Chapter 1122: I Really Have to Take the Blame for This

"Have you ever thought, with Han Yan’s strength as a Fifth Rank Sword Master, how could he possibly pass the test of the Palace Guardian Beast Soul so easily? Unless he knows some Beast Taming Secret Technique that restrains the Palace Guardian Beast Soul, coupled with his own strength, it’s possible. Perhaps this Beast Taming Secret Technique cannot control the Palace Guardian Beast Soul, but it can certainly provoke it greatly." Jiang Qiling repeated Jiang Yunhe’s words but omitted the Innate Divine Ability of the Guardian of the Gods, substituting it with the Beast Taming Secret Technique.

"Of course, it’s Han Yan, of course, it’s Han Yan. Not only did he trouble Ping’an, but harmed our entire Qiu family, and now even dragged Third Uncle into this mess. I won’t let him go, I absolutely won’t let him go." Qiu Zizhong’s mind clicked, and his hatred made him grit his teeth.

The smile in Jiang Qiling’s eyes grew colder: although the Qiu family no longer has much value, they are still a force to be reckoned with. Let them exert their remaining strength for now.

...

War Dragon Academy, War Dragon Hall.

"You want to learn Sword Casting Technique? Good, good indeed. This is Master Nie Fangsheng, our top Sword Casting Master in Long Yan Academy. You will learn Sword Casting Technique from him." Long Congyuan gestured towards a burly man with sinewy muscles and said to Han Yan in a tone that was indifferent despite his words of goodwill.

"Disciple greets Master Nie." Han Yan performed the disciple’s salute to Nie Fangsheng.

As the saying goes, a capable person becomes a master. Although he did not have the same mentor-disciple relationship as Gong Hongru and her, Han Yan dared not show any disrespect to Nie Fangsheng. Moreover, Nie Fangsheng’s robust frame, blackened from sword casting, fit the image of a Sword Casting Master in Han Yan’s mind perfectly, making her all the more cautious.

Beside her, Ling Baobao lazily offered his greetings too. He wanted to learn everything, whether he learned properly or not, so he chose to learn Sword Casting Technique alongside Han Yan.

"No need for formalities. I don’t care about your cultivation level or your past achievements. While learning Sword Casting Technique from me, I will treat you as a disciple, like everyone else." Nie Fangsheng said gruffly to Han Yan.

As for Ling Baobao, seeing his lazy demeanor, Nie Fangsheng chose to directly ignore him.

"Yes, the disciple understands." Han Yan nodded and said.

Nie Fangsheng appeared not too strong, at most a Fifth Rank Sword Master, similar to her. However, his expertise in his profession carried its own pride.

"Alright, you may go." Long Congyuan briefly introduced other instructors to Han Yan, waved them off impatiently.

"Join me at the Sword Casting Hall this afternoon to learn Sword Casting Technique." Nie Fangsheng added.

"Yes, Lord of the Academy, Lord Nie," Han Yan and the others exited.

"It’s strange, Long Old Man doesn’t appear to welcome us." Ling Baobao, who has spent much of his time on the Holy Court Continent scamming and conning, for instance forecasting fortunes and treating infertility, has a good eye power.

"I dare say, most instructors at Long Yan Academy don’t welcome you." Tan Yu said with a wry smile.

"Why?" Ling Baobao asked.

"Simple, the Master’s reputation is too prominent; everyone fears inviting trouble. Moreover, Qiu Ping’an manipulated the enrollment selection, almost deceiving all instructors, causing Master Yu and Tian Daoist to nearly fight for him as a disciple. When the truth was revealed, everyone lost face. The Master clearly saw through his deceit but spoke up only when Master Yu and Tian Daoist were about to come to blows, inciting their resentment." Tan Yu explained.

"It was Qiu Ping’an who deceived them; why blame it all on me?" Han Yan said, frustrated. This burden is too much to bear.

"Uh... Qiu Ping’an has received his punishment." Tan Yu said.

"Indeed." Han Yan nodded. Not only Qiu Ping’an, but the entire Qiu family suffered along with him. Apparently, this burden must be carried.

"Forget it, no point dwelling on it. We are here to cultivate, not to watch people’s expressions." Han Yan said, carefree and unconcerned.

"Exactly, my presence here at the War Dragon Branch to learn Sword Casting Technique is their privilege, a fortune earned over several lifetimes, yet they dare show me their expressions, watch me smash their hall." Ling Baobao said angrily.

"Can you even manage that?" Ling Baobao glanced at him, disdainful.

A Third-tier Swordsman disciple perhaps opened a new Chapter at Long Yan Academy, also a significant shame.

"I don’t have your skills, but even if I don’t now, I will in the future." Ling Baobao said shamelessly, looking at Han Yan.

"Why should I help you?" Han Yan asked. Ling Baobao’s subtle flattery sounded quite pleasant.

"Once you start learning Sword Casting Technique, you will understand. Then you will surely want to help me." Ling Baobao confidently said.

In the morning, various academy disciples paid visits to instructors, with formal learning and cultivation starting in the afternoon, leaving Han Yan and the others with nothing much to do but to wander around the academy.

Just like yesterday, upon seeing Han Yan, all academy disciples avoided him like the plague, retreating far away.

"This doesn’t make sense. The news of you passing the trials of the Beast Soul Tower should have spread. Why are they still staying away?" Ling Baobao asked curiously.

Yesterday the widespread avoidance of Han Yan was understandable; due to Qiu Ping’an, Han Yan not only offended the influential Qiu Family’s Disciples at the academy but also angered Jiang Qiling, prompting everyone to avoid associating with Han Yan, fearing collateral damage.

But now that Han Yan has passed the Beast Soul Tower’s trials with flying colors, and with the Qiu Family’s strongest support, Qiu Yongcheng, reduced to a mere shell, opposing Han Yan became much weaker. Despite residual concerns, people shouldn’t be hiding from Han Yan as if he were a plague.

"Let’s go ask." Tan Yu said, walking away.

A few young people wearing disciple sword robes from the Outer Court were gazing from afar. Their status was too low to draw attention, and so they didn’t have many reservations either.

Tan Yu apparently talked with them briefly and soon returned.

"What’s going on?" Han Yan asked.

"Master, your reputation has become even worse." Tan Yu hesitated but still spoke with a troubled expression.

"What happened?" Han Yan asked puzzled.

"Academy disciples are spreading rumors that your easy passing of the trials is due to some Beast Taming Secret Technique, which happens to suppress the Palace Guardian Beast Soul effectively, combined with your own not inconsiderable strength, hence your ease." Tan Yu replied.

"Hmm, this theory does have some logic, but what does it have to do with my reputation?" Han Yan asked. Although the rumors are not entirely accurate, they are somewhat close to the truth; however, it should have little to do with her reputation.