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￣)

_{In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned thirteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.}
The Youmiao Sword Academy was a place for cultivating swordsmen. (Youmiao: Seedling)

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

_{Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.}“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.

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

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

_{“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?”}“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.

“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?”

_{“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?”

_{Xiling was left stupefied in response.}
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 was left stupefied in response.

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

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

_{Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.}
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)

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

_{Han Jiangxue again let out a chuckle before nodding at the declaration.}Xiling was flabbergasted—the old master before him even more so.

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

_{With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.}“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.

With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

_{“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.}“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.

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

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

_{But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”}
While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.

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

_{“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.}“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.

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

_{{Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?}}“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

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

_{Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.}“Do you know who I am?”

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

_{“Xiling.”}.

“Xiling.”

_{“How many here are able to read and write, then?”}
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.

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

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

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

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

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.

_{“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.}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.

“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.”}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.

“Xiling.”

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

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

_{“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.}“So, what do you say?”

“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.

_{While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.}“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.

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

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

_{But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”}N/A

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

_{With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.}
In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned thirteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

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

“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?”

_{“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!}
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.

“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!

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

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

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

_{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.

_{“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 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?”

_{“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.}After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.

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

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

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

_{You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.}Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.

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

_{“Do you know who I am?”}After tidying up, Xiling was about to leave the dining hall to call everyone to eat.

“Do you know who I am?”

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

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

_N/A
.

N/A

_.Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

_{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.”}One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

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.”

_{Xiling also laughed along, thinking that man was a beauty.}“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

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

_N/A
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.

N/A

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.”

_{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—”}N/A

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—”

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

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

_{“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.}“Fine. But why should I be someone else’s adopted son? It’s quite a bother calling someone father.”

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

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

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

_{{I really can't believe it!} Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.}“Can you give me a number?”

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

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

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.

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}
“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

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

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

_{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.}“I’m sorry, I do not.”

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.

_{Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling}“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

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

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

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

“Do you know who I am?”

_{“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a thirteen-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.}N/A

“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a thirteen-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.

_{“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”}“No, of course not! It’s just that... Well, you see, Xiling has already turned thirteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”

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

_{Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling}
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.

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

_{Xiling felt his mood soar.}☆☆☆

Xiling felt his mood soar.

_{The Youmiao Sword Academy was a place for cultivating swordsmen. (Youmiao: Seedling)}But Han Jiangxue nodded to affirm it was the case after turning to face Xiling, that soft smile again returning to his face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

_{“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”}
Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.

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

_{{Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father?} Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.}“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a thirteen-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.

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

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.

_{He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.}“What’s your name?”

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

_{{Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?}}“What is it? Can it not be done?”

Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

_{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.

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

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

_{With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.}Xiling was left stupefied in response.

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.}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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

_“Yes.”N/A

“Yes.”

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

_{Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.}Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was fifteen or sixteen at best!

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

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

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

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

_{In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.}Although he was rather tall for his age, he still retained the chubby-faced innocence of a child.

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

_{Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.}“Yes.”

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

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.

_{“I’m sorry, I do not.”}
In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.

“I’m sorry, I do not.”

_.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.

_{In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned thirteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.}“Xiling.”

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

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.

“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.

_{“{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!}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.

“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!

_{“Can you give me a number?”}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 give me a number?”

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

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

_{“What is it? Can it not be done?”}
“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.

“What is it? Can it not be done?”

_{{Han Jiangxue doesn't look like he has more than a few years on me! So could this be some sort of mistake?}}I really can't believe it! Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.

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

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

_{“What is it? Can it not be done?”}“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.

“What is it? Can it not be done?”

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

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

_{{I seriously can’t believe it.}}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.

I seriously can’t believe it.

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

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

_{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 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.

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.

_{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.}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.

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.

_{“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.}
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.

“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.

_{Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.}Xiling also laughed along, thinking that man was a beauty.

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

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

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

_{“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.}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.

“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.

_{“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.}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.

“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.

_{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.

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.

_{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.}
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.

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.

_{“Xiling.”}“What is it? Can it not be done?”

“Xiling.”

