Inside the classroom.
Monica Zhang sipped her milk tea in small mouthfuls, occasionally turning the pages of her book, pondering seriously, and at other times chatting quietly and laughing with Andrew Han. Time passed quickly.
Even so—
When the class ended, both of them still felt a lingering sense of enjoyment.
Especially for Andrew Han, these moments of leisure were truly precious... Although he had quietly advanced to the Martial Lord Realm, things became even busier after reaching that stage.
"Green Mountain Sect, returning to the Sect Sequence."
"This matter requires careful consideration. According to the relevant regulations for sects in Sinovera, once a sect disciple advances to the Martial Lord Realm, their disciple status must be revoked. They must either become an elder or take on an important internal position within the sect."
Martial Arts sects are much like publicly listed companies.
Some positions, even if merely ceremonial, must still be filled. For example, Iron Sun Sect's Elder Jin Qiyu holds the post of discipline officer.
"Hmm."
"Once you become a Martial Lord, you are no longer a disciple." Andrew Han mused. Currently, Green Mountain Sect consisted only of himself and Miles Ning; where could they find a third person?
It was unlikely that Miles Ning would take another disciple.
He didn't have much time left, and with his hopes pinned on Andrew Han—and also caring for little Lucy—Miles Ning certainly had no time to accept another disciple.
Hmm?
Take a disciple?
Andrew Han's eyes lit up: "I'm a genuine Martial Lord. Even Martial Artists can take disciples, let alone a Peerless Legend like me."
But...
Who should I take as a disciple?
Andrew Han hesitated inwardly, while Monica Zhang, sitting beside him, was chatting with Vivian Xu.
He instinctively turned his head to look at her. Those clear, water-like eyes resembled a crescent moon, and her shoulder-length hair fell gracefully over one ear, accentuating the delicate curves of her figure.
"Graceful and elegant."
"A gentle and refined lady."
Two idioms popped into Andrew Han's mind, and he froze in his seat.
Let me ask—
Who says there is a rule—
that a sect disciple cannot be a martial arts girl of Middle Third Rank?
"If I remember correctly—"
"The standards for disciples are set by each sect itself; the Martial Arts Alliance hasn't given any lower limit." Andrew Han's eyes grew even brighter.
As everyone knows—
Miles Ning and Andrew Han have always upheld virtue and reason, especially skilled at persuading others with logic. Surely, the sect review committee of the Martial Arts Alliance understands what true reason is.
"Haha."
Andrew Han slapped the desk, full of righteous energy: "Monica Zhang, how is your stance training coming along... Come, let me feel your left hand."
Huh?
Vivian Xu, who had just turned to lean on the desk, looked utterly confused, squeezed out an awkward smile, and quickly left this place overflowing with 'dog food.'
Eh?
Monica Zhang was also a bit puzzled.
"Don't misunderstand." Andrew Han gently took the girl's left wrist, rubbed it two, three, four, five, six, seven times, and said seriously, "Congratulations, you've reached Fifth Rank in martial arts. It seems I really do have a knack for teaching—maybe I have the potential to become a renowned master."
???
Monica Zhang blushed slightly and glared at Andrew Han.
...
That night.
It was past eight o'clock on the university campus, and the atmosphere had shifted from lively to quiet. Most students were heading back to their dorms, while a few, planning to run on the track, moved against the crowd, dotting the nightscape of Southland University.
At the artificial lake of Southland University.
A gentle breeze rippled across the lake, and the bright moonlight reflected on the surface, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. The entire artificial lake shimmered under the moon.
Flowers and grasses by the lakeshore were blooming in full display.
Willow branches swayed gently, responding to the night breeze.
Occasionally, a few cats and dogs wandered by, carefree and at ease.
"I'm so tired."
"Ugh, my legs are sore. I can't hold out any longer, can I take a break?" Monica Zhang pleaded pitifully as she stood practicing the River-Moon Watch Stance, her eyes glancing at Andrew Han.
No.
Andrew Han silently shook his head.
He stood to the side, arms folded, supervising Monica Zhang's martial practice... After all, she was about to become Green Mountain Sect's only disciple, and with so much time ahead, he couldn't let Monica remain an ordinary person forever.
In fact, Monica Zhang's martial aptitude wasn't weak!
If her martial arts rank were used as a reference, and if she focused on training, she could at least reach Fifth Rank as a martial arts student.
So Upper Third Rank was far from enough.
She had to reach the Martial Artist Realm, no matter what!
"Hmph."
"I'm a Peerless Martial Lord. With abundant martial resources and my careful guidance, Monica Zhang should have no problem reaching the Martial Artist Realm." Andrew Han squinted, pondering to himself.
Only those in the Martial Artist Realm have the capital to survive.
If Universal Martial Practice truly began and monster invasions erupted into war, Monica Zhang would at least have the strength to face ordinary monsters and demons.