[{"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-118":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},2265953,4424,"Chapter 118: The Overworked Village Chief (Requesting Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-118",118,"\u003Cp>Linhu Village!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Remember, don’t cause trouble. The prefecture city isn’t like the county—back in the county, Xiao Chen could still lend you some support, but in the prefecture city there are too many powerful people; if you really get into trouble, don’t go looking for Xiao Chen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Save your money—don’t stay at inns, just find a dockside lodging and sleep on a shared bunk; don’t pay more than twenty wen for a place to sleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old village chief Zhao Canghu was now giving these instructions to the three villagers before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The county-level contest was being held in the prefecture city, so Zhao Canghu could not, as he had last time, bring the entire village to cheer for Lin Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, even if everyone went, they wouldn’t be able to watch the contest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already inquired with the town head: this year’s contest was being held inside the Wuzheng Office, and outsiders were not allowed entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, he had arranged for three villagers to go to the prefecture city and wait outside the Wuzheng Office, ready to return to the village immediately once the results were announced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Lin Chen achieves a good ranking this time, not only must they offer sacrifices to the ancestors, but it’s also time to repair the ancestral hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief, rest assured—we won’t cause any trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man spoke up in assurance; he had been chosen by the chief not because he was close to Lin Chen, but, as the chief put it, his physique was strong enough to ride back and deliver the news quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The village’s strongest man was Gu Fei, but Gu Fei was currently busy cultivating his essence and had no time to spare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu had also considered whether to send someone from the Lin family, but ultimately decided against it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen’s parents were clearly unsuited for such a long journey to the prefecture city, and as for Lin Chen’s older brother Lin Liang, out of caution, it was better not to send him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not seeking trouble doesn’t mean trouble won’t seek you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better safe than sorry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Lin Liang encountered trouble and suffered losses in the prefecture city, given the deep brotherly bond between Lin Chen and Lin Liang, Lin Chen would surely seek revenge, stirring up unnecessary conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these three men aren’t close to Lin Chen—if they get into trouble and are wronged, Lin Chen will likely think carefully before acting, rather than impulsively reacting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu would never voice these inner calculations; to the three villagers, the chief’s decision to send them to the prefecture city was a sign of his trust and favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a wave of his hand, Zhao Canghu dismissed the three villagers, then pulled a book from his robe—its title: Thirty Maxims for Poor Martial Practitioners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had recently commissioned someone in the county to collect this book from local booksellers, and he kept several similar volumes in his home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bought these books for one reason alone: it was rare for Linhu Village to produce a Lin Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One point mentioned in this book was: when a poor martial practitioner achieves even modest success, he must advise his family not to cause trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the book, many martial practitioners from humble backgrounds, once they gained some standing, saw their families grow arrogant and reckless, offending powerful clans, suffering brutal suppression, and ultimately being reduced to commoners again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu strongly agreed. He knew Lin Chen’s parents well—they weren’t the type to be domineering. Lin Mu might be vain, but that was easily managed—just have the village wives say a few flattering words to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading these books, Zhao Canghu had issued stern orders: no one from Linhu Village was permitted to exploit Lin Chen’s name for any purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having lived so long, Zhao Canghu saw things clearly: though Lin Chen had yet to bring tangible benefits to the village, the entire village was already basking in his reflected glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every household had relatives in other villages, especially the young brides—most of whom came from outside villages. Since Lin Chen’s rise, villagers speaking to their in-laws outside now carried more weight; at banquets, conversations inevitably turned to Lin Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu wasn’t a cold-hearted, rigid man—he understood that villagers boasting slightly about Lin Chen to their relatives, enjoying an extra cup of wine, was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they were forbidden from revealing Lin family secrets, and absolutely forbidden from using Lin Chen’s name to extort money or make promises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anyone dared to do so, don’t expect leniency from the village chief—he would expel them from Linhu Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s hard enough for a poor family’s child to rise—don’t let their own family and neighbors destroy it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my age, I can’t help Lin Chen in his cultivation, so I’ll guard his home, ensuring he has no worries and can devote himself fully to the