_{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.

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

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

_.
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.

_{{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?”

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

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

Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training 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.}Xiling felt his mood soar.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

_{“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”}I seriously can’t believe it.

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

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

“What is it? Can it not be done?”

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

_{Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling}“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.

Chapter 1.1: 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.}“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.

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.

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.

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.

_{He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.}Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

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

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

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

_{“So, what do you say?”}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, what do you say?”

_{{Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?}}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.

Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

_{“Do you know who I am?”}
Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.

“Do you know who I am?”

_{“Do you know who I am now?” The young man asked once more, wearing a smirk and a raised brow.}Xiling was flabbergasted—the old master before him even more so.

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

_{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!

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

_{“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?”

_{“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.}
“What’s your name?”

“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.

_{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?”

_{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?”

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

_{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 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 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.

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?

_{“Oh,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.}“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.

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

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, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.}
“Can you write it?”

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

_{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 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.

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 felt his mood soar.}Xiling was left stupefied in response.

Xiling felt his mood soar.

_{{Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?}}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.”

Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

_{“What’s your name?”}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.

“What’s your name?”

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

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

_{{Who on earth is this person?} Xiling internally mused.}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.

Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

_{“How many here are able to read and write, then?”}Han Jiangxue was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was fifteen or sixteen at best!

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

_{But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”}“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”

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

_{“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?”}
“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.

“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?”

_{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 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 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.

_{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?}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.

_{“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”}
“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.

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

_{Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”}Those nobles were only fond of children possessing some sort of ethereal beauty, so every time, they showed zero interest in Xiling.

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

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

“Yes.”

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

“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.

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

_{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.}
“How many here are able to read and write, then?”

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.

_{{I seriously can’t believe it.}}“Xiling.”

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

_☆☆☆“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.

☆☆☆

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

_{{I really can't believe it!} Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.}“Oh,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.

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

_{Xiling felt his mood soar.}“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.

Xiling felt his mood soar.

_{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 was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was fifteen or sixteen at best!

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

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

_{“Can you give me a number?”}
“Can you give me a number?”

“Can you give me a number?”

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

_{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.

_{{One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?}}The Youmiao Sword Academy was a place for cultivating swordsmen. (Youmiao: Seedling)

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

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

_{“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.}“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.

_{Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.}Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

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

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

N/A

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

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

_{“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.}
Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

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

_“Yes.”☆☆☆

“Yes.”

_{Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.}“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

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

_{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!}
“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 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!

_{Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.}In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned thirteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

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

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.

_{“Wait!” The young man from the corner called out to Xiling, who stopped and turned his way.}While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.

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

_{{Well, today was an especially good day already.}}One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?

Well, today was an especially good day already.

_{Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.}
“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.

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

_{“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 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.

_{“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”}Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

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

_{The Youmiao Sword Academy was a place for cultivating swordsmen. (Youmiao: Seedling)}“What’s your name?”

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

_{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.

_{{Who on earth is this person?} Xiling internally mused.}Xiling felt his mood soar.

Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

_{In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.}
Xiling also laughed along, thinking that man was a beauty.

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

_{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.}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.

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.

_{“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”}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.

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

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

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

_{“I’m sorry, I do not.”}Xiling also laughed along, thinking that man was a beauty.

“I’m sorry, I do not.”

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}“What is it? Can it not be done?”

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

_{“What is it? Can it not be done?”}“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

“What is it? Can it not be done?”

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.

_{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.

_{“How many here are able to read and write, then?”}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.

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

_{Han Jiangxue again let out a chuckle before nodding at the declaration.}
“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

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

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

_{“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 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.

“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.

_{“Oh, you have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”}
“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”

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

_{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.

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.”“What is it? Can it not be done?”

“Yes.”

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

_{{Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?}}In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.

Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

_{{Well, today was an especially good day already.}}You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.

Well, today was an especially good day already.

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

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

_{“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a thirteen-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.}
Han Jiangxue again let out a chuckle before nodding at the declaration.

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

_{“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.”

“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?”

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

Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

_{“What is it? Can it not be done?”}“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

“What is it? Can it not be done?”

