Chapter 133: A Grandmaster Does Not Brew Tea

According to Alliance standards, a martial artist who attains the sixth-level realm is known as a Martial Grandmaster.

Although the Northern Province is vast, there are only a dozen or so Martial Grandmasters. Each one holds a high position and has established their own school of thought. The Martial Arts Academy of Anjing University stands supreme in the Northern Province precisely because it is guarded by four such Grandmasters; no other university can compare.

Lu Yuan is one of these four, nicknamed the "Iron-Faced Azure Dragon." The "Iron-Faced" refers to his cold and impartial nature, while "Azure Dragon" stems from his slightly aged appearance and the fact that he practices the Nine Dragon Forms. He is the only Grandmaster in the academy to do so. Information about these Grandmasters is public record, accessible on the school’s official website, along with stories of their past deeds.

Gao Wu had, of course, considered the prospect of finding a master. He had researched extensively online and even sought advice from Shen An. As it stood, he had only one choice within the academy: to become a disciple of Lu Yuan. While other Grandmasters were powerful, their core cultivation methods differed from his. Although Grandmasters are versatile and possess profound knowledge of various schools—more than enough to instruct any Martial Master—Gao Wu’s goal was the pinnacle of martial arts. He had to choose Lu Yuan, whose path best suited his own, to ensure he could advance faster and more steadily in the early stages.

During the last Kirin Cup, when Gao Wu’s Yin Spirit wandered the night, he had sensed the presence of a Martial Grandmaster from afar. It was truly overwhelming and far superior to any Martial Master he had encountered. Gao Wu felt genuine reverence for the修为 of a Grandmaster, and he was determined to seize this opportunity for apprenticeship.

"Master Lu is rather old-fashioned and believes in destiny," An Ziru said to Gao Wu as they walked. "Don’t rush to show off; just let things take their natural course."

Gao Wu nodded repeatedly, then asked with some hesitation, "Dean, do you have any instructions for Song Mingyue?"

"She is taciturn, much like Master Lu. No special instructions are needed." An Ziru glanced at Gao Wu. In truth, she was not fond of talking either, but this matter was important enough that she had to repeat herself to ensure the boy didn’t act too impulsively and ruin the chance.

As the person who recommended both Gao Wu and Song Mingyue, An Ziru had naturally formed a close connection with them. Others would view them as members of her faction. Factions in the academy are built on such personal relationships, coalescing through the sharing of interests to form stable, albeit informal, groups. Setting aside these complex interests, from the academy’s perspective, An Ziru hoped both students would be accepted by Lu Yuan.

The four Grandmasters are not affiliated with any specific college; at their level, they have long since transcended the petty struggles of the various departments. They select disciples based solely on aptitude and affinity, regardless of the student’s college. However, as students, each individual carries the label of their college, naturally aligning themselves with it. Even disciples of a Grandmaster cannot escape this. It involves not just cultivation resources, but honor—and while resources can be redistributed, honor cannot.

Grandmaster Lu Yuan resides in the Heart-Moon Water Pavilion, a simple wooden house built on a small island in the center of Heart-Moon Lake. The lake is an artificial body of water fed by the White Dragon River, covering dozens of hectares. It is connected to several other lakes via waterways, forming the most scenic stretch of water in the northern district of Anjing. It was late summer, and the lake water was clear and verdant, cool to the touch and lacking the pungent odor often found in stagnant water.

Boating on the lake, one could see the sky reflected like a mirror, rows of green trees along the banks, distant rolling mountains, and the island adorned with jagged rock formations and white flowers. Though Gao Wu was a worldly man, he found the scenery picturesque and refreshing, and he couldn't help but feel a longing: *Being a Martial Grandmaster is truly wonderful. To occupy an island in the middle of a lake, turning such beautiful scenery into one's own private garden...*

After stepping onto the island and walking for a few minutes along a pebble path through the woods, Gao Wu saw a wooden house in a clearing. Despite being called a "wooden house," it was actually designed in a modern Chinese style with large, elegant windows and walls made of natural, round logs, appearing both rustic and refined.

A graceful middle-aged woman stood at the door waiting. She was dressed simply and neatly, looking more like a housekeeper. This was normal; even though a Martial Grandmaster has reached the limits of the human body, they still need to eat, sleep, and bathe. A prestigious Grandmaster could not be expected to handle such mundane chores personally.

"Dean An, the Master is waiting for you in the study." The woman bowed respectfully and led them inside.

The house didn't look large, but it actually covered three or four hundred square meters. The study alone was fifty or sixty square meters, filled with rows of bookshelves and various small antiques. Lu Yuan sat behind a desk in a Taishi chair. He was lean, dressed in a traditional Chinese robe with a right-lapping collar, his graying hair tied in a Daoist-style bun. His eyes were slightly cloudy, giving him a profound air.

Gao Wu glanced at Lu Yuan with curiosity before restrainedly lowering his gaze. Modern people aren't usually so formal, but since this was their first meeting and the man was his elder—and dressed so traditionally—Gao Wu felt it best to be respectful.

"Master Lu." Even as a Dean, An Ziru was very respectful in the presence of a Grandmaster. She gestured toward her companions, "Gao Wu, Song Mingyue. These are the geniuses we recruited this year; both have excellent talent."

