The Immortal Ascension

Chapter 18: Senior Apprentice Li (2)

"Is this Senior Apprentice Li very famous? What’s his background?" Han Li was somewhat surprised.

"You don’t even know Senior Apprentice Li?"

"I’ve been in seclusion for several years, haven’t I?"

"Ah, right, right! I forgot about that. My memory really isn’t great. I always thought there couldn’t be a disciple in the Seven Mysteries Sect who didn’t know Senior Apprentice Li, so I completely forgot about your seclusion, Senior Brother Han." Xiao Suanpan suddenly realized and hurriedly apologized.

"Could you tell me about this Senior Apprentice Li?"

"Of course, Senior Brother Han. The deeds of Senior Apprentice Li are well-known among us younger disciples." Seeing that Zhang Chang Gui’s side hadn’t yet sent out Senior Apprentice Li’s opponent, Xiao Suanpan began to recount the various legends of this famous figure to Han Li.

"Senior Brother Han, I’m not exaggerating when I say that not only do we, the younger disciples, know about Senior Apprentice Li’s exploits, but even the older senior brothers are well aware of them. Back then..." He began to enthusiastically narrate the story of Senior Apprentice Li to Han Li, his eyes shining and his words flowing as if he himself were the protagonist of the tale.

Listening to Xiao Suanpan recount the deeds of Senior Apprentice Li, there was indeed a touch of legend to them.

Senior Apprentice Li had also come to the mountain four years ago, though he wasn’t part of the same batch of examinees as Han Li. At the time, he didn’t pass the test immediately and became a registered disciple. However, in the test half a year later, he not only achieved first place in all categories but also became the only one to withstand thirty moves in the final sparring session with the senior brothers. This record surpassed all previous test results of registered disciples and caught the attention of many high-ranking figures. Upon examination, it was surprisingly discovered that Senior Apprentice Li’s innate talent was only average, and his growth potential was limited. This diagnosis was regrettable, and as a result, he wasn’t taken in as a disciple by any high-ranking figure. After two years of basic training, he ended up under the tutelage of an ordinary Protector, learning only a few common martial arts, one of which was the unremarkable mid-tier Seven Mysteries Sect technique, the Wind and Thunder Saber Technique.

If the story had ended there, Senior Apprentice Li wouldn’t have been considered a legend, but rather a case of a promising start followed by a disappointing finish. However, not long after, he managed to shine brightly in the following year’s junior disciple competition using this seemingly unimpressive Wind and Thunder Saber Technique, advancing into the top sixteen. He was the only newly entered disciple to rank so highly, once again making him the focus of attention within the sect.

In subsequent competitions, Senior Apprentice Li displayed unmatched bravery and determination, consistently achieving high rankings and bringing great pride to the new disciples. In last year’s major competition, he even secured third place. It’s worth noting that the top two spots were held by disciples who had been in the sect for over a decade. Although they were considered junior disciples, they were already in their late twenties, and their Internal Skill cultivation far surpassed his. Many disciples believed that if Senior Apprentice Li’s Internal Skill were as strong as theirs, he would have easily taken first place.Thus, Senior Apprentice Li once again caught the attention of the higher-ups and was specifically assigned to participate in several significant missions outside the sect. While other new disciples were still diligently practicing martial arts within the sect, he had already begun to make notable contributions for the Seven Mysteries Sect, earning a formidable reputation in the Jianghu as "Li the Tiger." It was even rumored that he would soon be granted special permission to enter the Seven Wonders Hall to cultivate more advanced martial arts.

Hearing this, Han Li couldn't help but be moved. If all these accounts were true, this Senior Apprentice Li was truly extraordinary. To achieve such accomplishments as a mere registered disciple was indeed admirable, and Han Li found himself feeling a sense of respect.

On Zhang Chang Gui's side, after much hesitation throughout the day, a disciple finally stepped forward with some trepidation.

This disciple appeared to be quite skilled in martial arts, drawing a gleaming soft sword from his waist. The sword was only as thick as a thumb, soft and seemingly weak, clearly not a weapon that an average person could wield.

Senior Apprentice Li sensed someone approaching and slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and full of vitality.

Suddenly, he let out a thunderous shout, like a bolt of lightning in a clear sky, causing everyone's ears to ring and the person before him to tremble, a look of fear crossing his face.

With the shout, his long saber swung into action, a flash of blade light moving in a series of rapid strikes, instantly transforming into over a dozen saber shadows that enveloped his opponent in a net of blades.

The opponent, though somewhat flustered, was quick-witted. His soft sword moved unpredictably, sinister and cunning, and his defense was watertight.

"Who is that?" Han Li couldn't help but ask.

"That's Zhao Ziling, a disciple of the Fifth Elder. His Willow Sword Technique is quite troublesome."

"How does he compare to Senior Apprentice Li?"

"Of course, he's no match," Little Abacus said proudly.

"Then why doesn't Zhang Chang Gui send out someone stronger?"

"Haha! Zhao Ziling is actually the strongest among them. Besides, among us new disciples, who could possibly defeat Senior Apprentice Li? Sending anyone else would be futile," he said with a somewhat gloating laugh.

Indeed, although Zhao Ziling's sword technique hadn't yet faltered, his aura was completely suppressed by Senior Apprentice Li's long saber. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that his defeat was only a matter of time.

After watching for a while, Han Li felt a doubt arise in his mind.

"There's something I find strange. Why aren't there any older senior brothers here? Even if they're not allowed to participate in the competition, shouldn't there be at least a few watching? But here, both inside and outside the arena, there's not a single senior brother of any significant age. It's just us new disciples, all in our teens, watching the match. What's going on?" Han Li bluntly voiced his question.

Hearing Han Li's question, Little Abacus's expression changed, and he looked at him with a peculiar gaze, making Han Li feel somewhat puzzled. Had he touched on some taboo?

(End of Chapter)