The Protagonists' Chat Group: Beyond the Boundaries — Chapter 397

Chapter 397: Han Li, Bound to the God of War System, Making a Cautious King a God of War?

A short while later, the intense physical assessment concluded. Those children who failed the rigorous physical tests were also sent up to the main sect grounds, their journey within the Seven Mysteries Sect over.

“There are eight qualifiers this time. Six of them will enter this hall, the Hundred Forging Hall, and officially become Inner Sect Disciples of our sect!” the assessment manager announced formally.

“Additionally, Wu Yan and Han Li were the first and second to reach the cliff, respectively, demonstrating truly outstanding performance. They can be directly recommended to the Seven Absolutes Hall to learn our sect’s core ultimate techniques!”

The person in charge of the assessment glanced briefly at Han Li and the other youth, Wu Yan, a hesitant look flashing across his experienced face. But in the end, he still spoke the words, ensuring fairness.

Wu Yan had influential connections, so entering the prestigious Seven Absolutes Hall was only natural, as it was expected.

As for Han Li, for a ten-year-old to display such tenacious physical performance was considered genuinely outstanding, earning him a rare spot. But merely performing well did not guarantee entry into the Seven Absolutes Hall.

However, Han Li was, in fact, the first to reach the cliff, performing the absolute best. Only mentioning Wu Yan and not Han Li would make the favoritism too blatant and unacceptable.

So, the assessor wisely decided to do a diplomatic favor. He saw that Han Li had a tenacious nature and was performing exceptionally well now, suggesting he might soar to great heights in the future, justifying the special promotion.

Han Li’s youthful face flashed with a hint of quiet joy upon hearing this immense fortune. He couldn’t quite grasp the full, immense value of entering the Seven Absolutes Hall, which was reserved for the most talented. But he instinctively knew it was an overwhelmingly good place to be.

Furthermore, another reason for his happiness was that his System mission was instantly marked as complete.

【Congratulations to the Host for successfully joining the Seven Mysteries Sect】

【Reward: Wild Fist】

After joining the Seven Mysteries Sect, he instantly completed two missions: placing first in the physical assessment and successfully joining the sect.

He received the immediate rewards of a Body Transformation Pill and the Wild Fist technique, respectively. These rewards were safely stored in the System space. Although he was excited by the potential of these gifts, he wasn’t in a hurry to claim or use them. He planned to research this miraculous thing carefully after settling down in the sect.

The person in charge of the assessment brought Han Li and Wu Yan to the Seven Absolutes Hall. The internal power structure of the Seven Mysteries Sect was quite interesting and comprehensive.

The Outer Sect was divided into the Flying Bird Hall, Treasure Gathering Hall, Four Seas Hall, and Outer Blade Hall. These branches were responsible for intelligence, revenue generation, enforcers, and diplomacy, respectively.

The Inner Sect was strategically divided into the Hundred Forging Hall (for general Inner Sect Disciples), the Seven Absolutes Hall (for Core Disciples), the Consecration Hall (for Consecrators), and the Blood Blade Hall (for Law Enforcement Elders).

Han Li had thus gained a massive advantage, directly entering the Seven Absolutes Hall to become a Core Disciple immediately upon entry!

The Seven Mysteries Sect had a complete, established framework. Of course, Han Li didn’t yet fully understand these complicated hierarchical differences. But his natural caution told him he had been assigned to the best possible place.

After joining the Seven Absolutes Hall, he was arranged in a small, isolated valley, with a dedicated, small house to live in.

Looking at his own private house, Han Li was still a bit dazed. Such privileged treatment was something he had never experienced in his ordinary, humble life.

However, although he was only ten years old, he possessed an incredibly mature mindset of not being easily affected by sudden honor or crushing disgrace. After being happy for a short, pragmatic while, he quickly calmed down again. He did not seem like an excited ten-year-old child.

At night, when he was certain no one was around, he retrieved the Body Transformation Pill and the Wild Fist scroll from the System rewards space.

As for Medicinal Pills, Han Li had previously taken a Body Strengthening Pill before the trial, so he was quite familiar with their immediate effects. Without hesitation, he directly swallowed the Body Transformation Pill.

Then, he acquired and immediately used the Wild Fist technique. A sudden surge of profound knowledge instantly appeared in his mind, integrating perfectly.

After closing all the doors and windows to his small house, he then carefully tried a simple set of punches in the room, testing the new knowledge.

The Wild Fist was, as its name suggested, very simple—just by its name, one could tell it wasn’t a very important, high-ranking fist technique.

It is important to note the nature of Han Li’s situation. Shi Jian and Shi Hao did not directly interfere with Han Li’s life or alter his personality. They only chose a suitable Destiny Devourer System for him.

