Chapter 17: Senior Brother Li (1)

The clash between the two fighters was a whirlwind of flashing blades and agile movements, their weapons weaving into two spheres of cold light that collided from time to time, neither gaining the upper hand.

Han Li watched for a while but couldn’t discern anything clearly. To him, the fight was lively and entertaining, but he couldn’t tell which moves were skillful or which were mistakes, let alone determine who was superior—an outsider like him simply couldn’t judge.

“Junior Brother Han, may I ask under which martial uncle you’ve been training? Having just emerged from seclusion, your skills must have greatly improved, right?” Xiao Suanpan (Little Abacus) finally couldn’t hold back and respectfully inquired about Han Li’s mentorship.

In the Seven Mysteries Sect, inner disciples typically underwent two years of basic training at the Hundred Forging Hall before being assigned to a senior sect member to formally become their disciple and learn advanced martial techniques. Only after completing their apprenticeship could these disciples take on specific roles within the sect.

Of course, this was the path for ordinary disciples. Those who excelled in the entrance tests could bypass the two years of basic training and directly enter the Seven Supreme Hall, becoming personal disciples of the sect masters and learning the sect’s secret techniques—a leap akin to a carp jumping over the dragon gate, soaring to great heights.

During the two years of basic training, those who stood out might catch the eye of elders, hall masters, or honored guests, becoming their direct disciples. While their prospects weren’t as grand as those of the sect masters’ disciples, they were still far more valued than ordinary disciples.

Hearing that Han Li had just emerged from seclusion and having never seen him before, Xiao Suanpan naturally assumed he was a disciple of some high-ranking figure in the sect. Thus, he asked respectfully, hoping to build a connection.

“A few years ago, I was taken as a disciple by an honored guest. As for which one, it’s not convenient to mention their name,” Han Li replied, fully aware of Xiao Suanpan’s intentions. He put on a shy expression, though his words carried a hint of pride.

“Really? Senior Brother Han is truly fortunate! Your status in the sect will surely be high, with a bright future ahead. I hope you’ll look out for your junior brother in the future,” Xiao Suanpan said, unfazed by Han Li’s reluctance to name his master. After all, any honored guest would outrank his own master. His tone quickly shifted to one of flattery.

“Senior Brother Han, you’re clearly no ordinary talent. Rising to prominence is only a matter of time,” he continued to praise.

“This guy looks dark and foolish—how could an honored guest take him as a disciple? I’m so clever and sharp, yet no big shot has chosen me!” Xiao Suanpan grumbled inwardly, though his expression grew even more respectful.

Hearing Xiao Suanpan’s change in tone, addressing him as “Senior Brother Han” instead of “Junior Brother Han,” Han Li found it somewhat amusing.

But he didn’t look down on Xiao Suanpan. After all, seeking favor with the powerful was human nature—who didn’t want a better life or to climb higher? Besides, Xiao Suanpan’s nickname, “Little Abacus,” revealed his calculating and opportunistic nature.

Unfortunately, Xiao Suanpan was bound to be disappointed. While Han Li’s words were technically true, his status as an honored guest’s disciple was a sham. Any random disciple in the Seven Mysteries Sect could easily defeat him. Xiao Suanpan had mistaken him for a sturdy tree to lean on, but he’d picked the wrong person.

Han Li gave a wry smile inwardly while casually listening to Xiao Suanpan’s flattery, occasionally responding with a few polite words.

“Senior Brother Han, with your exceptional martial skills, if you stepped into the arena, you’d surely make that sword-wielder crumble in defeat…” Xiao Suanpan continued his ceaseless compliments while subtly observing Han Li’s every move.

“Hm? That’s odd. A disciple of an honored guest should have deep internal energy and impressive skills, but I can’t gauge this guy’s strength. His temples aren’t bulging, and his eyes don’t gleam with inner light. He looks like someone with no martial training at all.” The more Xiao Suanpan observed, the more puzzled he became.

“The match is decided,” Han Li’s light voice interrupted his thoughts.

Xiao Suanpan was startled and quickly turned his attention back to the arena.

Sure enough, the saber-wielder had dropped his weapon, one arm bleeding profusely while the other pressed tightly against the wound. His face was ashen, clearly unwilling to accept defeat. It was understandable—the two were evenly matched, and he had only lost due to a momentary lapse, falling prey to his opponent’s trickery.

Seeing this, Xiao Suanpan’s face showed regret, and he muttered “what a pity” repeatedly.

“What happened? What’s the pity?” Han Li couldn’t discern the details, but with a ready commentator beside him, it would be a waste not to ask.

“If Wang Da Pang’s side had won this match, they’d have secured three victories, and the final match wouldn’t be needed. What a shame they didn’t win!” Xiao Suanpan explained.

“Oh!”

“But it’s fine. Only the last match remains, and Wang Da Pang’s side is sending out the disciple with the highest martial skills among our batch. His Thunderbolt Saber Technique is incredibly fierce, capable of shattering stone and cleaving metal. Haha! Getting to see Senior Brother Li’s signature saber technique makes this trip worthwhile. No matter who Zhang Changgui’s side sends, we’re sure to win,” Xiao Suanpan said, initially sounding dejected but quickly growing excited, brimming with confidence in this Senior Brother Li.

“It’s already the final match?” Han Li responded casually, wondering who this Senior Brother Li was. He didn’t know him!

At that moment, a cold-faced youth stepped out from Wang Da Pang’s side, holding a gleaming long saber. He walked step by step to the center of the arena, then closed his eyes without a word.

“Senior Brother Li! Senior Brother Li! Senior Brother Li!…”

The youth’s appearance sent the crowd into a frenzy, chanting his name in unison. The cheers grew louder with each shout, shaking the entire arena. At that moment, there was no distinction between wealthy and poor disciples—only unified cheers for the youth.