Chapter 256: Lin Chen: I have an indissoluble bond with the ancestral hall (Second update)

Poyang County!

Inside the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, Su Su Lingchuan was leisurely sipping tea in the courtyard, looking at the list of students submitted by the martial halls.

This year, the number of students in the martial halls had increased several times over, and the number of martial hall disciples had also doubled compared to last year.

As the Director of the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, he was under no pressure at all regarding this year's education assessment.

With the quality of students in Poyang County, being first in the entire prefecture was beyond doubt.

Not to mention that the martial arts resources of the Jiangnan Circuit were being tilted toward Raozhou Prefecture, and Raozhou Prefecture was tilting the most martial arts resources toward Poyang County.

In the words of the directors of the martial administration offices in the other counties, the position of Director of the Poyang County Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo was one where even if a pig were put in charge, it would still be first in the prefecture.

"Jealousy, this is naked jealousy toward this official."

Su Su Lingchuan leisurely sipped the fragrant tea in his cup; regarding this rumor, he only took it as jealousy from those other directors toward him.

That this official can have such leisure today is entirely due to the keen eye for talent shown last year.

Thinking of this, Su Su Lingchuan instructed his aide: "News has come back from Lord Lingxiao City that Lin Chen defeated Yu Yu Beichen, raising the prestige of our Great Liang's Martial Way. Issue a public announcement about this matter and post it at all major martial halls and martial academies."

"My lord, you are a step too late."

The aide's expression was somewhat strange, and Su Su Lingchuan was puzzled: "How so?"

"Two hours ago, the Poyang County government office had already issued an official document, posting it at the government office and the city gates. And given the situation at the major martial halls, especially the Jingshui Wu Tang, Zhenyue Wu Tang, and Kuangfeng Wu Tang, I fear they have already taken action."

Su Su Lingchuan grumbled with dissatisfaction: "Lin Lin Shixiong He is specifically snatching the work of my Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo. What relationship does this Lin Chen have with him?"

More than two months ago, when news came back that Lin Chen had defeated the Four Harmony Wu Yuan and the Pilgrimage Wu Yuan in Lord Lingxiao City, he happened to be admiring the moon with He He Ruyun. He had originally intended to wait until the next day to have the office issue an announcement, but what he didn't expect was that Lin Lin Shixiong He had the government office runners post the official announcement of the happy news right after the moon-viewing ended.

"My lord, Magistrate He does not think so."

The aide smiled slightly. In Magistrate He's eyes, it was true that Lin Chen had walked out of a martial hall, but now he could be considered to have graduated from the martial hall, and his relationship with the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo was not that close.

Conversely, Lin Chen was a native of Poyang County, and as the Magistrate of Poyang County, it was reasonable and appropriate for Magistrate He to issue a public document when such a genius emerged from his jurisdiction.

His own lord and Magistrate He were essentially on par with each other.

"Since Lin Lin Shixiong He has already issued the official document, there is no need for the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo to issue another one. Just post it at the entrance of the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, and additionally, in the name of the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, send five hundred silver taels to the Lin family as a reward."

The aide was startled: "My lord, it is understandable for the government office to send silver to the Lin family as a reward, but Lin Chen has already left the martial hall. If we give a reward now, I fear it will invite gossip."

When a martial arts genius emerges locally, it is reasonable and appropriate for the Magistrate to reward their family.

The Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo is only responsible for disciples in the martial halls and martial academies. Giving a reward to a disciple who has already graduated and left is somewhat unjustifiable.

"Do you think anyone will pick a bone with this official?"

Su Su Lingchuan looked at his aide. This aide was meticulous, considered matters very thoroughly, and wanted everything done according to the rules, which indeed helped him avoid many mistakes during his tenure.

But in the end, his vision was still a bit short-sighted. No one would pick a bone with him for rewarding the Lin family with silver.

The other directors of the martial administration offices, even if they were jealous of him, would have to consider whether offending Lin Chen would be the result if they made an issue of this.

Because of Lin Chen, the value of the resources obtained by the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo this year was far more than five hundred taels; the martial arts resources for the entire Poyang County were several times what they used to be, with a value of nearly one hundred thousand taels of silver.

Just based on this point, no one would say anything about him giving the Lin family a reward of five hundred taels.

