The sprawling lawn buzzed with a surging crowd. Returning here after two years brought a strange mix of emotion—a profound sense of nostalgia mingled with excitement. Yes, two years ago, it was right here that I learned the basic sword techniques, thus setting foot on the path of martial cultivation. Now, two years later, I stood before them, no longer a novice boy, but a seasoned, capable warrior. It wasn't just me; the surrounding retainers all wore complicated expressions. Who could have imagined that the scrawny youth who couldn't even smoothly complete a set of basic sword forms back then had transformed into their instructor, standing before them now? Everyone watched me in silence.

Carefully surveying the scene, I noticed the adult contingent seemed significantly smaller, filled with many younger, unformed faces. Even Abe and Ada had been assigned to the adult group. This was the result of the personnel appointments announced by the Master at last night's banquet. Anyone over sixteen was now slotted into the adult group to undergo more rigorous training, a necessary measure to fill the gaps left by fallen retainers. Reality was harsh, but inescapable. On those young, tender faces was etched a look of resolute determination and gravity. This day marked a brand new beginning, for them as much as for me.

Standing at the front, I found myself unsure of what to say. Just then, Chen Feng stepped up beside me.

“Today, Xiaoman will lead the exercises for everyone!” Chen Feng boomed. “I hope you all bring a will stronger than ever to train your bodies and minds.” Chen Feng’s words struck like the resounding bell of a dawn drum, echoing in my ears with a compelling, intangible force. “Today is a new start for many of you. Many among you have been transferred directly from the youth group to the adult group. This means you must be ready for battle at any moment, ready to sacrifice your lives to protect the village and your families, just as your ancestors did. Tell me, do you possess that resolve and courage?”

“Roar! We do! We Ye family men are never lacking in courage or resolve!” The retainers’ confident roar answered Chen Feng.

“Very good,” Chen Feng nodded slightly. “Then let me see your courage and resolve.”

“Morning training, commence!” Chen Feng finished, nodding toward me.

“Wait a moment!” At that instant, a figure stepped out from the ** group.

“Ah, it’s Jialuo!” I gasped internally. I hadn't seen this fellow in two years, and he’d grown taller, but he no longer carried the clumsy, bulky appearance of before. His bare torso showed bulging muscles, like iron lumps, giving one a shuddering impulse just looking at them—no one doubted the terrifying strength contained within.

“As the instructor, his strength must be above ours!” Jialuo looked at me with undisguised disdain. “Although I heard that at Kunlong Stockade, Xiaoman displayed incredible might and saved the Madam and the others, hearsay is unreliable. Seeing is believing. I want to personally experience Xiaoman’s strength.”

“He’s right.”

“Let them fight a match.”

“Only two years; I don't believe that little bean sprout could have improved much.”

“Exactly.”

................................

Everyone looked at me with suspicion and scrutiny. But that was understandable; two years ago, I was the laughingstock they played games with. Who could believe that today, I possessed strength surpassing theirs?

“This…” Chen Feng turned to look at me.

Damn it, I knew someone wouldn't comply. I could only nod slightly. “What he says has merit.”

“Fine!” Chen Feng conceded. “Let you and Xiaoman have a bout.”

“Roar!”

“Xiaoman, show us your real skill.”

“Haha, little bean sprout, don't get knocked flying with one swing.”

“Jialuo, give him a taste of your power! You’re the best!”

“Jialuo wins! Jialuo wins!”

.....................

I stared at the retainers cheering for Jialuo with some surprise. It seemed Jialuo had made significant progress in these two years to garner so much support.

“Be careful. Jialuo’s strength is nearing the level of a High-Rank Warrior,” Chen Feng warned. “Among your generation, Jialuo is currently acknowledged as the strongest.”

What? Not even reached the level of a High-Rank Warrior, yet he dares to challenge me. I couldn't help but laugh wryly. A hundred of him wouldn't be enough for me to kill. Too bad he has such a good physique; in the modern age, he’d rival a muscle man like Stallone. But in this world, muscle doesn't make the boss.

