Chapter 24: Initiation Ceremony, Make a Graceful Exit

Chapter 24: Initiation Ceremony, Make a Graceful Exit

“Master wants to see me?”

Seeing Su Chen’s confused expression, Li Mo sighed in exasperation but nodded. “Obviously! Have you forgotten something?”

Now Su Chen looked even more puzzled.

Li Mo slapped his forehead. “Your Iron Thread Fist has already reached the foundational stage. Why else would Master summon you?”

Su Chen suddenly realized. “Wait—you mean Master wants to formally accept me as a disciple?”

“Exactly,” Li Mo said, nodding.

He studied Su Chen’s blank expression with growing bewilderment. After Hong Ming accepted Qin Hao as a disciple, Qin Hao had been practically bursting with joy. Yet here Su Chen stood, showing barely any reaction—just a faint weariness.

What’s this guy been up to lately? So distracted he forgets something this important?

“Anyway, go to the Martial Arts Institute tomorrow. Master picked an auspicious day for the ceremony.”

Li Mo’s tone turned serious.

Su Chen nodded solemnly. “Don’t worry, Brother. I’ll be there.”

Though Su Chen spoke confidently, Li Mo still felt uneasy. “Don’t pull another disappearing act like last time. This ceremony affects your reputation and income.”

“Brother, what do you mean?” Su Chen asked.

Li Mo countered, “Do you even know why Master insists on holding the initiation on an auspicious day?”

Su Chen shook his head.

Li Mo explained, “This isn’t just our Hong Martial Arts Hall’s tradition. Every reputable martial arts institute in the city does the same.

There are two purposes: First, to formally recognize you as a disciple. Second, to showcase your strength so affiliated gangs or businesses can approach you for protection—meaning extra income.

Aren’t you always short on cash? After tomorrow, small factions and shops might start offering you affiliation fees.”

At this, Su Chen’s expression finally shifted.

Right—money was tight.

After promising Li Mo repeatedly, Li Mo still insisted on picking him up in the morning. He then spent time explaining the ceremony’s details before leaving.

As dusk fell, Su Chen took a bath and went out for dinner. Returning home, he pulled out Zhu Yan’s Medical Secret Manual.

Five minutes later, he sighed and closed the thick tome. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to read it—it was simply incomprehensible. The manual was too dense, more like an advanced notebook filled with condensed medical knowledge.

“Guess I’ll hold off for now. I should buy some basic ancient medical texts first.”

True to Li Mo’s word, he arrived the next morning.

Seeing Su Chen’s neat attire, he whistled. “Clothes really do make the man. You look sharp—let’s go.”

They arrived at the Martial Arts Institute, where disciples greeted Li Mo before turning curious eyes to Su Chen.

“Is that Su Chen? He looks even younger than Brother Qin Hao.”

“Young, but his talent’s strong. They say he cultivates faster than Qin Hao.”

“Really?”

“Of course! Haven’t you noticed he never trains here?”

“So?”

“Idiot! If he cultivates this fast without coming here, imagine his potential!”

The courtyard buzzed with chatter, just as it had when Qin Hao joined.

Inside the inner courtyard, Hong Ming waited.

“Master, Su Chen’s here,” Li Mo announced.

Hong Ming nodded, then gestured to Su Chen. “Show me your Iron Thread Fist.”

Su Chen stepped forward, extending his arm to display the technique.

Hong Ming inspected it. “The color’s deep—so you’ve mastered it for some time. Su Chen, do you accept me as your master?”

“Disciple is honored to.”

“Good.” Hong Ming smiled. “Prepare for the ceremony.”

Soon, Zhou Tao and others arrived, including Qin Hao.

Qin Hao hesitated but nodded at Su Chen.

Among them stood a stranger—a young woman.

“Fang Rou,” Li Mo whispered. “Master’s new disciple. You’d have called her ‘Junior Sister’ if you’d joined earlier.”

Fang Rou met Su Chen’s gaze with bright eyes and a warm smile.

The ceremony proceeded like Qin Hao’s—rules explained, introductions made, tea served. Half an hour later, Su Chen officially became Hong Ming’s tenth disciple.

After lunch at Hong Ming’s home, the disciples dispersed.

“Master wants us to spar this afternoon,” Li Mo said as they walked to the training courtyard. “Let’s see your progress.”

Before Su Chen could decline politely, footsteps approached.

“Li Mo, I need a word with Su Chen,” Zhou Tao said, smiling.

Li Mo stepped aside, already suspecting Zhou Tao’s intent. Qin Hao’s lips twitched, but he stayed silent.

“Brother Su,” Zhou Tao began, “I’ve reserved a banquet at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion tonight. Join me? We should strengthen our brotherly bond.”

Li Mo glanced at Su Chen, his unspoken warning clear.

Su Chen bowed. “Appreciate the offer, but I have urgent matters. Another time?”

Zhou Tao’s smile faltered briefly. “Of course. No pressure.”

As they left, Li Mo turned to Su Chen.

Before he could speak, Su Chen met his gaze. “Brother Li Mo, are you free tonight?”

Li Mo blinked. “Yes.”

“Good. I’m buying dinner—but not at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.”

“Fine. I’ll find you later.”

Su Chen left, leaving Li Mo staring after him, muttering, “That kid…”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end