Taking a Master

The White Cloud Martial Academy in Flying Spirit County was merely a martial school. Though large, it had no lodgings for resident students.

The White Cloud Martial Academy in Yan Capital City, however, housed many disciples from elsewhere.

Yet those permitted to remain at the White Cloud Martial Academy were all talented disciples from the surrounding counties.

There were not many of them, at most a few dozen, but every one of them had mastered the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm!

They were all the foremost geniuses of the surrounding region!

"At the White Cloud Martial Academy, only disciples who have mastered the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm hold the most distinguished status. They are core disciples. Those with exceptional talent may even be accepted personally by the headmaster as disciples!"

The man leading the way was exceedingly respectful. He knew that since Feng Yuancheng and the other had been allowed to stay here, they were most likely new "core disciples." Not to mention Chen Fan's youthful face—he was among the youngest even within the White Cloud Martial Academy.

"Junior Brother Feng, is that you?!"

A voice rang out from afar.

Chen Fan turned his head and saw two sturdy young men in martial uniforms walking over.

"Senior Brother Zhang! Senior Brother Lin! You're both here!"

Feng Yuancheng looked delighted as he turned to greet them.

Chen Fan understood inwardly. These must have been the talented disciples from the Flying Spirit County branch who had mastered the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm.

"I heard long ago that you were about to complete your training in the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm, Junior Brother. I didn't expect it to happen so soon! You've only just turned seventeen, haven't you?"

Reunited with old acquaintances, they naturally chatted for a while.

Feng Yuancheng had mastered two first-rate strength-training manuals. Even at White Cloud Headquarters, his talent was among the very best, with few who could compare.

Although the two men were older, already in their twenties, they were very courteous toward Feng Yuancheng.

Chen Fan watched silently from the side. These two carried themselves with extraordinary bearing; in Flying Spirit County, they would have been among the most outstanding figures.

After the three reminisced for quite some time, the young man surnamed Lin looked curiously at Chen Fan behind Feng Yuancheng and took the initiative to ask, "Is this junior brother also from Flying Spirit County? Which family does he belong to?"

Chen Fan cupped his fists. "My name is Chen Fan. I am indeed from Flying Spirit County, and I am currently a retainer of the Bao Clan..."

In truth, Chen Fan had only just become a retainer of the Bao Clan and had never fulfilled any of the corresponding duties. He likely never would in the future, either.

"Oh, so Junior Brother Chen Fan is with the Bao Clan... You seem quite young, Junior Brother Chen Fan. Have you already mastered the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm as well? What heaven-bestowed talent!"

Chen Fan modestly cupped his fists, but he could not be bothered to correct the misconception that he had yet to master the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm. Explaining it would only be more troublesome.

Mastering the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm before the age of fifteen and becoming a core disciple of the headquarters was considered outstanding. But becoming a core disciple without having mastered the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm meant one was even more exceptional!

After a few simple pleasantries, Chen Fan and Feng Yuancheng bade the two farewell and continued following the guide to complete their lodging registration. They were then each led to their "dormitory."

The White Cloud Martial Academy was immensely wealthy. Every core disciple's room was no different from an inn room—not only spacious, but furnished with everything one could need!

Evening.

Chen Fan finally saw Li Linliu again. Beside him stood a middle-aged man with a gentle smile.

He was in his forties or fifties.

"This is my senior brother, Dong Guzhi, the founder of the White Cloud Martial Academy!"

Chen Fan's expression sharpened, and he hurriedly cupped his fists. "Greetings, Headmaster!"

He had not expected the headmaster of the White Cloud Martial Academy to be such a gentle middle-aged man.

Dong Guzhi waved a hand and smiled at Chen Fan and Feng Yuancheng with clear appreciation. "I listened to Linliu praise the two of you all afternoon. Now that I have seen you for myself, you truly are both remarkable talents!"

Naturally, neither dared grow complacent and repeatedly responded with modesty.

