A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality - Chapter 17

Their weapons could only be seen as flashing blurs as the knife and the sword clashed.

Han Li wasn’t able to keep up with the fight at all, only understanding that the fight was very lively. The difficulty or effectiveness of their movements and which person had the advantage were far beyond his scope of knowledge.

“Junior Disciple Han, I don’t know which sect master you’ve trained under, but I’m sure your martial arts has made massive improvements after being in seclusion right?” Xiao Suanpan curiously asked.

What must be known was that every inner disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect, after 2 years of practicing their fundamentals in the Hundred Disciples Hall, would be separated and be apprenticed to a master to learn more profound martial arts. Only after they finish their apprenticeship would they be able to hold a permanent position within the sect.

In the case that a disciple displayed remarkable strength in the Disciple Examination, then they wouldn’t even need to practice fundamentals for 2 years. Instead, they would directly enter the Seven Extinct Hall, where the sect lords would personally impart some knowledge onto them, giving them a formidable advantage in their careers.

Within those 2 years of practicing one’s fundamentals, a leader in the sect may also take someone as their personal disciple. Backed and taught by such a powerful figure, these disciples’ prospects couldn’t even be compared to those of other disciples.

After hearing Han Li had only just came out of seclusion, Xiao Suanpan was even more sure that he hadn’t heard of this person before. He had naturally assumed that Han Li was a prestigious Inner Disciple, so he had been very respectful to him in hopes of gaining favor.

“A few years ago, an honored elder took me in as his disciple, but I cannot disclose just who this elder is.” Han Li knew what the other disciple was trying to do, so he had to maintain a matter-of-fact expression while also pretending to carry around an air of arrogance.

“Is that right? Senior Disciple Han is quite lucky then. Your position within the Inner Sect must be high and your potential unlimited. This Junior Disciple hopes that, in the future, Senior Disciple will lend a hand towards his juniors.” Xiao Suanpan didn’t particularly care about why Han Li concealed the name of his master. Whichever honored elder it was, he was surely stronger than his own master, so his tone had immediately changed.

“Senior Disciple Han, just one look at you and I know that you will be successful without any difficulties.” He continued to flatter him.

“This person’s skin is so dark, and his face looks rather stupid as well. How could he be the disciple to an honored elder when I am so clever but haven’t been noticed by any elders yet?” Xiao Suanpan secretly muttered to himself while maintaining a respectful expression.

Han Li had recognized the change in his speech as well. One second he was Junior Disciple Han, and the next he was Senior Disciple Han. This was far too funny for Han Li to hear.”

However, Han Li didn’t look down on Xiao Suanpan for that. Trying to gain favor with those higher than oneself was one’s natural instinct. Someone who wanted a better life and climb to a higher station in life first needed to know their place. The people who understood this were ones who were successful in life.

But what was most disappointing was that the words he said were primarily true. Han Li was nothing more than the smuggled goods of an honored elder and felt as though he didn’t deserve the apprenticeship. Any other disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect could easily beat him. If he were to try to flaunt his status and be arrogant, the truth would be quickly revealed.

Han Li forced out a smile as he calmly listened to the flattery of Xiao Suanpan. It was almost as if he was at a dinner party.

“Senior Disciple Han must be strong in martial arts. If he were to enter the ring, he would definitely beat these fighters into sorry states, definitely…” Xiao Suanpan continuously flattered Han Li while also watching the match.

“Ai! How strange, such a prestigious disciple should be an overbearing master in martial arts. But why does he look utterly unimpressive? He looks scrawny and weak, and his eyes don’t have the shine of wisdom. No matter how closely I look, he is nothing but a little kid.” Xiao Suanpan became more and more bewildered.

“The outcome has been decided.” Han Li’s light voice had immediately broke Xiao Suanpan from his stupor.

With surprise, Xiao Suanpan hurriedly look back at the ring.

As it turns out, the dagger wielder had his weapon knocked to the side. One arm was limp, while the other clutched at a wound. His face was ashen but he did not declare his surrender. This wasn’t surprising, since the strength between the two wasn’t all that much different. If he hadn’t slipped up just then, they would still have been evenly matched.

When Xiao Suanpan saw this, there was a look of disappointment on his face and he said softly, “What a shame.”

“What’s wrong? What do you mean by ‘shame’?” Han Li didn’t see anything noteworthy, but it seemed that this was not the case for the youth next to him.

“If Wang Dapang’s team had won this fight, then this would be their 3rd victory and their best-three-out-of-five contest would end. It’s a shame that he couldn’t end it here!

“Oh!”

“But that doesn’t matter. Right now, the remaining person on Wang Dapang’s side is our strongest disciple in martial arts. He uses the Lightning Fast Blade, incomparably fierce and able to smash through metal! Haha! To be able to witness Senior Disciple Li’s strength firsthand, I didn’t come here for nothing. No matter who appears on Zhang Changgui’s side, our victory is assured.” Xiao Suanpan, who was just depressed about their loss, quickly became excited once more as he began to talk about this Senior Disciple Li.

“So this will be the last match?” Han Li spoke. He wondered who this Senior Disciple Li was. It seemed he really knew nothing about the major figures in the sect.

At this moment, a grim figure came up to Wang Dapang’s side. The youth was holding a long saber as he walked up to the middle of the ring. Without saying a single word, he closed his eyes.

“Senior Disciple Li! Senior Disciple Li! Senior Disciple Li!”

Seeing this youth come up to the ring, everyone grew excited as they all began to call out his name. With each shout, they grew ever louder until they eventually began to shake the entire ring with their voices. At this moment, there wasn’t one single person that was cheering for a specific side; there was only one unanimous cry for this youth.