[{"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-4":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},2265839,4424,"Chapter 4: Favoritism and Division","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-4",4,"\u003Cp>Dusk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the slanting sun, countless white gulls drift, and flowing water winds around the mountain village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assessment ended in the morning; today, the students were given rest, and many chose to return home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the past six months, the martial hall required them to practice fist techniques daily; many students from villages below had not returned home in half a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen was going back to the village, and Gu Fei along with two other boys from the same village were doing the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four of them traveled home together, chatting and laughing; having passed the assessment, all their burdens lifted—even Lin Chen noticed his steps felt lighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering the village, the villagers greeted them warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Back already? How’s training at the martial hall?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With you brats gone, our village’s been quieter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At fifteen or sixteen, they were at the age of mischief; Lin Chen and the others had caused no small amount of trouble in the village before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after half a year at the martial hall, everyone had matured considerably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Studying martial arts at the hall meant not only hope, but also pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pressure was the fastest way for a boy to mature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chenzi, come sit at my place?” Gu Fei said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I’m going home first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, then meet at the village entrance tomorrow morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After parting ways with Gu Fei, and then with the other two boys at the crossroads, Lin Chen didn’t delay—he headed straight for home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His house was at the village’s end, requiring him to walk through most of the village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the gate, beyond the bamboo fence, Lin Chen saw his mother drying fishing nets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother!” Lin Chen called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chen’er?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Mu first froze, then, upon seeing Lin Chen through the fence, her face lit up with surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve grown so tall! Your brother told me you’ve shot up a full head’s height—I didn’t believe him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having not seen her son in half a year, Lin Mu stared at her younger son, now taller than herself, her heart swelling with emotion as she circled him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eldest son, Lin Liang, had visited the martial hall several times and always told her about her younger son’s progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve gotten thinner,” Lin Mu said, heart aching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen smiled: “Mother, I’m growing now—I’ll naturally stretch out. It’s normal to be thin. Our instructor said I’ll bulk up in a few months. Are Father and Brother working in the fields?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your father and brother are watering the crops. Why are you home today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, I missed you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You always say sweet things to please me—if you really missed me, why come home only once every six months?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Mu wasn’t fooled, but she was delighted by her son’s change; before the martial hall, her younger son had been quiet and withdrawn, yet now he was cheerful and even sweet-tongued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being sweet-tongued was good—it would help him find a good wife someday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you pass the martial hall assessment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, you’re truly prophetic—I didn’t even say a word and you guessed it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen flattered her, and Lin Mu beamed: “You’re my son—I know every little trick in your head. Since you passed, Grandfather must support your martial training. Tonight, I’ll tell him. Go find your father in the fields and ask him to buy a bottle of wine from the village entrance—Grandfather loves it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, I’ll go see if Father and Brother need help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen agreed, took the family’s hoe, and headed toward their fields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three men were glad to see each other; Lin Chen noticed a small patch of land still unwatered and helped carry water until the entire field was irrigated, only returning home after finishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After putting away their tools, the three men walked toward the ancestral house where Grandfather lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lin family had not yet divided; everyone ate meals together in the ancestral house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I thought today your sister-in-law suddenly started cooking extra dishes—now I know it’s because Chen’er’s back,” the woman sweeping the front courtyard said with a smile as Lin Chen entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second Aunt,” Lin Chen greeted her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve grown so much—you’re almost as tall as your father.” Second Aunt smiled as she sized him up, about to say more, when a little girl entered the gate, clutching a green clay cake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my, didn’t I tell you not to go near the chicken coop? You’ve got chicken droppings again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second Aunt jumped up, slapped the filth from the girl’s hand, but the girl only giggled uncontrollably; when her small eyes met Lin Chen’s, they showed only unfamiliarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Xi, don’t you recognize your Fourth Brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“F…Fourth Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cousin Lin Xi had a habit: when thinking, she unconsciously sucked her fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Infants love sucking their fingers—it’s natural. Some grow out of it; others keep it until five or six.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With chicken droppings still on her fingers, she put them in her mouth—and got a hard slap from Second Aunt. This time, she didn’t laugh—she burst into tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his cousin cry, Lin Chen felt awkward, but it didn’t seem like his fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you crying at mealtime?