Chapter 178: Taking a Master

The courtyard of the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo.

Lin Chen did not stay in the main hall; he left after the matters concerning him were discussed.

As the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo responsible for the entire Jiangnan Circuit, it was impossible to hold a meeting specifically for Lin Chen. This time, Shao Jingshan summoned the directors of the various prefectural Martial Administration Offices because there were surely other official matters to attend to.

A quarter of an hour later.

Jia Nanzhu appeared in the courtyard.

Lin Chen bowed: "Yu Yu Jiaoxi Jia, you have kept this disciple in the dark for a long time."

"Kept you in the dark?" Jia Nanzhu was puzzled.

"How could an instructor have such a prominent seat in the main hall?"

Hearing Lin Chen's words, Jia Nanzhu smiled slightly: "Before I went to the special training grounds, I did indeed hold an important position in the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, but I had already resigned before meeting you. Now, I am just an ordinary instructor under the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo."

What an ordinary instructor!

Lin Chen's mouth twitched; this was on the same level as "plain-looking Gu Letian."

"I'll tell you a piece of good news: the Martial Administration Department did not announce your second name-leaving on Mount Wudao to the public because they want to see if you can leave your name on Mount Wudao a third time."

"Leave my name a third time?"

This time, Lin Chen did not feign humility but pondered for a moment: "This disciple does have that confidence."

Having left his name at eighteen and nineteen acupoints, to say he couldn't leave his name later would be excessive humility, and excessive humility is hypocrisy.

"I also feel that the possibility of you leaving your name on Mount Wudao again is very high."

Jia Nanzhu nodded, acknowledging Lin Chen's confidence.

"For your subsequent training, do you plan to stay here in Hongdu Prefecture or return to Poyang County?"

"This disciple wants to return to Poyang County."

Having lived in Poyang County for so many years, he was accustomed to it, and there were many familiar people there.

"Want to return home in glory?"

"This disciple wouldn't call it returning home in glory."

Lin Chen scratched his head in embarrassment; to say he didn't have that thought would be a lie.

He was no saint; showing off in front of others was still somewhat satisfying, and to a certain extent, returning home in glory was one of the motivations for his martial arts struggle.

"Winning the Martial Examination is what used to be called returning home in glory, but your name-leaving on Mount Wudao has a higher difficulty than winning the Martial Examination, though there is a gap in strength compared to the Martial Examination."

Jia Nanzhu explained with a laugh. A name-leaving on Mount Wudao only happens once every few years or even a decade, while the Martial Examination happens every three years, sometimes two.

Every Martial Examination, Jiangnan Circuit produces a dozen or so graduates, and the entire Great Liang produces two hundred graduates who make the golden list.

In terms of numbers and time, the difficulty of Lin Chen's name-leaving on Mount Wudao was much higher.

This was why the Jiangnan Circuit government issued a document for Raozhou Prefecture to erect a "Martial Encouragement Stele" for Lin Chen. If one participated in the Martial Examination, only those who achieved Grade A were qualified to have an archway erected, and to have a stele erected, one must be in the top three.

"I recall an interesting fact: among the martial artists currently in our Jiangnan Circuit, only one has received three stone steles sent by the imperial court. With your potential, you might have a chance to get two steles. If you have other opportunities in the future, you might be able to catch up to this senior."

"Three stone steles? Wouldn't it be enough for me to leave my name on Mount Wudao three times?"

Jia Nanzhu snorted lightly: "What do you think the imperial court's stele carving is? The highest reward for a Martial Hall student is this Martial Encouragement Stele, and it can only be obtained once. Even if you leave your name on Mount Wudao at every stage of acupoint opening later, the imperial court will not send you a second Martial Encouragement Stele. To get a second one, you must place in the top three in the Martial Examination. Throughout the entire Jiangnan Circuit, those who have received two stele rewards from the imperial court before entering the Ranked Tier are few and far between."

"So that's how it is."

Lin Chen suddenly realized, and upon reflection, it made sense. If a Martial Encouragement Stele were issued for every name-leaving, it would be too cheap.

"Originally, you would have received a Martial Encouragement Stele for winning the Jiangnan Circuit Martial Arts Model Student title, but since you already have one, the Jiangnan Circuit government naturally won't give you a second one. The rule of Great Liang is that one can only obtain one of the same stele."

"This disciple doesn't care much about these..."

"Wrong!"

