Chapter 72: Success! Farewell


    *Hah! Hah! Hah!*


    The empty cave echoed with the sounds of combat every day.


    It had to be said that Yao Ji was Li Xiaotian''s disciple, and Bai Kai was Yao Ji''s top disciple. Bai Kai''s skills were naturally not weak.


    Initially, Han Ming had never fought Bai Kai and, due to Bai Kai''s questionable character, had always looked down on him, even dismissing Bai Kai''s abilities.


    But as time passed, Han Ming came to realize that Bai Kai''s strength was far beyond what he had imagined. Bai Kai''s understanding of martial arts surpassed Han Ming''s expectations, and his talent, in some ways, even exceeded Han Ming''s.


    Even Li Xiaotian had to admit this.


    Every time Han Ming returned from a fight, battered and bruised, Li Xiaotian would sigh inwardly, acknowledging that Bai Kai was indeed a rare talent. However, Bai Kai''s twisted nature and lack of integrity meant he could never reach the heights that Han Ming would. While Bai Kai''s talent was undeniable, his character flaws would ultimately limit his potential.


    Li Xiaotian knew that Han Ming, despite currently lagging behind Bai Kai in talent and comprehension, would eventually surpass him. Han Ming''s path was one Bai Kai could never tread.


    Li Xiaotian also sensed that Han Ming carried many secrets, secrets he never pried into. He believed these secrets were the driving force behind Han Ming''s relentless pursuit of strength, a pursuit that far exceeded ordinary people''s aspirations.


    Perhaps it was a sense of responsibility—a heavy burden that Han Ming was determined to carry, even if it meant sacrificing everything.


    To ensure Han Ming didn''t surpass Bai Kai too quickly, Li Xiaotian occasionally offered Bai Kai guidance on martial arts.


    Some say time is the sharpest blade, capable of reshaping a person entirely. Others say time is the finest whetstone, smoothing out a person''s rough edges.


    Over the long months of sparring with Han Ming, Bai Kai''s mindset began to change.


    Since joining the Secret Sect, this was the first time Bai Kai had immersed himself so deeply in martial arts, free from the distractions of scheming and manipulation. He no longer had to worry about seducing women or currying favor with his superiors. His future was uncertain, and he didn''t know if he would survive the year. This uncertainty allowed him to focus entirely on his daily battles with Han Ming.


    Gradually, Bai Kai''s perception of Han Ming shifted.


    Han Ming, whom he had once dismissed as naive and out of touch, possessed qualities Bai Kai couldn''t help but admire. Han Ming never insulted him, and after every defeat, Han Ming would bow sincerely and thank him for the lesson.


    Li Xiaotian''s guidance also gave Bai Kai a sense of returning to his roots. He had once been a young boy with dreams of reaching the pinnacle of martial arts, of becoming a hero revered by all.


    But the Secret Sect had crushed those dreams, turning him into a tool for Yao Ji''s wicked schemes. Bai Kai knew he had committed countless atrocities, and he didn''t expect to atone for his sins. He simply wanted to spend his remaining time reliving the dreams of his youth.


    Every day, he would wake up, train, and spar until he was drenched in sweat, too exhausted to move. He would lie on the ground, reflecting on his progress and understanding of martial arts. This was the life he had once dreamed of.


    As Bai Kai lay on the ground, staring at the cave ceiling, he felt as if he could see the stars. He remembered the day Yao Ji, stunningly beautiful, had approached him and asked, "Do you want to become strong?"


    Back then, he had been so excited he couldn''t sleep for days.


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    Tears silently rolled down Bai Kai''s cheeks.


    His mindset was changing, and both Li Xiaotian and Han Ming could see it.


    "Why did you join the Secret Sect? Why did you help Yao Ji commit those atrocities?" Han Ming asked, lying beside Bai Kai with his hands behind his head.


    Bai Kai was moved by Han Ming''s trust. It had been so long since anyone had let their guard down around him. How many people were willing to be vulnerable in his presence?


    Bai Kai smiled wryly but said nothing.


    That night, Bai Kai reflected on his life, from his earliest memories to his current predicament. He didn''t know how to turn back or what his future held.


    Glancing at Han Ming, who had fallen asleep beside him, Bai Kai smiled.


    He carefully stood up, looked at Han Ming, and silently mouthed a few words before walking away to lie down by the cave wall, far from Han Ming.


    He knew his nature was hard to change. After years of scheming and harming others, he feared he might succumb to the urge to kill Han Ming in his sleep.


