Chapter 104: Lin Chen: Please, Senior Brother Fei, Give Me a Chance

Bang!

Bang bang!

Zhenyue Martial Arts Gym, backyard of the dormitory.

Lin Chen’s elbow, sharp as a blade, struck the camphor tree, slicing it clean through; one breath later, the branches slowly toppled and lay across the courtyard.

Nine orifices!

Iron Bone Art mastered!

Lin Chen retracted his fist with satisfaction; today was truly a day of double blessings.

The orifice on the outer side of his right elbow had opened—his ninth orifice, and the first orifice the Iron Bone Art should have unlocked.

With this orifice open, the elbow becomes like iron; this is one of the two orifices required to activate the most commonly used early-stage technique in Zhenyue Martial Arts Gym sparring, “Double Elbows Soaring to Heaven.”

Lin Chen’s upper body was bare, his entire skin glowing with a coppery sheen.

The hallmark of mastering the Iron Bone Art.

Entry into the Iron Bone Art meant strengthening the blood and toughening the skin, giving the body a reddish glow; advancing to the mastered stage meant entering the Copper Skin phase.

At this stage, he was not invulnerable to blades or spears, but ordinary clubs and staves could hardly injure him.

Copper skin, iron bones.

Iron bones—the hallmark of the Iron Bone Art reaching proficiency.

{Host: Lin Chen}

{Realm: Extreme Orifice Opening Stage (9/24): (1/200)}

{Blood Qi: 52500} (Expand to view past blood qi growth)

{Clear Wind Palm: Perfect}

{Water Cloud Palm: Great Achievement (0/1)}

{Iron Bone Art: Mastered (1/200)}

……

From uninitiated to mastered—in one month.

The stars do not betray those who press forward!

Lin Chen now understood why Fu Ang and Gu Shan had been able to reach proficiency in the Iron Bone Art before the sparring match—their hardship had been terrifying.

Fu Ang and the others were different from him; they had no Purple Crystal Marrow Essence, and even if they spent money on other medicinal liquids, their body’s recovery speed could not compare to his.

“Is Lin Senior Brother available?”

Just as Lin Chen thought of Fu Ang, Fu Ang’s voice sounded at the front gate.

“Fu Junior Brother, come in!”

Fu Ang was already accustomed to entering on his own; he pushed open the door and saw the fallen camphor tree in Lin Chen’s courtyard, curiously asking: “Lin Senior Brother, have you broken through to nine orifices?”

Generally, martial artists only fully unleash their energy at the moment of realm breakthrough; during regular cultivation, they maintain perfect control.

Only during breakthrough does the vital energy continuously refine until the orifice ruptures—naturally, control is impossible.

“Yes, just now.”

“I heard some noise from next door and suspected you might be breaking through, so I came to check.”

Fu Ang explained why he had knocked—earlier, he’d heard a loud boom from the adjacent courtyard and suspected Lin Senior Brother had broken through.

But now, breaking through to nine orifices wasn’t surprising to him.

In one month, he himself had reached eight orifices, opening two.

Not just him—everyone was training furiously for the county sparring in two months; Song Senior Brother and others had already broken through to ten orifices; if you add the unopened Passage-Opening Pills, experts from the previous cohort predicted that by then, many would reach fourteen or fifteen orifices.

This year’s junior students are insane!

This was the frequent lament of the previous cohort; in their eyes, these new students trained so furiously and spent so much silver—didn’t they fear running out of family funds later?

Didn’t they care about their livelihood?

Until a famous senior student of the previous cohort spoke, clearing up everyone’s confusion.

“The rewards for the three-month sparring are generous; these people have already tasted the sweetness. This is only the county-level competition—the county-wide sparring will offer even greater rewards. As long as you win the prize, the silver you spend now will be earned back tenfold.”

One sentence revealed why Song Yu and other top new students trained so desperately.

The top students of the previous cohort secretly envied them—how had they missed such a lucky opportunity?

“Lin Senior Brother, how is your Iron Bone Art coming along?”