I completely lost the desire to even move; I just wanted this boring farce to end quickly. However, to prevent a second troublemaker like Jialuo from emerging, I decided to deliver a potent blow.

“Very well,” I smiled faintly. “If you want to fight, I have no objection.”

“Hmph!” Jialuo bared a cruel smile, raising the great battle-axe in his hand. “A wooden sword won't allow me to exert my true power, so let’s both use our preferred weapons.” Seeing his look of utter self-confidence, I wondered where his certainty of victory came from. But thinking of this small place like Ginkgo City, for someone his age to reach the peak of Middle-Rank Warrior was quite commendable. However, the ancient saying about gazing at the sky from the bottom of a well perhaps perfectly described people like him. I was certain that if I hadn't left the village two years ago, I’d be at about his level. It was just his bad luck to face me. I casually drew a wooden sword from the weapon rack and walked back into the center of the field.

“Well, I don’t mind,” I said, lightly swinging the ebony sword in my hand, taking my stance.

“Insolent! Daring to look down on people!” Jialuo seemed genuinely enraged. He strode forward, stopping five meters in front of me.

The surrounding retainers immediately backed far away, clearing a large empty space. Beyond the edge of the lawn, I saw my mother watching me with a tense expression. A little further out, many aunts and older women were also watching Jialuo and me with intense curiosity. At the manor gate, the Master and Madam observed the scene with equal curiosity.

It seemed everyone held a strong sense of wonder toward the ‘Little Bean Sprout’ who had returned after training outside.

“Heh, Little Bean Sprout is quite arrogant.”

“Little Bean Sprout! Go!”

“Lad Man, show the fat boy your might!” Without even looking, I knew that hearty voice belonged to Blacksmith Wei Uncle.

“Brother Man, go! Brother Man, go!” Two tender, identical shouts rang out simultaneously—Third Miss and Young Master, both cheering me on with excitement. Their Children’s Group followed suit, roaring encouragement.

I hadn't seen them in a while, and these two little ones had grown taller. The newly reorganized Youth Group, led by Young Master and Third Miss, was also loudly cheering for me.

“Go, Brother Man! The fat man is ticklish; you can grab his armpits,” some of the mischievous brats in the Youth Group were actually offering me tactical advice on the spot.

Ugh, grabbing armpits.

“Actually, he’s more afraid of rats. You could also bring a few rats to scare him,” the one saying this was Xiao Jin, Abe’s sister. She was currently whispering secrets to Young Master and the others, chattering away about something.

“Insolent wretches, all of you, shut up!” Jialuo stopped, immediately exploding into a rage, his nose nearly crooked with fury. “You damned little brats!”

Sweat. I must have hit a sore spot. By now, his forehead was covered with slightly trembling blue veins, looking like several twisted giant earthworms. True to form, his roar instantly silenced the children in the Youth and Children’s groups.

“You had better change your weapon. I don’t want to split your wooden sword in half with one axe swing,” seemingly satisfied with the reaction, Jialuo looked back at me with a confident smile.

“No need,” I said dismissively. “If you want to fight, make it quick.” In truth, I had long wanted to teach this kid Jialuo a lesson. Two years ago, I suffered plenty at his hands. Even today, I often recalled the scene where Jialuo’s sword sent the wooden sword flying from my grip, along with the gloating laughter of Jialuo and his band of rascals. However, perhaps due to my inherent nature, my previous self was never one to dwell on grudges. This body also seemed to have inherited Mom’s magnanimous disposition, so I hadn't seriously kept score. Still, teaching this kid a lesson was necessary—a warning to deter future troublemakers. In any group, disrespecting orders was the most taboo action for any leader. And Jialuo was assigned to the squad led by Chen Feng; he would inevitably become my subordinate. If I allowed him to remain so arrogant, future work would be impossible to carry out.

Therefore, today I not only had to defeat him, but I had to make him accept the defeat wholeheartedly.

“Detestable!” Jialuo’s lungs nearly burst with anger. “You look down on me! Then don’t blame me for showing no mercy when I strike!”

