Returning to his own courtyard.

Most of Shen Han's time was devoted to cultivation, so the courtyard only looked generally tidy.

But upon returning today, he thought he had entered the wrong place.

The entire courtyard had been swept completely clean, even the moss along the edges had been scraped away and cleaned.

The muddy path leading to his courtyard had been filled with small stones by the household servants from the mansion.

As the saying goes, only when you're not easily bullied will you not be bullied.

Upon pushing open the door to his room, Shen Han continued his cultivation.

Today's confrontation with that young boy Shen Ao was his first experience with the power of Scholar Cultivators.

Eighth-Grade Scholar, his ability to change the Law was hardly a match for mine with words alone.

Shen Han estimated that his current Spiritual Power was over twice as strong as Shen Ao's eighth grade.

Right now, what he needed more was to improve his Martial Path strength.

"Mountain and River Body Refining Skill" as a foundational cultivation technique, still holds great efficacy even now.

Since his foundation is stable, Shen Han planned to quickly advance to Eighth Grade.

An Eighth-Grade Martial Artist needs to comprehend Qi Mechanism, unlike advancing to Ninth Grade, where one can use a medicinal bath.

Advancing to Eighth Grade relies purely on one's own comprehension.

However, Shen Han wasn't concerned about this; with the entry [Easy to Learn], the tome "Mountain and River Body Refining Skill" explains the methods of comprehension simply and thoroughly.

What Shen Han needed to do now was to let his body feel and familiarize itself with Qi Mechanism.

For a Swordsman, the emergence of Qi Mechanism and the cultivation of sword sense will be a qualitative leap in strength.

With one sword strike, it cuts through the river.

Powerful sword cultivators can cleave mountains with their sword Qi.

Shen Han spent the entire night in his room, continuously sensing and familiarizing himself with Qi Mechanism.

His mind was heavy, surrounded by a faint, elusive aura.

He felt his body tread upon clouds, walking in the void.

Clouds flowing, wind riding.

Is this the Qi Mechanism?

Carefully experiencing the mysterious sensation.

A day passes.

At night, at 3:00 AM.

With a point of Shen Han's finger, the candle on the candlestick extinguished instantly, and the wooden table beneath pierced through.

Qi Mechanism was accomplished, entry into Eighth Grade.

The achievement that takes prodigies a year, Shen Han had accomplished in merely two months.

Had he not been limited by resources in the Shen Family, perhaps solely by his talent, he might not be inferior to Shen Ye and Su Jinyu.

Before dawn, Shen Han lay on his bed, continuously reliving the sensation of Qi Mechanism in his mind.

Madam Yun was right; by inflicting a severe loss on that brat Shen Ao today, he greatly angered the Old Dowager.

The grudge in his heart will surely find an opportunity to release.

Tonight's advancement to Eighth Grade gave him a stronger sense of self-preservation.

But none of this is a long-term solution; in the Shen Family, it's ultimately the Old Dowager who makes decisions.

Shen Han pinned hopes on Sister Liu Xilan.

If she could recommend him to Xiaoyao Immortal Mountain, then he would truly be safe.

After three chicken crows, Shen Han rose early.

After eating some baked pancakes, he headed to Prefect Xu's residence.

Yesterday's lesson for Shen Ao and the subsequent upheaval with the Old Dowager.

These matters ought to be mentioned to Prefect Xu.

After all, with Prefect Xu sheltering him, without this relationship, the Old Dowager might have already acted yesterday.

Arriving at the gate, the guard saw Shen Han and immediately came forward to greet him.

"Master said that Young Master Han would come as a guest today, and here he is indeed~"

Shen Han smiled, it was normal for Prefect Xu, who's been in officialdom for so many years, to anticipate this.

Back garden.

Shen Han saluted Prefect Xu, who also courteously invited Shen Han to sit down for a chat.

"Regarding yesterday's incident, this prefect has heard about it, and the response isn't bad. Anyway, the Old Dowager of your Shen Family has already discarded you, so let it be completely offended."

The maid beside him served Shen Han a cup of clear tea.

Prefect Xu didn't dwell too much on this matter.

After pausing for a moment: "Su Jinyu's elder brother, have you heard of his deeds?"

"I've only heard the Third Madam mention, saying he's a strong figure who has trained in the military for years, traversing through perilous environments."

Shen Han listened earnestly.

Madam Yun had mentioned him to him yesterday, and today Prefect Xu brought him up again.

It seems this Su Family elder brother is indeed somewhat special.

"He has military merits."

This sentence from Prefect Xu, Shen Han didn't quite understand.

There have been frequent skirmishes on the border over the past decade in Great Wei, and there are many who have military merits.

"Su Jinyu's elder brother, Su Hongyi, is about ten years older than you.

In his youth, he followed the old master of the Su Family to guard the northern border.

The year the old master of the Su Family relinquished his military power, Qi Country took the opportunity to launch an assault.

After lurking for over ten years, Qi Country was no longer in a weak state, producing a swath of young strongmen.

In half a month, they captured ten northern border city fortresses."

Prefect Xu's speech was somewhat slow, and Shen Han could discern that Prefect Xu held a certain level of respect for Su Hongyi.

"Great Wei always boasted of its military might, but it was from that year onwards that the court realized the northern Qi Country and southeastern Yan Country were no weaker than itself.

Ten cities fell, and only two hundred miles remained to reach the Capital City.

That year, this prefect was on duty in the Capital, and the Forbidden Army was on high alert.

Scholars prepared for war."

Holding a teacup, Prefect Xu's gaze fell to the distance.

The scenes of that year seemed to unfold before his eyes.

"The Su Family's Su Hongyi led two hundred elite soldiers, scaled five high mountains, crossed rushing rivers, and surprised Qi Country's capital.

He bound three princes of Qi Country in the capital racecourse, and brought them all back to Great Wei.

To this day, the three princes of Qi Country remain in the Capital City as hostages."

This truly was military merit unattainable by ordinary people, Shen Han listened attentively, even somewhat admiring.

"His Holiness declared his military merit supreme, having brought back three Qi Country princes, he granted him three pardons.

No matter how grave his future mistakes, within three times, he would not be punished."

As Prefect Xu spoke here, Shen Han roughly understood what he had to face.

"Su Hongyi once wrote, stating his willingness to exchange one favor for the cancellation of his sister's marriage contract with you.

But His Holiness claimed that an imperial marriage was a matter of great fortune, and favors could only be used to avoid disaster, not to refuse goodwill."

Shen Han smiled wryly, tracing the circle back to him ultimately.

"Su Hongyi publicly stated that if the marriage contract wasn't annulled before December, he would use his means to dissolve it."

Prefect Xu frowned, looking at Shen Han with a trace of sympathy in his eyes.

This world is truly filled with malice towards the young.

Su Hongyi, with supreme military merit, could inflict harm upon Shen Han, leaving him disabled.

But for him, it would have no consequence at all.

"It's rumored he even wrote a letter to your Shen Family's Old Duke, apologizing in advance for potentially harming you."

To destroy you, it's none of your business...

Shen Han now truly understands this statement deeply.

Without power and status, one is truly like an ant.

"Shen Han, this prefect stands on His Holiness's side to protect you, but truthfully, this prefect quite admires you as a young man.

The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but willpower must never be extinguished.

Take these, purchase some pills to improve your cultivation.

Advancing to Ninth Grade in such a short time shows that you have some talent."

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