Although the energy of the Destiny Devourer System was generated out of thin air, the use of the energy was highly orderly and bound by the rules of the cosmos. All the rewards Han Li received were simply the magical transformation of the influence caused by his actions—an equivalent exchange of cause and effect. Therefore, the things he obtained were naturally not immediately world-shattering, but they were perfectly aligned with his current needs.

However, with the direct, metaphysical Initiation, this Wild Fist instantly gave Han Li a certain, essential understanding of basic martial arts knowledge, such as the Twelve Main Meridians, Eight Extraordinary Meridians, and various Acupoints throughout the body!

Moreover, after the profound baptism of the Body Transformation Pill, Han Li’s Aptitude and Physique also fundamentally changed, subtly improving his foundation. Although he was only ten years old, he now possessed a certain, rudimentary level of martial combat power!

Han Li studied the miraculous System with anticipation, slowly falling asleep with new potential flowing through him.

The next day, he was taken to a large training square to Cultivate a foundational Cultivation Technique. Entering the Seven Absolutes Hall meant that what he could now learn were the core ultimate techniques of the Seven Mysteries Sect.

It was a powerful Secret Manual called the “True Yang Scripture.” The teaching Elder gathered the new disciples and said that anyone who could master this Cultivation Technique within ten days would be considered a peerless Genius.

Those who could master it within a month were still highly regarded Geniuses. Mastering it within three months meant one’s Aptitude was still acceptable for the hall. Most of those qualified to enter the Seven Absolutes Hall could successfully master it within three months.

The Elder rambled on and on about the difficulty. Han Li didn’t listen much; he only knew that he had effortlessly mastered the full technique after practicing for exactly one day.

A warm Qi in his abdomen could flow smoothly around his meridians like an insect—this was the characteristic sign of mastering it, exactly as the Elder had described.

Han Li’s eyes darted toward Wu Yan, who was looking bewildered beside him, still struggling. Wu Yan also had some martial arts foundation, but he still found the technique difficult to master instantly.

Han Li prepared to implement his cautious philosophy: he would pretend he hadn’t mastered it. He would wait until Wu Yan mastered it, and then a few days later, he would reveal that he had also mastered it, avoiding excessive attention.

However, just as he was about to scratch his ears and cheeks dramatically like Wu Yan, the System’s voice instantly rang out in his ear, overriding his cautious instinct.

【As a future invincible God of War, isn’t a mere Martial Forest Secret Manual something that should be learned with absolute ease?】

【Mission Requirement: Display your invincible posture and let the common folk know what a true Genius is!】

【Reward: Black Tiger Saber Technique (Major Achievement)】

【Black Tiger Saber Technique: First Move Tiger Fiend, Second Move Tiger Might, Third Move Tiger Roar. No defense, no evasion, only fierce attack!】 (A Cultivation Technique from someone in the group, guess who!)

Han Li was momentarily bewildered looking at this mission. Especially that Black Tiger Saber Technique: Only attack, no defense? This was completely against his deeply ingrained cautious nature. Is that right for me?

His expression was hesitant. To be honest, he profoundly disliked unnecessary showmanship. But this miraculous System wanted him to actively show off! When he completed the previous missions, he simply held his breath and single-mindedly wanted to pass the trial—he accidentally became first. The System’s will and his will weren’t in significant conflict then. But now, the System wanted him to actively expose himself and stand out.

“Invincible God of War…” Han Li looked at the System’s demanding name and thought of the tangible benefits he had already received.

After much internal hesitation, Han Li reluctantly spoke to the Elder teaching the Cultivation Technique: “Elder, I seem to have already mastered the circulation technique…”

The Elder was greatly surprised upon hearing this, instantly appearing before Han Li and grabbing his hand to check the circulation of Qi—a violation of usual protocol.

A moment later, the Elder’s expression transformed: “Good, good, good! Mastering it in one single day! Our Seven Mysteries Sect has truly produced a peerless Genius!”

“Excellent bone structure, unparalleled Comprehension Ability! You are simply a peerless good seedling!”

The entire Seven Mysteries Sect was in an uproar over the news. Even Wu Yan looked at Han Li with incredibly envious and frustrated eyes.

Han Li mastering the core technique overnight directly alerted the Hall Master of the Seven Absolutes Hall. After the Hall Master confirmed that Han Li had indeed mastered it overnight, had a clean family background, and possessed an excellent bone structure, he immediately wanted to take him as his personal Disciple.

Before making his decision, Han Li vaguely knew that his simple revelation would cause such an immense commotion. Therefore, he was very calm when the offer came. He agreed to the Seven Absolutes Hall Master’s urgent request to take him as a Disciple.

