https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-96-One-Step-to-Profound-Secrets-Sixth-Update-/13450041/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-98-Once-Promised-to-be-the-Best-in-the-World/13450068/
Chapter 97: Master Li
Chapter 97: Master Li
The sword shadows were like a dream, and even after the demonstration, they lingered in their eyes like fleeting shadows, leaving them unable to shake off the impression or forget the scene.
However, the sword shadows were too intricate. Though they remembered them, they felt as if they couldn't fully grasp them.
Seeing everyone lost in thought, Li Hao didn't waste any more time and sat down to continue painting.
+827, +789, +702...
Li Hao mixed the ink and painted with swift movements.
Each of the dozens of paintings of the Divine Wanderer Realm added several hundred points to his Art Dao experience, causing his experience to grow rapidly.
As Li Hao painted, the others gradually came to their senses. Seeing him busy, they didn't dare to disturb him and instead used the time to ponder and contemplate.
After finishing the fourth painting, Li Hao looked at the group and asked, "How do you feel?"
"Master Li, could you demonstrate it again for us?"
The group exchanged glances, and a handsome young man spoke up.
He was a genius in the White Hall, matching Song Yueyao in talent. At that moment, he felt quite embarrassed.
Even though the demonstration had been done twice, he still hadn't fully understood it.
Li Hao glanced at the others and saw that they all had expectant and hesitant expressions.
"Alright."
Li Hao thought for a moment. Continuously demonstrating wasn't the solution.
Moreover, since he was teaching them, he needed to be more serious and try his best to ensure they learned. Otherwise, it would be meaningless to just go through the motions.
He asked everyone and learned that they all had a foundation at the Dexterity Level.
However, the Dexterity Level varied in depth. Some had just reached it, while others were close to perfection.
"Since I'm teaching you, I hope you can achieve something."
Li Hao looked around and said, "I have three lessons this year. I hope that by the end of these three lessons, you can master this sword technique to the Perfection Level. If you can accomplish this, I will consider granting you three wishes that I can fulfill!"
"Perfection Level?"
"Three wishes?"
Everyone was taken aback, shocked by Li Hao's ambition.
It wasn't just giving them wishes; this Young Master was making a wish for himself!
Teaching them all to the Perfection Level in just three lessons?
This wasn't just high expectations; it was wishful thinking.
They dared not compare themselves to Li Hao, who could master a sword technique by merely glancing at the manual and performing it at the Perfection Level.
Besides, they harbored some doubts, suspecting that Li Hao had prepared in advance.
Who doesn't prepare for a lesson?
He was just putting on a show.
"Master Li, isn't your requirement a bit too difficult?" someone couldn't help but ask.
"Master, are you joking? I admit it's a bit funny..." another person said.
Song Yueyao looked at Li Hao with confusion. She had reached the Dexterity Level half a year ago and knew that advancing from Dexterity to Perfection was quite challenging. Even with good talent, it took a year or more of intense practice to engrave the sword movements into one's bones and achieve perfection.
In just three lessons, it was impossible.
But this "impossible" didn't seem so distant for the legendary Young Master of the Li Family.
After all, everything he demonstrated seemed "impossible."
Seeing the group's murmurs, Li Hao didn't say much and picked up the sword again.
Relying solely on a Perfection Level demonstration for them to copy was indeed difficult and a waste of time.
But if they could grasp the essence of the sword technique, it would be much easier to progress from there.
"Silence!"
Li Hao's gaze became stern.
With just two words, the whispers in the hall ceased.
Everyone felt a sudden stirring in their hearts, sensing his authority, and their expressions became more serious.
"Focus and feel."
Li Hao said, his demeanor no longer casual but focused on the sword.
Then, he raised his hand and drew the sword.
Yin-Yang Splitting Sword, True State!
Indeed, beyond the flawless Ultimate, Li Hao directly executed the True State of the sword technique!
At the True Form Level, the sword technique returned to its essence, transcending the ordinary, and could fully reveal the technique's essence and charm.
The sword light flickered, and two streams of black and white light alternated, like the interplay of light and shadow.
