Adoptive Father: C01-1

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_.
The Youmiao Sword Academy was a place for cultivating swordsmen. (Youmiao: Seedling)

One morning, the students of Youmiao were awakened in the wee hours as they had every other day before. But unlike those times when they sent for a run in preparation for the day’s practice. Instead, they were told to tidy up and get dressed as best as they could, then gather in the practice hall.

_{While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.}You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.

While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.

_{Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling}Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

_{{Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father?} Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.}When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.

Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

_.
At that time in Shenzhou, many such academies existed. So much so that in large cities where passion for swordsmanship thrived, those academies dedicated to the art of the sword flourished more than the private institutions of the olden times.

_{In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.}“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.

In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.

_{Xiling was left stupefied in response.}As he half-heartedly listened to his master’s instructions, Xiling’s thoughts focused on how draining his next task of serving all one hundred and fifty-nine breakfast meals would be.

Xiling was left stupefied in response.

_{One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?}
As for the Youmiao Academy, it was located in the eastern region of Shengyang’s capital city, Tianshu. In the western region of the capital city, another school housing nobility is known as Qingmiao Academy. (Qingmiao: Sprout)

One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

_{“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.}This situation was an especially hаrd blow to his faculties. The youth before him barely looked older than himself, yet he was already an infamous swordsman throughout Shengyang who achieved the third highest mastery level of a Sword Lunatic. While he was still at the fifth and lowest level achievable: Sword Apprentice.

“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.

_{At that time in Shenzhou, many such academies existed. So much so that in large cities where passion for swordsmanship thrived, those academies dedicated to the art of the sword flourished more than the private institutions of the olden times.}
While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.

At that time in Shenzhou, many such academies existed. So much so that in large cities where passion for swordsmanship thrived, those academies dedicated to the art of the sword flourished more than the private institutions of the olden times.

_{“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”}Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.

“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

_{Qingmiao was an academy dedicated to meeting the noble children’s needs. For them, the art of the sword had little to do with a better life’s pursuit and all to do with passing down the customs of their forebears.}But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

Qingmiao was an academy dedicated to meeting the noble children’s needs. For them, the art of the sword had little to do with a better life’s pursuit and all to do with passing down the customs of their forebears.

_{Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”}“How many here are able to read and write, then?”

Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”

_{“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.}That was no odd thing at Youmiao Academy; many other students shared a similar trait. Most of these students were orphans—abandoned so young that they came without surnames. So the master of the academy took them under his wing until they were adopted by a noble family. It was only after being taken in by a house as a child or servant that they were able to gain a family name of their own.

“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.

_{Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.}
So for those in the West seeking out a way to keep their children out of a life of poverty, selling them to that school for a small sum was a chosen option. Whatever ever became of that child afterwards would then be determined by their fate.

Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.

_{The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.}While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.

The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.

_{“Really?” That man displayed a bit of shock. It was common for many children to be unable to read in an academy populated by children from poverty-stricken members of society.}
Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.

“Really?” That man displayed a bit of shock. It was common for many children to be unable to read in an academy populated by children from poverty-stricken members of society.

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

_{Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”}Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”

_{So the task of placing all those meals on the respective seats was assigned to Xiling. It was a tedious task, but the master ordered it, and Xiling had to heed them.}
Qingmiao was an academy dedicated to meeting the noble children’s needs. For them, the art of the sword had little to do with a better life’s pursuit and all to do with passing down the customs of their forebears.

So the task of placing all those meals on the respective seats was assigned to Xiling. It was a tedious task, but the master ordered it, and Xiling had to heed them.

_{Qingmiao was an academy dedicated to meeting the noble children’s needs. For them, the art of the sword had little to do with a better life’s pursuit and all to do with passing down the customs of their forebears.}As he half-heartedly listened to his master’s instructions, Xiling’s thoughts focused on how draining his next task of serving all one hundred and fifty-nine breakfast meals would be.

_{“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.}
In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned fifteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

_N/A“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

N/A

_{“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.}“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.

“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

_{“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.}
That was no odd thing at Youmiao Academy; many other students shared a similar trait. Most of these students were orphans—abandoned so young that they came without surnames. So the master of the academy took them under his wing until they were adopted by a noble family. It was only after being taken in by a house as a child or servant that they were able to gain a family name of their own.

“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.

_{{Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?}}“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”

Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

_{“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”}Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.

“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”

_{But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”}“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.

But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”

_“Yes.”
.

“Yes.”

_{“It’s because I can't do so in reality that I came here to adopt. If not for that, why would I have come?” Han Jiangxue raised his brows as he stared at the old master. Like his brows, his aura also exuded a ferocity with his gaze, causing more and more of those icy blobs of perspiration to litter the old master’s face.}Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.

“It’s because I can't do so in reality that I came here to adopt. If not for that, why would I have come?” Han Jiangxue raised his brows as he stared at the old master. Like his brows, his aura also exuded a ferocity with his gaze, causing more and more of those icy blobs of perspiration to litter the old master’s face.

_{Xiling was flabbergasted—the old master before him even more so.}
.

Xiling was flabbergasted—the old master before him even more so.

_{“Can you write it?”}As for the Youmiao Academy, it was located in the eastern region of Shengyang’s capital city, Tianshu. In the western region of the capital city, another school housing nobility is known as Qingmiao Academy. (Qingmiao: Sprout)

“Can you write it?”

_{“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.}“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.

“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.

_{“Do you know who I am?”}
.

“Do you know who I am?”

_{“Can you write it?”}Xiling then sprinted towards the dining hall. Back and forth, he then ran, carrying twenty bowls for each trip after waiting for the cook to share the porridge. It took eight trips in total before he could finish, given there were one hundred and sixty bowls for the one hundred and sixty mouths to feed.

“Can you write it?”

_{“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.}Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.

“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

_{Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.}
One morning, the students of Youmiao were awakened in the wee hours as they had every other day before. But unlike those times when they sent for a run in preparation for the day’s practice. Instead, they were told to tidy up and get dressed as best as they could, then gather in the practice hall.

Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.

_{“Wait!” The young man from the corner called out to Xiling, who stopped and turned his way.}“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.

“Wait!” The young man from the corner called out to Xiling, who stopped and turned his way.

_{Their master was a swordsman in his fifties whose skills were nowhere near stellar, but he made up for it with a smooth tongue. With that sweet-talking personality, he was able to run such an academy and make a small fortune for himself.}Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

Their master was a swordsman in his fifties whose skills were nowhere near stellar, but he made up for it with a smooth tongue. With that sweet-talking personality, he was able to run such an academy and make a small fortune for himself.

_{“Can you guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”}
Their master was a swordsman in his fifties whose skills were nowhere near stellar, but he made up for it with a smooth tongue. With that sweet-talking personality, he was able to run such an academy and make a small fortune for himself.

“Can you guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”

_{“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.}Qingmiao was an academy dedicated to meeting the noble children’s needs. For them, the art of the sword had little to do with a better life’s pursuit and all to do with passing down the customs of their forebears.

“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.

_{As he half-heartedly listened to his master’s instructions, Xiling’s thoughts focused on how draining his next task of serving all one hundred and fifty-nine breakfast meals would be.}
“Today, a distinguished guest will be arriving at our academy to claim an adopted son. This will be a great opportunity for one of you to climb up the social ladder. So do your best to seize it, understand?” their master declared.

