Adoptive Father: C02-2

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

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

_{“Where to?”}
Han Xiling barely slept a wink on his first night at the house belonging to his rather peculiar adoptive father. All, because every flip and turn that man made as he slept resulted in his hands or feet falling onto some part of Han Xiling’s body, and every one of those touches caused the plank-straight youth to swallow the resolve of facing off against an enemy. Like this, Han Xiling spent the night trembling and suffering in fear. So the next morning, when his eyes finally opened, two large black circles hung from his eyes.

“Where to?”

_{During breakfast, Han Jiangxue returned from training dressed in an all-black close-fitting fighting garment that gave him a lean, ferocious air. Han Xiling could see this leopard-like man was truly one who possessed a thousand faces. It seemed as though a change of clothes also resulted in a change of temperаment.}}Han Xiling couldn’t stop his heart from quaking as the target of such a frigid look. Is this what they mean by killing intent? Just a sword, one could feel the strength and sharpness of the blade before it left its scabbard.

During breakfast, Han Jiangxue returned from training dressed in an all-black close-fitting fighting garment that gave him a lean, ferocious air. Han Xiling could see this leopard-like man was truly one who possessed a thousand faces. It seemed as though a change of clothes also resulted in a change of temperаment.

_{But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.}Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.

_{Before long, a hand extended to ruffle his hair, its owner smiling helplessly. “Alright, I’ll take you there. But just this once, understood? You’ll have to go there on your own after this.”}“Aw, look at that? Looks like the little whore got mad. Hahaha…” A few of his senior brothers mocked despite his words.

Before long, a hand extended to ruffle his hair, its owner smiling helplessly. “Alright, I’ll take you there. But just this once, understood? You’ll have to go there on your own after this.”

_{“Is there anywhere in the world that isn’t unfamiliar? Is there anyone you just know? In order for people to stop being unfamiliar with one another, they have to go from just being strangers first.”}“Because I wanted to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.

“Is there anywhere in the world that isn’t unfamiliar? Is there anyone you just know? In order for people to stop being unfamiliar with one another, they have to go from just being strangers first.”

_{After an hour in the heat, many took off their outer robes and practiced with bare arms and chеsts.}
As for the troublesome man at the heart of this distress, he was nowhere to be seen, his side on the bed long cold.

After an hour in the heat, many took off their outer robes and practiced with bare arms and chеsts.

_{After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.}“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”

After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

With brows as domineering as his aura, eyes as drawn into narrow slits, a high nose bridge, and thin lips, that man looked down at Han Xiling from on high before turning to look at Han Jiangxue. “Is this the child you took in?”

_{But he knew the odds of a successful escape were slim and getting caught again was a real possibility. He’d seen as much himself. Back at the academy, he saw his martial brothers suffer from harsh beatings as a result.}
Han Xiling paid it no mind, getting out of bed, dressed, and tidying up. The only thing occupying his thoughts was conjuring up a way to escape. I have to get out of here. Sniffle. I don’t want to be someone’s plaything! I don’t!

But he knew the odds of a successful escape were slim and getting caught again was a real possibility. He’d seen as much himself. Back at the academy, he saw his martial brothers suffer from harsh beatings as a result.

_{Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.}“Where to?”

Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.

_{“He sure does! He doesn’t even have any hair yet! Is he a girl?”}
But he knew the odds of a successful escape were slim and getting caught again was a real possibility. He’d seen as much himself. Back at the academy, he saw his martial brothers suffer from harsh beatings as a result.

“He sure does! He doesn’t even have any hair yet! Is he a girl?”

_{Chapter 2.2: Little Pig}“Morning, Uncle Bo. Where is he… I mean, father.”

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

_{But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.}Han Xiling was again taken aback. That man was indeed recorded on the list of famous swordsmen at his old academy and was very near to becoming one of the world’s undefeated. What’s more, despite his rank being officially recorded as a Sword Knight, skill-wise, he was much closer to being a Sword Saint.

But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.

_{Chapter 2.2: Little Pig}After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

_{As for the troublesome man at the heart of this distress, he was nowhere to be seen, his side on the bed long cold.}
For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.

As for the troublesome man at the heart of this distress, he was nowhere to be seen, his side on the bed long cold.

_{“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”}The ones with a decent personality nodded back at him in return, but the others lacking even that little didn’t give him so much as a grunt. Someone soon came over to fetch his headmaster, who also left Han Xiling alone to face a group of strangers in the courtyard.

“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”

_{Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.}The ones with a decent personality nodded back at him in return, but the others lacking even that little didn’t give him so much as a grunt. Someone soon came over to fetch his headmaster, who also left Han Xiling alone to face a group of strangers in the courtyard.

Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

_{As they ate breakfast, Han Jiangxue noticed Han Xiling seemed absent-minded, so he called his attention by announcing, “Uncle Wu will escort you to the Qingmiao Academy today, so please strive for excellence on my behalf in the future.”}
“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.

As they ate breakfast, Han Jiangxue noticed Han Xiling seemed absent-minded, so he called his attention by announcing, “Uncle Wu will escort you to the Qingmiao Academy today, so please strive for excellence on my behalf in the future.”

_{“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.}Han Xiling also wanted to go there and those upper-level swordsmen.

“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.

_{“One look and you could see he’s a poor wretch. The headmaster said it’s what happens when you don’t eat enough meat. They grow up like radishes—with not one lіck of hair.”}
“Morning, Uncle Bo. Where is he… I mean, father.”

“One look and you could see he’s a poor wretch. The headmaster said it’s what happens when you don’t eat enough meat. They grow up like radishes—with not one lіck of hair.”

_{“Oh, the master went out to train.”}☆☆☆

“Oh, the master went out to train.”

_{He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.}“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”

He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

_{Han Xiling barely slept a wink on his first night at the house belonging to his rather peculiar adoptive father. All, because every flip and turn that man made as he slept resulted in his hands or feet falling onto some part of Han Xiling’s body, and every one of those touches caused the plank-straight youth to swallow the resolve of facing off against an enemy.}“I just don’t like going to unfamiliar places.”

Han Xiling barely slept a wink on his first night at the house belonging to his rather peculiar adoptive father. All, because every flip and turn that man made as he slept resulted in his hands or feet falling onto some part of Han Xiling’s body, and every one of those touches caused the plank-straight youth to swallow the resolve of facing off against an enemy. Like this, Han Xiling spent the night trembling and suffering in fear. So the next morning, when his eyes finally opened, two large black circles hung from his eyes.

_{“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”}
“Oh, the master went out to train.”

“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”

_{{But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.}}“One look and you could see he’s a poor wretch. The headmaster said it’s what happens when you don’t eat enough meat. They grow up like radishes—with not one lіck of hair.”

But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.

_{“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”}“Because I wanted to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.

“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”

_{“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”}Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”

“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”

_{Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.}Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.

_{“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.}
“Where to?”

“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

_{{But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.}}“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.

But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.

_{“Do you even know who we are, you little shіt? You’re a dead little piglet now. Kick his aѕs until he squeals!”}So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”

“Do you even know who we are, you little shіt? You’re a dead little piglet now. Kick his aѕs until he squeals!”

_{"Understood."}“I bet he did. So how was it, huh? How did he ‘love’ you? I heard he was that kind of person, if you know what I mean.”

"Understood."

_{Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”}Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”

_☆☆☆
“There’s a training ground on the outskirts of the city that the master uses to practice every day belonging to the school. He also has a good bit of friends there, too.”

☆☆☆

_{“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”}"Understood."

“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”

_{But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.}
Han Xiling also wanted to go there and those upper-level swordsmen.

But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.

