Chapter 279: Late-Night Visitor, Not Weaker Than the Martial Saint

"Marquis?"

Li Rui blinked his eyes.

This humble abode is honored!

He never imagined that the visitor at this late hour would be Marquis Yuan Dingting; glancing back at Han Zhen, who was frantically winking at him, he finally understood.

Colonel Xue has quite the influence.

"Your Lordship's visit truly honors this humble dwelling."

Li Rui hurriedly led Marquis Yuan into the main hall.

Yuan Dingting sat down.

After sipping tea, he narrowed his eyes and smiled at Li Rui: "Why hide your true strength today?"

Others might not see it, but how could I miss it?

You clearly had the power to fully lift the silver spear.

Yet at the final moment, you deliberately released your force, settling for a Class-A ranking.

Class-A Superior is not easily won.

The silver spear carried a sliver of your killing intent.

It disregarded cultivation realm.

Even a terrestrial immortal would have been unable to lift it—just as you could not.

In other words, your martial will is no weaker than mine, one of the top ten in the world; calling it unyielding as iron is no exaggeration—or rather, it is the heart of a true powerhouse.

Ascending the path of martial arts requires not only courage, but also unbreakable resilience, or else you will snap at any moment.

And everyone in the world seeks fame.

Not merely because fame brings face, but because it brings tangible benefits.

For instance, promotion.

I've already heard from Xue Gui and Gu Changsheng about your situation; if you're seeking office, why not push further instead of stopping halfway?

Is there anyone who thinks an official post too high?

Naturally, this piqued my interest.

Li Rui showed no surprise, answering calmly: "There are countless followers in this world; hiding is for outsiders—to avoid gossip. Before Your Lordship, I cannot hide, nor would I dare. I seek office only to advance my martial path; enough is enough, no need for higher rank."

Yuan Dingting's lips curled slightly.

"Excellent—enough is enough, no need for higher rank."

"Gu Changsheng has good judgment. From now on, work for me."

Many in this world scramble for fame, profit, and power, only to drown in it, losing themselves, abandoning the very martial path they originally sought.

I despise such people.

Li Rui suits me perfectly—I think the same way.

I kill to pursue the supreme martial path.

Li Rui did not freeze; his reaction was swift.

He immediately rose and bowed: "Guest Li Rui, pays respects to Your Lordship."

Yuan Dingting waved his hand: "We are both soldiers; no need for such formalities. I heard from Colonel Xue you were once a stable hand?"

Li Rui nodded:

"I served the Zhu family of Qinghe as a stable hand for fifty years."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Dingting's eyebrows lifted slightly.

Fifty years as a stable hand.

Though heroes are not judged by origin, someone like Li Rui—born at the lowest rung yet climbed so high—is exceedingly rare.

If he truly has ability, I have no objection to lending a hand.

After all, my own origins were hardly noble.

"I have a son, only three years old; if you're willing, when he comes of age, you may serve as his martial tutor."

Martial tutor?

Master!

Li Rui's eyebrows lifted slightly.

This role, if placed in the imperial court, carries another title: Shaofu—the Crown Prince's teacher.

As far as I know, Yuan Dingting and his wife are both martial powerhouses, hence their late childbearing.

And he is their only son, destined to inherit the marquis title.

To become the tutor of the future young marquis—that is no small thing.

Even as a mere tutor, it is a profound favor.

Others would beg for it and fail.

Once you are the tutor of the future young marquis, who in this world would dare mock him as a stable hand—accusing Marquis Yuan of blindness for entrusting his son to a stable hand?

Secure!

Li Rui bowed deeply again: "I am deeply honored by Your Lordship's recognition; I shall not fail your trust."

Yuan Dingting rose with a smile: "Hu'er is still young; no need to rush to my estate. Remain in Anning Guard as Assistant Regional Commander for now."

He appointed Li Rui as tutor.

Not merely because of Gu Changsheng's favor—if it were only about face, taking him as a guest would have sufficed.

The main reason is that Li Rui is truly suited to be a tutor.

In martial enlightenment, beyond foundational training, one crucial element is the heart of a powerhouse.

Without the right mindset, even the finest resources and talent are wasted.

Martial techniques will naturally be taught by others.

What I want Li Rui to teach is mindset.

Li Rui rose from stable hand to Assistant Regional Commander—his hardships are beyond description; even I admire him, and he withstood my hundred-battle killing intent. In terms of mindset, few in this world surpass him.

He finished speaking.

Yuan Dingting turned and left.

Li Rui and Han Zhen escorted him all the way out of Anning Guard before exchanging glances and returning inside.

"Old Brother Li, congratulations."

Han Zhen smiled warmly at Li Rui.

Tutor to the Marquis's household.

That title is no small matter—especially as tutor to Yuan Marquis's only son.