Compared to Lin Chen’s recent breakthrough to nine orifices, Fu Ang was far more curious about his progress in the Iron Bone Art.

“I’m ashamed—I lack talent in the Iron Bone Art; I’ve only just reached the mastered stage.” Lin Chen felt slightly embarrassed.

“?”

Fu Ang’s eyes widened, staring at Lin Chen as if he were a monster—mastered in one month?

When he first began training the Iron Bone Art, it took him half a month to enter, then another two and a half months to reach mastery—a full three months total.

Lin Senior Brother had gone from uninitiated to mastered in one month—and still called himself “ashamed.” What should he call himself?

Was he a lung fog?

“How can Lin Senior Brother think his talent is low?”

Had he not sensed Lin Senior Brother’s sincerity, he would have cursed aloud.

“Fu Junior Brother reached proficiency in three months. I spent more silver than you, yet took a full month just to reach mastery—and I’m still far from proficiency. Isn’t that poor talent?”

Lin Chen wasn’t being modest—he truly hadn’t expected his talent in the Iron Bone Art to be this poor.

Fu Ang’s lips twitched; he finally understood the problem.

Lin Senior Brother had misunderstood.

The martial arts gym had only been open three months, but Fu Ang had trained the Iron Bone Art for longer than that.

He had cultivated vital energy in the Ninth Month of entering the Martial Hall, joining Zhenyue Martial Arts Gym three months early—and had already begun training the Iron Bone Art then.

Realizing Lin Senior Brother wasn’t pretending modesty, Fu Ang smiled and comforted him: “Your talent isn’t bad at all—you’ve surpassed many in the gym.”

In the end, for the sake of face, Fu Ang didn’t reveal the truth.

Let Lin Senior Brother misunderstand.

“Fu Senior Brother! Fu Senior Brother, are you here?”

A voice came from the dormitory entrance; Fu Ang apologized to Lin Chen and stepped out—but returned within a dozen breaths.

“Lin Senior Brother, two martial artists from Qianshan County have arrived at Wuyuan—they’re this year’s students from Qianshan Martial Arts Gym and plan to challenge new students from every gym. Gu Senior Brother and others have already rushed over. Do you want to come watch?”

“Qianshan Martial Arts Gym sent people?”

Lin Chen was surprised. Two months from now, the two counties would compete; now, Qianshan Martial Arts Gym sending students to challenge those of Poyang County could mean only two things.

Either they were scouting, or they had absolute confidence in their strength and came to crush the morale of Poyang County’s students early.

“Fine, let’s go see.”

Fu Ang’s face brightened when Lin Chen agreed; although Lin Senior Brother’s cultivation level was no longer the highest, his Perfect Clear Wind Palm still carried great intimidation.

The two left the gym gate and, midway past a incense-and-candle shop, Lin Chen stopped.

“Fu Junior Brother, wait a moment.”

Fu Ang watched Lin Chen enter the shop, then emerge holding a mask—speechless.

They’d worn masks to challenge on the Wuyuan arena before: first, to preserve dignity if they lost; second, to avoid being targeted before the sparring.

But now the gym sparring was over, and the next matches were against Qianshan County students—wearing masks was unnecessary.

“Habit.”

Lin Chen saw Fu Ang’s confusion but offered no further explanation; he was here only to observe, not to fight.

“Then I’ll wear one too.”

Fu Ang thought for a moment, then entered the shop and bought a mask.

Lin Chen glanced at Fu Ang’s massive frame…

He thought Fu Ang’s mask was utterly unnecessary.

Wuyuan!

Today was extremely lively.

Since last month’s gym sparring ended, the Wuyuan arena had grown quiet—but today, with Qianshan County students arriving to challenge Poyang County’s, students from every gym rushed to Wuyuan.

When Lin Chen and Fu Ang arrived at the Wuyuan arena, all onlookers focused on the fifth platform.

On the fifth platform, a match was underway.

Lin Chen’s gaze fell upon it: Zhang Qing of the Gale Martial Arts Gym versus an unfamiliar youth.

