I was told I'd be a late bloomer, but I was born with the potential to achieve great things!

"This is the living quarters for the official disciples of the Seven Mysteries Sect. That's the dining hall; you'll eat there from now on. You can receive two servings of medicinal cuisine every day..."

Along the tree-lined path, Qian Ming described the surrounding scenery as he spoke.

"But before that, you have to complete the registration here at Mingwen Church."

"Mingbundang?"

Zhou An looked at the vermilion gate in front of him and exchanged a glance with Liu Shuqing beside him.

"Mingwen Hall is responsible for registering the identity information of each disciple. In addition, after you have achieved success in your cultivation, you can also take on tasks here to earn silver and accumulate sect contribution points to exchange for the cultivation techniques you need."

Qian Ming explained.

"Since you have already sensed the Qi and blood, you must know the difference between medicinal cuisine and meat. Perhaps you have already felt that ordinary meat can no longer effectively replenish Qi and blood and enhance physical strength."

In my Seven Mysteries Sect, if you want better things, you have to fight for them yourselves.

Whether it's a more effective medicinal diet or a blood-nourishing powder that can directly enhance your body... come with me.

In closing, Qian Ming waved his hand and walked towards the Mingwen Hall in front of him.

"Old Liu, give me three copies of the contract."

"Three portions?"

A surprised voice came from inside the room, and an old man wearing a square hat peeked out from behind the counter.

"In less than a month, four people have sensed the Qi and blood. It seems that young Guo has trained these newcomers quite well."

After carefully examining Zhou An, Liu Shuqing, and Zhao Nian, the man called Lao Liu grinned.

The smile was very happy, but one of the front teeth was missing... and the teeth were also a bit yellow.

"This is Liu Bai, the manager of Mingwen Hall. You can come here to receive missions after you have completed your cultivation."

Seeing that Manager Liu was busy, Qian Ming led the three of them to an empty seat and then spoke.

"Instructor Qian, you just mentioned a contract... what kind of contract are you referring to?"

Taking this opportunity, Zhou An asked.

If he were to be forced into a contract of servitude, he might find it difficult to accept.

"Don't worry, it's not a contract of servitude. Every official disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect signs this contract."

Seemingly understanding the three's concerns, Qian Ming spoke directly.

"My Seven Mysteries Sect is not the despicable Black Tiger Gang. We will not force you to buy or sell. High-pressure rule cannot cultivate loyalty."

"That's a good point, but even if you tell them, they won't understand now."

At this moment, Manager Liu, who was behind the counter, came to the four of them with three pre-prepared contracts and a cinnabar box.

"Can you read? If not, your tutor will read it to you."

"Thank you, Steward Liu, I can read."

Liu Shuqing quickly took the contract from Steward Liu.

"Brother Zhou, it's you?"

"Don't worry, I learned it when I was in the countryside."

Zhou An quickly spoke, and together with Zhao Nian, they accepted the contract documents.

Although he couldn't afford to attend a private school in the village, he had the wisdom from his past life, so he naturally knew how to audit classes at the school.

The contract was very simple.

Once you become a formal disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect, you will need to fulfill the responsibilities that a disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect should have, and the Seven Mysteries Sect will also provide you with corresponding benefits.

However, the contract also clearly states that in order to obtain better treatment, one must contribute more to the Seven Mysteries Sect.

However, compared to this, the only thing that Zhou An cared about was that the contract was valid for 5 years.

Within these five years, any act of betrayal against the Seven Mysteries Sect will be dealt with ruthlessly according to the sect rules.

At best, it will cause disability; at worst, it will lead to death.

Furthermore, those who have not served five years are not allowed to leave the Seven Mysteries Sect at will; violators will be treated as traitors to the Seven Mysteries Sect... To avoid punishment, one must pay 300 taels of silver.

It was very harsh, but Zhou An still pressed his handprint on it.

Five years.

In less than a month, he had mastered Ming Jin and was able to circulate Qi and blood throughout his body.

If he were given five years, Zhou An couldn't imagine how strong he would be by then. He might even crush the leader of the Seven Mysteries Sect.

By then, this so-called contract will be nothing more than a piece of waste paper.

However, the Seven Mysteries Sect ultimately gave him a chance, and Zhou An hoped that they could part ways amicably.

Fighting and killing are ultimately not in line with his style.

"Now that you've signed, let's go."

After the three signed the contract, Qian Ming distributed two sets of Seven Mysteries Sect disciples' uniforms and weapons to the three of them.

"Now I'll take you to where you live."

"Thank you, Instructor Qian."

Upon hearing this, Zhou An took a deep breath and immediately followed after him, carrying his clothes and longsword.

Their clothes were uniformly light gray shirts, and even their shoes and pants were made of mid-range fabrics available on the market, which felt very comfortable to the touch, unlike the rough feel of the coarse linen shirts they wore.

These clothes are much better than the ones Zhou An has worn since childhood.

Soon, three adjacent detached houses appeared in front of the three of them.

"See you later, good neighbor."

Watching Qian Ming's departing figure, Liu Shuqing smiled and said something before turning and walking towards the house.

Zhou An smiled, glanced at Zhao Nian not far away, and then pushed open the door.

Earthen walls, single-story houses, with independent courtyards.

Although it's much smaller than the courtyard of the previous dormitory, at least we have a private space to practice martial arts.

The room was fully equipped.

It was very simple, but Zhou An was very satisfied.

"Finally, I have my own house."

After thoroughly looking around the room, Zhou An, having put down the two sets of Seven Mysteries Sect attire, turned his gaze to the longsword in his hand.

The sword is three feet three inches long and weighs about two pounds and six ounces; it is a standard-issue longsword.

"This sword alone is worth at least three taels of silver."

Looking at the cold, sharp light emanating from the sword, Zhou An gently stroked it with his hand, and a familiar feeling immediately welled up in his heart.

This was the first time Zhou An had ever held a real longsword, but with the sword in his hand, he felt as if he had practiced it a thousand times.

Innate Sword Dao Saint Body?

uncertain.

But this sword, now in my hands, is destined to become famous throughout the world.

Zhou An grinned, flicked his wrist to create a sword flourish, and with a simple thrust, a flash of cold light illuminated the small room of no more than twenty square meters.

"Practice sword, practice sword. If I don't grind my sword skills to the minor mastery level today, I'll be letting down my talent."

With this thought in mind, Zhou An grabbed his fine iron longsword and rushed into the courtyard.

This time, Qian San and the others didn't laugh at him for gesturing wildly with his fingers.

【Qingfeng Sword Technique (Proficiency 168/300): Practice 100 times daily, mastery possible in three months.】

【Qingfeng Sword Technique (Proficiency 169/300): Practice 100 times daily, mastery possible in three months.】

……

Before even finishing practicing a single sword technique, his proficiency began to increase at a visible rate.

After one round, my proficiency level increased by 12 points.

"Um?"

When Zhou An was practicing for the fifth time, his ears suddenly twitched, and he heard footsteps coming from outside the door.

"Knock knock!"

"Brother Zhou, Instructor Guo has arrived. He told us to gather at the entrance; he must be about to formally teach us swordsmanship."

It was Liu Shuqing's excited voice.

"Brother Zhou, did you hear that? Hurry up, hurry up, and strive to become a sword immortal as soon as possible."

"They're here."

Zhou An responded loudly, then immediately sheathed his sword and left.

……