"Flying Spirit County is blessed with talent. Of the seven branches of our White Cloud Martial Academy, Flying Spirit County has brought me the greatest surprises. Its number of core disciples is second only to the headquarters. During the last stretch of Linliu's term, he actually brought back two genius disciples like you. This is truly a blessing for the White Cloud Martial Academy!"

Li Linliu fanned himself with his feather fan, his face full of pride.

Dong Guzhi smiled at the two of them. "Let me ask you both: are you willing to enter my tutelage and become my disciples?"

The two were stunned.

"I am willing!"

"This disciple is willing!"

Dong Guzhi was the master of the White Cloud Martial Academy, a renowned grandmaster in Yan Capital City. There was no one so formidable in all of Flying Spirit County. How could they possibly refuse?

"Very good!"

The smile faded from Dong Guzhi's face as he said, "But I must remind you: as my disciples, you will enjoy the greatest benefits available in the White Cloud Martial Academy. Pills, medicinal soups, herbs, martial arts manuals—you will have everything you need, far surpassing ordinary core disciples. But because of this, you may draw the envy and jealousy of other disciples..."

"The White Cloud Martial Academy forbids private infighting, but public arena challenges are permitted. Wagers may even be set. So long as no lives are taken and no one's foundation is damaged, it is all within the rules. Since you have become my disciples, you will naturally be envied and resented. You must be prepared to be challenged..."

"Of course, keep your eyes open as well. Do not challenge disciples far stronger than yourselves. That would not temper you at all; it would merely be giving away resources for nothing."

Chen Fan's expression grew stern, but his eyes also lit up.

The style of White Cloud Headquarters truly differed completely from Flying Spirit County.

It encouraged competition!

He could gain insights into his martial arts through battle. This kind of combat suited him best.

Moreover, White Cloud Headquarters had many core disciples, so Chen Fan need not worry about finding senior brothers capable of putting pressure on him!

Dong Guzhi briefly discussed the various benefits and matters requiring attention for core disciples, then gave the two their official plaques and proof of identity.

"Yuancheng, you are nearly eighteen and have already mastered the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm, so you may begin cultivating the White Cloud True Art directly. The True Art secret manuals are in the library. However, before you begin cultivating it, come find me first. I will condense a true essence seed for you and help you complete your true essence transformation sooner!"

Feng Yuancheng's face filled with wild delight. "Thank you, Master!"

Chen Fan silently remembered this thing called a true essence seed, but did not immediately ask what exactly it was.

Dong Guzhi nodded with a smile, then turned to Chen Fan. "Chen Fan, you are fourteen this year, correct?"

Chen Fan said, "I will turn fourteen in one month."

Dong Guzhi was slightly taken aback, his expression becoming somewhat complicated.

"Your talent is exceptional, but you are still young, so there is no need to rush into cultivating a True Art. Continue practicing the White Cloud Pine-Crane Palm. Even after you master it, you need not immediately begin cultivating the White Cloud True Art. You still have time. You have also taken a Blood-Nourishing Pill, so practice a few more strength-training arts. With the resources provided by the academy, you may perhaps reach the limit of your body's qi and blood in the future..."

Chen Fan had heard of the concept of the qi and blood limit, but he did not know the details.

Chen Fan asked curiously, "Master, how can I tell when I have reached the qi and blood limit?"

Dong Guzhi replied, "When you find that your qi and blood are increasing extremely slowly or have even stagnated, and further improvement in your strength-training arts produces almost no increase in qi and blood, then you have reached your personal qi and blood limit!"

Chen Fan nodded slightly.

"Oh, and before cultivating a True Art, do not study any true essence martial skills. They will only distract you. Remember that—remember it well."

Dong Guzhi added, "If there is nothing else, you may leave. If you have any questions, you may ask the martial academy instructors at any time, or come directly to me!"

Although this master was the head of an academy, he was very gentle and had none of the airs of authority.

Moreover, he was quite liberal in teaching his disciples and did not force them to complete daily assignments. He was perfectly suited to Chen Fan!