martial path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief, two more pleasure boats have arrived on the lake today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhao Canghu read in his courtyard, a villager rushed in with the news; he frowned. Since Lin Chen won the monthly contest, the waters around their village had filled with pleasure boats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumors spread that Linhu Village had excellent feng shui, and some came merely to sightsee—he didn’t stop them. But others had ulterior motives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In recent days, many well-to-do young women had appeared in Linhu Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, he thought they came because of Lin Chen, but as villagers reported, he realized things weren’t so simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were drawn to Lin Chen’s older brother, Lin Liang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I need to visit the Lin household—Lin Liang’s marriage must be settled, or some people won’t give up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief, what brings you here? Come inside and sit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s father, hoe in hand, was about to head to the fields; seeing the chief approaching, he turned and called to his wife: “The chief is here—did we boil tea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have something to discuss with you both—is Xiao Liang home?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our village has many pleasure boats on the lake—Xiao Liang teaches the sons and daughters of wealthy families how to fish; he earns thirty wen a day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s father led the chief inside; Lin’s mother had already brewed tea and poured a bowl for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the countryside, tea is served in bowls, not cups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu didn’t touch the tea; hearing Lin’s mother’s words, he frowned: “Thirty wen is no small sum, but Xiao Liang is Lin Chen’s older brother—by that status alone, even three hundred wen would be paid willingly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s parents froze at the chief’s words; Lin’s mother recovered first: “Chief, what do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What else could it mean? How many young men have the patience to sit and fish? They don’t care whether Xiao Liang catches fish—they want Xiao Liang himself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu spoke plainly to Lin’s parents: “There are many better fishermen in our village—why do they choose Xiao Liang? Have you ever wondered?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And that Chen family’s daughter—every time she comes boating, she seeks out Xiao Liang. She’s interested in Xiao Liang himself, and why? Because of your Lin Chen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu made his meaning crystal clear; Lin’s parents understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief, surely not—Chen’s family is a wealthy household. Would they really consider Xiao Liang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s father doubted it; Lin’s mother snorted: “Our Xiao Liang isn’t bad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even she spoke without conviction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve had someone investigate the Chen family—they own a hundred acres of land, a solid household in Qingshan Town.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief, you said they own a hundred acres—maybe they’d consider Chen for Lin, but Xiao Liang? Isn’t that overthinking, Chief?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Chen family is indeed a big household in Qingshan Town—but only compared to our village. You truly don’t understand what it means that Lin Chen won first place in the March contest. Believe me, if Lin Chen wanted to marry, there are noble families in the city lining up to offer their daughters—any one of them is far superior to the Chen family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu felt relieved he had come in time; Lin Jiang and his wife still didn’t grasp what Lin Chen’s emergence as a martial prodigy meant for their family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Lu family, Zhao family, and Cheng family in our town—none are inferior to the Chen family. Yet why do their patriarchs treat you, Lin Jiang, with such warmth, calling you ‘brother’? Is it because they’re humble? No—it’s because you’re Lin Chen’s father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is your Lin family’s private matter. Since the Chen family has intentions to marry into your family, I, as village chief, shouldn’t interfere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief, please don’t say that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s father quickly spoke: “My wife and I only know how to farm and fish. Lin Chen has come this far only because of your help—we know this well. Whatever you think best for Xiao Liang, we’ll follow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, we’ll do whatever you say, Chief. Before Lin Chen went to the martial academy, he told us: if we ever face a decision we can’t make, we should come to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s mother had initially felt a quiet delight at the thought of a wealthy household like the Chens wanting to marry their son—but then she realized: if the chief had come here for this reason, it couldn’t be simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This matter ultimately depends on Xiao Liang’s own feelings. The Chen family wants to marry their daughter because they see Lin Chen’s potential. If Xiao Liang truly likes the Chen girl, this match isn’t impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s father interrupted suddenly: “Xiao Liang shouldn’t marry the Chen girl—he and Er Ya are already well matched.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his wife’s puzzled look, Lin Jiang smiled bitterly: “What kind of family are we? Before Lin Chen became a martial cultivator, we were just fishermen and farmers—completely beneath the Chen family’s notice. Could the Chen daughter truly like Xiao Liang, or is she just obeying her parents’ orders?