Afternoon.
It should have been time for school to let out and for the children to eat, yet none of them left. They gathered by the gate outside the courtyard, waiting anxiously for the outcome within.
Even the usual little mischief-makers did not dare peek through the cracks in the door.
After all.
The old clan chief himself had arrived in the courtyard.
This legendary Martial Spirit Realm expert was practically a godlike presence in Qinghe Town. The children's eyes held nothing but boundless reverence, and even their usual curious natures had quieted considerably.
And knowing that today's success or failure concerned their teacher, they became even more nervous and well-behaved. They all waited sensibly outside the schoolhouse, constantly praying that Mister Yi could become the old clan chief's disciple.
While a tense silence hung outside the gate, the courtyard itself was exceptionally peaceful.
The white-haired old man was full of vigor as he sat quietly beside the wooden table, stroking his beard and examining his guest.
His shrewd eyes scrutinized him for several breaths. He stroked his beard and pondered for a long while, yet he could never discern anything unusual about the young man seated across from him. He was merely an ordinary mortal with mediocre bones.
Without exaggeration, such aptitude would be considered inferior even in Qinghe Town.
Even so.
The old man revealed no unusual expression, and his face still bore a gentle smile.
He nodded and spoke in a friendly manner.
"Mm, not bad."
"Mister Yi is handsome and refined. This old man has also heard a little of what you have done lately. Now that I have met you in person, you truly are a man well-read in poetry and books."
His first words were praise. There was none of the arrogance of one