IMPORTANT INFOS
For Pledged Members:
Necromancer, What the Hell Is A Type 055 Summon? — Chapters 141 to 150
Wasteland Border Inspector — Chapters 131 to 140
My Father Is Superman, But I'm Just An NPC? — Chapters 109 to 113
Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint — Chapters 31 to 40
For Free Members: (8:00 PM, UTC +8)
Necromancer, What the Hell Is A Type 055 Summon? — Chapters 93 & 94
Wasteland Border Inspector — Chapters 91 & 92
My Father Is Superman, But I'm Just An NPC? — Chapters 83 & 84
Wizard: Starting With Synthesized Gems — Chapters 83 & 84
American Hunting: Starting From Alone In The Wilderness — Chapters 83 & 84
We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? — Chapters 59 & 60
God's Imitator — Chapters 59 & 60
Daily Divination: From Market Rogue Cultivator To Immortal Venerable — Chapters 45 & 46
I Run A Prison In America — Chapters 45 & 46
Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint — Chapters 17 & 18
2025-08-28 10:34:00 +0000 UTC
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IMPORTANT INFOS
For Pledged Members:
God's Imitator — Chapters 91 to 100
I Run A Prison In America — Chapters 61 to 70
Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint — Chapters 17 to 30
For Free Members:
Necromancer, What the Hell Is A Type 055 Summon? — Chapters 91 & 92
Wasteland Border Inspector — Chapters 89 & 90
My Father Is Superman, But I'm Just An NPC? — Chapters 81 & 82
Wizard: Starting With Synthesized Gems — Chapters 81 & 82
American Hunting: Starting From Alone In The Wilderness — Chapters 81 & 82
We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? — Chapters 57 & 58
God's Imitator — Chapters 57 & 58
Daily Divination: From Market Rogue Cultivator To Immortal Venerable — Chapters 43 & 44
I Run A Prison In America — Chapters 43 & 44
Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint — Chapters 1 to 16
2025-08-27 13:34:00 +0000 UTC
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Early morning, dawn was just breaking.
Chen Qing had just finished his simple washing and was preparing to head to Zhou's courtyard.
"Ah Qing, terrible news!" Lady Han hurried over, her face deathly pale, "Your uncle-in-law has been beaten!"
Chen Qing was slightly startled, "What happened?"
Yang Tiezhu had always been honest and dutiful, never quarreling with anyone. How could he suffer such misfortune for no reason?
Lady Han said urgently, "This morning when I went to Dawn Market, I heard from Aunt Wang of Hundred Flowers Lane that your eldest aunt brought your uncle-in-law to your grandfather's house."
"I'll go take a look now."
Chen Qing quickly stepped off the boat, his pace unconsciously quickening.
When he turned into Firewood Fish Market, he could already hear suppressed sobbing from the old courtyard in the distance.
The courtyard gate was wide open. Yang Tiezhu sat hunched on the stone steps, his left eye so swollen he couldn't open it, blood scabs at the corner of his mouth. Eldest aunt Chen Jinhua clutched a handkerchief, constantly wiping away tears.
Second Aunt was applying medicine to uncle-in-law's forehead, muttering "what a sin" under her breath.
Old Master Chen crouched by the millstone, puffing on his pipe with "puff, puff" sounds, his face wrinkled like old tree bark in the smoke.
"Grandfather, eldest aunt, second aunt..."
Chen Qing stepped forward to greet them.
Old Master Chen glanced at Chen Qing without speaking.
Chen Qing walked up to Yang Tiezhu, "Uncle-in-law, what exactly happened?"
Yang Tiezhu's eyes were somewhat evasive, "The Black Water Gang people took a fancy to Huiniang, saying they'd pay silver for her to go learn skills at some Warm Jade Workshop in the prefecture city... saying she could earn big money after learning."
He spoke hesitantly, unconsciously touching the wounds on his face, "Her mother and I... didn't agree, so they... they got physical..."
"Is this just because you didn't agree this time?"
Chen Qing remembered seeing Yang Tiezhu injured before, and pressed, "Uncle-in-law, did they cause trouble before?"
