Chapter 206: Su Tong Seeks Martial Arts (Request Subscription)

Mount Dengwudao, Lin Chen had descended from the mountain a full day ago.

Jia Jia Nanzhu was still waiting at the back mountain.

As for Zhao Zhao Canghu, being elderly and already aware that Lin Chen had successfully inscribed his name on Mount Dengwudao, he had gone to rest upon Jia Jia Nanzhu's advice.

Declining vital energy is cruel for martial artists.

Especially in old age, essence, qi, and spirit decline day by day.

Zhao Zhao Canghu's highest martial realm had only been sixth rank; at this age, his strength had plummeted rapidly, and after his journey to the northern frontier, grief had accelerated his aging.

"Model of the Liang Martial Academy, Lin Chen—starting today, throughout all of Liang, who does not know you?"

Jia Jia Nanzhu smiled warmly at his disciple; Lin Chen felt slightly embarrassed and humbly replied, "Master, you flatter me too much—I am unworthy of such words."

Who in the world does not know you!

He was still far from reaching that level.

Lin Chen knew well: even as Liang's Model of the Martial Academy, his fame stirred only a small circle; his family, friends, and even those in Poyang County, Raozhou Prefecture, and Jiangnan Circuit might know his name, but across all of Liang, aside from the open-channel youths, few ranked martial artists would even take notice.

Ranked martial artists often closed themselves off for months at a time; upon emerging, no one would mention such matters to them.

"Still, it's a good start."

Jia Jia Nanzhu was pleased that Lin Chen held such awareness; had he been Lin Chen's age and named Model of the Martial Academy, he would have assumed his name was known throughout all of Liang.

"The Wuzheng Force has officially named you Model of the Liang Martial Academy. Jiangnan Circuit has benefited from your glory—training resources will be redirected toward it. Raozhou Prefecture, needless to say, and Poyang County stands to gain the most: by tradition, the county's martial academies will receive several times the training resources for the next three years, ushering in a golden age of martial cultivation in Poyang."

Doubling the academy's training resources would not only accelerate breakthroughs for Poyang's students but also attract youths from other counties to come and study martial arts in Poyang.

Though the Wuzheng Office mandates that students train only in academies within their registered hometowns, this rule is not absolute and allows for flexibility.

Whether for the Wuzheng Force's reputation or Lin Chen's dignity, the Wuzheng Office would turn a blind eye to talented youths from other counties coming to Poyang.

Otherwise, the county housing the Model of the Martial Academy failing to lead the entire prefecture in martial prowess would be a slap in the face to both Lin Chen and the Wuzheng Force.

"From this perspective, every martial artist in Raozhou Prefecture—especially the youths entering academies and halls over the next three years—owe you a debt."

Lin Chen nodded: "When poor, one cultivates oneself; when prosperous, one benefits all. I cannot yet benefit all, but with the Wuzheng Force's resources, helping the youths of my hometown is a great honor."

"As for you personally, Liang's rules for student cultivation remain unchanged until the special training ends—this cannot be altered, or Master Kong would be humiliating himself. You must understand."

Hearing his master's words, Lin Chen replied without hesitation: "I understand. In fact, the Wuzheng Hall has already provided me with abundant resources; since I entered the special training grounds, the Hall has supplied me without limit for breakthroughs. Without their support, I could never have advanced to Qi Refining so quickly."

Even with the 【Water Flows Naturally】 destiny's power, resources must keep pace.

One cannot rely solely on the 【Water Flows Naturally】 destiny to magically surge one's vital energy—that is unrealistic.

Lin Chen did not know the exact value of the total resources consumed since opening fifteen channels, but it was surely a terrifying sum—he estimated over ten thousand taels of silver.

A single open-channel stage consuming tens of thousands of taels? Most noble youths could not afford it.

"I am glad you hold this mindset. Though the Wuzheng Force will not grant you additional personal resources, the training materials you've consumed so far—those purchasable with money—already exceed fifty thousand taels, and some resources cannot be bought at any price."

