Master Li closed his eyes slightly, leaning on the recliner, facing the great lake.

Meanwhile, at the freshwater transport station by the lake's mouth, various miscellaneous workers and merchants were loading and unloading goods in the snow.

No matter who it was, upon passing this Nameless Pavilion, they would give a slight bow or salute, and call out "Master Li."

Yet, Master Li did not respond, simply lying there with an air of peace and authority.

Li Yuan put away his umbrella, silently waiting.

A while later, a servant led three people dressed in Blood Saber Sect garments to this place.

Among the three, there were two males and one female, around Li Yuan's age, or maybe two or three years older, still considered youths.

Once the four were gathered, Master Li, with eyes still closed, began to recite:

"Outer Disciple 180, Zhao Zhinan."

A young man with a somewhat fierce expression, standing by with an aura reading "7~8," responded, "Here."

"Outer Disciple 187, Zhang Yue."

A scholarly looking young man, with an aura reading "6~7," responded, "Here."

"Outer Disciple 197, Li Yuan."

Li Yuan also responded.

"Outer Disciple 198, Wen Xiaoqiao."

A girl with an extremely stout figure, almost as big as two Li Yuan, with an aura reading "8~9," responded sweetly, "Here."

This name, this figure, this voice, left Li Yuan slightly stunned.

Before his life turned upside down, he read books where women encountered in the martial world were invariably beauties, followed by flirtatious exchanges. Seems like... it was all fake...

Master Li continued, "Li Yuan, they have all practiced sword skills, but you have not, correct?"

Li Yuan replied, "Reporting to Master Li, I am a hunter, hunting in the mountains, skilled at archery, but have indeed never practiced sword skills."

Master Li said, "Draw the bow, let me see your skills."

"Yes."

Li Yuan responded, then stepped forward, flipped his hand to retrieve the bow, nocked an arrow, and slowly drew it open.

The other three silently watched him.

Although disciples of the Blood Saber Sect were strictly prohibited from killing fellow members, they were all in competition; in a sense, everyone was both a rival and an enemy. Having a formidable enemy nearby was ultimately threatening.

Thus, after the three arrived, even their standing distances slightly apart, each cautiously observing the others.

At this moment...

The bowstring gradually opened.

Amidst the creaking sound, the bow was half drawn, its force almost between "8~9."

The three's expressions were grave, each deep in thought.

Li Yuan exhaled, just about to release the bow when Master Li unexpectedly called out, "Don't hold back! The bigger your skills, the higher your status here, what's the benefit of hiding?"

"Yes..."

Li Yuan responded.

Then he redrew the bow, this time slightly raising the force to "13~14."

The bow formed a full moon, emanating a dangerous aura.

The three's faces all displayed shock and utmost seriousness.

Master Li suddenly sat up, gazed at Li Yuan for a moment, and said, "Switch bows, that bow you bought from the blacksmith's doesn't even meet the basic standard of our sect."

Speaking, he stood up and picked from the weapon rack behind the recliner, tossing a fine iron bow and a quiver over, "This is the ordinary bow and arrow of our sect; try again."

Li Yuan caught the bow.

At this glance, his side data changed again.

From "39~40" it turned into "54~55."

He was startled for a moment.

Then raised his hand, and slowly drew the bow, this time... he had to reach "19~20" level.

Master Li said, "You've reached Entry Grade, haven't you?"

Li Yuan's heart skipped a beat.

Before he could speak, Master Li continued, "Even entering Entry Grade is good, in the black market's Blood Saber Sect Outer Disciples, only you have reached Entry Grade."

Li Yuan: ...

Master Li asked, "How old are you?"

Li Yuan said, "Seventeen."

Master Li nodded, eyes closed and said, "Just now I heard the servant call you Young Master Li, then you shall be Young Master Li, having reached Entry Grade at such a young age, and being of my family, you deserve this fame.

As for whether you can maintain it, that's up to you.

It's just that the Blood Saber Sect emphasizes sword skills, which requires a complete cultivation skill set.

You've practiced other cultivation skills, if you were to switch to the Blood Saber Sect's, who knows how much effort it would take.

Thus, the black market is quite suitable for you, search around here, and maybe you'll find a martial art that suits you better.

"When the time comes, and your strength is sufficient, you can climb higher even without practicing the Blood Saber Sect's cultivation skill."

"Thank you, Master Li," Li Yuan said.

"I'll give you that bow. Replace your worn-out one," Master Li continued.

