After entering the city, the shops on both sides of the street were packed closely together, and the hanging shop signs resembled flags, painting the sky above the city in vibrant colors.
The street was bustling with people. Although not everyone was dressed in finery, the faces of the passersby seemed more lively than those in Wuxiang City.
Looking at this scene so different from the lively atmosphere of Wuxiang City, Zui’Er couldn’t help but feel a bit dazzled.
Zhao Ya didn’t rush to find Dingtai Martial Arts Hall. Instead, he first took Zui’Er for a stroll around the street, buying some trinkets that girls tend to like.
By the time they were done, it was already noon. Zhao Ya took Zui’Er into a bustling restaurant to have some lunch.
The restaurant attendant, seeing Zhao Ya’s tall and remarkable demeanor, and the young woman following him with bright eyes and white teeth, knew they weren’t ordinary people, hence he served them with great hospitality.
When the food and wine were served, Zhao Ya stopped the attendant to ask about the location of Dingtai Martial Arts Hall.
Upon hearing Zhao Ya’s intention to visit Dingtai Martial Arts Hall, the attendant couldn’t help but smile.
"Young Hero, are you also here to participate in the entrance examination for the Martial Hall?"
"Entrance examination?"
"Yes, every year around this time, all the major martial arts halls in the Commandery open for enrollment, attracting many young people eager to study the Martial Dao to try their luck."
"Oh? So there are many martial arts halls in the Commandery?"
"Indeed, just the well-known ones include Chenfeng, Ren Yong, Guangrui, and the Dingtai you just mentioned, to name a few of the major halls. As for the smaller ones, they are too numerous to count."
"However, if you’re planning to take the entrance exams, I recommend applying to several places, especially avoiding focusing only on the major halls."
"Because while those big martial arts halls are indeed formidable, their entry requirements are also very strict. In contrast, it’s much easier to gain admission to smaller halls. Here, I would recommend Jinquan Martial Arts Hall... ."
The attendant was enthusiastically introducing the benefits of this martial arts hall, making Zhao Ya secretly amused.
It seemed the competition among the martial arts halls in the Commandery was indeed intense.
Clearly, this attendant had received some benefits from Jinquan Martial Arts Hall, probably earning a commission for each person he referred.
This headhunting model made Zhao Ya feel quite familiar.
He interrupted the attendant’s relentless promotion, stating that he wasn’t there for the exam but to find someone at Dingtai Martial Arts Hall.
Only then did the attendant reluctantly change the subject and proceeded to detail the exact location of Dingtai Martial Arts Hall to Zhao Ya.
Zhao Ya tipped him generously and, after finishing their meal, took Zui’Er and left.
Following the directions provided by the attendant, Zhao Ya smoothly arrived at the entrance of Dingtai Martial Arts Hall.
He glanced at the imposing gates and the sign with the words "Dingtai" before stepping inside.
"Hey, young brother, if you’re looking to register for the exam, come back tomorrow. Registration for today is already over." A man stopped Zhao Ya.
Zhao Ya halted and said, "I’m not here to register. I’m here to see Master Lu, Lu Dingtai."
Upon hearing this, the man’s expression changed.
"Who are you, and what business do you have with my grandmaster?"
"Oh? Is he your grandmaster?"
"Indeed, I am the Direct Disciple of his third disciple, Miao Shaocheng, Gu Mingdong." The man stated proudly.
At first glance, Zhao Ya could tell that Gu Mingdong had just entered the Second Realm, a level of skill that was no concern to him.
However, Zhao Ya didn’t bother with such matters and said indifferently, "Just tell him an old acquaintance from Wuxiang City wants to visit."
Wuxiang City?
Gu Mingdong frowned.
That remote small city was thousands of miles away, a place too obscure for old acquaintances to come from.
Nevertheless, Gu Mingdong didn’t dare to take it lightly. He instructed others to keep an eye on Zhao Ya, then quickly dashed into Dingtai Martial Arts Hall’s inner courtyard, where he slowed down before entering the study.
At this time, Lu Dingtai was writing and didn’t lift his head when he heard footsteps.
"What’s the matter?"
"To answer grandmaster’s inquiry, a youth outside is claiming to be an old acquaintance from Wuxiang City and wishes to meet you."
Suddenly, with a snap, the pen in Lu Dingtai’s hand turned to dust.
Lu Dingtai then calmly picked up a towel from the table, wiping his hands as he said, "Let him come in!"
"Yes!"
Gu Mingdong felt a tinge of alarm, not knowing what was going on with his grandmaster, and dared not ask questions. He promptly turned and left.
Moments later, Zhao Ya and Zui’Er arrived in the study.
"Grandmaster, this is the one who wished to see you!"
Lu Dingtai waved him aside, and Gu Mingdong quickly withdrew, after which he raised his eyes to examine Zhao Ya.
A moment later, he softly asked, "Did Junior Brother Meng send you here?"
"Yes!"
Zhao Ya replied crisply.
Since entering the study, he had also been observing Lu Dingtai.
Lu Dingtai appeared to be only about forty years old, with a well-proportioned body and a sallow complexion, dressed in loose garments, seated in a chair like a wealthy gentleman.
But Zhao Ya felt immense pressure.
Despite Lu Dingtai’s seemingly gentle exterior, he was brimming with an incredibly formidable aura.
Every gesture exerted tremendous pressure on him.
Even Zhan Feng of the Fourth Realm had never made Zhao Ya feel this way.
This left Zhao Ya inwardly astonished.
Could it be that he had already stepped into the Fifth Realm?
"What is your relationship with him?"
"He is my master."
Zhao Ya gritted his teeth, enduring the storm-like aura as he took out the jade token from his chest.
Lu Dingtai took the jade token, pondered in silence as he gently caressed it, and finally sighed.
In that instant, Zhao Ya felt the oppressive tension ease slightly, causing him to breathe a sigh of relief.