A Record of A Mortal's Journey to Immortality

Chapter 17: Senior Brother Li (Part 1)

Between the two, saber light and sword shadows flickered, weaving and dodging skillfully. Their weapons glinted coldly as they clashed repeatedly, evenly matched and impossible to determine who had the upper hand.

Han Li watched for a while but couldn’t make heads or tails of it. He just felt the duel was lively and impressive, unable to distinguish which moves were brilliant or flawed. As a layman, judging who was more skilled was beyond his understanding.

“Junior Brother Han, may I ask under which Master you train? You’ve just emerged from seclusion, so surely your cultivation has advanced greatly?” Xiao Suanpan finally couldn’t hold back and respectfully inquired about Han Li’s master.

It was well known that every inner sect disciple of the seven mysteries sect generally underwent two years of basic training in the hundred refinements hall before being sent to an elder to formally become a disciple and learn more advanced martial arts. After graduating, these disciples would take on specific roles within the sect.

Of course, this was the usual path. Outstanding disciples in entrance tests could skip the two-year basic training and directly enter the seven absolutes hall, where several hall masters might accept them as personal disciples and teach them secret techniques—like a carp leaping through the dragon gate, soaring to greatness.

During the two years of basic training, those who stood out might also catch the eye of elders, hall masters, or those who offered sacrifices, becoming personal disciples. Though their prospects couldn’t compare to those of hall masters’ disciples, they were still favored more than the average disciple.

Hearing Han Li had just returned from seclusion and never having seen him before, Xiao Suanpan naturally guessed that he must be a disciple of some high-ranking figure in the sect, so he respectfully asked, hoping to establish a connection.

“I was taken as a disciple by a respected offering master several years ago. I won’t mention his esteemed name,” Han Li understood his intention clearly but feigned modesty with a shy expression, though his words carried a hint of pride.

“Is that so? Senior Brother Han is truly fortunate! Your status in the sect will surely be high, and your future bright. I hope to receive your guidance sometime,” Xiao Suanpan said, not minding Han Li’s refusal to reveal his master’s identity. Whoever it was, the offering master would be superior to his own master. His tone then shifted.

“Senior Brother Han, you don’t seem like someone to be underestimated. Rising to great heights in the future will be a given,” he continued flattering.

“This person looks dark-skinned and a bit dull; how could an offering master want him as a disciple? Someone as clever as me doesn’t have a prominent master,” Xiao Suanpan muttered inside, though his face looked respectful.

Han Li noticed the shift in tone—from “Junior Brother Han” to “Senior Brother Han”—and found it amusing.

Yet, Han Li held no disdain for him. After all, currying favor was human nature; who wouldn’t want a better life and a higher position? Besides, his very name showed he was a meticulous and opportunistic person.

But he was about to be disappointed. Though what Han Li said was true, the “offering disciple” was a fraud. Any disciple in the seven mysteries sect could easily defeat him. If he thought Han Li was a sturdy tree to rely on, he had clearly chosen the wrong person.

Han Li smiled wryly to himself, calmly listening to Xiao Suanpan’s flattery and occasionally responding politely.

“Senior Brother Han’s martial arts are strong. If you joined the fight, you’d surely crush that sword wielder completely… surely…” Xiao Suanpan continued with praising words without pause, all the while discreetly observing Han Li’s every move.

“Strange! Offering disciples should have deep internal power and skill, but I can’t tell the depth of this one. His temples don’t bulge slightly, and his eyes lack the gleam of martial prowess. No matter how I look, he seems like someone who doesn’t understand martial arts,” Xiao Suanpan grew more puzzled the more he watched.