Chapter 664 - 431: Exception and Plan
Upon hearing He Kuang’s question, Wang Zhifan, feeling downhearted after learning of the impending disaster, replied irritably:
"This is my place, of course I have to come here."
He Kuang was initially shocked, and his expression froze for half a second, before he seemed to realize:
"Benefactor, could you mean... you are working here in the Martial Venerable Hall?"
He still hadn’t figured it out after Wang Zhifan said that much, subconsciously assuming Wang Zhifan was a staff member of the Martial Venerable Hall.
"Just take it that way..."
Wang Zhifan, not bothered to explain further, reiterated the question he asked He Kuang earlier:
"What are you planning to do here?"
"Nothing much..."
It seemed He Kuang was somewhat evasive on this question, shaking his head slightly and, after some thought, replied:
"I heard that the honorable master of the Confucian Sect bestowed the title of Martial Venerable upon an extraordinary innate Martial Artist, and I found out the Martial Venerable Hall has recently opened in Celestial Essence City to recruit disciples, so I came specifically to take a look..."
"You wish to join the Martial Venerable Hall?"
At this point, Wang Zhifan could tell his purpose and directly pointed it out.
"No!"
Unexpectedly, He Kuang immediately retorted.
"Benefactor, I’m already past the age of becoming a disciple! Besides, I have my family’s martial arts legacy and don’t need to take a master!"
This young man in his twenties, already possessing an Innate Realm cultivation, went on to emphasize that he wouldn’t entertain such unrealistic notions.
"So you came all this way just to take a look at the Martial Venerable Hall? Are you intending to challenge the Martial Venerable?"
Seeing him deny left and right, Wang Zhifan came up with a hypothesis that sounded a bit absurd, suspecting this bold Innate Realm Martial Artist came to challenge the establishment.
After all, the impression this man had left with him was one of fearlessness in challenges — he had fought a fierce battle against a Buddhist Sect master before witnesses, nearly getting killed, yet demonstrating no lack of courage.
However, as soon as Wang Zhifan said this, it was He Kuang’s turn to feel speechless. He Kept silent for a moment, then rolled his eyes and replied:
"Benefactor, I’m not some foolish guy from the village! I’m merely in the Innate Third Realm! Challenging someone beyond the Innate is no different from seeking death! I’m just here to try my luck and see if there’s a chance to gain some instruction from the Martial Venerable..."
At this moment, Wang Zhifan finally understood the purpose behind this man’s long-standing presence outside the Martial Venerable Hall. He was hoping to sit back and benefit by sheer chance.
"I see... then come inside with me."
Upon hearing him out, Wang Zhifan didn’t waste any more words and turned towards the steps leading to the Martial Venerable Hall’s main entrance, bidding him to follow.
He Kuang felt an uncontainable joy and silently cursed his luck for being so good today, meeting someone familiar inside the Martial Venerable Hall.
Just as he took a step forward, a hint of hesitation gripped him. He addressed Wang Zhifan, who was now ahead of him:
"Benefactor, I’ve already asked the guards! The Martial Venerable is out and hasn’t returned! Should I maybe come back later?"
"Stop talking nonsense! Hurry and follow!"
Wang Zhifan then immediately turned his head back, exclaiming impatiently, exerting his aura to suppress the young man’s chaotic thoughts.
About half a cup of tea’s time later, inside the main hall of the Martial Venerable Hall.
"Master above! Please accept a bow from this disciple!"
He Kuang, who had earlier addressed Wang Zhifan as "benefactor," now referred to him as "master," kneeling and performing a profound bow, shedding any trace of arrogance he had while challenging a Buddhist expert.
"You brat... don’t you think you’ve realized this a bit too late?"
Wang Zhifan, seeing this guy profoundly bowing to him, shook his head with a helpless expression, thinking how typically oblivious this fellow was — only now realizing he was the Martial Venerable.
"Please calm your anger, Master! It was this disciple’s mistake for not seeing the mountain ahead! This disciple willingly accepts any punishment!"
Still kneeling, He Kuang immediately respectfully replied, his tone exceedingly sincere.
"Alright, alright, you may rise! I hadn’t planned on accepting any more disciples, but we truly are fated, so I’ll make an exception and take you in."
Wang Zhifan quickly made this decision without much hesitation, allowing the kneeling young man to fulfill his wish.
"Thank you, Master! This disciple will serve you with unwavering dedication!"
The innately gifted Martial Artist, known as the Ultimate Saint of Spearmanship, He Kuang stood up rather excitedly upon hearing that.
Realizing he had made the right gambit, the mysterious man who once saved his life turned out to be the legendary Martial Venerable, he naturally couldn’t pass up this immense opportunity.
"Don’t be too quick to celebrate, you brat."
Seeing He Kuang unable to contain his happiness, Wang Zhifan promptly dampened his spirits a little.
"Although I’ve made an exception to accept you, you’re no longer young, and already have your own martial path. Moreover, the spear techniques you cultivate aren’t my specialty. My help in your future cultivation will be limited; don’t expect the journey ahead to be smooth sailing."
"Thank you, Master, for enlightening me! This disciple will engrave it in my heart!"
Despite hearing this, He Kuang’s expression didn’t change, whether he truly heard Wang Zhifan’s words or took them as mere passing comments.
"Enough, enough... Since you’ve joined my sect, begin your new training from today! Follow me!"
Not wishing to waste further words on the youth, Wang Zhifan decided on immediate action, knowing that at a certain age, people find change difficult, and he would focus on practical training.
Soon, He Kuang, with curiosity and excitement on his face, followed Wang Zhifan through the main hall, entering the passageway leading to the underground palace beneath the Martial Venerable Hall.