I'll write a manual called the Sunflower Manual, and the entire martial arts world will turn in

Compared to the scene where Wei Dian defeated Zhan Ping and Li Shengnan with a single move, people forgot to speak at this moment and stared wide-eyed at the boy in the coarse cloth jacket in the arena.

"Ming Jin! This is Ming Jin!"

"Xie An actually broke through to the Ming Jin level! He's only been a disciple for half a year. The other martial arts school masters in town are only at the Ming Jin level too. From now on, we should call him Master Xie."

"I originally thought that the stage for the New Year's Eve competition belonged to Wei Dian, but I never expected that this stage was prepared for Xie An from the very beginning."

"This person is about to soar to great heights."

"..."

Gurgle.

Zhan Ping swallowed hard, his eyes revealing an indescribable expression. "The kid I promoted from the backyard has actually become a Ming Jin martial artist! That bone-strengthening pill was totally worth it."

If Liu He hadn't been tempted by the bone-strengthening pill and had instead devoted himself to teaching Xie An, he might be able to become Xie An's disciple today.

Thank goodness.

Liu He, thank you so much!

Zhan Ping thought to himself.

Li Shengnan didn't have many thoughts on this; she simply thought her junior brother was amazing.

……

Chen Lutang examined Wei Dian's injuries and then breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, I acted in time, and Wei Dian was not seriously injured.

However... Wei Dian seemed unable to accept this defeat. His face was dejected, his spirits were low, and he kept his head down, even forgetting to call out to his master.

Snapped.

Chen Lutang patted Wei Dian on the shoulder, "It's just a friendly spar between fellow martial arts students; winning and losing are normal. You don't need to take it too seriously. Wei Xiang, take Wei Dian away to rest."

Wei Xiang ran up and led Wei Dian away.

As he left, Wei Dian kept his head down and didn't say a word.

Watching Wei Dian leave, Chen Lutang sighed, then turned back to examine Xie An, his eyes shining. "Good, very good. Seventeen years old and you've practiced martial arts with unwavering perseverance, a calm temperament, and abundant good fortune. Truly a martial arts prodigy. Would you be willing to become my disciple?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Dian, who was some distance away, paused slightly. After hearing Xie An say, "This matter is of great importance, please allow me to consider it for a while," he continued walking until he disappeared from the training ground.

……

Shou Gong Hall.

Chen Lutang sat in the highest seat, while Chen Ling brewed tea beside him.

"Father, I just saw what happened at the martial arts arena. Junior Brother Xie An broke through to the Ming Jin level after only half a year of training. He's a prodigy unlike any other in Wuqiao Town. Even in the Cangzhou sect, such progress would be considered outstanding. Master invited him to become his disciple, so why does he still need to think about it?"

Chen Ling brewed the tea and carefully poured a cup for Chen Lutang.

Chen Lutang stroked his sparse beard. "I just asked Li Shengnan. This boy is originally from the Xie family in Baiyun County. Years ago, his father passed the civil service exam and worked as a clerk in the Huanglei City government office. He secured him a place to study martial arts at the Bailu Academy in Huanglei City. However, his grandfather forcibly gave this place to his eldest uncle's son, Xie Yunfei. After that, his father left home and took him and his younger sister to Wuqiao Town to make a living, opening a bookstore called Moxiang Bookstore. Half a year ago, his father, Xie Zhengtang, was forced to work for the Canal Gang to collect donations for the Dragon King Gang, and ended up being attacked by a water monster..."

At this point, Chen Lutang looked sympathetic, "In the past six months, Xie An has been raising his youngest sister alone, and he has suffered a lot. It has really not been easy for him."

Chen Ling said, "Father, are you saying... this person might have connections with the Xie family?"

Chen Lutang sighed, "That's roughly how it is. The Xie family is doing very well in Baiyun County now. His eldest uncle is a senior clerk in the government office in Huanglei City. His cousin, Xie Yunfei, is a top student at Bailu Academy and now holds a position at a shop in Baiyun County. Even his cousin, Xie Yu, is studying martial arts at Bailu Academy and has already become a master of internal strength martial arts at a young age. Perhaps the family knows that Xie An has made a name for himself and has resolved past grievances, so they've secured a place for him at Bailu Academy."

