47. The Eight Realms of Martial Arts

Chapter 47: The Eight Realms of Martial Arts

When Li Hao and Li Yuanzhao returned to the foot of the mountain, the square was already lit with bright lamps. Though night had fallen, the place remained lively, with no decrease in the number of people. This reminded Li Hao of the night markets from his previous life. As he inhaled gently, the aroma of grilled meat wafted through the cool night breeze, instantly whetting his appetite.

"Let's go find something to eat."

On the Ascension Gate stairs, talents from various prestigious families across the states were still rushing to the mountain top in pursuit of fame. Meanwhile, the figure of the young boy leaped downward, heading straight into the bustling, worldly prosperity.

…

Before long, using his culinary expertise, Li Hao skillfully selected some delicious items from the numerous stalls, packing them all up. Both he and Li Yuanzhao carried full bags as they ate and made their way back to the carriage, drawing the gazes of many passersby.

"What's that smell?"

Inside the carriage, Li Yun, who was waiting impatiently, suddenly caught a whiff of roasted meat, making him pause as he lifted the curtain. The scent was overwhelming, and he saw Li Hao and Li Yuanzhao approaching, their mouths greasy from eating.

"Uncle Fu, sorry to keep you waiting, here you go."

"Uncle Ming, here's yours, is it enough?"

There was enough for everyone, and Li Hao cheerfully handed out portions along the way. Of course, he didn't forget his personal maid Qing Zhi's share. Then, with the remaining bags, he climbed into the carriage.

Inside, the oil lamp cast a warm yellow glow on the faces of the siblings, who were stealing glances at Li Hao and Li Yuanzhao. The enticing aroma made their mouths water, and their expressions became slightly awkward.

"I thought you guys went back first," Li Yuanzhao said after sitting down. He took a bite of the roasted meat, then suddenly remembered something and offered two bags to Li Zhining, "Zhining, would you like some?"

Li Zhining intended to refuse, but the inviting aroma made her hesitate. Simultaneously, she noticed her brother secretly swallowing as his Adam's apple bobbed up and down. She gently took the bags and softly said, "Thank you, Brother Yuanzhao."

"If you guys had left first, you'd have missed out," Li Yuanzhao laughed.

Li Zhining didn't say anything, but she glanced slightly at the figure who had never once looked their way. In the depths of her eyes, a hint of melancholy emerged. But she didn't dwell on it and opened the bag, offering one to Li Yun, "Brother."

"I don't want it."

Li Yun turned his head, frowning and showing a disgusted expression. "Street vendor food, who knows if it's clean? It's filthy. You'd better not eat much of it."

"Even if it's not clean, it won't kill you." Li Yuanzhao retorted, his eyes wide, feeling like his appetite was spoiled by Li Yun's words.

"You!"

Li Yun, irritated, shot him a glare, then turned away, sticking his head out of the carriage curtain as if the night view suddenly became very interesting.

Li Zhining knew her brother was stubborn, feeling a bit helpless. However, the aroma in the bag was too tempting. She couldn't resist taking a small bite, her eyes lighting up slightly at the flavor. It was even better than the gourmet dishes she was used to at the mansion.

"Uncle Ming, why aren't we moving!"

Li Yun yelled from the front of the carriage through the curtain.

Uncle Ming, with a piece of roasted meat in his mouth, hurriedly grabbed the reins, urging the flood dragon lion to turn back to the mansion.

…

Back at the mansion, Li Yun and the siblings parted ways with Li Hao.

Each went to their own home, seeking out their respective mothers.

In the Piao Xue Courtyard, Fifth Lady Gao Qingqing was doing embroidery in the main hall. Hearing the maid's hurried report from outside, the needle almost pricked her finger. She quickly stood up, tossed aside the embroidered handkerchief, and hurried to the courtyard entrance.

She saw her son and daughter approaching, accompanied by Li Ming.

"How did it go? Everything smooth?" Gao Qingqing quickly asked.

Li Ming stood by with a smile, while the well-behaved Li Zhining nodded, "Mm, my brother and I both entered the top class."

"You comprehended it in just one day?"

Gao Qingqing looked pleasantly surprised and kissed her son on the forehead.

This made Li Yun feel a bit embarrassed, pushing his mother away and walking towards the main hall with a hint of annoyance.

Gao Qingqing didn't mind, kissing her daughter on the forehead too, then took her hand and walked back to the main hall, instructing the housekeeper to reheat the dinner and bring it over.