_{“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”}I’m not a mongrel! Han Xiling screamed in return—internally, of course—while biting his lips tіghtly shut. He was smart enough to realise he was no match for Di EWangchen, at least not yet. So upon hearing such an insult thrown his way, he could only endure the man’s contempt.

“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”

_{After an hour in the heat, many took off their outer robes and practiced with bare arms and chеsts.}Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.

After an hour in the heat, many took off their outer robes and practiced with bare arms and chеsts.

_{Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.}“I just don’t like going to unfamiliar places.”

Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

_{But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.}
“Oh, the master also said he will be sending you to the Qingmiao Academy today. You are only allowed to go to that training ground once you study at Qingmiao to become a master.”

But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.

_{“I bet he did. So how was it, huh? How did he ‘love’ you? I heard he was that kind of person, if you know what I mean.”}As they ate breakfast, Han Jiangxue noticed Han Xiling seemed absent-minded, so he called his attention by announcing, “Uncle Wu will escort you to the Qingmiao Academy today, so please strive for excellence on my behalf in the future.”

“I bet he did. So how was it, huh? How did he ‘love’ you? I heard he was that kind of person, if you know what I mean.”

_{Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.}
“Qingmiao Academy!” Han Xiling exclaimed. The Qingmiao Academy—as in the one that only noble-born children can attend?! How is a practical weed like me supposed to match up with the ones there?

Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

_{The ones with a decent personality nodded back at him in return, but the others lacking even that little didn’t give him so much as a grunt. Someone soon came over to fetch his headmaster, who also left Han Xiling alone to face a group of strangers in the courtyard.}“Is there anywhere in the world that isn’t unfamiliar? Is there anyone you just know? In order for people to stop being unfamiliar with one another, they have to go from just being strangers first.”

The ones with a decent personality nodded back at him in return, but the others lacking even that little didn’t give him so much as a grunt. Someone soon came over to fetch his headmaster, who also left Han Xiling alone to face a group of strangers in the courtyard.

☆☆☆

_{"Understood."}
During breakfast, Han Jiangxue returned from training dressed in an all-black close-fitting fighting garment that gave him a lean, ferocious air. Han Xiling could see this leopard-like man was truly one who possessed a thousand faces. It seemed as though a change of clothes also resulted in a change of temperаment.

"Understood."

_{“Uh, yeah.” Han Xiling replied and nervously undid his knots.}“I mean it! This year, I’m serious! So why did you adopt that mongrel?!”

“Uh, yeah.” Han Xiling replied and nervously undid his knots.

_{“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.}Lowering his bleeding head, Han Xiling spotted a rock nearby and grabbed it. “I’ll show you just how much of a man I am today!” He yelled at the ones getting closer. “Do any of you have the guts to bash your own head in with a rock?!”

“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.

_{“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”}“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.

“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”

_{“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.}
What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.

“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.

_{Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.}What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.

Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

_{Qingmiao Academy could be aptly described as bright. From the bright and shiny statues made of jade to the bright and shiny students decked out in the most garments, everything about that place looked like it came straight out of a painting.}
He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

Qingmiao Academy could be aptly described as bright. From the bright and shiny statues made of jade to the bright and shiny students decked out in the most garments, everything about that place looked like it came straight out of a painting.

_{Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.}“There’s a training ground on the outskirts of the city that the master uses to practice every day belonging to the school. He also has a good bit of friends there, too.”

Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.

_{For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.}Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.

For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.

_{Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.}“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

_☆☆☆
Han Xiling couldn’t stop his heart from quaking as the target of such a frigid look. Is this what they mean by killing intent? Just a sword, one could feel the strength and sharpness of the blade before it left its scabbard.

☆☆☆

_{Fist? Stick? Scabbard? Han Xiling couldn’t tell what hit him because they all pummelled down on him like hail. Curled up in a ball and not forgetting to tіghten his grip on his belt, Han Xiling endured the blows even while something hot and wet began running down the corners of his eyes and lips.}Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.

Fist? Stick? Scabbard? Han Xiling couldn’t tell what hit him because they all pummelled down on him like hail. Curled up in a ball and not forgetting to tіghten his grip on his belt, Han Xiling endured the blows even while something hot and wet began running down the corners of his eyes and lips.

_{Han Xiling barely slept a wink on his first night at the house belonging to his rather peculiar adoptive father. All, because every flip and turn that man made as he slept resulted in his hands or feet falling onto some part of Han Xiling’s body, and every one of those touches caused the plank-straight youth to swallow the resolve of facing off against an enemy.}
With brows as domineering as his aura, eyes as drawn into narrow slits, a high nose bridge, and thin lips, that man looked down at Han Xiling from on high before turning to look at Han Jiangxue. “Is this the child you took in?”

“Ha! Look at his face! He’s freaking blushing! He definitely must’ve done it, then! Get his pants off so we can check! Our Qingmiao Academy can’t have some whore coming out of our ranks, now can we?”

_{“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”}Han Xiling’s legs visibly trembled, his heart filling with curses: If these pigs are the ones considered nobles, then everyone else can be considered beasts!

“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”

_{Han Xiling was again taken aback. That man was indeed recorded on the list of famous swordsmen at his old academy and was very near to becoming one of the world’s undefeated. What’s more, despite his rank being officially recorded as a Sword Knight, skill-wise, he was much closer to being a Sword Saint.}
“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

Han Xiling was again taken aback. That man was indeed recorded on the list of famous swordsmen at his old academy and was very near to becoming one of the world’s undefeated. What’s more, despite his rank being officially recorded as a Sword Knight, skill-wise, he was much closer to being a Sword Saint.

_{Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.}“Do you even know who we are, you little shіt? You’re a dead little piglet now. Kick his aѕs until he squeals!”

Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.

_{This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.}So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”

This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.

_{The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.}The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

_{During breakfast, Han Jiangxue returned from training dressed in an all-black close-fitting fighting garment that gave him a lean, ferocious air. Han Xiling could see this leopard-like man was truly one who possessed a thousand faces. It seemed as though a change of clothes also resulted in a change of temperаment.}}Unable to stand it any longer, he shot up like a madman and ran towards the corner of a wall. “Don’t come any closer! I’ll kill anybody who comes any closer, I swear it!” He screamed at them with a face plastered in blood.

But that man didn’t so much as glance at him in acknowledgement before turning to walk into the room. Only then did he speak to Han Jiangxue, who followed behind him, “Why adopt him, though? I never knew you wanted a child.”

_{It wasn’t until those hairy hands reached out to grab him that Han Xiling was shaken from his immobilising shock. Screaming and gripping his belt tіght, he kicked away those who tried to approach him.}“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

It wasn’t until those hairy hands reached out to grab him that Han Xiling was shaken from his immobilising shock. Screaming and gripping his belt tіght, he kicked away those who tried to approach him.

Those petal-like lips seemed to put Di Wangchen into a daze enough to relax his fingers. “I’ll win this year. I’ll win the swordsmanship competition, and we’ll get married after I do.”

_{“Oh, the master went out to train.”}
Han Xiling also scoffed at that scoff—internally, of course. Yes, he was still a child, but he hated it when others looked down on him, so he lifted his chin as much as he could to show on some level he wouldn’t back down.

“Oh, the master went out to train.”

_{Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.}Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.

Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.

_{“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”}
“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”

“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”

_{The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.}“One look and you could see he’s a poor wretch. The headmaster said it’s what happens when you don’t eat enough meat. They grow up like radishes—with not one lіck of hair.”

The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

_{With brows as domineering as his aura, eyes as drawn into narrow slits, a high nose bridge, and thin lips, that man looked down at Han Xiling from on high before turning to look at Han Jiangxue. “Is this the child you took in?”}Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.

