Chapter 199: Zhao Zhao Canghu Returns—Then Let the War Begin!

The three vice-deans of the major Joining Wuyuan academies arrived quickly and departed just as swiftly.

They didn't even stop for a cup of tea in Linhu Village!

Staying here to face He He Jingren's old face is simply repulsive.

Thirty drops of Jiaolong true blood—Canglan Joining Wuyuan has gone mad. Even when they competed for Pei Pei Qingming, they only offered ten drops of Jiaolong true blood.

Lin Chen's strength at the Opening Meridian stage will surpass Pei Pei Qingming—this is beyond doubt.

Before coming, they had thoroughly investigated Lin Chen's background and concluded that his ability to leave his name multiple times on Mount Dengwudao and even defeat Pei Pei Qingming stemmed from his extreme martial path, combined with other possible opportunities that caused his blood qi to far exceed that of peers at the same realm.

In terms of martial talent and potential, he truly falls short of Pei Pei Qingming.

Blood qi has its limits; once Lin Chen's blood qi stops growing, others will gradually catch up, and his advantage will vanish.

In terms of blood qi, Da Liang has no advantage over the other nations.

"Canglan Joining Wuyuan still resents failing to secure Pei Pei Qingming back then—this time, they're going all in."

On a boat drifting on Poyanghu, the three vice-deans now shared the same vessel.

"I admit Lin Chen has potential, but he still lags behind Pei Pei Qingming. Watch closely—Canglan Joining Wuyuan's investment here will likely yield no return."

The Joining Wuyuan's resources come from the Nine Nations, allocated according to ranking.

Recruiting talented martial artists allows the academy to rise higher in rankings, securing more resources.

But Joining Wuyuan ranking battles occur only every two years, and the last contest was three months ago—the next one is nearly two years away. In that time, with the academy's talent and resources, some students will reach the Pin rank.

Once one reaches the Pin rank, blood qi no longer grants an advantage.

Pin-ranked martial artists compete through martial will.

"Who knows what Canglan Joining Wuyuan is thinking? Perhaps they saw Lin Chen leave his name seven times on Mount Dengwudao and thought to claim that glory for themselves."

"True enough. Leaving one's name on Mount Dengwudao is secondary; what matters is that Lin Chen comes from Canglan Joining Wuyuan—later, they can use him as an example to compete with our three academies for students."

"Hah! Even if Canglan Joining Wuyuan achieves its goal, it's only for two years."

"Two years? What do you mean, Xu brother?"

"After two years, during the Joining Wuyuan ranking battle, if Lin Chen fails to secure a high rank, Canglan Joining Wuyuan will be thrown back to its original state."

At these words, the three exchanged knowing smiles.

Thirty drops of Jiaolong true blood for two years of glory… it's not worth it.

…

…

The capital.

Kong Zhao Qifeng stood with his hands behind his back before a white jade stele.

On the white jade stele were carved bold, majestic characters: May the people of Da Liang all become dragons; may martial Dao flourish forever.

He stood silently before the stele; no one knew what Kong Zhao Qifeng was thinking, until footsteps approached from behind.

"My lord, the news has been spread."

"How did they react?"

"There's great controversy."

Hearing the middle-aged man's words, Kong Zhao Qifeng's expression remained unchanged—he wanted this controversy.

"Tell them: I am resolute. I will press forward regardless!"

The middle-aged man's pupils contracted sharply as he stared at his lord's back. After a long pause, he finally responded: "Understood. I'll spread the message immediately."

…

…

In the capital and across all provinces, several martial elites had gathered at a single mansion.

"Director Kong wants to name Lin Chen the Da Liang martial student exemplar? Lin Chen has only left his name five times on Mount Dengwudao—Pei Pei Qingming himself never became the Da Liang martial student exemplar. What makes Lin Chen worthy?"

"This is inappropriate. Though I'm not from Wuzheng Force, I will submit a petition to Director Kong opposing this."

"Fellow brothers, Wuzheng Force has confirmed: Director Kong has made his decision. It cannot be changed."

At these words, all present fell silent. With Director Kong's prestige, once he decided, no one could reverse it—unless the imperial family or the Three Dukes of court intervened.

