waved a hand, dismissing Aaron.
Aaron bowed, then left beneath the gazes of his fellow disciples—some feeling the sorrow of their own kind, others taking pleasure in his misfortune—and returned to his little courtyard.
Liang Wu had long since left the room.
Ma Zhu was still as he had always been, keeping strangers at arm's length.
As for Huang Dacheng?
The boy seemed to have borrowed a sum of silver at donkey-roll interest. Having successfully paid his fees a few days ago, he clearly still refused to give up and wanted another chance.
His eyes were bloodshot as he muttered to himself, "Soon... I'll sense my qi and blood soon... It's very simple..."
The several newly arrived apprentices did not dare go near him, afraid he might suddenly lose his mind and lash out at them.
"Everyone, if fate allows, we'll meet again someday."
Aaron briefly packed his belongings and cupped his fist in farewell.
Huang Dacheng did not move at all. Ma Zhu's lips curled