Chapter 17: "Su Shidi, You've Ghosted Me Again!"

Chapter 17: "Su Shidi, You've Ghosted Me Again!"

Hong Martial Arts Hall.

"Master, it's getting late. I'll take my leave now", Qin Hao said, wiping sweat from his brow before bowing respectfully to Hong Ming.

After enduring Hong Ming's grueling afternoon training session, Qin Hao's arms trembled slightly from exhaustion. Ever since becoming Hong Ming's official disciple, he'd received personalized cultivation guidance. Though the rigorous sessions at the Martial Arts Institute left him drained, his strength had grown significantly. The crimson bloodline on his arms had begun shifting from pale pink to a deeper red, completing roughly a tenth of its transformation.

Hong Ming studied his disciple. "Stay for dinner. There's something I want to discuss."

Qin Hao hesitated. "Master, I've already made plans with Senior Brother Zhou Tao..."

Hong Ming's sharp gaze pinned Qin Hao in place until the younger man shifted uncomfortably. "You may be the last to join my disciples, but you possess the greatest potential. With your talent and my instruction, you could master the Iron Thread Fist within years—earning your place even in White Stone City. Zhou Tao and the others come from respectable families, but their ambitions lie elsewhere. Don't let fleeting pleasures dull your gifts."

Qin Hao bowed deeply. "Thank you for your guidance, Master."

Hong Ming waved him off. As Qin Hao exited the courtyard, he nearly collided with Li Mo rushing in.

"Senior Brother Li Mo", Qin Hao greeted.

"Qin Hao", Li Mo acknowledged breathlessly before sprinting toward Hong Ming's chamber.

"Master!" Li Mo skidded to a halt, his face flushed with excitement. "I've got urgent news!"

Hong Ming arched an eyebrow at his usually composed disciple. "What's this sudden commotion?"

Li Mo grinned sheepishly. "Su Chen has stabilized his crimson bloodline!"

Qin Hao froze mid-step outside the gate. His heart clenched. Su Chen? Already stabilized? Ten days ago, Su Chen had stolen his spotlight. Now he'd matched Qin Hao's progress—though Qin Hao had secretly completed his cultivation in nine days, hiding his true pace to avoid suspicion. Su Chen had achieved this alone, without Hong Ming's guidance or medicinal supplements.

"Su Chen..." Qin Hao murmured, his calm facade cracking. A cold unease settled in his chest.

Hong Ming's voice boomed behind him. "You're certain?" His face split into a rare smile. "Bring him to me tomorrow."

Qin Hao's gloom deepened as he reached the waiting carriage. Zhou Tao noticed immediately. "What troubles you, Junior Brother?"

After a long pause, Qin Hao admitted, "Su Chen has mastered the Iron Thread Fist."

Zhou Tao's eyes widened. "But he only awakened his bloodline ten days ago!"

"Nine days, actually", Qin Hao muttered. "I delayed reporting my progress to avoid drawing too much attention."

Zhou Tao whistled. "Nine days? That's astonishing! Forget Su Chen—tonight, we're celebrating at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Let me treat you to wine and music."

The next morning, Li Mo stormed out of the inner courtyard, his face dark with frustration. "Again? That's the second time Su Chen stood me up!"

Fang Rou, the new female disciple, approached cautiously. "Senior Brother Li Mo, are you unwell? You look terrible."

Li Mo sighed. "Just a minor disappointment, Junior Sister. What did you need?"

Fang Rou hesitated. "Actually, I wanted to ask—"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end