I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 3

The autumn season arrived, bringing with it a blanket of withered leaves.

As he stood watch over his modest martial arts hall, Yi Feng reflected on how many seasons had drifted by since he first arrived. Time seemed to blur in this place.

The street before his entrance was a constant whirlwind of activity, teeming with a restless crowd. By now, Yi Feng had grown thoroughly accustomed to the unique traditions and daily rhythms of this alternate world.

"Sigh, my stomach is growling. Time to get some lunch!"

Rising from his seat, Yi Feng signaled toward the noodle stall located just across the roadway. Catching his eye, the stall assistant snapped his fingers and shouted back, "Master Yi, just give me a moment. I’ll bring it right over."

With a faint smile and a nod of acknowledgment, Yi Feng settled back into the comfort of his reclining chair.

"Man, eating takeout every single day makes me realize how much I need a wife!"

The sun beat down with a piercing intensity. Squinting against the glare, Yi Feng watched a group of young women browsing at the nearby rouge shop. A heavy sigh escaped him. "Meng Tian hasn't dropped by lately either. She is so obsessed with joining a Sect to pursue Cultivation, even though she lacks the innate talent for it. It would be far better if she just stayed with me as a martial wife. If my luck ever changes and I actually land a few disciples, she’d even get to be called Master’s Wife."

Before long, the worker from the stall arrived, carrying a steaming bowl of beef noodles.

As per usual, the serving was remarkably hearty.

"Here, this should cover it."

Yi Feng flipped a few coins toward the man.

"Master Yi, please, it’s just a bowl of noodles. I can't take your money," the assistant replied, politely pushing the coins back with a grin. "Don't forget, when my old lady took that nasty fall and got injured, it was your medical skills that healed her!"

"Well, if you insist, I won't argue with a free meal."

Yi Feng didn't press the issue. He was on excellent terms with the commoners living in these backstreets. Whenever a neighbor suffered a sprain or a bruise, he was there to provide treatment. Furthermore, he was known for frequently offering charity to the local beggars.

Consequently, his reputation in the neighborhood was quite prestigious.

Even though he had never officially mentored anyone, the locals all respectfully addressed him as Master Yi.

"Get lost, you little brat!"

A sudden commotion nearby broke the peace. A young boy, clad in tattered rags, was being violently shoved out of the entrance of the Green Mountain Sect.

"No, please! I must cultivate! Just let me join the Green Mountain Sect!" despite being only fourteen or fifteen years old, the boy possessed a fierce determination. Ignoring the bloody scrapes on his face, he dropped to his knees before the Elder at the front hall, pleading with iron-willed resolve, "I beg you, let me join the Green Mountain Sect."

"Take a look at your pathetic talent. You think you’re worthy of our Green Mountain Sect? Scram!" The Elder delivered a harsh kick to the boy's chest, snarling, "This is your final warning, kid. Show your face here again, and I’ll feed you to the hounds!"

"What is all that noise about?"

Yi Feng’s brow furrowed in disapproval.

"Ah, that poor lad," the assistant sighed, shaking his head. "Nobody knows where he came from, but he’s been loitering around the Green Mountain Sect for days. He clearly lacks the talent they require!"

A strange pang of sympathy struck Yi Feng’s heart.

The path of Cultivation was truly merciless. Without the proper gifts, a person was considered worthless.

He considered himself fortunate; as a grandmaster of his own craft, he lived a comfortable life. He might not harbor grand ambitions, but it was a respectable existence.

Blood stained the corner of the boy's mouth as he clutched his ribs, coughing painfully. His stubborn eyes remained fixed on the barred doors, brimming with a sense of injustice.

After a long pause, he began to limp away, his spirit seemingly crushed.

Noticing the gaze of Yi Feng and the assistant, the boy looked up as he passed their door. His eyes lingered on the beef noodles in Yi Feng’s hands, and he swallowed hard before averting his gaze and continuing on his way.

However, after a couple of steps, he stopped abruptly and reached down to retrieve something from the dirt.