"Yes..." Li Yuan replied respectfully.

The three nearby were momentarily stunned.

They thought everyone was in a competitive relationship, but unexpectedly, this person turned out to be an Entry Grade Martial Artist.

But if you're already an Entry Grade Martial Artist, why are you still an Outer Disciple and not an Outer Sect Disciple?

Then, they quickly thought of Li Yuan's bow and immediately guessed some reasons.

Using a bow instead of a sword; if you want to learn the sword again, it would be like starting over.

All kinds of cultivation skills and skills conflict with each other and cannot be directly combined.

Thinking of this, the three of them felt somewhat relieved.

On the other side, Master Li spoke again.

"Now that I've finished discussing Li Yuan's matter, let's move on to the main business.

Entering the Black Market for surveillance usually requires three years.

After three years, those who pass the evaluation can become Outer Sect Disciples and officially study the Blood Saber Sect's cultivation skill.

But before then, you can first learn the Blood Saber Sect's introductory Sword Skill. The sword skill mantra and practice method will be taught to you by an Inner Sect Instructor in two days."

"In the Black Market, the monthly salary is ten taels of silver, and all disciples are divided into two shifts, alternating every seven days.

In the Black Market, there are three hundred Miscellaneous Tasks, twenty permanent Outer Disciples, and ten disciples on the island.

These ten are grouped into pairs according to adjacent numbers, making five teams. They patrol all four sides and the center of the Black Market, each team leading sixty Miscellaneous Tasks."

"You can enjoy some benefits of the Black Market, but you must also remember three rules."

"First, do not ask where the goods come from. Once the payment is made and you have bought a stall or shop, you can come up to the island;

Second, do not interfere with their business. Cheating, coercion, and deception naturally occur on the island, but as long as both parties agree, you should not get involved or expose them;

Third, do not let any fighting break out on the island. If fights happen, law enforcement is required, and you may need to kill, and the goods will be confiscated,

However, Executors can first take one item from the goods as a reward for free."

As if sensing the quiet anticipation hidden within the people outside the pavilion, Master Li continued, "Do you know why the permanent Outer Disciples in the Black Market number twenty, and why you're here?"

The disciple named Zhang Yue took a step forward and said, "Master Li, I guess it's because... casualties. If you can't suppress the fighting on the island, you might die in battle..."

Master Li said, "It's good you know. You four should follow the rules to form groups. The two available spots now are in the East Market and Central City. Once you form your groups, depart quickly, oversee the market, and don't let any mistakes happen."

"Yes, Master Li."

The four stood and replied.

Then they formed groups.

According to the numbering, Zhang Yue and Zhao Zhinan were one group, Li Yuan and Wen Xiaoqiao were another group.

Then they drew lots to determine regions.

In a small pot, four pieces of paper were placed, each marked with either "East," "East," "Central," or "Central."

All four had to draw correctly for it to count.

After several attempts, Li Yuan and Wen Xiaoqiao both drew "Central."

Thus, the group and patrol area were settled.

"Young Master Li, please guide me well," the tanky girl chimed sweetly.

Li Yuan was a bit speechless.

But isn't a chubby girl still a girl?

He politely replied, "Miss Wen, please guide me well."

Then he added, "Don't call me Young Master Li. Just call me Li Yuan."

Being elevated immediately upon coming to the island was not a good thing.

At the same time, this made him develop a sense of urgency to become stronger.

He had already demonstrated Entry Grade strength, showing "19~20" in front of everyone. Would the "54~55" hidden strength be too weak?

...

...

Note: Some readers mentioned developing skills. The author needs to clarify this.

The protagonist developing skills requires the right tools, enough time, and the environment.

In short, it's not that easy. (Come on, if skills were easily obtained, are they really skills? Would it be interesting if the protagonist comprehends some Divine Technique within two days?)

The protagonist already has dog training experience, and coupled with long-term interaction with a tiger, that's how the Beast Taming Skill developed.

Overall, this aspect won't be lacking, but it also won't be exaggerated, as if the protagonist can just train alone at home without interacting with others and become invincible, sweeping through the world.

This book's theme isn't that...

It leans more towards "a small figure surviving in a bizarre post-apocalypse, becoming increasingly terrifying in the process, witnessing the long river of time."

As for whether the female lead lives or dies and how to handle the matter, the author will have it arranged... But it won't be that she suddenly dies of old age with no continuation of the plot, nor will it be that becoming stronger leads to living together forever. The author will attempt a third path.

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