    But Han Ming had trusted him enough to sleep beside him, completely defenseless.


    Bai Kai couldn''t bring himself to do it. He didn''t want to.


    Perhaps killing Han Ming would allow him to escape, but what then? Continue his life of evil?


    Bai Kai felt it was pointless. He was tired.


    Time flew by, and a year passed in the blink of an eye.


    *Boom!*


    A deafening roar echoed through the valley.


    Bai Kai was sent flying by a powerful punch from Han Ming, landing heavily on the ground.


    Han Ming walked over, smiling, and extended a hand to help Bai Kai up.


    Han Ming had always respected strength. Just as he had bowed to the red skeleton soldier in the Water God''s Temple, and just as he respected Li Xiaotian, who had selflessly taught him everything he knew, he now respected Bai Kai.


    Over the past year, Han Ming''s character had influenced both Li Xiaotian and Bai Kai.


    Li Xiaotian smiled and let Han Ming pull him up. His smile was genuine, free of any ulterior motives.


    "Han Ming, you''ve improved so much. You defeated me with just one hand, and I was using combat energy," Bai Kai said, his tone light.


    Han Ming remained silent for a moment before saying, "Even though we never formally became his disciples, I can tell he sees us as his students."


    Bai Kai chuckled. "My talent may be greater than yours, but my willpower can''t compare. I know you''ve been training tirelessly every night, punching the cave walls and the air. Your success isn''t luck—it''s hard work. I truly admire you."


    Han Ming didn''t respond. He knew it was time to leave.


    Some time ago, Li Xiaotian had decided to spare Bai Kai and let him go, but Bai Kai had refused.


    Bai Kai had said, "I''ve come to see Li Xiaotian as my master. I want to stay here and accompany him for the rest of his life."


    Li Xiaotian had once told them, "Han Ming, Bai Kai. My time is running out. I probably only have a year or so left. Yao Ji will emerge from seclusion soon, and I won''t leave this place. My life has no regrets. Though we never formally became master and disciples, I see you both as my final students. As for my grudge with Yao Ji, I''ve let it go."


    Li Xiaotian looked at the two young men with affection. "Perhaps heaven is fair. My first disciple, whom I treated like a daughter, betrayed me. But in my final days, I gained two wonderful disciples. I no longer hate or resent. I am content."


    "Master!!"


    Both Han Ming and Bai Kai knelt before Li Xiaotian, tears streaming down their faces.


    Han Ming choked back sobs. "Master, I will never forget your kindness. You are my first master, and I won''t disgrace you. Please come with me. If you stay here, Yao Ji will kill you. Even if your time is short, let me take care of you outside."


    Bai Kai also pleaded, but Li Xiaotian refused to leave.


    In the end, Bai Kai decided to stay as well, vowing to accompany Li Xiaotian until the end.


    "Both of you! How can you do this!?" Han Ming shouted in frustration.


    "One refuses to leave, and now the other! If neither of you will go, then I''ll go kill Yao Ji myself! No one has to leave!"


    "All good things must come to an end. We can''t change Master''s decision, and you can''t change mine. Han Ming, you have many things to do. Go. Perhaps one day, if I''m still alive, I''ll come find you. You''re the only person I truly acknowledge as my junior brother."


    Bai Kai smiled and handed Han Ming an object. "This is Yao Ji''s edict and a map. Follow it, and you''ll leave the Secret Sect. Han Ming, the world is treacherous. Be careful, and trust no one."


    Li Xiaotian also gave Han Ming something, patting his head affectionately. "This is something I hid somewhere in the Huangtian Continent. It''s not a treasure, but it might be useful to you. If you ever pass by, take it. Consider it my final gift to you."


    Han Ming cried like a child, unable to hold back his tears. He didn''t want to.


    He kowtowed nine times before Li Xiaotian. "Master! Once I leave, we may never meet again. Please take care of yourself."


    With that, Han Ming strode toward the tunnel.


    Farewells were always painful, and Han Ming didn''t want to say more. Gratitude was something to carry in one''s heart.


    A true man knows what to do and what not to do.


    The weight on Han Ming''s shoulders meant he couldn''t afford to be sentimental or selfish.


    As Han Ming reached the tunnel entrance, he turned back, knelt, and kowtowed to Li Xiaotian once more.


    "Han Ming, catch!"


    Bai Kai tossed something to him.


    Han Ming opened it and found the Snow Colt he had captured that day.


    "Heh."


    Han Ming smiled, then bent down and entered the tunnel.