[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback":3,"chapter-rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-111":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Rising from Obscurity: My Martial Path Comeback",{"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},2265946,4424,"Chapter 111: The Threshold of a High-Status Mansion","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-111",111,"\u003Cp>Raozhou Prefecture borders Quzhou Prefecture to the east.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Poyang County lies north of Raozhou Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two horses departed from Poyang County’s gate, kicking up a cloud of yellow dust before vanishing into the depths of the official road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with nonstop galloping day and night, the journey from Poyang County to Quzhou Prefecture takes two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen rode behind Master Tai, pressing forward at full speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his first time traveling far from home; along the road he saw many merchant caravans, all guarded by warriors, who eyed the two with wary expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Tai, do all merchant caravans hire warriors for protection?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing several caravans guarded by warriors, Lin Chen grew curious—according to Senior Su and Senior He, Great Liang’s martial arts were flourishing; logically, there should be no bandits or robbers left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tai Rubai chuckled: “With warriors guarding them, no one dares intercept the cargo. Without warriors, such conspicuous caravans invite greedy minds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen understood: Raozhou Prefecture likely had no major bandit gangs, but with so many warriors around, it was like a child walking down the street with a gold ingot—no one would steal from an adult, but strangers might eye a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For merchants, it wasn’t worth the risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If a caravan is robbed but no one dies, the government office usually won’t investigate further.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tai Rubai dropped this hint, and Lin Chen’s eyes widened—he grasped the unspoken implication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was collusion between officials and bandits…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, not quite collusion—more like creating a legal path for warriors to earn money, all tacitly understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not every warrior can land a position in the government office. If a man spends a lifetime’s savings to train in martial arts, only to find no job, these warriors—though weak by martial standards—are still formidable to ordinary folk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Left unchecked, they’d become destabilizing forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Requiring caravans to hire warriors gives these warriors a livelihood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen even suspected some warriors worked as guards by day and turned into bandits by night, specifically targeting caravans without protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t always about the goods—it was to keep the escort business alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was much like nurturing bandits to maintain one’s own power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Poyang County’s territory, many caravan warriors stopped to bow upon seeing Tai Rubai; Lin Chen glanced at their builds and knew they were disciples of Zhenyue Martial Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhenyue Martial Hall’s disciples were famed as the most sought-after escorts—truly deserving of their reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But beyond Poyang County’s borders, the caravans grew wary of the two; most escort warriors weren’t from Poyang and didn’t recognize Tai Rubai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The journey passed smoothly and safely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the end, the repetitive, nearly identical scenery lost its novelty, and Lin Chen simply rode in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days later, dusty and weary, Lin Chen and Tai Rubai arrived before Quzhou Prefecture’s gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quzhou Prefecture’s gate loomed massive and imposing, like an unconquerable fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enormous gate had sixteen openings; carts and horses surged endlessly, with multiple queues winding out, stretching a full li in length.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tai Rubai led Lin Chen straight to the central path—the one with the fewest people waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warriors’ exclusive lane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Qi-Opening warriors could pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is Great Liang’s privilege for warriors. Quzhou Prefecture does it, and so does Raozhou Prefecture—but if you’re escorting a caravan, you can’t use this lane.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tai Rubai explained to Lin Chen, ignoring the envious glances from commoners queued on either side—he’d seen them too many times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once inside the city, Tai Rubai smiled: “First, bathe and change into clean clothes, then go to Li’s mansion to request an audience with Senior Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bathe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So all this dust meant a spa treatment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he about to experience this world’s customs?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon Lin Chen realized he’d overthought it—Master Tai took him to an inn and booked two rooms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen smiled inwardly—it made sense. Even if Master Tai had come to Quzhou Prefecture dusty before, he’d never bring a student along for leisure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was a master; he had to maintain his image before his disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The innboy heated water; after a hot bath, Lin Chen shed his fatigue and stepped out refreshed. Tai Rubai was already waiting in the front courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li’s mansion is some distance away. Let’s go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quzhou Li Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a mansion housing a sixth-rank warrior, it was extraordinarily grand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the gatekeeper was a Qi-Opening warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tai Rubai announced his identity and was led to a side hall to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be nervous. Senior Li is kind-hearted, especially toward younger disciples. When you meet him, answer truthfully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li’s main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shunan frowned slightly as he listened to the gatekeeper’s report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Zhenyue Martial Hall well—when his father was young and training in hardening arts, he’d heard Zhenyue’s hardening techniques were unique, so he traveled there to study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spent a year at Zhenyue, then returned to Quzhou. Because of that bond, every year-end, the Zhenyue master would visit, and his father would personally receive him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father is out visiting friends today and will stay overnight at the estate. Have them lodge here—I won’t see them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li An considered: the Zhenyue master had remained at the peak of Internal Organ Cultivation for years, never breaking into the ranked ranks—hardly worth his attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His father’s bond with Zhenyue didn’t mean the Li family owed them anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhenyue’s people were clueless—over the years, they only visited his father. Aside from bringing gifts for his father’s birthday, they’d never attended any other Li family celebration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, we have guests?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li An made arrangements, a young girl entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I saw people in the side hall when I came back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guests from Poyang County.