Chapter 201: Blood Qi Increases Further, Strength Explodes

One kick!

Just one kick!

The four senior brothers of the Storm Wind Dojo felt an unbearable force—the wind from the leg sweep sent them staggering backward several steps.

They had thought Lin Chen was strong, but never imagined he could be this powerful.

Especially the two senior brothers who had already opened twenty-four acupoints, just one step away from organ refinement, their eyes filled with profound disbelief.

Too strong!

Lin Chen's expression didn't change as he delivered another light kick—this one didn't touch the ground; instead, while still mid-air from his previous sweeping leg motion, he stepped down onto the rushing wind generated by that very kick.

That step instantly increased Lin Chen's speed—the four senior brothers saw him cover a full zhang in a single stride, vanishing past them in an instant.

"This speed… this distance…"

All four were masters of Storm Wind Leg, well aware of its advantages, yet none had ever achieved a single kick covering a full zhang.

Three chi was already their limit.

Zhao Zhao Qifeng, watching from the side, his pupils gleaming, murmured: "Walking on the wind… No wonder he's a genius listed on Mount Dengwudao—he's already grasped this at the Open Acupoint realm."

As the dojo's head, Zhao Zhao Qifeng knew the progress of every disciple's Storm Wind Leg training; even those who reached mastery mostly merely harnessed the wind's momentum to make each kick stronger and faster than the last.

Even he, the head, had only recently uncovered the potential of Storm Wind Leg in footwork.

Yet he was already at the peak of organ refinement, while Lin Chen was merely Open Acupoint.

Such a gifted martial artist cannot be measured by ordinary standards.

In the courtyard, Lin Chen's figure drifted like the wind, darting back and forth—the four senior brothers could not even track his movements, yet the occasional thunderous sweep of his leg sent chills down their spines.

Lin Chen is terrifying!

Lin Chen paid no mind to the shock he caused—he had begun to sense the true power of Storm Wind Leg.

Resonance!

Walking on the wind—but this wind wasn't just from his leg's rush; it could also come from the resonance of his own blood qi, causing his right toe to tremble at a precise frequency, boosting his speed further.

Instant burst: one kick appearing, but in truth three—or even more.

Lin Chen recalled how, when he once used Wind and Cloud Palm, Lord Kong had instantly frozen his blood qi, yet that moment unleashed explosive power.

Shatter Force!

This was the term Lin Chen later coined himself.

Multiple forces erupting in an instant.

To achieve this, one must have abundant blood qi capable of driving acupoint vibrations—this principle shared a similar essence with the seventh move of Wind and Cloud Palm and Storm Wind Leg.

Or perhaps, this was the true essence of Storm Wind Leg.

"You may all leave."

Zhao Zhao Qifeng looked at the four disciples still frozen in place and spoke softly—they would shatter their martial hearts if they stayed any longer.

The same Storm Wind Leg, performed by Lin Chen versus them, wasn't just a gap—it was an unbridgeable chasm.

"Yes."

The four senior brothers didn't want to stay either; here, they saw nothing but Lin Chen's overwhelming strength—it was too damaging to their pride.

They all trained Storm Wind Leg—why was the gap so vast?

Outside the courtyard, the eldest senior brother spoke: "Don't overthink it, brothers. Lin Chen is different from us—there's no comparison."

The others understood his meaning; one replied: "Brother, don't worry—I know my place. If I measure myself against Lin Chen, I might as well quit martial arts and go home to inherit my father's shop and be a carefree young master."

"Our goal is to enter the ranks. For Lin Chen, entering the ranks is probably his bare minimum—he's aiming for middle rank."

"Middle rank? I think Lin Chen's goal is upper rank. We've had middle-rank martial artists in Poyang County, but did any of those elders ever shine like Lin Chen at Open Acupoint?"

…

…

An hour later.

Lin Chen finally stopped, landing on the ground, and immediately checked his panel.

