Chapter 24: Initiation Ceremony, Slipping Away

Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Initiation Ceremony, Slipping Away

"Master wants to see me?"

Seeing Su Chen’s confused expression, Li Mo felt helpless but still nodded. "Duh, did you forget something?"

Now, Su Chen was even more bewildered.

Li Mo slapped his forehead and let out a long sigh. "You mastered the basics of the Iron Wire Fist a long time ago. Why do you think Master wants to see you?"

Hearing this, it finally dawned on Su Chen. "Master wants to take me in as a disciple?"

"Yeah." Li Mo gave a slight nod.

He then looked at Su Chen with an odd expression. When Qin Hao was accepted as Hong Ming’s disciple, he had been overjoyed.

Why was it that when it was Su Chen’s turn, his face showed barely any emotion, and he even looked a bit exhausted?

What exactly was this guy busy with every day?

He was so busy that he had forgotten such a massive event and had to be reminded by his senior brother?

"Forget it. Just make a trip to the Martial Arts Hall tomorrow. The auspicious day Master picked is tomorrow," Li Mo reminded him earnestly.

Su Chen nodded solemnly. "Don’t worry, Senior Brother, I’ll definitely be there tomorrow."

Although Su Chen sounded confident, Li Mo was still a little uneasy. "Don’t forget like last time," he said. "This apprenticeship ceremony concerns both your reputation and your financial future."

"Senior Brother, why do you say that?" Su Chen asked.

Li Mo countered, "Do you know why Master picks an auspicious day to host an initiation ceremony for new disciples?"

Su Chen shook his head.

Li Mo didn’t mind and explained:

"An initiation ceremony isn’t just a tradition at the Hong Family Martial Arts Hall; almost all the famous martial arts halls in the city do it.

"There are two purposes. On one hand, it formally accepts you as a disciple, signifying that you have become an official member of the Martial Arts Hall.

"On the other hand, it promotes your strength. This allows you to affiliate yourself with gangs or shops, giving you an extra source of income.

"Aren’t you short on money? After tomorrow, there might be some small gangs or shops looking for your protection, and you’ll be able to charge them retainer fees."

Hearing this, Su Chen, who had been somewhat indifferent at first, suddenly looked moved.

He couldn’t help it—he was broke!

After Su Chen repeatedly promised that he would definitely be there, Li Mo still insisted on coming to pick him up the next morning. He then explained some details regarding the apprenticeship ceremony before finally taking his leave.

After Li Mo left, the sky gradually darkened.

Su Chen took a bath and went out to eat. After returning home, Su Chen, who rarely had a moment to relax, didn’t stay idle. Instead, he took out the secret medical manual Zhu Yan had given him and began to read.

Five minutes later, Su Chen helplessly closed the thick tome.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to read it; he just couldn’t understand it.

The contents of this secret medical manual were too extensive and complex, completely unsuitable for a beginner like him. It was more like a collection of notes, recording only the most advanced medical knowledge. One would need a solid foundation to comprehend it.

He thought, "Forget it. I’ll put it aside for now. I’ll find some time in a few days to buy a couple of basic medical books and learn the fundamentals first."

The night passed peacefully.

Just as Li Mo had promised, he arrived the next day.

Seeing Su Chen’s attire, he clicked his tongue in admiration. "Clothes really do make the man. Wearing such a proper outfit makes you look much more spirited. Alright, follow me."

With that, he led Su Chen through the streets until the two arrived at the Martial Arts Hall.

"Senior Brother Li Mo!"

Upon entering the Martial Arts Hall, several disciples practicing their morning routines greeted Li Mo before turning their attention to Su Chen. Evidently, the news that Hong Ming was taking Su Chen as a disciple had already spread throughout the Martial Arts Hall.

"Is that Su Chen? He looks even younger than Senior Brother Qin Hao."

"Not only is he young, but Brother Su’s talent is also incredible. Rumor has it that his cultivation speed is even faster than Senior Brother Qin Hao’s."

"Really?"

"Of course it’s true! Haven’t you noticed that Brother Su never comes to the Martial Arts Hall to train?"

"I noticed, but what does that prove?"

"Idiot! If Brother Su can cultivate so quickly without even coming to the Martial Arts Hall, doesn’t that prove how talented he is?!"