Lu Yuan nodded slightly. He stood up and walked from behind the desk, observing Gao Wu and Song Mingyue carefully before remarking, "Both are fine children."

"Don't be constrained. Sit here." Lu Yuan led them to a tea table. His attitude wasn't particularly warm, but it was quite courteous. Gao Wu was surprised; they said this man was iron-faced and ruthless, but he seemed like a decent person!

An Ziru didn't stand on ceremony; after expressing her thanks, she sat down with the two students. The tea set on the table was arranged neatly and was impeccably clean—not even a water stain could be seen. Gao Wu felt a twinge of envy; keeping a tea set that clean was no easy feat!

"I don't like brewing tea," Lu Yuan said indifferently. "The tea set is just for show. I won't be serving you any."

*I already figured that out!* Gao Wu muttered to himself, but he wouldn't dare be cheeky in front of Lu Yuan, nor would he dare to interrupt. Following An Ziru’s repeated instructions, Gao Wu, who usually loved to chat, sat quietly and listened.

"I have seen your combat footage," Lu Yuan said to Gao Wu. Before Gao Wu could respond, he added, "Your sword technique is crude, but it excels in its vigorous spirit. Not bad."

"Thank you for the praise, Master Lu." Gao Wu quickly stood up and bowed in gratitude.

Lu Yuan gestured for him to sit back down. "The last Anjing catastrophe was thirty years ago. These thirty years of economic prosperity and comfortable living have left the new generation lacking a sense of crisis, as well as the toughness and decisiveness that should be in their bones."

"Your decisiveness in drawing your sword to slay the god-believer—that kind of strong, brave temperament is rare. It is highly commendable."

Gao Wu lowered his head to show humility, though he was blooming with joy inside. *A Grandmaster truly has insight and stature; even his compliments are so well-phrased. No wonder he’s a Grandmaster!*

An Ziru, however, felt no joy; instead, she felt a trace of regret. Lu Yuan’s praise indicated he truly appreciated Gao Wu, but he was a man of strict standards. If he truly intended to take a disciple, he wouldn't praise them to their face. This compliment could be seen as a consolation prize.

Sure enough, after the praise, Lu Yuan changed the subject. "According to the rules, those who wish to enter my gate must first pass the Nine Limits of Heaven."

Gao Wu, who had thought the matter was settled, was surprised. *This old man isn't taking me on as a disciple, yet he praises me so enthusiastically? It seems he was just trying to appease me with a verbal commendation...* He wasn't particularly disappointed; he had come to test his chances, and it was only natural for Lu Yuan to find him lacking. After all, his martial arts talent was what it was, and anyone with a sharp eye could see it wasn't extraordinary. As for his pride and joy, the Great Completion-level Wandering Dragon Sword, it certainly wouldn't catch the eye of a Grandmaster who specialized in the Nine Dragon Forms.

Gao Wu said earnestly, "I will try my best. I hope to join your sect as soon as possible, Master Lu."

Seeing that Gao Wu showed no signs of frustration or disappointment, but rather an eager and active desire to challenge the Nine Limits of Heaven, Lu Yuan nodded. *Neither arrogant in victory nor discouraged in defeat.* It was easy to say, but few in history could truly achieve it. Gao Wu didn't seem arrogant, yet he faced setbacks with a positive attitude—a truly valuable trait. The boy’s sunny disposition, his unique spirit of vitality, and his powerful life force were almost moving.

"Truly a good child." Lu Yuan thought for a moment. "I cannot let you leave empty-handed. I shall impart to you one form: 'Repentant Dragon's Regret.' I hope it proves helpful to your martial cultivation."

An Ziru was astonished. Lu Yuan was always cold and hard; he didn't even care for the juniors of the Lu family. That he would be so generous to Gao Wu, whom he was meeting for the first time, was unimaginable.

Gao Wu was also surprised. *This old man—no, this Grandmaster—is truly kind!* He stood up and bowed again. "Thank you, Master Lu! I will certainly study hard and live up to your expectations."

Lu Yuan nodded. He slowly raised his hand and pointed at Gao Wu. A flash of intense electric light sparked at the tip of his index finger. In an instant, that thread of electricity illuminated the study, as well as the eyes of An Ziru, Song Mingyue, and Gao Wu.

An Ziru felt the powerful mental energy within the electric light and instinctively narrowed her eyes to resist the impact. Song Mingyue’s mental power was triggered by the sudden surge; deep within her brow, the Cold Nether Heaven Snake opened its eyes, and her powerful mental energy channeled the source force into a barrier to protect her consciousness. In her eyes, a faint white light danced like a snake, blocking the electric light that threatened to sear itself into her mind.

Of the three, Gao Wu was the most composed. He could feel the intensity of the mental energy at Lu Yuan’s fingertip. Through his Yin Spirit, he could even see the close connection between that electric light and Lu Yuan’s mental power, witnessing the complex and exquisite circulation of source force. With his mental strength reaching twenty points, he was able to face the sudden stimulus calmly.

Lu Yuan’s fingertip moved slightly, and the intense, sparking electric light submerged deep into Gao Wu’s brow...