Yang Tiezhu's body stiffened, his lips trembling several times before he finally hung his head in dejection, "Some days ago at Dawn Market, Huiniang went to help me collect fish money. Black Water Gang's Wang Ying walked over and said some improper things. I got angry and shoved one of them... I was kicked several times on the spot. With all the neighbors around, there were many people, so Wang Ying and his men left some harsh words... I thought if I just avoided them it would be fine... I didn't expect they would..."
He couldn't continue, his voice growing smaller and smaller.
In a flash of understanding, Chen Qing's heart became crystal clear.
If this had happened before, uncle-in-law Yang Tiezhu would definitely have chosen to swallow his anger and not dare say a word.
But ever since Chen Heng began studying martial arts, eldest aunt Chen Jinhua and uncle-in-law had quietly developed some confidence. In their words and actions, that long-suppressed cowering from being bullied had unconsciously faded, replaced by a hint of unwillingness to be manipulated by others.
And this had precisely stung the Black Water Gang's sensitive nerves.
Their attack this time was hardly just revenge for Yang Tiezhu's previous shoving.
They had clearly sensed this faint sign of resistance from the Yang family and wanted to use thunderous methods to make an example in front of everyone in Firewood Fish Market, brutally "establishing their authority!"
To completely stomp this budding backbone of the Yang family back into the mud.
"Learn what skills? They clearly want to sell her into a brothel!" Chen Jinhua suddenly screamed out, then covered her mouth and broke down crying.
"Where's cousin?" Chen Qing looked around but didn't see Yang Huiniang.
Second Aunt lowered her voice, "She's hiding at the cloth shop. Since yesterday she hasn't eaten or drunk anything, her eyes are swollen from crying like peaches..."
Just then, a commotion came from outside the courtyard.
"Father, Xiao Heng and I are back."
Second uncle Chen Wen hurried over with Chen Heng.
"Ah Heng."
Chen Jinhua pounced over like grasping a life-saving straw, gripping Chen Heng's sleeve tightly, "You know many people, can you think of a way? If Huiniang is taken away by them, her life will be ruined!"
"Eldest sister, please get up first..."
Second Aunt quickly helped up the tottering Chen Jinhua.
Second uncle straightened his back, "Xiao Heng has been studying martial arts at the martial hall for so long, he still has connections."
Chen Heng felt everyone's burning gazes, his Adam's apple bobbing several times, "This matter... let me think of a way. Many of my martial hall senior brothers work in big gangs, I'll ask around more..."
His voice grew lower as he spoke, cold sweat already seeping from his back.
Those senior brothers who usually drank flower wine with him would probably avoid this kind of trouble.
As for himself... those desperate criminals of the Black Water Gang weren't something that could be handled with the restrained sparring matches in the martial hall.
Old Master Chen finally spoke, knocking his pipe heavily on the millstone, "Ah Heng, this isn't child's play, those Black Water Gang people..."
"Don't worry, grandfather."
Chen Heng forced himself to remain calm, his voice unconsciously rising, "The eldest senior brother of Guangchang Martial Hall is a great master who has attempted breakthrough three times. They'll definitely give him that much face!"
He stood up as he spoke, "I'll go find people now."
As he turned, Chen Qing noticed that Chen Heng's hands in his sleeves were trembling uncontrollably.
After Chen Heng left, the courtyard fell silent.
Second Aunt forced a smile, "Eldest sister, don't worry, Xiao Heng will definitely be able to..."
Chen Jinhua nodded numbly, tears rolling down silently.
Chen Qing frowned darkly, he had a feeling that Chen Heng might not be reliable.
...
Guangchang Martial Hall.
Chen Heng dragged his heavy steps back to the martial hall, his face full of worry.
"Junior Brother Chen!"
A sturdy young man in brown practice clothes walked toward him, warmly putting his arm around his shoulder, "Tonight the flower boats on South River got some new girls, those figures..."
Senior Brother Mao winked suggestively, drawing ambiguous curves in the air with his finger, "I heard they can even dance the whirling dance."
Chen Heng forced a smile.
On any other day, he would have joined in the laughter, but now those laughs pierced his eardrums like knives, his throat dry, "Senior Brother Mao... do you know about the Black Water Gang?"
"Black Water Gang? That name sounds unfamiliar, probably some newly emerged mud loach gang?" Senior Brother Mao scratched his full beard and spat, "New gangs pop up every day in Gaolin County, who knows if they'll sink to the bottom to feed turtles tomorrow."
