Lin Qiubai's cold voice echoed in his ears.

Even after being scolded thoroughly, Wan Haihao remained unfazed.

He had gradually become accustomed to his way of speaking.

Despite Lin Qiubai's seemingly aloof demeanor, in reality, he was using a unique way to show his care.

Wan Haihao was sure he wasn't just imagining it!

This conclusion was reached after careful consideration and reflection.

The eyes are the windows to the soul.

While a look might deceive, the pride of the Seven Vortex Sword Master made Lin Qiubai disdain any form of artifice.

After two days of instruction, Wan Haihao had a vague feeling…

Though Lin Qiubai's attitude wasn't pleasant, he had completely given up on the idea of possessing him.

Moreover, Lin Qiubai was very responsible.

No matter his tone and expression, at least he didn't refuse to answer any of the students' questions.

With that in mind, Wan Haihao's gaze fell onto the long sword resting on his knee, his focus gradually narrowing.

He felt that his talent in Seven Vortex Swordsmanship was fairly decent.

This was only the second day, yet he could vaguely sense an invisible spirituality flowing from between his brows, slowly merging into the sword.

Compared to the majority of ordinary members, this progress was exponentially greater.

To say a famous teacher makes a great student wouldn't be quite right either.

After all, only Wan Haihao and Zhu Hanyi had cultivated the Seven Vortex Swordsmanship to such a degree.

Precisely, there was one from Grass Hut Academy and another from Qinglian Academy.

"It's a pity, Brother Ran has other important matters, leaving him no time or energy to focus on Sword Dao cultivation."

Honestly, Wan Haihao could finally understand Su Qiangwei's feelings now.

He quite wanted to see Lin Qiubai embarrassed.

Over the past two days, Wan Haihao had fantasized many times about Ma Ran suddenly having an epiphany and advancing to the Second Realm of Swordsmanship in the blink of an eye.

If such a scenario truly happened, Lin Qiubai's expression would surely be spectacular, wouldn't it?

Regrettably, after yesterday's Seven Vortex Swordsmanship lesson, Ma Ran decided not to return.

The following is Ma Ran's original words—

"I've already understood the First and Second Realm of Swordsmanship thoroughly, gaining much inspiration."

"However..."

"Cultivating step-by-step is too inefficient; it wastes time and effort."

"I plan to first push my Inner Qi to the Ninth Rank."

Unexpected, yet somehow reasonable.

Why take the conventional path if you are no ordinary person?

Ma Ran had done this kind of thing more than once before.

At this thought, Wan Haihao blinked and suddenly realized he was distracted again.

This time, Lin Qiubai only glanced over indifferently, without directly snapping him back to attention.

"..."

So, ultimately, am I just a piece of deadwood, doomed to be abandoned despite my bright exterior?

Wan Haihao wore a helpless smile, trying once more to concentrate, yet all he felt was a quivering sensation between his brows and a mild sting in his eye sockets.

He knew this was a sign of spiritual depletion, and he needed rest.

In this state, forcing himself to cultivate Seven Vortex Swordsmanship wouldn't bring any benefits; instead, it might cause a decline in his realm, the more he practiced, the more futile it would become.

Lin Qiubai spoke in an even tone, his gaze indifferent, "Only cowards care about what others think."

That glance seemed to see through all of Wan Haihao's inner journeys.

Wan Haihao scratched his head.

Clearly a misunderstanding...

He wasn't rebuking him this time because he had worked hard enough on the Seven Vortex Swordsmanship today; both his physical and mental faculties were strained to the limit. Pushing any harder wouldn't be "surpassing limits," it would be ruining his future.

The Seven Vortex Swordsmanship was profound and mysterious; in Ma Ran's words, it was hard at the beginning, hard in the middle, and even harder at the end.

Even so, it was still reliant on the material world, much like physical training, and basic principles had to be followed.

Proper training can enhance health and strength, but overtraining can lead to muscle strain, organ damage, or even functional failure.