Zhang Qing’s legs blurred across the platform; spectators from every gym cheered wildly.

At this moment, gym loyalties vanished; facing Qianshan martial artists, everyone stood united.

“Lin Senior Brother!”

Not long after Lin Chen fixed his gaze on the platform, Lu Yongfeng and the other two approached and recognized him again.

Though now somewhat famous, Lin Chen still refused to spend on personal attire—he still wore the clothes given by Cheng Junior Brother.

“Lin Senior Brother, who do you think will win?” Zhao Jingchuan asked.

“Zhang Qing will lose.”

Lin Chen’s eyes locked on the two figures on the platform; though Zhang Qing’s legs created countless afterimages, his Gale Leg technique was brilliantly executed.

Precisely because of this, he believed Zhang Qing would lose.

Zhang Qing had given everything—yet only held superficial advantage: visual spectacle, not actual damage. His Gale Leg had not landed a single blow.

If he cannot injure his opponent even at full strength, when his stamina fades, it will be the opponent’s turn to strike.

“I’ve seen your Furious Wind Leg—nothing special!”

After Lin Chen made his prediction, a boastful voice rang out on the arena; the next moment, everyone saw the countless leg shadows vanish. When they clearly saw the scene on the arena, many students couldn’t help but cry out in shock.

There on the arena, Zhu Tao’s right hand formed a claw, precisely gripping Zhang Qing’s thigh, then yanking hard.

The instant his right thigh was seized, Zhang Qing’s face changed, filled with panic; he immediately tried to retreat, but Zhu Tao’s claw was as sharp as an eagle’s, piercing straight into his thigh muscle.

The bone-deep pain twisted Zhang Qing’s face into a grimace. He swept his left leg sideways, trying to force Zhu Tao to release him—but Zhu Tao’s left hand shot out at a bizarre angle, striking again with perfect precision into Zhang Qing’s left calf.

Having landed two hits, Zhu Tao wore a smug grin; the veins on his arms swelled visibly as he pushed even harder.

“Stop!”

Song Yu and others watching from the arena’s edge turned pale—Zhu Tao was too brutal. If his claws pierced through Zhang Qing’s legs, it would take months before he recovered.

“On the arena, unless one yields, the fight doesn’t stop. Surely you people from Poyang County understand this better than we do.”

On the other side of the arena, a young boy spoke calmly. He knew exactly what Zhu Tao wanted—to force Zhang Qing into surrendering.

Losing by being thrown off the arena is a matter of inferior skill—but to surrender voluntarily on the arena is humiliation.

Especially since the two counties will soon face off in a county-level contest. If Zhang Qing yields now, it will crush the confidence of Poyang County’s martial artists.

“Zhang Qing, yield!”

Fei Hong glared at Zhang Qing. Though Zhang Qing’s face showed reluctance, he knew if he didn’t yield, his legs wouldn’t recover for months—he’d miss the county contest entirely.

“I yield.”

Zhang Qing’s voice brimmed with resentment. Hearing this, Zhu Tao grinned, dug his claws deeper into Zhang Qing’s flesh, then used the momentum to fling him off the arena.

Qi Fei of Yunyin Martial Arts Hall lightly tapped his right foot, leaping up to catch Zhang Qing mid-air.

“I’ll take Brother Zhang to be treated.”

Qi Fei carried Zhang Qing away—first, because his leg injuries were severe and needed treatment; second, because leaving him there now would only subject him to further humiliation.

“That man’s too ruthless. Lin Brother, if you faced him, could you handle him?” Cheng Ying asked angrily.

“He’s opened ten acupoints, and who knows if he’s holding back? His strength may not be below mine—I can’t say for sure,” Lin Chen replied gravely.

Fu Ang beside him thought Lin Brother’s analysis made sense. This man had opened ten acupoints, and so had Zhang Qing. Yet he’d defeated Zhang Qing without a scratch—perhaps he truly held back.

But Lu Yongfeng, standing nearby, wore a peculiar expression, while Zhao Jingchuan nearly burst out laughing.

Lu Yongfeng murmured, “Clearly, this man is no match for Lin Brother.”

