Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

Chapter 109: Chapter 14: Low-class Family’s Child, Ambitions of a Swan

Main Hall of the Mountain Suppressing Martial Arts Hall.

”Senior Brother, are you really letting Lin Chen train in the Iron Bone Skill?”

Hong Qianhai looked at his senior brother, somewhat puzzled.

Just now, Fu Ang had brought Lin Chen into the martial arts hall, leaving him wondering about Lin Chen’s purpose here at the Mountain Suppressing Martial Arts Hall.

But when Lin Chen spoke about wanting to learn the Iron Bone Skill, and his senior brother immediately agreed, it made him utterly confused.

”Senior Brother, this action might violate the rules of the Martial Affairs Office.”

Tai Rubai glared at his junior brother, retorting, ”Does the Martial Affairs Office have a rule stating that students cannot practice two cultivation techniques?”

Hong Qianhai was stunned, thinking back carefully, and indeed there was no such rule mentioned in the many regulations sent to the martial arts hall by the Martial Affairs Office.

”Even if Lin Chen doesn’t practice the Iron Bone Skill, isn’t he already training in two cultivation techniques, Clear Wind Palm and Water Cloud Palm?”

”That... that is a special situation. It was because Qi He from the Clear Wind Martial Arts Hall underestimated Lin Chen’s potential, forcing Lin Chen to finally join the Jingshui Martial Arts Hall. If other students follow suit, wouldn’t it lead to chaos?”

”Follow suit?”

Tai Rubai sneered, ”They need to have the ability to master one cultivation technique to perfection in such a short time. Even if not so short, achieving it within six months can allow them to learn as many techniques as Lin Chen does.”

Seeing his junior brother’s confused look, Tai Rubai explained, ”Junior Brother, you might not know, but a century ago, martial artists in the Body Forging Realm trained in at least two techniques, some even in three. It was only later that martial artists switched to mastering just one technique, and the old path of cultivation was called the Extreme Cultivation Method.”

”Training in two or three cultivation techniques?”

Hong Qianhai was genuinely shocked. Focusing on one technique and achieving perfection in three years is considered outstanding. He couldn’t fathom how long it would take to perfect two or three techniques simultaneously.

”It’s precisely because this path is difficult that, a century ago, a powerful martial artist created a new method of cultivation. As for which method is stronger, there’s no need for me to elaborate.”

”Extreme Cultivation Method...”

Hong Qianhai nodded, easily discerning from the name which was stronger.

”The Extreme Cultivation Method was abandoned due to its difficulty, but Lin Chen’s recent demonstration of his enlightenment and comprehension abilities shows he has a chance to walk this path, a matter that has been approved by Lord Su.”

Three days ago, I received notice from Lord Su. Honestly, I was also shocked when I heard it, not expecting Lin Chen to have such ambition.

It’s not just ambition, but absolute confidence in himself.

With Lin Chen’s current display of martial path talent, he already meets the Martial Affairs Department’s criteria for a genius. Entering the Grade is only a matter of time.

This young man is truly extraordinary.

He chose the most challenging path.

”Senior Brother, how should our martial arts hall treat Lin Chen?”

Having accepted Lin Chen’s decision to train in the Iron Bone Skill, Hong Qianhai posed another concern.

”In Lin Chen’s mind, we surely can’t compare to the Jingshui Martial Arts Hall. But at least we should build a good relationship and treat him as a formal student.”

Tai Rubai stroked his beard and smiled, ”The lesson from the Clear Wind Martial Arts Hall should not be repeated.”

...

...

Underneath Huang Mountain in the Huizhou Prefecture.

Yu Yongnian looked at the envelope in his hand, his expression fluctuating, his mouth slightly agape, and finally stood there like a clay figure, holding the letter in a daze.

Shu Suwan, standing beside him, had a puzzled look. She was curious about what Lin Chen had written in the letter that made her junior brother show such an expression.

”Senior Sister, you should take a look.”

After a while, Yu Yongnian came back to his senses and handed the envelope to his senior sister, his expression turning strange.

”Let me see.”

Shu Suwan took the letter, her eyes glancing over it, revealing a look of surprise.

”To my Instructor:”

”[The competition at the martial arts hall has ended, and I was fortunate enough to take first place...]”

Upon seeing the opening line, Shu Suwan almost doubted her own eyes and only after reading it several times did she confirm it.

Now she understood why her junior brother had such an expression.

First place in the martial arts hall competition!

Overpowering all the new students from the Eight Great Martial Arts Halls!

Had it not been for her certainty that Lin Chen wouldn’t joke in a letter, and seeing the contents with her own eyes, she would have doubted her junior brother was pulling her leg even if he had told her verbally.

”Junior Brother, did you see such enormous potential in Lin Chen, which is why you helped him initially?”

Shu Suwan looked up at her junior brother, and Yu Yongnian shook his head, ”If I could have seen Lin Chen growing to this point, why would I have written those two letters?”

”Besides, Senior Sister, do you think my judgment is sharper than yours?”

”You’re right.”

Shu Suwan nodded slightly. She was also aware of Lin Chen’s background and situation at the Martial Hall, so her junior brother’s initial help to Lin Chen was purely out of sympathy from an instructor to a student.

”At the time, I just thought that a determined young man should not be let down. When someone can speak of working and studying hard and is willing to humble himself before his peers, as an Instructor, I had to lend a helping hand.”

Yu Yongnian explained once again, and Lin Chen did not disappoint him. Only when Lin Chen achieved some success on the Martial Path would he continue to support Lin Chen.

”Lord Su called me a model Instructor, which truly makes me feel ashamed. I am not without any self-interested motives. If Lin Chen hadn’t shown promise in cultivation, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have continued to pay attention to him.”

