Chapter 7: Bapsaek

A fierce battle unfolded between the two, a blend of the sword's light and the saber's shadow. Their movements, evading and leaping with a chilling aura, resembled a dance of swordplay.

Though their swords and sabers clashed frequently, it was difficult to tell who had the upper hand. Han Li couldn't determine which of the two was more skilled, but he found their movements both intense and beautiful. As someone unfamiliar with martial arts, he had no way of discerning who was performing better.

"Han Junior Brother, I don't know under which Senior Uncle you trained, but now that you've completed your seclusion, your cultivation must have greatly improved, right?"

Unable to hold back any longer, Bapsaek politely inquired about his teacher. Typically, inner disciples of the Seven Virtues Sect would complete two years of basic training at the Hundred Pillars Hall and then be assigned a senior sect member as their master to learn higher-level martial arts. Only after this period would they be given specific duties within the sect.

This was the standard process for ordinary disciples. However, if a disciple displayed exceptional skill during the entrance exam, they could skip the two years of basic training and directly enter the Seven Absolute Hall to become a personal disciple of a sect leader, receiving the sect's ultimate techniques. This was akin to a carp leaping from a stream to become a dragon.

Additionally, disciples who achieved outstanding results during the basic training period might be noticed by elders, hall masters, or other high-ranking sect members and taken in as direct disciples. While these disciples might not be as esteemed as personal disciples of sect leaders, they still had a bright future and were often given important positions within the sect.

Upon hearing that Han Li had just emerged from seclusion, Bapsaek naturally assumed he was a disciple of a relatively high-ranking figure within the sect. This was why he asked so politely, hoping to build a relationship early on.

"I was taken in as a disciple by a certain Venerable a few years ago. I dare not mention his name, as it would be presumptuous."

Han Li, reading Bapsaek's thoughts, feigned humility.

"Is that so? Senior Brother Han must be very fortunate. You will surely rise to a high position within the sect and have a promising future. If there's an opportunity, please take this unworthy junior under your wing."

Bapsaek didn't mind that Han Li didn't want to mention his master's name. After all, any Venerable would be stronger than his own master.

"Senior Brother Han is like a pearl in the mud. Your future will undoubtedly be bright, riding the winds and clouds."

Bapsaek, while outwardly praising Han Li, inwardly muttered to himself:

'This guy looks so dull and seems stupid at first glance. How did he become a disciple of a Venerable? Even someone as clever as me couldn't catch the eye of a big shot!'

Han Li couldn't help but laugh inwardly at the change in Bapsaek's tone and the sudden use of "Senior Brother Han." However, he didn't think of dismissing him. Flattery was a human instinct. Who wouldn't want a better life and a higher position? Bapsaek, judging by his nickname, seemed quick to calculate his own interests and always sought out beneficial situations. However, this time, he had clearly miscalculated. While Han Li's words were not false, his status as a Venerable's disciple was merely a facade. Thinking of him as a pillar to lean on was a significant mistake.

Han Li smiled bitterly and pretended to be oblivious, listening to Bapsaek's flattery while responding reluctantly.

"Senior Brother Han's martial arts are so high that you will surely defeat that sword-wielding opponent easily. Definitely."

He continued to spout flattery, his eyes keenly observing every subtle movement of Han Li.

'What? This is really strange. If he's a Venerable's disciple, his cultivation should be deep and strong. Why can't I sense that from him?'

Han Li appeared ordinary. The more Bapsaek observed him, the more puzzled he became.

"The match is over."

Han Li's words snapped Bapsaek out of his thoughts. He turned his gaze to the duel in surprise. The saber-wielder had dropped his weapon and was pressing on a wound on his arm to stop the bleeding. His face, red and pale, didn't show complete submission. He had been caught off guard and defeated by a slight margin due to a moment of carelessness.

Bapsaek, seeing this, looked disappointed and kept saying how regrettable it was.

"What's regrettable?"

Han Li, unable to understand what was happening, had to ask.

"If An Tong had won this match, he would have won three times, and there would have been no need for the next match. Unfortunately, he didn't win."

"Oh!"

"But it's fine. There's only one match left, and the person from An Tong's side is the strongest among them. His Thunderbolt Saber Technique is incredibly powerful, said to shatter rocks and cut through iron. Ha ha! Just seeing him perform the technique is worth coming here. No matter who comes from the Zhang Zhenggui side, we will win."

