"And... what about Ma Zhu?"
Aaron thought again of that reclusive youth.
"Him?"
Zhai Yong had to think carefully before recalling who Ma Zhu was. "He couldn't make it in martial arts either... Recently, he suddenly left on his own. There was still a month left on the silver he'd paid!"
Did he... really leave on his own?
Aaron was somewhat suspicious, but since it had nothing to do with him, he kept it at arm's length and asked no further questions.
The two headed straight into the inner courtyard and arrived at the main hall.
"Senior Brother, you came at just the right time. Master is here. I'll go report—"
Zhai Yong entered the main hall first, then came back out. "Master wants you inside!"
Following behind Zhai Yong, Aaron entered the hall. The first thing he saw was the enormous plaque hanging in the main chamber, bearing four grand characters: "Use Martial Arts to End War."
A huge piece of calligraphy hung in the central hall, upon which the character for "Longevity" had been written in vigorous, dancing strokes.
In the grandmaster's chair beside it sat a figure with grizzled hair and a wrinkled face, looking like an old farmer.
The only difference was probably his hands.
Their knuckles were thick, and their skin was dark, even reminding Aaron of forged iron.
Senior Brother Ding Shan stood respectfully at one side. Among the several fellow disciples accompanying him were familiar faces—Li Qinglan and Song Sanjin!
When they saw Aaron enter, traces of surprise still showed on their faces.
Xue Qingshan, who looked like an old farmer, sipped his tea unhurriedly and looked at Aaron. "You're Fang Yu? Gaining force in around half a year is passable enough."
"Yes, Master."
Aaron did not hide anything. After all, his talent