Chapter 16: Martial Scholar

Ordinary people wouldn't even have the chance to offer him gifts, and he didn't care for mere money.

"I've only practiced Turtle Breath Energy Cultivation, no other martial arts. But I have trained in this technique persistently, without a single day of rest," Wei Tu said after a moment of silence, presenting the well-prepared explanation he had thought of beforehand.

As he spoke, he retrieved the Turtle Breath Energy Cultivation manual from his robe and handed it to Dan Wu Ju with both hands.

Back when he was still at the Li Manor, after achieving Minor Accomplishment in the technique, he had already started considering the possibility of taking the martial examination to gain a title. It wasn't arrogance or blind optimism—it was because he had compared himself to the martial artists in the county.

A strength of three hundred jin was something most martial artists simply didn't possess. Most of them were just slightly stronger than ordinary men and had a better mastery of weaponry—nothing more.

Typical martial artists gained strength through relentless physical conditioning; they didn't have the steady and subtle internal energy flow that Turtle Breath Energy Cultivation provided.

If the martial examination were truly so easy to pass, then most of those martial artists wouldn't have ended up working as bodyguards for wealthy families.

Moreover, with Minor Accomplishment, his strength had already reached three hundred jin. Now that he had broken through to Major Accomplishment just a few nights ago, his strength had undoubtedly surpassed that.

By his own estimation, his current strength was around four hundred jin.

"Practicing day and night, solely on Turtle Breath Energy Cultivation..." Dan Wu Ju's expression softened as he took the manual, nodding approvingly.

These past days, he had kept an eye on Wei Tu and had indeed noticed his nightly training sessions. However, the dim lighting in the front courtyard had prevented him from getting a clear view.

Now that he had Dan Wu Ju's permission, Wei Tu didn't hesitate. He adjusted his breathing, positioned himself in a balanced martial stance, and began performing the Turtle Breath Energy Cultivation postures.

The thirty-two stances were already ingrained in his muscle memory. Having practiced them day and night, his movements flowed naturally, without the slightest hesitation—smooth and refined like a well-polished blade.

"This stance work..."

In the courtyard, Dan Wu Ju's brow furrowed slightly as he closely observed Wei Tu's every motion. His sharp eyes followed each shift between strength and stillness, never once blinking.

Wei Tu's execution of the postures was just as he had anticipated—perhaps even more refined.

Martial prowess favors the young.

Back in his youth, Dan Wu Ju had been famous throughout Qingmu County as an accomplished fighter.

"To think that merely training in Turtle Breath Energy Cultivation—with unwavering diligence—could yield such results..."

When Wei Tu finished his routine, Dan Wu Ju casually flipped through the manual in his hands. After a brief pause, his expression showed genuine amazement.

At first, he had suspected that Wei Tu's claim of only knowing Turtle Breath Energy Cultivation was merely an excuse, a deception to hide his true martial lineage.

But after watching his stance work, Dan Wu Ju dismissed that notion completely.

The way a person held their stance, the way their body moved—those things couldn't be faked.

Mastering Turtle Breath Energy Cultivation to this level would be nearly impossible without several years of dedicated training.

"He has a clear background. I was overthinking it," Dan Wu Ju pondered for a moment before dismissing his suspicions.

"Alright, I've seen enough. No need to continue practicing your cultivation technique," Dan Wu Ju said, stopping Wei Tu as he began his second round of the routine.

"How long have you been practicing this technique?" he asked out of curiosity.

"A little over two years, about two and a half," Wei Tu answered honestly.

"To achieve this level in just over two years… Apart from having good natural talent, your persistence must have played a huge role," Dan Wu Ju nodded approvingly, a smile forming on his lips.

Based solely on his proficiency in Turtle Breath Energy Cultivation, Wei Tu's talent and discipline were truly exceptional. In Qingmu County, he was undoubtedly a rare martial arts prodigy.

"From today on, you are my disciple. You don't need to continue working as a laborer in the outer courtyard."

"Let Deng An handle the grain drying and horse-feeding."

Dan Wu Ju's voice was calm but firm.

As he finished speaking, he glanced at Madam Gao, who had just stepped out of the hall, and instructed, "Prepare the apprentice tea and cook a few dishes. I am formally accepting a disciple today."

During Wei Tu's time in Dan Wu Ju's household, his humility and diligence had not gone unnoticed. He had proven himself capable of carrying out his duties without causing trouble for the household, and this trait alone showed great promise.

Of course, Dan Wu Ju wasn't taking Wei Tu as a disciple just because he was obedient. The more important reason was his talent for martial arts and his potential to pass the martial examination.

A disciple who could become a martial scholar wouldn't just carry on his legacy—he could also provide protection for his family in the future.

It was a mutually beneficial decision.

"Yes, Master," Madam Gao acknowledged the request and signaled a maid to assist her in the kitchen.

Shortly after, the maid returned carrying the apprentice tea.

"Once you present this tea, you will officially be my disciple. I will teach you martial arts, and in return, you must honor me in my old age," Dan Wu Ju said, his voice slow and deliberate as he looked at Wei Tu, who was kneeling before him.

"Of course, I have children of my own and won't rely on you for my livelihood. But you must still keep this duty in your heart. Understand?"

"I understand, Master," Wei Tu responded.

Martial arts were the foundation of a martial artist's survival, much like the skills of a craftsman.

But there was an old saying—"Teach a disciple, starve the master."

A student who learned from his master owed him not just gratitude but the duty of lifelong respect and care. This principle held true everywhere.

Given Dan Wu Ju's wealth and status, Wei Tu doubted he would ever have to actually provide for him, but as the master had said, the thought itself must always remain.

"Good. Present the apprentice tea, and this ceremony will be complete."

Seeing Wei Tu's serious response, Dan Wu Ju's expression showed clear satisfaction.

Without hesitation, Wei Tu took the large porcelain bowl filled with tea from the maid, knelt on the ground, and respectfully presented it to Dan Wu Ju.

Dan Wu Ju accepted the bowl and drank the tea in one long gulp.

Then, he led Wei Tu into the third courtyard, entering his personal living quarters.

Inside the room, a wooden altar table stood against the wall. Two straight-backed chairs were placed on either side, and on the altar, incense burned before a dark wooden ancestral plaque with four golden characters: "Master Shi Ming."

"When I was young, I apprenticed under the 'Golden Blade Warrior' Shi Ming and learned my martial arts from him," Dan Wu Ju said, lighting three incense sticks and placing them into the burner. His face showed a rare moment of nostalgia.

"The Golden Blade Warrior?" Wei Tu silently committed the name to memory.

A man capable of producing a disciple who became a martial scholar would not be an ordinary martial artist.