Jia Nanzhu's expression became serious: "The imperial court's stele is the highest reward for a martial artist besides training resources. Do not underestimate the Martial Encouragement Stele; it is not just an honor. As long as this stele exists, the director of the Poyang County Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo must visit your home every year, and any new changes in martial arts edification in the entire Raozhou Prefecture will be documented and sent to you for your opinion. As for the policies issued by the Poyang County Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, you can even veto them directly."

"As for yourself, with this stele, as long as you enter the Ranked Tier, you can directly serve in the government office without even taking the Martial Examination. And for treasures in the imperial court's treasury, you can enjoy a discount on the contribution points required for exchange compared to others. But this is not the most important part of the Martial Encouragement Stele. The most important part... I will tell you when you enter the Ranked Tier."

"Jia Lin Shidi, no need to hide it. The most important part of this Martial Encouragement Stele is that there are some areas within Great Liang that can only be entered if certain conditions are met."

Shao Jingshan's figure appeared at the courtyard gate and strode in.

"This disciple greets Magistrate Shao."

Lin Chen hurriedly bowed. Shao Jingshan waved his hand: "There were some secrets that were meant to be told to you only after you entered the Ranked Tier, but with your martial arts potential, entering the Ranked Tier is no problem. Jia Lin Shidi, it doesn't matter if you tell Lin Chen now; it won't break the rules."

Jia Nanzhu shook his head: "The rules still cannot be broken."

Mainly because he was not Shao Lin Shixiong. As the head of the Jiangnan Circuit Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, he could naturally ignore some rules.

It was appropriate for Shao Lin Shixiong to say this, but inappropriate for him to say it.

"Jia Lin Shidi, you are just too rule-abiding."

Shao Jingshan replied with a smile, turning his gaze to Lin Chen: "Our Great Liang has many training treasure lands. Although there are risks, they can allow a martial artist's strength to advance rapidly. Ordinary martial artists cannot go to these areas, but with the Martial Encouragement Stele, you can enter them."

Training treasure lands?

The first thought that popped into Lin Chen's mind was secret realms.

Risky, but capable of rapidly improving strength—isn't that a secret realm?

"I can only tell you that some treasure lands can even allow a martial artist to rise two ranks in one night!"

Hearing Shao Jingshan's words, Lin Chen's eyes lit up. Rise two ranks in one night?

"Don't think about it. Magistrate Shao is joking with you. Although martial arts treasure lands can improve training progress, it's not that exaggerated. Magistrate Shao mentioned rising two ranks in one night because that senior was already on the verge of a breakthrough."

Jia Nanzhu saw Lin Chen's eyes shining and explained the truth.

"And with your current strength, you can't even enter the lowest treasure land. The lowest treasure land in our Great Liang requires the Organ Cultivation Stage to enter. Your task now is to hurry and break through to Organ Cultivation."

Lin Chen's eyes were a bit resentful; he was still fantasizing about breaking through two ranks in one night, only to be ruthlessly shattered by Yu Yu Jiaoxi Jia.

"Haha, Jia Lin Shidi, you are too boring. I was just letting this kid have something to look forward to."

Shao Jingshan laughed loudly. After a while, his smile faded, and he looked at Lin Chen: "Some things Jia Lin Shidi has already told you, so I won't repeat them. Do you want to stay in Hongdu Prefecture or return to Poyang County?"

"This disciple has decided to return to Poyang County."

Hearing Lin Chen's answer, Shao Jingshan looked at Jia Nanzhu.

"Shao Lin Shixiong, I have already resigned from my important position and want to relax. The scenery of Poyang Lake is beautiful, so I can live there for a while."

Jia Nanzhu understood the meaning in Shao Lin Shixiong's eyes. If Lin Chen returned to Poyang County, he would go back with him. With him there, there was no need to worry about Lin Chen's safety in Poyang County.

If even he couldn't protect Lin Chen, then Lin Chen wouldn't be safe in Hongdu Prefecture either. Lin Chen couldn't stay by Shao Lin Shixiong's side forever.

"Yu Yu Jiaoxi Jia?"

Lin Chen didn't expect Yu Yu Jiaoxi Jia to return to Poyang County with him. He originally thought that after Yu Yu Jiaoxi Jia returned to the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, his task of guiding him would be completed.

"Lin Chen, although Jia Lin Shidi doesn't care, I must tell you that Jia Lin Shidi is the Deputy Head of our Jiangnan Circuit Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo. To go to the special training grounds to guide you, he specially resigned from the position of Deputy Head."

Shao Jingshan saw Lin Chen's confusion and understood that Jia Lin Shidi probably hadn't told Lin Chen about this in advance. With Jia Lin Shidi's character, he probably wouldn't even mention resigning from the Deputy Head position for Lin Chen.