Chen Heng's Adam's apple bobbed as he explained his troubles.
"This matter..."
Senior Brother Mao suddenly lowered his voice, looked around, then pulled him under an old locust tree, "Isn't Senior Brother Lin working for the Blood River Gang? I'll ask for you."
"Really?"
Chen Heng's eyes lit up.
Senior Brother Lin was an elite disciple of the martial hall, with great achievement in hidden strength cultivation.
With Chen Heng's abilities, he could hardly integrate into such circles, so he couldn't even strike up a conversation.
Senior Brother Mao patted his shoulder and went to find Senior Brother Lin.
About half an incense stick's time later, Senior Brother Mao returned.
"Junior Brother Chen."
Senior Brother Mao rubbed his hands, his brow furrowed into a "川" character, "Senior Brother Lin said that although the Black Water Gang is newly established, it's backed by a big tree..."
A big tree!?
Cold sweat seeped from Chen Heng's back.
"However..." Senior Brother Mao changed his tone, "Since we're martial brothers, Senior Brother Lin is willing to make a trip with you. You just need to give some tea money."
He gently rubbed his thumb and index finger together.
"How much?" Chen Heng's voice was tight.
Senior Brother Mao held up two fingers, "Twenty taels. A master like Senior Brother Lin, ordinary people can't even hire him with money!"
"Twen... twenty taels?" Chen Heng almost bit his tongue.
Senior Brother Mao's smile faded somewhat, "Reluctant to part with the silver? The threshold of Warm Jade Workshop costs more than that."
"I... I need to go home and discuss it." Chen Heng said dryly.
Senior Brother Mao snorted lightly, "Senior Brother Lin is very busy. Give me an answer by noon tomorrow, no waiting after that."
He then turned and left.
Chen Heng watched his figure completely disappear, then collapsed to the ground like a deflated ball.
How could he explain this to grandfather and eldest aunt!?
Chen Heng looked dejected, "I won't go home tonight, delay as long as possible."
...
In the afternoon, Chen Qing found Xu Chengfeng of the Tiger Gang.
Xu Chengfeng said warmly, "Brother Chen, what brings you to me today?"
The Chen Qing before him was a master who had reached obvious strength, someone who could be a leader even in small gangs like theirs.
Chen Qing got straight to the point, "I want to inquire about the background of several nearby gangs."
Xu Chengfeng's hand pouring tea paused slightly, the tea creating ripples in the cup, "Oh? Which gangs is Brother Chen interested in?"
Chen Qing casually mentioned several names, "Black Water Gang, Giant Bear Gang..."
Xu Chengfeng introduced them like listing family treasures. When he mentioned the Black Water Gang, Chen Qing's face showed nothing, but he secretly paid close attention.
"This Black Water Gang is newly emerged in Hundred Flowers Lane, about twenty people, with three obvious strength masters in charge. Gang leader Jiang Hui has great achievement in obvious strength, reportedly not far from hidden strength."
Xu Chengfeng spoke with a complex expression of both disdain and wariness, "These people, newly established but putting on big airs, and their methods are too domineering."
"I heard they made some connections in the inner city, now doing this lowly business of forcibly taking women and selling them to the prefecture city? And they've 'done several jobs'? If they really had big backing, would they need to make this dirty money? This background can't be that deep!"
Xu Chengfeng suddenly lowered his voice, "Could it be that Brother Chen wants to find a gang to work for?"
He rubbed his fingers together, showing a knowing smile.
It was too common these days for martial masters and gangs to take what they needed from each other.
Chen Qing waved his hand, "Brother Xu is overthinking, just casual inquiry."
Xu Chengfeng clearly didn't believe Chen Qing's words, whispering, "If Brother Chen wants to find a gang to work for, why not come to our Tiger Gang? The offerings are definitely more generous than theirs."
Chen Qing nodded, saying perfunctorily, "I'll consider it."
Xu Chengfeng chuckled and said no more, some things were best left unsaid.
After a few more pleasantries, Chen Qing rose to take his leave.
From Xu Chengfeng's mouth, Chen Qing had figured out the ways of the outer city gangs.
More than twenty gangs were deeply intertwined, all backed by inner city power holders.