Lin Chen: ?

Fu Ang: ?

“What do you mean?” Fu Ang couldn’t help asking—he truly believed Lin Brother’s assessment was correct.

“Last month, before the March Contest, we watched a fight with Lin Brother. It was Fu Ang from Zhenyue Martial Arts Hall versus another martial artist. I asked Lin Brother if he could beat Fu Ang—and he gave the exact same answer. But the result…?”

Cheng Ying didn’t think much of it. Hearing Fu Ang’s question, he instinctively revealed the truth.

Fu Ang’s masked expression was priceless. His eyes turned slowly toward Lin Chen, as if asking: Is this true?

Lin Chen looked embarrassed. He hadn’t expected Cheng Brother to bring this up—especially with the man himself right here. The truth was, he’d genuinely believed Fu Brother’s strength was equal to his own.

“Lin Brother, did you really think my strength was equal to yours?”

Fu Ang asked softly. Cheng Ying froze, staring at Fu Ang’s masked figure, then fell completely silent.

Lin Brother should’ve revealed this man’s identity earlier—he never imagined the man himself was right here.

“Ahem. I did indeed believe that at the time.”

Lin Chen coughed, speaking sincerely, then turned his gaze to the arena: “This man’s strength truly is not below mine. I’m not being modest. Don’t misunderstand, brothers.”

…

…

On the arena.

With Zhang Qing’s sudden defeat, the morale of the Poyang County martial arts students plummeted.

In stark contrast, the dozen or so students from Yanshan County Martial Arts Hall on the other side beamed with joy, their spirits soaring.

“I’ll go!”

Fei Hong spoke up, stepping forward.

“So, does Poyang County really like wheeling out fighters one after another?”

The young man in green from Yanshan County’s side spoke coldly, glaring at Fei Hong.

“Then how about you and I fight?”

Fei Hong looked at the opponent. Just as Song Yu and Shao Hong were close, so too were he and Zhang Qing.

“You want to fight me?”

The green-clad youth looked as if he’d heard a joke, his face twisted with mockery.

“Zhu Brother, go rest.”

Hearing his senior’s words, Zhu Tao nodded, walking off the arena with a bored expression.

Clearly, he felt the fight with Zhang Qing hadn’t even warmed him up.

To the Poyang County students, this was outright provocation. Many glared with fury.

If they were strong enough, they’d have stormed the arena already—how could they let him get away with such arrogance?

All at once, many students turned their eyes toward Song Yu, Fei Hong, and others, hoping these few would restore Poyang County’s honor.

Fei Hong glanced at Song Yu. This opponent had been invited by Song Yu—he didn’t understand why Song Yu had invited these two from Feiying Martial Arts Hall.

Though the two counties had a county contest coming, there shouldn’t be such hostility before it officially began. Zhu Tao shouldn’t have struck so brutally.

Song Yu remained silent, face grim, but his peripheral vision flicked toward Shao Hong beside him.

The visitors from Yanshan County’s Feiying Martial Arts Hall hadn’t been invited by him—they’d been brought by Shao Hong.

Shao Hong saw Song Yu’s glance and gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head—meaning: don’t go up.

What did that mean?

Song Yu’s pupils narrowed. Was there something hidden here?

Seeing Song Yu didn’t react, Fei Hong waited until Zhu Tao stepped down. His face dark as water, he slowly climbed onto the arena, fixing his gaze on the green-clad youth.

“Iron Blood Martial Arts Hall, Fei Hong. I request a match!”

Iron Blood Martial Arts Hall was usually Poyang County’s top school. As one of its disciples, he had a duty to step forward now.

Seeing Fei Hong step up, the Poyang County students’ faces lit up with hope.

But the next moment, the green-clad youth of Feiying Martial Arts Hall made the entire crowd erupt.

He walked toward Arena Six.

The arena reserved for those who had opened eleven and twelve acupoints.

“I won’t hide anything—I won’t be accused of bullying you. I’ve opened eleven acupoints. My Feiying Claw has reached minor mastery.”

