Next, Bai Qi followed Old Liang in and out twice, visiting the Divine Hand Sect and the Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall, without experiencing any cold reception.

During this journey, he felt that he had gained a lot, significantly expanding his knowledge.

Those senior brothers who obtained personal teachings, whether in receiving or sending off guests, or in their martial arts skills, were all exceptional.

They weren’t like the imagined arrogant figures who flaunt their superiority without restraint.

On the contrary, they were quite versed in etiquette, highly valued rules, leading guests in, serving good tea, patiently accompanying visitors, all meticulously done.

"I thought something would happen that would lead to contempt or some cliché incident of stealing the limelight.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t glean any techniques or styles through indirect learning."

As Bai Qi walked out of the martial arts hall entrance, a joking thought crossed his mind.

These top martial arts establishments in Black River County gave a subtle impression of being open for business.

They didn’t have conservative notions of hiding their skills; they were more than happy to see customers bringing money and sending silver.

Of course, this was limited to apprentices and disciples.

The deeper and more genuine skills couldn’t be obtained by simply offering tribute.

"My father went out at 7:00 AM, and now it’s past 3:00 PM. How about Elder Liang, you have another cup of tea; he should be back soon."

The Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall is passed from father to son. The father is Eagle Claw Han Yang, ranked second among the Eagle, Tiger, and Leopard. The son is named Han Li.

This person, in his early twenties, had a good appearance, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, quite handsome.

"Han Li? Luckily, he doesn’t have dark skin or average looks; otherwise, I would have furrowed my brow and retreated behind Old Liang."

Bai Qi’s thoughts turned, his face smiling as he said:

"It’s getting late, and Elder Liang and I would feel bad interrupting, so we’ll come to visit another day."

With a tall physique, dressed in a blue robe, Han Li clasped his hands in a junior’s salute, regretfully shaking his head at Liang Laoshu:

"With Ah Qi’s talent, joining Celestial Eagle as a direct apprentice is more than possible. However, my father has already accepted four senior brothers over the years and really has no energy to teach another closed-door disciple."

Liang Laoshu nodded slowly, speaking in an even tone:

"In martial arts, inheritance is important, and the practices and techniques developed and refined over generations cannot be easily broken.

But also, one must carefully select to avoid mediocrity or raising an ungrateful person.

The number of direct apprentices shouldn’t exceed six to nine, it’s an old tradition, and I understand this principle.

Discipleship is based on fate.

As much as a master chooses a disciple, a disciple also chooses a master.

Ah Qi simply doesn’t have that good fortune."

Han Li exhaled lightly, breaking into a smile:

"Elder Liang understands, that’s good. Another day, I’ll present a small gift and visit to congratulate Brother Sanshui on his promotion to steward."

This Elder Liang roamed the Black Water River in his younger days, striking fear into the water thieves of the reed marsh, earning a fierce reputation as a flood dragon emerging from its cave, even gaining the admiration of my father.

Unfortunately, he later stopped at the second training, unable to seize another opportunity to advance.

Now seeking a direct apprenticeship, even if the deal isn’t made, there must be some kind words.

Even if the Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall has many disciples, not fearing the fishery’s influence, there’s still no need to offend people without reason.

As the sun sets in the west, half of it sunk beyond the city wall, the remaining clouds dyed in orange-red afterglow, Liang Laoshu’s silhouette appeared desolate:

"Entering the gate is easy, but becoming a direct apprentice is difficult. This was something I’ve been prepared for, yet I didn’t expect it to go so unsuccessfully."

These past visits, though not being turned away, still felt like hitting a soft obstacle.

Remembering the exaggerated boasts about Ah Qi earlier, he couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy.

"Elder Liang, don’t mind it, being a direct apprentice is great, but missing the optimal age to tap potential like me, just being accepted as a disciple without starting as an apprentice is already very respectable.

Martial arts rely on perseverance, with steady effort, even starting from the mountain’s base, one can still reach the peak."

Bai Qi understood how to read the atmosphere, noticing Old Liang’s grim expression and disheartened tone, he quickly offered comfort.

Regarding the direct apprentice title at the Great Martial Arts Hall, he didn’t hold an unyielding belief that he must obtain it.

After all, he possessed the Ink Scroll, once acquainted, he could continuously advance, refine his skills, striving for breakthroughs.

He aimed to succeed before turning twenty, progressing through the second training Bone-Breaking Barrier, changing Mercury Blood and nourishing Silver Marrow.

It certainly wasn’t as difficult as others imagined.

"This is the confidence that technique brings me."

Upon seeing the unyielding spirit in Bai Qi’s eyes, Liang Laoshu secretly admired him.

Achieving such composure at seventeen was truly rare.

"It’s too early to judge. Besides, although Han Yang at the Celestial Eagle Hall has filled his direct apprentice spots and doesn’t wish to accept more, the other two have not given a definite reply either.

Currently, the chances with the Broken Blade Sect seem higher; the Divine Hand Sect’s direct apprentice skills are Iron Sand Palm, which requires tendon and bone forging from a young age.

