Chapter Sixteen: Serenity Tea Martial Academy

The battle itself did not last long. Although Chen Fan’s skills were average, his strength far surpassed Xiao Chunkong's. If Xiao Chunkong hadn't mastered secret techniques, he would never have helped Chen Fan break through at all.

“No, no…”

Blood gushed from Xiao Chunkong's mouth; he looked deranged, scrambling back onto the stage, shouting, “I haven’t lost yet! I still have other martial arts! I haven’t lost!”

Chen Fan sneered coldly, gazing at him with icy eyes. “Senior Brother Xiao, are you trying to cheat?”

Xiao Chunkong’s lips twitched. Confronted by Chen Fan’s silent stare, he couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart and stepped back.

Just then, the referee stepped onto the stage, facing Xiao Chunkong with a cold look.

“Don’t ruin yourself.”

At these words, Xiao Chunkong shuddered violently, clarity returning to his eyes. He collapsed on the ground with a bitter smile.

“It’s over…”

Beside him, Xiao Yurong and Mu Lei were utterly bewildered, at a loss. Xiao Chunkong alone couldn’t cover such a huge wager; they would have to help, and all their gains over the years would now go to Chen Fan alone!

At this moment, his heart was full of regret and helplessness. Yet, in Baiyun Martial Hall, no one dared to harbor thoughts of revenge!

Lin Shiyu stared wide-eyed at Chen Fan on the stage, his mind in disarray.

He had imagined that Chen Fan might defeat Lin Shiyu, even suspected Chen Fan had some secret weapon or deadly move. He never expected Chen Fan to rely solely on his terrifying strength, overwhelming Xiao Chunkong blow by blow!

...

Needless to say, having just begun his true cultivation and already defeating Xiao Chunkong, Chen Fan’s feat spread throughout Baiyun Martial Hall in no time.

There were only so many core disciples, all geniuses with first-class foundations. Xiao Chunkong, with his mastery of the third level of martial arts, was considered formidable even among his peers. Yet he was beaten by a newcomer like Chen Fan, making him the subject of ridicule.

Still, though they laughed, everyone had to admit Chen Fan’s prowess as the greatest talent of Feiling County.

Even the more powerful core disciples—those with fourth and fifth-level martial skills—began to pay attention to the hall master’s newest disciple...

...

At this time, Chen Fan collected part of his winnings and returned to his arduous training, preparing for the Demon-Slaying Tournament two months hence.

That day, it was dusk before Chen Fan returned to the martial hall, where he saw Feng Yuancheng waiting at his door.

“Brother Feng, what brings you here?”

His expression was exceedingly complicated. Though they hadn’t met these past days, Feng Yuancheng had heard of Chen Fan’s recent exploits—not only defeating Mu Lei, but after cultivating true skills, even overcoming Xiao Chunkong at the third level.

He was astonished, yet deeply unwilling.

Thus, he had buried himself in training. Unfortunately, even with his talent and foundation, he had only just completed his true energy transformation. The second level’s muscle refinement would take nearly a year to master, and true energy techniques were progressing even more slowly.

Chen Fan cupped his hands. “Is there something you need, Brother?”

Feng Yuancheng replied, “Uncle Li is leaving Yandu City tomorrow. I was sent by Master to invite you to tonight’s farewell banquet.”

Chen Fan’s eyes sharpened at the news. He had heard that Li Linliu was to leave Baiyun Martial Hall, but didn’t know where he was going. Hearing it now, his feelings were mixed. From the very start of his martial journey, he had regarded Li Linliu as his goal. With his departure, Chen Fan couldn’t help but feel empty.

...

Yandu City, Cloudwater Manor.

This was a famous restaurant in Yandu City, elegantly decorated and expensive.

In the months since joining the hall, Chen Fan had never been here. He followed Feng Yuancheng, entering a private room where several people were already waiting.

Besides his master Dong Guzhi and Uncle Li Linliu, there were three others.

Chen Fan instantly recognized the woman as his senior sister Yun Wei; the others must be fellow disciples.

Since joining, Chen Fan had only met Yun Wei.

“Both junior brothers are finally here.”

Yun Wei smiled and beckoned to Chen Fan. “Junior Brother, come sit beside me!”

Impressed by his recent performance, she was most curious about him.