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think the Chen daughter looks down on Xiao Liang deep down. If we force this marriage, she’ll harbor resentment. The Chen family is pushing their daughter into this marriage for some reason—when it comes to scheming and cunning, how can our humble family compete?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, a son marrying into a wealthy household is a proud thing—but Lin Jiang knew clearly: this marriage would not be a good one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s first call Xiao Liang back and ask him what he thinks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu stroked his beard, pleased that Lin Jiang had grasped this point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quarter hour later, Lin Liang returned home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, Mother, Chief, you’re here too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When villagers told him his parents wanted him, Lin Liang rowed back to shore and rushed home—only to find the chief already inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Liang, I want to ask you—what do you think of the Chen family’s second daughter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu asked with a smile; Lin Liang blinked, then smiled wryly: “Chief, I know what you’re going to say—I have no feelings for the Chen girl. I know she’s friendly with me only because of Xiao Chen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Liang’s answer surprised Zhao Canghu and Lin’s parents. Seeing their expressions, Lin Liang chuckled: “I’m not stupid. The Chen girl won’t even touch a fish—she says it’s dirty and stinks. She doesn’t like fishing at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, there are plenty of better fishermen in our village—why pick me to teach? It’s because of Xiao Chen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu patted Lin Liang’s shoulder approvingly: “Though this Chen girl doesn’t like fishing, she’s fair and delicate—if you truly like her, just say the word, and the Chen family will gladly marry her to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief, I really have no such thoughts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Liang shook his head. Wealthy families’ daughters certainly had more grace and beauty than village girls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling his first encounters with the Chen girl, Lin Liang admitted he had been momentarily stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a refined lady—he had never dared even look at her before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after several interactions, though she deliberately sought him out, he noticed her disdainful manner toward fishermen like himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m only doing this for the thirty wen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good lad—you’re sharp.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu laughed heartily. Lin’s father spoke up: “Xiao Liang, it’s time to arrange your marriage. I’ll send a matchmaker to the Chen family right away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll follow Father’s wishes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Liang didn’t object—he preferred Er Ya. Being with her felt comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re getting married, you need a new house. I’ll find you a plot of land in the village.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A new house?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Liang quickly waved his hands: “Chief, no need—wait a few years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Foolish boy, building a house won’t cost much. Don’t worry about your brother—he won’t miss a few taels for his cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the village, a basic house cost just a few taels; a slightly better one with blue tiles and red bricks cost barely over ten taels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given Lin’s circumstances, if Lin Liang built a house, the whole village would help him, saving him a lot of money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s settled then. As for the marriage arrangements, you three discuss it among yourselves—I won’t interfere further.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Canghu came worried, and left satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as he passed by the Lin family ancestral home, Zhao Canghu sighed at the sight of its tightly closed gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chaoyang finally understands now, but it’s too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Lin’s parents were discussing the best time to propose marriage, Lin Chen was already leaving Poyang County with the team, riding horseback straight toward Raozhou Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They set out at dawn and only reached the gates of Raozhou Prefecture at dusk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was dusk, the flow of people at Raozhou Prefecture’s gate remained constant, with merchant caravans coming and going without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lin Shiwei, look over there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Ang signaled with his eyes; Lin Chen followed his gaze and saw another group of riders appearing on the opposite side of the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those are martial arts students from Yushan County. This year’s county contest isn’t just between Poyang and Yanshan—other counties are competing too, all organized by the Wuzheng Office. We’re just the ones assigned to go first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tai Rubai, seeing where Lin Chen and Fu Ang were looking, whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Tai, why are Poyang and Yanshan the first?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why else? Our two counties have always ranked last in every prefectural exam. The strongest competitors are saved for last as the grand finale.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2378,"2026-06-19T20:25:56.550Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","93fbc8e651c159901cd9fe4c62e0ae43829d86e0ab10e38f45ad57d41e412ac2","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-119","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-117",591,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Frising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-cover.jpg"]