"Why are they here for another inspection?"
The Martial Arts School's disciples saw the courtyard full of Militia Soldiers carrying polearms and wearing sabers. They seethed but dared not speak.
Since the Martial Examination Trials, the Militia Soldiers had come to inspect the Martial Arts School every few days. They claimed to be hunting rebels, but in reality, they had scared off many prospective apprentices. The school's disciples were constantly interrupted and could no longer focus on training.
Everyone knew perfectly well that Xu Commandant was targeting Chu Fan because he was a retainer of the Zhu Family, and the Martial Arts School had been dragged into it.
As a result, the atmosphere in the Martial Arts School had changed completely. Its former spirit of enthusiasm and ambition was gone.
Their master and his wife no longer smiled. The other disciples walked on eggshells, afraid of running afoul of their master's foul mood.
Although Chu Fan had always been arrogant, he had truly been their golden signboard. Outside the school, the disciples had taken pride in him and basked in his reflected glory, eagerly training with him as their example.
But now that golden signboard had brought disaster upon the Martial Arts School.
"Take this down. Be careful." Outside the Martial Arts School's main gate, Sun Qing and several apprentices carefully took down the plaque bearing the words "Famous Master, Outstanding Disciple."
"Ah, the whole Martial Arts School was full of joy when we hung this plaque."
"Who would have thought we'd have to take it down so soon?"
"Exactly. This plaque has brought us no end of trouble."
The disciples whispered among themselves, but suddenly felt a chill at their backs. When they turned around, they saw Chu Fan's icy face.
"Senior Brother Chu!" Their hearts jolted, and they