[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult":3,"chapter-don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-chapter-8":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Don't Mock the Poor Old Man: Gains a Year of Cultivation Every Day!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2312500,4520,"Chapter 8: On Licking People, Lin Xiaohé Is a Professional!","don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-chapter-8",8,"\u003Cp>“Director, this young man wishes to learn martial arts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye led the brother and sister through the outer courtyard to the edge of the inner courtyard’s training ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingshi, his back to them, was correcting a disciple’s posture for the Mountain-Crushing Fist; at the sound, he slowly turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disciples practicing in the courtyard glanced over casually and immediately returned their attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had long grown accustomed to scenes like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are your names?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingshi’s gaze swept over the siblings; his tone was flat, revealing no emotion, yet carrying an undeniable authority that forbade negligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The younger brother, being the first to encounter a martial artist of Liu Qingshi’s bearing, froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under that steady, mountain-like gaze, his face paled, his throat tightened as if choked, and he stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, the sister steadied her nerves, stepped forward half a pace, bowed slightly, and answered clearly despite her tension: “Director, I’m Hu Li, and this is my brother, Hu Tian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hu…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingshi mused: “Are you from Hu Family Village outside the city?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Li’s eyes lit up; she nodded eagerly: “Yes, Director, we’re from Hu Family Village.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having confirmed their origins, Liu Qingshi gave a slight nod, his gaze returning to Hu Tian’s anxious face, and said gravely:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you wish to cultivate martial arts, the first step is bone inspection—to determine whether you possess the foundational aptitude.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was low, yet each word rang clear, carrying the weight of unshakable protocol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If your bones are truly unworthy, I will not take your money—it would only waste your future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He showed no impatience at Hu Tian’s hesitation, instead stepping forward two paces and extending his hands—broad-jointed, thickly calloused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Relax. Don’t tense up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingshi’s voice was deep, radiating a calm that naturally inspired trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swiftly pressed and pinched key bones—shoulder blades, spine, arms—his movements crisp and efficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian’s body stiffened, beads of sweat breaking on his forehead; he nearly cried out in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing Hu Li subtly shake her head, he clenched his teeth and stayed motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Li, standing nearby, clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms, eyes fixed unblinkingly on Liu Qingshi’s expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye stood quietly at a distance, gaze lowered, as if merely fulfilling his duty to guide, utterly indifferent to what transpired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet his peripheral vision captured every subtle motion of Liu Qingshi’s hands—and Hu Tian’s involuntary physical reactions under pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This boy… could his bones be good?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye’s heart stirred slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had glimpsed a flicker of hidden delight on Liu Qingshi’s stern face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, Liu Qingshi released his grip, but a rare hesitation surfaced on his brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not pronounce judgment immediately; instead, he squatted, firmly cradling Hu Tian’s knees and ankles, probing again with varying pressure—as if verifying something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long moments passed before he slowly stood upright, silent, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the anxious siblings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Li’s heart pounded as if trying to burst from her chest; her voice trembled uncontrollably: “Director… my brother…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingshi glanced at her, then at Hu Tian—pale-faced, eyes filled with fear and hope—and smiled faintly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Superior bone structure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those four words fell like thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Li’s eyes widened in disbelief; she could hardly trust her ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian shot his head up, his pallor replaced by a flush of ecstatic joy, lips trembling, speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director… you mean… my brother can… can learn martial arts? Is that right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Li forced down the surge threatening to explode from her chest; her voice still shook as she carefully confirmed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.” Liu Qingshi nodded, his eyes holding a touch of satisfaction. “His aptitude is indeed excellent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister, I… I can learn martial arts! I really can learn martial arts!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian finally processed it; his pent-up excitement erupted like a volcano. He leapt up, gripping his sister’s arm, eyes instantly reddening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Superior bone structure? This kid has superior bone structure!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In our martial academy, only Yi Yi Senior Sister and Zhang Xu Senior Brother have superior bone structure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That means if he starts training, he’ll surely reach Dark Force.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is our academy about to produce another genius?