Some resources are exclusive to the Wuzheng Force; the outside world cannot obtain them unless exchanged for contribution points.

Jia Jia Nanzhu told Lin Chen this so he would understand the Wuzheng Force and not resent it for merely granting a title.

Master Kong had already delivered the reward in advance.

"Of course, the Wuzheng Force is not stingy: all youths in Linhu Village will enjoy free access to the martial halls for the next five years, your Lin family will receive a reward of ten thousand taels of silver, and your parents will be granted ninth-rank honorary titles."

Ninth-rank honorary title?

Lin Chen paused, puzzled: "Even my father?"

In his memory, honorary titles were given to wives or mothers.

"Of course. It is an honor bestowed upon your parents for raising such an outstanding child. Additionally, your instructor Yu will be promoted one rank, enjoying seventh-rank official benefits."

One man ascends, and even his dogs rise!

"Disciple thanks Master Kong! Thanks to the Wuzheng Force!"

He thanked Master Kong first, then the Wuzheng Force—he understood the etiquette.

Ten thousand taels of silver would place the Lin family among the top ten wealthiest households in Poyang County.

It was not that other families in Poyang had never possessed ten thousand taels—many had—but they also had expenses, and raising descendants consumed most of their wealth.

Lin Chen now confirmed he had been right to keep his family from commerce: as long as he continued advancing in martial cultivation, the Lin family would rise steadily—why risk conflict and competition through trade?

"Rest well for a few days. Your village's old village chief is preparing a grand feast to honor the ancestors. As for your breakthrough from open-channel full to Qi Refining, there is no need to rush."

Hearing this, Lin Chen scratched his head: "Master, I've already reached Qi Refining."

Jia Jia Nanzhu froze, his aged eyes fixed on Lin Chen. He reached out and grasped Lin Chen's arm; warmth surged through Lin Chen's limb toward his heart. When the warmth reached his heart, his heartbeat pulsed, and his entire vital energy trembled—his other four organs responded as well.

"You have indeed reached Qi Refining, but your Qi Refining differs from others."

Jia Jia Nanzhu withdrew his hand. His force had surged directly into Lin Chen's heart, confirming its strength had reached Qi Refining level—but he had not expected the other four organs to react at all.

All five organs responding together!

This typically occurred only upon reaching Qi Refining's peak, yet Lin Chen had just entered the realm.

"Let me check again."

Jia Jia Nanzhu sent force into Lin Chen's other four organs. This time, Lin Chen felt a faint sting.

"The other four organs are clearly weaker than the heart—indeed, only one organ has been refined."

"Master, could this be related to the Qi Refining technique I obtained from Mount Dengwudao?"

Hearing this, Jia Jia Nanzhu fell silent for a moment: "You mean the Nine-Turn True Blood Qi Refining Method?"

"Yes."

"Very likely. Since even Master Kong told you not to reveal this technique, its origins must be profoundly mysterious. That it differs from others' Qi Refining is understandable—but it also means past Qi Refining experience may offer you little guidance."

A mysterious, powerful technique aids martial advancement, but its drawback is clear: no precedents exist; your path forward must be explored step by step.

"Three techniques perfected, the ultimate martial path, unique vital energy circulation… and now this peculiar Qi Refining method…" Jia Jia Nanzhu's expression turned grave. "I will study it carefully—perhaps I can uncover some insights."

"Thank you, Master."

"I am your master—it is my duty. What talk of hardship?" Jia Jia Nanzhu patted Lin Chen's shoulder. "Still, we must celebrate. The villagers of Linhu have waited long for you. I dislike crowds—I won't go."

"But…"

"No 'buts.' I'm past the age of enjoying festivities."

"Then I'll come see you again later."

"Go."

Jia Jia Nanzhu watched Lin Chen depart with a smile—he would have stolen his disciple's spotlight.

This stage belonged to his disciple, not to an old man like himself.