Jia Lin Shidi cherished talent, so he would give him a push.

"Yu Yu Jiaoxi Jia, you resigned from the position of Deputy Head of the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo for this disciple; there was really no need. This disciple..."

Hearing Magistrate Shao say that Yu Yu Jiaoxi Jia had resigned from his position to go to the special training grounds to guide him, Lin Chen's pupils contracted. To say he wasn't moved would be a lie.

"By what virtue or ability does this little one..."

"Alright, I resigned from the important position in the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, and it wasn't entirely for you. I was also a bit tired, and for so many years, my strength hasn't improved. Continuing to occupy this position, I fear I would annoy many people. It's better to just take the opportunity of guiding you to leave gracefully."

Jia Nanzhu waved his hand, stopping Lin Chen from continuing.

His words were thirty percent true and seventy percent false. The thirty percent truth was that his strength had indeed begun to decline over the years, and he had already considered retiring several years ago, but because he hadn't found a suitable successor, he continued to serve.

The person most qualified to succeed him was originally Jiang Zheng of Hongdu Prefecture, but the dispute between Lin Chen and Li Zhe allowed Qiu Rufeng to pick up the bargain. Before he left, Shao Lin Shixiong asked him who could succeed him, and he recommended Qiu Rufeng.

It wasn't just the masters and instructors in Poyang County who benefited from Lin Chen; Qiu Rufeng, the director of the Raozhou Prefecture Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, also got his wish to take a big step forward this time.

"Yu Yu Jiaoxi Jia, this disciple still feels..."

"Don't be so wishy-washy. If you are really moved, then I ask you, how do I compare to that Yu Yu Jiaoxi of yours?"

"Uh?"

Lin Chen was dumbfounded. After a moment of silence, he replied: "Yu Yu Jiaoxi Jia, Yu Yu Jiaoxi has a different meaning to this disciple. That is this disciple's..."

"Having these words from you is enough. Since I don't even compare to your Yu Yu Jiaoxi in your heart, it means what I have done for you is not enough, and I need to work harder."

Jia Nanzhu's words silenced Lin Chen again.

"Lin Chen, I have a suggestion. Since you feel you are unworthy of this, why not take Jia Lin Shidi as your master? That way, you won't feel unworthy."

Shao Jingshan smiled and spoke. Lin Chen was stunned, his gaze immediately scanning the instructor beside him, just in time to catch a glimmer of anticipation in the instructor's eyes.

"This Jia Lin Shidi, he's actually too embarrassed to take a disciple. If I hadn't given him a push this time, I fear he wouldn't have mentioned taking a disciple until Lin Chen took the initiative."

It wasn't just Lin Chen observing Jia Nanzhu's expression; Shao Jingshan was also observing. Seeing his Lin Lin Shidi's gaze flicker and not dare to meet Lin Chen's eyes directly after he finished speaking, he was also speechless.

It's no wonder Jia Lin Shidi hasn't had a single disciple in all these years.

"This disciple is willing, I'm just afraid Yu Yu Jiaoxi Jia will find this disciple stupid..."

Lin Chen reacted, and this time, without waiting for Shao Jingshan to ask again, he took the initiative to look at Jia Nanzhu.

"Jia Lin Shidi, Lin Chen is willing to take you as his master. Give a straight answer."

Jia Nanzhu was a bit helpless. He did want to take Lin Chen as a disciple, but he wanted Lin Chen to take the initiative. He didn't expect Shao Lin Shixiong to do this.

As for when Lin Chen would take the initiative, it would naturally be when he was moved by his kindness, and then he would take Lin Chen in—that would be perfect.

"Jia Lin Shidi is just too pretentious. If he continues to be pretentious, Lin Chen might just run away."

Shao Jingshan could guess what Jia Nanzhu was thinking, but in his view, since he appreciated and thought highly of Lin Chen, he should just take him as a disciple and make the master-disciple relationship official.

Whether Lin Chen proposed it or he himself proposed it, what difference did it make?

If you value him, take action!

By the time Lin Chen leaves his name on Mount Wudao for the third time, when the Martial Administration Department comes, what if someone among them asks to take Lin Chen as a disciple? Wouldn't it be all for nothing?

If Lin Chen could hear Shao Jingshan's inner thoughts at this moment, he would absolutely agree.

Moving the other party with actions—isn't that just being a "lick-dog"?

A lick-dog ends up with nothing.

"I am naturally willing."

After a long while, Jia Nanzhu squeezed out these words.