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Poyang County? That’s in Raozhou Prefecture—do we have relatives there?” Li Qi asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not our relatives. It’s the master of a martial hall. Your grandfather studied there for a time. They came to pay respects to him, but he’s out visiting friends and won’t return until late. Have them stay overnight; we’ll inform your grandfather tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see.” Li Qi was curious: “I saw a boy about my age—probably a martial hall disciple. Why did the master bring him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Either he’s a junior relative hoping to impress your grandfather, or a disciple with strong martial talent, brought for your grandfather to assess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li An smiled slightly—he told his daughter everything. Upon hearing the Zhenyue master brought a boy, he’d already guessed the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why he chose not to meet them—let his father decide when he returned. If his father offered a gift, the bond would end there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t care about that. Father, I’ve invited some friends over today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine. I’ll tell the kitchen to prepare a Seven-Feather Spirit Chicken for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That girl just now must be Senior Li’s granddaughter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the side hall, Tai Rubai watched the girl skip away, then whispered to Lin Chen after she left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Tai, you’ve never met Senior Li’s descendants?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen was surprised—Master Tai had said he visited Li’s mansion every year-end. After so many years, surely he’d met Senior Li’s family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Li and Zhenyue have a bond. I come as Zhenyue’s master, preserving that bond. If I befriended Senior Li’s descendants, I’d be exploiting Zhenyue’s connection to build my own network.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tai Rubai looked deeply at Lin Chen. For four generations, Zhenyue’s masters had preserved this bond—none had ever used it for personal gain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Except for Senior Li’s birthday, Zhenyue never attends any other Li family celebration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Li has received me all these years precisely because of this—this bond can only be used once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lin Chen understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senior Li’s status—sixth-rank martial powerhouse—if he’d remained in court service, he’d rank higher than the head of the Wuzheng Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a man’s favor was priceless—and only granted once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Tai Rubai or previous masters been selfish, Senior Li would have severed this bond long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Master, for your great kindness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen spoke sincerely. Such a precious favor—Master Tai had chosen to use it for him, showing him no less care than Jingshui Martial Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your martial talent justifies using this favor. Past halls have produced promising disciples—your classmate Gu Shi, for example, is Zhenyue’s most promising in five years—but still not enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a precious favor wasn’t something Tai Rubai could decide alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving the Wuzheng Office, he met his master—the former head—and several senior elders. All agreed to use this favor on Lin Chen, which is why he brought him to Quzhou to meet Senior Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen and Tai Rubai didn’t speak long—this was a side hall, crowded with eyes; some things couldn’t be said openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, footsteps approached. The gatekeeper returned, followed by a steward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Apologies for keeping you waiting. The master is out visiting friends and not at home. I’ll arrange lodging for you both. I’ve already sent word to inform him—he’ll notify you when he returns.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Tai Rubai knew Senior Li wasn’t home—the one in charge was clearly Li’s eldest son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, if Senior Li wasn’t home, Tai Rubai wouldn’t stay at the mansion—he’d find an inn and return the next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, he’d brought Lin Chen to seek Senior Li’s guidance. When Senior Li returned, he needed to meet Lin Chen immediately—it wouldn’t do to make him wait at the mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, steward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Li mansion was vast. Lin Chen followed the steward through several courtyards and corridors, finally arriving at a quiet little courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two rooms were small, but everything needed was present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen noticed a weapon rack in the courtyard corner, fully stocked with swords, spears, halberds, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guests who stay at the Li family’s residence are mostly martial artists; this courtyard functions as a small cultivation ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The head of the Tai guesthouse lives next door. After entering his own courtyard and taking a stroll, Lin Chen arrived in the center of the yard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even while traveling, he had no intention of ceasing his cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Iron Bone Art is inconvenient to practice, but his Water Cloud Palm has not yet reached perfection—he could continue refining it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Water Cloud Palm surged like crashing waves; the sound of tidal strikes echoed continuously through the courtyard. Tai Rubai, next door, heard the noise and wore a satisfied expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young and successful, yet still this diligent—rare indeed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tai Rubai did not remain in his courtyard. He stepped outside, intending to greet Lin Chen, but then remembered Lin Chen was cultivating and decided against it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had several old friends in Quzhou Prefecture; the day was still early, so he could visit them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After giving a few instructions to the servants at the gate, he headed toward the Li family’s main entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister Wang, you’ll stay in this courtyard tonight—it’s quiet. I’ll come call you later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the guest quarters, Li Qi led a woman, guided by a servant, into the courtyard next to Lin Chen’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet as soon as the two entered the courtyard, they heard the noise from next door. Li Qi frowned: “Is there a guest next door?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Arranged by Master Zhang. Supposedly, he’s a guest from Poyang County.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the servant’s reply, Li Qi recalled her father’s earlier words and realized who was staying there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go knock and tell him: no noise allowed inside the Li household.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone who couldn’t even meet her father’s face meant nothing to Li Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qi sister, no need. Just move me to another courtyard,” the woman beside her smiled, stopping her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister Wang, this courtyard has narcissus—your favorite flower. I picked it specially for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman saw the several narcissus plants in the courtyard’s flowerbed and finally ceased her objection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next door’s courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the knock, Lin Chen paused his cultivation. Before he could respond, the courtyard gate was pushed open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guest, no noise is allowed in the Li household. Please refrain from practicing martial arts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the servant’s words, Lin Chen froze. If the Li household forbade cultivation, then what were all these weapon racks for? Just for decoration?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for the reminder. I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Lin Chen nodded in agreement—he was a guest, and if the host had this rule, he would follow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the servant’s conduct was utterly impolite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a third-rank official bows before a chancellor’s gate. The Li family’s servants likely looked down on him, a guest from a county town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2081,"2026-06-19T20:25:56.550Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","64388cd5ff5f95ec1d15e2f9108a4c4363bd383b1424aba2d77d58a11fb9498d","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-112","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-110",591,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Frising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-cover.jpg"]