Shu Suwan smiled faintly: ”Judge by deeds, not intentions. This isn’t realistic. If Lin Chen can’t make a name for himself on the Martial Path, your attention would be useless. As for Lord Su praising you as a model Instructor, half of it comes from his own personal motives.”

Seeing the puzzled expression on her junior brother’s face, Shu Suwan dissected Lord Su’s intentions.

”So, according to Senior Sister’s view, should I agree? Mainly, what are the pros and cons of this matter for Lin Chen?”

Yu Yongnian humbly sought guidance, but more from Lin Chen’s interest perspective than his own.

”Naturally, you should agree. But since Lord Su wants to use the two of you, master and disciple, for his political achievements, he must also provide benefits. When responding, I’ll assist with the letter, so you needn’t worry about it.”

”I’ll trouble you then, Senior Sister.”

Shu Suwan gazed intently: ”For the sake of this ’mistress’ mentioned in Lin Chen’s letter, I should care.”

Yu Yongnian gave an embarrassed smile, his face showing a hint of redness.

”I’ll respond to Lord Su, but didn’t Junior Brother Fu hesitate when Lin Chen mentioned the Martial Arts Extreme Cultivation Method in his letter?”

On the contrary, Shu Suwan was more concerned about Lin Chen’s intention to pursue the path of extreme cultivation, viewing it not as the best choice.

”What does Senior Sister mean?”

”Since Lin Chen has perfected the Clear Wind Palm, the Military Affairs Department will undoubtedly nurture him. At the earliest, in two years, at the latest in five, he will surely Enter the Grade. Given his family background, this should be his goal rather than pursuing extreme martial arts.”

The Martial Arts Extreme Cultivation Method was something Shu Suwan had heard about, yet in the entire Rao Mansion, only a few would pursue this path.

This path is extremely challenging. Those from Noble Families might attempt it to transcend themselves, as they can afford to make mistakes.

Yu Yongnian laughed: ”My thoughts differ from Senior Sister’s. Since Lin Chen wishes to walk this path, then let him proceed.”

”Didn’t Junior Brother say he hoped Lin Chen wouldn’t aim too high?” Shu Suwan pressed.

”Times change; since Lin Chen has miraculously perfected the Clear Wind Palm in such a short time, he might create another miracle.”

”If miracles were so easily made, they wouldn’t be called miracles. With Lin Chen’s family background, aiming to Enter the Grade within five years, and later aspiring to the Seventh Grade, would elevate the Lin Family to a prestigious status in Rao Mansion. This is a truly stable path. To seek soaring success often leads to a steep fall.”

The two argued, with words exchanging back and forth.

”This road is incredibly tough.”

”Disciples from low-class families can also harbor lofty ambitions.”

Yu Yongnian’s expression was resolute, his gaze unwavering as he slightly lifted his chin and, looking directly into Shu Suwan’s eyes, said emphatically: ”Though Lin Chen didn’t mention the hardships of training in the Martial Arts Hall in his letter, to be underestimated by the Clear Wind Martial Arts Hall and emerge victorious as first is no easy feat.”

Shu Suwan frowned, showing a hint of helplessness: ”I know how difficult it was for Lin Chen to reach this stage, but precisely because of this, he should seek stability. It is not easy for someone from a low-class family to reach this point; a slight misstep could delay his martial arts progress, which would be too regrettable.”

”Senior Sister speaks with reason.” Yu Yongnian slightly nodded: ”But Senior Sister still doesn’t understand Lin Chen. He walks every step on the Martial Path with exceptional determination. Since he has chosen the path of extreme cultivation, it signifies his resolve and confidence to continue on this path.”

”Enough; I, as the mistress, won’t interfere in matters between the master and disciple hereafter, lest I become seen as the villain.”

”What does Senior Sister mean by that? If Lin Chen were here, I’m sure he’d recognize Senior Sister’s genuine concern for him. Those who don’t truly care would only cheer and never pour cold water on him.”

Yu Yongnian knew Senior Sister meant well, that her earnest advice was for Lin Chen’s benefit.

Yet, as he mentioned before, Senior Sister truly didn’t understand Lin Chen. From the moment Lin Chen wrote the letter asking about this, Yu recognized his disciple’s determination.

Since this is the case, as his Instructor, all he could do was support him.

...

...

Iron Blood Martial Arts Hall.

Lin Chen followed Fu Ang to the dormitory area of the Martial Arts Hall.

”Senior Brother Lin, you’ll stay in this dormitory, while I’m right next door.”

”Thank you, Junior Brother Fu.”

Lin Chen entered the dormitory, which had all the bedding and washing supplies ready, and in the small courtyard, there was a large wooden barrel for soaking in baths.

”Senior Brother Lin, disciples of our Martial Arts Hall need to temper their bodies through medicinal baths, so the dormitory is equipped with a bathing barrel.”

Seeing Lin Chen gaze at the barrel, Fu Ang smiled and explained, then continued: ”Senior Brother Lin, rest early today; tomorrow I’ll take you to the Martial Arts Pavilion to get the secret manual for the Iron Bone Skill.”

”Tomorrow?”

Lin Chen shook his head: ”Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and yet tomorrow.”

”Let’s go now. Please, Junior Brother Fu, take me there now.”

”Senior Brother Lin wants to train today, but it’s already late... ”

”No matter, I’m already used to training at night. Training under the moonlight, where the cool breeze is refreshing, is perfect.”

Hearing this, Fu Ang looked at Lin Chen with admiration in his eyes, finally understanding why Senior Brother Lin could master the Clear Wind Palm to perfection so swiftly.

It wasn’t just talent but also hard work.

Training under the moon, with a cool breeze...

It sounds simple, but how many people could really do it?

At this moment, his respect for Lin Chen came from deep within, not just from respect for strength alone.