Chapter 18: The Jianghu Conflict

"Senior Brother Han, you really keep to yourself and don't care about outside matters, huh? You didn't even know about such a big event? Even if you were in seclusion, your master should have mentioned it." Little Abacus's tone grew suspicious again.

Han Li said nothing. He swiftly pulled out a waist token from his robe and handed it to Little Abacus.

"Senior Brother Han, what's this for? Of course I trust you! I felt you looked familiar the moment I saw you. We must have met before, haha!" Little Abacus glanced sideways at the token, confirmed its authenticity, and forced a smile.

"Can you tell me now?" Han Li pressed, still focused on his earlier question.

"Of course, of course."

*"Oh no, I've probably offended this guy,"* Little Abacus thought inwardly, but he spilled everything honestly.

Over the past few years, conflicts between the Seven Mysteries Sect and the Wild Wolf Gang had intensified. Both sides had fought over several disputed wealthy towns, resulting in heavy losses. The Wild Wolf Gang members were trained like bandits—ruthless in battle, growing fiercer at the sight of blood. In contrast, Seven Mysteries disciples, though skilled in martial arts, lacked that ferocity. During clashes...

...they hesitated, leading to even greater casualties. After several battles, the Seven Mysteries Sect's leaders could no longer sit idle. They dispatched most of their inner disciples to join the ongoing fights. On one hand, the territories could not be lost; on the other, the disciples needed to experience the brutality of the jianghu and hone their combat skills.

In subsequent skirmishes, the Seven Mysteries Sect regained the upper hand, but inner disciples suffered heavy losses. Many senior brothers never returned. At this point, Little Abacus sighed deeply.

Later, the sect leaders revised their strategy: inner disciples were first assigned less critical tasks to gain experience before engaging the Wild Wolf Gang. Casualties dropped significantly, and this policy was formalized in recent years. All disciples now had to complete a下山历练 (down-mountain trial) before being granted official roles.

Thus, most senior disciples were either battling the Wild Wolf Gang or on trials. The mountain now housed only necessary guards and junior disciples yet to graduate.

Han Li finally understood why the sect felt different.

*"Clang!"* A soft sword flew into the air...

...mid-air.

Zhao Ziling clutched his right hand's bleeding tiger mouth, pale-faced and gasping for breath. Under Senior Brother Li's relentless barrage of sword strikes, he had been forced to block with his soft sword. The overwhelming force from the blade sent his weapon flying.

"Senior Brother Li, your skills are unmatched. I concede," Zhao Ziling forced a smile and bowed.

Cheers erupted around them.

"Senior Brother Li, such exquisite swordsmanship!"

"Senior Brother Li, teach us your techniques!"

Senior Brother Li sheathed his blade, cheeks slightly flushed. Just as he was about to speak, his expression darkened.

"I have urgent matters to attend to. Farewell," he said curtly. With a flicker of his cloak, he vanished into the pine forest beside the cliff, showcasing his elegant lightness skill.

"Tsk tsk! Senior Brother Li's swordsmanship and lightness skills are both exceptional!"

"Exactly!"

"Exactly!"

The praises continued.

Han Li frowned. *Senior Brother Li's skills are impressive, but he seems a bit showy—typical youthful arrogance.*

Then he chuckled wryly. *Wait, I'm no older than these people. Why do I sound like an old man? That meditation technique must have aged my mindset.*

"Junior Brother, I still don't know your name," Han Li suddenly asked Little Abacus.

"I'm Jin Dongbao, but you can call me Little Abacus," he replied eagerly, clearly thrilled to have gained Han Li's favor.

"If you're ever injured or ill, come find me. I'll treat you for free," Han Li patted his shoulder. Glancing at the quarreling crowd in the field, he turned and walked into the pine forest.

Left behind, Jin Dongbao stood dumbfounded, utterly confused.

...stared blankly, unable to grasp the meaning of Han Li's words.