As he half-heartedly listened to his master’s instructions, Xiling’s thoughts focused on how draining his next task of serving all one hundred and fifty-nine breakfast meals would be.

_{“Can {you} guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”}The master was still engrossed in his lecture when the renowned swordsman arrived, but the second he noticed the other presence, that speech was cut short and followed by his hurried footsteps towards the door. “Goodness me! Young Master Han, when did you get here? Please accept my humble apologies for not coming out to greet you. I—”

“Can you guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”

_{“Fine. But why should I be someone else’s adopted son? It’s quite a bother calling someone father.”}
“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.

“Fine. But why should I be someone else’s adopted son? It’s quite a bother calling someone father.”

_{Xiling smiled at the man nonetheless and then continued with his back and forth to retrieve the newest bowls filled with porridge. In the time it would take to brew a pot of tea, all of Xiling’s work was finally done.}With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

Xiling smiled at the man nonetheless and then continued with his back and forth to retrieve the newest bowls filled with porridge. In the time it would take to brew a pot of tea, all of Xiling’s work was finally done.

_{“Can you give me a number?”}Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.

“Can you give me a number?”

_{“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”}After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.

“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”

_{“Do you know who I am?”}.

“Do you know who I am?”

_{With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.}
One hundred and sixty souls resided in this academy, their ages ranging from six to sixteen. Who among them would be the lucky pick? They all couldn’t help but speculate. But, generally speaking, the younger one was, the better their chances of being chosen.

With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

_{“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.}He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.

“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.

_{“Can you write it?”}“What’s your name?”

“Can you write it?”

_{Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?}
Other factors did matter as well; age wasn’t the only thing important. Their proficiency in martial arts, intelligence, handsomeness, liveliness, obedience, and other factors were held in high regard, too.

Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

_{“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”}Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.

“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”

_{“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.}This situation was an especially hаrd blow to his faculties. The youth before him barely looked older than himself, yet he was already an infamous swordsman throughout Shengyang who achieved the third highest mastery level of a Sword Lunatic. While he was still at the fifth and lowest level achievable: Sword Apprentice.

“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.

_{“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.}
Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.

“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.

_{“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”}You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.

“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”

_{“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.}“It’s because I can't do so in reality that I came here to adopt. If not for that, why would I have come?” Han Jiangxue raised his brows as he stared at the old master. Like his brows, his aura also exuded a ferocity with his gaze, causing more and more of those icy blobs of perspiration to litter the old master’s face.

“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.

_{The master was still engrossed in his lecture when the renowned swordsman arrived, but the second he noticed the other presence, that speech was cut short and followed by his hurried footsteps towards the door. “Goodness me! Young Master Han, when did you get here? Please accept my humble apologies for not coming out to greet you. I—”}
Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.

The master was still engrossed in his lecture when the renowned swordsman arrived, but the second he noticed the other presence, that speech was cut short and followed by his hurried footsteps towards the door. “Goodness me! Young Master Han, when did you get here? Please accept my humble apologies for not coming out to greet you. I—”

_{But unlike the old man, Xiling believed he chose the better deal of the two. It was true his new father would be his senior by seven years, but that man’s status and swordsmanship skill would be nothing but a benefit to his future development, would it not?}Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.

But unlike the old man, Xiling believed he chose the better deal of the two. It was true his new father would be his senior by seven years, but that man’s status and swordsmanship skill would be nothing but a benefit to his future development, would it not?

_{“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.}“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.

_{“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.}
Those nobles were only fond of children possessing some sort of ethereal beauty, so every time, they showed zero interest in Xiling.

“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

“No more than a dozen.” Xiling started examining the man as he replied. The young man seemed quite thin, and his facial features were rather sharp. His brows were like the blades of daggers, yet his eyes themselves were wide like a doe’s.

_{“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.}
As he half-heartedly listened to his master’s instructions, Xiling’s thoughts focused on how draining his next task of serving all one hundred and fifty-nine breakfast meals would be.

“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.

_{Xiling also laughed along, thinking that man was a beauty.}“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.

Xiling also laughed along, thinking that man was a beauty.

_{“No more than a dozen.” Xiling started examining the man as he replied. The young man seemed quite thin, and his facial features were rather sharp. His brows were like the blades of daggers, yet his eyes themselves were wide like a doe’s.}
There were cooks stationed within the academy, but after morning training, all the students would be extremely drained. So the best course of action was to have their breakfast prepared and served on the table so everyone could sit in their designated seat and leisurely eat their meal.

_{“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.}“It’s because I can't do so in reality that I came here to adopt. If not for that, why would I have come?” Han Jiangxue raised his brows as he stared at the old master. Like his brows, his aura also exuded a ferocity with his gaze, causing more and more of those icy blobs of perspiration to litter the old master’s face.

“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

_{“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.}“What’s your name?”

“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.

Xiling froze momentarily in hesitation, but soon his hand reached out to take hold of Han Jiangxue’s. His heart was slamming against his chеst the entire time he held on to it. He, of all people, was holding hands with one of the world’s most acclaimed!

_{One hundred and sixty souls resided in this academy, their ages ranging from six to sixteen. Who among them would be the lucky pick? They all couldn’t help but speculate. But, generally speaking, the younger one was, the better their chances of being chosen.}“It’s because I can't do so in reality that I came here to adopt. If not for that, why would I have come?” Han Jiangxue raised his brows as he stared at the old master. Like his brows, his aura also exuded a ferocity with his gaze, causing more and more of those icy blobs of perspiration to litter the old master’s face.

One hundred and sixty souls resided in this academy, their ages ranging from six to sixteen. Who among them would be the lucky pick? They all couldn’t help but speculate. But, generally speaking, the younger one was, the better their chances of being chosen.

_{After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.}“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.

_{“Why did you learn to write? Isn’t studying the sword arts enough for those aiming to be swordsmen? Is your master the one who made you learn to study writing as well?”}
In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.

“Why did you learn to write? Isn’t studying the sword arts enough for those aiming to be swordsmen? Is your master the one who made you learn to study writing as well?”

_{Xiling felt his mood soar.}Xiling smiled at the man nonetheless and then continued with his back and forth to retrieve the newest bowls filled with porridge. In the time it would take to brew a pot of tea, all of Xiling’s work was finally done.

Xiling felt his mood soar.

_{“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.}But unlike the old man, Xiling believed he chose the better deal of the two. It was true his new father would be his senior by seven years, but that man’s status and swordsmanship skill would be nothing but a benefit to his future development, would it not?

“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

_{{Well, today was an especially good day already.}}Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.

Well, today was an especially good day already.

_{“Do you know who I am now?” The young man asked once more, wearing a smirk and a raised brow.}
“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.

“Do you know who I am now?” The young man asked once more, wearing a smirk and a raised brow.

_{{Who on earth is this person?} Xiling internally mused.}“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

_{Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.}Their master was a swordsman in his fifties whose skills were nowhere near stellar, but he made up for it with a smooth tongue. With that sweet-talking personality, he was able to run such an academy and make a small fortune for himself.

Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

_{“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.}“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a fifteen-year-old child? I-i-isn’t there only around seven years of difference between you both? That is to say, fathers with only so few years between them are incredibly rare—I mean… Ha, haha…” After his last coherent sentence, the master had begun using his sleeve to wipe away blobs of cold sweat.

“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.

_{Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling}
“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

_{Xiling froze momentarily in hesitation, but soon his hand reached out to take hold of Han Jiangxue’s. His heart was slamming against his chеst the entire time he held on to it. He, of all people, was holding hands with one of the world’s most acclaimed!}“Of course I have! You’re the infamous Han Jiangxue!” Xiling marvelled at the one before him as he spoke, still assured his eyes may be deceiving him.

_{“Xiling.”}
Once outside the training hall, Xiling looked up at the clear blue sky with all its vastness and felt his mood immediately brighten—which was probably a good sign for a disciple who was fated to leave.

“Xiling.”

_{{Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father?} Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.}Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

_{“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.}“Oh,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.

“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

_{“Oh, {you} have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”}“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.

“Oh, you have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”

_{In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.}When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.

In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.

_☆☆☆
Xiling then sprinted towards the dining hall. Back and forth, he then ran, carrying twenty bowls for each trip after waiting for the cook to share the porridge. It took eight trips in total before he could finish, given there were one hundred and sixty bowls for the one hundred and sixty mouths to feed.

☆☆☆

_{“Oh,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.}“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.

“Oh,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.

_{As for the Youmiao Academy, it was located in the eastern region of Shengyang’s capital city, Tianshu. In the western region of the capital city, another school housing nobility is known as Qingmiao Academy. (Qingmiao: Sprout)}One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

As for the Youmiao Academy, it was located in the eastern region of Shengyang’s capital city, Tianshu. In the western region of the capital city, another school housing nobility is known as Qingmiao Academy. (Qingmiao: Sprout)

_{“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.}The Youmiao Sword Academy was a place for cultivating swordsmen. (Youmiao: Seedling)

“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.

_{When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.}One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.

_{Qingmiao was an academy dedicated to meeting the noble children’s needs. For them, the art of the sword had little to do with a better life’s pursuit and all to do with passing down the customs of their forebears.}
Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

_{“I’m sorry, I do not.”}Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

“I’m sorry, I do not.”

_{There were cooks stationed within the academy, but after morning training, all the students would be extremely drained. So the best course of action was to have their breakfast prepared and served on the table so everyone could sit in their designated seat and leisurely eat their meal.}“What’s your name?”

There were cooks stationed within the academy, but after morning training, all the students would be extremely drained. So the best course of action was to have their breakfast prepared and served on the table so everyone could sit in their designated seat and leisurely eat their meal.

_{“Wait!” The young man from the corner called out to Xiling, who stopped and turned his way.}Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.

“Wait!” The young man from the corner called out to Xiling, who stopped and turned his way.

_{With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.}N/A

With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

_{Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.}
When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.

Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.

_{When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.}But as he stared at the still-smiling Han Jiangxue, Xiling couldn’t help but let out a foolish giggle. When struck with something so hаrd to fathom, Xiling was accustomed to using a laugh to cope.

When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.

_{“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a fifteen-year-old child? I-i-isn’t there only around seven years of difference between you both? That is to say, fathers with only so few years between them are incredibly rare—I mean… {Ha, haha…}” After his last coherent sentence, the master had begun using his sleeve to wipe away blobs of cold sweat.}“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”

“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a fifteen-year-old child? I-i-isn’t there only around seven years of difference between you both? That is to say, fathers with only so few years between them are incredibly rare—I mean… Ha, haha…” After his last coherent sentence, the master had begun using his sleeve to wipe away blobs of cold sweat.

_{“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.}One morning, the students of Youmiao were awakened in the wee hours as they had every other day before. But unlike those times when they sent for a run in preparation for the day’s practice. Instead, they were told to tidy up and get dressed as best as they could, then gather in the practice hall.

“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

_{Their master was a swordsman in his fifties whose skills were nowhere near stellar, but he made up for it with a smooth tongue. With that sweet-talking personality, he was able to run such an academy and make a small fortune for himself.}
Xiling smiled at the man nonetheless and then continued with his back and forth to retrieve the newest bowls filled with porridge. In the time it would take to brew a pot of tea, all of Xiling’s work was finally done.

_{The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.}“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”

The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.

_{“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.}“Wait!” The young man from the corner called out to Xiling, who stopped and turned his way.

“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

_{Other factors did matter as well; age wasn’t the only thing important. Their proficiency in martial arts, intelligence, handsomeness, liveliness, obedience, and other factors were held in high regard, too.}But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”

Other factors did matter as well; age wasn’t the only thing important. Their proficiency in martial arts, intelligence, handsomeness, liveliness, obedience, and other factors were held in high regard, too.

_{“What is it? Can it not be done?”}
After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.

“What is it? Can it not be done?”

_{“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”}But as he stared at the still-smiling Han Jiangxue, Xiling couldn’t help but let out a foolish giggle. When struck with something so hаrd to fathom, Xiling was accustomed to using a laugh to cope.

“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”

_{Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.}Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.

Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.

_{“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.}“What is it? Can it not be done?”

“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

_{“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.}
“Wait!” The young man from the corner called out to Xiling, who stopped and turned his way.

“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.

_{{I seriously can’t believe it.}}But as he stared at the still-smiling Han Jiangxue, Xiling couldn’t help but let out a foolish giggle. When struck with something so hаrd to fathom, Xiling was accustomed to using a laugh to cope.

I seriously can’t believe it.

_{So for those in the West seeking out a way to keep their children out of a life of poverty, selling them to that school for a small sum was a chosen option. Whatever ever became of that child afterwards would then be determined by their fate.}Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

So for those in the West seeking out a way to keep their children out of a life of poverty, selling them to that school for a small sum was a chosen option. Whatever ever became of that child afterwards would then be determined by their fate.

_{“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”}
“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.

“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”

_{{Who on earth is this person?} Xiling internally mused.}Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.

Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

_{“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.}While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.

“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.

_{“Do you know who I am now?” The young man asked once more, wearing a smirk and a raised brow.}Xiling was left stupefied in response.

“Do you know who I am now?” The young man asked once more, wearing a smirk and a raised brow.

_{Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was sixteen or seventeen at best!}
“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.

Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was sixteen or seventeen at best!

_{Han Jiangxue again let out a chuckle before nodding at the declaration.}As for the Youmiao Academy, it was located in the eastern region of Shengyang’s capital city, Tianshu. In the western region of the capital city, another school housing nobility is known as Qingmiao Academy. (Qingmiao: Sprout)

Han Jiangxue again let out a chuckle before nodding at the declaration.

_{Those nobles were only fond of children possessing some sort of ethereal beauty, so every time, they showed zero interest in Xiling.}When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.

Those nobles were only fond of children possessing some sort of ethereal beauty, so every time, they showed zero interest in Xiling.

_N/AWho on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

N/A

_{Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.}So the task of placing all those meals on the respective seats was assigned to Xiling. It was a tedious task, but the master ordered it, and Xiling had to heed them.

_{“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.}
“What’s your name?”

“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.

_{“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.}Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.

“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.

_{“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.}
“Xiling.”

“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.

_{But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”}
“Can you write it?”