He had directly soared in status, becoming the Seven Absolutes Hall Master’s personal Disciple. From this day on, the world Han Li saw permanently changed.

The events that transpired in these few days were more significant than what he had experienced in the past few years combined. A village youth came out of the village, entered the Seven Mysteries Sect, was accepted as a Core Disciple, and within two short days, directly became the Hall Master’s Disciple… His status had truly achieved a qualitative Ascension.

Han Li hadn’t even had time to fully experience the minor benefits that merely being a Core Disciple brought him. He was already enjoying the immense benefits of being the Hall Master’s Disciple.

Everyone he saw was suddenly a ‘good person.’ Those Elders and enforcers—high and mighty figures—were all extremely protective of Han Li, constantly showering him with favor.

Even Wu Yan, who had previously looked at Han Li with suppressed jealousy and anger in his eyes, had his vision completely cleared. Wu Yan’s eyes now only held respect and a hint of fear. A thirteen-year-old youth, born into a superior family, he already understood many things about power.

The benefits were immediately tangible. Han Li moved into a massive courtyard, and the courtyard was quickly filled with many excellent resources—all sent by those suddenly friendly Elders and deacons. Although Han Li naturally disliked trouble, facing the tangible benefits of power made him feel a unique, pragmatic excitement.

Sitting in his room, Han Li didn’t immediately check the System but thought deeply of Wu Yan. Although he was young, his mind was agile. From the time he surpassed Wu Yan in the entrance trial to when he mastered the Cultivation Technique in one day, he could clearly feel that Wu Yan harbored definite malice towards him.

It was just hidden and unexpressed. Coupled with the short timeframe, there was no opportunity for Wu Yan’s malice to play out. Otherwise, Han Li was certain that Wu Yan would have caused him trouble, perhaps even fatal trouble.

However, due to his incredibly rapid Ascension in status, this trouble simply couldn’t catch up to him. Previously, Han Li thought of being careful and cautious, so as not to stand out and avoid trouble coming to him.

But now his experience provided him with another, contradictory idea: it seemed that if one ascended too rapidly, trouble simply couldn’t catch up either?

“Is it better to be careful and cautious, always hiding one’s power…”

“Or is it better to be extremely flamboyant, rapidly securing a position that puts you beyond reach?”

His initial cautious mindset stemmed directly from his past, humble upbringing. He came from an ordinary background. Both his parents were ordinary people. Therefore, the core philosophy his parents instilled in him was to live an ordinary life, never cause trouble, and be careful in everything. This was the common state of society, where the lives of Mortals were treated like grass. Even slightly unconventional behavior could lead to family ruin. This was the way of survival at the bottom.

And now, under the insistent instigation of that miraculous System, he was embarking on another unique path: displaying his talent, rapidly ascending, and becoming the Hall Master’s Disciple in one day. Trouble dispersed, and everyone he saw became a devoted friend or ally.

Han Li was more mature than others, but he was still young. At this moment, these two conflicting ways of life made him feel deeply conflicted and confused about his future.

After failing to resolve the philosophical dilemma, Han Li postponed this difficult question and began to ponder the System. He claimed the remaining System reward!

The next moment, a familiar, seasoned feeling, as if he had practiced saber techniques for many years, flooded into his mind. This Black Tiger Saber Technique, in addition to the three Saber Moves, also had three layers of Mind-Cultivation Technique. All the secrets within them became permanently ingrained in his mind.

How the Mind-Cultivation Technique cooperated with the Moves, the methods of cooperation, and usage—all were crystal clear! Along with it, his physical fitness also improved greatly. All the strength in his body could rapidly flow upwards from his feet, all the way to his waist and then to his arms, perfecting his energy circulation.

Increased strength, body transformation, mastery of saber techniques. Only a few days had passed since he left home, yet Han Li had already undergone earth-shattering changes, transforming from a village boy to a martial master.

【Host’s Genius reputation has spread far and wide. Now is the time to establish your invincible might.】

【Please, Host, defeat all opponents in the Seven Absolutes Hall!】

【This is a series of missions!】

【The initial mission is to defeat the members of the same generation who joined the Seven Absolutes Hall with you!】

【Mission Reward: True Yang Scripture (Perfection)】

After Han Li claimed the Black Tiger Saber Technique reward, another demanding mission instantly popped up. And it was a series mission.

Defeating all the new opponents in the Seven Absolutes Hall. Han Li had met many people in the hall today. Those who entered the Seven Absolutes Hall with him, besides Wu Yan, also included other Geniuses who entered through different channels. They were all roughly the same age as Han Li. Even if these people had previously dabbled in martial arts, they were like Wu Yan, having learned only some superficial techniques. They could also be considered Han Li’s first opponents now.

