[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback":3,"chapter-rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-25":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Rising from Obscurity: My Martial Path Comeback",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2265860,4424,"Chapter 25: I Almost Fell for It (Requesting Follows)","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-25",25,"\u003Cp>After Shu Suwan left, Yu Yongnian quietly brewed tea while Lin Chen stood respectfully beside him, his expression curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yongnian noticed this, cleared his throat, and explained: “When I first began training in martial arts, I once spent three months at the Wuyuan in Raozhou Prefecture. Shu Xuncha Shi was also training there at the time—she was my senior sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This matter was initiated by these martial academies violating the rules first. Shu Xuncha Shi tolerates no corruption and would never ignore it—that’s why I brought you to see her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Yu Yongnian explained, Lin Chen understood fully, his face lighting up with an “ah, so that’s how it is” expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether he truly believed Yu Jiaoxi’s explanation, only he himself knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He feigned understanding to spare the instructor embarrassment—this tea had been steeped over ten times already, the broth now pale and watery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you two doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yu Yongnian poured his thirteenth pot of tea, Shu Suwan appeared at the courtyard gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior sister!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xuncha Shi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Suwan’s gaze settled on Lin Chen and said directly: “Qingfeng Martial Academy is willing to take you as a disciple, but they lack enough opening-meridian elixir slots. They’ve borrowed one from Jingshui Martial Academy—you must stay there for half a year. Are you willing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Disciple is willing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not advisable!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen and his instructor reacted differently: Lin Chen accepted readily—he didn’t care which academy he joined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yongnian frowned: “Jingshui Martial Academy has mostly female disciples—it might be…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What, do you have prejudice against women training martial arts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Suwan’s sharp words forced Yu Yongnian to backtrack: “Senior sister misunderstands—I didn’t mean that. It’s just that young men are easily distracted…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Yu Yongnian’s view, Jingshui Martial Academy was no place for a young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft embrace, a hero’s grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the only male disciple among female trainees, every move Lin Chen made would be watched, exaggerated, and scrutinized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, there were endless petty conflicts among Jingshui’s disciples—they were always quarreling over trivial things. He’d heard during his own time at the academy that the female disciples there had constant disputes, which would hinder Lin Chen’s focused cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Instructor, I can go to Jingshui Martial Academy—it’s only half a year anyway.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen had no resistance—he was fine with Jingshui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew what his instructor feared: that he’d be distracted by female beauty and lose his drive in martial cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what kind of beauty hadn’t he seen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his past life, countless women in videos had flirted with him, seduced him with suggestive glances—he’d merely observed them critically and never watched the same video twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though this world’s attitudes toward women weren’t as rigid as ancient times, they weren’t nearly as open as his past life’s—nothing here could shake his determination to cultivate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Suwan was satisfied: “Then go report to Qingfeng Martial Academy first, then proceed to Jingshui.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen agreed and turned to bid farewell to his instructor—only to find his instructor rising as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior sister, I—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t leave, younger brother. By letting Jingshui Martial Academy give up an opening-meridian elixir slot, we’ve incurred a debt. I’ve arranged to meet their headmaster—come with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Yu Yongnian stand, Shu Suwan immediately spoke to stop him from leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After coming all this way voluntarily, she wasn’t letting him slip away so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen stole a glance at his instructor, then at Shu Xuncha Shi—he sensed something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Xuncha Shi had deliberately kept Yu Jiaoxi behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his perspective, Shu Xuncha Shi was beautiful and held high rank—this was a stroke of luck for the instructor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Instructor, Xuncha Shi, I’ll go report to Qingfeng Martial Academy first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go. If you need anything, come to Shu’s residence on Ruilin Alley.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Suwan smiled warmly, pleased with Lin Chen’s tact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingfeng Martial Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen returned to the academy and was again led by the gatekeeper to the same reception hall he’d visited before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He showed no resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The academy’s low regard for him stemmed from his own circumstances—they were merely following protocol. After all, his fate-marked status was too extraordinary; if he didn’t mention it, no one would guess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Zhao Ce again, Lin Chen bowed respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Disciple Lin Chen greets Instructor Zhao.” His tone was deeply respectful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lin Chen’s deference, Zhao Ce’s expression softened slightly—he wasn’t targeting Lin Chen personally; he simply felt embarrassed having rejected him earlier, only to now accept him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Instructor Qi has informed me of your situation. Go to the Wudao Pavilion to collect your martial manual.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ce nodded coolly, then turned to leave—but paused at the doorway: “My earlier refusal wasn’t personal. The academy’s slots were truly full. You know how hard it was to secure this position—don’t harbor resentment. Train diligently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Disciple dares not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he held no resentment, he felt no deep loyalty to the academy either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen lowered his gaze. When he looked up again, Zhao Ce was gone. His face revealed no emotion as he followed a servant toward the Wudao Pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A instructor inside the Wudao Pavilion verified Lin Chen’s identity token and asked curiously: “Didn’t Instructor Zhao issue you a disciple token?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every disciple at Qingfeng Martial Academy received a carved disciple token, worn daily as a symbol of their status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. Instructor Zhao told me to come here for the Qingfeng Palm manual.” Lin Chen answered truthfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instructor studied Lin Chen for a moment, then said: “Then wait here a moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few minutes, the instructor returned with a manual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the Qingfeng Palm manual. Return it in one month. Do not lose it or leak its contents.