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hoarse voice rang out. Grandfather Lin Chaoyang stepped out from the main room, hands behind his back. When he saw Lin Chen, he paused, then called toward the kitchen: “Chen’er’s back! Little daughter-in-law, add two more eggs to his meal to strengthen him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Grandfather. I’ve completed six months at the martial hall,” Lin Chen said, hinting at something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Six months is enough. Even if you failed, it’s fine. Just work the fields properly. If you want to learn a trade, tell your father.” Grandfather smiled warmly: “In a few years, you’ll need to find a wife.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your father’s eager for a great-grandson—but Ming’s studying martial arts, so we can only hope for Hui and Chen’er.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the eldest aunt and uncle entered from outside. The eldest aunt smiled at Lin Chen: “Our Chen’er’s grown so handsome—he’ll find a fine wife.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister-in-law, my Chen’er didn’t come back because he failed—he passed the martial hall assessment. I’m here to share the good news.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Mu stepped out of the kitchen, hearing her sister-in-law’s words, and her heart turned sour. What did she mean, “too bad Ming’s studying martial arts”? My son can study too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Lin Mu spoke, the main room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eldest aunt and second aunt stared, mouths agape. After a long pause, the second aunt finally reacted: “I remember we didn’t give you any money—how did he pass? When Lin Ming reached two hundred jin, it cost three taels!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So clearly, Chen’er has martial talent—he’ll surely succeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second Aunt’s words made Lin Mu beam; Lin Chen noticed the eldest aunt’s face darken instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not how it works. My Ming reached two hundred jin by the fourth month. Chen’er just returned—he only reached it this month. There’s still a gap.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eldest aunt’s words made Lin Chen’s lip twitch. Give me three taels, and I’d hit two hundred jin in four months too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, Grandfather didn’t give you money, but you might’ve given some yourself. And lately, the eels Little Yue caught have been fewer and fewer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implication: Lin Mu had secretly paid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean by that?” Lin Mu snapped, hands on her hips. “What do you mean I gave money? Every month’s income goes to Grandfather. Where would I get money? Liang’s eel catches barely bring in a few coppers—how could that compare to what we spent on Ming?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not accusing anyone. I just worry someone’s hiding earnings. I didn’t name names—why get defensive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You didn’t name names? Then who else were you talking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough! Don’t quarrel in front of the young ones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandfather scolded, then looked at Lin Chen. Lin Chen didn’t hesitate: “Grandfather, you promised that if I passed the martial hall assessment, the family would support my martial training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So now we have to support two people studying martial arts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Grandfather answered, Second Aunt spoke with worry: her son Hui didn’t study martial arts, and all the family’s money had gone to Ming. If they added Lin Chen, their family would be working only for the eldest and youngest branches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second Sister-in-law, Grandfather promised this to Chen’er—and you didn’t object then,” Lin Mu retorted immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not against Chen’er studying martial arts,” Second Aunt explained. “I’m saying the family simply doesn’t have enough money. If Chen’er wants to study, just take half of what we give Ming each month and give it to him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either way, the family’s money was fixed—whether it went to Ming or Chen’er, her family didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No!\" the eldest aunt refused instantly. \"Ming is at a critical stage—he’s about to cultivate essence. This is when money is most needed. Ming told me his classmates’ families give them four or five taels a month. He’s sensible, knows we can’t afford it, and never asked for more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Five taels? Even if he dared ask, we couldn’t pay it.” Lin Mu snorted. “There are plenty in the village who train martial arts—but most give up within two years without cultivating essence. We’re the only ones still spending, and everyone laughs at us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s that a joke? When Ming cultivates essence, he’ll be the first in our village in three years. The fortune-teller said Ming is our Lin family’s qilin child.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d give the fortune-teller ten cash, and he’d instantly say Chen’er is our qilin child.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough!” Grandfather cut them off, face stern. He turned to Lin’s father: “Little son, tomorrow take Chen’er to Master Zhang. I’ll give half a tael to buy gifts and enroll him as a bamboo-weaving apprentice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen’s pupils shrank—he hadn’t expected Grandfather to refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grandfather, I want to study martial arts—I don’t want to learn bamboo-weaving,” Lin Chen said firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Foolish boy, even if you passed the martial hall, what good is it? The more you advance, the more money it costs. Your brother has already spent over forty taels. You’ll need at least twenty. The family has already spent everything on your brother—we can’t even borrow more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grandfather, I won’t need that much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandfather Lin Chaoyang shook his head. How much martial arts cost wasn’t something you could guess by talking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming had claimed he only needed twenty taels—but now he’d spent forty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days ago, Ming returned from the county town and said there was a secret medicine that would let him cultivate essence—but it cost ten taels per dose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The family’s last coins had gone to Ming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Ming cultivates essence, the family will still need to pay the martial school’s tuition—perhaps even mortgage the land deeds to borrow money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming has already cost so much—we can’t let him cultivate essence only to be unable to pay the school fees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, didn’t Lin Ming come home last time and find another excuse to take money?” Lin Mu seemed to realize something, her gaze shifting between Grandfather and the eldest aunt. The eldest aunt avoided her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Mu understood—the family’s money had been taken by Ming. She coldly said: “If Father won’t give money, I’ll borrow it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Little sister-in-law, don’t be reckless—borrowing means repayment,” Second Aunt said quickly. The Lin family hadn’t divided; if the third sister-in-law borrowed, the rest would have to share the debt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re afraid the debt falls on you, then let’s divide the family!