“Roar!” With a wild bellow, Jialuo’s Asura Battle-Axe cleaved downward. The axe strike was truly thunderous, possessing astonishing momentum.

Hm. Power and speed, both present, and the attack angle of the axe was very precise. Even with just this, it showed that among the young people of the same generation, Jialuo was certainly a very outstanding member. Moreover, observing his advance and retreat had a certain method, suggesting he hadn’t used his full strength, perhaps afraid of actually injuring me with the axe. Thus, his attack was somewhat reserved; I could tell he didn't intend to seriously harm me, only to knock the wooden sword from my hand and make me retreat in defeat.

I hadn't expected the boy to have such a consideration; I inwardly commended him. But I had no intention of showing leniency. In truth, we shared the same goal: to have his axe jarred loose.

Meeting the oncoming axe, I channeled Qi to the tip of my sword and executed a simple horizontal slash.

Clang! The wooden sword, imbued with dense Dou Qi energy, met Jialuo’s descending axe head-on without any unnecessary flourish. Then, with a swoosh, a grey blur shot upward at astonishing speed.

Ah! The surrounding retainers cried out in shock. Because the thing sent flying was Jialuo’s Shura Battle-Axe. It was hard to imagine that Jialuo’s formidable strength was neutralized by my seemingly casual horizontal slash.

“What is going on?” Many were stunned by the bizarre sight.

Thud! The lofted Shura Battle-Axe smashed heavily onto the ground.

“What astonishing Dou Qi energy,” Chen Zhen murmured. “At least the peak strength of a High-Rank Warrior. No wonder he dared to parry Jialuo’s axe with a wooden sword.”

“This kid,” Chen Feng sighed. “Even I am no match for him now. What exactly happened in these past two years?”

“This—how is this possible?” Jialuo stared at me dumbfounded. “This isn't real. You’ve only studied the sword for less than two years; how could you be this powerful?”

“The fact is what you see,” I said calmly. “Didn’t you see it yourself?”

“No! I don’t believe it!” Jialuo shook his head desperately. “I don’t believe it, this isn’t real, not real!” Jialuo was almost frantic, falling to his knees in pain, his face a mask of unwillingness and despair. Once a master makes a move, one knows the true measure of skill. Even though Jialuo hadn't used his full power in that attack, the strength I displayed was enough for him to recognize the vast gulf between us. Yet, precisely because of that, his despair and inability to accept it grew deeper.

“Face reality,” I sighed long. “The world in your eyes is merely tiny Ginkgo City. The world outside is vast, holding things you cannot imagine.”

“Is this why you left the village two years ago?” Jialuo mumbled.

“Indeed.”

“…” Jialuo froze on the spot. After a long silence, he seemed to grasp something. “You are right. I was content just showing off in our small village. How could I possibly be your opponent?”

“…” It seemed he had come to terms with it. I praised him inwardly; truly, he was teachable.

“But, I will defeat you someday,” Jialuo stood up. The loss and unwillingness in his eyes were completely swept away, replaced by a burning fighting spirit and resolve. “I definitely will.”

“Good! Jialuo, well done!” Enthusiastic cheers erupted from all around.

“This kid,” Chen Zhen muttered. “He doesn’t look like someone who just lost a fight.”

“Heh heh,” Chen Feng chuckled softly. “This is the bearing a true martial artist should possess. Jialuo will certainly become an excellent warrior in the future.”

“Then, Vice-Captain, please instruct us,” Jialuo bowed respectfully to me before returning to his designated group.

This was merely a small interlude. Soon, the field regained its neat formation. However, the gazes everyone cast toward me were no longer filled with suspicion and scrutiny. Instead, they were filled with adoration and respect. No one doubted my strength anymore. In any age, in any world, the strong are always respected.

I instinctively looked toward my mother. I saw her waving at me, making a gesture urging me to try hard and do well. My spirit immediately surged; I absolutely could not disappoint her. I had to show her my most successful side.

“Now, begin! Morning training!” I roared. “Basic Sword Techniques.” At this moment, I felt a surge of fiery passion and high spirits.

