Chapter 10: Call Me Uncle

After a round of flattery and praise, Li Ji’an understood the intentions of the five visitors. They were all outstanding students from the Martial Academy of Shangyi County who had entered the Immortal-Seeking Academy. Except for Xiao Wu, the other four clearly hoped to befriend a potential immortal candidate. Xiao Wu, meanwhile, inquired about the circumstances of “Elder Li Ji.”

Li Ji’an dismissed the others and the attendants, and brought Xiao Wu into his private courtyard.

“Strictly speaking, you should call me uncle!” Li Ji’an recounted for Xiao Wu the most logical rumor circulating within Shangyi County, prompting a long sigh from Xiao Wu.

After a brief moment of reminiscence, Xiao Wu, now twenty-two, grew uncharacteristically serious and said something unexpected. “I promised your father I’d look after you. If you ever need anything, come find me at any time.” Without waiting for Li Ji’an to process this, Xiao Wu solemnly added another remark.

Li Ji’an suppressed a smile. Xiao Wu had just shared his own situation: having entered the Immortal-Seeking Academy on his second attempt, he had given up hope of becoming an immortal candidate. Now, his only pursuit was to further his martial skills and to learn the true external techniques taught at the Academy.

At twenty-two, Xiao Wu had achieved a minor mastery of Bone-Tempering and had trained in the academy’s mid-tier technique, “Wave-Chasing Blade.” This was considered commendable. He now worked at the capital city’s patrol bureau, having already been promoted to deputy constable. He had brought his parents from Shangyi County to settle comfortably in the city, and had even married last year. Except for rest days and time off to practice martial arts, he wore his uniform and led five subordinates on patrol.

After only a moment’s hesitation, Li Ji’an let go of the memory of Xiao Wu’s youthful self, rose to his feet, and solemnly bowed. “Thank you, Uncle Xiao.”

With “rejuvenation” in his arsenal, Li Ji’an knew that such shifts in relationships and social dynamics would be common in his new life. It mattered little what he was called or what advantage he could gain or lose in formality. On the contrary, every relationship could become a source of strength and protection for his next life; each ally would reduce the risks of his early years.

“Good! Remember to work hard and live up to your talents—and your father’s hopes. In my five years at the Immortal-Seeking Academy, I saw many with extraordinary gifts enter with outstanding achievements, only to succumb to the many temptations of the city and end up lost in the crowd. Some of those were once-in-a-generation talents.

Also, martial rank and real strength are not the same. Without external techniques, it’s like guarding a treasure mountain and never entering—you must seize any chance to learn true martial arts. The path to immortality is too distant and uncertain; don’t fixate on becoming an immortal candidate. If you can master a martial art, you can secure your place in this world.” Xiao Wu’s tone was earnest and sincere.

“I will remember your advice, Uncle Xiao!” Li Ji’an bowed again.

Satisfied, Xiao Wu patted him on the head. “You’re already better than your father was! Good, good. Also, if you’re not comfortable staying at the academy, you can move in with me.”

Li Ji’an politely declined the offer. After listening to Xiao Wu nostalgically reminisce about his past with Li Ji’an’s previous self, he finally managed to see him off. Before leaving, Xiao Wu insisted several times that Li Ji’an must visit his home to meet his wife.

“This fellow...” Watching Xiao Wu leave, Li Ji’an smiled knowingly.

During his sentimental recollections, Xiao Wu’s tales had greatly exaggerated the heroic image of Li Ji’an’s past self. Stories included confronting instructors on his behalf, facing off against a group of apprentices two-to-one, and even inventing a glorious episode where Li Ji’an brought him to a brothel for the first time...

“Hey~ are you Li Ji’an, the second-ranked in the capital?” Lost in thought, Li Ji’an was suddenly startled by a playful and lively voice.

He turned to see three young girls standing at the gate of the neighboring left courtyard. The leading girl was mischievous and lively, her large almond-shaped eyes filled with curiosity as she fixed them on Li Ji’an.

“I am Li Ji’an,” he replied with a gentle nod, at the same time matching her with the information he’d gathered earlier.

As expected, this girl was Ning Yutan, the first-place finisher in this year’s martial examination in Chong’an Prefecture. Besides her widely known title, Li Ji’an had learned another secret from the headmaster of Shangyi County’s Martial Academy: she was the prodigious legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Dingyuan, the most powerful noble in all of Chong’an Prefecture.

She was not quite fifteen, yet had already entered the Bone-Tempering stage—a truly exceptional talent. According to the headmaster, the Marquess’s family had once received a Bone-Cleansing Pill from the founding emperor, and it was surely given to her. Of course, having the right to take such a pill also proved her innate gifts were already extraordinary; the pill was merely the finishing touch.

“Not bad, not bad! You helped me vent my anger, so you deserve a reward. Chunfeng, Qiu Yue, bring out the pastries my mother gave me,” Ning Yutan declared impulsively, sending her two maids to fetch the treats.

She herself skipped lightly over to Li Ji’an, circling him as she studied him, and said casually, “My name is Ning Yutan, the martial exam’s top scorer this year. In martial arts, seniority is determined by skill, so you can call me Senior Sister from now on. We’ll be on the same team.”

Innocent and unrestrained, she was clearly the product of immense familial wealth and privilege—only such families could raise children like this in these times.

And a daughter, no less. It was clear she was deeply cherished within her clan.

“So you’re the champion. My respect!” Li Ji’an praised her, but did not directly respond to her proposal.

“Hehe~ Ahem, a minor achievement, not worth mentioning. Hey, you haven’t taken the Bone-Cleansing Pill, have you?” Ning Yutan grinned, feigning modesty, and then looked at him expectantly.

Li Ji’an smiled wryly and shook his head. A pill of such legendary status could transform the body and improve innate talent—said to elevate even the lowest potential to the highest level. But it was a rare treasure in all the world, hardly something an ordinary person could ever enjoy.

“Yes!” Ning Yutan clapped her fists, delighted.

“I knew it—a single Bone-Cleansing Pill can’t make that much difference. It’s all about natural talent and hard work. You didn’t take the pill, yet you still took second place...” Growing more animated, Ning Yutan suddenly shouted toward the neighboring right courtyard, “Ning Sujin, did you hear that? Li Ji’an didn’t take the Bone-Cleansing Pill, yet he’s still ahead of you. And you dare say the only reason I’m better is because of the pill? Aren’t you ashamed?”

“Ning Sujin?” Li Ji’an was momentarily surprised.

According to his information, the third-place finisher this year was a girl named Su Sujin, said to be from a family of blood-energy masters. Like him, she had completed the Flesh-Forging stage, but since she was nine months older, she ranked just behind him.

“Looking for trouble again, are you?”

Before Li Ji’an could react, a cool and quiet young woman appeared at the gate of the neighboring courtyard. She wore a simple blue martial outfit and her hair was pulled up in a high knot. Her figure was tall and slender. If not for the bright, clear, yet slightly soft voice, one might have mistaken her at first glance for a refined young gentleman. A closer look revealed she bore a strong resemblance to Ning Yutan.

“What are you up to? I warn you, this is the Immortal-Seeking Academy, not the Marquis’s manor!” Ning Yutan was clearly wary of Ning Sujin, and at the very first sound of her voice, she hid behind Li Ji’an.

“Hmph! Did you forget your father’s instructions? Outside the home, your eldest sister is as your mother. If I discipline you, who could object?” Before she finished speaking, Li Ji’an’s vision blurred; Ning Sujin’s figure became illusory and indistinct. In the next instant, a shadow flashed, and she was already standing beside Ning Yutan...