[{"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-39":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},2265874,4424,"Chapter 39: Four Gather, Duel at the Wu Garden (Requesting Follow)","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-39",39,"\u003Cp>“Jiang sister!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the martial arts academy’s dining hall, after finishing his meal for the first time, Lin Chen did not return directly to his dormitory; instead, he waited a while until he saw Jiang Qing walk out, then walked up to her with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lin brother… is there something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qing, upon seeing Lin Chen, was not of a cold or aloof disposition, and did not hide the surprise on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang sister, I haven’t used my Class-A student allowance yet. I wonder if you’d be interested? If so, I’d be happy to purchase resources on your behalf.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen didn’t beat around the bush—he stated his purpose outright. If Jiang Qing didn’t want it, he’d find another sister; if absolutely necessary, he could sell it to the junior sisters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qing blinked her bright eyes a few times but gave no reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Jiang sister doesn’t need it, then never mind—I’ve disturbed you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her unmoved, Lin Chen didn’t dawdle; he turned to seek his next target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Lin Chen was about to turn away, Jiang Qing’s clear voice came behind him—he turned back, stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then please help me order ten jin of gray-winged gull meat from the dining hall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gray-winged gull?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen recalled the book written by that wealthy senior sister he’d seen in the Martial Arts Pavilion—it mentioned gray-winged gull, a relatively precious poultry meat priced at five taels per jin in the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But according to that senior sister, gray-winged gull offered worse value than belly-silk chicken; before opening ten orifices, belly-silk chicken was far more cost-effective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister, why not buy belly-silk chicken? It seems more economical.” Lin Chen kindly reminded her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After eating belly-silk chicken, my abdomen gets flabby. I don’t like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qing answered bluntly. Lin Chen’s lips twitched—this reason was so powerful, he couldn’t refute it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang sister was a woman; flabby belly flesh would indeed be unattractive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wealthy woman—she simply didn’t care about spending a little extra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand, Jiang sister, please wait a moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen turned and entered the dining hall, presenting his academy identity token. The left upper corner of his Class-A student token was engraved with the character “Jia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paid twenty silver taels in banknotes and five silver taels in coin, and received the voucher for ten jin of gray-winged gull meat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang sister, here is the voucher for the gray-winged gull meat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen handed over the voucher; Jiang Qing now held a banknote in her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fifty-tael banknote.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Green in color—this was the first time Lin Chen had ever seen a banknote of such high denomination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the denomination, Lin Chen did not reach out to take it—he was puzzled. If Jiang sister gave him fifty taels, she hadn’t saved a single copper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had expected her to give him twenty taels—she’d save five, and he’d profit twenty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A few taels mean nothing to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if sensing his confusion, Jiang Qing explained plainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen understood—this sister wasn’t showing off wealth or looking down on him; she was simply stating a fact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no fragile ego. Since Jiang sister was this rich, there was no need to be polite with a wealthy woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took the banknote and bowed in thanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm. You can come to me again next month.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those words, Jiang Qing departed with effortless grace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang sister is a good person. May good fortune follow her always. Brother Lin wishes Jiang sister unbroken progress on the martial path.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen watched her retreating figure and silently offered his blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Jiang sister’s promise, he now had a steady twenty-five taels monthly income. A Zhiqiao Pill cost thirty taels; if he could earn five taels each month, he could maintain his martial progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he was at the bottom, he wouldn’t be left completely behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tucked the banknote away and, instead of returning to his dorm, headed toward the academy’s outer gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first month, he and Zhao Jingchuan and the others had agreed: once enrolled in the academy, they’d meet once a month in town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday, Zhao Jingchuan had sent word through the gatekeeper—they’d arranged to meet today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yunyin Martial Arts Academy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Lin Chen reached the academy’s main gate, a voice came from his left front: “Lin brother, over here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned toward the sound. In front of Yunyin Martial Arts Academy, beside a corner teahouse, Zhao Jingchuan and the other two sat waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, I’m a bit late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lin brother, you’re too formal—I just arrived myself,” Cheng Ying replied with a smile. He had joined the Seven Stars Martial Arts Academy, the farthest from Yunyin, nearly half the city away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since Lin brother is here, let’s move somewhere else to talk. I know a great place in the county for martial artists.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could Zhao brother mean the Wu Garden?” Lu Yongfeng guessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, the Wu Garden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jingchuan nodded. Though Lin Chen was puzzled, seeing the excitement in Lu Yongfeng and Cheng Ying’s eyes stirred his own curiosity about the Wu Garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here we are—this is the Wu Garden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the northern district of Poyang County, after passing through a quiet path lined with lush trees, Lin Chen and the three others arrived before a garden gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this the Wu Garden?