"Lin Chen has left his name five times on Mount Dengwudao. If he fails to leave his name in the next two attempts and doesn't surpass Pei Pei Qingming, Director Kong won't be able to stubbornly name him the Da Liang martial student exemplar."

Upon hearing this, the man with the goat beard nodded thoughtfully, and the others' expressions reflected similar contemplation.

"Lin Chen defeated Pei Pei Qingming at twenty Opening Meridians—he'll likely leave his name at the next two. Director Kong must have anticipated this, which is why he's naming Lin Chen the exemplar."

The fifty-year-old man on the right spoke, and his words were met with agreement from the others.

The goat-bearded man stroked his beard and smiled: "Under normal circumstances, yes—but what if someone beats Lin Chen to leaving his name on Mount Dengwudao?"

"Master Zhu, what do you mean?"

All turned to the goat-bearded man. Leaving one's name on Mount Dengwudao sounded simple, but was extremely difficult.

It wasn't something they could just decide to do.

"My son, Zhu Sheng, grew up with his mother in Zheng Guo. He's already opened twenty-three meridians. If he returns to Da Liang, he might have a chance to leave his name on Mount Dengwudao—but he's not a disciple of any Da Liang martial school, so by regulation, he has no right to go."

"Master Zhu, this is easily solved. Have your son return to Da Liang under the pretense of joining a Joining Wuyuan recruitment. Send him to Xihé Prefecture in Longxi Dao. The Wuzhengsuo chief there is my younger cousin—I'll write him a letter to have your son registered under Xihé's name."

"If that's possible, it would be perfect."

Zhu Wei's eyes gleamed: "My son acquired the bloodline of the Giant Rhinoceros Clan in Zheng Guo—his blood qi is no weaker than Lin Chen's. He'll leave his name on Mount Dengwudao before Lin Chen."

"Then we rely on your son to intercept Lin Chen on Mount Dengwudao."

After deliberating, the others departed. A young man entered through a side door: "Father, did they agree?"

"Yes. Go to Xihé Prefecture and register with the Wuzhengsuo there."

Zhu Sheng nodded, then asked curiously: "Father, how did you know they'd cooperate? Lin Chen has no quarrel with them. Even if he's named the exemplar, how does it harm them?"

"Harm them?" Zhu Wei sneered. "Sheng'er, you're wrong. If Lin Chen becomes the Jiangnan Dao exemplar, all their recent schemes will collapse. Lately, there's been growing sentiment in the Da Liang court that Wuzheng Force should change its training policy—that cultivating below-Pin martial artists is pointless, and resources should instead be focused on Pin-ranked prodigies. Our martial artists take five to ten years on average to break into Pin, while the other eight nations take three to five. We must narrow that gap."

"For families like theirs, ensuring their heirs reach Pin rank isn't hard—it's the post-Pin cultivation resources that are scarce. If Wuzheng Force changes its policy, ordinary youths will find it nearly impossible to reach Pin rank, and the resources will flow entirely to them."

"Lin Chen is poor—a fisherman's son. If he's named the Da Liang martial student exemplar, won't that prove Wuzheng Force's current policy is correct?"

Zhu Sheng suddenly understood: "I get it. That's why they want to stop Lin Chen from being named the exemplar."

"Yes. For you, this is the perfect opportunity to enter a martial school. Once you enter a Joining Wuyuan, your talent will place you among the elite in Da Liang's academies."

"In Zheng Guo, martial resources are monopolized by the imperial family and the Seven Houses. Non-Seven House martial artists must pledge loyalty to them—or get no cultivation resources at all."

Zhu Sheng nodded. He'd spent years in Zheng Guo—he knew its reality well.

"I sent you to Zheng Guo not to join their Joining Wuyuan, but to obtain the Giant Rhinoceros Clan's bloodline. Returning to Da Liang, you'll have a bloodline advantage over peers your age."

…

…

In a certain province, a certain mansion.

"Director Kong wants to make Lin Chen from Jiangnan Dao the Da Liang martial student exemplar." "Who is Lin Chen?"

"A young man at the Opening Meridian stage, from Jiangnan Dao, born to fishermen."

"A fisherman's son? Director Kong has a hidden agenda."

The elderly men exchanged glances and instantly understood why Director Kong wanted Lin Chen named the exemplar.

