Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

Chapter 154: Chapter 37: Unexpected Turn in the Contest, Dissatisfaction from All Sides

Senior Brother Lin is using the Acupoint Opening Pill now, forcing the ones from Yanshan County to do the same; it’s a case of mutual destruction.

”Lin Chen taking the Acupoint Opening Pill gives him a chance to compete for the top three positions. Gu Shan, you need not use it.”

Tai Rubai cautioned Gu Shan from imitating this behavior, as using the Acupoint Opening Pill without a chance for the top three would be a waste.

”In this county duel, each county has twenty students participating. The rules are different from previous years. This time, if someone is confident, they can choose to face multiple opponents. If they win, they can not only eliminate their opponents but also double their points. The county with the highest final score wins, and the top rank is based on this score, with the highest finisher as first, followed by the second and third based on their winning scores.”

Gu Shan and Fu Ang were confused, evidently not fully grasping the concept. Lin Chen, however, seemed to be contemplating, as this rule is a good opportunity for those far above others in strength to score points.

”Is the choice of opponents left to those opting for one-against-many?”

Lin Chen asked the question he was concerned about. If he wanted to choose one-against-many, but Yanshan County dispatched Zhang Qi and Shen Ge, his plan would be foiled.

Conversely, if Zhang Qi and Shen Ge wanted to score this way, he just needed to accept the challenge, and they would have no chance.

”With five or more, you can choose your opponent.”

Tai Rubai answered, explaining that this rule was set by Lord Su and Lord Zhang.

If you are confident, you may go for points, but you must genuinely have the strength, needing to choose at least five opponents.

Gu Shan and Fu Ang were left speechless at the idea of challenging five opponents. They couldn’t even imagine it.

For instance, in Poyang County, of the twenty students, the weakest had opened thirteen acupoints, while, besides Lin Chen, Song Yu and Fei Hong had opened fourteen.

Even if Zhang Qi and Shen Ge had opened fifteen acupoints, handling five with thirteen is no easy feat.

”Moreover, there’s another rule: the loser has no further opportunity to challenge.”

Tai Rubai was initially surprised by this rule when Lord Su mentioned it, but Lord Su’s explanation made him realize its purpose.

The arrogant fools are simply morons!

”So, someone like me is just walking points.”

Fu Ang understood the rules and commented forlornly.

The county duel only rewards the top three; there are no prizes beyond that. Hence, he feels like a stepping stone for others to gain points.

Tai Rubai fell silent, wishing to comfort Fu Ang but realizing he spoke the truth.

”Hmph, even if they try to score off me, I’ll knock out a few of their teeth. Don’t worry, Senior Brother Lin, if Zhang Qi and Shen Ge opt for multiple opponents, I will fight them with all my might, even getting hurt to ensure they don’t have it easy.”

Fu Ang quickly adjusted his feelings, as he never intended to earn rankings at this county duel.

On the other hand, Gu Shan looked slightly despondent.

This rule is disadvantageous for the top-ten students since they lack the strength to fight five opponents.

Lin Chen noticed Gu Shan’s downcast expression and comforted him, ”Junior Brother Gu, you needn’t worry. Given my strength, I wouldn’t dare to choose you for a one-against-five, just as Zhang Qi and Shen Ge wouldn’t. They are more likely to challenge someone like Junior Brother Fu. The victory ultimately depends on the results of you all in individual matches.”

Hearing Lin Chen’s reassurance, Gu Shan’s expression improved. Senior Brother Lin was right; Zhang Qi and Shen Ge wouldn’t dare challenge someone ranked top ten in the March competitions.

Meanwhile, Fu Ang, observing Gu Shan’s improved mood, pondered whether Lin Chen was truthful.

He was well-aware of Senior Brother Lin’s humility.

”Rest and prepare well, don’t overthink. Especially Lin Chen, remember Lord Su’s advice: the path of martial arts is long, and one shouldn’t care about temporary gains or losses.”

