All they could see was the interplay of blade-light and sword-shadows between the two fighters as they twisted and leapt about. Their weapons had become twin orbs of cold radiance, clashing together from time to time, neither able to gain the upper hand.
Han Li watched for a while but couldn't make heads or tails of it. He only felt that the fight between the two was quite spectacular to look at — he couldn't tell which moves were skillful and which were blunders, let alone determine who was more skilled. That was far beyond what a layman like him could comprehend.
"Junior Brother Han, I wonder which elder you study under? You've just come out of seclusion, so your cultivation must have improved greatly, right?" Xiao Suanpan could hold back no longer and respectfully inquired about Han Li's master.
As it happened, every Inner Sect Disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect, after completing two years of basic training at the Hundred Forging Hall, would be sent to kneel and formally apprentice themselves before a senior member, learning more advanced martial arts. Only after completing their training would these disciples be assigned specific positions within the sect.
Of course, this was the standard path for ordinary disciples. Those who had performed outstandingly in the entrance examination could skip the two years of basic training and enter the Seven Absolute Hall directly, where they might be accepted as personal disciples by one of the Hall Masters and taught the sect's ultimate techniques. That was truly a carp leaping over the dragon gate — a meteoric rise.
During the two years of basic training, anyone who distinguished themselves also had hopes of being noticed by an Elder, Hall Master, or Offering Hall member and taken on as a personally-transmitted disciple. Though such disciples' prospects couldn't compare to those of a Hall Master's own students, they were still far more valued than ordinary disciples.
Xiao Suanpan had heard that Han Li had just emerged from seclusion somewhere, and since he'd never seen the man before, he naturally assumed Han Li was a disciple of some high-ranking figure within the sect. Hence his respectful inquiry, hoping to curry some favor.
"A few years ago, an Offering Hall master took a liking to me and accepted me as his disciple. As for which Offering Hall master exactly, I'd rather not mention the old gentleman's name." Han Li understood his intentions perfectly but put on a shy expression, letting a hint of pride slip into his voice.
"Is that so? Senior Brother Han, you're truly fortunate. Your standing within the sect must be very high in the future, with a brilliant career ahead. I hope that if the opportunity arises, Senior Brother might give this junior brother a helping hand." Xiao Suanpan, hearing that Han Li was unwilling to reveal his master's name, didn't mind — any Offering Hall master was superior to his own teacher, after all — and his tone immediately shifted.
"Senior Brother Han, you clearly aren't one to remain in the shallows. A soaring career is certain to be yours." He continued his flattery.
"This fellow is dark-skinned and has a stupid-looking face — how could an Offering Hall master take him as a disciple? Someone as clever and shrewd as me — why hasn't any big shot come calling?" Xiao Suanpan grumbled inwardly, but his expression only grew more respectful.
Hearing the drastic change in Xiao Suanpan's tone — how he'd gone from "Junior Brother Han" to "Senior Brother Han" in the blink of an eye — Han Li found it rather amusing.
However, he harbored no contempt whatsoever. Currying favor was simply human nature. Who wouldn't want a better life and a higher position? Moreover, from his very name alone, one could tell this was a calculating, opportunistic sort.
But Xiao Suanpan was in for a massive disappointment. What Han Li had said wasn't entirely untrue, but the status of "Offering Hall disciple" was essentially hollow. Any random disciple within the Seven Mysteries Sect could defeat him with ease. If Xiao Suanpan was planning to lean on him as a mighty tree, he'd picked the wrong person.
Han Li sighed inwardly even as he listened to Xiao Suanpan's flattery with a calm expression, occasionally offering a polite response or two.
"If Senior Brother Han, with your superior martial arts, were to step into the ring, you'd surely send that swordsman running with his tail between his legs! Absolutely, you would—" Xiao Suanpan's mouth never stopped spewing compliments, even as he carefully studied Han Li's every move and gesture.
"Hm? That's strange. An Offering Hall disciple should have deep internal energy and impressive skills, but I can't gauge this fellow's depth at all. His temples don't bulge slightly, and there's no sharp gleam in his eyes. He looks like someone who doesn't know a thing about martial arts." The more Xiao Suanpan observed, the more puzzled he became.
"They've decided it," Han Li said lightly, his words cutting through Xiao Suanpan's thoughts.
Xiao Suanpan was startled and hurriedly turned his gaze back to the arena.
Sure enough, the saber-wielder had already tossed his blade aside. One arm was gushing blood while the other hand pressed tightly against the wound, his face ashen — clearly not a man who accepted his defeat graciously. It was hardly surprising; the two fighters were closely matched, and it had been a momentary lapse that allowed his opponent to land a trick, costing him the match.
Seeing this, Xiao Suanpan's face was full of regret, and he couldn't stop sighing. "What a shame, what a shame."
"What's such a shame about?" Han Li hadn't been able to tell what was going on, but with a ready-made commentator right beside him, it would be a waste not to ask.
"If Wang Dapang's side had won this bout, they'd have taken three victories, and the final match wouldn't need to be fought. What a shame they didn't win!"
"Oh!"
"But it doesn't matter. There's only the final match left now, and the one stepping out for Wang Dapang's side is the most skilled fighter in our group — his Rushing Thunder Blade Technique is incredibly fierce, powerful enough to shatter stone and cut through metal. Haha! Getting to see Senior Brother Li's signature blade technique, I haven't come in vain. No matter who Zhang Changgui's side sends out, we've already won." Xiao Suanpan started off a bit dejected but quickly grew excited, clearly brimming with confidence in Senior Brother Li.
"So it's already the final match?" Han Li responded casually, wondering to himself who this Senior Brother Li was — he didn't know the person at all.
Just then, a cold-faced youth walked out from Wang Dapang's side. The young man carried a long saber that gleamed with cold light. Step by deliberate step, he walked to the center of the arena, then closed his eyes without a word.
"Senior Brother Li! Senior Brother Li! Senior Brother Li!..."
The moment this youth appeared, the spectators outside the ring were all electrified with excitement. As one, they began chanting the youth's name — louder and louder, voice building upon voice, the roar shaking the entire arena. In that moment, it no longer mattered who was a rich disciple and who was a poor one. There was only one unified cheer for this young fighter.
(End of Chapter)