Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

Although last time Lord Kong had already cleaned up a batch of families within Liang that were colluding with other nations, there’s always a possibility of ones hiding deeper; we must be on guard.

”Dean, Junior Brother Lin, esteemed lords, I shall take my leave now.”

Pei Qingming arrived suddenly and left casually, stepping into the air, heading towards the Yan Capital, his robes fluttering freely, exuding an air of nonchalance.

As Lin Chen watched Pei Qingming’s departing figure, he felt a stirring in his heart. Only upon reaching Brother Pei’s realm does one truly have the power to protect oneself in the Nine Kingdoms without worry of ambush or assassination.

”Junior Brothers, you have all heard what Qingming said. Regarding this battle at Jiefeng Gorge, inform the disciples well; do not reveal the true battle situation. Simply convey that Qingming appeared and slew the Second Grade martial artist from the Zheng Kingdom, after which we all joined to turn on and annihilate the opposing forces.”

Hou Zhantian looked at Vice Dean Chen Shan and the others, who nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of this matter.

Fortunately, those chosen to represent the Martial Arts Academy in the ranking competition are not only among the top in strength but also have impeccable family backgrounds.

”As for the disciples who have died... Secure their bodies properly.”

Speaking at the end, Hou Zhantian’s expression carried a trace of sorrow. This time, Liang was not completely undamaged; five disciples had fallen in battle, and four were injured.

A quarter of an hour later.

Under the leadership of Hou Zhantian, everyone on the deck paid respects to the bodies of the five fallen disciples.

Looking at the sorrowful faces of the young ones, Hou Zhantian sighed deeply in his heart. For these talented individuals, today must have been the most perilous encounter they’ve faced.

However, this will certainly not be the last.

”Today, these five disciples will not be the first to sacrifice, nor the last. The Northern Border Demon Race still requires a final blow, and the Han Kingdom will surely battle Liang. I ask you all, are you afraid?”

Hou Zhantian suddenly shouted, his gaze sweeping over each disciple present.

Yet, not a single disciple showed fear on their face.

”Lord Hou, we are not afraid!”

”Dean, we are not afraid!”

”If the Han Kingdom dares to invade, then we shall fight them!”

Hearing the words of these disciples, a smile appeared on Hou Zhantian’s face: ”It is not yet time for you to fight the Han Kingdom. We, the old ones, and those like Qingming who have grown up, will handle it. What you must do is train even harder.”

The river wind howled, the deck was silent, but at this moment, all the disciples had only one thought in their hearts: from today onwards, they would focus all their efforts on training.

For Liang, for their families, and to avenge their fallen brothers.

...

...

Liang, Northern Border!

Beyond the endless ice fields of the Northern Border, in the stationed military camp.

A red eagle swiftly flew into the foremost camp.

Xiao Pingyao took the letter handed by a subordinate and, after reading its contents, his eyes shone brightly.

”The Han Kingdom truly spares no means.”

In an instant, Xiao Pingyao glanced at the subordinate in front of him: ”Pass the order, sound the drums of war for the three armies!”

”Marquis?”

The subordinate was taken aback; sounding the drums indicates something major is afoot.

To sound the drums now, could it be that a decision has been made at the top?

”Yes, I will pass the order immediately.”

The subordinate’s face showed a gleam of excitement, and shortly after leaving the tent, Xiao Yaojin’s figure entered.

”Father, are we taking action?”

”Yes.”

Xiao Pingyao nodded, handing the secret letter to his son: ”Your Senior Brother is quite exceptional.”

”Senior Brother?”

Xiao Yaojin was momentarily taken aback, then seemed to realize something, his eyes lighting up: ”Is it Senior Brother Lin?”

”See for yourself.”

After reading the contents of the secret letter, Xiao Yaojin appeared invigorated: ”I just knew Senior Brother Lin could lead Canglan Martial Arts Academy to earn a good rank.”

”But did you ever imagine your Senior Brother Lin could surpass Huo Ruohong and Bian Xinjie, and lead Canglan Martial Arts Academy to take first place?”

Xiao Pingyao smiled at his son. Although the Han Kingdom’s withdrawal caused the ranking competition of the Nine Kingdoms to be disbanded midway, those in the know understood that Canglan Martial Arts Academy was first this time.

Xiao Yaojin shook his head honestly. While confident in Senior Brother Lin’s abilities, he had only predicted a top-four placement for him. First place was beyond his expectation.

As expected of Senior Brother Lin, after a few months, he once again brought significant astonishment.

”The Han Kingdom actually wants to eliminate Senior Brother Lin.”

But recalling the contents mentioned in the secret letter, Xiao Yaojin’s expression turned cold, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

”Exterminate the Northern Border Demon Race, stabilize Liang’s Northern Border, and if the Han Kingdom dares to interfere, show no mercy!”