_{Han Xiling paid it no mind, getting out of bed, dressed, and tidying up. The only thing occupying his thoughts was conjuring up a way to escape. {I have to get out of here. Sniffle. I don’t want to be someone’s plaything! I don’t!}}After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

Han Xiling paid it no mind, getting out of bed, dressed, and tidying up. The only thing occupying his thoughts was conjuring up a way to escape. I have to get out of here. Sniffle. I don’t want to be someone’s plaything! I don’t!

_{“Oh, the master also said he will be sending you to the Qingmiao Academy today. You are only allowed to go to that training ground once you study at Qingmiao to become a master.”}“Oh, the master went out to train.”

“Oh, the master also said he will be sending you to the Qingmiao Academy today. You are only allowed to go to that training ground once you study at Qingmiao to become a master.”

_N/A
Han Xiling was again taken aback. That man was indeed recorded on the list of famous swordsmen at his old academy and was very near to becoming one of the world’s undefeated. What’s more, despite his rank being officially recorded as a Sword Knight, skill-wise, he was much closer to being a Sword Saint.

N/A

_{Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.}☆☆☆

Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.

_{Han Xiling paid it no mind, getting out of bed, dressed, and tidying up. The only thing occupying his thoughts was conjuring up a way to escape. {I have to get out of here. Sniffle. I don’t want to be someone’s plaything! I don’t!}}“Qingmiao Academy!” Han Xiling exclaimed. The Qingmiao Academy—as in the one that only noble-born children can attend?! How is a practical weed like me supposed to match up with the ones there?

Lowering his bleeding head, Han Xiling spotted a rock nearby and grabbed it. “I’ll show you just how much of a man I am today!” He yelled at the ones getting closer. “Do any of you have the guts to bash your own head in with a rock?!”

_{“Di Wangchen,” unlike Han Xiling, Han Jiangxue had no issue with retorting. “All you do is talk and talk, so not once did I believe anything you say.}
Why was he still recorded as a Sword Knight, then? That may have been because of his far too arrogant temperаment, which was far too removed from the realm of “Saint.”

“Di Wangchen,” unlike Han Xiling, Han Jiangxue had no issue with retorting. “All you do is talk and talk, so not once did I believe anything you say. So I’ll just do whatever I please. If I want a child, I will adopt one. And if you want to get married, you are more than free to go take the hand of the young lady of House Dongfang. You can become the powerful and perfect son-in-law of House Dongfang. Whatever you want will be within your grasp, so doesn’t that sound like a dream? So, please stop coming to bark and yip at me all the time. I’m only with you so we can spar, not to hear the endless droning of sweet nothings.” The only emotion clear on his face was indifference.

_{Unable to stand it any longer, he shot up like a madman and ran towards the corner of a wall. “Don’t come any closer! I’ll kill anybody who comes any closer, I swear it!” He screamed at them with a face plastered in blood.}Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.

Unable to stand it any longer, he shot up like a madman and ran towards the corner of a wall. “Don’t come any closer! I’ll kill anybody who comes any closer, I swear it!” He screamed at them with a face plastered in blood.

_{{No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!}}Han Xiling barely slept a wink on his first night at the house belonging to his rather peculiar adoptive father. All, because every flip and turn that man made as he slept resulted in his hands or feet falling onto some part of Han Xiling’s body, and every one of those touches caused the plank-straight youth to swallow the resolve of facing off against an enemy. Like this, Han Xiling spent the night trembling and suffering in fear. So the next morning, when his eyes finally opened, two large black circles hung from his eyes.

No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!

_{Why was he still recorded as a Sword Knight, then? That may have been because of his far too arrogant temperаment, which was far too removed from the realm of “Saint.”}
“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.

Why was he still recorded as a Sword Knight, then? That may have been because of his far too arrogant temperаment, which was far too removed from the realm of “Saint.”

_{Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.}The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.

_{“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”}During breakfast, Han Jiangxue returned from training dressed in an all-black close-fitting fighting garment that gave him a lean, ferocious air. Han Xiling could see this leopard-like man was truly one who possessed a thousand faces. It seemed as though a change of clothes also resulted in a change of temperаment.

“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”

_{“Morning, Uncle Bo. Where is he… I mean, father.”}It wasn’t until those hairy hands reached out to grab him that Han Xiling was shaken from his immobilising shock. Screaming and gripping his belt tіght, he kicked away those who tried to approach him.

“Morning, Uncle Bo. Where is he… I mean, father.”

_N/A
But that man didn’t so much as glance at him in acknowledgement before turning to walk into the room. Only then did he speak to Han Jiangxue, who followed behind him, “Why adopt him, though? I never knew you wanted a child.”

N/A

_{Those petal-like lips seemed to put Di Wangchen into a daze enough to relax his fingers. “I’ll win this year. I’ll win the swordsmanship competition, and we’ll get married after I do.”}“There’s a training ground on the outskirts of the city that the master uses to practice every day belonging to the school. He also has a good bit of friends there, too.”

Those petal-like lips seemed to put Di Wangchen into a daze enough to relax his fingers. “I’ll win this year. I’ll win the swordsmanship competition, and we’ll get married after I do.”

_{“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.}“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.

“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.

_N/AFor swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.

N/A

_{During breakfast, Han Jiangxue returned from training dressed in an all-black close-fitting fighting garment that gave him a lean, ferocious air. Han Xiling could see this leopard-like man was truly one who possessed a thousand faces. It seemed as though a change of clothes also resulted in a change of temperаment.}
“Because I wanted to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.

_{Han Xiling also wanted to go there and those upper-level swordsmen.}“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.

Han Xiling also wanted to go there and those upper-level swordsmen.

_{Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.}Why was he still recorded as a Sword Knight, then? That may have been because of his far too arrogant temperаment, which was far too removed from the realm of “Saint.”

Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.

_{After an hour in the heat, many took off their outer robes and practiced with bare arms and chеsts.}He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

After an hour in the heat, many took off their outer robes and practiced with bare arms and chеsts.

_{“Where to?”}Lowering his bleeding head, Han Xiling spotted a rock nearby and grabbed it. “I’ll show you just how much of a man I am today!” He yelled at the ones getting closer. “Do any of you have the guts to bash your own head in with a rock?!”

“Where to?”

_{Him? Is it that ‘him’ again? Who the heck is this ‘he’? Han Xiling chewed on his lip even more as he looked at the man before him.}
Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”

Him? Is it that ‘him’ again? Who the heck is this ‘he’? Han Xiling chewed on his lip even more as he looked at the man before him.

_{“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”}“Come, let's have breakfast,” he waved Han Xiling over.

“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”

_{{But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.}}The second he took off his outer robe, however, all the students on the training ground erupted and rushed over before he could react. They poked, prodded, and rubbed him like crazy while exploding in rapturous laughter.

But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.

_{Qingmiao Academy could be aptly described as bright. From the bright and shiny statues made of jade to the bright and shiny students decked out in the most garments, everything about that place looked like it came straight out of a painting.}But he knew the odds of a successful escape were slim and getting caught again was a real possibility. He’d seen as much himself. Back at the academy, he saw his martial brothers suffer from harsh beatings as a result.

_{“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”}
“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”

“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”

_{“We’ll get married. We’ll get married,” Han Jiangxue pushed the hand away from his chin. “You say that every year.”}The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.

“We’ll get married. We’ll get married,” Han Jiangxue pushed the hand away from his chin. “You say that every year.”

_{After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.}Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.

After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

_{“We’ll get married. We’ll get married,” Han Jiangxue pushed the hand away from his chin. “You say that every year.”}
“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

“We’ll get married. We’ll get married,” Han Jiangxue pushed the hand away from his chin. “You say that every year.”

_{{Him? Is it that ‘him’ again? Who the heck is this ‘he’?} Han Xiling chewed on his lip even more as he looked at the man before him.}After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

Him? Is it that ‘him’ again? Who the heck is this ‘he’? Han Xiling chewed on his lip even more as he looked at the man before him.

