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￣)

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

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

_{For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.}After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

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

_{“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”}No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!

“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

_{Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.}“Goodness… Why are you so timid?” The chopsticks tapped Han Xiling on the head again.

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

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

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

_{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.

_{“Come, let's have breakfast,” he waved Han Xiling over.}“Because I’d like to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.

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

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

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.

_{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’.”}“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?”

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’.”

_{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.”

_{“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”}“Oh, the master went out to train.”

“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

_{This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.}“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.

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

_{“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”}“Do you even know who we are, you little shіt? You’re a dead little piglet now. Kick his aѕs until he squeals!”

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

“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.”

_{“Where to?”}
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.

“Where to?”

_{{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.}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.

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.

_{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.}}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 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.

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

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.}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.

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

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

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.

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’.”

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.

_{Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.}
“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.

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

_{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.”}☆☆☆

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.”

_{The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.}
“Morning, Uncle Bo. Where is he… I mean, father.”

The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

_{“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”}After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

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

_{“Come, let's have breakfast,” he waved Han Xiling over.}“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”

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

_{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.

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?”

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 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 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 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.

_{This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.}
“Where to?”

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

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

_{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.}
“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.

_{Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.}“Come, let's have breakfast,” he waved Han Xiling over.

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

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.”

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 stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.}
“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.”

Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

_N/A“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.

N/A

_{“Morning, Uncle Bo. Where is he… I mean, father.”}“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

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

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

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

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

“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!”}
“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?

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

“Oh, the master went out to train.”

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

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

☆☆☆

_{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.}
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.

_{“Aren’t you going to take yours off, too? Your back is completely soaked.” The eldest senior brother asked.}“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”

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

_{“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.}
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,” 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.

_{{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.}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’.”

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

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

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

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

_{Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.}After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

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

_{“Because I’d like to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.}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.

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

_{“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.}“Morning, Uncle Bo. Where is he… I mean, father.”

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

_{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 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 sheath.

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.

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

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

_☆☆☆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 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.”}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.

_{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.}
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?”

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.

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

“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.”

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

☆☆☆

_{“He sure does! He doesn’t even have any hair yet! Is he a girl?”}
“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

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

_{“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 I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.

“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.”

_N/AHan 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!

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.}}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.

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.

_{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.}
The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

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.

_{“Where to?”}The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.

“Where to?”

_{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.”}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!

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.”

_{“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.}Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.

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

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

_{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 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.

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.

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

_{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.}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.”

_{For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.}
“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”

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

_{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 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.”

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.

_{“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.}“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.

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

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

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

_{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 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.

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.

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

_N/A
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.”

N/A

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

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

_{The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.}"Understood."

The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

_{“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not provoke me.”}
“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.

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

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

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.”

_{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 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.”

_{“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”}Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.

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

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!

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

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

_{“Uh, yeah.” Han Xiling replied and nervously undid his knots.}
“Because I’d like to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.

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

_{Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”}“Uh, yeah.” Han Xiling replied and nervously undid his knots.

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

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

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

“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.

_☆☆☆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’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.}
“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.

_{The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.}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.

The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

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

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

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 stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

☆☆☆

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 sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.}
“What reason would I have to provoke you?” Hand Jiangxue beamed, his lips blooming like flowers under the morning sun.

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

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

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

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

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

_{“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.”

“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.”

_{“Greetings, Sir Di.” Han Xiling bowed to the acclaimed swordsman to show his respect.}But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.

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

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

_{“Where to?”}“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.

“Where to?”

_{No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!}
“We’ll get married. We’ll get married,” Han Jiangxue pushed the hand away from his chin. “You say that every year.”

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

_{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.}"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.

_{“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.}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’.”

“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.

_{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.}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.”

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

“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.”

_{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 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.

_{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.}}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.

_{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?”}
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.

_{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.}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.

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 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.”

_{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 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.

_{“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.}“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

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

The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

_{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.”}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 sheath.

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.”

_{For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.}N/A

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

_{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 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 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.

_{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’.

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’.”

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

_{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.

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

_{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.”}
Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.

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.”

_{“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”}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. His name’s Han Xiling.”

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

_{“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”}“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”

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

_{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.}“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 also wanted to go there and those upper-level swordsmen.}
“Come, let's have breakfast,” he waved Han Xiling over.

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

_☆☆☆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.

☆☆☆

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

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

_{Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.}
“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.

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

_{Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.}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.”

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

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

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!

_{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 sheath.}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 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 sheath.

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

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

“Yeah. His name’s Han Xiling.”

_{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.

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

“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?”

_{“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.}“Because I’d like to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.

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

_{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.}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 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.

_{“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!”

_{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.}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?”

_{“We’ll get married. We’ll get married,” Han Jiangxue pushed the hand away from his chin. “You say that every year.”}For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.

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

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

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

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

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

_{“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”}
Han Xiling lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out an ‘understood’.

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

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

_{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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

_{“Xiling, this is Sir Di. He’s the renowned Sword Knight of House Dongfang Sect, Di Wangchen.”}Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

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

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

☆☆☆

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

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

_{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.}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?!”