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instructor’s tone wasn’t stern, but Lin Chen took it seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never considered leaking martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the years, the Eight Martial Academies had trained countless disciples; many in Poyang County knew their techniques—yet none had ever been leaked, because disciples dared not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The academies kept lists of disciples. If someone not registered in an academy used its techniques, the Wuzheng Office would investigate to the end—no one could withstand its punishments without confessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bidding farewell to the instructor, Lin Chen left Qingfeng Martial Academy directly and headed for Jingshui Martial Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingshui Martial Academy’s main gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen announced his name and waited at the gate when a woman walked out, paused upon seeing him, her eyes filled with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior sister, I’m here to report for enrollment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen didn’t know her status, but her appearance suggested she was a senior sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hair flowed like a waterfall, a few strands gently falling over her forehead. Hearing his words, she blinked several times, adding an unintentional allure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve got a male disciple? How unusual. I’m Chen Yan. What’s your name, younger brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lin Chen greets Senior Sister Chen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you standing here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told the gatekeeper my situation—he went to notify the instructor. I’m waiting here.” Lin Chen answered honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait? I’ll take you to the instructor. Come with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yan was warm, even stepping forward to take his hand—Lin Chen subtly stepped aside: “Then I’m in your debt, Senior Sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They entered the gate. Chen Yan led the way, explaining the academy’s layout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See that corridor? Walk straight through and you’ll reach the dormitories. Ahead is the training ground—that’s the Jia Zone, usually used by third-year disciples. New recruits like you train in the Bing Zone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yan was effusive, talking nonstop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen felt deeply impressed—Jingshui Martial Academy was far better. Look at Senior Sister Chen’s warmth—nothing like Qingfeng, where everyone was cold from top to bottom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad he wasn’t truly a Jingshui disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll take you first to register and receive your disciple token.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No… no need for a disciple token.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen quickly stopped her—he was merely affiliated with Jingshui, not a true disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Sister Chen, my situation is complicated. Just take me to the instructor handling admissions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yan studied him for a moment, then smiled: “Alright, I’ll take you straight to the Wudao Pavilion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every martial academy had a Wudao Pavilion—Jingshui was no exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s the Wudao Pavilion. You’re here to collect your opening-meridian elixir, right?” Chen Yan asked confidently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congratulations, Lin Brother—you’re about to enter the Opening Meridian realm. Tonight, I treat you to dinner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly—this Senior Sister Chen was too enthusiastic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Treat him to dinner?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavenly senior sister?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s thought, Lin Chen declined: “How could I let Senior Sister treat me…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he finished half the sentence, he noticed her eyes brighten—he suddenly had a suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could this Senior Sister Chen be waiting for him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Lin Chen changed the subject: “I should be treating my senior sister to a meal, but I rushed to the martial arts hall today and didn’t bring any silver. Today, I’ll boldly take advantage of your hospitality— I’ll repay you another day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yan’s smile froze instantly. Take advantage of me for a meal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You really are shamelessly bold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you didn’t have money, you could just treat me another day— how could you even say you’re taking advantage of me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could you possibly say something like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the past few days, she had been waiting daily inside the martial arts hall, trying to trick these new junior sisters into eating at the Four Martial Towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The signature dishes of the Four Martial Towers are blood- and qi-nourishing poultry meats, but they’re extremely expensive— beyond the means of ordinary students. Yet any student who can cultivate essence and qi within a year can afford a few meals before the year’s end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In these past few days, she had already scored three free meals— never failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only with this junior brother did her scheme fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Junior brother, you’re joking— what talk of taking advantage? Who pays doesn’t matter,” Chen Yan forced a smile. “Let me take you to the Martial Arts Pavilion first. We’ll discuss the meal later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, senior sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Chen Yan said not a word on the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Say too much, and her throat would dry up— she wouldn’t even earn enough for a cup of tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Junior Lin, this is the Martial Arts Pavilion. I won’t go in— I’ll wait here for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen understood: the moment he stepped into the Martial Arts Pavilion, Senior Chen would turn and leave. He didn’t call her out— after all, she had genuinely guided him and explained some details about the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his past life, this was called service— paying for service was normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, he had no money. He could only freeload off Senior Chen’s service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pfft!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Correction— freeload off Senior Chen’s service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crossing the threshold of the Martial Arts Pavilion, Lin Chen instinctively turned back— Senior Chen’s figure was already gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen: …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you really in that much of a hurry?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can’t you even finish the act?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid his sighs, Lin Chen understood even more clearly the difficulty of the martial path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senior Chen was clearly at the Awakening Realm, yet she lowered herself to beg for a single meal— nearly seducing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she hadn’t run out of money from cultivating, why would she do this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Brothers, keeping up with the chapters matters— especially today’s reads, which affect next week’s recommendations. Don’t hoard! I’ve written plenty of words these chapters— please support with reads and monthly votes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1919,"2026-06-19T20:25:56.550Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","51ad558dfc3ace27c43dfcc25e2e2a165b67c14224ab9c7f2ac9b232929c492a","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-26","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-24",591,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Frising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-cover.jpg"]