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inner disciples’ gazes snapped toward him—admiration, shock, envy, curiosity—all interwoven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the path of martial arts, bone structure and comprehension are paramount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Comprehension determines a martialist’s ceiling; bone structure guarantees the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One with superior bone structure, given sufficient resources and guidance and spared misfortune, is all but certain to reach Dark Force—and has a strong chance of advancing even to the higher Transformation Force realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even several core disciples of the inner courtyard turned their attention toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Superior bone structure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Yan’s beautiful eyes flickered with calculation; she swiftly assessed: “Observe first—see if this boy is worth investing in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a girl of her wealth and status, cultivating potential talent for her family’s network was part of her duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph. A country bumpkin with such luck?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xu watched Hu Tian’s ecstatic face with a dark gaze; a shadow of malice flickered in his eyes. “Superior bone structure… fine material. Offer some sweeteners, and he might be turned into a loyal hound.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Su Yan, he came from a wealthy family—but his thoughts were far more naked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Another genius in the academy? Let’s see how far he’ll go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Gang’s expression remained as simple and steady as ever; his heart stirred little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a senior of the academy, he’d seen many geniuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Few, however, ever truly rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yiyi’s reaction was coldest; her frost-like eyes glanced once, then turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In martial arts, bone structure is merely the key to the door.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingshi looked at Hu Tian’s beaming face, his voice returning to its usual steadiness, and poured cold water: “What truly determines how far one goes is character and perseverance. If you slack off, cannot endure hardship, even superior bone structure is merely squandered—never will you amount to anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words rang like a morning bell in Hu Tian’s ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His joy faltered slightly, then hardened into resolve; he nodded firmly: “I shall remember your teachings, Director!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Li quickly suppressed her excitement, drew a deep breath, and solemnly offered the worn, faded money pouch with both hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director, this is our tuition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingshi took the light yet weighty pouch, did not weigh it, merely opened it to glimpse the few silver coins inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a small portion, then returned the pouch, saying gravely: “I’ll take one month’s tuition now. If you master the fist form and break through to Bright Force within a month, your tuition after that is waived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For disciples of superior aptitude, the academy had its own rules of valuing talent and encouraging effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Director! I will train hard and never let you down!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian drew a deep breath, channeled his overwhelming excitement into heavy resolve, and bowed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go.” Liu Qingshi gave a slight nod and turned toward the outer courtyard. “Before you master the fist form, you must strengthen your foundation here. Today, I’ll teach you the essentials of Mountain-Crushing Fist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the customary first-day ritual for new disciples—personally guided by him to show importance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Li hurriedly pulled her brother along, her face alight with uncontainable excitement and hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye followed calmly behind, his gaze passing calmly over Hu Tian’s trembling, excited back—his eyes utterly still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Superior bone structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed a pleasant surprise for the academy—a fine seedling found.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for Jiang Ye…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how superior the bone structure, before his transcendent comprehension, it was but fireflies beside the moon—dim, insignificant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian’s arrival stirred the outer courtyard like a boulder dropped into water—ripples and hidden currents surged instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of eyes, visible or hidden, clung to Hu Tian like physical weights—admiration, envy, resentment, bitterness, sourness—all tangled on young faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, over seventy percent of the outer courtyard disciples would leave in two months, failing to “master the fist form,” their martial dreams shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Hu Tian, with superior bone structure, seemed already to have drawn an invisible divide between himself and them from the moment he began training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the same roof, breathing the same air, enduring the same sun and wind—yet destined for utterly divergent futures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could truly accept such disparity with calm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some sighed. Some cursed. Some gritted their teeth. Others… began to lick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, the fastest, the most conspicuous, was Lin Xiaohé.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Liu Qingshi had demonstrated the Mountain-Crushing Fist essentials a few times, he departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaohé darted over like a nimble sparrow, landing beside Hu Tian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hu Senior Brother, you’re so impressive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was bright, dripping with unhidden admiration, her eyes smiling as she gazed up at Hu Tian, still awkward and unsure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Director only showed you two or three times, and already your stance looks perfect—no wonder you have superior bone structure!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her words were neither loud nor soft—just loud enough for nearby listeners to hear clearly; even Jiang Ye, near the corridor, caught every word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This little girl… is interesting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye shook his head slightly, a glint of icy mockery flashing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>",1531,"2026-06-20T12:57:27.461Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","3ca35adbf4191a1b64f820a6c7b6b0398d2b51a2117840b547875132298d90d5","don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-chapter-9","don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-chapter-7",268,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fdon-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-cover.jpg"]