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

_{Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.}Xiling was flabbergasted—the old master before him even more so.

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

_{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?

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

_{{Well, today was an especially good day already.}}“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.

Well, today was an especially good day already.

_{{I seriously can’t believe it.}}With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

I seriously can’t believe it.

_{The Youmiao Sword Academy was a place for cultivating swordsmen. (Youmiao: Seedling)}
He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.

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

_{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.}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.

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.

_{In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned thirteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.}“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.

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

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

_“Yes.”
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.

“Yes.”

_{“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”}I really can't believe it! Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.

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

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

_{“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 was left stupefied in response.

“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.

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

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

_{Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling}I seriously can’t believe it.

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

_{Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.}
“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.

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

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

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

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

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

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

_{“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 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!

_{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.

_{{I seriously can’t believe it.}}“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”

I seriously can’t believe it.

_{“Can you write it?”}In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned thirteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

“Can you write it?”

_N/A“Do you know who I am?”

N/A

☆☆☆

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

☆☆☆

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

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

N/A

_{“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.}He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.

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

_{“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 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—”

“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.}“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.

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

_{I seriously can’t believe it.}
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.”

I seriously can’t believe it.

_{{Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?}}“How many here are able to read and write, then?”

Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

_{Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”}
“Oh, you have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”

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

_{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.}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.

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.

_{Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.}
“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.

Who on earth is this person? Xiling internally mused.

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

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

_{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.”}In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned thirteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

_{“So, what do you say?”}
Xiling was flabbergasted—the old master before him even more so.

“So, what do you say?”

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

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

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

_{“What benefits am I going to get from this?”}“What is it? Can it not be done?”

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

_{“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”}But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”

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

_{One of the most infamous swordsmen in the country is really this seemingly frail young guy?}
“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”

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

_{“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.}Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

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

_{Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.}
“What is it? Can it not be done?”

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

_{Han Jiangxue held Xiling’s hand in his throughout their walk to the training hall.}“What benefits am I going to get from this?”

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

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

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

_{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)}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 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.}
“Why is it not fitting?” Han Jiangxue cоcked a brow.

_{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.}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.

_{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—”}
“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!

_{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.}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.

_{“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.}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, {you} have? Who will be the lucky child, then?”}Well, today was an especially good day already.

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

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

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

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

“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.

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

“What is it? Can it not be done?”

_{“Master was the one who taught me,” Xiling saw it fit to briefly explain.}“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.

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

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

_{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.

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

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

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

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

_{“What’s your name?”}
Xiling was left stupefied in response.

“What’s your name?”

_{“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”}“What benefits am I going to get from this?”

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

Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

_{“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.}“I’m sorry, I do not.”

“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.

_{Well, today was an especially good day already.}
“B-b-but, Young Master Han, you’ve just come of age, so what need is there to adopt a thirteen-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.

Well, today was an especially good day already.

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.

_{“What is it? Can it not be done?”}Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.

“What is it? Can it not be done?”

_{“What benefits am I going to get from this?”}“Do you know who I am?”

“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.}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.

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

_{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?}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.

_{{I really can't believe it!} Xiling still struggled to believe his eyes and ears.}“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?”

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

_{“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.

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

_{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.}
“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.

_{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.}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.

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.

_{“So, what do you say?”}“What is it? Can it not be done?”

“So, what do you say?”

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

“Xiling.”

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

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

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

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

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

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

_{With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.}Xiling felt his mood soar.

With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

_{“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, 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.

_{Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.}Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

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

_{“What benefits am I going to get from this?”}Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

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

_{“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.}“So, what do you say?”

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

_{“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.}
“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”

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

_{“Oh,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.}In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned thirteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

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

_{“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.}
“What benefits am I going to get from this?”

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

_{“Are you calling me?” Xiling gestured to himself.}“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

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

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

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.

_{“Young Master Han, t-th-th-th-th-this...”}“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.

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

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

_{“Do you know who I am?”}“Come. Come with me.” Han Jiangxue extended a hand towards Xiling as he spoke.

“Do you know who I am?”