"Had this happened at any other time, I wouldn't oppose Director Kong. Lin Chen has left his name five times on Mount Dengwudao and may surpass Pei Pei Qingming—naming him the exemplar would be fitting. But the situation now is different. Da Liang needs reform—we can't continue like this. Look at how many prodigies have left Da Liang for other nations."

The elder's face showed concern: "The founding emperor's principles were right, but after three hundred years of development, Da Liang no longer lacks Qi-refining or Internal Organ martial artists. Even our Pin-ranked numbers far exceed the other nations. Yet our top-tier martial strength lags far behind theirs—because we've neglected the cultivation of Pin-ranked martial artists."

"Take Pei Pei Qingming—he reached the third Pin at thirty-five, the greatest talent in Da Liang's three-century history. But his pace wouldn't even rank in the top ten elsewhere. If we don't change, more prodigies will be poached by the other nations."

"Your words are wise. Should we petition Wuzheng Force to oppose Lin Chen's nomination?"

"Wuzheng Force operates independently of court. Director Kong's decision is final. But we can strike at Lin Chen himself—if he fails to leave his name again on Mount Dengwudao, he'll have no face left to claim the exemplar title."

The elder's eyes gleamed: "I won't hide this from you—I have a disciple training in Han Guo. For this matter, I've decided to recall him and send him to challenge on Mount Dengwudao."

"Your wisdom is unmatched."

"Not wisdom—just conviction. Da Liang must reform. The founding emperor's policy was right when we were recovering from war and had few martial artists. Now, we have no shortage of low-tier martial artists—we should focus resources on cultivating top-tier prodigies."

The elder looked up at the sky above the courtyard: "I deeply respect Director Kong. But on this matter, I disagree with him."

"You and Director Kong both seek only Da Liang's greater prosperity—you are both selfless," the others quickly echoed.

…

…

Linhu Village.

Jia Jia Nanzhu received a message from his Lin Lin Shixiong Shao, his expression turning grave.

Da Liang martial student exemplar.

The title was prestigious—but it also placed Lin Chen directly on the fire.

He'd heard rumors of dissent within the Da Liang court, especially from the martial-strong provinces, demanding Wuzheng Force change its training methods. Jiangnan Dao, long the weakest in martial arts, had no objections.

Previously, the Marquis of Zhenbei supported Director Kong, and with his prestige and temperament, others dared only whisper dissent. But since the Marquis's death, that dissent has grown louder—and now openly resounds in court.

"Master?"

Lin Chen emerged from the back mountain after cultivation, puzzled by his master's thoughtful expression.

"Do you know Director Kong intends to name you the Da Liang martial student exemplar?"

Jia Jia Nanzhu looked at Lin Chen. He had never asked what Director Kong had discussed with him during their private hour in Linhu Village—but now he had to.

"Director Kong wants to name me the Da Liang martial student exemplar?"

Lin Chen was startled—he'd never heard Director Kong say such a thing. But recalling the director's final words, urging him to leave his name again on Mount Dengwudao, he instantly understood: Director Kong intended to use him to silence those demanding Wuzheng Force reform.

If he became the Da Liang martial student exemplar, it would prove Wuzheng Force's training policy was correct—and effective!

"Master, before he left, Director Kong told me something…"

Facing his own teacher, Lin Chen did not conceal anything and told him what Master Kong had entrusted him to do.

Jia Jia Nanzhu looked at his disciple, surprised that Lin Chen had actually agreed: "Tell me honestly—what are you really thinking? Are you trying to impress Master Kong?"

"No."

Lin Chen shook his head: "I agreed because I am a beneficiary of the Wuzheng Force's cultivation policy. If the Wuzheng Force changes its system, ordinary people's sons in Great Liang will have no path forward. I believe we must not cut off the martial path for humble families."

The Wuzheng Force trains only ranked martialists, directing all martial resources toward them. How could children from ordinary households enter the ranks without access to martial academies?

Not even someone like me, nor Lu Shi-di or Zhao Shi-di—they would have no chance to enter the ranks.

Though the resources provided in martial academies cost money, they are still far cheaper than outside. Even if Lu Shi-di and others never enter the ranks, they can at least cultivate to the Organ Refining realm, giving their children a chance to break through.