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Lin Mu’s words, silence fell again. Second Aunt’s eyes darted, thinking hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Little sister-in-law, how can you say such nonsense?” Uncle scolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s nonsense about it?” Lin Mu cut him off sharply. “Why can only your Ming study martial arts, and not my Chen’er?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s because we have no money,” Uncle sighed. “If we had money, Father would let Chen’er study martial arts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you have no money, go borrow it—why should the money we earn go to Lin Ming? Now our Chen needs money to study martial arts, and you’re unwilling to contribute? Do you think all the good fortune in the world belongs to your family?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Mu’s words left the eldest uncle speechless; seeing this, the eldest aunt interjected, \"Third sister-in-law, our family has already borrowed a lot—we can’t borrow any more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whether or not we can borrow is my business—none of your concern. Just tell me whether your family acknowledges this debt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Mu’s gaze was sharp as she fixed it on the eldest aunt, who, feeling guilty, dared not meet her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen saw his silent grandfather and then the eldest aunt’s guilty expression; a self-mocking smile appeared on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood now: the eldest aunt only wanted to drain his family’s blood and refused to pay for his martial training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for his grandfather, it wasn’t merely sunk costs that kept the eldest cousin studying martial arts—it was outright favoritism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little son, are you letting your wife speak like this?\" Grandfather Lin Chaoyang frowned at Lin’s father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s father pleaded, \"Father, let Chen study martial arts—we’ll borrow the money and repay it ourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you know? Martial training is a bottomless pit—do you think it’s just a few taels of silver? What will your family use to repay it then?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chaoyang shouted angrily, but Lin Chen couldn’t help coldly retort, \"So the eldest cousin’s martial training isn’t a bottomless pit? Grandfather, are you saying only the eldest cousin is your grandson?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You insolent brat!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chaoyang’s face turned ashen: \"Little son, this is the son you’ve raised? Is this how you speak to your father?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t you dare criticize my husband or my son,\" Lin Mu roared like an enraged lioness. \"If the grandfather is biased, why should the younger ones be filial?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually, dividing the family isn’t a bad idea. If Chen wants to study martial arts, let your younger brother’s household handle it themselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second aunt muttered softly beside her, her own family also being bled dry by Lin Ming—she had long wanted to split the household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chaoyang glared at his second daughter-in-law, then turned a cold gaze on Lin Mu: \"What if I refuse to divide the family?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Mu showed no fear: \"Fine, we won’t divide—but I’ll spread every dirty secret of this family throughout the village. A grandfather who favors one grandson, spending dozens of taels on him while giving not a single copper coin to the younger grandson—whose shame will it be? See if your precious eldest grandson can even hold his head up in this village!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This struck at the grandfather’s weakest point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandfather Lin Chaoyang’s face turned ashen, his whole body trembling as he threatened, \"If you divide the family, the land will have nothing to do with you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We don’t want it. We only claim the two mu we reclaimed ourselves—Lin family land stays with your precious eldest grandson. Liang, Chen, let’s go. This place is no longer our home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Chen gave his grandfather one long look, then turned and silently followed his mother. His older brother Lin Liang suddenly spat a thick glob of phlegm onto the ground—he too harbored deep hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had once thought Grandfather let Lin Ming study martial arts because Lin Ming was the eldest and had the advantage of starting early; he had even willingly caught eels to send to the eldest uncle’s house. Now he saw: Grandfather cared only for Lin Ming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and Chen were nothing but worthless grandsons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Liang, what are you doing?\" The eldest uncle snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Liang ignored him and followed Lin Chen, supporting their mother as they walked out the courtyard gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, I am unfilial,\" Lin’s father said, watching his wife and children leave, then turned without hesitation and followed after them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Insolent! Absolutely insolent!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within the old homestead, the grandfather’s furious shouts echoed far into the distance…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2644,"2026-06-19T20:25:56.550Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","be10ebeca27926ac3048fd07d1e05628070c45e866f68bc22d58be60077039a9","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-5","rising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-chapter-3",591,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Frising-from-obscurity-my-martial-path-comeback-cover.jpg"]