Learning To Live As A Cultivator 117 Chapter One Hundred And Seventeen - Teacher, Your Methods Are Too Much!

The polished metal surface reflected the image of a man with long silky black hair. That hair was being carefully arranged to form a half top knot upon the man's head and a blood red jade pin was put into place to keep his hair from unravelling. After he was satisfied, he gave his reflection a curt nod and moved to reach his sheathed sword that was leaning against the wall, to place it at his side. He absently grasped the wooden koi fish medallion that was attached to the sword's handle between two fingers.

The door to the room swung open, the thick wood slammed against the wall as a gust of air blasted past the man. The young man ground his teeth together as he brushed back a few stray hairs that had slipped loose thanks to the blast and he just managed to witness a youth complete an agile slide beneath one of the two beds within the room. A heartbeat later, a handsome man with lips upturned into a large grin appeared within the doorway.

"Did you happen to see my disciple?" He asked, his dark eyes twinkling with mirth.

Jin Li could be a petty man at times and this moment was no exception. "He is under the bed," he replied as he removed the red jade pin in order to redo his hair. A loud wail followed his words, revealing that Jin Li spoke the truth.

The grinning man stepped forward and lifted the bed with one hand in an effortless manner and grabbed the hiding youth with the other. "Come on, my boy," the man coaxed, after scooping him out and replacing the bed. "You asked for a change of pace, I'm just fulfilling your request!"

"But Teacher," the youth complained, "By my words I meant; could I have a small break or lighter exercise!" Frankly, the pace at which his Teacher had set these past few days was brutal.  The 'warm up's' might as well have been standard exercise meant for elite guards and was followed by swordplay, Kung fu, wind arts and other weapons-play.  He was given points to bathe in the Cultivation baths along with a single Cloudy Spiritual pill to be consumed at the same time.  However, Sun was so exhausted, that all these past evenings, he had fallen asleep in the warm, soothing waters and had to be rescued from drowning!  Surviving this for the next couple of days before the four day break felt impossible!

"Boring!" His Teacher declared, wrapping his arms about the boy's small shoulders. "It's much more practical to see how your training can be put to good use by hunting poachers in the Hidden Vale Mountain."

"But I am only of secondary stage," Sun whined.  "And those who poach wild beasts there are unlikely to be weak or ordinary mortals!  How do you expect me to track and kill them?!  Even Jin Li might struggle against them!"

Jin Li rolled his eyes heavenward.  He seldom 'struggled' with anything.  His fingers dropped to the koi fish talisman as if to deny his internal statement, but he dismissed this concern.  Anyone would have difficulties dealing with his troublesome alchemist...

"Then let him come along!" The Teacher suggested, startling Jin Li from his musings.

"Teacher...?!" Sun made a last ditch attempt at escaping his fate.

"And did I not tell you to call me Corvus," the jovial man grumbled, finally placing Sun upon his feet.  "Calling me Teacher makes me sound... respectable."

Jin Li considered how his own day was scheduled, breakfast was over and it would be another hour until the Food Hall began the lunch service.  His usual sparring partner was Sun, who was seldom around anymore and even though he had proven his skills, most of the outer school seniors still ignored him.  The inner school seniors, who appreciated his abilities, could only challenge him during the four day break.  There was a lecture scheduled, but he didn't need to catch up on any sleep today, so he hadn't thought of attending it.  The request board was no longer offering jobs that were worth his time... so basically, he had nothing better to do.

"I do not mind," Jin Li accepted.

Teacher Corvus' broad grin returned and he slapped Jin Li upon the back, holding back little of his force, causing the great him to stagger.  Sun's head hung meekly, but inwardly he was weeping and lamenting that this Teacher had looked his way and decided to make him his disciple on a whim. He would change his tune again shortly.