I can identify everything, but the level is increased by one

"Just a fluke. I hope this speed is acceptable."

Su Han nodded in response.

Yuan Xingkong was speechless.

What do you mean, 'just a fluke'? In less than a month, you've gone from an ordinary person to almost completing the Tendon Strengthening stage. If you're not good, then there aren't many people in the world who are.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder.

Back then, he didn't quite understand why the Master valued Su Han so much, even personally writing a character as a gift. He, as the Master's student, didn't receive such treatment.

Now, it all made perfect sense.

This kid's talent wasn't just good.

It was excellent, capable of competing with the geniuses of the prefecture.

He could even be a rising hero in the coming chaotic times!

He slowly regained his senses and looked at Su Han, saying:

"Ahem, your speed is alright, but the world is vast. Ping'an County, with its eight hundred li, is just a shallow pond. If you were in a prefectural capital like Qingyuan Prefecture, you would have a lot of room for improvement."

Yuan Xingkong decided to suppress him a little. Young people are easily arrogant, and praise can make them float, which could easily lead to trouble and wouldn't be good for future cultivation.

Besides, at Su Han's current speed, he was still far from reaching the prefecture.

He wasn't worried that his words would be quickly seen through.

In time, this kid would naturally understand his good intentions.

He couldn't very well say that this speed wasn't even this kid's limit, could he? But that would imply that his Master had misjudged, only giving a character as a gift and not taking him as a close disciple.

But that was impossible.

"Is that so?"

Su Han asked with some suspicion.

Was his cultivation speed not fast enough?

"Getting back to the main topic, as the saying goes, 'No one visits the Three Treasures Hall without a reason.' Haven't you been doing quite well lately, even faintly earning the title of the number one alchemist in Ping'an County?"

"Cao Gang enjoys himself, forgetting the Gold Pavilion, is that right?"

Yuan Xingkong changed the subject and asked.

"Pavilion Master is joking."

Su Han felt a little embarrassed.

Which proper martial arts school doesn't open its doors on a regular basis?

"That's why I came to ask for your opinion, Pavilion Master. After all, I'm a member of the Gold Pavilion, so I should get your approval before doing anything, right? Otherwise, if I rashly make a decision and fight with others, it might give people the impression that the Gold Pavilion is fond of fighting."

"That wouldn't be good."

Su Han spread his hands, explaining.

"You little rascal, you speak so nicely. It's not like I don't know what you're up to. The Gold Pavilion has always had the reputation of being fond of fighting in the eyes of outsiders, so you don't need to worry about that."

Yuan Xingkong crossed his arms and glanced at Su Han:

"But since you've already asked for my opinion, then you only have one path now: accept the challenge, and then beat up that kid Li Linlong on New Year's Day."

"As for the so-called Yama Float Sect and their experts..."

"I'll take responsibility for you, so don't worry!"

Su Han immediately gave a thumbs up.

"Pavilion Master is wise, understanding, and straightforward!"

"Hmph, borrowing power can only be done once. The path of a martial artist must ultimately be walked alone. It's difficult for others to help you. You must understand that true power and authority come from one's own strength."

"Relying too much on others will only turn you into a weakling."

Yuan Xingkong said casually, secretly sneering in his heart.

A year ago, he personally tried to recruit Li Linlong into the Gold Pavilion, but Li Linlong didn't appreciate his kindness and instead joined the Yama Float Sect, making him lose face.

But after all, he was a senior.

He couldn't possibly beat up a junior for such a trivial matter.

So, in the end, he just let it go.

But now, since there was an opportunity, he was happy to cause trouble.

Su Han nodded in response: "Pavilion Master's teachings are correct. Therefore, I plan to start Bone Forging immediately after completing the Tendon Strengthening stage. I also learned from Brother Qian that our Gold Pavilion has the Silver Bone Secret Technique..."

Before he could finish, Yuan Xingkong interrupted him:

"That's right, we do have it. But this technique is quite precious, originating from the Gold Pavilion Headquarters in the Divine Capital, and was later distributed to the Gold Pavilion branches in various places, giving local talents a chance."

"Regardless of whether Qian Guang has explained this in detail, let me state it again: if you want to take advantage of the Gold Pavilion, you must have corresponding merit points. Merit points require completing the Gold Pavilion's tasks, including but not limited to monitoring, conquest, assassination, teaching, and so on."

"And that Silver Bone Technique requires a thousand merit points."

Su Han nodded, pondered, and then said:

"I wonder, are these thousand merit points a lot or a little?"

Yuan Xingkong smiled slightly, looking at the empty surroundings:

"The Gold Pavilion has quite a few people, but guess why the Gold Pavilion has always been so deserted? The answer is simple: they are all running around for merit points. Many people are working hard for that Silver Bone Secret Technique."

"Generally speaking, it takes at least a year or two to obtain it."

Su Han frowned. That's so long?

Two years later, everything would be too late.

"Don't worry, we'll handle it on a case-by-case basis."

"Compared to ordinary people, geniuses always have some privileges. You are special enough and have enough potential, so naturally someone will give you the green light, well, provided you know how to choose the right side?"

Speaking of this, Yuan Xingkong was also a little hesitant.

He thought for a while and continued:

"How about this? As long as you can win in the battle against Li Linlong, I will give you a hundred merit points as a newbie bonus. Afterwards, there will be an action against heretical demons. If you can seize the opportunity, you might be able to gather enough merit points."

Yuan Xingkong's tone was consoling.

Of course, he didn't think Su Han could seize the opportunity. No matter how talented someone was, they still needed time to grow, and the next mountain clearing and temple smashing operation was imminent.

Compared to Su Han, other members who had already joined the Gold Pavilion might not be as talented, but their strength had already far surpassed Su Han's current level, making it difficult to compensate.

Ping'an County is located in a remote area, nestled among towering mountains.

But precisely because of this, the county is called Ping'an (Peace), and the continuous mountain ranges block most of the power of the northern cold currents, otherwise this place would have long been turned into an unthawing frozen land.

At the edge of the eight hundred li of Ping'an County.

A person braved the wind and snow, walking on foot.

He wore a short-sleeved practice suit, his palms were large and slender, and his body emitted a faint silver glow, blocking the biting cold. Standing on the cliff, he looked at this eight hundred li of land.

Ultimately, he came to the conclusion of "poor mountains and wretched waters".

He couldn't help but shake his head. When he first came here, his evaluation was these four words. Now, on his second and last visit, his evaluation remained unchanged.

Even if it was affected by the northern cold currents, bringing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

This place was still inferior to other counties and prefectures.

Being located in a remote area, these continuous mountain ranges were like chains, locking the fate of the entire county, like a locked dragon formation. The martial artists born here were all mediocre and not worth mentioning.

Only the disciple he took in a year ago was slightly better.

What a small place that could be punched through with his two fists.