Starting with rice at twelve, if achieved, in two years, then switching to river sand.

Once the hands are tempered tough, at fifteen or sixteen, they can attempt iron sand.

Every day, you must use medicinal wine to rub on it, repeatedly shedding seven or eight layers of skin, and forming thick calluses counts as a success.

This kind of external martial arts technique must be taught hand in hand, and it’s best to start when they’re young.

Liang Laoshu sighed softly; the rules of the martial world are numerous, and the term "personal disciple" truly carries weight.

Even if he had prepared seven or eight hundred taels of silver, it would probably still be difficult to impress those renowned masters who open schools to accept disciples.

"Forget it, filling your belly is important; let’s go to Stone Bridge Shop to eat Clear Stewed Flying Dragon."

The so-called Flying Dragon refers to the hazel grouse, considered a type of mountain delicacy.

Old gourmets often say there is dragon meat in the sky and donkey meat on the ground.

Dragon meat refers to the hazel grouse, which when stewed in soup, has an extremely delicious flavor.

According to Xiaotou, the children of wealthy families practicing martial arts can eat Clear Stewed Ginseng Flying Dragon Soup every month.

It’s the best for nourishing qi and blood, strengthening the body’s foundation.

"Thinking about it this way, those Great Martial Arts Halls only recruiting personal disciples at twelve years old, training them from a young age, makes sense.

If the family condition is good and they get exposed to martial arts early, with daily substantial nourishment to boost qi and blood, they will naturally build a strong foundation.

Couple that with martial arts training that strengthens their muscles and bones and explores their potential, and the future looks promising."

Bai Qi thought carefully, feeling that every rule in the martial world actually has reason behind it.

They seem more like customs formed from continuously absorbing experiences and lessons.

An old man and a young one entered the tavern, and it was quite bustling, nearly full.

Under the jurisdiction of Dragon Court, with government permission to brew wine themselves, various types of places were called "restaurants."

Otherwise, they were referred to as "taverns," also known as "wild inns."

"Elder Liang, long time no see, come, come inside, please."

The thirty-something owner of the tavern warmly greeted Liang Laoshu.

This made Bai Qi once again feel that Black River County was indeed a society of familiar faces.

As long as you make a name for yourself, you can rely on recognition wherever you go.

Like Old Liang, who had his glory days when he was young.

Not only can he pay visits to martial arts halls to gain face, but even in a tavern, he is respected, being specially taken to a quieter private area.

"So in martial arts fiction, it’s not wrong for people of Jianghu to place such importance on reputation.

Because they are symbols of status, in Black River County, just the titles Instructor Fast Blade, Bear Eagle, Tiger Leopard can subdue a large crowd!"

Bai Qi silently understood. He currently had no reputation; dealing with a few hooligans was hardly noticeable and far from being able to shake Black River County significantly.

Unless one day, like Old Liang, he sails through the waters, taking down ten or so heads, becoming revered by the people as a hero, riding a great horse through the streets.

That would be truly making a name!

"Eat, this Flying Dragon soup is genuinely authentic. When the cook prepares it, one hand must hold the hazel grouse, plucked and cleaned, while the other continuously uses a ladle to pour boiling water over it, scalding and turning it until it’s sixty percent cooked, before placing it in the pot to simmer for twenty breaths, supplemented with porcini mushrooms and wild onions to draw out the flavor.

The most important thing is, the pot must be scrubbed clean, with no traces of oil."

Liang Laoshu spoke knowledgeably, clearly having tasted many delicacies before.

"After we finish eating, I’ll take you to another place."

Bai Qi looked up, sipping the soup, its color clear, its taste indeed delicious, leaving a lingering flavor.

"After visiting the largest three martial arts halls in the Inner City, does Elder Liang still have connections to use?"

He felt a slight suspicion but didn’t ask further, as this was a time to play the part of an obedient junior.

Relying on a big tree provides good shade; favors are worth more than silver taels.

Without the major help from Liang Sanshui with the Ghost Pattern Fish, even catching fifty to a hundred Silver Sand Carp would not have convinced Old Liang to step forward.

The two finished eating and drinking by 5 p.m., with only a line of sunlight left.

As darkness spread, the icy autumn air seeped into the marrow.

Liang Laoshu let out a breath of white air and walked east along Stone Bridge Shop.

After passing Qiansi Sect, he stopped in front of a large courtyard gate.

In terms of grandeur, it was larger than Broken Blade Sect and Divine Hand Sect.

Bright red gates adorned with shining brass rings, inside were neatly paved surfaces pressed by water-pattern white stones.

The front and rear courtyards connected by a dozen rooms, formed a three-in-three-out large residence.

"What is this place?"

Bai Qi was secretly a bit startled. How extensive were Old Liang’s connections that he even knew the owner of such a grand place?

He stood at the wide gate, gazing towards the main hall of the front courtyard.

He vaguely spotted a plaque hanging, its black base and gold characters standing out remarkably.

"Yihai Hidden Dragon?"