Chapter 125: Su Lingchuan: You act—I

One hour later!

Lian Yu and the other four appeared at the corner of the street where the Wuzheng Office was located.

“No wonder this is a famous restaurant in the prefectural city—today, thanks to Senior Brother Lian, I’ve finally tasted the delicacies of Weishangxian.”

“This meal today will make every other dish tasteless to me for days to come.”

Several students from Yongfeng County surrounded Lian Yu like stars circling the moon.

Four parts truth, six parts lie.

It was simply because the Lian family was a prominent clan in Yongfeng County.

At the height of the Lian family’s glory, they produced a seventh-rank martial cultivator; even now, though somewhat declined, the family still had an eighth-rank martialist holding the fort.

Yet these flatteries came to an abrupt halt upon seeing the figures standing before them.

“L-Lin Chen!”

One student from Yongfeng County stammered—no matter how much they had just flattered Lian Yu and the Lian family, no matter how much they had belittled Lin Chen in their words.

Yet deep inside, these students still feared Lin Chen.

A single person causing a county student to surrender automatically—something the Ruzhou Prefecture had never seen before.

Although Lin Chen’s battle with the Yanshan County student ended midway, everyone knew that even Shen Ge couldn’t break Lin Chen’s defense, let alone any other student from Yanshan County.

The Wuzheng Office declaring Lin Chen the victor was merely a face-saving gesture for Yanshan County.

Seeing Lin Chen, the alcohol in these Yongfeng County students instantly evaporated—especially when they noticed the three villagers standing behind him, they understood exactly what was happening.

All eyes turned to Lian Yu; Lian Yu’s eyes flickered with irritation—he hadn’t expected that merely teasing the Linhu villagers would be discovered by Lin Chen.

“What’s the meaning of Senior Brother Lin blocking my path?” Lian Yu glared at Lin Chen coldly.

Lin Chen said nothing, only fixed his gaze on Lian Yu; the coldness in his eyes made the Yongfeng County students involuntarily step back a few paces.

Lian Yu did the same—only after stepping back did he realize it, and his anger deepened: how could he, a true Lian family scion, be driven back by the mere gaze of this peasant-born fool? It was humiliating.

One student slipped around from the side; Lin Chen made no move to stop him.

“Could it be that my words to these villagers offended Senior Brother Lin?” Lian Yu forced calmness, explaining: “I was only joking with these three. By the time Senior Brother Lin returns, the Linhu villagers will naturally learn the truth—going from disappointment to surprise, isn’t that a more delightful emotional shift?”

Seeing Lin Chen still silent, Lian Yu gave a perfunctory bow: “It seems Senior Brother Lin isn’t the type to take a joke. If so, I apologize.”

With that, Lian Yu didn’t wait for Lin Chen’s reply—he turned and walked toward the Wuzheng Office gate.

He’d already apologized—what more did they want?

But the moment he took a step forward, Lin Chen’s figure blocked him again.

“What now? Senior Brother Lin still blocking me? Are you planning to attack me? This is the Wuzheng Office! The rules forbid students from fighting privately!”

Lian Yu felt secure—he even hoped Lin Chen would strike. If Lin Chen dared to move, the Wuzheng Office would punish him severely; even Poyang County couldn’t save him.

Seeing Lian Yu’s taunting gaze, Lin Chen sighed. This noble-born brat had no idea how much harm a single joke could inflict on others.

“If you can take one of my palms, this matter is settled!”

Lin Chen struck out with a palm; Lian Yu’s face changed—he had hoped Lin Chen would act, but not to be injured himself. He instantly tried to retreat.

Having witnessed Lin Chen’s strength, Lian Yu knew he was no match.

Yet his retreat was swift—Lin Chen’s palm was faster.

As Lian Yu reeled backward, his body still unsteady, the Clear Wind Palm followed like a shadow and landed on his shoulder.

Crack!

A crisp sound of shattering bone echoed through the scene; Lian Yu’s shoulder collapsed, his face twisting in agony.

“I break one bone to punish you!”

Without even glancing at Lian Yu, Lin Chen turned and walked away.

But the moment he turned, a figure burst out from the Wuzheng Office gate.