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gazing at the Wu Garden’s entrance, Lin Chen was surprised—its gate was even more imposing than those of major martial arts academies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before it stood a pair of stone lions, carved with dragons and phoenixes, their eyes sharp and fierce, instilling awe in ordinary onlookers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above the lintel hung a black lacquered plaque with gold trim, inscribed with the characters “Wu Garden”—the strokes were bold and powerful, radiating an unspoken dignity and solemnity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way here, Lin Chen had already learned from Zhao Jingchuan what the Wu Garden was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gathering place for all martial artists in Poyang County.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not just anyone could enter—the minimum requirement was the Open Orifice realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Wu Garden, martial artists could exchange insights, trade resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No guards stood at the gate—no one foolish enough to intrude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jingchuan led the way, guiding Lin Chen and the others inside. After walking along a path of blue stone, they arrived at a small courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though small, the courtyard featured artificial hills and flowing water, and a miniature training ground equipped with every weapon: sabers, spears, swords, axes, halberds, hooks, and forks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Zhao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young woman glided gracefully forward, bowing deeply before them, her white silk veil partially concealing her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wan’er, we don’t need service today,” Zhao Jingchuan smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood. I’ll instruct the servants not to disturb you unless summoned,” the woman replied softly, stepping back a few paces before turning away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao brother, impressive—you’ve got a courtyard in the Wu Garden? I heard from a senior at the academy that only those who’ve cultivated the Organs can own one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the woman vanished, Cheng Ying stared at Zhao Jingchuan in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I couldn’t possibly get a courtyard myself. To be honest, it belongs to a relative of mine. After I enrolled, my father brought me here to pay respects—the relative met me right here. He’s leaving the county for a while and allowed me to use this courtyard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jingchuan gave a brief explanation; Lin Chen and the others didn’t press further about who the relative was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who doesn’t have a powerful relative?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone had secrets, connections—it didn’t conflict with their group studying martial arts together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Same as before—let’s spar first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yongfeng’s gaze fixed on Lin Chen, burning with intensity. For him, defeating Lin Chen had become a vital motivation on his martial path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not jealousy, not hatred—purely a competitive, unyielding spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looks like Lu brother is confident. Then let’s begin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen smiled. All four were at the Two-Orifice realm; their strength was nearly equal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To open one orifice per month in the academy required at least two Zhiqiao Pills. Lu Yongfeng and the others came from decent families in town, but spending over seventy taels monthly was unrealistic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One Zhiqiao Pill per month was the maximum their families could support. Any further resources had to be secured by themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lin brother, watch out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yongfeng’s eyes gleamed with confidence. After his call, he stepped forward—and in a single stride, he was already before Lin Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Seven Stars Fist’s agility wasn’t just in its techniques—it was matched by its footwork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen’s eyes narrowed. Lu Yongfeng had improved rapidly—the Seven Stars Fist must have reached the proficient stage. Clearly, Lu Yongfeng had trained daily for these past twenty days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he had met Lin Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen’s right hand shot out, reacting faster than Lu Yongfeng’s attack, striking precisely on the back of his fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Slap!*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crisp sound froze Lu Yongfeng in place. His right arm hung limp—he made no further move, standing stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong with Lu brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jingchuan and Cheng Ying looked confused. Even if he’d lost the first strike, why had Lu brother stopped?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Lu Yongfeng knew why he’d halted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen’s palm had struck his fist—not only with pinpoint accuracy, but with a force like surging waves, forcing back the qi he’d concentrated on his fist’s surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His qi and strength were cut off; in a life-or-death struggle, this would mean he had lost the initiative and was already defeated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Lin, has your Clear Wind Palm reached proficiency?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three breaths later, Lu Yongfeng voiced his disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jingchuan and Cheng Ying beside him stared wide-eyed, wondering what was going on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What nonsense are you talking about, Brother Lu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Has Brother Lin’s Clear Wind Palm reached proficiency?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would rather believe Brother Lin had already opened four dantian orifices than believe this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet,” Lin Chen replied calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I yield.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yongfeng looked deeply at Lin Chen; he understood that Brother Lin said it wasn’t there yet, but it was likely not far off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Brothers, today’s traffic is low, and we’re at risk of missing the Three Rivers ranking next week. If you have monthly votes, could you spare one for Jiudeng? We can only rely on the New Book Chart to gain exposure and attract more readers and followers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we were far behind, Jiudeng wouldn’t push it—we’d just wait. But the editor says we’re only a couple hundred paying readers short of the requirement. Let’s give it one last try—please!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1752,"2026-06-19T20:25:56.550Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","a13f88ee7eca2d801b5b64d4d4ebb15bf4d367f19ef5ec26eda62c25fc31cc28","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-40","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-38",591,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Frising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-cover.jpg"]