Su Jinyu was speaking while bringing over a plate of sweets, placing it in front of Shen Ao.

"Ao'Er is just so young, a single mistake doesn't really mean much."

Su Jinyu smiled gently and softly tousled Shen Ao's hair.

Compared to her, Shen Ye was much stricter.

"Thinking back to before returning to Shen Mansion, he was always so confident, not even the many geniuses in the Capital City caught his eye.

Now he's been spanked by Shen Family's abandoned son; dare he still be so arrogant in the future?"

Shen Ye wanted Shen Ao to learn a lesson from this incident.

Even Shen Han could spank him and discipline him; it clearly showed how flawed his basic skills were.

Though unhappy on his face, Shen Ao couldn't come up with any words to refute.

He actually thought Shen Han wasn't all that capable, being much older and only at the Ninth Grade.

Yet Shen Ao couldn't understand why his "Words Become Law" couldn't control him.

Once scholars reach the Eighth Grade, their words can control others' actions.

Of course, this requires strength from the scholar.

Shen Han is a Ninth Grade, there's no reason he couldn't be controlled...

Shen Ao didn't say any of this aloud, for Shen Ye would only blame his weak fundamentals.

"Anyway, I've already failed; Brother Ye, it's up to you to handle it..."

A brat is inevitably a brat; when they fail, they merely dump the mess.

"You child, I'm not even asking you to be responsible for this.

Go back to the Academy honestly, study diligently for half a month, and then I'll check an assignment."

Hearing this, Shen Ao glanced at Su Jinyu.

"But what about Jinyu sis? We can't possibly let that useless Shen Han..."

Before Shen Ao could finish, Shen Ye waved it off.

"You don't need to worry about this. Old Duke passed me a message.

Your third uncle will soon return to Shen Mansion from the border; he's Shen Han's biological father, so let him handle it.

He surely wouldn't dare defy his third uncle."

Shen Ye looked toward Su Jinyu as well when speaking of this.

"If even third uncle can't persuade him, when the Su Family's eldest brother arrives in Yun'an City, his fate will be even worse."

The Su Family's Su Hongyi, carrying military merits.

His actions, it's unknown how heavy-handed they might be—likely far worse than simply crippling a leg.

Hearing this, Shen Ao whispered, "Well, I hope third uncle can't persuade him..."

...

Eastern courtyard of the Shen Family.

After three days of arduous practice, Shen Han's bed was soaked from his own sweat.

In visualization, facing life and death.

That heart-pounding scene, no matter how many times he experienced it, Shen Han woke up startled each time.

Each time he awoke, he would hesitate for a moment, then once again sink into visualization.

Holding a long sword in hand, once again he charged at the Sword Momentum.

Celestial Dao Sword Momentum, so overwhelming in power.

Plus, Shen Han discovered that the stronger he was, the stronger the counterattack from those Sword Momentums.

At most, he could persist for a quarter of an hour before being pierced by one, even several long swords.

In visualization, the pain felt incredibly real, sinking into his heart and mind.

Deep into the night, once again awakening from visualization.

This time, Shen Han found his Five Senses suddenly enhanced.

The chirping of insects outside was exceptionally clear, and in the darkness, he could see quite a bit.

Martial Path Seventh Grade, he advanced!

The bed was dirty from his sweat; observing it, he extracted the [filthy] entry.

Only then did the bed become dry again, and the extremely exhausted Shen Han immediately lay on it.

Seventh Grade, in three months he advanced to the Seventh Grade.

Despite being mentally fatigued, Shen Han was thrilled, feeling as if he was a step closer to that freedom.

Even while sleeping, he couldn't help but let his lips curl slightly into a smile.

The night passed, and it wasn't until broad daylight that Shen Han slowly woke up.

Last night had been truly exhausting, even the crowing of roosters didn't wake him.

Rising from bed, he grabbed a couple of meat pies, eating them while studying the "Mountain and River Body Refining Skill."

This Basic Cultivation Method, post Seventh Grade advancement, nearly had no more use.

Just from the name of the Cultivation Technique, "Mountain and River Body Refining Skill," it focused on enhancing bodily strength as a Basic Cultivation Method.

But beyond, it's no longer merely a matter of physical strength.

In Great Wei, there were many Martial Artists who advanced to the Seventh Grade, but progressing further into the Sixth Grade saw a significant drop.

The occurrence of this situation had clear reasons.

To step into the Sixth Grade required an accumulation and refinement of all abilities.

There were far fewer Martial Artists who truly managed this step.

After contemplating for some time, Shen Han knew he had to find another basic advancement Cultivation Method.

The "Mountain and River Body Refining Skill" could no longer meet his advancement needs.

At noon, Shen Han prepared some simple food in the courtyard.

As soon as he finished, several family servants hurriedly came running.

"Young Master Han, Old Dowager asked us to deliver a message: later today, the Third Master is coming home.

She wants you to wait at the mansion's ancestral hall first."

The Third Master referred to by the servants was indeed his biological father, Shen Lingsheng.

Shen Han slightly furrowed his brows; Old Duke had left just five days ago, why not return together earlier but now?

For this Shen Family, Shen Han no longer held any hope.

Just to have a perfect reason to annul the betrothal, the Shen Family had firmly decided to sacrifice him.

Compounded with the letter Shen Lingsheng sent him before.

Shen Han guessed that his return was likely another attempt to coerce him.

"Young Master Han, did you hear clearly?"

The two family servants cautiously repeated their question.

Since they publicly beat the brat Shen Ao before, he had gained some authority.

No wonder the family servants now talked to him more cautiously.

"Understood, I'll tidy up and go."

With Shen Han's response, the two servants retreated and left.

Checking the time, it was just noon, but they wanted him to wait.

The Old Dowager really wished to tire him out.

Within Shen Mansion, Shen Han also knew he currently couldn't compete with those in power.

Martial Path Seventh Grade, his current physical strength was indeed high enough.

Standing there all afternoon wouldn't affect him much.

Once prepared, Shen Han headed toward the ancestral hall.

Upon arrival, he found himself just standing in front of the Shen Family ancestors' tablets.

Simply standing, waiting for Shen Lingsheng's return.

Four hours passed, night began to fall.

The low neighing of horses from outside the mansion broke the silence of the Shen Mansion, instantly stirring it into motion.

A group of servants rushed toward the entrance to greet, while some hurriedly fetched water, preparing for the returnee to wash up.

At the mansion gates, Shen Lingsheng dismounted from his steed.

After a few steps inside, he met with the welcoming Old Dowager Shen.

"Third son, why are you returning only now? Must be exhausted..."

Seeing Shen Lingsheng's travel-worn appearance, Old Dowager Shen felt somewhat distressed.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.