Seen in this light, Lin Qiubai's lack of warning was actually a form of care.

Wan Haihao felt he should offer an explanation.

It wasn't cowardice, just that he was perceptive and sensitive to external stimuli.

But on second thought, in Lin Qiubai's eyes, wouldn't someone like him be considered cowardly?

With a wry chuckle, Wan Haihao sheathed his sword, preparing to cultivate Inner Qi when an irritating young voice suddenly rang in his ears.

"Talk is cheap, show me what you've got!"

Wu Di's voice was loud and clear, immediately drawing all the students' attention.

He stared intently at Lin Qiubai, "Old Huang said you're strong."

"He said following you in learning Seven Vortex Swordsmanship is more promising than just practicing Black Rock Martial Arts."

"But I don't believe it!"

"I want to test it myself."

"Are you qualified to be my teacher?"

Upon hearing this, any awkward feelings Wan Haihao had dissipated instantly.

He admitted he had psychological issues, but Grass Hut Academy wasn't exactly full of normal people either.

In terms of stubbornness, Wan Haihao acknowledged Wu Di as the most formidable!

Back in Fulan Academy, Wu Di was ostracized for his obduracy, which is why his records were transferred to Grass Hut Academy.

Right after joining Grass Hut, he challenged Ma Ran and only settled down after getting a good beating.

Perhaps because he had been idle for too long without a thrashing, now Wu Di was itching and provoking Lin Qiubai again...

Lacking Su Qiangwei's abilities but sharing her ailment.

Every word and action reeked of self-destructiveness.

Wan Haihao was utterly perplexed.

How did this kid Wu Di even manage to graduate middle school?

However...

Lin Qiubai's Sword Remains were damaged, and his Sword Spirit entangled with Wan Haihao's soul, intertwined.

In theory, his strength was now but a fraction of its former self.

Faced with Wu Di's provocation, how would the once mighty Seven Vortex Sword Master respond?

As Wan Haihao quietly gloat in his heart, Lin Qiubai merely gave Wu Di a cursory glance, "Nice eyes."

"Since you're ready, then..."

"I'll make my move."

With that, he flicked out his right hand, slowly unfurling his fingers.

In an instant, like the fabled Electric Fire Stone!

Hundreds of illusory flying swords materialized, covering a five-hundred-meter radius in the sky.

Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish...

Wan Haihao faintly heard a barely perceptible sound, feeling a chill at his neck, with a hot rush of wind in his face.

When he collected himself, he found a vividly crimson, illusory Spirit Sword hovering at his throat.

Whether it was an illusion or not, Wan Haihao seemed to smell the scent of hot, molten metal between his nostrils.

Although reason told him this Spirit Sword couldn't be real, emotionally, he dared not move.

Wan Haihao's subconscious warning him frantically—don't move!

As if, with any movement, his carotid would be instantly severed, his head lopped off!

What's that saying about the burning city gates and the fish in the moat?

This was it!

Wu Di's provocation of Lin Qiubai made all his peers pay the price.

Cries of shock echoed around him.

"Holy cow! What fast swordsmanship!"

"I didn't say that just now! Sword Master, you've got the wrong person!"

"Do we all get punished together?"

"Every wrong has its perpetrator, every debt its debtor; Sword Master, just give Wu Di a beating while we cheer from the side!"

"Awesome! Can we learn this move?"

The semi-transparent scarlet Spirit Sword instantly silenced everyone.

The threat of death loomed over everyone.

In such a situation, being able to utter a full sentence was already considered fearless.

Most students had cold sweat pouring down their foreheads at this moment.

They only saw several blood-red Spirit Swords surrounding Wu Di, battering him, producing dull thuds.

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!...

A few seconds later, the Spirit Swords vanished without a trace.

Wu Di was left beaten, appearing significantly rounder.

"Relax, I held back, using only the flat of the blade."

Lin Qiubai spoke, his expression somewhere between a smile and a not-really, as he looked at Wu Di, "So, am I qualified now?"

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