"This official will personally make a trip to Linhu Village and deliver it to the Lin family."

"This subordinate understands."

The aide nodded and began to go down to handle the arrangements.

For Su Su Lingchuan, the main purpose of going to Linhu Village was not to visit Lin Chen's parents.

Lin Chen's parents were just ordinary commoners; going there would instead make them feel very constrained. His true purpose in going to Linhu Village was to see Master Jia.

Although Master Jia had already resigned from his official position at the Martial Administration Hall, he was, after all, a former Deputy Director. Most importantly, Master Jia's martial arts realm was there, and he had many questions about cultivation that he could ask for advice on.

……

……

Linhu Village!

Su Su Lingchuan traveled light, bringing only his aide and two subordinates.

"My lord, I see people from the government office."

As the carriage drove into Linhu Village, the aide spoke up. Su Su Lingchuan's pupils contracted; Lin Lin Shixiong He was truly too eager to advance.

There was only one possibility for people from the government office to appear in Linhu Village: Magistrate He had also come to Linhu Village.

Su Su Lingchuan thought for a moment and instructed his aide: "You take these five hundred taels of silver to the Lin family. If this official were to go, I fear it would make Lin Chen's parents feel somewhat constrained."

"Yes, my lord."

The aide complied, with doubt in his eyes. His lord had personally come all the way to Linhu Village, yet he wasn't going to see Lin Chen's parents. Wouldn't this trip to Linhu Village be in vain?

Su Su Lingchuan knew what his aide was doubting in his heart, but Master Jia was living in seclusion in Linhu Village. Currently, in the entire Poyang County, only he and He He Ruyun knew Master Jia's identity. Even if his aide wouldn't reveal it to outsiders, he couldn't tell him without Master Jia's permission.

The lakeside of Linhu Village had changed greatly compared to a year ago.

The roads were paved with bluestone inlaid with rounded pebbles. There were no dead trees from the lake dragged out onto the ground, and there was no fishy smell at all. If it weren't for the fishermen catching fish in the lake and fishing boats docked at the pier, everyone would likely think this place was a pier for sightseeing on the lake.

In the entire Linhu Village, only two places were the cleanest.

One was the lakeside, and the other was the road in front of the Lin family's door.

"An old person in the village is like a treasure."

Su Su Lingchuan walked on the bluestone road, feeling emotional in his heart. Master Jia's willingness to stay in Linhu Village, besides the pleasant scenery, was inseparable from the management of the village head, Zhao Zhao Canghu.

Usually, in a fishing village by the lake, the lakeside wouldn't be this clean. Not to mention fish scales and the like all over the ground, there would always be some fishy smell, attracting flying insects to linger.

If the lakeside of Linhu Village were also this messy, even if Master Jia wanted to stay in Poyang County, he wouldn't stay in Linhu Village, but would choose to find a quiet residence in the county town.

A martial artist may not be particular about minor details, but that doesn't mean they have no requirements for their living environment.

Arriving at the lakeside villa where Master Jia lived, Su Su Lingchuan suddenly froze, unable to believe the scene his eyes were seeing.

Master Jia's villa had a fence wall, and some flower branches were wrapped around the fence, but at this time of year, the flower branches had already withered. Through the gaps in the fence, one could see the situation in the courtyard.

A few breaths later, the courtyard gate opened, and a young man stood before the gate with a smile.

"Lord Su, the teacher invites you in!"

"Lin Chen, when did you return?"

Su Su Lingchuan quickened his pace and walked up, a look of surprise on his face. He had only just received the news that Lin Chen had defeated the three Yu Yu Beichen brothers in Lord Lingxiao City, and in the blink of an eye, Lin Chen had actually returned to Linhu Village.

"I arrived early this morning. I intended to visit the teacher first before heading to the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo to request an audience with you, my lord."

"Between you and me, there is no need for such formalities."

Su Su Lingchuan waved his hand. With Lin Chen's current status, although his strength was not as great as his own, his status was far above that of a director like himself. He could no longer afford the words "request an audience."

"When this disciple was studying at the martial hall, you, my lord, took great care of this disciple. This is not something that can be changed by a rise in status. In this disciple's heart, you, my lord, will always be an elder."