…

…

Leaving the back mountain, Lin Chen realized his master had understated things—this was no mere feast; the entire ancestral hall's front was lined with tables, a hundred in all.

Linhu Village didn't even have that many people.

Zhao Zhao Canghu spotted Lin Chen and hurried over: "Don't be fooled by the number of tables—many dignitaries are coming today. The county magistrate and Wuzhengsuo's Su are both arriving, plus your academy classmates—already dozens of tables. Add guests from town and nearby villages, and a hundred tables isn't many."

Lin Chen: … "I heard from your teacher you'll soon leave Poyang. Use this chance to invite every noble in the city—then if our village ever needs help, they'll owe us."

"You're squeezing every last drop of value out of me."

Lin Chen sighed. The old village chief was shrewd indeed.

"I understand. At the feast, I'll say a word asking these dignitaries to lend a hand to Linhu Village."

Zhao Zhao Canghu chuckled: "Perfect. I've already spoken with your brother—he'll take over village affairs after the New Year. The village chief's seat is reserved for him."

"Didn't you say you were saving it for Gu Fei?"

"Gu Fei? That boy has no interest in the village—he's always running off to town, never around. Unreliable. If he were chief, he'd ruin the whole village."

Lin Chen chuckled, saying nothing. Zhao Zhao Canghu was about to continue when a plaintive voice came from behind: "Village chief, in your eyes am I really that unreliable? Just days ago you told me to train hard in the academy and called me the village's most promising youth after Lin Chen."

Zhao Zhao Canghu turned, saw Gu Fei's wounded gaze, and his wrinkled face flushed faintly. He scowled and turned the blame: "Walking is walking—can't you make some noise? I'm an old man—do you want to give me a heart attack?"

"But I—"

"No 'buts.' Watch your step next time. I've got guests to attend to. Lin Chen, don't forget to pay respects at the ancestral hall."

Lin Chen: …

Watching the old chief hurry away, Lin Chen turned to Gu Fei: "How's life at the Mantis Academy?"

"The senior students treat me well, and the instructor has been kind," Gu Fei whispered: "Our instructor just came—he told me good news: I've been granted a chance for an Open-Channel Pill at year's end."

With Gu Fei only now achieving Qi Refining after over a year, he didn't qualify for an Open-Channel Pill. Lin Chen knew the Mantis Academy was granting him this slot out of respect for Lin Chen.

But Gu Fei wasn't taking someone else's slot: Lin Chen's title as Model of the Martial Academy had triggered a multi-fold increase in training resources for Poyang's academies, including more Open-Channel Pills. Even if Lin Chen asked for ten, it wouldn't be excessive.

"That's good news—but don't tell anyone."

"I understand. The academy is giving me this pill because of you," Gu Fei nodded.

Lin Chen and Gu Fei spoke briefly before He He Ruyun and Su Su Lingchuan arrived together, followed by most of Poyang County's elite. Lin Chen had no time to rest—he took over hosting duties from the old chief.

The honorary titles granted by the Wuzheng Force and the memorial arch erected by the Wuzheng Hall would take days to complete; Su Su Lingchuan and others would have to return then.

As Lin Chen seated Su Su Lingchuan's party, the academy delegation arrived—precisely on time.

All eight academy heads came. Even those unfamiliar with Lin Chen sent disciples; those who knew him didn't miss a single person.

The feast lasted over an hour, until lanterns glowed and guests departed.

…

…

After seeing off Su and the others, Lin Chen headed home to tell his parents about the imperial rewards. Ten paces from his house, he stopped and turned toward the shadow on his left: "Come out."

A thin boy stepped from the darkness, his frame like a slender bamboo shoot. His coarse linen tunic revealed sun-browned, bony wrists; his patched trousers were caked with mud from the lake shore.

Having lingered in the shadows too long, his exposed skin was visibly swollen with mosquito bites.

Lord L-Lin

The boy's voice stuttered; under Lin Chen's gaze, his mind went numb, and the words he'd rehearsed hundreds of times suddenly stuck in his throat.