_{“This kid looks like a naked little piglet! Oh my god! {Ha ha ha…}”}This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.

“This kid looks like a naked little piglet! Oh my god! Ha ha ha…”

_{Han Xiling also scoffed at that scoff—internally, of course. Yes, he was still a child, but he hated it when others looked down on him, so he lifted his chin as much as he could to show on some level he wouldn’t back down.}
Those petal-like lips seemed to put Di Wangchen into a daze enough to relax his fingers. “I’ll win this year. I’ll win the swordsmanship competition, and we’ll get married after I do.”

Han Xiling also scoffed at that scoff—internally, of course. Yes, he was still a child, but he hated it when others looked down on him, so he lifted his chin as much as he could to show on some level he wouldn’t back down.

The second he took off his outer robe, however, all the students on the training ground erupted and rushed over before he could react. They poked, prodded, and rubbed him like crazy while exploding in rapturous laughter.

_{But he knew the odds of a successful escape were slim and getting caught again was a real possibility. He’d seen as much himself. Back at the academy, he saw his martial brothers suffer from harsh beatings as a result.}Lowering his bleeding head, Han Xiling spotted a rock nearby and grabbed it. “I’ll show you just how much of a man I am today!” He yelled at the ones getting closer. “Do any of you have the guts to bash your own head in with a rock?!”

_{What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.}“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.

What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.

_{“Morning, Uncle Bo. Where is he… I mean, father.”}
“We’ll get married. We’ll get married,” Han Jiangxue pushed the hand away from his chin. “You say that every year.”

“Morning, Uncle Bo. Where is he… I mean, father.”

_{The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.}“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.

The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

_{“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.}
“I mean it! This year, I’m serious! So why did you adopt that mongrel?!”

“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.

_{The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.}“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.

The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

_{For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.}
I’m not a mongrel! Han Xiling screamed in return—internally, of course—while biting his lips tіghtly shut. He was smart enough to realise he was no match for Di EWangchen, at least not yet. So upon hearing such an insult thrown his way, he could only endure the man’s contempt.

For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.

_{Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”}☆☆☆

Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”

_{“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.}“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”

“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.

_{Han Xiling also scoffed at that scoff—internally, of course. Yes, he was still a child, but he hated it when others looked down on him, so he lifted his chin as much as he could to show on some level he wouldn’t back down.}As he walked, the curious boy couldn’t help but wonder: Aren’t those two supposed to be rivals? One’s a Sword Lunatic from the Xuanyuan Sect, and the other is a Sword Knight for the Dongfang Sect. Plus, even though one follows the evil path while the other follows the righteous one, they are both evenly matched. So if they decided to duke it out, I have no idea who would come out the victor.

_{“I just don’t like going to unfamiliar places.”}
But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.

“I just don’t like going to unfamiliar places.”

_{As for the troublesome man at the heart of this distress, he was nowhere to be seen, his side on the bed long cold.}“Di Wangchen,” unlike Han Xiling, Han Jiangxue had no issue with retorting. “All you do is talk and talk, so not once did I believe anything you say. So I’ll just do whatever I please. If I want a child, I will adopt one. And if you want to get married, you are more than free to go take the hand of the young lady of House Dongfang. You can become the powerful and perfect son-in-law of House Dongfang. Whatever you want will be within your grasp, so doesn’t that sound like a dream? So, please stop coming to bark and yip at me all the time. I’m only with you so we can spar, not to hear the endless droning of sweet nothings.” The only emotion clear on his face was indifference.

As for the troublesome man at the heart of this distress, he was nowhere to be seen, his side on the bed long cold.

_{“This kid looks like a naked little piglet! Oh my god! {Ha ha ha…}”}But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.

“This kid looks like a naked little piglet! Oh my god! Ha ha ha…”

_{The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.}For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.

The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

_☆☆☆
“Di Wangchen,” unlike Han Xiling, Han Jiangxue had no issue with retorting. “All you do is talk and talk, so not once did I believe anything you say. So I’ll just do whatever I please. If I want a child, I will adopt one. And if you want to get married, you are more than free to go take the hand of the young lady of House Dongfang. You can become the powerful and perfect son-in-law of House Dongfang. Whatever you want will be within your grasp, so doesn’t that sound like a dream? So, please stop coming to bark and yip at me all the time. I’m only with you so we can spar, not to hear the endless droning of sweet nothings.” The only emotion clear on his face was indifference.

☆☆☆

_{After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.}N/A

After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

_{When the headmaster of the academy introduced Han Xiling to those bright and shiny students, they barely seemed to register his existence. Apart from a few quick glances, most were lost in their own matters.}Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.

When the headmaster of the academy introduced Han Xiling to those bright and shiny students, they barely seemed to register his existence. Apart from a few quick glances, most were lost in their own matters.

_{Chapter 2.2: Little Pig}“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

_{Lowering his bleeding head, Han Xiling spotted a rock nearby and grabbed it. “I’ll show you just how much of a man I am today!” He yelled at the ones getting closer. “Do any of you have the guts to bash your own head in with a rock?!”}Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.

_{“Oh, the master also said he will be sending you to the Qingmiao Academy today. You are only allowed to go to that training ground once you study at Qingmiao to become a master.”}
The anger seeping from beneath Di Wangchen’s features was so potent his flush was mauve. But, thankfully, he just turned around and left the house.

“Oh, the master also said he will be sending you to the Qingmiao Academy today. You are only allowed to go to that training ground once you study at Qingmiao to become a master.”

_☆☆☆But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.

☆☆☆

_{He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.}Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.

He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

_{Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.}“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.

Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.

_{The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.}"Understood."

The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

_{Han Xiling also wanted to go there and those upper-level swordsmen.}
Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.

Han Xiling also wanted to go there and those upper-level swordsmen.

_{When the headmaster of the academy introduced Han Xiling to those bright and shiny students, they barely seemed to register his existence. Apart from a few quick glances, most were lost in their own matters.}So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”

_{“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”}
“Come, let's have breakfast,” he waved Han Xiling over.

“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”

_{He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.}Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.

He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

_{The ones with a decent personality nodded back at him in return, but the others lacking even that little didn’t give him so much as a grunt. Someone soon came over to fetch his headmaster, who also left Han Xiling alone to face a group of strangers in the courtyard.}Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.

_{“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.}Before long, a hand extended to ruffle his hair, its owner smiling helplessly. “Alright, I’ll take you there. But just this once, understood? You’ll have to go there on your own after this.”

“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.

_{Before long, a hand extended to ruffle his hair, its owner smiling helplessly. “Alright, I’ll take you there. But just this once, understood? You’ll have to go there on your own after this.”}“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.

Before long, a hand extended to ruffle his hair, its owner smiling helplessly. “Alright, I’ll take you there. But just this once, understood? You’ll have to go there on your own after this.”

_{“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.}The anger seeping from beneath Di Wangchen’s features was so potent his flush was mauve. But, thankfully, he just turned around and left the house.

“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

_{“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”}The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.

“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”

_{Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.}
As he walked, the curious boy couldn’t help but wonder: Aren’t those two supposed to be rivals? One’s a Sword Lunatic from the Xuanyuan Sect, and the other is a Sword Knight for the Dongfang Sect. Plus, even though one follows the evil path while the other follows the righteous one, they are both evenly matched. So if they decided to duke it out, I have no idea who would come out the victor.

Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.

_{Han Xiling paid it no mind, getting out of bed, dressed, and tidying up. The only thing occupying his thoughts was conjuring up a way to escape. {I have to get out of here. Sniffle. I don’t want to be someone’s plaything! I don’t!}}Tilting his head as he looked at the boy across from him curiously, Han Jiangxue dispelled his thoughts with a shake of the head. “You’re just like him. You both love acting all spoilt.”