Chen Fan accepted, cupping his hands and sitting beside her. Feng Yuancheng sat on the other side, his expression odd.

Li Linliu laughed heartily. “Chen Fan, you fought Xiao Chunkong—why didn’t you tell me?”

Chen Fan replied, “I dared not disturb your training, Uncle.”

His challenge to Xiao Chunkong had been impulsive—he hadn’t given it much thought.

Dong Guzhi frowned at Chen Fan. “I’ve heard of your recent achievements. Your blood and foundation are strong, your comprehension exceptional. You defeated enemies above your level at the second stage, but that proves little. The further you go in true cultivation, the greater the gap becomes. However robust your vitality, it only eases your training up to the sixth stage—it cannot help you break through the seventh.”

Chen Fan nodded and cupped his hands repeatedly.

The transition from the sixth to the seventh stage was a special phase, requiring a unity of mind and body and the ability to channel the power of heaven and earth—a daunting leap.

Dong Guzhi saw Chen Fan’s obedient nodding and continued, “Refining the body with true energy isn’t only about strong blood and foundation; bone structure varies greatly. Your progress will not be as rapid as in the first stage—do not become arrogant!”

Chen Fan nodded again, thinking to himself that although his bones might not be extraordinary, with his innate talent, he progressed faster than even the most gifted, and his master would surely be astonished by his future advancement.

Afterward, Yun Wei took the initiative to introduce two senior brothers to Chen Fan.

The first was Senior Brother Fan Zhong, tall and heroic, from a military family, already at the fifth stage of martial arts. He seemed older, likely over thirty—older than even Uncle Li Linliu!

The fourth senior brother, Guan Longping, came from humble origins, at the fourth stage of martial arts, about twenty-two or twenty-three, similar in age to Xiao Chunkong but much stronger.

“Greetings, senior brothers!”

Chen Fan greeted them, then asked, “What about the other two senior brothers?”

Yun Wei’s brows knit slightly before she answered, “Your fifth senior brother left Qinghe County recently, and won’t return for a few days, so you won’t meet him this time. As for your second senior brother…”

She hadn’t finished when Fan Zhong spoke angrily, “Why mention that traitor?”

Yun Wei smiled bitterly, shaking her head at Chen Fan, saying nothing more.

Dong Guzhi shook his head but explained, “Your second senior brother, Tao Xian, was once my most favored disciple. He has now joined the Martial Academy and is in the capital, so he cannot return.”

His master’s expression was complicated. The other senior brothers and sisters looked uneasy, their expressions subtle.

Chen Fan raised his brows; he knew about the Martial Academy.

After a month in Yandu City, he was no longer ignorant.

The Martial Academy was founded by the imperial court, nominally overseeing all martial halls affiliated with the court, and taking in talented disciples for unified training.

Qinghe County and neighboring Guming County had only one Martial Academy, the Qingming Martial Academy, located in the capital of Qinghe County.

Admission was reserved for the most outstanding talents from each region.

Every year, there were entrance examinations, and martial halls and sects affiliated with the academy had nomination quotas.

Passing the exams meant joining the academy.

Even in large cities, few could join each year.

Across the two counties, after years of accumulation, there were only a few thousand disciples, each a peerless talent.

Of the so-called top ten young geniuses in the two counties, at least half came from the Martial Academy.

Even core disciples of Baiyun Hall could only join if they were exceptionally gifted, though Baiyun Hall was not affiliated and had no nomination quota.

Thus, core disciples could only enter through other channels.

Chen Fan also noticed that his senior brothers and sisters had a peculiar attitude toward the Martial Academy and Second Senior Brother.

He realized there must be unspeakable matters involved and, seeing the awkward atmosphere, didn’t press for answers.

No one lingered on the topic, shifting focus to Uncle Li Linliu, the guest of honor.

It was a private family dinner, lasting two hours before dispersing.

From the conversation between his master and Li Linliu, Chen Fan vaguely understood.

His junior uncle was not only Dong Guzhi’s brother but also the scion of a powerful family, now returning home.

He might not return for a very long time.

At the end, Li Linliu took Chen Fan aside. “I have great faith in you. Next time we meet, don’t let me down.”

Chen Fan took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and solemnly replied, “Take care, Uncle. I’ll never let you down!”