"Greetings, Hall Master."
"Hello, Hall Master."
"Respectful greetings, Hall Master."
............
Whether they wanted to curry favor with Leon Lee, looked down on his rise to power, or simply disliked him, everyone still maintained proper etiquette on the surface.
"Haha, everyone is too polite. I arrived a bit late—hope you all don't mind," Leon Lee replied to the crowd's greetings, his smile growing even softer.
After another round of pleasantries, Leon Lee suddenly walked over to Frank Zhao's group, his gaze settling on Ian Song. Smiling, he said, "You must be Ian Song? I heard from Brother Frank that your martial arts talent is outstanding—you've reached Postnatal Perfection at such a young age."
"Hall Master Lee flatters me, I don't deserve such praise," Ian Song replied calmly.
"Very good," Leon Lee said, his expression suddenly darkening. It was unclear whether he was dissatisfied with Ian Song's attitude or impressed by his strength.
But then, Leon Lee's tone shifted, and his eyes showed a hint of appreciation: "As far as I know, you have no sect, no formal master. I'm planning to take on a disciple—would you be willing to become my apprentice?"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone looked stunned.
Frank Zhao's expression changed slightly as he shot a deep look at Leon Lee. Zoe Zhao, however, was furious—trying to poach Ian right in front of the siblings was way too much. She sneered, "Hall Master Lee, it seems your investigation wasn't very thorough. Ian learned our Zhao family's Ninefold Breath Technique, and he's also mastered Tiger-Leap Step. Once this assessment is over, my brother will teach him the Lieyang Fist. So you'd better not get any crooked ideas—there's no way Ian would become your disciple."
"Zoe, don't be disrespectful to the Hall Master," Frank Zhao quickly scolded.
"I haven't been—I'm just telling the truth," Zoe Zhao retorted coldly.
"Heh," Leon Lee just chuckled indifferently. "No need to mind, Brother Frank. I've got enough tolerance—I won't stoop to arguing with a young lady."
With that, his gaze fell on Ian Song again, his tone playful: "The Ninefold Breath Technique is a decent method, but it's hard to use it to reach the Innate realm. With your outstanding talent, it'd be a pity if you couldn't break through because of your cultivation technique. If you become my disciple, I'll teach you the Golden Toad Breath Method—it's a top-tier Lee Family skill."
Hearing that becoming Leon Lee's disciple would earn him the Golden Toad Breath Method, many people present looked at Ian Song with envy and jealousy. Of course, the more perceptive ones didn't believe Leon Lee truly 'valued' Ian; his real purpose was probably to sow discord between Frank Zhao and Ian Song.
Zoe Zhao was both anxious and angry after hearing Leon Lee's words, about to speak up again, but Frank Zhao stopped her with a look. Helpless, she could only keep signaling Ian Song with her eyes, hoping he wouldn't agree.
But Ian Song acted as if he hadn't noticed, smiling at Leon Lee: "I appreciate Hall Master Lee's kindness, but for now, I don't have plans to take a master."
"You don't know what's good for you! My uncle is honoring you by offering to take you as a disciple, and you dare refuse? Do you really think you're some big shot?" A young man standing behind Leon Lee shouted coldly.
Hearing this, Ian Song looked up, meeting Gavin Lee's cold glare.
"Hey there, is your uncle really your elder?" Ian Song asked with a smile.
"Isn't that obvious?" Gavin Lee replied, looking at Ian Song as if he were an idiot.
Ian Song's smile turned sly. "If that's the case, haven't you heard that it's rude for juniors to interrupt their elders? Even your uncle hasn't scolded me—are you saying you can stand above him?"
Gavin Lee's expression shifted, and he quickly argued, "That's nonsense—I never thought that!"
"If that's not the case, then shut up. If you want to talk to me, wait until I'm done speaking with your uncle," Ian Song said seriously.
"You're asking for it!"
The young man was furious, stepping forward, about to attack Ian Song.
"Enough, Gavin! Stand down!" Leon Lee turned and shouted at him, feeling a bit disappointed—so easily provoked, a typical hothead.
"Yes, Uncle." Gavin Lee glared hatefully at Ian Song, unwillingly retreating behind Leon Lee.
"Ian Song, I hope you'll consider my offer," Leon Lee said, smiling again.
"Alright, I'll think about it," Ian Song replied perfunctorily.
Seeing this, Leon Lee—though he never truly intended to take Ian Song as a disciple—still felt a flash of anger.
"Fine. I'll wait for your reply."
............
As soon as Leon Lee left, Zoe Zhao gave Ian Song a thumbs-up and whispered, "Nice job, Ian! I knew you wouldn't let me down."
"So, do I get a reward?" Ian Song asked with a grin.
"What kind of reward do you want?"
"How about a kiss?"
"Ian Song, are you looking for trouble?" Zoe Zhao's expression turned cold as she swung a punch at Ian Song's chest.
After a bit of playful sparring, the two had to stop—the assessment was about to begin, and Leon Lee had already stepped to the front of the crowd to announce it.
"Now, will the thirty-six candidates please come forward," Leon Lee called out loudly.
So, including Ian Song, thirty-six candidates stepped out from the crowd—among them were the three young men Leon Lee had brought.
Ian Song glanced around and noticed that, of the thirty-six candidates, nine were female martial artists. The oldest was in their thirties, and the youngest was himself.
Leon Lee continued, "I trust everyone knows the rules, but I'll repeat them. In a moment, each of you will receive a numbered token, then enter that grove together. For the first three minutes, no fighting is allowed. After three minutes, you may begin snatching each other's tokens.
The assessment lasts two hours. At the end, the ten people with the most tokens will become new members of the Martial League. Also, remember—no fatal injuries or use of weapons. Anyone who breaks the rules will be disqualified and permanently barred from joining the Martial League. Is everyone clear?"
"Understood!" everyone replied in unison.
Just then, Ian Song noticed Gavin Lee glaring at him with a mix of resentment and contempt.
Soon, all thirty-six candidates received their tokens. At the signal, they rushed into the grove.
"Hand over your token, kid!"
As soon as they entered the grove, Gavin Lee and his two companions led over twenty candidates to surround Ian Song, demanding coldly.
"If you want my token, come and take it!" Ian Song taunted, waving his token playfully.
For some reason, Gavin Lee always found Ian Song's expression infuriating. As soon as the three-minute mark passed, he ordered the attack. Instantly, the candidates charged at Ian Song. Ian's eyes narrowed, and in a flash, he sprang into action.
Bang! Bang!
Two mid-level Post-Heaven candidates were sent flying with muffled groans, opening a gap in the encirclement. Ian Song darted through the opening, and after a few quick flickers, vanished into the woods.
"After him!"
Seeing Ian Song escape, Gavin Lee was furious and immediately launched his movement technique to pursue him.