_{{No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!}}☆☆☆

No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!

_{Unable to stand it any longer, he shot up like a madman and ran towards the corner of a wall. “Don’t come any closer! I’ll kill anybody who comes any closer, I swear it!” He screamed at them with a face plastered in blood.}Those petal-like lips seemed to put Di Wangchen into a daze enough to relax his fingers. “I’ll win this year. I’ll win the swordsmanship competition, and we’ll get married after I do.”

☆☆☆

_{Unable to stand it any longer, he shot up like a madman and ran towards the corner of a wall. “Don’t come any closer! I’ll kill anybody who comes any closer, I swear it!” He screamed at them with a face plastered in blood.}
As they ate breakfast, Han Jiangxue noticed Han Xiling seemed absent-minded, so he called his attention by announcing, “Uncle Wu will escort you to the Qingmiao Academy today, so please strive for excellence on my behalf in the future.”

_{{No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!}}“Is there anywhere in the world that isn’t unfamiliar? Is there anyone you just know? In order for people to stop being unfamiliar with one another, they have to go from just being strangers first.”

No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!

_{Unable to stand it any longer, he shot up like a madman and ran towards the corner of a wall. “Don’t come any closer! I’ll kill anybody who comes any closer, I swear it!” He screamed at them with a face plastered in blood.}He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

_{“One look and you could see he’s a poor wretch. The headmaster said it’s what happens when you don’t eat enough meat. They grow up like radishes—with not one lіck of hair.”}The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

“One look and you could see he’s a poor wretch. The headmaster said it’s what happens when you don’t eat enough meat. They grow up like radishes—with not one lіck of hair.”

_{So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”}
But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.

So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”

_{As he walked, the curious boy couldn’t help but wonder: {Aren’t those two supposed to be rivals? One’s a Sword Lunatic from the Xuanyuan Sect, and the other is a Sword Knight for the Dongfang Sect. Plus, even though one follows the evil path while the other follows the righteous one, they are both evenly matched. So if they decided to duke it out, I have no idea who would come out the victor.}}No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!

As he walked, the curious boy couldn’t help but wonder: Aren’t those two supposed to be rivals? One’s a Sword Lunatic from the Xuanyuan Sect, and the other is a Sword Knight for the Dongfang Sect. Plus, even though one follows the evil path while the other follows the righteous one, they are both evenly matched. So if they decided to duke it out, I have no idea who would come out the victor.

_{He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.}“Is there anywhere in the world that isn’t unfamiliar? Is there anyone you just know? In order for people to stop being unfamiliar with one another, they have to go from just being strangers first.”

He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

_{So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”}During breakfast, Han Jiangxue returned from training dressed in an all-black close-fitting fighting garment that gave him a lean, ferocious air. Han Xiling could see this leopard-like man was truly one who possessed a thousand faces. It seemed as though a change of clothes also resulted in a change of temperаment.

So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”

_{“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”}
So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”

“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

_{“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”}☆☆☆

“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”

_{The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.}“Because I wanted to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.

The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

_{“Ha! Look at his face! He’s freaking blushing! He definitely must’ve done it, then! Get his pants off so we can check! Our Qingmiao Academy can’t have some whore coming out of our ranks, now can we?”}“There’s a training ground on the outskirts of the city that the master uses to practice every day belonging to the school. He also has a good bit of friends there, too.”

_{“Qingmiao Academy!” Han Xiling exclaimed. The Qingmiao Academy—as in the one that only noble-born children can attend?! How is a practical weed like me supposed to match up with the ones there?}
Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.

“Qingmiao Academy!” Han Xiling exclaimed. The Qingmiao Academy—as in the one that only noble-born children can attend?! How is a practical weed like me supposed to match up with the ones there?

_{“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”}Unable to stand it any longer, he shot up like a madman and ran towards the corner of a wall. “Don’t come any closer! I’ll kill anybody who comes any closer, I swear it!” He screamed at them with a face plastered in blood.

“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

_{“This kid looks like a naked little piglet! Oh my god! Ha ha ha…”}
“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.

“This kid looks like a naked little piglet! Oh my god! Ha ha ha…”

_{Qingmiao Academy could be aptly described as bright. From the bright and shiny statues made of jade to the bright and shiny students decked out in the most garments, everything about that place looked like it came straight out of a painting.}“Ha! Look at his face! He’s freaking blushing! He definitely must’ve done it, then! Get his pants off so we can check! Our Qingmiao Academy can’t have some whore coming out of our ranks, now can we?”

_{The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.}The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

_{No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!}
“I just don’t like going to unfamiliar places.”

No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!

_☆☆☆“Uh, yeah.” Han Xiling replied and nervously undid his knots.

☆☆☆

_{Han Xiling also scoffed at that scoff—internally, of course. Yes, he was still a child, but he hated it when others looked down on him, so he lifted his chin as much as he could to show on some level he wouldn’t back down.}Fist? Stick? Scabbard? Han Xiling couldn’t tell what hit him because they all pummelled down on him like hail. Curled up in a ball and not forgetting to tіghten his grip on his belt, Han Xiling endured the blows even while something hot and wet began running down the corners of his eyes and lips.

_{The anger seeping from beneath Di Wangchen’s features was so potent his flush was mauve. But, thankfully, he just turned around and left the house.}“Ha! Look at his face! He’s freaking blushing! He definitely must’ve done it, then! Get his pants off so we can check! Our Qingmiao Academy can’t have some whore coming out of our ranks, now can we?”

The anger seeping from beneath Di Wangchen’s features was so potent his flush was mauve. But, thankfully, he just turned around and left the house.

_{“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.}
“Is there anywhere in the world that isn’t unfamiliar? Is there anyone you just know? In order for people to stop being unfamiliar with one another, they have to go from just being strangers first.”

“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.

_{“Aw, look at that? Looks like the little whore got mad. {Hahaha…}” A few of his senior brothers mocked despite his words.}“I just don’t like going to unfamiliar places.”

“Aw, look at that? Looks like the little whore got mad. Hahaha…” A few of his senior brothers mocked despite his words.

_{Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.}Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”

Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.

_{This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.}Han Xiling also wanted to go there and those upper-level swordsmen.

This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.

_{Chapter 2.2: Little Pig}
“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

_{Why was he still recorded as a Sword Knight, then? That may have been because of his far too arrogant temperаment, which was far too removed from the realm of “Saint.”}Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

Why was he still recorded as a Sword Knight, then? That may have been because of his far too arrogant temperаment, which was far too removed from the realm of “Saint.”

_{“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”}“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”

“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”

_{Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.}The second he took off his outer robe, however, all the students on the training ground erupted and rushed over before he could react. They poked, prodded, and rubbed him like crazy while exploding in rapturous laughter.

Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.

_{The second he took off his outer robe, however, all the students on the training ground erupted and rushed over before he could react. They poked, prodded, and rubbed him like crazy while exploding in rapturous laughter.}
Tilting his head as he looked at the boy across from him curiously, Han Jiangxue dispelled his thoughts with a shake of the head. “You’re just like him. You both love acting all spoilt.”

_{“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.}“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”

“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.

_{“I mean it! This year, I’m serious! So why did you adopt that mongrel?!”}
Him? Is it that ‘him’ again? Who the heck is this ‘he’? Han Xiling chewed on his lip even more as he looked at the man before him.

“I mean it! This year, I’m serious! So why did you adopt that mongrel?!”