“Lin Chen, how dare you injure my cousin!”

Seeing his cousin clutching his shoulder in pain, Lian Cheng flew into a rage, his body exploding upward—beneath his feet, the blue stone tiles shattered instantly.

Using the momentum from his feet, he surged forward in an instant, his arms thick with knotted muscles like ancient tree roots, his fist driving forward with a roar that could shatter stone and split cliffs, aimed straight at Lin Chen’s chest.

The Mountain-Crushing Fist—devastatingly swift and powerful!

Lin Chen stood his ground and struck out with a single palm.

Their palms collided; Lian Cheng twisted midair before landing, while Lin Chen remained rooted—but the blue stone tiles beneath his feet cracked into several pieces.

Such immense power!

Lian Cheng was also a Fifteen-Apertures cultivator, same as Shen Ge—but his palm strike was even stronger than Shen Ge’s Burning Cloud Palm.

“Lin Chen, you really think winning a single match against Yanshan County makes you invincible in the prefectural city? You’ve become utterly arrogant!”

Lian Cheng, unable to push Lin Chen back, his face darkened, and he unleashed the Mountain-Crushing Fist again.

“Arrogant?” Lin Chen snorted. “You really love slapping on labels.”

With that, Lin Chen closed the distance, his hands like a breeze—each palm strike carried the howl of a gale.

The guards at the Wuzheng Office gate had noticed the commotion, but seeing it was Lin Chen and Lian Cheng, they said nothing.

Even a third-rank official at a chancellor’s gate must know whom he’s facing.

They’d heard Lin Chen’s name today—and anyone who could fight Lin Chen to a standstill must be a prodigy student too.

The battle between two prodigies was beyond their authority to interfere in.

Their figures clashed repeatedly along the street; each palm impact sent shockwaves scattering dust across the ground.

After ten breaths, Lin Chen already had a clear sense of things.

Lian Cheng’s strength was indeed formidable, far beyond ordinary martialists—but still inferior to his own.

“Whirlwind Sweeping Clouds!”

Lin Chen decided not to prolong it—he was about to unleash the killing technique of the Clear Wind Palm when a thunderous shout rang out.

“Enough! Stop!”

The shout made Lin Chen’s blood surge and his breath grow chaotic; he looked at Lian Cheng—his expression was identical.

At the Wuzheng Office gate, the man who had presided over the match glared coldly at both: “This is the Wuzheng Office! How dare you two brawl at its very gate? You’ve got balls.”

He glared at the four frozen soldiers: “What are you still standing there for? Take these two inside!”

Facing a ranked cultivator, Lin Chen made no resistance—only turned to look at Uncle Haibo and the others: “Uncle Haibo, find an inn and rest. I’ll come find you later.”

Uncle Wang Haibo and the others wore worried expressions, but under the circumstances, they could do nothing—they nodded.

As for the inn’s silver, Lin Chen’s junior brother had already given them ten taels.

The soldiers didn’t physically restrain them—again, any ordinary student who fought at the Wuzheng Office gate would face severe punishment.

But prodigies? Especially two prodigies? Despite Officer Xu’s harsh words, they’d likely receive only a light reprimand.

Martial prodigies had such privileges.

“Both of you go inside and reflect deeply. You’ve gone too far! Keep them under strict watch—no visitors allowed. I’ll report to the Director before deciding further punishment.”

Looking at the pitch-black cell before him, Lin Chen walked in silently.

The dark cell exerted heavy psychological pressure—but to Lin Chen, it meant nothing. He bore the title “Pitch-Black Through and Through”—he was long accustomed to darkness.

As for the Wuzheng Office Director, he trusted that Senior Brother Su would defend him.

…

…

Wuzheng Office main hall.

Qiu Rufeng wore a grim expression; the directors of each county’s Wuzheng Office were all present.

Su Lingchuan and the hawk-nosed man glared at each other, neither willing to yield in aura.

The other directors sat quietly in their chairs, eyes downcast, already prepared to watch the show in silence.

Lian Cheng—the top young talent of the Lian family, the strongest student in this year’s Yongfeng County cohort.

Lin Chen need not be explained—within three months, he had perfected the Clear Wind Palm, walked the extreme martial path, and even achieved perfection in the Iron Bone Art in such a short time.