But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”

_{But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.}But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

_{He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.}“Today, a distinguished guest will be arriving at our academy to claim an adopted son. This will be a great opportunity for one of you to climb up the social ladder. So do your best to seize it, understand?” their master declared.

He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.

_{He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.}
“Yes.”

He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.

_{But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.}“So, what do you say?”

But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

_{“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.}So for those in the West seeking out a way to keep their children out of a life of poverty, selling them to that school for a small sum was a chosen option. Whatever ever became of that child afterwards would then be determined by their fate.

“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.

_{“I’m sorry, I do not.”}
“Really?” That man displayed a bit of shock. It was common for many children to be unable to read in an academy populated by children from poverty-stricken members of society.

“I’m sorry, I do not.”

_{At that time in Shenzhou, many such academies existed. So much so that in large cities where passion for swordsmanship thrived, those academies dedicated to the art of the sword flourished more than the private institutions of the olden times.}“Why did you learn to write? Isn’t studying the sword arts enough for those aiming to be swordsmen? Is your master the one who made you learn to study writing as well?”

Once outside the training hall, Xiling looked up at the clear blue sky with all its vastness and felt his mood immediately brighten—which was probably a good sign for a disciple who was fated to leave.

_{{Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father?} Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.}“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”

Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

_.“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”

_{“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”}That was no odd thing at Youmiao Academy; many other students shared a similar trait. Most of these students were orphans—abandoned so young that they came without surnames. So the master of the academy took them under his wing until they were adopted by a noble family. It was only after being taken in by a house as a child or servant that they were able to gain a family name of their own.

“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”

_{I really can't believe it! Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.}
“How many here are able to read and write, then?”

I really can't believe it! Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.

_{“Can you give me a number?”}But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

“Can you give me a number?”

_{Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.}Xiling also laughed along, thinking that man was a beauty.

Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}At that time in Shenzhou, many such academies existed. So much so that in large cities where passion for swordsmanship thrived, those academies dedicated to the art of the sword flourished more than the private institutions of the olden times.

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

_{You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.}Those nobles were only fond of children possessing some sort of ethereal beauty, so every time, they showed zero interest in Xiling.

You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}
“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

_{“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.}One morning, the students of Youmiao were awakened in the wee hours as they had every other day before. But unlike those times when they sent for a run in preparation for the day’s practice. Instead, they were told to tidy up and get dressed as best as they could, then gather in the practice hall.

“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.

_{Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.}“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.

Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.

_{“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.}“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”

“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.

As for Han Jiangxue, he went on to explain, “Then I’ll tell you this much. If you choose to become my adopted son, whatever you want to do, you can do. You will no longer need to spend your life serving others; to the contrary, there will be others serving you.”

_{{Who on earth is this person?} Xiling internally mused.}“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”

Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

_{Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.}
“No more than a dozen.” Xiling started examining the man as he replied. The young man seemed quite thin, and his facial features were rather sharp. His brows were like the blades of daggers, yet his eyes themselves were wide like a doe’s.

Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.

_{With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.}Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.

With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

_{“What’s your name?”}“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

“What’s your name?”

_{“So, what do you say?”}“How many here are able to read and write, then?”

“So, what do you say?”

_{That was no odd thing at Youmiao Academy; many other students shared a similar trait. Most of these students were orphans—abandoned so young that they came without surnames. So the master of the academy took them under his wing until they were adopted by a noble family. It was only after being taken in by a house as a child or servant that they were able to gain a family name of their own.}So for those in the West seeking out a way to keep their children out of a life of poverty, selling them to that school for a small sum was a chosen option. Whatever ever became of that child afterwards would then be determined by their fate.

That was no odd thing at Youmiao Academy; many other students shared a similar trait. Most of these students were orphans—abandoned so young that they came without surnames. So the master of the academy took them under his wing until they were adopted by a noble family. It was only after being taken in by a house as a child or servant that they were able to gain a family name of their own.

_{Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.}
Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.

_{“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”}So the task of placing all those meals on the respective seats was assigned to Xiling. It was a tedious task, but the master ordered it, and Xiling had to heed them.

“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”

_{Xiling felt his mood soar.}“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

Xiling felt his mood soar.

_{But unlike the old man, Xiling believed he chose the better deal of the two. It was true his new father would be his senior by seven years, but that man’s status and swordsmanship skill would be nothing but a benefit to his future development, would it not?}So the task of placing all those meals on the respective seats was assigned to Xiling. It was a tedious task, but the master ordered it, and Xiling had to heed them.

_{“Can you write it?”}Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

“Can you write it?”

_{“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”}
“Why did you learn to write? Isn’t studying the sword arts enough for those aiming to be swordsmen? Is your master the one who made you learn to study writing as well?”

“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”

_{Qingmiao was an academy dedicated to meeting the noble children’s needs. For them, the art of the sword had little to do with a better life’s pursuit and all to do with passing down the customs of their forebears.}At that time in Shenzhou, many such academies existed. So much so that in large cities where passion for swordsmanship thrived, those academies dedicated to the art of the sword flourished more than the private institutions of the olden times.

_{Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.}.

Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

_{“What benefits am I going to get from this?”}Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”

“What benefits am I going to get from this?”

_{Those nobles were only fond of children possessing some sort of ethereal beauty, so every time, they showed zero interest in Xiling.}
“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

Those nobles were only fond of children possessing some sort of ethereal beauty, so every time, they showed zero interest in Xiling.

When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.

_{“Do you know who I am now?” The young man asked once more, wearing a smirk and a raised brow.}“What’s your name?”

“Do you know who I am now?” The young man asked once more, wearing a smirk and a raised brow.

_{The Youmiao Sword Academy was a place for cultivating swordsmen. (Youmiao: Seedling)}
The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.

The Youmiao Sword Academy was a place for cultivating swordsmen. (Youmiao: Seedling)

_.“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.

_{“How many here are able to read and write, then?”}“No more than a dozen.” Xiling started examining the man as he replied. The young man seemed quite thin, and his facial features were rather sharp. His brows were like the blades of daggers, yet his eyes themselves were wide like a doe’s.

“How many here are able to read and write, then?”

_{“Of course I have! You’re the infamous Han Jiangxue!” Xiling marvelled at the one before him as he spoke, still assured his eyes may be deceiving him.}
Xiling also laughed along, thinking that man was a beauty.

“Of course I have! You’re the infamous Han Jiangxue!” Xiling marvelled at the one before him as he spoke, still assured his eyes may be deceiving him.

“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”

_{“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”}Xiling then sprinted towards the dining hall. Back and forth, he then ran, carrying twenty bowls for each trip after waiting for the cook to share the porridge. It took eight trips in total before he could finish, given there were one hundred and sixty bowls for the one hundred and sixty mouths to feed.

“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”

_{Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.}“I’m sorry, I do not.”

Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.

_{Xiling felt his mood soar.}
“Do you know who I am?”

Xiling felt his mood soar.

_{The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.}Once outside the training hall, Xiling looked up at the clear blue sky with all its vastness and felt his mood immediately brighten—which was probably a good sign for a disciple who was fated to leave.

The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.

_{“What benefits am I going to get from this?”}“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.

“What benefits am I going to get from this?”