The sword moved through the air, as if traversing another dimension.
The sword was real, the void was illusory.
As the sword light rotated, the two streams of black and white light continuously alternated and finally merged into one.
The sword movement ended.
The hall was silent, and everyone was entranced, their gazes and thoughts seemingly carried away by that single stroke, unable to break free.
Even after Li Hao sheathed the sword, they remained in a daze, as if the lingering sword shadows still floated before their eyes, still turning in their minds.
Li Hao didn't interrupt them but waited quietly.
Suddenly, someone snapped out of it, followed by the others.
"Is this the Yin-Yang Splitting Sword?"
Everyone was stunned, looking at each other in disbelief.
"It seems completely different from what I practiced before! But, this seems to be the real thing, and what I practiced was fake!"
"It's not fake, it's wrong!"
"This is the true Yin-Yang Splitting Sword. Mr. Sun taught it wrong, no, the Sword Manual was wrong!"
"Reversing yin and yang with one stroke, disrupting the void with one stroke!"
The group grew increasingly excited, their voices rising, faces flushed with emotion.
Song Yueyao stood in a daze, completely tuning out the murmurs around her. Suddenly, she closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, she darted toward the weapon rack and, with a swift motion, drew her sword!
The sword was out.
The sword shadow glimmered like light, trembled like a snake, and shimmered with a rainbow of colors!
It was as if a peacock had spread its feathers, the sword shadow perfectly manifesting in that moment.
The sword technique that had been stuck at a bottleneck for half a year finally leaped to a new level!
Everyone noticed and stared at her in shock.
"Senior Sister Song has grasped it..."
"She actually perfected it, and she’s only had this sword for less than a year!"
"It’s at the Perfection Level, exactly like what Master Li demonstrated just now!"
The crowd was utterly amazed, their excitement palpable. In their words, Li Hao’s title shifted from "Young Master Li" to "Master Li."
From reverence to admiration!
At the same moment, several others seemed to have gained insights and rushed to the weapon rack, drawing their swords and swinging them.
The spacious hall provided ample room for their practice.
The rest of the group also snapped out of their stupor, no longer observing others but instead focusing on solidifying their newfound insights through sword practice.
For a moment, everyone rushed to the weapon rack, taking up their swords and practicing.
After finishing her sword technique, Song Yueyao came out of her trance, staring blankly at the sword in her hand. She then looked at the young man, who smiled at her encouragingly.
That smile felt like a ray of sunshine, warming her heart.
Song Yueyao was momentarily lost in thought, her cheeks suddenly turning a deep red before she turned away.
Inside the hall, everyone was fervently practicing, trying to capture and engrain the fleeting essence in their minds.
Several people excitedly shouted, "I’ve mastered it!"
They had all been at a bottleneck and had just broken through.
Li Hao smiled.
When someone asked for guidance, he clapped his hands, signaling everyone to watch again.
This process repeated four times.
As the sun began to set, Li Hao concluded the lesson.
Before dismissing the class, he saw that over a dozen people had achieved the Perfection Level, which brought him a sense of satisfaction. It seemed that hard work truly paid off.
"Master Li, what level is the sword technique you demonstrated?"
"I’ve heard that beyond Perfection is the Ultimate Level. Is that your realm?"
As the class was about to end, someone couldn’t resist asking.
Li Hao smiled and said, "Above Perfection is the Ultimate Level, and above Ultimate is the True State, which is the level I demonstrated to you."
He felt there was no need to hide these levels of skill.
Sword Saints and Blade Saints, who have devoted decades to their respective arts, have already touched the True State.
Some have even grasped the profound secrets of certain sword techniques.
Moreover, Li Hao sensed that the True State was not the pinnacle. There were likely higher levels beyond it, but his current understanding of the Dao was not yet sufficient to reach them. Perhaps when he achieved Mindset Spiritual Immersion and advanced further, he would glimpse those higher realms.
"True State..."
Everyone was stunned by Li Hao’s words.
Song Yueyao’s pupils contracted slightly, her eyes filled with disbelief as she looked at Li Hao.