"Lin Chen, offer tea to Jia Lin Shidi. I will be the witness to your master-disciple ceremony."

Shao Jingshan laughed again. There was hot tea in the teapot in the courtyard, and Lin Chen respectfully offered the fragrant tea.

"Disciple Lin Chen asks Master to drink tea!"

"Good."

Jia Nanzhu took the teacup and drank it in one gulp.

"From today on, I will pass on everything I have learned to you. As for the master-taking gift, let me ponder it, and I will give it to you in a few days."

"It is already this disciple's honor that Master can take me as a disciple, how dare I..."

"Lin Chen, it is a good thing that you have taken Jia Lin Shidi as your master, but don't learn your master's character. It is only right and proper for a teacher to give a master-taking gift to a disciple."

Shao Jingshan interrupted Lin Chen again. It wasn't that he, the dignified head of the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, liked to interrupt, but that on the path of martial arts, character often determines how long a person can walk.

Jia Lin Shidi's martial arts talent was no worse than his own, but his strength had declined, not just because of his past injuries. Even without injuries, it would be difficult for Jia Lin Shidi to catch up to him because his character was a bit too soft.

A martial artist should be bold and unconstrained.

If it's yours, take it; if it's not yours... see if you want it or not.

"Thank you for the instruction, Magistrate. This disciple will keep it in mind."

Lin Chen agreed. Jia Nanzhu smiled helplessly, but he had to admit that Shao Lin Shixiong's words made sense. His character was indeed a bit soft, which was also the reason he hadn't entered the top three ranks of the Martial Way.

"Since you have decided to return to Poyang County, you can directly go to the Raozhou Prefecture Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo for the resources needed for training... Forget it, Jia Lin Shidi is your master now, there is no need for me to point fingers. Jia Lin Shidi will plan your training path for you."

Shao Jingshan pushing Lin Chen to take Jia Lin Shidi as his master today also had a motive.

With the master-disciple name, Jia Lin Shidi could rightfully fight for training resources for Lin Chen, and no one would gossip.

"Is there anything else?"

As the head of the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, Shao Jingshan was extremely busy. Having stayed here for more than a quarter of an hour, it was about time.

"Magistrate Shao, when this disciple left his name on Mount Wudao for the second time, I obtained a Martial Seal, and I have doubts about the subsequent two steps of Mount Wudao."

Hearing Lin Chen's words, Shao Jingshan's expression became serious, and he looked at Jia Nanzhu beside him: "Jia Lin Shidi, although you are Lin Chen's master, the matter of the Martial Seal is of great importance. I must ask you to temporarily excuse yourself."

"Good."

Jia Nanzhu was not dissatisfied. He understood Shao Lin Shixiong's character; he wouldn't care too much about small rules. Being able to make Shao Lin Shixiong say such words meant that the Martial Seal hid some great secret.

Lin Chen also didn't expect this Magistrate Shao to ask his master to excuse himself. His master was the Deputy Head of the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, yet he didn't even have the authority to listen on the side. While shocked, he was even more curious about this Martial Seal and Mount Wudao.

Jia Nanzhu left the courtyard and also waved away the servants at the courtyard gate, leaving no one within a hundred feet of the courtyard.

"Follow me into the house."

But even so, Shao Jingshan still didn't speak directly, but strode into the main room. Lin Chen followed, closing the door behind him.

"The Martial Seal is related to the martial luck of our Great Liang."

As soon as he entered the room, Shao Jingshan's first sentence stunned Lin Chen.

Martial luck?

"This is the answer to your first question."

Shao Jingshan's eyes burned as he continued: "The three steps of Mount Wudao—the first step was built by the founding Emperor, but the subsequent two steps were not. This answers your second question."

Lin Chen rolled his eyes in his heart. Magistrate Shao's answer was no different from not answering.

Solving one doubt only led to new ones.

"This matter must not be revealed to anyone, even your master, otherwise it will be treated as treason!"

Lin Chen:...

Reveal?

What could he reveal?

Reveal his own doubts?

Shao Jingshan saw Lin Chen's bewildered expression, but his own expression was extremely serious: "I guessed that you must be slandering me in your heart for keeping you in suspense, but this is indeed the only answer I can give you. You need to find the answers to the rest yourself."

"This disciple understands."

After a long while, Lin Chen replied in a muffled voice.

Shao Jingshan looked at Lin Chen's expression, his own expression changing slightly: "Some things are of no benefit for you to know now. You only need to understand one thing: the founding Emperor took great pains for Great Liang."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 179 =====