Having lived two lives, Lin Chen knew clearly: if the Wuzheng Force changed its policy, martial families would grow ever stronger, while ordinary people—including small families in county towns—would have no hope left.

Jia Jia Nanzhu looked at his disciple and saw determination on his face.

"Do you believe that by now, many have already begun stirring, planning to stop you from leaving your name on Mount Dengwudao?"

Lin Chen's eyes sharpened. He recalled Master Kong's parting words—urging him to continue leaving his name on Mount Dengwudao. Master Kong had anticipated this.

"Teacher, is there anyone in Great Liang who can still stop me?"

He had defeated Senior Pei, who was hailed as Great Liang's greatest genius in three hundred years. Even if others wished to prevent him from becoming the model martial student of Great Liang, they would still need to find a teenager of his realm to challenge him on Mount Dengwudao.

"Within Great Liang's borders, no one can. But beyond them, it's another matter."

Jia Jia Nanzhu shook his head. Seeing Lin Chen's confusion, he explained: "Since the Nine Nations established the United Martial Academy, relations among them have eased somewhat. Though disputes still occur, they're limited in scope. Under these conditions, many martial families in Great Liang have long sent their young to other nations."

"I told you before: other nations collaborate with demonic clans to obtain demonic bloodlines. This isn't simply absorbing demonic flesh—gaining demonic bloodline grants a physique far stronger than ordinary martialists. If such people return to target you, your chances of leaving your name on Mount Dengwudao afterward will grow far harder. Prepare yourself."

As Jia Jia Nanzhu finished speaking, Lin Chen felt a searing heat at his waist. The next moment, he pulled out the Martial Seal, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"What's wrong?"

Jia Jia Nanzhu, seeing Lin Chen staring at the Martial Seal, asked.

"Teacher, you were right—they've already moved against me. Someone has challenged the elder who left his name at the twenty-third opening on Mount Dengwudao. But strangely, the Martial Seal shows only a blank space there—no challenger's name appears."

The Martial Seal lets Lin Chen see the challenge status of all twenty-four openings. The jade pendants issued by the Wuzheng Force only show the status of the opening where the holder left his name—and once challenged successfully, the pendant becomes useless.

"They're moving fast."

Jia Jia Nanzhu's face darkened: "Those with demonic bloodlines, even if they succeed in leaving their name on Mount Dengwudao, receive no rewards—and thus cannot officially leave their name. But any later challenger must defeat them to claim the opening."

No reward, yet still attempting to leave a name—this self-defeating act proves they are targeting Lin Chen alone.

It's a warning.

Nearby, Bu Bu Wenbin appeared.

"Master Jia, this servant just met an acquaintance. He claimed they're not targeting Lin Chen—otherwise, they'd have challenged the opening where Lin Chen left his name. If Lin Chen voluntarily tells the Wuzheng Force he doesn't deserve the title of Great Liang's model martial student, they won't block his future attempts to leave his name on Mount Dengwudao."

Bu Bu Wenbin's expression was grim. The arrogance in the man's words made it clear they had prepared thoroughly.

"Playing a clever game of soft and hard."

Jia Jia Nanzhu snorted. He and Bu Bu Wenbin turned their gazes to Lin Chen. At this point, only Lin Chen could decide.

"Teacher, has the Wulin Academy's promised thirty drops of Dragon Blood still been kept for me?"

Lin Chen's eyes burned with combat intent. If they wanted to block him, let them try.

"Lin Chen, absorbing even one drop of Dragon Blood is the limit for an Opening realm cultivator," Jia Jia Nanzhu understood his disciple's intent—he refused to compromise and wanted to absorb more Dragon Blood to strengthen himself. But the Opening realm's limit was one drop.

"Who says one drop is the limit for an Opening realm cultivator? When it comes to bloodline research, no one understands it better than this old man."

Nearby, Zhao Zhao Cangsheng arrived, dusty and burdened by a massive pack.

"Lin Chen, I can tell you plainly: at your current realm, you can still absorb two more drops of Dragon Blood. These were prepared for you."

Zhao Zhao Cangsheng patted his pack, his wrinkled face breaking into a broad grin: "Crush those bastards!"

(End of Chapter)