Let Su’s younger brother and Qu’s younger brother fight it out over these two prodigies.

“Truly excellent! Who would’ve thought students would dare fight at the Wuzheng Office gate? Su Lingchuan, Qu Jingcheng—is this your teaching? Your cultivation of students?”

Qiu Rufeng laughed bitterly, his aged eyes sharp enough to pierce steel—making Su Lingchuan and Qu Jingcheng both tense.

“Director, Lian Cheng acted out of necessity. Lin Chen attacked our Yongfeng County student Lian Yu at the Wuzheng Office gate and injured him. Lian Cheng, as Lian Yu’s cousin, saw his own kin harmed and could not stand idly by. If he had done nothing, he wouldn’t have the spirit to reach this level.”

Qu Jingcheng spoke in defense; the other directors nodded—this was indeed reasonable.

If your own kin were bullied and you still dared not act, what was the point of practicing martial arts?

“Why did Lin Chen attack Lian Yu?”

Qiu Rufeng’s gaze fell on Su Lingchuan—but before Su could answer, the man who had escorted Lin Chen and Lian Cheng replied: “Report, Director: according to my investigation, earlier, some villagers from Linhu Village came to the Wuzheng Office gate to inquire about the county match results. Lian Yu encountered them and falsely claimed that Poyang County had lost and that Lin Chen was severely injured. Lin Chen learned of this lie and waited at the gate.”

Su Lingchuan glanced at the man in surprise, thinking inwardly: “Deputy Director Xu is defending Lin Chen.”

“Director, Deputy Director Xu—Lian Yu lied, yes, but he was only joking. The match results will reach Poyang County soon anyway; his lie is harmless. Moreover, Lian Yu later apologized to Lin Chen. Even if Lin Chen was displeased, he should have reported it to the Wuzheng Office or informed Senior Brother Su—Senior Brother Su would have stood up for him.”

Listening to Qu Jingcheng, Su Lingchuan made no immediate rebuttal—Lin Chen had acted with his permission.

This scene had been exactly what he anticipated.

Lin Chen struck—now it was his turn to speak.

After Qu Jingcheng finished, Su Lingchuan finally spoke: “Senior Brother Qu, I have a few questions for you.”

Qu Jingcheng, surprised Su didn’t immediately counter him, grew wary.

“How old are your parents, Senior Brother Qu?”

Though puzzled by the question, Qu Jingcheng answered: “Both are over sixty.”

“Suppose today a beast rampages through Yongfeng County, and you slay it, saving the people. I come to deliver good news—but I joke with your parents, telling them that Yongfeng Town was attacked, you fought the beast to save the people, and you died heroically. Would you accept that?”

Qu Jingcheng froze; he could not accept it—his parents were elderly, and if they heard of his death, they might fall gravely ill.

“This… this contradicts what Lian Yu said. Lin Chen’s parents are still young, and Lian Yu only mentioned Lin Chen was injured. Your example, Su Shi-di, is inappropriate.”

“Inappropriate?”

Su Lingchuan’s expression turned solemn. He first bowed to Qiu Rufeng, then said: “Lin Chen’s father is merely an ordinary fisherman; his mother is a village woman. Hardship breeds no noble sons. Lin Chen has reached this point only because his family sold every pot and pan to fund his entry into the Martial Hall.”

“When Lin Chen ranked first in the Martial Hall, before entering the Martial Academy next January, villagers from Linhu spontaneously donated silver and copper coins—some gave half a string, others a full string…”

“Lin Chen once told me: his unwavering devotion to the martial path, his personal pursuit of martial excellence, stems from a desire to honor the villagers’ generosity and not betray his family’s sacrifices.”

“If false news reached Linhu Village, what blow would it deal to Lin Chen’s parents? What blow would it deal to the entire village?”

“Lin Chen’s journey, given his background, cannot be summed up by the phrase ‘noble son from a poor family.’”