_{Hesitantly, Xiling approached the man, asking, “Is there something wrong?” Xiling neither knew the man nor saw him at the academy before.}“Oh… B-b-but th-this sort of matter still requires the child’s consent. S-o, Xiling, what would you like to do?” A pair of pleading eyes were fixed on Xiling with those words.

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

_{“What benefits am I going to get from this?”}
“Fine. But why should I be someone else’s adopted son? It’s quite a bother calling someone father.”

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

_{“How many here are able to read and write, then?”}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.

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

_{In that academy, the master’s words were law. There was no one who could disobey them.}“What is it? Can it not be done?”

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

_{“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”}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.

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

_{“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.}“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.

“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.

_{“Oh…” After a moment, Xiling then jumped as he cried out, “Oh my god!”}
“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.

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

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

_{“Understood.” The crowd of young swordsmen replied in unison.}Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.

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

_.☆☆☆

_{“Because you are the most pleasing to the eye.”}
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.”

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

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

_{“My name is Han Jiangxue.”}“Xiling, go fetch breakfast.” From upfront, the master suddenly called out Xiling’s name.

“My name is Han Jiangxue.”

_{Han Jiangxue again let out a chuckle before nodding at the declaration.}“Xiling.”

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

_{“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.

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

_{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,” Xiling exclaimed, immediately giving serious thought to the feasibility of the matter.

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.

_.“Yes.”

_{“Well, isn't learning as much as possible always a good thing?” Xiling again dragged his fingers through his hair while replying.}You’re a snobbish little one, aren’t you?” Han Jiangxue retorted, but there was a smile hanging on his lips.

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

_{“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.}“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!

“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.

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

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.

_.
“So, what do you say?”

_{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.}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.}
“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.

_{“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.}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.

“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.

_{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.

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

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

“Yes, now come.” The young man waved.

_{“X-Xiling…” The old master called out with a tremble.}But ignoring such thoughts, Xiling turned to Han Jiangxue and asked, “Why did you choose me?”

“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 thirteen this year, so how could he be a fitting choice as your adopted son?”}Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

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

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

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 was already twenty years old! Xiling was again stunned, as he thought the man was fifteen or sixteen at best!}
“Then I agree. I will be your adopted son.”

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

_{{I seriously can’t believe it.}}“Fine. But why should I be someone else’s adopted son? It’s quite a bother calling someone father.”

I seriously can’t believe it.

_{Youmiao was hence an academy where the children of the poor gathered.}In Youmiao Academy, there was a student who just turned thirteen that year. His name was Xiling—just Xiling, as he possessed no family name.

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

_{{Well, today was an especially good day already.}}Hearing his agreement, Han Jiangxue responded, “Good. From today onwards, your name will be Han Xiling.”

Well, today was an especially good day already.

_{“Him.” Han Jiangxue raised Xiling’s hand.}
With this declaration, the old master finally fainted.

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

“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.

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

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

_{“Can you give me a number?”}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 give me a number?”

_{{Well, today was an especially good day already.}}While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.

Well, today was an especially good day already.

_{“Can you write it?”}“I’m sorry, I do not.”

“Can you write it?”

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

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

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

“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?}
Well, today was an especially good day already.

Will my tomorrow be nothing but better days?

_{While the east was an area ridden with poverty, the west was home to nobles living in the lap of luxury.}Porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables were the entirety of their morning meal—an assortment that has never seen change.

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

_{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.}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.

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

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

_{Xiling felt his mood soar.}
Xiling felt his mood soar.

Xiling felt his mood soar.

_{“Not many, I’m afraid,” Xiling replied with a scratch of the head.}Some guy who just turned twenty is going to be my adoptive father? Xiling felt as though he would faint, while Han Jiangxue continued.

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

_☆☆☆“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.

☆☆☆

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

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.

_{He was taller than Xiling, but only by a little, and he was much skinnier than Xiling, too.}“Wait!” The young man from the corner called out to Xiling, who stopped and turned his way.

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.}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.

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

Author's Note:

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Notes:

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Updated every Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C01-1

Chapter 1.1: Han Xiling

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