He scanned his surroundings, looking toward the noodle stall briefly before gritting his teeth and turning back to face Yi Feng.

"Shopkeeper, I found a gold coin right by your entrance. Does it belong to you?" The boy walked over, holding out a filthy hand that indeed contained a single gold coin.

Yi Feng and the assistant traded a stunned look.

Both were filled with disbelief.

This display of honesty made Yi Feng feel a sense of shame. He knew the world was harsh, and while he felt for the boy, he hadn't planned to intervene. Yet, the child's integrity deeply moved him.

It was painfully obvious the boy was starving, yet his moral compass remained unbroken.

"Yes, that gold coin is mine," Yi Feng lied with a nod. He suspected it might actually be the one that cold-hearted woman had left him previously.

The boy held out his hand to return it.

But Yi Feng didn't reach for the coin. Instead, he offered a gentle smile and said, "Keep it. It’s yours now."

The boy’s eyes widened in shock. He bowed deeply in gratitude before sprinting toward the noodle stall across the street.

"Looks like you have a new customer," Yi Feng remarked to the assistant.

"Master Yi, your generosity truly knows no bounds."

Giving a respectful thumbs-up, the assistant hurried back to his stall.

"Make sure to give him a double portion," Yi Feng called out. "If that coin isn't enough, just put the rest on my tab..."

The boy ate with ravenous hunger. Even after finishing the bowl, he looked longingly at the empty dish, clearly still hungry. However, glancing at the single gold coin, he suppressed his appetite, knowing he couldn't afford more.

Prices in this district were steep; one gold coin barely covered a single serving.

Just as he prepared to stand up, the assistant arrived with a second, overflowing bowl.

"Sir, what is this?" the boy asked, bewildered.

The assistant merely smiled and jerked his chin toward Yi Feng. The boy’s eyes shifted, a bright spark of realization flickering within them.

Without a word, he began to eat again, his movements frantic.

Watching the scene, Yi Feng chuckled. He used his fan to shield his eyes from the sun and settled back into his chair.

"Benefactor, I, Zhong Qing, offer you my deepest respects. Please, accept me as your disciple!"

The boy’s voice suddenly rang out from beside him. Startled, Yi Feng looked down to see the youth kneeling on the pavement, his expression a mix of gratitude and iron-clad resolve.

"You want to become my disciple?" Yi Feng asked, taken aback.

"Yes! I realize now that I lack the talent to join the Green Mountain Sect. But you have shown me great mercy, and you own a martial arts hall. Please, allow me this chance."

Zhong Qing pressed his forehead to the ground in a heavy kowtow. "If Master accepts me, I will serve you with absolute loyalty for the rest of my life."

Yi Feng clicked his tongue in thought.

He never imagined his first prospective student would be a stray youth from the streets.

Oh, what the heck!

Setting aside the boy's character, his sheer passion made it impossible for Yi Feng to say no.

"Very well, I shall take you in," Yi Feng agreed.

"Thank you, Master!" Zhong Qing exclaimed, quickly performing another ritual of thanks. Without being asked, he grabbed Yi Feng’s empty noodle bowl and rushed it back to the stall across the street.

"What a diligent kid."

A satisfied, almost motherly smile played on Yi Feng’s lips. Since this was his very first disciple, he felt he should provide something meaningful. Once Zhong Qing returned, Yi Feng led him into the back room.

"You’re a saber user, aren't you?" Yi Feng asked, observing the boy.

"I am!"

Zhong Qing looked down, embarrassed. The rusted, battered saber hanging at his hip had been a dead giveaway.

"I don't have much to offer you right now, so let this saber be my welcoming gift!" Yi Feng produced a long saber and presented it to Zhong Qing.

As the blade was revealed, a shimmering light danced across its surface, radiating a heavy, powerful aura.

Of all the weapons Yi Feng had ever crafted, this was his masterpiece. Since he had no use for it himself, it was only right that it went to his student.

"I thank Master for this incredible gift!"

Zhong Qing held the weapon as if it were a sacred treasure, bowing repeatedly in profound gratitude.