Hearing Lin Chen's words, Su Su Lingchuan froze, then patted Lin Chen on the shoulder. Everything was understood without words.

With Lin Chen's current status, worthy of being called a martial arts genius of Great Liang, to still be able to show such respect to himself and maintain his original pure heart was truly rare.

Lin Chen led Su Su Lingchuan into the villa. Su Su Lingchuan exchanged greetings with Jia Jia Nanzhu and also saw He He Ruyun.

Because of Lin Chen's arrival, this time He He Ruyun and Su Su Lingchuan focused their attention more on Lin Chen. Lin Chen did not hide anything and simply recounted the events that had occurred from his time at the Canglan Wu Yuan to his journey to Lord Lingxiao City.

Especially the several battles in Lord Lingxiao City; even though Lin Chen spoke of them lightly, they still made Su Su Lingchuan and He He Ruyun listen with surging emotions. A martial artist should be like this!

Both of them had once harbored great ambitions, also thinking of becoming famous in the Martial Way.

But after walking out of the county town and the prefecture city, they discovered that martial artists more talented than them were everywhere.

Jia Jia Nanzhu just listened quietly with a smile, not interrupting Lin Chen's narration. It was mostly the three of them—Lin Chen, Su Su Lingchuan, and He He Ruyun—chatting.

Half an hour passed like this. Su Su Lingchuan and He He Ruyun looked at each other, and both stood up to take their leave.

From the conversation just now, both knew that Lin Chen hadn't been back in Linhu Village for long, and they figured he must still have some private words to discuss with Master Jia.

Lin Chen stood up to see them off and only stopped after walking a distance away from the villa.

"Lin Chen, will you be going back to the martial hall to take a look this time you're back?"

"Yes, this disciple will go into the city to the martial hall when the time comes."

Lin Chen nodded. Since he was back, he certainly had to go to the martial hall, but he wouldn't make a big fanfare; he would just see the few hall masters privately, and then see Lin Lin Shidi Zhao and the others.

"Good. Once you reach the county town, you must notify this official. This official will host a welcome banquet for you."

"My lord, there is no need for that."

"This official knows you are low-key. Only acquaintances will come, which will also save you from having to visit them one by one."

Su Su Lingchuan smiled slightly, not waiting for Lin Chen to answer: "It is decided then. No need to see us off further."

Lin Chen gave a wry smile, watching the two lords, Su Su Lingchuan and He He Ruyun, walk away. After their figures disappeared from sight, he turned and walked back toward the villa.

……

……

"Lin Lin Shixiong He, you run to Linhu Village even more diligently than this junior brother."

"What does Su Qin mean by this?"

He He Ruyun looked puzzled: "As the Magistrate of Poyang County, patrolling the area under my jurisdiction is my duty. On the contrary, Su Qin, it seems you have no reason to come to Linhu Village."

Su Su Lingchuan's mouth twitched: "Master Jia retired from my Martial Administration Hall, so he can be considered my former superior. It is only right and proper for me, as the Director, to come and visit."

The two looked at each other and then laughed.

Everyone wants to advance!

Not just in strength, but also in official rank.

……

……

"Sent them off?"

"Yes, Lord Su is very enthusiastic. After this disciple enters the city, he wants to hold a welcome banquet for this disciple."

Lin Chen shook his head with a wry smile. Jia Jia Nanzhu laughed: "Su Su Lingchuan is a smart man. He knows you don't want to attract too much attention this time you're back, and the welcome banquet will only be arranged for people you are familiar with."

Lin Chen nodded: "Lord Su is indeed very tactful."

"What is the reason for this return to Poyang County?"

"Teacher, have you guessed something?"

Jia Jia Nanzhu stroked his beard and said: "The route from Lord Lingxiao City to Poyang County and then to Canglan Wu Yuan is not on the way. You haven't been away from home for even half a year, so it's not like you're missing home this quickly."

"Teacher, you are truly god-like in your foresight; nothing can be hidden from you."

Lin Chen offered a bit of flattery: "This disciple met Elder Zhao of the Wu Yuan in Lord Lingxiao City. Elder Zhao said he would give me six-turn martial arts resources and told me to wait at the Poyang County Wu Yuan."

"Six-turn resources?"