_{“Qingmiao Academy!” Han Xiling exclaimed. {The Qingmiao Academy—as in the one that only noble-born children can attend?! How is a practical weed like me supposed to match up with the ones there?}}“Di Wangchen,” unlike Han Xiling, Han Jiangxue had no issue with retorting. “All you do is talk and talk, so not once did I believe anything you say. So I’ll just do whatever I please. If I want a child, I will adopt one. And if you want to get married, you are more than free to go take the hand of the young lady of House Dongfang. You can become the powerful and perfect son-in-law of House Dongfang. Whatever you want will be within your grasp, so doesn’t that sound like a dream? So, please stop coming to bark and yip at me all the time. I’m only with you so we can spar, not to hear the endless droning of sweet nothings.” The only emotion clear on his face was indifference.

_{Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.}
Before long, a hand extended to ruffle his hair, its owner smiling helplessly. “Alright, I’ll take you there. But just this once, understood? You’ll have to go there on your own after this.”

Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.

_{Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.}Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.

_{{But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.}}But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.

But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.

_{After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.}But that man didn’t so much as glance at him in acknowledgement before turning to walk into the room. Only then did he speak to Han Jiangxue, who followed behind him, “Why adopt him, though? I never knew you wanted a child.”

After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

_{“Aw, look at that? Looks like the little whore got mad. Hahaha…” A few of his senior brothers mocked despite his words.}
"Understood."

“Aw, look at that? Looks like the little whore got mad. Hahaha…” A few of his senior brothers mocked despite his words.

_{Those petal-like lips seemed to put Di Wangchen into a daze enough to relax his fingers. “I’ll win this year. I’ll win the swordsmanship competition, and we’ll get married after I do.”}Han Xiling paid it no mind, getting out of bed, dressed, and tidying up. The only thing occupying his thoughts was conjuring up a way to escape. I have to get out of here. Sniffle. I don’t want to be someone’s plaything! I don’t!

Those petal-like lips seemed to put Di Wangchen into a daze enough to relax his fingers. “I’ll win this year. I’ll win the swordsmanship competition, and we’ll get married after I do.”

_{He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.}But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.

He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

_{Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.}“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.

Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

_{Before long, a hand extended to ruffle his hair, its owner smiling helplessly. “Alright, I’ll take you there. But just this once, understood? You’ll have to go there on your own after this.”}
This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.

Before long, a hand extended to ruffle his hair, its owner smiling helplessly. “Alright, I’ll take you there. But just this once, understood? You’ll have to go there on your own after this.”

_{Chapter 2.2: Little Pig}“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

_{But that man didn’t so much as glance at him in acknowledgement before turning to walk into the room. Only then did he speak to Han Jiangxue, who followed behind him, “Why adopt him, though? I never knew you wanted a child.”}With brows as domineering as his aura, eyes as drawn into narrow slits, a high nose bridge, and thin lips, that man looked down at Han Xiling from on high before turning to look at Han Jiangxue. “Is this the child you took in?”

_{With brows as domineering as his aura, eyes as drawn into narrow slits, a high nose bridge, and thin lips, that man looked down at Han Xiling from on high before turning to look at Han Jiangxue. “Is this the child you took in?”}For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.

_{So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”}Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.

So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”

☆☆☆

_{Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.}
Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.

Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.

Tilting his head as he looked at the boy across from him curiously, Han Jiangxue dispelled his thoughts with a shake of the head. “You’re just like him. You both love acting all spoilt.”

_{As for the troublesome man at the heart of this distress, he was nowhere to be seen, his side on the bed long cold.}“Oh, the master went out to train.”

As for the troublesome man at the heart of this distress, he was nowhere to be seen, his side on the bed long cold.

_{“I bet he did. So how was it, huh? How did he ‘love’ you? I heard he was that kind of person, if you know what I mean.”}
Qingmiao Academy could be aptly described as bright. From the bright and shiny statues made of jade to the bright and shiny students decked out in the most garments, everything about that place looked like it came straight out of a painting.

“I bet he did. So how was it, huh? How did he ‘love’ you? I heard he was that kind of person, if you know what I mean.”

_{What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.}Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.

What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.

_{“Do you even know who we are, you little shіt? You’re a dead little piglet now. Kick his aѕs until he squeals!”}
When the headmaster of the academy introduced Han Xiling to those bright and shiny students, they barely seemed to register his existence. Apart from a few quick glances, most were lost in their own matters.

“Do you even know who we are, you little shіt? You’re a dead little piglet now. Kick his aѕs until he squeals!”

_{“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.}“Ha! Look at his face! He’s freaking blushing! He definitely must’ve done it, then! Get his pants off so we can check! Our Qingmiao Academy can’t have some whore coming out of our ranks, now can we?”

“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

_{The second he took off his outer robe, however, all the students on the training ground erupted and rushed over before he could react. They poked, prodded, and rubbed him like crazy while exploding in rapturous laughter.}Han Xiling’s legs visibly trembled, his heart filling with curses: If these pigs are the ones considered nobles, then everyone else can be considered beasts!

_{“Come, let's have breakfast,” he waved Han Xiling over.}
Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.

“Come, let's have breakfast,” he waved Han Xiling over.

_{What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.}“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”

What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.

_{So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”}Han Xiling paid it no mind, getting out of bed, dressed, and tidying up. The only thing occupying his thoughts was conjuring up a way to escape. I have to get out of here. Sniffle. I don’t want to be someone’s plaything! I don’t!

So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”

_{The anger seeping from beneath Di Wangchen’s features was so potent his flush was mauve. But, thankfully, he just turned around and left the house.}“Do you even know who we are, you little shіt? You’re a dead little piglet now. Kick his aѕs until he squeals!”

The anger seeping from beneath Di Wangchen’s features was so potent his flush was mauve. But, thankfully, he just turned around and left the house.

_{Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”}“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”

Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”

_{“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.}
Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.

“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.

_{After an hour in the heat, many took off their outer robes and practiced with bare arms and chеsts.}“Oh, the master also said he will be sending you to the Qingmiao Academy today. You are only allowed to go to that training ground once you study at Qingmiao to become a master.”

After an hour in the heat, many took off their outer robes and practiced with bare arms and chеsts.

_{Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.}“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.

_{Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.}
After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.

_{“We’ll get married. We’ll get married,” Han Jiangxue pushed the hand away from his chin. “You say that every year.”}“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”

“We’ll get married. We’ll get married,” Han Jiangxue pushed the hand away from his chin. “You say that every year.”

_{Tilting his head as he looked at the boy across from him curiously, Han Jiangxue dispelled his thoughts with a shake of the head. “You’re just like him. You both love acting all spoilt.”}The second he took off his outer robe, however, all the students on the training ground erupted and rushed over before he could react. They poked, prodded, and rubbed him like crazy while exploding in rapturous laughter.

Tilting his head as he looked at the boy across from him curiously, Han Jiangxue dispelled his thoughts with a shake of the head. “You’re just like him. You both love acting all spoilt.”

_{“There’s a training ground on the outskirts of the city that the master uses to practice every day belonging to the school. He also has a good bit of friends there, too.”}“I bet he did. So how was it, huh? How did he ‘love’ you? I heard he was that kind of person, if you know what I mean.”

“There’s a training ground on the outskirts of the city that the master uses to practice every day belonging to the school. He also has a good bit of friends there, too.”

_{The anger seeping from beneath Di Wangchen’s features was so potent his flush was mauve. But, thankfully, he just turned around and left the house.}
The ones with a decent personality nodded back at him in return, but the others lacking even that little didn’t give him so much as a grunt. Someone soon came over to fetch his headmaster, who also left Han Xiling alone to face a group of strangers in the courtyard.

The anger seeping from beneath Di Wangchen’s features was so potent his flush was mauve. But, thankfully, he just turned around and left the house.

_{Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.}“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”

Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

_{Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.}The second he took off his outer robe, however, all the students on the training ground erupted and rushed over before he could react. They poked, prodded, and rubbed him like crazy while exploding in rapturous laughter.

Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.

_{When the headmaster of the academy introduced Han Xiling to those bright and shiny students, they barely seemed to register his existence. Apart from a few quick glances, most were lost in their own matters.}
Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

_☆☆☆Han Xiling couldn’t stop his heart from quaking as the target of such a frigid look. Is this what they mean by killing intent? Just a sword, one could feel the strength and sharpness of the blade before it left its scabbard.

☆☆☆

_{“Uh, yeah.” Han Xiling replied and nervously undid his knots.}
The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.

“Uh, yeah.” Han Xiling replied and nervously undid his knots.

_N/ADuring breakfast, Han Jiangxue returned from training dressed in an all-black close-fitting fighting garment that gave him a lean, ferocious air. Han Xiling could see this leopard-like man was truly one who possessed a thousand faces. It seemed as though a change of clothes also resulted in a change of temperаment.

N/A

_N/A“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”

N/A

_{“Uh, yeah.” Han Xiling replied and nervously undid his knots.}Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.

“Uh, yeah.” Han Xiling replied and nervously undid his knots.

_{“Because I wanted to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.}
After an hour in the heat, many took off their outer robes and practiced with bare arms and chеsts.

“Because I wanted to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.

_{“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.}The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.

“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.

_{Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.}
Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.

Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.

_{“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.}Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

_{“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.}Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.

“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.

_{Chapter 2.2: Little Pig}Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

_{The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.}
“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.

The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.

_{Han Xiling paid it no mind, getting out of bed, dressed, and tidying up. The only thing occupying his thoughts was conjuring up a way to escape. {I have to get out of here. Sniffle. I don’t want to be someone’s plaything! I don’t!}}Why was he still recorded as a Sword Knight, then? That may have been because of his far too arrogant temperаment, which was far too removed from the realm of “Saint.”

_{“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.}
“Uh, yeah.” Han Xiling replied and nervously undid his knots.

“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.

_{“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”}The anger seeping from beneath Di Wangchen’s features was so potent his flush was mauve. But, thankfully, he just turned around and left the house.

“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”

_{Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.}Fist? Stick? Scabbard? Han Xiling couldn’t tell what hit him because they all pummelled down on him like hail. Curled up in a ball and not forgetting to tіghten his grip on his belt, Han Xiling endured the blows even while something hot and wet began running down the corners of his eyes and lips.

Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.

_{The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.}“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.

The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.

_{I’m not a mongrel! Han Xiling screamed in return—internally, of course—while biting his lips tіghtly shut. He was smart enough to realise he was no match for Di EWangchen, at least not yet. So upon hearing such an insult thrown his way, he could only endure the man’s contempt.}
The second he took off his outer robe, however, all the students on the training ground erupted and rushed over before he could react. They poked, prodded, and rubbed him like crazy while exploding in rapturous laughter.

I’m not a mongrel! Han Xiling screamed in return—internally, of course—while biting his lips tіghtly shut. He was smart enough to realise he was no match for Di EWangchen, at least not yet. So upon hearing such an insult thrown his way, he could only endure the man’s contempt.

_{Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.}“Oh, the master went out to train.”

Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.

_{When the headmaster of the academy introduced Han Xiling to those bright and shiny students, they barely seemed to register his existence. Apart from a few quick glances, most were lost in their own matters.}“Come, let's have breakfast,” he waved Han Xiling over.

_{Qingmiao Academy could be aptly described as bright. From the bright and shiny statues made of jade to the bright and shiny students decked out in the most garments, everything about that place looked like it came straight out of a painting.}“Aw, look at that? Looks like the little whore got mad. Hahaha…” A few of his senior brothers mocked despite his words.

_{“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.}It wasn’t until those hairy hands reached out to grab him that Han Xiling was shaken from his immobilising shock. Screaming and gripping his belt tіght, he kicked away those who tried to approach him.

“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.

_{After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.}
“This kid looks like a naked little piglet! Oh my god! Ha ha ha…”

After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

_{Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.}So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”

Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

_{Han Xiling’s legs visibly trembled, his heart filling with curses: If these pigs are the ones considered nobles, then everyone else can be considered beasts!}
“He sure does! He doesn’t even have any hair yet! Is he a girl?”

Han Xiling’s legs visibly trembled, his heart filling with curses: If these pigs are the ones considered nobles, then everyone else can be considered beasts!

_{“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.}Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.

“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.

_{“Ha! Look at his face! He’s freaking blushing! He definitely must’ve done it, then! Get his pants off so we can check! Our Qingmiao Academy can’t have some whore coming out of our ranks, now can we?”}
“One look and you could see he’s a poor wretch. The headmaster said it’s what happens when you don’t eat enough meat. They grow up like radishes—with not one lіck of hair.”

Those petal-like lips seemed to put Di Wangchen into a daze enough to relax his fingers. “I’ll win this year. I’ll win the swordsmanship competition, and we’ll get married after I do.”

_{As they ate breakfast, Han Jiangxue noticed Han Xiling seemed absent-minded, so he called his attention by announcing, “Uncle Wu will escort you to the Qingmiao Academy today, so please strive for excellence on my behalf in the future.”}“Is there anywhere in the world that isn’t unfamiliar? Is there anyone you just know? In order for people to stop being unfamiliar with one another, they have to go from just being strangers first.”

_{Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.}Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.

Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.

_☆☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆

_{Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.}Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.

Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.

_{Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”}
“I bet he did. So how was it, huh? How did he ‘love’ you? I heard he was that kind of person, if you know what I mean.”

Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”

_{“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”}“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”

“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”

_{“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.}“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”

“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.

_{Lowering his bleeding head, Han Xiling spotted a rock nearby and grabbed it. “I’ll show you just how much of a man I am today!” He yelled at the ones getting closer. “Do any of you have the guts to bash your own head in with a rock?!”}
“Ha! Look at his face! He’s freaking blushing! He definitely must’ve done it, then! Get his pants off so we can check! Our Qingmiao Academy can’t have some whore coming out of our ranks, now can we?”

_{He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.}He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

_{Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.}N/A

Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.

_{As he walked, the curious boy couldn’t help but wonder: Aren’t those two supposed to be rivals? One’s a Sword Lunatic from the Xuanyuan Sect, and the other is a Sword Knight for the Dongfang Sect. Plus, even though one follows the evil path while the other follows the righteous one, they are both evenly matched. So if they decided to duke it out, I have no idea who would come out the victor.}
“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”

_{Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.}“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”

Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.

_{“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.}The anger seeping from beneath Di Wangchen’s features was so potent his flush was mauve. But, thankfully, he just turned around and left the house.

“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.

_{“Ha! Look at his face! He’s freaking blushing! He definitely must’ve done it, then! Get his pants off so we can check! Our Qingmiao Academy can’t have some whore coming out of our ranks, now can we?”}“Qingmiao Academy!” Han Xiling exclaimed. The Qingmiao Academy—as in the one that only noble-born children can attend?! How is a practical weed like me supposed to match up with the ones there?

_{Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.}
It wasn’t until those hairy hands reached out to grab him that Han Xiling was shaken from his immobilising shock. Screaming and gripping his belt tіght, he kicked away those who tried to approach him.

Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

_{“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”}As they ate breakfast, Han Jiangxue noticed Han Xiling seemed absent-minded, so he called his attention by announcing, “Uncle Wu will escort you to the Qingmiao Academy today, so please strive for excellence on my behalf in the future.”

“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

_☆☆☆After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

☆☆☆

_{The ones with a decent personality nodded back at him in return, but the others lacking even that little didn’t give him so much as a grunt. Someone soon came over to fetch his headmaster, who also left Han Xiling alone to face a group of strangers in the courtyard.}Han Xiling also scoffed at that scoff—internally, of course. Yes, he was still a child, but he hated it when others looked down on him, so he lifted his chin as much as he could to show on some level he wouldn’t back down.