"Hearing you say that, Brother Su Chen is truly terrifyingly impressive!"

The courtyard grew somewhat noisy because of Su Chen’s appearance. Just like when Qin Hao became a disciple, everyone’s minds were no longer on their martial arts training; instead, they were completely focused on Su Chen.

In the inner courtyard, Hong Ming had already been waiting for a while by the time Li Mo brought Su Chen over.

"Master, Junior Brother Su has arrived," Li Mo said respectfully.

Hong Ming nodded and turned his gaze to Su Chen. "Hold out your hand and let me take a look."

Hearing this, Su Chen stepped forward to stand before Hong Ming, extended his arm, and controlled the iron wires wrapping his muscles.

"The color is slightly darker. It seems you mastered this a while ago." Hong Ming nodded in satisfaction and asked, "Su Chen, are you willing to take me as your master?"

"I am willing."

"Good!"

Hong Ming beamed with approval and instructed Su Chen and Li Mo to start preparing for the initiation ceremony.

Not long after, Zhou Tao and a few others arrived, with Qin Hao notably among them. Seeing Su Chen, Qin Hao’s expression was clearly a bit unnatural, but he still offered a greeting.

Among those who came this time, aside from Zhou Tao’s group, there was also a new face Su Chen had never seen before.

"Her name is Fang Rou. She’s a new disciple Master took in a while ago. You weren’t here then, so you didn’t know. If you had become a disciple earlier, she would be your junior sister," Li Mo introduced her to Su Chen in a low voice, taking advantage of a gap in the conversation.

Su Chen looked at Fang Rou and noticed that she was also looking back at him with her large, expressive eyes. Catching his gaze, Fang Rou gave a gentle smile and greeted him.

Soon, the apprenticeship ceremony began. It was no different from Qin Hao’s. A few rules were introduced, along with the various disciples, followed by offering tea to the master.

About half an hour later, Su Chen officially entered the sect, becoming Hong Ming’s tenth disciple. Zhou Tao and the others stepped forward to offer their congratulations to both Hong Ming and Su Chen.

Lunch was also eaten at Hong Ming’s home. After the meal, the crowd finally took their leave.

"Junior Brother Su, Master instructed me to spar with you. Let’s start this afternoon so I can see how well you’ve practiced your fist techniques," Li Mo said as he led Su Chen to the dedicated training area in the inner courtyard.

Su Chen was just pondering how to politely refuse Li Mo when the sound of approaching footsteps echoed.

"Junior Brother Li Mo, I have some words to say to Junior Brother Su," Zhou Tao said with a beaming smile.

Li Mo glanced at Su Chen and silently stepped aside. He had a vague idea of what Zhou Tao was going to say. Beside them, Qin Hao’s mouth twitched imperceptibly, but he remained silent.

"Junior Brother Su, I wonder if you are free tonight? I’m hosting a banquet at the Drunken Immortal Tower and wanted to invite you along so we can build camaraderie among us fellow disciples," Zhou Tao said with a smile.

Hearing this, Li Mo looked at Su Chen, hesitating to speak, but ultimately letting out a faint sigh. Seeing Su Chen deep in thought, Li Mo had already faintly guessed his choice. Though he felt helpless, he respected it.

At that moment, Su Chen cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kind intentions, Senior Brother. However, I have important matters to attend to and am afraid I won’t be able to make it. I hope you can forgive me, Senior Brother."

Hearing this, the smile on Zhou Tao’s face froze slightly, but he quickly chuckled. "In that case, I won’t force you."

With that, he led Qin Hao and the others away.

"Junior Brother Su, you..." Seeing Su Chen reject Zhou Tao, Li Mo looked at him with a complex expression.

To his surprise, Su Chen looked back at him very seriously. "Senior Brother Li Mo, are you free tonight?"

Li Mo blanked for a moment, only to hear Su Chen continue, "My treat. But not at the Drunken Immortal Tower."

"I am." For some reason, Li Mo felt a slight sting in his nose, but he still nodded.

"Great. I’ll come find you then."

After saying that, Su Chen turned and left.

He left behind a completely bewildered Li Mo, who thought, "Come find me?"

By the time he snapped out of it, Su Chen had already vanished, leaving Li Mo to smile wryly. "This kid!"