Shawn Cheng stared blankly at the dagger gripped in Ian Song's hand and instinctively asked, "Why did you save me?"
Ian Song replied playfully, "I'm not saving you. I'm just worried that if you die, who am I supposed to collect my silver from? Oh, and by the way, I'm short a personal attendant. The pay is one thousand taels a month. Interested?"
Shawn Cheng froze again, then a look of gratitude appeared on his face. He dropped to his knees with a thud in front of Ian Song. "From now on, I'm your dog. Whatever you tell me to do, I'll do!"
Seeing this, Ian Song's expression turned cold. "I'm not interested in keeping dogs. Like I said, I'm short a personal attendant. Think it over and come find me when you've made up your mind. Tyson, Wes, let's go!"
Watching Ian Song leave surrounded by his supporters, Shawn Cheng's fists slowly clenched as he made a decision in his heart.
Meanwhile, Gavin Quinn returned to his own courtyard, drove everyone out, and finally let his rage explode. He grabbed whatever was at hand and smashed it to pieces, roaring over and over, "I'm going to kill you!" and similar threats.
Half a quarter-hour later, staring at the mess of shattered debris, Gavin Quinn gradually calmed down. A new scheme slowly took shape in his mind...
After this arena battle, Leon Huang's reputation in the Outer Sect soared, and he was now widely seen as the strongest candidate for rookie first place.
The next morning, at dawn.
Surrounded by a crowd of new Outer Sect disciples, Song Yan walked slowly toward the Martial Hall.
The Martial Hall holds class once every five days. According to the rulebook, all newly admitted disciples must attend Martial Hall lessons without unexcused absence for their first three months.
The purpose of the Martial Hall is to transmit cultivation methods, all of which are Yellow-rank mid-grade techniques.
The Martial Hall has a total of nine classrooms.
Each session, nine instructors teach simultaneously, each explaining one technique. Disciples can choose whichever classroom interests them.
Just as he entered the Martial Hall, a bulletin board came into view.
It listed nine lines of text:
Classroom One: Instructor Kevin Qi, teaching 'Ice Profound Force.'
Classroom Two: Instructor Maya Zhong, teaching 'Nine Yin Skill.'
Classroom Three: Instructor Jade Ye, teaching 'Divine Moon Skill.'
Classroom Four: Instructor Damien Qin, teaching 'Vajra Body Skill.'
Classroom Five: Instructor Garth Yue, teaching 'Iron Chain Skill.'
...
All nine instructors are inner-sect disciples, and they don't teach for free—the sect pays them two hundred taels per session.
"There's still half a quarter-hour before class starts. Everyone, pick whichever skill you want to learn and head inside!"
Song Yan said this to the crowd behind him, then walked into Classroom One—not because he cared about Ice Profound Force, but simply because it was the closest.
The classroom was spacious, filled with hundreds of meditation cushions.
However, the front cushions had already been taken by earlier arrivals, so Song Yan picked a spot near the back and sat down.
Near the Martial Hall was a small grove of trees.
An Outer Sect disciple slipped quietly in and reported to a man standing with his back turned, "Senior Brother Chen, that Huang kid went into Classroom One!"
"Alright, got it."
The man nodded, tossed the disciple a second-grade Mystic Pill. The disciple's eyes lit up; after thanking him, he quietly withdrew.
At that moment, nine inner-sect disciples walked together toward the Martial Hall.
These nine were today's instructors.
Suddenly, Kevin Qi paused and said to the other eight, "You all go ahead. I have some private business to take care of!"
The other eight didn't mind and went straight into the Martial Hall.
Once the eight had left, Kevin Qi turned into a shadow and sped toward the grove.
"Senior Brother Chen, you called me over—what instructions do you have?" Kevin Qi cupped his fists to Ryan Chen.
"Junior Brother Qi, I have a favor to ask..."
Classroom One.
Just before class began, Instructor Kevin Qi finally walked in. The previously noisy room instantly fell silent.
Kevin Qi walked straight to the front podium, sweeping his gaze over the Outer Sect disciples. "I'm Kevin Qi, your instructor for today. Next, I'll teach you how to properly cultivate 'Ice Profound Force.' Let me remind you: No talking during my explanation, no questions while I'm lecturing, and no leaving in the middle. Alright, let's begin!"
'Ice Profound Force' is a Yellow-rank lower-grade technique with four tiers: early, middle, late, and completion. Mastering it can take you to Qi-Refining tier six.
Kevin Qi first recited the formula for Ice Profound Force several times, then began explaining it in detail, including key points to watch out for during cultivation. Most Outer Sect disciples listened intently, almost entranced—except for Song Yan, who found it rather dull and nearly nodded off.
This lecture lasted two full hours.
"Now it's question time. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to raise your hand and ask!" Kevin Qi said, his sharp gaze sweeping across the crowd, lingering a moment longer on Song Yan.
The question period lasted another hour.
Kevin Qi continued, "There's half an hour left before class ends. Since everyone's behaved well, I'm going to personally guide your martial skills. Anyone want to come up and receive my instruction?"
Everyone got excited when they heard this.
Sparring with an expert is a rare chance to gain martial experience.
Most of the Outer Sect disciples present had recently visited the Library Pavilion's second floor to learn new martial arts, so most were eager to try.
So everyone was very enthusiastic.
"You, come up first!"
Kevin Qi casually pointed at a male disciple.
The chosen disciple was thrilled. He quickly went up on stage and bowed respectfully. "Hello, Instructor!"
Kevin Qi's expression was cold. "Cut the nonsense. Just attack!"
"Yes, sir!"
The disciple hesitated for a moment, then suddenly launched himself forward, delivering over ten rapid kicks. For a moment, his leg shadows almost engulfed Kevin Qi.
This disciple was using the one-star martial art 'Shadowless Kicks.'
Smack!
Kevin Qi's palm suddenly struck into the midst of the leg shadows, and the next moment, the disciple was sent flying backward.
Kevin Qi withdrew his hand and stood calmly. "Flashy but hollow. Trying to run before you can crawl. Go back and study how to generate power properly!"
"Thank you for your guidance, Instructor!"
The male disciple seemed enlightened, bowed to Kevin Qi, and returned to his seat.
"You, come up!"
Kevin Qi pointed at a female disciple.
The female disciple performed the one-star martial art 'Azure Water Sword,' but was still defeated by Kevin Qi in a single move, who pointed out her weaknesses.
After that, Kevin Qi went on to instruct more than thirty disciples in their martial skills.
As the class was about to end, Kevin Qi suddenly pointed at Ian Song. "You, come up!"
Ian Song replied lazily, "I appreciate your goodwill, Instructor, but I haven't had a chance to practice any martial arts yet. Why not let someone else take the opportunity?"
"I'm telling you to come up!" Kevin Qi's tone grew sharper.
"Why make things difficult, Instructor?" Ian Song's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing that Kevin Qi probably didn't have good intentions in calling him up.
Seeing Ian Song refuse again, Kevin Qi's face grew darker. "What, do you think I'm not qualified to instruct you?"