She had heard her grandfather mention the True State, but it was extremely rare. It required exceptional talent and decades of intense practice to even touch it!
Li Hao was undoubtedly a genius in the Sword Dao, but to master a sword technique to the True State would take at least a decade of hard training.
But Li Hao was only fourteen years old... Song Yueyao didn’t dare to think further, feeling her Dao Heart about to shatter.
She finally understood how those who complained about the discomfort of being around geniuses truly felt.
"Think about it more tonight. A master can lead you to the door, but cultivation is up to the individual."
Li Hao waved goodbye, dismissing the class.
Back at the residence, Li Fu found Li Hao and relayed a message from the Marquis, urging Li Hao to make some friends. Although the True Dragon title was almost certain, connections were a lifelong matter.
The Marquis hoped Li Hao would win the True Dragon title with glory, leaving no room for criticism.
Li Hao merely nodded in response.
The next day.
Li Hao prepared an extra batch of Little Crispy Cakes and headed to the Cold Pool. With a light kick, a small stone flew into the pool.
Soon, the massive form of the Water Qilin appeared, transforming into a human figure and stepping out of the water, completely dry and refreshed.
Seeing the Little Crispy Cakes in Li Hao’s hand, Song Qiumo’s eyes lit up with joy.
Li Hao smiled, handed her the cakes, and waved goodbye, not lingering.
Watching Li Hao leave, Song Qiumo took a bite of the crispy cake, her eyes curving into crescents of happiness.
Meanwhile, Li Hao arrived for his second class, having already submitted an application for the transfer.
Just as he reached the entrance of the White Hall, he heard an angry voice from inside:
"How can you, a teacher, insult a child like this?"
"Just because he has poor martial arts potential doesn’t mean he’s a bad person!"
"You can discipline him, even harshly, and treat him like a martial artist, but you cannot treat him like an animal!"
The speaker seemed extremely angry, his voice powerful and resonant.
Hearing the angry shout, Li Hao was momentarily taken aback. He slowly made his way toward the door.
The hall was already filled with people. Due to his habit of sleeping in, he hadn't arrived early.
At the front, three people stood before the students: Sun Hongdian and Zhou Zheng, whom he had met the previous day.
Next to Zhou Zheng stood a robust middle-aged man, dressed in casual clothes that couldn't hide his imposing and dignified presence. His facial features bore a resemblance to Zhou Zheng's, though Zhou Zheng's were slightly more refined.
On the ground in front of them were scattered fragments of books. Apart from the additional person, the scene was eerily similar to the one from yesterday.
"General Zhou, you can't be so unreasonable!"
Sun Hongdian, his face red with anger, was scolding Zhou Zheng. He hadn't expected Zhou Zheng's father to show up and hear everything.
Even if he had heard, Sun Hongdian felt that General Zhou should be grateful for his strict discipline, as he was helping to correct his wayward son.
However, the father had stormed in and unleashed a torrent of angry words, catching Sun Hongdian completely off guard.
"Unreasonable? Which of my words was unreasonable? Is it reasonable for you to insult my son?!"
Zhou Zheng's father fumed, "Though I am a warrior, I understand basic principles. I know my son is a decent human being, not a rat that spoils a whole pot of soup!"
"He is not a despicable and corrupt worm!"
"He may not excel in martial arts, but that doesn't make him unworthy of being a person!"
The robust father's voice was extremely angry and thunderous, "My son may not have great talent, but his character is pure. Even if he only reaches Force Mastery, he is my pride. How dare you insult him like this?"
The crowd fell silent.
No one mocked Zhou Zheng for relying on his father's protection; instead, they looked at him with a hint of envy.
Sun Hongdian, livid with anger, said, "I can't reason with you. If you insist on this, your son will have to leave the academy!"
"Fine, if you're such a teacher, then he'll leave!" Zhou Zheng's father also shouted, preparing to drag his son away.
Zhou Zheng's eyes were red, and he bit his lip, trying hard not to let his tears fall in front of everyone. He bowed his head and choked out, "Father, I want to stay here. I want to study properly. I even mastered a sword technique yesterday!"
