Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

Chapter 306: Chapter 93: Gift to Junior Brothers of the Jiangnan Dao – Author Lin Chen (Part 3)

”Hmm.” Shao Jingshan nodded, and the next moment his smile disappeared: ”Announce my decree: Lin Chen, a student from the martial arts academy in Poyang County, Raozhou Prefecture, is now recognized as a model martial arts student of Jiangnan Dao. Proclaim this to the entire Dao and issue this article simultaneously.”

”Yes!”

The crowd responded in unison.

”Former instructor Yu Yongnian of Poyang County is credited for his teaching achievements and is bestowed the title of Mr. Qiming, Junior Eighth Grade. He may enter the [Cultivation Pavilion] to contemplate the Martial Path. Announce this to the entire Dao, and let the instructors from all counties take him as an example to cultivate more pillars of talent for our great Liang.”

Junior Eighth Grade?

Lin Chen’s pupils contracted slightly; the instructor has suddenly risen up.

Lord Su is still just a Ninth Grade.

No, temporarily Ninth Grade; as I’ve been recognized as the model student of Jiangnan Dao, Lord Su will surely receive a promotion too.

Among those present who knew Yu Yongnian’s situation best, Qiu Rufeng was also filled with emotion.

Once again, Yu Yongnian is promoted through his pupil’s merit.

Ninth Grade official position does not represent strength.

Many Grade-Entering Martial Artists may not even attain a Ninth Grade official position, yet Yu Yongnian, without Entering the Grade, becomes Junior Eighth Grade. Though a nominal position, all directors at martial affairs offices wherever he goes must treat him with respect.

Entering the [Cultivation Pavilion] to contemplate the Martial Path, it’s as if he’s being directly sent to Entering the Grade.

[In Poyang County, other meritorious instructors of the education system are awarded by the Raozhou Prefecture Military Affairs Department based on their merits.]

”Yes!”

Bu Wenbin responded again.

[Raozhou Prefecture produced Jiangnan Dao’s model student Lin Chen, highlighting Raozhou Prefecture’s talent-rich and prosperous martial fortune. The Military Affairs Hall will allocate resources in accordance with the law, favoring Raozhou Prefecture. Lord Zhang, you are in charge of this matter.]

”By your order, my Lord.” Zhang Difeng also stood up and responded.

Shao Jingshan finally set his eyes on Lin Chen: ”Twice you have made a name for yourself on Martial Arts Mountain, Lin Chen... how should I reward you?”

Twice made a name?

The lords in the hall were all surprised, especially the directors of the Military Affairs Department hearing this for the first time.

Lin Chen has made a name for himself twice on Martial Arts Mountain?

How long has it been since the first time?

A student capable of making a name for himself twice on Martial Arts Mountain in Jiangnan Dao, it seems to have been a hundred years ago.

Qiu Rufeng slightly opened his mouth and looked at the joyous Bu Wenbin, feeling a deep regret in his heart.

If only I had known about Lin Chen’s potential, I would have done everything to keep him in Raozhou Military Affairs Department, even if it meant learning from that Elder Lord Li and pounding on the Military Affairs Hall’s table.

All this phenomenal educational achievement...

All ended up benefiting Bu Wenbin.

”Whatever my lord decides.” Lin Chen replied with a bashful smile.

”If it were just once on Martial Arts Mountain, I could easily reward you by following precedent, but achieving this twice, it’s been over two hundred years since only three students in Jiangnan Dao have done it. And those rewards from back then wouldn’t suffice now.”

”Any suggestions from anyone?”

Upon hearing Shao Jingshan’s question, others in the hall slightly shook their heads, truly finding it difficult without a precedent to follow.

”In that case... I will first give you a small reward: all the cultivation resources you require before Refining the Viscera will be provided to you without limit by the Military Affairs Hall.”

Shao Jingshan’s words puzzled many, thinking the reward was too small just until Refining the Viscera?

However, recalling Lord Shao called it an initial small reward, they found it acceptable.

Only Jia Nanzhu and Bu Wenbin had gleams in their eyes, understanding Lord Shao’s intention behind this arrangement.

Lin Chen used a considerable amount of cultivation resources in the Special Training Ground, reported to the Military Affairs Hall. Lin Chen, having only opened nineteen acupoints, would require a massive amount of resources by the time he reaches twenty-four acupoints compared to the usual martial artist.

”I am not being stingy; it’s just if I were to fix the reward now and you make a name for yourself again on Martial Arts Mountain next time, wouldn’t I be troubled again to decide on your reward? It would be better to settle it after you open twenty-four acupoints.”

Shao Jingshan’s explanation brought a sudden realization to the others.

They remembered that Lin Chen has only opened nineteen acupoints now and still has five acupoints left to break through. Since he could make a name for himself at eighteen and nineteen acupoints, he might as well do so at twenty acupoints.

Lord Shao’s arrangement makes a lot of sense.

”For now, keep the matter of Lin Chen making a name twice on Martial Arts Mountain confidential.”

”Why, Lord Shao, would not announcing this inspire the martial artists of Jiangnan Dao and motivate students?”

”This is the requirement of the Military Affairs Department.”

Shao Jingshan casually replied, and the person asking no longer questioned.

”I, as a disciple, think it’s a good thing not to announce my second marking on Martial Arts Mountain,”

Lin Chen interjected, intriguing the strong individuals present, wondering why at such a young age, not wishing for fame and recognition?

”Oh, why do you think it’s a good thing?” Shao Jingshan asked with a smile.

”Leaving a name once on Martial Arts Mountain is extremely difficult for most students. However, every few decades, there’s usually one student in Jiangnan Dao who manages to do so. But leaving a name twice... there’s a saying from my hometown: ’Modest wealth comes from diligence, great wealth comes from destiny.’

”Meaning, with hard work, one can catch up with some wealthy families, but to match noble families and dignitaries, it requires destiny irrespective of effort.”

”Achieving a mark once on Martial Arts Mountain serves as an incentive for future students, but doing so twice or more could backfire, making it seem unattainable and profoundly linked to destiny.”

Lin Chen explained, and the wise individuals present quickly grasped his point.

Indeed, there’s a rationale behind it.

Too much or too little can be detrimental!

With the Military Affairs Hall announcing Lin Chen’s first marking on Martial Arts Mountain, a trend connected to Martial Arts Mountain has risen in the martial arts circles of Jiangnan Dao lately.

At banquets, the Martial Arts Mountain is a frequent topic.

Even martial artists initially unfamiliar with Martial Arts Mountain are becoming increasingly aware, and the more they know, the harder they realize it is to leave a mark there.

Lin Chen’s first marking inspired them.

If Lin Chen could do it, why not them? Those talented youths carry pride.

But if it’s revealed that Lin Chen marked his name twice or thrice...

It would extinguish their pursuit and competitive spirit.

The concept of being fated for greatness and accompanied by Martial Fortune...

Such notions are also prevalent in the martial arts circles of Liang.

PS: It’s the end of the month, and I know many monthly votes have been cast; requesting votes, and with the end of the Two Sessions, Jiudeng will strive to write more, preparing to make up for it!