Bapsaek, initially disappointed, became excited as he spoke. It seemed he had strong faith in this Lian Senior Brother.

"Already the last match?"

Han Li was surprised to hear that it was already the final match.

'Who is this Lian Senior Brother? Do I know him?'

"Lian Senior Brother! Lian Senior Brother! Lian Senior Brother! ……."

As a youth from An Tong's side stepped forward, the arena erupted in excitement, and everyone began chanting his name as if on cue. The sound echoed throughout the cliff, and it seemed that all distinctions of rank were forgotten as everyone cheered for him.

"Lian Senior Brother must be quite famous. What's his background?"

"You don't know Lian Senior Brother?"

"I've been in seclusion for years."

"Oh, right. I forgot. I didn't think there could be anyone in the sect who doesn't know Lian Senior Brother. I momentarily forgot that you just emerged from seclusion."

Bapsaek, regaining his composure, continued.

"Can you tell me about Lian Senior Brother?"

"Senior Brother Han! Of course. Everyone, even young disciples like me, knows about Lian Senior Brother's journey."

Bapsaek, confirming that no one from the Zhang Zhenggui side had appeared, began recounting the various legends of this famous figure to Han Li.

"I'm not exaggerating, Senior Brother. Even senior disciples, not just young ones, are interested in Lian Senior Brother. Originally……"

He began his story with enthusiasm, speaking with such passion that it seemed he was the protagonist. The tales of Lian Senior Brother were truly diverse.

Lian Senior Brother had ascended to the main mountain four years ago but failed the exams and became only a nominal disciple, like Han Li. However, half a year later, he topped all the exams and even lasted over thirty seconds in the final challenge, an unprecedented achievement that drew the attention of high-ranking figures.

However, the sect's assessment found his physical constitution to be ordinary, and his potential seemed limited, so he didn't become a high-ranking disciple.

After completing his basic training, he entered the service of an ordinary enforcer and learned only a few basic martial arts.

The Wind and Thunder Saber Technique was one of these, a mid-level technique of the Seven Virtues Sect.

If he had stopped there, his story would have been unremarkable.

However, not long after, he used the Wind and Thunder Saber Technique to achieve outstanding results in a martial arts competition the following year.

He made it to the final sixteen, the only newly admitted disciple to do so.

He continued to perform well in various competitions, greatly enhancing the reputation of newly admitted disciples.

Last year, he placed third in the martial arts competition, behind two disciples who had been in the sect for over a decade and were in their late twenties with deep cultivation.

Thus, among the disciples, it was widely believed that if Lian Senior Brother had the same cultivation as those two, he would have easily taken first place.

This drew the attention of the sect, and he was often called upon for important matters.

While other young disciples struggled with their martial arts training, he was already representing the Seven Virtues Sect and building a reputation in the martial world.

It was said that he would soon enter the Seven Absolute Hall to learn more advanced techniques.

Han Li, hearing this, was deeply moved. If all the stories were true, Lian Senior Brother was no ordinary person.

To achieve such remarkable results with only the status of a nominal disciple was truly impressive.

After a long while, the Zhang Zhenggui side finally pushed one of their disciples forward. The youth who stepped out didn't seem weak. He drew a flexible sword from his waist, a weapon as thin as a finger and highly flexible, seemingly requiring no effort to wield.

At a glance, it was clear that this was no ordinary weapon. Lian Senior Brother, sensing someone approaching, slowly opened his eyes.

A mysterious light shone from his eyes, and he suddenly let out a powerful shout, like a bolt of lightning, making everyone's ears ring.

The opponent in front of him trembled in surprise, his face showing fear.

However, he quickly drew his long sword and swung it, the blade flashing.

He unleashed a series of techniques, the shadows of his sword creating the illusion of a dozen blades, forming a dense web around his opponent.

The opponent, though visibly flustered, managed to block all of Lian Senior Brother's attacks without a break.

"Who is that?"

Han Li couldn't help but ask again.

"Zhang Ziling, a disciple of Elder Wu. He's a tough opponent, skilled in the Willow-Whipping Sword Technique."

"Compared to Lian Senior Brother?"

"Of course, he's no match."

Bapsaek answered with pride.

"Heh heh. If Zhang Ziling is the most skilled among them, it's no wonder. Who among the young disciples could face Lian Senior Brother? It would be the same no matter who they sent."

Indeed, while Zhang Ziling's sword technique was not disordered, it lacked the power to break through Lian Senior Brother's defense.

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