Wu Ming stepped onto the arena, his gaze sweeping the crowd with arrogance, finally settling on Fei Hong: “Now—do you still dare challenge me?”

Fei Hong’s face turned grim. He hadn’t expected the man to have broken through to eleven acupoints.

He himself had only opened nine. With his Expert-level Iron Bones Art, he could handle ten acupoints easily—but against eleven, especially with a minor-mastery Feiying Claw, his chances were slim.

But he was already on the arena, facing dozens of martial arts students. To retreat now would make him a laughingstock.

Song Yu looked at Shao Hong. Now he understood why Shao Hong had signaled him earlier.

Shao Hong had known Wu Ming had opened eleven acupoints.

“All of you are fools!”

Shao Hong cursed inwardly. He had no grudge against Fei Hong. He’d persuaded Wu Ming from Feiying Martial Arts Hall to target Lin Chen.

Originally, he’d planned for Zhu Tao to target Zhao Kang—Zhao Kang had mocked him in the Martial Garden, and he wanted Zhao Kang to pay.

But Zhang Qing had stepped forward unexpectedly, letting Zhao Kang escape.

Now Fei Hong stepped up—did he really think Iron Blood Martial Arts Hall was Poyang County’s undisputed number one?

“I heard Poyang County produced a genius whose technique reached perfection, and who won the March Contest. Why doesn’t he even show his face?”

Wu Ming didn’t know Shao Hong, but before coming, he’d made an agreement with a local family. His main purpose was to target Lin Chen from Poyang County—they’d offered a generous reward.

But Wu Ming wasn’t stupid. If Lin Chen were truly outstanding, he wouldn’t have taken the deal. He’d inquired carefully: since winning first place, Lin Chen had foolishly switched to another technique, pursuing the extreme martial path.

Before Wu Ming arrived, Lin Chen hadn’t even broken through to nine acupoints. Even if he’d reached nine now, it wouldn’t matter.

With a two-acupoint advantage and a minor-mastery Feiying Claw, even if Lin Chen’s Clear Wind Palm reached perfection, it wouldn’t help.

After opening nine acupoints, the gap between each acupoint grows ever larger.

“Lin Brother?”

Hearing Wu Ming’s boastful words, Lu Yongfeng and the others turned to Lin Chen.

“Lin Brother, don’t act rashly. Wu Ming has opened eleven acupoints—he clearly came prepared. Besides, you’re wearing a mask. No one can recognize you.”

Fu Ang whispered, secretly relieved Lin Brother wore the mask—it was almost prophetic.

As long as none of them spoke up, no one would know Lin Brother had come. They’d have an excuse later.

Lin Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly. He stared at the arrogant Wu Ming on the arena, then at Fei Hong, caught between retreat and battle on the other arena.

On the arena, Fei Hong finally made his decision—he couldn’t back down.

“Then—”

“Forgive me, Brother Fei.”

Just as Fei Hong opened his mouth, a voice rang out. Hearing the familiar tone, Fei Hong instantly turned toward the source.

Not just Fei Hong—all the students in the crowd turned toward the voice.

When they saw the figure lift his mask to reveal his face, many Poyang County students grew excited.

“It’s Lin Brother!”

"I knew Brother Lin would show up."

No matter how the various martial academies had been debating Lin Chen lately—some calling him arrogant, others fearing he might lose his top spot—

when Lin Chen actually stood before them, these students realized that in their hearts, Brother Lin remained the irreplaceable number one.

"I shouldn’t have interrupted Brother Fei’s match, but since they named you specifically, I must respond. I’d be grateful if Brother Fei would yield this opportunity to me."

Lin Chen smiled at Fei Hong, who was filled with gratitude; he knew Brother Lin said this to spare his dignity.

"If Brother Lin is interested, then I’ll just stand aside and cheer for you."

Fei Hong readily took the opening, and inwardly he marveled—Brother Lin’s conduct and demeanor were beyond reproach; he was thoroughly convinced.

PS: Combined chapter—requesting monthly votes

(End of chapter)