【Storm Wind Leg: Broken Limit】

Not mastery—broken limit.

He had leapt past mastery entirely, reaching the absolute limit of Storm Wind Leg.

"Storm Wind Leg's limit is broken—perhaps I can fuse it again with Wind and Cloud Palm."

A gleam lit in Lin Chen's eyes, but fusion was a long process; had his panel not upgraded, he wouldn't have fused Wind and Cloud Palm so quickly.

At the same time, Lin Chen glanced at his blood qi bar.

【Host: Lin Chen】

【Realm: Perfect Open Acupoint (22/24)】

【Blood Qi: 3,800,000/5,800,000】

【True Blood: 3,500,000】

【Wind and Cloud Palm: Perfect】

【Zhenyue Scripture: Second Layer】

【Storm Wind Leg: Broken Limit】

…

…

His blood qi cap increased by 900,000.

His total cap surpassed five million.

At this moment, Lin Chen felt hunger—not from his stomach, but from his entire body.

His body was sending him hunger signals.

"Storm Wind Leg reached mastery. Good."

Zhao Zhao Qifeng's voice came, smiling—he had finally witnessed the terrifying martial talent of Lin Chen; after merely a brief exchange, Lin Chen had grasped the true essence of Storm Wind Leg.

Such martial talent—he had never seen its like.

Sigh—if Qingfeng Dojo had shown even a little more attention to Lin Chen back then, they wouldn't now be the laughingstock of the Eight Dojos.

"Thank you, Head, for arranging these senior brothers to guide me," Lin Chen said gratefully.

"You're my disciple. Guiding your cultivation is my duty."

Zhao Zhao Qifeng chuckled: "Come back often. Many students in the dojo admire you greatly."

"Yes, I'll return when I have time."

Lin Chen agreed, but seeing Zhao's smile, he felt a pang of guilt.

In this world, "I'll come back when I have time" meant he wouldn't come back at all.

Jingshui Dojo and Zhenyue Dojo held far greater importance in his heart than Storm Wind Dojo—if he visited Storm Wind Dojo, he'd have to visit the other two too, and he simply didn't have the time now.

When I'm truly free, I'll visit all the dojos once.

For now, his focus and energy must remain on martial cultivation—he'll head to Canglan Wu Yuan after reaching Organ Refinement.

With Zhao Zhao Qifeng personally escorting him to the gate, Lin Chen bowed and departed.

Leaving the street where Storm Wind Dojo stood, Lin Chen paused, then walked not toward the docks, but in another direction.

Wu Garden.

Late at night, Wu Garden was bustling, its lanterns blazing bright as daylight.

Warriors came and went continuously.

Seeing this, Lin Chen froze—when had Wu Garden become this lively at night?

"Lin… Lin Shi-di?"

Several disciples emerging from the academy gate froze when they saw Lin Chen, then their expressions lit up with excitement.

"Senior brothers, hello."

Lin Chen glanced at their attire—confirmed they were from Zhenyue Dojo, though he didn't recognize their faces; they must be senior brothers from there.

"Senior brothers, is there an event at Wu Garden?"

In the past, Wu Garden was quiet at night; Lin Chen had lived there for a while and knew its routine. "Event? No event?"

"No event? Then why is it so brightly lit?"

Hearing this, the Zhenyue disciples' expressions turned strange; one spoke: "The reason Wu Garden is still lively at night is because of you, Lin Shi-di."

"Because of me?"

Lin Chen frowned—how was this his fault?

"The county's gossip says you prefer training and sparring at night. You did the same when learning Qingfeng Palm. Someone claimed nighttime training and sparring better aids martial art comprehension and improvement…"

The disciple spoke awkwardly—they themselves had come to Wu Garden at night because of this rumor.

"Lin Shi-di, is this rumor true?"

Lin Chen's lip twitched: "I do prefer nighttime training and sparring, but whether it better aids martial comprehension and improvement depends on individual circumstances."