Though both are technically guests, the difference is immense.

A tutor is the son's teacher.

Who among parents would treat their son's teacher with anything less than respect?

Even Marquis Yuan is no exception.

Haven't you noticed what title Grand Secretary Zhang holds?

Taifu.

The Emperor's teacher.

In Yu Kingdom, the word "teacher" carries extraordinary weight; if the young marquis truly inherits the title, Li Rui's status will be extraordinary.

Li Rui returned the bow: "Young Brother Han, thank you for speaking well of me."

Han Zhen shook his head: "Old Brother Li, you flatter me too much. Marquis Yuan is no ordinary man—how could a commoner like me sway him? He wanted to meet you; I was merely the guide."

Li Rui was slightly surprised.

Marquis Yuan specifically requested to meet him?

'Am I really that charismatic?'

But at Yuan Marquis's level, he wouldn't harbor any ulterior motives toward a mere fifth-rank Hai observer.

The gap is too vast.

What you treasure may not even catch another's eye.

That's reassuring.

Appreciation is appreciation—it's simply a stroke of fortune.

Han Zhen looked at Li Rui with admiration.

If Li Rui being accepted as a guest was due to Xue Gui and Jiang Lin's help, being chosen as tutor by Marquis Yuan is entirely his own merit.

Iron must be forged with true strength—that's the principle.

Relying solely on external influence won't work; it only stunts growth and isn't sustainable.

Yet Li Rui still said: "I still owe you thanks, Young Brother Han. It's a good time for a late-night drink—how about we share a cup?"

This time, Han Zhen did not refuse.

He readily agreed.

Just as he reached for the door—

A line of small characters appeared before his eyes.

【Congratulations, Host! You have completed the beginner storyline: "Attention of a Duke or Marquis."】

【In officialdom, you must learn to focus on the essentials. Gaining the attention of a duke or marquis will greatly smooth your path forward. Congratulations—you've mastered this key insight and earned the attention of Marquis Yuan of Annan.】

【Task completed: Attention from the Marquis. Reward settlement in progress.】

【Task rating: B.】

【Obtained 30 achievement points!】

【Name: Li Rui】

【Age: 10】

【Talent: Martial Bone, Extraordinary Comprehension, Insightful Eyes, Great Dream Immortal Travel, Demon-Slaying Mastery】【Cultivation Art: Long Chun Technique, Dragon Soaring Through Nine Skies Diagram, Dragon-Elephant True Qi Power】

【Achievements: 40/100】

He stared at the text on the panel.

"System, you're a bit rigid."

According to the system's definition, gaining the favor of a Marquis should yield a higher rating.

But could Yuan Dingting's marquis title be an ordinary one?

He was equivalent to a Duke—clearly, he deserved an A.

Still, Li Rui only muttered under his breath; being able to complete the task was already enough. He quickly shook off the thought and called out to Han Zhen behind him.

"Let's go drink. The best wine in Qinghe!"

Li Rui grabbed Han Zhen's arm and strode out of the guard battalion.

Please... collect... 6... ... ooks...!

The next day.

The Marquis's grand vessel slowly pulled away from the dock.

For the first time ever, Marquis Yuan had taken two men: Li Rui and Xu Xuan.

As for civil officials, not a single one was taken.

Or rather, Li Rui's official designation was that of a civil official within the Marquis's household.

This angered many of the scholar candidates.

But Marquis Yuan simply said:

"Mastery of human relations is literature."

Then he left.

Xu Xuan returned to Yunzhou.

Li Rui remained in Qinghe, serving as Assistant Regional Commander—no need to go to the Annan Marquis's mansion in Yunzhou. As for teaching, that was five years away; no rush. It was merely Marquis Yuan granting him a good reputation.

The announcement was made in front of everyone.

Now, Li Rui had a nickname in Qinghe: Teacher Li.

The Marquis's teacher—recognized everywhere.

Once his official rank as Assistant Regional Commander was confirmed, after sixty years of toil, he'd finally made something of himself.

Fifth-rank—only barely counted as an official in the eyes of the great ones. To common folk, a County Magistrate was a towering figure, but in the capital, he was just starting out.

Of course, Li Rui wouldn't belittle himself.

He was a fifth-rank military officer holding command over troops—already not bad.

"Big brother."

At that moment, a voice came from his sleeve.

"I've recovered to sixth-rank cultivation."

His tone was joyful.

Li Rui had received much divine fortune; his Immortal Mysterious Qi had greatly increased in rank. With the nourishment of Immortal Mysterious Qi, Xiao Bai Jiao's recovery naturally accelerated.

In just a few months, he'd regained most of his strength; he estimated another month would restore him to full power.

A household guardian beast?

A strange thought arose in Li Rui's mind.