Su Lingchuan’s eyes blazed as he slowly recited:

【My family was poor; I entered the Martial Hall, beginning my martial studies.】

【All other students feasted on meat; I ate none.】

【Zhang Tao laughed at me: ‘Stingy.’】

【I laughed it off.】

【For five months, I feared my strength would fail and I’d be eliminated.】

【I gritted my teeth and bought it. The flavor was exquisite; the bitterness in my heart, I could not tell anyone.】

“The passage you recited, Shi-di, was written by Lin Chen when he barely passed his sixth-month assessment in the Martial Hall. One jin of beef… All of you senior brothers, when you trained, probably grew sick of beef, even flinched at its smell. Yet for Lin Chen, it was a treasure he could afford only by gritting his teeth.”

“The reports from Jingshui Martial Academy and Zhenyue Martial Academy, submitted to me regarding Lin Chen’s performance in the Martial Hall, contain two lines I remember vividly.”

“At midnight, the academy’s laborers still heard the sound of Lin Chen practicing in his dormitory.”

“Of all students who took the Opening Meridian Pill, Lin Chen was the only one who never purchased the rare meat and blood from the academy’s mess hall.”

Su Lingchuan’s voice rose sharply; the other Wuzhengsuo directors present wore expressions of deep emotion.

“Hardship for a poor-born martial cultivator” sounded light, but today, Su Lingchuan’s words gave them a concrete, visceral understanding.

Qiu Rufeng’s aged eyes gleamed faintly, as if deep in thought.

“Brother Qu, let me ask you: what right does Lian Yu have to make such a joke?”

“This is no joke. It is contempt for a youth who rose from poverty. It is the arrogance of noble-born heirs toward poor-born disciples!”

“On a small scale, Lin Chen brought glory to Poyang County’s martial arts at a critical moment. Lian Yu’s act is an insult to the entire Poyang County martial community.”

Zhang Wangshan, director of the Yanshan County Wuzhengsuo, sitting in his chair, twitched his lips.

“On a grand scale, this is an insult to the Wuzhengsuo’s duty to cultivate martial virtue, an affront to Emperor Taizu’s decree to strengthen the nation through martial arts!”

Qu Jingcheng’s mouth hung slightly open. As he listened to Su Lingchuan recount Lin Chen’s deeds, his anger vanished. He now accepted that Lian Yu had deserved that slap. Let the matter end here.

But Su Shi-di dragged in the Wuzhengsuo and Emperor Taizu—wasn’t this tone too high?

“Director, I request Lian Yu be expelled from the Wuzhengsuo roster, to uphold our institution’s moral integrity and prevent the hearts of poor-born students across the land from growing cold.”

At these words, Qu Jingcheng’s face changed. Su Shi-di was making a mountain out of a molehill.

Lin Chen suffered no loss; the news never reached home; and Lian Yu was the one injured.

“Director, Lian Yu’s act carried no great malice. Please, Director, consider this.”

By now, Qu Jingcheng had no intention of punishing Lin Chen. After Su Lingchuan’s speech, ensuring Lian Yu faced consequences was already generous.

“Suspend all privileges Lian Yu enjoys at the martial academies. If he violates Wuzhengsuo regulations again, expel him from the academy, as a warning to others.”

Qiu Rufeng spoke slowly. His words stunned the other Wuzhengsuo directors—this punishment was severe indeed.

Clearly, the Director held Lin Chen in high regard.

All present were shrewd. Had the Director not valued Lin Chen, Su Lingchuan’s words alone would have resulted in nothing more than thirty lashes each and an end to the matter.

“Lian Yu and Lin Chen shall each be confined for one day.”

“Your wisdom is great.”

Su Lingchuan smiled warmly in agreement. One day of confinement meant little to a martial cultivator—the Poyang County contest was already over, and it would not affect Lin Chen.

“All dismissed.”

Qiu Rufeng waved them off. Soon, only Deputy Director Xu Luncai remained in the hall.

“Luncai, I noticed your expression earlier. Is there something amiss with Lian Yu?”

Qiu Rufeng spoke. Xu Luncai was his half-disciple. Given Xu Luncai’s nature, he would never have defended Lin Chen unless the Lian family had done something to displease him.

“Lian Yu likely bathed in the blood of a ranked beast,” Xu Luncai replied.

“Ranked beast blood?” Qiu Rufeng’s aged eyes narrowed. “Where did the Lian family obtain ranked beast blood?”