He trained at night because of his 【Blackout Enlightenment】 talent—his insight was higher at night.

But others wouldn't necessarily benefit the same way.

"Senior brothers should consider your own conditions—my methods aren't suitable for everyone."

Lin Chen gently advised, now understanding his influence on Poyang County's martial circles.

"Thank you for the warning, Shi-di—we'll keep that in mind."

The disciples hurriedly agreed, but Lin Chen saw their expressions—they'd only heard the first half, confirming he truly preferred nighttime sparring; the second half was clearly ignored.

This situation would only change with time, as these people eventually realized that cultivating at night yielded no progress in their martial arts, and would abandon it themselves.

After a few words of conversation, Lin Chen stepped into the Wu Yuan.

"Lord Lin?"

The servant girl of the Wu Yuan, seeing Lin Chen appear, her beautiful eyes lit up with delight; she swayed her waist and glided lightly on lotus steps to stand before him.

"Is Yan Qianbei here?"

"Yan Qianbei is here. I'll first show Lord Lin to the courtyard to rest, then inform Yan Qianbei."

The servant girl led the way ahead, her graceful figure fully exposed to Lin Chen's gaze—her slender waist like a willow branch swaying in the wind, occasionally trembling, concealing a hint of rounded fullness.

As a servant girl of the Wu Yuan, her standards were extremely high; ordinary Qi-Opening martial artists were beneath her notice. But Lord Lin was different—he had a brilliant future. If she could catch his eye, even becoming his personal maid in the future would be excellent.

Unfortunately, Lin Chen was completely unaware of the girl's subtle intentions; he was still pondering how much his strength would increase after raising his blood qi limit.

That constant trembling, in Lin Chen's eyes, simply did not exist.

"Lord Lin, we've arrived."

The servant girl turned back, a trace of melancholy in her gaze—Lord Lin had not looked at her even once from start to finish.

Women were keenly aware of men's gazes, especially martial artists'; if someone stared at her, she could feel it instantly.

"Thank you for your trouble."

Lin Chen spoke politely; seeing that Lin Chen had no further words, she could only mutter unhappily: "Then I'll go inform Yan Qianbei."

A cup of tea passed.

Footsteps approached the courtyard gate. Lin Chen, listening to the rhythm of the steps, frowned in surprise—was it not just Yan Qianbei alone?

"Lord Lin, it's been months since we last met—you've left this old man astonished for quite some time."

Yan He'an appeared at the courtyard gate; behind him stood a boy of about twelve or thirteen.

"I must thank Yan Qianbei for the gift of the diagram."

Lin Chen replied humbly, his gaze falling on the boy. Yan He'an, noticing Lin Chen's look toward his back, stepped aside and urged the boy forward. "This is my grandson, Yan Ping."

After introducing him, Yan He'an turned to his grandson: "Ping'er, this is the Lord Lin you admire most—quickly, pay your respects."

"No, no."

Lin Chen quickly raised his hand to stop him: "Your master is my benefactor—I'm not worthy of your grandson's bow. Ping'er, just call me Lin Lin Shidi."

"Lin Lin Shidi!"

Yan Ping, seeing Lin Chen, was overjoyed, his face flushed red.

So Grandfather hadn't lied—he really knew Lin Lin Shidi.

Though he hadn't yet begun martial training, he was already familiar with the martial world. Among his peers, the topic of conversation was mostly "Lin Lin Shidi's" exploits.

If Xinxin found out he'd met Lin Lin Shidi, she'd surely want to play with him now.

"Yan Qianbei… you brought Ping'er over without warning me—I didn't even prepare a greeting gift."

Lin Chen patted his body, searching; aside from silver notes, he only had the Dragon Shadow Bow—unsuitable as a gift for Yan Qianbei's grandson.

"Hah! Today Ping'er happened to come with me to the Wu Yuan, and I never expected Lord Lin to visit today. I took advantage of the garden's prestige to bring Ping'er here to meet you. Just seeing you is enough—no need for a greeting gift."