With Xiao Bai Jiao, a nearly fifth-rank demon beast, guarding the house, even if intruders broke in while Li Rui was away, Yang Yong and Wang Zhao would remain safe.

Of course.

This was Anning Guard—he was the future Assistant Regional Commander of Anning Guard. Such a scenario was nearly impossible.

"Xiao Bai, stay home. I'm going out."

Hearing Li Rui was leaving him again, Xiao Bai Jiao was initially displeased.

But when he learned Li Rui was going to seek out the Wu Kingdom people, his interest vanished.

He had been born in the Southern Frontier and had no fondness for the Wu Kingdom people.

In fact, all beings grow weary of the places they stay in too long—humans, demons, alike.

Xiao Bai Jiao could return to the Ten Thousand Mountains, yet he stubbornly refused to leave.

Li Rui let him be.

After giving Yang Yong and Wang Zhao a few instructions, he stepped out the door.

Moments later.

He arrived at Zui Xian Pavilion.

No, not the Weiheshimao Office.

The owner of Zui Xian Pavilion rushed out from behind the counter the moment he saw Li Rui.

"Oh! Master Li, you've come!"

Li Rui nodded.

Then, with practiced ease, he entered a private chamber where Dao Mo and Xia Xiaotang were already seated.

"Big Brother Li."

Dao Mo stood and bowed as Li Rui entered.

Li Rui chuckled: "Little Brother Dao, Miss Xia."

Xia Xiaotang waved at Li Rui—her greeting complete.

They sat.

Li Rui didn't touch the food first; he ladled himself a bowl of soup: "Little Brother Dao, want some soup? In winter, eat radish; in summer, ginger. This place's radish soup is quite good."

Dao Mo was speechless:

"Big Brother Li knows his stuff. No thanks."

Though he'd spent much time in Yu Kingdom, his palate still favored Southern Frontier flavors.

Dao Mo declined, but Xia Xiaotang blinked.

She promptly served herself a bowl.

Winter radishes were sweetest; a steaming bowl of radish soup warmed the stomach perfectly.

Only then did Li Rui speak: "Little Brother Dao, things were too hectic lately—I didn't properly entertain you. My apologies."

Dao Mo had come to Qinghe.

Just in time for Ling Luo's siege—he barely saw Li Rui at all.

Dao Mo laughed heartily: "Big Brother Li, don't treat me like some outsider. You killed Ling Luo—you're my blood brother now!"

As for hatred toward Ling Luo,

The Wu Kingdom people felt it more than the Qinghe folk.

Ling Luo was cunning; countless Wu Kingdom soldiers had died by his schemes.

He'd long wanted to kill Ling Luo—just never had the chance.

Xia Xiaotang regarded this as perfectly natural.

'This is the Beast God talent I've chosen—killing Ling Luo is child's play?'

She trusted Li Rui without condition.

Hadn't the latest World Martial Rankings been released?

If Li Rui entered the top ten one day, she wouldn't be the least surprised.

Beast God talent—standing out was only expected.

Li Rui didn't take credit: "It wasn't me—it was Elder Jiang."

At the mention of Jiang Lin, Dao Mo's face lit with admiration.

The tale of a night-time Earth Immortal had reached the Wu Kingdom. Compared to Yu Kingdom, Wu Kingdom revered strength more—Jiang Lin's slaying of the Nine Souls Dharma King guaranteed him fame there.

After all, the Nine Souls Dharma King had once deterred the entire Wu Kingdom army from entering Manggu City.

"By the way, I heard Big Brother Li became the Annan Marquis's teacher. Congratulations."

The news had spread throughout Qinghe.

Dao Mo and Xia Xiaotang naturally knew.

The Annan Marquis—the same Yuan Viceroy who slaughtered across the Wu Kingdom—now ranked among the top ten in the World Martial Rankings. To become a guest in his household was a tremendous opportunity.

Upon hearing this,

Xia Xiaotang was the first to protest.

"Teacher" sounded nice, but in truth, wasn't it just a high-class servant?

"Senior Li, if you're willing, I'll ask my Master to take you as a disciple—you'll be my senior brother."

Hearing this, Dao Mo nearly spat out his tea.

Li Rui was speechless.

He, a Yu Kingdom official, went to become a disciple of another nation's Grand Shaman.

His status may have risen instantly, but the Yu Kingdom court will not let him off easily.

"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Xia, but no thanks."

Dao Mo cleared his throat twice: "The war at home is dire; Xiaotang and I leave tomorrow to return to Wu Country. Today, we've come to say farewell."

Li Rui: "Leaving so suddenly?"

Dao Mo sighed lightly: "That witch of the Qi clan has allied with eight Demon Lords—the situation is dire."

Eight Demon Lords!

Li Rui's heart sank.

Wu Country will likely remain chaotic for a long time.

(End of Chapter)