Chapter 15: Senior Brother Li (1)

Between the two combatants, blades flashed and shadows danced. They maneuvered skillfully, their weapons a blur of cold light, constantly clashing with no clear victor.

Han Li watched for a while but couldn't discern anything specific. He simply thought the fight was lively and entertaining. He couldn't distinguish between expert maneuvers and blunders, let alone determine who was more skilled—after all, he was a complete novice.

"Junior Brother Han, if you don't mind me asking, under which Senior Uncle do you train? Having come out of seclusion, I'm sure your cultivation has advanced significantly, right?" Little Abacus finally couldn't hold back and respectfully inquired about Han Li's master.

Typically, after two years of fundamental training at the Hundred Forging Hall, every inner disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect would be assigned to an elder member to formally pledge allegiance and learn advanced martial arts. Only upon completing this apprenticeship would these disciples be assigned specific roles within the sect.

This, of course, was the standard path for most disciples. However, those who excelled in the entrance examination could bypass the two years of basic training and directly enter the Seven Absolutes Hall. They would then be accepted as personal disciples by the sect leaders and taught the sect's most profound techniques, a true "carp leaping over the dragon's gate" moment, guaranteeing a meteoric rise.

Furthermore, even during the two years of basic training, any exceptionally talented individuals could catch the eye of elders, hall masters, or revered masters. They might then be taken as direct disciples. While their prospects might not be as high as those personally taught by the sect leaders, they were still far more valued and relied upon than ordinary disciples.

Hearing that Han Li had just emerged from seclusion and never having seen him before, Little Abacus naturally assumed he was the disciple of some high-ranking figure within the sect. He thus inquired respectfully, hoping to establish a beneficial connection.

"A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to be taken as a disciple by one of the revered masters. As for which one, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to mention his esteemed name," Han Li said, fully aware of Little Abacus's intentions. He feigned a shy expression, though his words carried a hint of deliberate pride.

"Oh, is that so? Senior Brother Han, you're incredibly fortunate! Your standing within the sect is sure to be very high, and your future is boundless. I hope you'll consider looking out for me if the opportunity arises." Little Abacus didn't mind that Han Li was reluctant to reveal his master's name; any revered master was superior to his own. His tone, however, changed instantly.

"Senior Brother Han, it's clear you're destined for greatness; your future prosperity is inevitable," he continued to flatter.

*How could someone so dark-skinned and seemingly dull be taken as a disciple by a revered master? Why hasn't a major figure ever shown interest in someone as quick-witted as me?* Little Abacus grumbled inwardly, yet his expression grew even more respectful.

Han Li found it amusing how quickly Little Abacus's tone had shifted, transforming him from "Junior Brother Han" to "Senior Brother Han."

However, Han Li felt no contempt for him. After all, fawning upon power was merely human instinct; who wouldn't want to live a better life and climb higher? Moreover, Little Abacus's very name suggested he was a shrewd and ambitious individual.

However, Little Abacus was in for a major disappointment. While Han Li's previous statement wasn't a lie, his identity as a revered master's disciple was merely a facade. Any random disciple in the Seven Mysteries Sect could easily defeat him. He was relying on the wrong person to be his "big tree."

Han Li chuckled inwardly, a wry smile on his face, as he nonchalantly listened to Little Abacus's flattering remarks, occasionally offering a polite response.

"Senior Brother Han, your martial arts are so formidable! If you were to enter the arena, you would surely defeat the swordsman with ease, you would definitely..." Little Abacus continued to shower him with compliments, all the while subtly observing Han Li's every move.

*Hmm, that's odd. A revered master's disciple should possess profound internal energy and considerable skill. Yet, I can't discern his true strength. His temples aren't slightly bulging, and there's no glint of inner energy in his eyes. He looks like someone who knows nothing of martial arts.* The more Little Abacus observed, the more perplexed he became.

"The winner has been decided," Han Li said lightly, interrupting Little Abacus's thoughts.

Startled, Little Abacus quickly redirected his gaze back to the arena.

Indeed, the swordsman had dropped his blade to the side, one arm bleeding profusely, while his other hand pressed firmly on the wound. His face was ashen, clearly indicating he was not convinced of his defeat. It was understandable; both combatants possessed similar martial prowess. He had merely fallen for his opponent's trick inadvertently, losing by a single move.

Seeing this, Little Abacus's face filled with regret, and he repeatedly muttered, "What a pity."

"What happened? What's regrettable?" Han Li hadn't understood the intricacies of the fight, but with a ready commentator beside him, it would be a missed opportunity not to ask.

"If someone from Big Fatty Wang's side had won this match, they would have secured three victories, meaning the final round wouldn't even be necessary. It's such a shame they didn't win!"

"Oh."

"But it doesn't matter! Only the final round remains. The person entering from Big Fatty Wang's side is the most skilled martial artist among our group of disciples. His Lightning Rush Saber technique is incredibly fierce, capable of shattering stone and cutting metal. Haha! It'll be worth it just to witness Senior Brother Li's signature saber technique. No matter who Zhang Changgui's side sends, we're guaranteed to win!" Little Abacus, initially somewhat disheartened, suddenly grew excited, seemingly overflowing with confidence in Senior Brother Li.

"So, it's already the final round?" Han Li replied casually, wondering to himself, *Who is this Senior Brother Li? I don't recognize him.*

Just then, a cold-faced youth emerged from Big Fatty Wang's group. Holding a long saber that shimmered with a cold gleam, he strode step by step to the center of the arena. Without a word, he closed his eyes.

"Senior Brother Li! Senior Brother Li! Senior Brother Li!..."

Upon the youth's entrance, the onlookers erupted in excitement. They spontaneously began chanting his name, their shouts growing louder and more fervent with each repetition, shaking the entire arena. In that moment, the distinctions between wealthy and impoverished disciples vanished, replaced by a unified roar of support for the young man.