"That won't do. Ping'er called me Brother—I must give him a greeting gift… Ping'er, is there anything you want?"

Lin Chen looked down at Yan Ping, who shook his head: "Lin Lin Shidi, no need. Just meeting you has made me very happy."

"Is it because your grandfather's here that you're too shy to speak up? Then I'll hold this gift over for now."

Yan He'an, listening to the exchange between Lin Chen and his grandson, felt immense satisfaction toward Lin Chen.

To be honest, he was merely an official of the Wu Yuan—not high in status, and at his peak, he'd only reached the Ninth Rank, now greatly diminished.

As for his help to Lin Chen, it was merely his duty: as a Wu Yuan official, his responsibility was to identify talented martial artists who came to the garden and offer them convenience. Lin Chen's later trials under the Thousand Hammer Diagram were only possible because Elder Zhao had intervened—he had no authority to grant such permission.

Yet for such a small favor, Lin Chen had given him, as a grandfather, full face before his grandson.

He'd seen many prodigies—humble and courteous before rising, but once they gained power, they became arrogant, avoiding those they'd known in their humble days, fearing others would learn of their past hardships.

"Ping'er, you've met Lord Lin. Go back to your mother—I have some matters to discuss with Lord Lin."

"Yes." Yan Ping obediently replied: "Lin Lin Shidi, I'll go now."

"Alright."

Lin Chen ruffled Yan Ping's hair, smiling as he watched him leave the courtyard.

"Lord Lin, Elder Zhao departed a few days ago, but upon learning you chose the Canglan Wu Yuan, he asked me to give you this token—you may use it at the Wu Yuan in the Eastern Sea Circuit."

Yan He'an pulled out a white jade token from his robe. Lin Chen took it, waiting for Yan Qianbei's explanation.

"The Wu Yuan has branches across the Great Liang realm, and the Eastern Sea Circuit has one too. This token contains three thousand contribution points."

"Three thousand contribution points?"

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow—he'd received only one hundred contribution points when joining the Wu Yuan, and had already exchanged them for a martial blood qi manual.

"Wu Yuan members who reach one thousand contribution points receive a token. All branches recognize the token, not the person—don't lose it, Lord Lin."

Yan He'an warned, then continued: "These three thousand contribution points were allocated to you by Elder Zhao."

"Why did Elder Zhao give me three thousand contribution points?"

Lin Chen was deeply curious about Elder Zhao—the man whose name he'd heard but never met.

"To reward you for becoming the Jiangnan Circuit's Model Student."

Yan He'an didn't know the full details—he only knew Lin Chen had earned the title of Model Student, and that Elder Zhao had benefited from it. But how much benefit Elder Zhao had gained, he couldn't say.

Yet based on his understanding of Elder Zhao, such a generous gift of three thousand contribution points implied a substantial reward.

"This junior truly wishes to meet Elder Zhao."

"Hah! Lord Lin, rest assured—you'll have the chance someday."

Yan He'an stroked his beard and smiled. With Lin Chen's martial talent, meeting Elder Zhao was only a matter of time.

Had Elder Zhao not been overwhelmed with affairs lately and spent little time at the Wu Yuan, he would have met Lin Chen long ago.

Lin Chen and Yan He'an chatted briefly, then Lin Chen took his leave.

He was hungry now—he'd return to Linhu Village to soak in the medicinal broth and replenish his blood qi.

But as he departed, a small incident occurred: upon hearing Lin Chen had arrived, martial artists in the garden all wanted to meet him. Lin Chen had no choice but to appear, greet the students from the martial academies, offer a few words of encouragement, before finally escaping.

On the boat back to the village, Lin Chen reflected: barring unforeseen events, the martial youths of Poyang County for years to come would look to him as their model.

His words and actions would influence the martial youths of Poyang County.

This was the honor—and the responsibility—of being a Model Student.

(End of Chapter)