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

_☆☆☆
“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’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 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!

_{“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.}After an hour in the heat, many took off their outer robes and practiced with bare arms and chеsts.

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

_{“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.

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

_{“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.}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 sheath.

_{“Because I’d like to.” Han Jiangxue's voice seemed especially chipper as he answered.}
“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”

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

_{“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.}Not knowing what to do, Han Xiling observed his senior brothers and did whatever they did to train.

“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.

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.”

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

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

_{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.}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.

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

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

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

_{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.

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.”

_N/A
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.”

N/A

_{“He sure does! He doesn’t even have any hair yet! Is he a girl?”}No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!

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

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

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.}“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.”

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

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

_{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.”}
"Understood."

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.”

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

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

_{“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.

_{But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.}
This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.

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

_{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?!”}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 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 sheath.}
Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.

_{“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?}}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.

_{But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.}Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

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’.”}N/A

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’.”

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

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

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

_{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.}}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.”

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

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

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

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

_{“Oh ho ho... This kid actually has the balls to fight back! I’m so going to beat his ass!”}The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

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

_{{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.}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.”

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.

_{“We’ll get married. We’ll get married,” Han Jiangxue pushed the hand away from his chin. “You say that every year.”}
Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.

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

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

N/A

_{“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.

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

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

“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 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.”}“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.

“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.”

_{"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.

"Understood."

_{Soon after, he closed his eyes tіght and slammed that spine straight at his forehead, keeping true to his word.}“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.

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

_{“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.}
After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.

“Am I?” Han Jiangxue rolled his eyes.

_{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.}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!

_{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.}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 sheath.

☆☆☆

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

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

_{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?”}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.

_{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.}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.

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.

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

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

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

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

_{The sun soon came out and shone brightly above them, making everyone hot while performing little movement.}Han Jiangxue did stay to have a chat with that headmaster, but after he was done, he said his goodbyes and simply left.

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

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

_{“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’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 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.”

_{For swordsmen like them, life was truly cruel. They were nothing but lambs being kept and prepped for their eventual slaughter.}“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.

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

_{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?!”}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.”

_{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.

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’.”

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

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 I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.}}The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

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

_{"Understood."}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.”

"Understood."

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

_{“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.

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

_{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.}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.

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

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

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.

_{“Aw, look at that? Looks like the little whore got mad. {Hahaha…}” A few of his senior brothers mocked despite his words.}“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.

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

_{“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.”}
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 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.”

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

_{“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.}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.

_{Wealth and poverty are worlds apart, so it was only natural for the academies belonging to both to share this variance.}
“He sure does! He doesn’t even have any hair yet! Is he a girl?”

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.}“Oh, the master went out to train.”

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.

_{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.}
“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.”

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

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

_{“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.”}But I promise Di Wangchen, I will return this humiliation in kind.

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

The man responded with a scoff and said nothing further.

_{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.

_{“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”}
“Hey, Piggy! Did you sleep with that ‘father’ of yours last night?”

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

_N/AHan 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.

N/A

_{“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 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.”

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

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

_{Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.}“Come, let's have breakfast,” he waved Han Xiling over.

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.}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.

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

_{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.}
“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 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.

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

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

_{After paying his respects to his headmaster, he also greeted his senior brothers one by one.}
“Yeah, that’s right! Pull off his pants so we can check!”

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

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

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

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

_{“I mean it! This year, I’m serious! So why did you adopt that mongrel?!”}“I know.” Han Xiling bit his lips. “So can you take me there yourself?”

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

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

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 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…”

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

_{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?!”}“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.”

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

_{“Jiangxue, I’m warning you; do not 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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

_{Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”}“I just don’t like going to unfamiliar places.”

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

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

☆☆☆

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

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

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

_{“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.”}“Yes.” Han Xiling followed behind.

“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.”

_{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.}Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

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.

_{Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.}
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!

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

_{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.

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

_{“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.”}
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?!”

“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.”

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.”

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

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.”

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

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.

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

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_{Di Wangchen stopped, turning around in an instant before grasping Han Jiangxue by the chin. “Are you trying to provoke me?”}
The ones closing in on him stopped in their tracks.

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.}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.

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.

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

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

_{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.}“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?

_{“Oh, the master went out to train.”}
Han Xiling stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

“Oh, the master went out to train.”

_{“Do you even know who we are, you little shіt? You’re a dead little piglet now. Kick his aѕs until he squeals!”}This time, not only did he voice out an affirmation, but the unexpected joy had made that head of his bob in delight.

“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 stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.}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 stared at the stone in his hand fiercely.

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

_{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 lifted his head as instructed, but he couldn’t muster out 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.

_{Looking at his departing shadow, Han Jiangxue let out a sigh.}No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!

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

_{Chapter 2.2: Little Pig}
No one will touch me. I’d rather choose death!

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

_{“Good morning, young master.” Seeing his new young master walk outside as he swept the yard, Uncle Bo quickly greeted him.}But Han Xiling gave no reply, only lowering his head even further.

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

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

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

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

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

Author's Note:

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Notes:

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Updated every Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C02-2

Chapter 2.2: Little Pig

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