Chapter 9: This Kid Isn't Inferior to Qin Hao

Chapter 9: This Kid Isn’t Inferior to Qin Hao

“Brother Qin Hao’s cultivation progress is incredible! He sensed the Iron Line in just half a month and stabilized it before the month even ended.”

“Don’t call him ‘Junior Brother’ anymore—he’s officially our Senior Brother now. Brother Qin Hao has already entered a different realm from us.”

“Exactly! Haven’t you noticed all the senior apprentices returning? Master specially summoned them to attend Brother Qin’s Initiation Ceremony.”

“…”

In the Outer Courtyard, several disciples practicing martial arts paused their training, distracted by the commotion from the Inner Courtyard. Their eyes kept drifting over the high walls, fixated on a familiar yet transformed figure. Envy flickered in their gazes.

The latecomer who once lagged behind them had now become someone they could only admire, prompting quiet reflections on life’s unpredictability.

Li Mo stepped out of the Inner Courtyard, observing the distracted disciples. He opened his mouth to scold them but stopped himself. Glancing at Qin Hao surrounded by Zhou Tao and others, he decided to take a walk instead. Staying there would only leave him out of place—Zhou Tao’s group came from prestigious families, and Qin Hao naturally gravitated toward them. Better to avoid awkwardness than force interaction.

As he wandered, Su Chen approached.

“Junior Brother Su, you—”

Li Mo paused. In half a month apart, Su Chen seemed completely rejuvenated.

“Senior Brother Li,” Su Chen greeted with a smile.

Li Mo hesitated, then sighed. “Since you’re here, how’s your Standing Stake practice? If you’re free today, I’ll formally teach you the fist techniques.”

After not seeing Su Chen for over ten days, Li Mo had assumed he’d given up cultivation. He’d intended to question Su Chen’s absence but changed his mind. Initially, he’d hoped Su Chen would train diligently after joining the institute, but Su Chen’s inconsistent effort—three days fishing, two days drying nets—left him indifferent. Still, as a senior brother, he owed Su Chen guidance.

Su Chen, unaware of Li Mo’s conflicted thoughts, hesitated before asking, “Senior Brother, I wanted to ask about the cultivation realm divisions for martial cultivators.”

Li Mo’s expression shifted. “Why bring this up now?” he asked, frowning.

Su Chen shrugged, then extended his arm, channeling his Crimson Bloodline. The crimson energy shimmered faintly beneath his skin.

“You’ve… awakened the Crimson Bloodline?!” Li Mo gripped Su Chen’s arm, eyes widening as the energy flared.

Su Chen nodded. “It just appeared while I was practicing.”

“This is… incredible,” Li Mo stammered, then suddenly straightened. “Wait—how long ago did you awaken the Iron Line? You’ve only been here twenty days!”

“Today,” Su Chen replied casually. “I stabilized it today.”

Li Mo stared, then burst into laughter. “Come on—we’re telling Master!”

---

Inside the Inner Courtyard, Qin Hao basked in the crowd’s admiration like a rising star.

“With Brother Qin’s talent, the Iron Thread Fist will reach perfection in no time,” Zhou Tao said. “We might all lose to you soon.”

“Brother Zhou flatters me,” Qin Hao replied modestly. “I’ve only trained hard.”

“Still too humble!” Zhou Tao chuckled. “But speaking of hospitality, I’ve yet to properly welcome you. Let’s celebrate at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion tonight.”

Qin Hao’s eyes widened. The Drunken Immortal Pavilion was White Stone City’s most luxurious restaurant—meals there cost hundreds of silver taels. Even his father couldn’t afford it.

“Won’t that be too expensive?” Qin Hao asked hesitantly.

“Nonsense!” Zhou Tao waved him off. “I can’t eat there daily, but a few times a month? Easily managed.”

As Qin Hao accepted, Hu Zong noticed Li Mo rushing in. “What’s Li Mo in such a hurry about?”

“Master,” Li Mo bowed, breathless. “Another disciple has awakened the Crimson Bloodline.”

Hong Ming’s gaze snapped to Su Chen. “Show me.”

Su Chen displayed his Crimson Bloodline, the crimson energy pulsing faintly.

“Good,” Hong Ming nodded, though his interest paled compared to Qin Hao’s earlier feat. “How long has this one been here?”

“Less than twenty days,” Li Mo added.

Hong Ming blinked, recalling Su Chen’s decisive tuition payment. “You’re the one who joined recently? If you stabilize your bloodline within a month, I’ll waive your tuition.”

“Thank you, Master,” Su Chen bowed, hiding his surprise at the offer.

“Stay for dinner too,” Hong Ming added. “A double celebration.”

At the banquet, Hong Ming treated both disciples equally, though his favor toward Qin Hao lingered. Su Chen, however, remained composed, politely deflecting Zhou Tao’s congratulations. Qin Hao’s earlier joy dimmed as he noticed Su Chen’s quiet confidence.

Later, as Zhou Tao and Qin Hao departed, Li Mo walked with Su Chen.

“Senior Brother,” Su Chen finally asked, “could you explain the cultivation realm divisions?”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end