However, the Seven Absolutes Hall naturally had more than just these people. There were several batches of people who had joined the hall before them. Besides that, some had also been promoted from Inner Sect Disciples. To defeat all opponents in the entire Seven Absolutes Hall would still be extremely challenging.

However, this System issued a series of missions. He only needed to deal with those who joined the Seven Absolutes Hall in the same year as him first.

“This initial difficulty doesn’t seem high…” Han Li thought, feeling the immense power within his body. Some calculated thoughts emerged in his mind.

After mastering the Internal Skill, Han Li began to learn Moves from the Hall Master of the Seven Absolutes Hall. The Hall Master had profound Cultivation, mastered many powerful martial arts, and was proficient in all eighteen types of martial arts.

Han Li chose to learn a “Thunder Fiend Saber!” This saber technique was fierce and domineering. When cultivated to Major Achievement, its Saber Qi was like a thunder Dragon soaring into the sky, incomparably domineering. It was similar in style to the Black Tiger Saber Technique.

Han Li had achieved Major Achievement in the Black Tiger Saber Technique and had a deep understanding of saber techniques. He thought that learning this Thunder Fiend Saber would probably be easier. And by learning saber techniques, he would have a perfect excuse to use the Black Tiger Saber Technique in the future without raising suspicion. Although he was young, he knew that if he learned other Moves, the Black Tiger Saber Technique would be difficult to display in the future—always hiding his strongest card.

Han Li possessed the Major Achievement level Black Tiger Saber Technique. Although the Black Tiger Saber Technique was not of a high rank, his Major Achievement level understanding made Han Li barely a Great Master in saber techniques. By analogy, he also cultivated the Thunder Fiend Saber very quickly, mastering it in just a few days.

This astonishing speed completely astonished the Hall Master of the Seven Absolutes Hall, who exclaimed that he had truly found a treasure.

After mastering the saber technique, Han Li, under the pretext of practicing and sparring, easily defeated everyone who entered the Seven Absolutes Hall in the same year as him. Although those people had learned some rudimentary Moves before entering the hall, how could they possibly compare to the current Han Li?

Having taken the Body Strengthening Pill and Body Transformation Pill, his external appearance showed no change, but internally, his physical fitness had increased by an unknown number of times. He also mastered the Major Achievement level Black Tiger Saber Technique and the mastered Thunder Fiend Saber.

When that fierce and domineering saber technique was unleashed, those twelve and thirteen-year-old children were all scared pale. Han Li easily completed the first stage of the mission.

He then immediately claimed the mission reward: True Yang Scripture at Perfection.

The True Qi in Han Li’s body, which was originally as thin as a hair, instantly surged, becoming as thick as a bowl! His combat power instantly soared dozens of times over. Although he was not old, with this terrifying amount of True Qi, he could be considered a genuine strong person in the Jianghu.

“True Yang Scripture at Perfection, Black Tiger Saber Technique at Major Achievement. I am only lacking a bit of real combat experience, otherwise, even those martial artists in their twenties would probably not be my opponents!” Han Li felt a strong, absolute sense of security—the security that only immense, hidden power could bring.

This batch of people in the Seven Absolutes Hall was generally between ten and twelve years old. And the previous batch of people were mostly fifteen years old or older, and had already been in the Seven Absolutes Hall for four or five years.

After staying in the Seven Absolutes Hall for so many days, Han Li had more or less understood their general strength. Those fifteen and older were mostly at the Major Achievement Realm of the True Yang Scripture; some were even only at Minor Achievement. Those in their twenties were only at the Perfection of the True Yang Scripture. Han Li’s current strength was already comparable to those in their twenties.

“The next mission is for me to defeat the group of people aged fourteen to seventeen…”

“This level of difficulty is still not high for me!”

The mission had already entered the second stage.

【Mortals live a mediocre life, not even comparable to a Genius’s casual learning!】

【Display your invincible posture and defeat the previous batch of members in the Seven Absolutes Hall!】

【Mission Reward: Adamantine Body Technique (Major Achievement)】

The mission difficulty was still not high. But Han Li felt that he was already acting extremely flamboyant. If he defeated all the members from the previous batch, that would be even more flamboyant. At that time, he didn’t know how many people would be staring at him. He really disliked this feeling. Everyone knowing his level, completely exposing himself to the spotlight, made him feel profoundly insecure.

The System’s will—the mandate for extreme flamboyance—and his personal will—the mandate for extreme caution—were in too much conflict.

“Can extreme flamboyance and careful caution truly coexist in a dangerous world?” Han Li pondered such a deep, fundamental question. He desperately wanted the immense System rewards. But he also wanted to uphold his own will—to live cautiously and safely. He needed to find a third way, a path that satisfied both masters.