Li Zhining shook her head and said, "Just heat my brother's portion. I've already eaten."

"What did you eat?" Gao Qingqing asked in surprise.

"Stuff from the vendors there, it was delicious," Li Zhining said, still savoring the taste.

"Hmph, hope you don't end up with a stomach ache," Li Yun remarked irritably from the front.

Gao Qingqing laughed and sat down with her daughter, chatting about the day.

"As expected of my children, comprehending in half a day."

"He also entered the top class?"

Hearing her daughter's words, Gao Qingqing was slightly surprised, then nodded, "That child is very smart. It's a pity he's on the path of physical cultivation, with a low ceiling. Otherwise, he would likely be the true dragon of your generation."

Thinking of his calm and casual face, Li Zhining's eyes flickered. She'd heard her mother say this more than once.

In her heart, there was a faint sense of regret.

"Hmph, what's that talent compared to? If it were our sister, she'd probably comprehend it in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn!"

Li Yun sat across, snorting.

Mentioning his eldest sister, he felt a mix of envy, jealousy, and a slight bitterness, but also some pride and arrogance—an extremely complicated emotion.

Gao Qingqing smiled and said, "Your eldest sister is smart, but you're both excellent too. You're all my proudest children."

Li Yun's stern face relaxed slightly, and as the housekeeper brought in reheated dinner, he began eating, a smile slowly spreading across his face…

…

In the Shanhai Courtyard.

Li Hao returned with Li Fu and Qing Zhi.

The cold moonlight shone down as Steward Zhao hurried out, wrapped in a coat. "Young master, was it successful? I'll heat your dinner."

"No need, Zhao Bo. I ate outside," Li Hao smiled, "Didn't bring you any, afraid it would cool and lose flavor on the way."

"Young master is thoughtful." Zhao Bo chuckled, seeing the oil still lingering on Li Hao's lips and knowing he wasn't lying.

Li Fu, who had been waiting outside the carriage earlier, hadn't had a chance to speak with Li Hao. He couldn't help asking, "How did it feel today?"

Li Hao thought for a moment, "The food was great."

Li Fu was speechless. That wasn't what he meant.

After a few more questions, and learning that Li Hao had entered the top class, both he and Qing Zhi were delighted, smiles spreading across their faces.

…

The Tan Palace Academy's "Immortal Leap Gate" examination had concluded.

Many young aspirants who didn't make it in time could only sigh as they looked at the Ascension Gate.

Some tried to pull strings to see if they could get a few more in, but were told the spots were already filled.

A total of 825.

Some asked why more couldn't be admitted, offering exorbitant tuition fees.

But the answer was clear—

Because there were only 825 seats available.

Thus, many heirs of prestigious families could only sigh and turn away.

This grand event in Qingzhou gradually subsided.

Yet, at the mountain top, as the official school term began, things became lively.

There were four classes: Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding.

The top class, Jia, had only fifty seats.

Yi had two hundred seats.

Bing and Ding… let's skip those.

Apart from the new students, each class also had some repeat students left over.

At the moment, in the top class, Li Hao and Li Yuanzhao sat together in the second row, with all the new students present.

At the front, Li Hao saw Shen Yunqing, accompanied by two senior students from the Jia class, bringing a pile of academy uniforms, distributing them one by one to unify the attire.

This reminded Li Hao of his middle and high school days in his previous life.

Looking around at the young boys and girls, all quite youthful, he couldn't help but smile, feeling a bit nostalgic.

Once the uniforms were handed out, Shen Yunqing explained some basic rules of the Tan Palace Academy: no private fights, no disgracing the ancestors, and so on.

After Shen Yunqing left, a slender woman with a willow-like waist walked in. She appeared to be around twenty-five or twenty-six, with ink-black hair and delicate features, exuding an aura like the moon shining on a snowy mountain.

Introducing herself as Su Yehua, she turned out to be the dean of the Jia class and the primary instructor.

The just-departed Shen Yunqing was the instructor for the body technique class.

The first lesson upon entering the academy was taught by Su Yehua.

Li Hao noticed that as soon as Su Yehua arrived, the previously noisy class became quiet instantly, and those carefree youths all sat up straight.

"There are eight realms in martial arts."

Standing at the front, Su Yehua had willow-like brows and a cool demeanor, but her lips bore a gentle smile:

"The first four realms are: Tongli, Zhoutian, Jihun, and Shenyou."

"The latter four realms are: Fifteen Li, Tianren, Sanbuxiu, and Sili!"