Thud!

The next moment, the boy dropped to his knees on the blue stone slab, his right hand clenched tight around a sheet of rice paper, his bony shoulder blades jutting through his thin shirt: "I… I want to train in martial arts."

Lin Chen stared at the boy, then said after a long pause: "You want to become my disciple?"

"N… no."

The boy shook his head frantically—he had never once considered asking Lin Young Master to be his master. Who was Lin Young Master? How could he, of all people, be worthy to become his disciple?

"Get up."

Hearing the boy didn't wish to become his disciple, Lin Chen's expression softened slightly. It wasn't that he was paranoid—if the boy had wanted to become his disciple, someone must have guided him behind the scenes.

He assumed the boy, seeing his own humble origins, might feel pity.

"What's your name?"

"S… Su Tong. My father is from Lotus Village… my mother's name is…"

"What's in your hand?"

Seeing the boy's incoherent state, Lin Chen cut him off.

"This is your article, Lin Young Master. I… I've memorized it entirely: 'When I was young, my family was poor; three generations tilled five mu of thin land and owned one fishing boat. I had four elder cousins; I was the youngest. By the time I reached the age to begin martial training, my eldest cousin had already studied at the martial hall for years, and our household funds were stretched to the breaking point…'"

As Su Tong recited the passage, his earlier panic vanished. He grew calm, speaking with perfect fluency—he had clearly read and memorized it thoroughly.

【Where the thatched roof leaks moonlight, starlight enters naturally.】

【The iron bones of a poor family can shake heaven and earth.】

"I never dreamed of learning martial arts until I read your article, Lin Young Master."

As he spoke the final words, the boy's earlier timidity vanished. His eyes shone with startling brightness, like the wicks of eternal lamps in the ancestral hall, stubbornly sparking in the damp wind of autumn leaves.

"Are you your family's only son?"

"I… I have a younger sister. My father has passed away, and my mother is ill—she's been bedridden for years…"

His voice grew weak again at the end. Lin Young Master's family may have been poor, but at least they could eat. His own family…

"Do you know how much silver martial training consumes? Even if the martial hall waives your tuition, how will you support your mother and sister?"

Lin Chen studied Su Tong. Though the boy looked frail, no more than twelve or thirteen, Lin Chen knew he was fourteen. Given his family's situation, he must have shouldered the burden of supporting them from an early age.

"I… I know you once sold fish at the market to enter the martial hall. I can do the same—I'll take on extra work outside of training."

Lin Chen's lips twitched. Even knowing about his fish-selling days? Su Tong clearly knew his past in great detail.

"Boys from Linhu Village may enter the martial hall for free. If your elders agree, come to Linhu Village. Train with the village boys to strengthen your body, and join the Kehetown Wu Tang next year."

"Thank you, Lin Young Master!"

Su Tong froze, then his face lit up with ecstatic joy—he started to kneel again, but Lin Chen slapped his palm forward, the air current lifting the boy upright.

"No need for that," Lin Chen waved. "It's late. Go find the village chief. Stay in the village tonight. Return to the city tomorrow."

"N… no, I can go back today."

Su Tong quickly waved his hands. Lin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly: "You came to see me without telling your elders?"

"N… no."

Su Tong answered honestly. He hadn't dared tell his family—he didn't know if Lin Young Master would help him. He'd heard today was the day Linhu Village served a grand feast, so he'd slipped out of the city secretly.

No one in the village would notice an extra child, so he'd hidden all day, eating the steamed buns he'd brought from the city.

"Then you must go back. Find the village chief. Have him send someone named Gu Fei to escort you to the city—so your family won't worry."

Lin Chen held Su Tong in higher regard now. Coming alone without consulting his elders took courage—and proved the boy truly had a resolute heart for martial training.

"I…"

Su Tong still wanted to refuse, but Lin Chen had already turned away: "Remember—owing a small favor when poor isn't shameful. Repay it tenfold later."

(End of Chapter)