Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

Chapter 326: Chapter 101: Canglan Martial Arts Academy: State Your Terms Freely

A quarter of an hour later!

Lin Chen met simultaneously with Song Zhixue, Ye Yuan, and Luo Wen.

The three had all privately offered terms, and comparatively, the conditions offered by the Capital Martial Arts Academy were slightly higher, but still not satisfying enough for Lin Chen.

”Lin Chen, have you made a decision? No matter which one you choose, we won’t be upset since we’re all academies of Liang.”

Ye Yuan spoke with a smile. He was the last to discuss conditions privately with Lin Chen, and after stating his terms, he subtly mentioned that the disciples who graduated from Qingyun Martial Arts Academy had the most chances to become officials. For someone like Lin Chen, from an ordinary background, a career in the Martial Arts Examination route seemed inevitable. Joining Qingyun Martial Arts Academy could make future development in the Imperial Court smoother.

After all, those who come from the same academy share a bond as fellow disciples, and could look after each other in the Imperial Court.

”Honored instructors, I have a thought that I’d like to discuss with you.”

”What’s on your mind? Feel free to speak.” Luo Wen replied with a smile, unwilling to let Ye Yuan be the only one gaining Lin Chen’s favor.

”Martial academies usually recruit disciples who have reached the Refining the Viscera stage, and I haven’t reached that stage yet. Could the recruitment be delayed until I achieve it?”

Lin Chen didn’t mention wanting to continue challenging for a name at Martial Arts Mountain, only suggesting to discuss it after reaching the Refining the Viscera stage.

Upon hearing Lin Chen’s words, Ye Yuan and the others immediately understood his intentions. Clearly, Lin Chen was not satisfied with the conditions offered and hoped to raise his bargaining power by advancing his strength.

As for how, it naturally involved continuing to challenge the rankings at Martial Arts Mountain.

”Lin Chen, your request isn’t unreasonable, but there are rules in the academies. If you wait until you reach the Refining the Viscera stage, you will have to go through the standard assessment route for admission, and the rewards will depend on your performance during these assessments.”

Song Zhixue was in a difficult position. These are the rules of the academies, not just at one, but including Canglan Martial Arts Academy – shared by all four.

For potential prodigies, the academies can recruit early, offering certain conditions, provided the student is still below the Refining the Viscera stage. If they have reached that stage, then standard admissions assessments must be followed.

”Junior Brother Song, this rule isn’t mandated from above; it can be adapted.”

Jia Nanzhu spoke, pointing out that these rules were not imposed by the top but were agreements among the academies to prevent overly fierce competition for talented students.

With this rule, recruiting prodigious students must occur before they have refined the viscera, testing the evaluator’s judgment. After all, the strength of those below the Opening Acupoints Realm is relatively low, and if a high cost does not yield expected growth, the academy might become a laughing stock.

Moreover, the rule aims to pressure students to accept suitable offers promptly; otherwise, once they reach the Refining the Viscera stage, the offered conditions dissipate, leaving them to compete with other talented candidates through formal assessments.

This is a gentleman’s agreement among the academies.

”Lord Jia, this rule has existed for over a hundred years; it can’t be changed on a whim.” Luo Wen shook his head.

”If I’m not mistaken, Pei Qingming was an exception back in the day.”

Upon hearing Jia Nanzhu mention Pei Qingming, the eyes of the three individuals flickered. This was indeed a bold mention.

Who was Pei Qingming!

At thirty-two years old, he had already reached the Fourth Grade Realm, only a step away from the Upper Grade.

He had the potential to reach the Upper Grade Realm before thirty-five.

His name remained five times on Martial Arts Mountain, still present among the twenty-four openings.

Recognized as the top prodigy in Liang’s history since its founding.

At that time, Pei Qingming’s recruitment had the academies in a frenzy, with admissions instructors almost coming to blows at the Pei Mansion gates.

The so-called gentleman’s agreement — to hell with it.

Securing Pei Qingming meant the academy’s future status was bound to rise, and so it did; Pei Qingming eventually joined Lingxiao Martial Arts Academy, which rose to the third ranking among the Nine Kingdoms under his leadership.

Jia Nanzhu invoking Pei Qingming showed true ambition.

Although they acknowledged Lin Chen’s potential, having his name twice at Martial Arts Mountain, he still had a significant gap compared to Pei Qingming.

Not to mention Pei Qingming’s five-time recognition at Martial Arts Mountain, even his presence among the twenty-four openings weighed heavily in prestige.

The three individuals fell silent simultaneously, not refuting, giving Lin Chen a bit of face.

Seeing the three fell silent, Lin Chen pressed his lips tight and added, ”Esteemed instructors, let me be frank. I wish to continue challenging for a name at Martial Arts Mountain.”

Since these three figures didn’t regard him on par with Pei Qingming, Lin Chen decided to lay his intentions bare. According to his teacher, back when Pei Qingming had four inscriptions at Martial Arts Mountain, the major academies became restless. However, the Pei Mansion merely hosted the academies in a guest courtyard without granting meetings with Pei Qingming.

This way, the recruitment instructors didn’t complain, especially since Pei Qingming had remarked he was focusing intensely on challenging the twenty-four openings at Martial Arts Mountain, not wanting distractions from academy instructors, keeping them waiting at the Pei Mansion for over two months.

”Lin Chen, we understand your intentions, but rules are rules. If you don’t accept now, after we leave, you’ll have to wait until you reach Refining the Viscera on your own to approach an academy,” Ye Yuan said decisively, prompting Lin Chen to glance at the other two.