_{“Can {you} guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”}Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

“Can you guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”

_{Once outside the training hall, Xiling looked up at the clear blue sky with all its vastness and felt his mood immediately brighten—which was probably a good sign for a disciple who was fated to leave.}“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.

_{In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned fifteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.}“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned fifteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

_{“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”}
“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”

_{“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”}One hundred and sixty souls resided in this academy, their ages ranging from six to sixteen. Who among them would be the lucky pick? They all couldn’t help but speculate. But, generally speaking, the younger one was, the better their chances of being chosen.

“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”

_{“It’s because I can't do so in reality that I came here to adopt. If not for that, why would I have come?” Han Jiangxue raised his brows as he stared at the old master. Like his brows, his aura also exuded a ferocity with his gaze, causing more and more of those icy blobs of perspiration to litter the old master’s face.}
“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”

_{Xiling then sprinted towards the dining hall. Back and forth, he then ran, carrying twenty bowls for each trip after waiting for the cook to share the porridge. It took eight trips in total before he could finish, given there were one hundred and sixty bowls for the one hundred and sixty mouths to feed.}Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.

Xiling then sprinted towards the dining hall. Back and forth, he then ran, carrying twenty bowls for each trip after waiting for the cook to share the porridge. It took eight trips in total before he could finish, given there were one hundred and sixty bowls for the one hundred and sixty mouths to feed.

_{One morning, the students of Youmiao were awakened in the wee hours as they had every other day before. But unlike those times when they sent for a run in preparation for the day’s practice. Instead, they were told to tidy up and get dressed as best as they could, then gather in the practice hall.}So the task of placing all those meals on the respective seats was assigned to Xiling. It was a tedious task, but the master ordered it, and Xiling had to heed them.

_{“No more than a dozen.” Xiling started examining the man as he replied. The young man seemed quite thin, and his facial features were rather sharp. His brows were like the blades of daggers, yet his eyes themselves were wide like a doe’s.}“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

_{Xiling was left stupefied in response.}Xiling also laughed along, thinking that man was a beauty.

Xiling was left stupefied in response.

_{While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.}
“Do you know who I am now?” The young man asked once more, wearing a smirk and a raised brow.

While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.

_{{Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?}}Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.

Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

_{“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.}Those nobles were only fond of children possessing some sort of ethereal beauty, so every time, they showed zero interest in Xiling.

“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.

_{As for Han Jiangxue, he went on to explain, “Then I’ll tell you this much. If you choose to become my adopted son, whatever you want to do, you can do. You will no longer need to spend your life serving others; to the contrary, there will be others serving you.”}“Today, a distinguished guest will be arriving at our academy to claim an adopted son. This will be a great opportunity for one of you to climb up the social ladder. So do your best to seize it, understand?” their master declared.

_{This situation was an especially hаrd blow to his faculties. The youth before him barely looked older than himself, yet he was already an infamous swordsman throughout Shengyang who achieved the third highest mastery level of a Sword Lunatic. While he was still at the fifth and lowest level achievable: Sword Apprentice.}
“Of course I have! You’re the infamous Han Jiangxue!” Xiling marvelled at the one before him as he spoke, still assured his eyes may be deceiving him.

This situation was an especially hаrd blow to his faculties. The youth before him barely looked older than himself, yet he was already an infamous swordsman throughout Shengyang who achieved the third highest mastery level of a Sword Lunatic. While he was still at the fifth and lowest level achievable: Sword Apprentice.

_{“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.}I seriously can’t believe it.

“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.

_{“So, what do you say?”}Han Jiangxue again let out a chuckle before nodding at the declaration.

“So, what do you say?”

_{“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”}
Han Jiangxue again let out a chuckle before nodding at the declaration.

“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”

_{{One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?}}But unlike the old man, Xiling believed he chose the better deal of the two. It was true his new father would be his senior by seven years, but that man’s status and swordsmanship skill would be nothing but a benefit to his future development, would it not?

One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

_{In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.}
I really can't believe it! Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.

In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.

_{{I seriously can’t believe it.}}Xiling was flabbergasted—the old master before him even more so.

I seriously can’t believe it.

_{Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.}Xiling then sprinted towards the dining hall. Back and forth, he then ran, carrying twenty bowls for each trip after waiting for the cook to share the porridge. It took eight trips in total before he could finish, given there were one hundred and sixty bowls for the one hundred and sixty mouths to feed.

Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.

_{Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.}While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.

Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.

_{Once outside the training hall, Xiling looked up at the clear blue sky with all its vastness and felt his mood immediately brighten—which was probably a good sign for a disciple who was fated to leave.}“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a fifteen-year-old child? I-i-isn’t there only around seven years of difference between you both? That is to say, fathers with only so few years between them are incredibly rare—I mean… Ha, haha…” After his last coherent sentence, the master had begun using his sleeve to wipe away blobs of cold sweat.

_{“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.}
One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

_{{Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?}}“Can you guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”

Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

_{“What benefits am I going to get from this?”}
He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.

“What benefits am I going to get from this?”

_{{Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old!} Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was sixteen or seventeen at best!}N/A

Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was sixteen or seventeen at best!

_“Yes.”“Can you guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”

“Yes.”

_{He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.}“So, what do you say?”

He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

_{“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”}
I seriously can’t believe it.

“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

_{He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.}As for the Youmiao Academy, it was located in the eastern region of Shengyang’s capital city, Tianshu. In the western region of the capital city, another school housing nobility is known as Qingmiao Academy. (Qingmiao: Sprout)

He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.

_{“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.}Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

_{Their master was a swordsman in his fifties whose skills were nowhere near stellar, but he made up for it with a smooth tongue. With that sweet-talking personality, he was able to run such an academy and make a small fortune for himself.}Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.

_{“Do you know who I am?”}Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.

“Do you know who I am?”

_.
But as he stared at the still-smiling Han Jiangxue, Xiling couldn’t help but let out a foolish giggle. When struck with something so hаrd to fathom, Xiling was accustomed to using a laugh to cope.

_{Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.}Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.

_{The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.}Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.

The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.

_{So for those in the West seeking out a way to keep their children out of a life of poverty, selling them to that school for a small sum was a chosen option. Whatever ever became of that child afterwards would then be determined by their fate.}
This situation was an especially hаrd blow to his faculties. The youth before him barely looked older than himself, yet he was already an infamous swordsman throughout Shengyang who achieved the third highest mastery level of a Sword Lunatic. While he was still at the fifth and lowest level achievable: Sword Apprentice.

_.So for those in the West seeking out a way to keep their children out of a life of poverty, selling them to that school for a small sum was a chosen option. Whatever ever became of that child afterwards would then be determined by their fate.

_{“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”}But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”

_{“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.}Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.

“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

_{Han Jiangxue again let out a chuckle before nodding at the declaration.}
“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.

Han Jiangxue again let out a chuckle before nodding at the declaration.

_{Xiling was flabbergasted—the old master before him even more so.}But unlike the old man, Xiling believed he chose the better deal of the two. It was true his new father would be his senior by seven years, but that man’s status and swordsmanship skill would be nothing but a benefit to his future development, would it not?

Xiling was flabbergasted—the old master before him even more so.