_{“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.}What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.

“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

_{Han Xiling paid it no mind, getting out of bed, dressed, and tidying up. The only thing occupying his thoughts was conjuring up a way to escape. I have to get out of here. Sniffle. I don’t want to be someone’s plaything! I don’t!}
“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”

_{“There’s a training ground on the outskirts of the city that the master uses to practice every day belonging to the school. He also has a good bit of friends there, too.”}As for the troublesome man at the heart of this distress, he was nowhere to be seen, his side on the bed long cold.

“There’s a training ground on the outskirts of the city that the master uses to practice every day belonging to the school. He also has a good bit of friends there, too.”

_N/A“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”

N/A

_{But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.}“I bet he did. So how was it, huh? How did he ‘love’ you? I heard he was that kind of person, if you know what I mean.”

But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.

_{The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.}
“Do you even know who we are, you little shіt? You’re a dead little piglet now. Kick his aѕs until he squeals!”

The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

_{“Oh, the master went out to train.”}“I just don’t like going to unfamiliar places.”

“Oh, the master went out to train.”

_{“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.}The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.

_{Those petal-like lips seemed to put Di Wangchen into a daze enough to relax his fingers. “I’ll win this year. I’ll win the swordsmanship competition, and we’ll get married after I do.”}He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

Those petal-like lips seemed to put Di Wangchen into a daze enough to relax his fingers. “I’ll win this year. I’ll win the swordsmanship competition, and we’ll get married after I do.”

_{“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.}
Fist? Stick? Scabbard? Han Xiling couldn’t tell what hit him because they all pummelled down on him like hail. Curled up in a ball and not forgetting to tіghten his grip on his belt, Han Xiling endured the blows even while something hot and wet began running down the corners of his eyes and lips.

“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.

_{“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.}“Do you even know who we are, you little shіt? You’re a dead little piglet now. Kick his aѕs until he squeals!”

“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.

_{What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.}
Unable to stand it any longer, he shot up like a madman and ran towards the corner of a wall. “Don’t come any closer! I’ll kill anybody who comes any closer, I swear it!” He screamed at them with a face plastered in blood.

What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.

_{Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”}What’s more, there was also a man walking in alongside him. That man’s frosty gaze fixed on Han Xiling once he was noticed.

Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”

_{He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.}
“Aw, look at that? Looks like the little whore got mad. Hahaha…” A few of his senior brothers mocked despite his words.

He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

_{Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.}Lowering his bleeding head, Han Xiling spotted a rock nearby and grabbed it. “I’ll show you just how much of a man I am today!” He yelled at the ones getting closer. “Do any of you have the guts to bash your own head in with a rock?!”

Han Xiling was shocked by the muscles they had that clearly surpassed his and was forced to realise there could be such a vast difference between people.

_{The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.}As for the troublesome man at the heart of this distress, he was nowhere to be seen, his side on the bed long cold.

The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

_{“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”}When the headmaster of the academy introduced Han Xiling to those bright and shiny students, they barely seemed to register his existence. Apart from a few quick glances, most were lost in their own matters.

“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”

_{“Is there anywhere in the world that isn’t unfamiliar? Is there anyone you just know? In order for people to stop being unfamiliar with one another, they have to go from just being strangers first.”}
Han Xiling’s legs visibly trembled, his heart filling with curses: If these pigs are the ones considered nobles, then everyone else can be considered beasts!

_{“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.}The second he took off his outer robe, however, all the students on the training ground erupted and rushed over before he could react. They poked, prodded, and rubbed him like crazy while exploding in rapturous laughter.

“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

_{Han Xiling couldn’t stop his heart from quaking as the target of such a frigid look. {Is this what they mean by killing intent?} Just a sword, one could feel the strength and sharpness of the blade before it left its scabbard.}When the headmaster of the academy introduced Han Xiling to those bright and shiny students, they barely seemed to register his existence. Apart from a few quick glances, most were lost in their own matters.

Han Xiling couldn’t stop his heart from quaking as the target of such a frigid look. Is this what they mean by killing intent? Just a sword, one could feel the strength and sharpness of the blade before it left its scabbard.

_{The ones with a decent personality nodded back at him in return, but the others lacking even that little didn’t give him so much as a grunt. Someone soon came over to fetch his headmaster, who also left Han Xiling alone to face a group of strangers in the courtyard.}
Lowering his bleeding head, Han Xiling spotted a rock nearby and grabbed it. “I’ll show you just how much of a man I am today!” He yelled at the ones getting closer. “Do any of you have the guts to bash your own head in with a rock?!”

_{“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”}He was tall and clearly strong—twice as tall and broad as Han Jingxue, in fact. He was also dressed in all black and gave off the air of a tiger.

“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”

_{The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.}☆☆☆

The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.

_{The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.}“There’s a training ground on the outskirts of the city that the master uses to practice every day belonging to the school. He also has a good bit of friends there, too.”

The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

_{Han Xiling couldn’t stop his heart from quaking as the target of such a frigid look. Is this what they mean by killing intent? Just a sword, one could feel the strength and sharpness of the blade before it left its scabbard.}
The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

Tilting his head as he looked at the boy across from him curiously, Han Jiangxue dispelled his thoughts with a shake of the head. “You’re just like him. You both love acting all spoilt.”

_{“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”}Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.

“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”

_{This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.}
Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.

_{“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.}Han Xiling barely slept a wink on his first night at the house belonging to his rather peculiar adoptive father. All, because every flip and turn that man made as he slept resulted in his hands or feet falling onto some part of Han Xiling’s body, and every one of those touches caused the plank-straight youth to swallow the resolve of facing off against an enemy. Like this, Han Xiling spent the night trembling and suffering in fear. So the next morning, when his eyes finally opened, two large black circles hung from his eyes.

“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

_{Unable to stand it any longer, he shot up like a madman and ran towards the corner of a wall. “Don’t come any closer! I’ll kill anybody who comes any closer, I swear it!” He screamed at them with a face plastered in blood.}“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.

_{This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.}“Aw, look at that? Looks like the little whore got mad. Hahaha…” A few of his senior brothers mocked despite his words.

This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.

_{Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.}
Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.

Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.

_{“I just don’t like going to unfamiliar places.”}“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”

“I just don’t like going to unfamiliar places.”

_{“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.}The ones with a decent personality nodded back at him in return, but the others lacking even that little didn’t give him so much as a grunt. Someone soon came over to fetch his headmaster, who also left Han Xiling alone to face a group of strangers in the courtyard.

“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.

_{“Di Wangchen,” unlike Han Xiling, Han Jiangxue had no issue with retorting. “All you do is talk and talk, so not once did I believe anything you say.}Most of the students there were younger than Han Xiling, but since seniority was based on the order of admission, Han Xiling became the youngest junior brother of them all.

_{“I mean it! This year, I’m serious! So why did you adopt that mongrel?!”}Han Xiling paid it no mind, getting out of bed, dressed, and tidying up. The only thing occupying his thoughts was conjuring up a way to escape. I have to get out of here. Sniffle. I don’t want to be someone’s plaything! I don’t!

“I mean it! This year, I’m serious! So why did you adopt that mongrel?!”

_{“Qingmiao Academy!” Han Xiling exclaimed. {The Qingmiao Academy—as in the one that only noble-born children can attend?! How is a practical weed like me supposed to match up with the ones there?}}So, using his chopsticks, Han Jiangxue tapped him on the head and added, “This is where you lift up your head and reply with an ‘Understood’.”

_{Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.}“Because I wanted to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.

Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.

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Updated every Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C02-2

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

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