Chen Ling's expression darkened. "White Deer Academy is one of the four major sects in Desolate Thunder City, and it even receives the favor of the imperial court. It also has a master of the Transformation Realm at its peak. If he were to go to White Deer Academy, it would be a good path for him. No wonder he looks down on our small martial arts school. It's just a pity that Father spent so much time cultivating us."

Chen Lutang smiled nonchalantly, "This boy's achievements today are entirely due to his own hard work. I haven't really mentored him much."

Just then, Wei Xiang walked in, overheard their conversation, and said, "Master, I think Xie An is truly a talented person with a bright future. His potential surpasses even mine and Shen Lie's, and his three junior brothers are no match for him. It would be such a pity if we couldn't take him under our wing."

Chen Ling teased, "Didn't you hear what I just said? With the Xie family of Baiyun County backing them up, they found a way to get into Bailu Academy, so naturally they look down on us from humble backgrounds."

Wei Xiang said, "That's alright. Our Yong Sheng Martial Arts School is naturally not as good as Bai Lu Academy, but... Master is from the Cangzhou Bajiquan Sect. Although the Bajiquan Sect has split off, it is still a prestigious sect. Speaking of which, the currently popular Chi Lian Fairy is Master's junior sister. With Chi Lian Fairy in charge, no one dares to say that the Bajiquan Sect is a small sect."

Chen Lutang's eyes lit up. "You mean... taking on disciples on behalf of your master?"

Wei Xiang said, "Such a prodigy deserves Master's attention. Although Xie An's seniority is higher than ours, it's still better than sending him to Bailu Academy. Half a year at the Ming Jin level is a rare feat even in Cangzhou. Please reconsider, Master."

Chen Lutang nodded, picked up the teacup, took a sip of tea, and pondered the feasibility of the idea.

After a moment, Chen Lutang raised his head: "If I were to accept disciples on behalf of my master, wouldn't you all harbor resentment?"

Wei Xiang said nonchalantly, "If Xie An were just an ordinary Ming Jin martial artist, I would naturally be somewhat unhappy. But Xie An's performance is truly outstanding. He has a very high probability of breaking through An Jin in the future, and even breaking through Hua Jin. I can accept it."

Chen Lutang looked up at Chen Ling.

Chen Ling pinched the hem of her skirt. "I... I have no objection."

Chen Lutang nodded: "What did Shen Lie say?"

Wei Xiang said, "I just discussed this with Shen Lie outside. It was Shen Lie who suggested this method. He said that all the sects and schools are scrambling to recruit talent. I hope Master won't be conservative and miss out on such a promising talent. After Junior Brother Xie An publicly expressed his opinion and considered it, it seems that Bailu Academy has already taken a liking to him. Master needs to make a decision soon."

Chen Lutang pondered for a long time before finally nodding. "I've been in Huanglei City for over ten years, and I've indeed rarely seen such promising talents. There were one or two before, but they were all snatched up by the four major sects of Huanglei City. This is truly an opportunity for our Yongsheng Martial Arts School. Keep this a secret for now; I'll handle it personally. By the way, what about Wei Dian?"

Hmm.

Wei Xiang shook his head: "Junior Brother Wei Dian has become depressed and withdrawn after this incident. He's stopped talking and refuses to see anyone. I'm afraid he's suffered a huge blow and will find it difficult to recover in a short time."

Chen Lutang sighed, "Wei Dian has always been competitive and has a very high level of ambition. It's normal that he's having trouble accepting this defeat. But he has finally joined our sect, so as his senior brother, you should offer him more encouragement and comfort."

"Don't worry, Master, I know. Also, Xie An's sister works odd jobs in the kitchen in the backyard of our martial arts school."

Snapped.

Chen Lutang slammed his fist on the table in anger. "Who's in charge of the kitchen in the backyard? They're so incompetent! Get the kitchen manager fired immediately and have Xie Yu take his place."

Wei Xiang: "..."

Chen Ling: "..."

"I'm going to buy some cooked food and then go to visit Xie An," Chen Lutang instructed before getting up and leaving.