”Disciple understands.”

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Military Affairs Department, the area where Yanshan County students reside.

At this moment, eight hall masters, including Zhang Qi and Shen Ge, were also in a courtyard.

”Lord, Lin Chen has opened fourteen acupoints. Evidently, he has used the Acupoint Opening Pill?”

”For a county duel, he actually used the Acupoint Opening Pill. Does he think only Poyang County has it?”

Zhang Wangshan was also frowning. Lin Chen using the Acupoint Opening Pill caught him by surprise; he didn’t expect Su Lingchuan to resort to this.

In Zhang Wangshan’s view, Lin Chen’s usage of the pill was undoubtedly prompted by Su Lingchuan.

”Hall masters, Lord Zhang, since Lin Chen has used the Acupoint Opening Pill, let us do so too, but Senior Brother Shen need not.”

Zhang Qi spoke up, ”After using the Acupoint Opening Pill, I will have opened sixteen acupoints, making it easy to deal with Lin Chen. As for first place, I won’t contest with Senior Brother Shen.”

Zhang Qi held high regard for Shen Ge and saw no need for Shen to use the pill now. As long as he used the pill, defeating Lin Chen would be no problem.

”Very well, Zhang Qi, I am pleased you came forward willingly. Rest assured, after this county duel, I will certainly reward you well.”

Zhang Wangshan was very satisfied with Zhang Qi, who smiled faintly, knowing this was why he spoke first. Senior Brother Shen had two Acupoint Opening Pills; if he truly used them, Zhang couldn’t match him. It was better to gain favor with Lord Zhang.

”Lord Zhang, using the Acupoint Opening Pill requires a day or two to digest, but there’s only one day left until the duels, which seems insufficient.”

”No matter, I will apply to the Director to delay our Yanshan and Poyang County duels by a day, allowing other counties to start first the day after. Under such special circumstances, the Director will agree.”

Zhang Wangshan was confident and intended to publicize this, letting other counties see Su Lingchuan’s shamelessness in disregarding students’ futures for a mere county duel.

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The next day!

Lin Chen, Fu Ang, and Gu Shan were headed to the Military Affairs Department’s mess hall when Tai Rubai stopped them.

”There’s no need to dine in the mess hall today. Lord Su has arranged for staff to bring food to you.”

Noticing Tai Rubai’s somber expression, Lin Chen and the others exchanged glances, with Fu Ang asking, ”Master, has something happened?”

”Yanshan County requested a one-day delay for the duels because Lin Chen used the Acupoint Opening Pill, and the Director agreed, notifying the other counties.”

”A one-day delay doesn’t seem like much.”

Fu Ang still didn’t understand, and Tai Rubai glanced at Lin Chen, saying, ”This county duel sees no students using Acupoint Opening Pills, sparking debates because Lin Chen used one.”

Debates?

More like ridicule.

Lin Chen understood why Hall Master Tai advised him against going to the mess. His usage of the pill seemed like cheating to others.

Although such cheating is common among counties, since others weren’t using it, breaking this norm drew unkind remarks.

”Many martial artists from Raozhou Prefecture will attend and watch these duels. The dates were set, and with our duel against Yanshan delayed by a day, Degao and Yudong counties now duel tomorrow, which has caused some discontent.”

Counties ranked the lowest duel first.

Degao and Yudong counties were pushed to duel tomorrow, sparking discontent as it seemed to indicate they were bottom-ranked, breeding dissatisfaction.

Raozhou’s biennial Prefecture Examination is closely followed by its martial artists, mostly interested in student rankings than county rankings.

This discontent, unable to target the Military Affairs Department, fell onto Poyang County and Lin Chen.

Lin Chen realized Hall Master’s protective intentions. Although he wasn’t daunted by gossip, he wouldn’t reject such thoughtful discretion.

The best way to silence criticism is strength.