yu_ar

An ordinary mountain village youth, by chance enters a minor Jianghu sect as a provisional disciple. How does he establish himself within the sect's hierarchy? How does one with mediocre spiritual roots ascend the celestial ladder of immortal cultivation, ultimately reigning supreme across Heaven, Earth, and the Mortal Realm?

Start with a mortal

The clash of steel echoed as two youths dueled, blades swirling like icy tempests. Han Li watched, though his untrained eyes couldn't discern skill from blunder.

**Little Abacus** sidled closer, curiosity burning. "Brother Han, under which elder do you train? Your seclusion must've honed your prowess!"

Han Li feigned modesty. "A certain elder took me in. His name… better left unspoken."

Little Abacus's eyes gleamed. "Senior Brother Han! With such backing, you'll soar high! Spare a thought for this lowly junior!"

Han Li stifled a laugh. *If only you knew my "backing" is a frail doctor and a useless mantra.*

Little Abacus scrutinized Han Li, baffled. *No bulging temples, no sharp gaze—how is this guy a disciple?*

"Victory's decided," Han Li remarked, nodding toward the arena.

The swordsman had disarmed his opponent, whose arm bled freely. Cheers and groans split the crowd.

"A pity," Little Abacus sighed. "If Wang Dapang's side had won this round, the match would've ended. Now it's down to the final bout."

Han Li raised a brow. "Final bout?"

"Senior Brother Li will crush them! His **Thunderous Blade Art** shatters stone! Watch!"

A cold-eyed youth strode into the arena, long blade gleaming. The crowd erupted:

**"Senior Brother Li! Senior Brother Li!"**

Even wealthy and poor disciples chanted in unison, their rivalry forgotten.

"Who *is* this Senior Brother Li?" Han Li whispered.

Little Abacus gaped. "You don't know?!"

"Ah! Four years ago, he was a probationary disciple. Now he's a legend!"

Li's tale unfolded: A mediocre talent turned prodigy. Through sheer grit, he mastered mid-tier **Wind and Thunder Blade Art**, shattered records, and climbed ranks. Now dubbed **"Li the Tiger"**, he stood on the cusp of entering the **Seven Extremes Hall**.

From Zhang Changgui's side emerged **Zhao Ziling**, wielding a serpentine soft sword. Li's roar thundered, rattling the crowd.

Blade met sword in a dance of light. Zhao's defenses crumbled under Li's relentless onslaught.

"Zhao Ziling—Fifth Elder's disciple. Skilled, but no match for Li."

Han Li frowned. "Why are there no senior disciples here?"

Little Abacus tensed. "A forbidden topic…"

The crowd's cheers drowned his words. Li's victory loomed inevitable.

Han Li pressed: "Why only young disciples?"

Little Abacus glanced nervously. "The elders… discourage such brawls. They turn a blind eye—until blood spills."

Chapter 17: Senior Brother Li