Senior Brother Li (1)

Saber light and sword shadows flashed between the two fighters as they darted and dodged. Their weapons whirled into two balls of cold light, clashing from time to time, with neither gaining the upper hand.

Han Li watched for a while but couldn't make head or tail of it. He only thought the fight was lively and entertaining. He couldn't tell which moves were clever and which were blunders, much less understand which fighter was better. That was beyond a layman like him.

"Junior Brother Han, may I ask which martial uncle you study under? Now that you've come out of seclusion, your skills must have advanced greatly, haven't they?" Little Abacus finally couldn't hold back and respectfully asked Han Li about his master.

Ordinarily, after two years of basic training at the Hundred Tempering Hall, each inner disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect would be sent to a senior member to kowtow and become an apprentice, learning more advanced martial arts. Only after completing their apprenticeships would these disciples take up specific duties in the sect.

Of course, that was only the usual path for disciples. Those who distinguished themselves in the entrance test could enter the Seven Ultimates Hall directly, without two years of basic training. They might be taken in as personal disciples by one of the sect masters and taught the sect's ultimate techniques. It was truly a carp leaping over the dragon gate, soaring into the heavens in a single bound.

During the two years of basic training, anyone else who stood out also had a chance of catching the eye of an elder, hall master, Attendant, or someone of similar standing and being taken in as a direct disciple. Though their prospects couldn't compare with those of a sect master's disciples, they were still given far more important roles than ordinary disciples.

Little Abacus had heard that Han Li had just come out of seclusion somewhere, and since he had never seen him before, he naturally guessed that Han Li was the disciple of some high-ranking figure in the sect. So he had asked respectfully, hoping to build a connection with him.

"A few years ago, an honored Attendant took a liking to me and accepted me as a disciple. As for which Attendant, I'm afraid it wouldn't be proper for me to mention the honored elder's name." Han Li knew exactly what he was thinking, but he put on a shy expression, deliberately letting a hint of pride creep into his voice.

"Really? Senior Brother Han, you're so fortunate! Your standing in the sect is sure to be high in the future, and your prospects are boundless. If the opportunity arises, I hope you'll lend your little brother a hand." Little Abacus didn't mind that Han Li was unwilling to reveal his master's name. Whichever Attendant it was, he was stronger than his own master anyway, but his tone changed at once.

"Senior Brother Han, one look tells me you're no creature destined to remain in a pond. Soaring to glory and success in the future will be no trouble at all." He continued his flattery.

This fellow is dark-skinned and has a stupid look on his face. How did even he get an Attendant to take him as a disciple? I'm so exceptionally clever, so why doesn't some important figure want me? Little Abacus grumbled inwardly, though his expression grew even more respectful.

Hearing the abrupt change in his tone and finding himself promoted from Junior Brother Han to Senior Brother Han in an instant, Han Li felt somewhat amused.

Still, Han Li didn't look down on him in the slightest. After all, currying favor with the powerful was only human instinct. Who didn't want a better life and a higher station? Besides, this fellow's very name made it clear that he was calculating and skilled at working his way up.

But he was in for a great disappointment. Though Han Li hadn't lied, his status as an Attendant's disciple was a sham. Any disciple picked at random in the Seven Mysteries Sect could knock him down with ease. Little Abacus had mistaken him for a great tree to lean on, but he had probably chosen the wrong person.

Han Li smiled wryly to himself as he listened to Little Abacus's flattery with an unconcerned air, obliged to exchange a few polite words with him from time to time.

"Senior Brother Han, your martial arts are superb. If you were willing to step into the ring, you'd surely beat that swordsman until flowers fell and water flowed. You'd surely..." Little Abacus kept the pleasing words flowing without pause, while also dividing his attention to watch Han Li's every move carefully.

Huh? How strange. An Attendant's disciple should have profound inner strength and considerable skill, so why can't I see how capable he is? His temples don't bulge slightly, and there's no brilliant light shining from his eyes. No matter how I look at him, he seems to know no martial arts at all. The more Little Abacus observed, the more puzzled he became.

"The match has been decided." Han Li's lightly spoken words reached him, interrupting his thoughts.

Little Abacus was startled and hurriedly turned his gaze back to the ring.

Sure enough, the saber wielder had thrown his weapon aside. Blood was gushing from one arm, and his other hand was pressed tightly against the wound. His face was livid, and it seemed he was unwilling to accept his defeat. That was hardly surprising. The two were about equal in skill, and he had only lost because a moment's carelessness had let him fall for his opponent's trick, leaving him one move short.

At the sight, Little Abacus wore a look of regret and repeatedly cried, "What a pity!"

"What happened? What's such a pity?" Han Li hadn't been able to make anything of the fight, but with a commentator ready at hand beside him, he would be doing himself a disservice not to ask.

"If Wang Dapang's side had won this match, they would have had three victories, and there would have been no need to fight the last match. What a pity they didn't win!"

"Oh!"

"But it doesn't matter. There's only one match left, and the person Wang Dapang's side is sending out is the best fighter among our group of disciples. His Rushing Thunder Saber Technique is incomparably fierce and forceful, capable of shattering stone and severing metal. Haha! Getting to see Senior Brother Li's signature saber technique means I haven't come for nothing. No matter who Zhang Changgui's side sends out, we're sure to win." Little Abacus had been a little dejected at first, but he soon grew excited, seemingly full of confidence in Senior Brother Li.

"Is it the last match already?" Han Li replied casually, wondering who this Senior Brother Li was and whether he knew him.

Just then, a cold-faced youth stepped out from Wang Dapang's side. Holding a long saber that gleamed with cold light, he walked step by step to the center of the ring, then closed his eyes without a word.

"Senior Brother Li! Senior Brother Li! Senior Brother Li!..."

When the youth appeared, the spectators' faces lit up with excitement. As one, they called out his name, again and again, each shout louder than the last. Their roars shook the entire arena. There was no longer any distinction between disciples from rich families and those from poor ones-only their united cheers for the youth.