Gu Yuan watched Wang Hu, who wore an inscrutable expression, feeling utterly unmoved, even a little amused. What new world could compare to the profound shock of the Myriad Martial Ancestors personally imparting their teachings?
Still, he knew he had to play the part. Gu Yuan feigned a look of awe, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings as if he had never seen anything like it. He even managed to convey a sense of wonder at the entrance closing behind them.
Seeing Gu Yuan's reaction, Wang Hu nodded in satisfaction. He remembered his own initial experience when he first joined, not much different from Gu Yuan's. The memory of his past self even made him blush. That was why he preferred ushering newcomers through this particular entrance; it was designed to be the most breathtaking.
Gu Yuan followed Wang Hu's footsteps, moving deeper into the complex. As they progressed, the tunnel widened gradually, eventually opening up into a vast underground space that resembled a shopping mall.
Sensing Wang Hu's gaze, Gu Yuan promptly displayed his astonishment, his eyes constantly scanning the immense underground structure.
From his initial observation, he could tell that the underground space seemed to extend even further down, though he couldn't ascertain how many levels there were.
It appeared the Martial Pavilion's reputation was well-deserved, having carved out such a substantial area beneath a residential district.
Wang Hu led Gu Yuan through the tunnel for a while. Gu Yuan noticed that on this first underground level, there were numerous shops. However, at the very back stood a building that almost reached the cavern ceiling. Its ancient architectural style stood in stark contrast to its surroundings.
He could vaguely make out a plaque hanging directly above the entrance, but it was too far to discern any details. Noticing Gu Yuan's focus, Wang Hu smiled and explained that the antique building was the Martial Pavilion's headquarters, while the other areas were dedicated to selling resources needed by martial artists.
Gu Yuan nodded in understanding and followed Wang Hu down a nearby staircase into the underground space.
They first proceeded to the Martial Pavilion entrance at the deepest part. As they approached the grand doors, they were stopped by a staff member dressed in black combat attire.
"This is a restricted area of the Martial Pavilion. Please present your token."
Wang Hu produced his token and handed it to the staff member. The staff member received it with both hands, produced a device, and scanned the token. Then, he addressed Wang Hu and Gu Yuan, "Apologies."
He then aimed the device at them, emitting a laser beam identical to the one at the entrance. The beam scanned them from head to toe. With a beep, the staff member respectfully returned the token, saying, "Welcome! Please enter!"
Wang Hu took back the token, tucked it away, and led Gu Yuan into the Martial Pavilion.
Upon entering, Gu Yuan found himself in a spacious hall bustling with people. In a prominent location, a large display screen continuously scrolled with text of various colors.
Wang Hu noticed Gu Yuan's gaze and followed it to the screen. Smiling, he explained to Gu Yuan, "That's where we martial artists usually pick up missions. The different colors represent different levels of danger. The higher the danger level, the more substantial the reward."
"Follow me. I'll first take you to register for the training camp. The camp lasts for a month. Perform well and strive to improve your ranking; it will be very beneficial for you."
With that, he led Gu Yuan towards a long corridor on the right side of the hall. Half a minute later, they arrived at an office door with a sign that read "Martial Artist Registration."
A flicker of amusement crossed Gu Yuan's face. *Seriously? For such a large organization, they chose such a name? It sounds like an elementary school enrollment office,* he thought to himself.
Since transmigrating to this world, Gu Yuan had to suppress the demeanor cultivated in his previous life, forcing him to keep many thoughts to himself, leading to a subtle shift in his personality. However, Gu Yuan found this amusing and harmless.
Pushing open the door, Wang Hu turned to Gu Yuan and said, "Wait here for a moment. Don't wander off."
He then entered the room and closed the door.
Gu Yuan leaned against the wall, quietly awaiting Wang Hu's return.
Inside the room, Wang Hu saw a pair of long legs propped up on the desk. He smiled wryly, walked to the desk, took a disposable cup, poured himself a glass of water, pulled over a chair, and looked at the person hidden behind a newspaper. "What's going on? Still giving me the cold shoulder?"
The person hidden behind the newspaper could no longer pretend. They pulled back their legs, slammed the newspaper onto the desk, revealing a pretty face flushed with anger, their eyes glaring at Wang Hu.
Wang Hu chuckled sheepishly, a hint of apology in his voice. "My dearest, please, let's not do this. Someone is waiting outside to register. Can I make it up to you later? Don't be mad at me."
"Hmph. Who else is registering? The registration period is already over. They'll have to join as a transfer."
"Okay, okay, a transfer it is. As long as they can join." Wang Hu quickly agreed, clearly fearing the person before him.
"Let them come in."
Wang Hu quickly got up, opened the office door, and stuck his head out. He saw Gu Yuan leaning against the wall outside and waved him over.
"Gu Yuan, come here quickly."
Gu Yuan, who had been closing his eyes to absorb the essence of Baji Quan, opened his eyes upon hearing Wang Hu's voice. Seeing Wang Hu beckoning him, he immediately walked over.
Wang Hu grabbed Gu Yuan's arm and pulled him forcefully into the office. With a bang, the hallway returned to silence.
Gu Yuan was pulled into the office, utterly bewildered. He saw a beautiful woman sitting directly opposite him. The woman smiled at him, and Gu Yuan politely returned the gesture.
He was then pulled by Wang Hu to a chair in front of the beautiful woman.
The beautiful woman handed him a form and said, "You can call me Teacher Zhang. This is a basic information sheet. Fill it out truthfully, and it's best not to falsify any information. Wang Hu should have told you what our organization does."
Gu Yuan nodded. Teacher Zhang nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, once you've filled it out, I'll take you to join your new class."
He looked down at the form. It required Gu Yuan to fill in basic family information, his martial arts background, and personal details like age.
*This is hilarious. My family registration has only one page, and my martial arts is just elementary!* Gu Yuan thought to himself with a self-deprecating smile.
He took the black pen beside him and began to fill it out diligently. Two minutes later, Gu Yuan handed the completed form to Teacher Zhang.
Teacher Zhang took it, nodded, then produced a card and handed it to Gu Yuan, saying, "Let Wang Hu take you to find your class."
Gu Yuan nodded and stood up, his gaze falling on Wang Hu. However, he found Wang Hu staring intently at Teacher Zhang's... well, her chest.
"Ahem." Gu Yuan coughed twice, reminding Wang Hu.
Hearing Gu Yuan's cough, Wang Hu snapped back to attention. He quickly shifted his gaze but met Gu Yuan's somewhat knowing look, feeling a flush of embarrassment. He feigned a cough and gestured for Gu Yuan to leave.
After they left and the door closed, Teacher Zhang lifted her pretty face, looking at the closed door. She fastened the top two buttons of her shirt, a smile playing on her lips. *Hmph, you lecherous tiger. Just you wait, I'll have you eating out of my hand...*