Before Xu Luncai could answer, Qiu Rufeng continued: “I understand. You suspect the Lian family has colluded with the demonic races, and that’s why you subtly hinted to me.”

“Director, ranked beasts are exceedingly rare in our realm. During the ten-year purge, most Great Liang-level demonic beasts were slaughtered. The few survivors are masters of concealment. The Lian family lacks the ability to find such beasts.”

“Hmm. I concur with your speculation.”

Qiu Rufeng nodded slightly. To obtain ranked beast blood now, one must exchange for it at the imperial treasury, for only the Great Liang borderlands still wage war against demonic races, yielding abundant demonic flesh. The Lian family has no record of such exchanges.

“Pass this matter to Rao Prefecture. Have them investigate the Lian family thoroughly.”

“Understood.”

Xu Luncai agreed, then asked: “Director, your decision today will surely make the Lian family harbor resentment toward Lin Chen. If the Lian family truly has ties to the demonic races, they may strike at Lin Chen covertly. Should we assign covert guards?”

“After this county contest ends, Lin Chen enters the Martial Academy. The Lian family’s reach cannot extend that far. No need to worry.”

More pressing, Qiu Rufeng stroked his beard: “Luncai, the passage Su Lingchuan recited—Lin Chen’s own writing—I intend to have Lin Chen complete the full text and send it to the Jiangnan Dao Wuzheng Office.”

“Lin Chen’s words are plain, yet profoundly moving. I agree.”

“What do you think of my idea: after the county contest, have the top five county champions compete once more?”

Xu Luncai smiled bitterly: “Director, your favoritism is too obvious. Lin Chen is already invincible below the Eighteen Meridians. Your arrangement will surely invite resentment.”

“Hah! I merely cherish talent. But you’re right—too much is as bad as too little. If I favor Lin Chen too openly, I may push him into opposition with all the major families of Rao Prefecture.”

Qiu Rufeng had merely spoken on impulse. After hearing Xu Luncai’s counsel, he realized the idea was childish.

As Director of the Wuzhengsuo, he could not show excessive favoritism toward any student.

Great Liang’s martial prosperity does not rest on a single supreme warrior—it rests on the countless mid-tier martial cultivators.

When demonic beasts ravaged Great Liang, even the mightiest warriors could not eradicate them in fifty years. It was only through successive waves of mid-tier cultivators that the demonic beasts were nearly wiped out within thirty years.

“When Lin Chen’s confinement ends, bring him to me.”

“Yes.”

…

…

In the small black cell, though cramped, Lin Chen did not abandon his training.

The two guards watching the cell, hearing the various whooshing sounds from within, did not know what to say.

Since the Wuzhengsuo’s confinement cells were established, no student had ever trained during confinement. Yet, upon reflection, no rule forbade it.

“Director!”

Xu Luncai nodded. Hearing the sounds from the black cell, he twitched his lips.

Su Lingchuan had not exaggerated—Lin Chen never wasted a moment of training.

Most people, confined, would be terrified and unable to focus on cultivation. Lin Chen’s composure was already admirable.

“Lin Chen, come out.”

Xu Luncai did not open the door. He called out into the air. After a few breaths, the sounds inside ceased. Lin Chen opened the door and stepped out.

“Disciple Lin Chen bows to Director,” Lin Chen said politely.

“The Director wishes to see you. Come with me.”

Though he admired Lin Chen, Xu Luncai’s face remained cold.

Hearing the Director wished to see him, Lin Chen dared not ask questions. The Director of the Wuzhengsuo was one of the two most powerful men in Rao Prefecture.

Following this cold-faced official through the Wuzhengsuo for a few minutes, Lin Chen finally arrived at a courtyard.

“Enter. The Director awaits you.”

“Thank you, Director, for guiding me.”

After bowing politely, Lin Chen looked at the open courtyard gate and stepped inside.

The courtyard was small. Lin Chen gazed at the old man’s back and said respectfully: “Disciple Lin Chen bows to Director.”

Qiu Rufeng slowly turned, his aged eyes fixed on Lin Chen: “I ask you: have you ever had contact with the Martial Garden?”

(End of Chapter)