_{{One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?}}Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

_{As for the Youmiao Academy, it was located in the eastern region of Shengyang’s capital city, Tianshu. In the western region of the capital city, another school housing nobility is known as Qingmiao Academy. (Qingmiao: Sprout)}
Xiling froze momentarily in hesitation, but soon his hand reached out to take hold of Han Jiangxue’s. His heart was slamming against his chеst the entire time he held on to it. He, of all people, was holding hands with one of the world’s most acclaimed!

_{This situation was an especially hаrd blow to his faculties. The youth before him barely looked older than himself, yet he was already an infamous swordsman throughout Shengyang who achieved the third highest mastery level of a Sword Lunatic. While he was still at the fifth and lowest level achievable: Sword Apprentice.}“Today, a distinguished guest will be arriving at our academy to claim an adopted son. This will be a great opportunity for one of you to climb up the social ladder. So do your best to seize it, understand?” their master declared.

☆☆☆

_{Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.}
Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.

Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

_{Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.}There were cooks stationed within the academy, but after morning training, all the students would be extremely drained. So the best course of action was to have their breakfast prepared and served on the table so everyone could sit in their designated seat and leisurely eat their meal.

Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.

_{The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.}“Can you guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”

The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.

_{That was no odd thing at Youmiao Academy; many other students shared a similar trait. Most of these students were orphans—abandoned so young that they came without surnames. So the master of the academy took them under his wing until they were adopted by a noble family. It was only after being taken in by a house as a child or servant that they were able to gain a family name of their own.}
The master was still engrossed in his lecture when the renowned swordsman arrived, but the second he noticed the other presence, that speech was cut short and followed by his hurried footsteps towards the door. “Goodness me! Young Master Han, when did you get here? Please accept my humble apologies for not coming out to greet you. I—”

_{“Why did you learn to write? Isn’t studying the sword arts enough for those aiming to be swordsmen? Is your master the one who made you learn to study writing as well?”}“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

“Why did you learn to write? Isn’t studying the sword arts enough for those aiming to be swordsmen? Is your master the one who made you learn to study writing as well?”

_{“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.}But unlike the old man, Xiling believed he chose the better deal of the two. It was true his new father would be his senior by seven years, but that man’s status and swordsmanship skill would be nothing but a benefit to his future development, would it not?

“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.

_{“Oh, you have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”}
With a wave of his hand, Han Jiangxue cut the older man off, implying there was no need for such courtesies. “Pardon me for interrupting your lecture, but I already found a suitable candidate for the matter I mentioned to you prior.”

“Oh, you have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”

_{Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.}That was no odd thing at Youmiao Academy; many other students shared a similar trait. Most of these students were orphans—abandoned so young that they came without surnames. So the master of the academy took them under his wing until they were adopted by a noble family. It was only after being taken in by a house as a child or servant that they were able to gain a family name of their own.

Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.

_{The master was still engrossed in his lecture when the renowned swordsman arrived, but the second he noticed the other presence, that speech was cut short and followed by his hurried footsteps towards the door. “Goodness me! Young Master Han, when did {you} get here? Please accept my humble apologies for not coming out to greet {you}. I—”}But unlike the old man, Xiling believed he chose the better deal of the two. It was true his new father would be his senior by seven years, but that man’s status and swordsmanship skill would be nothing but a benefit to his future development, would it not?

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

_{Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.}
“Oh, you have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”

Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.

_{{Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?}}“Today, a distinguished guest will be arriving at our academy to claim an adopted son. This will be a great opportunity for one of you to climb up the social ladder. So do your best to seize it, understand?” their master declared.

Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}Xiling smiled at the man nonetheless and then continued with his back and forth to retrieve the newest bowls filled with porridge. In the time it would take to brew a pot of tea, all of Xiling’s work was finally done.

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

_{“Can you give me a number?”}
“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.

“Can you give me a number?”

_{“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.}Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.

“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.

_{As for Han Jiangxue, he went on to explain, “Then I’ll tell you this much. If you choose to become my adopted son, whatever you want to do, you can do. You will no longer need to spend your life serving others; to the contrary, there will be others serving you.”}Those nobles were only fond of children possessing some sort of ethereal beauty, so every time, they showed zero interest in Xiling.

_{“What’s your name?”}Xiling then sprinted towards the dining hall. Back and forth, he then ran, carrying twenty bowls for each trip after waiting for the cook to share the porridge. It took eight trips in total before he could finish, given there were one hundred and sixty bowls for the one hundred and sixty mouths to feed.

“What’s your name?”

_{“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.}In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.

“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.

_{“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a fifteen-year-old child? I-i-isn’t there only around seven years of difference between you both? That is to say, fathers with only so few years between them are incredibly rare—I mean… Ha, haha…” After his last coherent sentence, the master had begun using his sleeve to wipe away blobs of cold sweat.}
Xiling was flabbergasted—the old master before him even more so.

_{But as he stared at the still-smiling Han Jiangxue, Xiling couldn’t help but let out a foolish giggle. When struck with something so hаrd to fathom, Xiling was accustomed to using a laugh to cope.}Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

But as he stared at the still-smiling Han Jiangxue, Xiling couldn’t help but let out a foolish giggle. When struck with something so hаrd to fathom, Xiling was accustomed to using a laugh to cope.

_{{Well, today was an especially good day already.}}I really can't believe it! Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.

Well, today was an especially good day already.

_{The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.}
“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”

The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.

_{“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.}Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.

“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.

_{{One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?}}Those nobles were only fond of children possessing some sort of ethereal beauty, so every time, they showed zero interest in Xiling.

One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

_{Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.}Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.

Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

_{“No more than a dozen.” Xiling started examining the man as he replied. The young man seemed quite thin, and his facial features were rather sharp. His brows were like the blades of daggers, yet his eyes themselves were wide like a doe’s.}One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

_{After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.}
“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”

After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.

_{“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.}“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.

_N/A
“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.

N/A

_{Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling}“Oh, you have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

_{{Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old!} Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was sixteen or seventeen at best!}“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.

Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was sixteen or seventeen at best!

_{Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?}
“You’re planning to adopt me?” Xiling was experiencing ten, no, a hundred, a thousand, a million—no—a billion levels of pure unmitigated shock!

Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

_{“Oh, {you} have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”}One morning, the students of Youmiao were awakened in the wee hours as they had every other day before. But unlike those times when they sent for a run in preparation for the day’s practice. Instead, they were told to tidy up and get dressed as best as they could, then gather in the practice hall.

“Oh, you have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”

_{He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.}Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.

He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.

_{“How many here are able to read and write, then?”}
Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

“How many here are able to read and write, then?”

_{Other factors did matter as well; age wasn’t the only thing important. Their proficiency in martial arts, intelligence, handsomeness, liveliness, obedience, and other factors were held in high regard, too.}Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.

_.Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

_{With a wave of his hand, Han Jiangxue cut the older man off, implying there was no need for such courtesies. “Pardon me for interrupting your lecture, but I already found a suitable candidate for the matter I mentioned to you prior.”}
But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

With a wave of his hand, Han Jiangxue cut the older man off, implying there was no need for such courtesies. “Pardon me for interrupting your lecture, but I already found a suitable candidate for the matter I mentioned to you prior.”