"If you want to learn, I'll find you a better teacher. There are many great teachers in the world!" Zhou Zheng's father retorted angrily.
Sun Hongdian, trembling with rage, said, "If you leave, you will never come back."
"I never intended to come back!"
Zhou Zheng's father, furious, was about to pull his son away when he encountered Li Hao at the door.
Everyone's attention immediately shifted to Li Hao.
The students abruptly stood up and bowed in unison, calling out, "Greetings, Master Li!"
This uniform and synchronized greeting not only startled Sun Hongdian and Zhou Zheng's father but also surprised Li Hao.
"Master Li?"
Sun Hongdian was taken aback, looking at Li Hao with confusion.
Zhou Zheng, whose eyes had been watering, suddenly brightened upon seeing Li Hao. He quickly said to his father, "Father, this is Young Master Li Hao, Master Li. Yesterday, in just one class, he helped all of us perfect a High-Grade Sword Technique from the basics!"
"???"
Zhou Zheng's father and Sun Hongdian were both bewildered.
What is this child talking about?
Li Hao was also taken aback, momentarily stunned.
What the heck? They all mastered it in one class?
Weren't there only a dozen or so who had learned it by the end of the class?
Wait, then why am I here today?
"Young Master Li Hao..." Zhou Zheng's father looked at Li Hao with shock and suddenly knelt down, bowing deeply, "This humble servant, Zhou Liang, greets Young Master Li Hao."
This action stunned everyone again.
Li Hao quickly helped him up, saying, "General Zhou Liang?"
"Master, I was once a subordinate of your father", Zhou Liang said humbly.
Li Hao nodded in realization and smiled, "There's no need to be so formal, General Zhou."
Sun Hongdian's face darkened, his brows furrowed.
"Father, I want to stay here. I want to learn another class from Master Li", Zhou Zheng quickly said to his father.
Zhou Liang, surprised to find the recently renowned Li Hao teaching here, thought for a moment and agreed to his son's request.
After Zhou Liang left with a few words of advice, Sun Hongdian coldly said, "Zhou Zheng, today you disrupted the class. Tan Palace Academy is not a place where you can come and go as you please."
Zhou Zheng's face changed.
Li Hao smiled and said, "Mr. Sun, it was just a misunderstanding."
Seeing Li Hao intercede, Sun Hongdian's demeanor changed, and he politely smiled, "Young Master Li, you may not know, but Zhou Liang is simply unreasonable..."
Li Hao shook his head, interrupting him, and said with a smile, "Mr. Sun, I understand your intention to motivate the students with harsh words, but perhaps being too harsh can crush a young soul."
Sun Hongdian was taken aback, his expression changing, and he fell silent.
Li Hao didn't dwell on it further. He had no interest in engaging with such a person. After completing the class handover, Sun Hongdian left. Li Hao glanced around at the crowd:
"Zhou Zheng said you all reached the Perfection Level?"
The atmosphere in the hall seemed to become more lively. The students' faces lit up with excitement, their eyes shining. Ma Jing spoke up first:
"Master Li, Zhou Zheng is right. Your demonstration of the sword technique yesterday was truly profound. We caught a glimpse of its essence, and that's why we've made such rapid progress!"
Though it was flattery, it hit the mark.
Li Hao said helplessly, "I had planned to teach you over three classes. If that's the case, I've wasted my time today. I don't have much else to teach."
Everyone burst into laughter. They were already immensely grateful and excited to gain so much from just one class.
Someone chuckled, "Master Li, didn't you forget something?"
"Hmm?"
"You said yesterday that once we all reached the Perfection Level, you would grant us three wishes!"
Someone looked at Li Hao with excitement and anticipation.
Li Hao was speechless. He had casually thrown out that incentive, never expecting them to actually have the skills. These guys were indeed worthy of entering the White Hall; their talent was no joke.
"Alright, tell me your wishes, but they must be within my capabilities", Li Hao said.
Upon hearing this, everyone started chattering excitedly.
Some wanted to visit the Rain Listening Pavilion, others wanted famous swords, and some said they wanted to learn another sword technique.