“Roar!” A heaven-shaking roar immediately erupted from the lawn. The atmosphere became intensely fervent.

Basic Sword Techniques consisted of five fundamental sword movements: Thrust, Chop, Sweep, Lift, and Block. These were the most basic entry-level skills for all warriors. No one dared to treat this set of sword forms with complacency. During practice, they were required to commit their entire being to it, because only a solid foundation could lay the groundwork for future cultivation. It could be said that Basic Sword Techniques were the root of all martial arts in the Mafar World.

Although I hadn't practiced this set of forms during my two years wandering outside, I hadn't forgotten these five most basic moves. Standing in the center of the field, under the gaze of over seven hundred retainers, I began my first leadership exercise session.

The seven hundred retainers, divided by age into four formations, drilled meticulously under my guidance.

However, it wasn’t long before several issues arose in the Children’s Group. Some of the younger ones could barely stand up straight, and Third Miss had collapsed onto the ground, her forehead and nose beaded with glistening sweat. They were clearly exhausted.

This reminded me of the scene two years ago. Usually, Chen Feng would use encouragement to ignite the children’s fighting spirit, helping them complete the training curriculum and unlock their potential.

But at this moment, I didn't have much time to worry about the training status of these children. The immediate priority was how to elevate the strength of those warriors who had just been assigned to the adult group.

Originally, the Master shouldn't have assigned this task to me. But Chen Feng and Chen Zhen both had important duties, leaving only me. While Chen Zhen and Chen Feng were still present, I could seek their guidance if any problems arose. Tomorrow, they would leave on assignment, and I wouldn't even have anyone to consult.

I frowned slightly, looking at that group of little ones. Then, I subconsciously glanced toward Chen Feng.

“Dongling! You take charge of the training for the Children’s Group,” Chen Feng directed. “Xiaoman must focus his energy on Jialuo and this batch of newly joined warriors.”

“Yes,” Dongling stepped forward and stood before me.

“En!” I nodded slightly, as this was indeed what I intended. “These children are in your care.”

“Yes!”

“Jiayan, you instruct the Youth Group,” Chen Feng commanded.

“Yes!” Jiayan stepped out quickly and walked straight to the front of the Youth Group formation.

“Alright!” Chen Feng concluded. “Now, you can devote all your attention to Jialuo’s group. You must train them into qualified warriors.”

“In two days, the Captain and I have missions and must leave,” Chen Zhen stated grimly. “The village defense will fall to you then.”

“Although the bandits of Kunlong Stockade are gone,” Chen Feng continued, “no one can guarantee that the Orcs from Woma Forest or the pirates from Misbeel won't suddenly appear. However, with our current defensive strength, it will be difficult to withstand a sudden attack.”

“I understand,” I nodded slightly.

“Therefore, the training intensity must be as high as that of the original ** group,” Chen Feng stressed. “Only this way can they rapidly improve their strength in a short time.”

“But, if we do that, can they endure it?” I expressed some worry.

“This is the last resort,” Chen Zhen analyzed. “I believe that through this upheaval, these children will realize the importance of strength and will persist.”

“Very well,” I finally nodded.

“Furthermore, Xiaoman, you reached the strength of a peak High-Rank Warrior in less than two years,” Chen Feng said. “I believe you must have insights on quickly improving one’s strength. I hope you can use this experience to train these young warriors well. In this regard, you can act with complete freedom; I doubt anyone could do it better than you.”

“Rapid leveling up?” My heart tensed. Should I teach them the Hundred Battles Saber Technique? But that thought was quickly dismissed. Teaching them the Hundred Battles Saber Technique would certainly accelerate their progress, but its characteristics were too distinctive. Moreover, using this technique, I had killed quite a few masters from the Kuanglong Gang. If it were exposed, the Kuanglong Gang would certainly trace it back to me, which would mean utter ruin. I would have to find another way.

Of course, I couldn't let Chen Feng and the others know my inner thoughts. But to reassure them, I nodded slightly. “I will. I will certainly make them grow into qualified warriors as quickly as possible.”