_{That was no odd thing at Youmiao Academy; many other students shared a similar trait. Most of these students were orphans—abandoned so young that they came without surnames. So the master of the academy took them under his wing until they were adopted by a noble family. It was only after being taken in by a house as a child or servant that they were able to gain a family name of their own.}The master was still engrossed in his lecture when the renowned swordsman arrived, but the second he noticed the other presence, that speech was cut short and followed by his hurried footsteps towards the door. “Goodness me! Young Master Han, when did you get here? Please accept my humble apologies for not coming out to greet you. I—”

_{Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.}Xiling also laughed along, thinking that man was a beauty.

Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.

_{Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.}“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.

Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

_{You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.}
Xiling was left stupefied in response.

You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.

_.“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.

_{“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.}“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”

“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.

_{In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned fifteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.}“Of course I have! You’re the infamous Han Jiangxue!” Xiling marvelled at the one before him as he spoke, still assured his eyes may be deceiving him.

In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned fifteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

_{So the task of placing all those meals on the respective seats was assigned to Xiling. It was a tedious task, but the master ordered it, and Xiling had to heed them.}Well, today was an especially good day already.

So the task of placing all those meals on the respective seats was assigned to Xiling. It was a tedious task, but the master ordered it, and Xiling had to heed them.

_{But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.}
“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a fifteen-year-old child? I-i-isn’t there only around seven years of difference between you both? That is to say, fathers with only so few years between them are incredibly rare—I mean… Ha, haha…” After his last coherent sentence, the master had begun using his sleeve to wipe away blobs of cold sweat.

But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

_{“What’s your name?”}But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

“What’s your name?”

_{{Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father?} Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.}“Yes, master!” Xiling wanted to be dismissed early. He no longer had any interest in listening to the old man’s evocative droning again, so he took off with speed.

Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

_{“Can you write it?”}
Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was sixteen or seventeen at best!

“Can you write it?”

_{So for those in the West seeking out a way to keep their children out of a life of poverty, selling them to that school for a small sum was a chosen option. Whatever ever became of that child afterwards would then be determined by their fate.}This situation was an especially hаrd blow to his faculties. The youth before him barely looked older than himself, yet he was already an infamous swordsman throughout Shengyang who achieved the third highest mastery level of a Sword Lunatic. While he was still at the fifth and lowest level achievable: Sword Apprentice.

_{In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned fifteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.}One hundred and sixty souls resided in this academy, their ages ranging from six to sixteen. Who among them would be the lucky pick? They all couldn’t help but speculate. But, generally speaking, the younger one was, the better their chances of being chosen.

In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned fifteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

_{One morning, the students of Youmiao were awakened in the wee hours as they had every other day before. But unlike those times when they sent for a run in preparation for the day’s practice. Instead, they were told to tidy up and get dressed as best as they could, then gather in the practice hall.}Xiling had entered the academy at the age of six, and these chances were something he experienced almost every year. In the beginning, he, like any other boy, was full of hope and longing for the chance of being chosen. But after many a bout with disappointment, he finally understood that he was not likeable at all.

_{“Oh,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.}
Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

“Oh,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.

_{Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling}Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

_{Xiling was left stupefied in response.}
“It’s because I can't do so in reality that I came here to adopt. If not for that, why would I have come?” Han Jiangxue raised his brows as he stared at the old master. Like his brows, his aura also exuded a ferocity with his gaze, causing more and more of those icy blobs of perspiration to litter the old master’s face.

Xiling was left stupefied in response.

_{“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.}“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.

“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

_{“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”}“Oh, you have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”

“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned fifteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”

_{When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.}
“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.

_{Qingmiao was an academy dedicated to meeting the noble children’s needs. For them, the art of the sword had little to do with a better life’s pursuit and all to do with passing down the customs of their forebears.}“No more than a dozen.” Xiling started examining the man as he replied. The young man seemed quite thin, and his facial features were rather sharp. His brows were like the blades of daggers, yet his eyes themselves were wide like a doe’s.

_{Xiling then sprinted towards the dining hall. Back and forth, he then ran, carrying twenty bowls for each trip after waiting for the cook to share the porridge. It took eight trips in total before he could finish, given there were one hundred and sixty bowls for the one hundred and sixty mouths to feed.}Xiling smiled at the man nonetheless and then continued with his back and forth to retrieve the newest bowls filled with porridge. In the time it would take to brew a pot of tea, all of Xiling’s work was finally done.

_“Yes.”“Oh,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.

“Yes.”

_{In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned fifteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.}
Xiling was quite confused by his master’s behaviour. He wondered why the old man seemed so unwilling given that any adoption earned him a pretty penny in return.

In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned fifteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

_{Xiling was left stupefied in response.}“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.

Xiling was left stupefied in response.

_{“Wait!” The young man from the corner called out to Xiling, who stopped and turned his way.}
But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”

“Wait!” The young man from the corner called out to Xiling, who stopped and turned his way.

_{As for the Youmiao Academy, it was located in the eastern region of Shengyang’s capital city, Tianshu. In the western region of the capital city, another school housing nobility is known as Qingmiao Academy. (Qingmiao: Sprout)}“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

_{{Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?}}Once outside the training hall, Xiling looked up at the clear blue sky with all its vastness and felt his mood immediately brighten—which was probably a good sign for a disciple who was fated to leave.

Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

_{“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.}
“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.

_{You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.}“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.

_{“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.}“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.

_{Xiling felt his mood soar.}Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.

Xiling felt his mood soar.

_{“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.}Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?

“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.

_{Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.}
“What benefits am I going to get from this?”

Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.

_{Xiling smiled at the man nonetheless and then continued with his back and forth to retrieve the newest bowls filled with porridge. In the time it would take to brew a pot of tea, all of Xiling’s work was finally done.}“Can you guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”

_{“So, what do you say?”}Xiling was left stupefied in response.

“So, what do you say?”

_{At that time in Shenzhou, many such academies existed. So much so that in large cities where passion for swordsmanship thrived, those academies dedicated to the art of the sword flourished more than the private institutions of the olden times.}“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.

_{{I really can't believe it!} Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.}“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

I really can't believe it! Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.

_{“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.}
You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.

“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.

_☆☆☆“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”

☆☆☆

_{Xiling felt his mood soar.}I seriously can’t believe it.

Xiling felt his mood soar.

_{“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”}As for the Youmiao Academy, it was located in the eastern region of Shengyang’s capital city, Tianshu. In the western region of the capital city, another school housing nobility is known as Qingmiao Academy. (Qingmiao: Sprout)

“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”

_{Xiling smiled at the man nonetheless and then continued with his back and forth to retrieve the newest bowls filled with porridge. In the time it would take to brew a pot of tea, all of Xiling’s work was finally done.}
“Fine. But why should I be someone else’s adopted son? It’s quite a bother calling someone father.”

_{“Can you write it?”}As for Han Jiangxue, he went on to explain, “Then I’ll tell you this much. If you choose to become my adopted son, whatever you want to do, you can do. You will no longer need to spend your life serving others; to the contrary, there will be others serving you.”

“Can you write it?”

_☆☆☆But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

☆☆☆

_{{I seriously can’t believe it.}}.

I seriously can’t believe it.

_{Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”}At that time in Shenzhou, many such academies existed. So much so that in large cities where passion for swordsmanship thrived, those academies dedicated to the art of the sword flourished more than the private institutions of the olden times.

Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”

_{Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.}
“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

_{After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.}“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.

After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.

_{“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.}“Do you know who I am now?” The young man asked once more, wearing a smirk and a raised brow.

“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.

_{“Today, a distinguished guest will be arriving at our academy to claim an adopted son. This will be a great opportunity for one of you to climb up the social ladder. So do your best to seize it, understand?” their master declared.}
As for Han Jiangxue, he went on to explain, “Then I’ll tell you this much. If you choose to become my adopted son, whatever you want to do, you can do. You will no longer need to spend your life serving others; to the contrary, there will be others serving you.”

“Today, a distinguished guest will be arriving at our academy to claim an adopted son. This will be a great opportunity for one of you to climb up the social ladder. So do your best to seize it, understand?” their master declared.

_{“So, what do you say?”}One hundred and sixty souls resided in this academy, their ages ranging from six to sixteen. Who among them would be the lucky pick? They all couldn’t help but speculate. But, generally speaking, the younger one was, the better their chances of being chosen.

“So, what do you say?”

_{“What benefits am I going to get from this?”}.

“What benefits am I going to get from this?”

_{Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.}
“Oh,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.

Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

_{“Why did you learn to write? Isn’t studying the sword arts enough for those aiming to be swordsmen? Is your master the one who made you learn to study writing as well?”}The young man chuckled softly at his response, his curved, thin lips as enchanting as a petal in bloom.

“Why did you learn to write? Isn’t studying the sword arts enough for those aiming to be swordsmen? Is your master the one who made you learn to study writing as well?”

_{“Can {you} guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”}In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.

“Can you guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”

_{“What’s your name?”}Their master was a swordsman in his fifties whose skills were nowhere near stellar, but he made up for it with a smooth tongue. With that sweet-talking personality, he was able to run such an academy and make a small fortune for himself.

“What’s your name?”

_{With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.}You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.

With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

_{Well, today was an especially good day already.}
“Can you guarantee I can become a swordsman as well?” Xiling’s gaze on Han Jiangxue was sombre as he asked, “A level three Sword Knight even?”

Well, today was an especially good day already.

_{“So, what do you say?”}Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was sixteen or seventeen at best!

“So, what do you say?”

_☆☆☆As for the Youmiao Academy, it was located in the eastern region of Shengyang’s capital city, Tianshu. In the western region of the capital city, another school housing nobility is known as Qingmiao Academy. (Qingmiao: Sprout)

☆☆☆

_{“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.}“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.

“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.

_{Xiling then sprinted towards the dining hall. Back and forth, he then ran, carrying twenty bowls for each trip after waiting for the cook to share the porridge. It took eight trips in total before he could finish, given there were one hundred and sixty bowls for the one hundred and sixty mouths to feed.}
“As long as you’re willing to put in the work, even becoming a level four Sword Saint is no problem at all.” That cоcked brow made another appearance as that man answered.

_{Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.}Their master was a swordsman in his fifties whose skills were nowhere near stellar, but he made up for it with a smooth tongue. With that sweet-talking personality, he was able to run such an academy and make a small fortune for himself.

Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.

_{“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.}Qingmiao was an academy dedicated to meeting the noble children’s needs. For them, the art of the sword had little to do with a better life’s pursuit and all to do with passing down the customs of their forebears.

“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.

_{“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.}
“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”

“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.

_{“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.}.

“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.

_{Xiling froze momentarily in hesitation, but soon his hand reached out to take hold of Han Jiangxue’s. His heart was slamming against his chеst the entire time he held on to it. He, of all people, was holding hands with one of the world’s most acclaimed!}That was no odd thing at Youmiao Academy; many other students shared a similar trait. Most of these students were orphans—abandoned so young that they came without surnames. So the master of the academy took them under his wing until they were adopted by a noble family. It was only after being taken in by a house as a child or servant that they were able to gain a family name of their own.

_{“So, what do you say?”}
With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

“So, what do you say?”

_{As he half-heartedly listened to his master’s instructions, Xiling’s thoughts focused on how draining his next task of serving all one hundred and fifty-nine breakfast meals would be.}As he half-heartedly listened to his master’s instructions, Xiling’s thoughts focused on how draining his next task of serving all one hundred and fifty-nine breakfast meals would be.

As he half-heartedly listened to his master’s instructions, Xiling’s thoughts focused on how draining his next task of serving all one hundred and fifty-nine breakfast meals would be.

_{“Oh, {you} have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”}“You’re planning to adopt me?” Xiling was experiencing ten, no, a hundred, a thousand, a million—no—a billion levels of pure unmitigated shock!

“Oh, you have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”

_{“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.}“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-so, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

_{“You’re planning to adopt me?” Xiling was experiencing ten, no, a hundred, a thousand, a million—no—a billion levels of pure unmitigated shock!}
But unlike the old man, Xiling believed he chose the better deal of the two. It was true his new father would be his senior by seven years, but that man’s status and swordsmanship skill would be nothing but a benefit to his future development, would it not?

“You’re planning to adopt me?” Xiling was experiencing ten, no, a hundred, a thousand, a million—no—a billion levels of pure unmitigated shock!

_{“What benefits am I going to get from this?”}“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”

“What benefits am I going to get from this?”

_{“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.}
Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.

_{But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”}Well, today was an especially good day already.

But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”

_{Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.}But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”

Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.

_{But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.}“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.

But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

_{“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.}The master was still engrossed in his lecture when the renowned swordsman arrived, but the second he noticed the other presence, that speech was cut short and followed by his hurried footsteps towards the door. “Goodness me! Young Master Han, when did you get here? Please accept my humble apologies for not coming out to greet you. I—”

“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.

_.“It’s because I can't do so in reality that I came here to adopt. If not for that, why would I have come?” Han Jiangxue raised his brows as he stared at the old master. Like his brows, his aura also exuded a ferocity with his gaze, causing more and more of those icy blobs of perspiration to litter the old master’s face.

_{But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.}“No more than a dozen.” Xiling started examining the man as he replied. The young man seemed quite thin, and his facial features were rather sharp. His brows were like the blades of daggers, yet his eyes themselves were wide like a doe’s.

But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

_{I seriously can’t believe it.}
Xiling felt his mood soar.

I seriously can’t believe it.

_{{Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father?} Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.}The Youmiao Sword Academy was a place for cultivating swordsmen. (Youmiao: Seedling)

Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

_.“You’re planning to adopt me?” Xiling was experiencing ten, no, a hundred, a thousand, a million—no—a billion levels of pure unmitigated shock!

_{After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.}“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.

After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.

_{“What’s your name?”}
Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”

“What’s your name?”

_{“I’m sorry, I do not.”}Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was sixteen or seventeen at best!

“I’m sorry, I do not.”

_{As for Han Jiangxue, he went on to explain, “Then I’ll tell you this much. If you choose to become my adopted son, whatever you want to do, you can do. You will no longer need to spend your life serving others; to the contrary, there will be others serving you.”}When Xiling was almost finished with his preparations, he caught sight of a young man sitting at a corner seat in the hall. That man’s gaze never left him, as if they were inspecting him.

_{But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.}“Do you know who I am?”

But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

Edit: the MC's age was adjusted by me.

Updated every Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C01-1

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

Author's Note:

Notes:

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