The Immortal Ascension

Chapter 17: Senior Apprentice Li (1)

Between the two figures, the glint of blades and the flash of swords intertwined as they moved with agility and precision. Their weapons were wielded into two swirling masses of cold light, clashing repeatedly in a fierce and evenly matched duel.

Han Li watched for a while but couldn’t discern the finer details of their techniques. To him, the fight merely appeared lively and entertaining. He couldn’t distinguish which moves were skillful and which were flawed, let alone determine who was the more skilled combatant. Such subtleties were beyond the understanding of an outsider like him.

“Junior Brother Han, I wonder under which Junior Martial Uncle you’ve been cultivating? Now that you’ve emerged from seclusion, your skills must have greatly improved, right?” Xiao Suanpan finally couldn’t hold back and respectfully inquired about Han Li’s master.

It was worth noting that every Inner Sect Disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect typically underwent two years of foundational training in the Hundred Refinements Hall before being sent to kneel and pay respects to a senior disciple, where they would learn more advanced martial arts. Only after completing their training would these disciples take on specific roles within the sect.

Of course, this was the usual process for ordinary disciples. Those who performed exceptionally well during the entrance test could skip the two years of foundational training and directly enter the Seven Wonders Hall. There, they might be taken in as personal disciples by one of the Sect Leaders, taught the sect’s secret techniques, and thus leap like a carp over the Dragon Gate, soaring to great heights.

Even during the two years of foundational training, those who stood out might catch the attention of Elders, Hall Masters, or other high-ranking figures and be accepted as personal disciples. While these disciples’ prospects couldn’t compare to those of the Sect Leader’s 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 that Han Li was a disciple of some high-ranking figure within the sect. Thus, he respectfully inquired, hoping to establish a connection.

“A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to be noticed by a certain esteemed Elder and taken in as a disciple. As for which Elder it was, I’m afraid it’s not appropriate for me to mention his esteemed name,” Han Li replied, fully aware of Xiao Suanpan’s intentions. He feigned a shy expression but deliberately infused his words with a hint of pride.

“Is that so? Senior Brother Han, you’re truly fortunate! Your status within the sect must be quite high, and your future is undoubtedly bright. I hope that when the opportunity arises, you’ll be willing to lend me a hand,” Xiao Suanpan said, not minding that Han Li refused to reveal his master’s name. After all, any Elder was superior to his own master. However, his tone immediately shifted.

“Senior Brother Han, it’s clear at a glance that you’re no ordinary person. Your future success is assured,” he continued to flatter.

“This guy looks so dark and clumsy. How did he manage to get taken in by an Elder? Someone as clever as me, why hasn’t any big shot noticed me?” Xiao Suanpan muttered inwardly, though his expression grew even more respectful.

Han Li found it amusing how Xiao Suanpan’s tone had changed so drastically, and how he had suddenly gone from being addressed as “Junior Brother Han” to “Senior Brother Han.”

However, Han Li didn’t look down on him in the slightest. After all, currying favor with those in power was simply human nature. Who wouldn’t want to live a better life or climb higher? Moreover, judging by his name, it was clear that Xiao Suanpan was someone who was shrewd and adept at maneuvering.

But Xiao Suanpan was in for a disappointment. While what Han Li had said wasn’t entirely false, his identity as a disciple of an Elder was nothing more than a facade. Within the Seven Mysteries Sect, any disciple could easily defeat him. If Xiao Suanpan was looking to lean on a big tree for support, he had chosen the wrong person.Han Li listened to the flattery of the little abacus with a wry smile on his face, while still maintaining a composed demeanor. He had to respond with a few polite words from time to time.

"Senior Brother Han, your martial arts are exceptional. If you were to step into the arena, you would surely defeat that swordsman and leave him in a sorry state..." The little abacus continued to shower Han Li with compliments while carefully observing his every move.

"Hmm, how strange. A disciple who serves as an offering should have profound internal skills and formidable abilities, yet I can't seem to gauge this person's depth. His temples aren't slightly bulging, and there's no gleam of energy in his eyes. He looks like someone who knows nothing about martial arts." The more the little abacus observed, the more puzzled he became.

"The match has been decided," Han Li's light voice interrupted his thoughts.

The little abacus was startled and quickly turned his gaze back to the arena.

Indeed, the saber wielder had already discarded his weapon. One arm was bleeding profusely, while the other hand tightly pressed the wound. His face was pale with anger, clearly not accepting his defeat willingly. It was no wonder—both fighters were evenly matched, and he had only lost due to a momentary lapse, falling victim to his opponent's trick.

Seeing this, the little abacus wore a look of regret and repeatedly muttered, "What a pity."

"What exactly happened? Why is it a pity?" Han Li couldn't see anything noteworthy, but with such a ready commentator beside him, it would be a waste not to ask.

"If Wang Da Pang's side had won this match, they would have secured three victories, and the final match wouldn't have been necessary. What a shame they didn't win!"

"Oh."

"But it's alright. Now it's down to the final match. The person representing Wang Da Pang's side is the most skilled among our disciples. His Thunder Saber Technique is fierce and unstoppable, capable of shattering stones and cutting through metal. Haha! Getting to witness Senior Apprentice Li's signature saber technique makes this trip worthwhile. No matter who Zhang Chang Gui's side sends out, we're sure to win." The little abacus started off a bit dejected but soon became excited, clearly filled with confidence in Senior Apprentice Li.

"So it's come down to the final match?" Han Li casually responded, wondering who this Senior Brother Han was. He didn't recognize him.

At that moment, a cold-faced youth emerged from Wang Da Pang's side. He held a long saber that gleamed with a chilling light, step by step making his way to the center of the arena. Once there, he closed his eyes without saying a word.

"Senior Apprentice Li! Senior Apprentice Li! Senior Apprentice Li!"

The moment this youth appeared, the crowd outside the arena erupted in excitement. In unison, they chanted his name, their voices growing louder and louder, resonating throughout the entire space. At that moment, it was impossible to distinguish who was from a wealthy family and who was from a poor one—there was only one unified cheer for this young man.

(End of Chapter)