Jia Jia Nanzhu's old eyes flashed with brilliance: "With the foundation of the Wu Yuan, six-turn resources can indeed be obtained. As for telling you to return to Poyang County, I imagine it's because in the current Lord Lingxiao City, forces from all countries are gathered, and it would be too conspicuous for you to break through in Lord Lingxiao City."

"Yes, Elder Zhao told this disciple the same thing."

Ginger is indeed spicier when it's old, Lin Chen sighed in his heart. He had only mentioned it, and his teacher had already guessed the reason.

"Besides this, is there anything else you want to tell your teacher? Don't hide anything; there are no outsiders now, so say it all at once."

"Teacher, do you know why the people from the South Nan Nan Sha San Dao came to challenge us this time, yet our Great Liang side didn't arrange for stronger geniuses to meet the challenge?"

Mentioning serious matters, Lin Chen's expression also became serious. Jia Jia Nanzhu was the same. Although he was in Linhu Village, Lin Lin Shixiong Shao at the Martial Administration Hall had arranged for people to send him letters, and he would know about major events happening in Great Liang at the first opportunity.

The South Nan Nan Sha San Dao sent people to Lord Lingxiao City to challenge, but in reality, only the Lord Lingxiao Wu Yuan arranged for disciples to fight. If it weren't for his disciple stepping forward, this struggle would have ultimately fulfilled the plan of the Five Guanzhong Clans, and the fact that Lord Kong took no action for this was something he couldn't figure out.

"Is there some inside story to this?"

"Yes, this matter should be related to the Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao..."

Lin Chen told his teacher everything Elder Zhao had informed him, except for the fact that the Wu Yuan Master and the Great Liang Taizu Emperor were fellow disciples; he told him everything else without concealment.

"So that's how it is!"

Jia Jia Nanzhu realized, and the doubt in his heart was resolved.

"No wonder Lord Kong ultimately didn't intervene in this matter. I fear the Five Guanzhong Clans also learned the news and took this opportunity to force Lord Kong. If it weren't for your appearance, the goal of the Five Guanzhong Clans would have already been achieved."

"Does Teacher think Lord Kong will ultimately compromise and change?"

Facing his disciple's inquiry, Jia Jia Nanzhu did not give an answer, but instead asked a question: "In your opinion, does the Martial Administration Department need to be changed?"

Does the Martial Administration Department need to be changed?

Lin Chen was silent; he couldn't give an answer either.

Standing from his perspective, he only hoped to leave a path for the children of humble families, but if it weren't changed, would the people of the Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao really appear?

"This is not something you should consider. If you have a preference, then strive to improve your own strength. The stronger your strength, the greater the support you can give Lord Kong."

Jia Jia Nanzhu knew what his disciple was struggling with, but he believed that with his disciple defeating the three Yu Yu Beichen brothers in Lord Lingxiao City, Lord Kong already had a strategy to break the situation.

"Cultivate with a calm heart. That Elder Zhao was not wrong about one thing: what you can do is improve yourself; you can't do anything else. If the sky falls, Lord Kong and the others will hold it up. At worst, there is still this batch of old bones like us."

Lin Chen froze, looking at his teacher, but he didn't expect that the next moment, a look of anger appeared on his teacher's face.

"I see that you have been a bit floating recently, only you don't know it yourself."

"Teacher..."

"You are just a martial artist who hasn't entered the ranked tier. How much can you participate in the major affairs of the Nine Countries, and what can you influence? You've spent all your energy thinking about this along the way. Do you really think you are a martial arts genius of Great Liang and can now represent the fate of Great Liang?"

This was the first time Lin Chen had seen his teacher speak such heavy words to him. Since he had known his teacher, his teacher had always praised him, and his tone had been gentle.

"This disciple knows he was wrong."

"After you see your parents in a while, roll to the ancestral hall and stay for a night to calm your heart."

Hearing about going to the ancestral hall, Lin Chen froze for a moment.

"What, you're not willing?"

"This disciple wouldn't dare."

Lin Chen shook his head hurriedly. He wasn't unwilling, but just thinking of the ancestral hall made him think of the old village head. Every time he returned to the village, the old village head would make him go to worship the ancestors. He had returned low-key this time and originally thought he wouldn't need to go to the ancestral hall, but he didn't expect he still couldn't escape it.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 257 =====