Apart from these more serious wishes, there were also a few playful voices in the crowd. Some said they wanted to become sworn brothers with Li Hao, while others suggested visiting a brothel.
Li Hao smiled and raised his hand to quiet them down. Once everyone was silent, he said, "You should discuss and pick one wish among yourselves."
Hearing Li Hao's words, everyone was both surprised and delighted. They hadn't expected him to take it seriously. Teaching them sword techniques was already more than they could ask for, and their previous requests were mostly in jest.
"Hey, don't pick anything too outrageous", Lin Feifei warned, standing up. She felt a few of them were being a bit too presumptuous.
Lin Feifei's words made a few people laugh sheepishly.
"Master Li, you probably won't agree to visiting the Rain Listening Pavilion, so how about we go to a brothel instead?" someone teased.
Hearing this, the other young men's eyes lit up, and they immediately cheered:
"That's a great idea! That's a great idea!"
They were all in the prime of their youth. Since coming to Qingzhou Tan Palace Academy, they rarely left the mountain. The competition within the academy was intense, and the bottom performers were eliminated, leaving them no room to relax.
They had long been yearning for a place of pleasure and relaxation.
The female students, however, rolled their eyes and looked at these guys with disdain.
Li Hao smiled, "Visiting a brothel is no big deal."
In this era, entertainment was scarce, and visiting a brothel was like watching Tiktok in the modern world. Brothels were categorized into different grades. The lowest were cheap and often disease-ridden. The more reputable ones focused on art and entertainment, such as music and poetry. Of course, with a good poem or enough money, one could also enjoy more intimate services.
If Li Hao were to take them, he would choose the best brothel in Qingzhou, where they could listen to music and poetry. Anything else was out of the question.
"Really?"
The male students were overjoyed to hear Li Hao agree.
The female students, however, spat in disgust, their cheeks blushing red.
Song Yueyao shot Li Hao a glare and huffed, "You go if you want, I'm not going."
"I'm not going either", Lin Feifei immediately said.
The other female students also voiced their protests.
But the male students, fearing Li Hao might change his mind, chirped excitedly like animals in heat, their enthusiasm already ignited.
"It's hard to please everyone. Those who don't want to go, I'll give you a painting as compensation", Li Hao said to the female students.
Hearing this, the female students were surprised. They watched as Li Hao took out a scroll and opened it:
"This is what I painted yesterday. You can have one each."
Everyone looked and gasped in amazement.
They had noticed Li Hao painting yesterday, thinking it was just a casual pastime. They never expected it to be so skillfully done, so lifelike!
The painting captured the White Hall and all the students, each person's expression pure and innocent, whether frowning, gazing intently, or looking thoughtful. The women were gentle, and the men were handsome and graceful, each with their own unique charm.
Together, under the warm sunlight, it was as beautiful as a spring breeze.
Many were captivated by the scene.
A young man raised his hand, "Master Li, I don't want to go to the brothel. Can I have a painting instead?"
"There aren't many, so the female students get first priority", Li Hao smiled.
The initially dissatisfied female students all rushed forward, vying for the paintings.
Song Yueyao's eyes glimmered with surprise as she looked at Li Hao. Such skill in painting was not something that could be achieved overnight.
This young man, quiet and composed in his green robe, had not only excelled in Cultivation and Sword Dao but also found time to master other arts. He was truly inscrutable.
Once they had their paintings, many of the girls opened them to admire the details. Though they were martial artists and couldn't focus on other pursuits, they had a natural appreciation for beauty.
After dismissing the female students, Li Hao used the second class period to take the male students out of the White Hall and down the mountain.
Everyone was incredibly excited to use class time for a trip. This was unprecedented.
If the other instructors found out, they would likely have them all face the wall as punishment.
But with Li Hao covering for them, they had nothing to fear.
As the group descended the mountain, the news reached the Tan Palace.
Song Yufeng, who was drinking tea, nearly choked and coughed, looking up in shock:
"You're saying Li Hao, who was supposed to teach, took all the students down the mountain to visit a brothel?!"
(End of Chapter)
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