Among them, Blood River Gang and Iron Hand Gang were undisputed leaders, while newly established and unstable ones like Black Water Gang, even with backing, had very shallow foundations.
It seemed he needed to be careful this time, not revealing any traces.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:28:29 +0000 UTC
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After the roll call, Chen Qing practiced Swift Wind Blade Technique for another hour before heading home.
"Mother, I'm back." Ducking into the boat, Chen Qing placed his sword on the table and grabbed the water ladle, tilting his head back to gulp down several mouthfuls.
The cool water down his throat finally calmed his burning chest somewhat.
He removed his short jacket, sweat stains spreading dark traces across the coarse cloth.
"Have you eaten? There are still some beans in the pot."
Lady Han sat by the window, her fingers flying as she stitched shoe soles.
Chen Qing responded and was about to pick up his chopsticks when he noticed Lady Han's expression grow slightly tense. She looked left and right, then lowered her voice, "The Tiger Gang people came to collect incense money again these past two days, but they passed by our house. Recently the water bandits have been fierce, the fishing boats on the river don't dare cast their nets far. Old Gao's family is strapped for cash, I heard they even pawned their iron pot to scrape together the money..."
Ever since Xu Chengfeng learned that Chen Qing had entered obvious strength, the Tiger Gang had stopped coming to collect incense money. Lady Han sighed and continued, "Should I take a bag of rice bran over to them later? We're neighbors after all, can't just watch them go without food."
Chen Qing nodded, "Mother, it's your decision."
He too often heard his martial brothers discussing the water bandits, who were indeed more rampant than before, with many merchant boats suffering losses.
When evening approached, Lady Han carried a cloth bag and quietly went to the Gao family's connected boat.
Old Gao accepted the rice bran, his rough palms trembling slightly, his eyes reddening.
In these times, those willing to lend a helping hand were truly caring friends.
One should know that Uncle Gao's family and Uncle Dachun's family had always had a good relationship, but after the incident occurred, Uncle Dachun hadn't said a word.
In the following days, Chen Qing squeezed oil from every moment.
He rose before dawn to practice, studied techniques while on patrol, and sparred with other guards after duty.
Occasionally he would also exchange moves with the guards at the River Office, witnessing many boxing and kicking techniques, his practical combat experience improving rapidly.
Time flashed by, and three months passed.
The weather gradually became cooler.
Chen Qing had grown another three or four inches taller, his entire body filled with well-defined muscles, his whole demeanor undergoing earth-shaking changes.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Through-arm Stance Work: Minor Achievement (705/1000)]
[Through-arm Boxing: Minor Achievement (601/1000)]
The progress of through-arm stance work was also much faster than the previous months.
All this was due not only to Chen Qing's diligent practice, but also large amounts of meat for nourishment.
As long as the food was good enough, plus blood qi powder supplements, one training session could increase progress by two points.
His martial arts improved rapidly, but expenses also flowed like water.
Song Tie's windfall had long been exhausted, and his River Office salary was barely enough to buy blood qi powder.
More troublesome was that as his qi and blood grew increasingly robust, ordinary meat food's nourishing effects had become negligible, while medicine supplements, though effective, were beyond his means.
This day, in Zhou's courtyard, Chen Qing was sparring with He Yan.
"Ha!"
He Yan struck first, a "Piercing Clouds and Splitting Stones" straight at the face, his fist wind whistling, actually producing a faint sound of breaking air.
Chen Qing remained unhurried, his body slightly tilting, his right hand flowing like water in a deflection, exactly the "Following Water to Push Boat" from through-arm boxing, skillfully dissolving the attack while his left leg whipped out like a whip, a "Fierce Tiger Descending Mountain" directly targeting the opponent's lower body.
Fists and feet clashed, producing continuous muffled sounds.
After several moves, Chen Qing suddenly changed techniques, a finger strike like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, hitting He Yan's shoulder well acupoint.
"Step, step, step!"
He Yan retreated several steps, smiling bitterly as he cupped his fists, "Junior Brother Chen, I admit defeat."
At the beginning of the year, he could still steadily suppress Chen Qing, but now he could barely defend himself.
Besides continuously deepening his obvious strength cultivation, the main reason was that his technique mastery was more thorough.
Chen Qing wiped the sweat from his forehead and cupped his fists, "You're too kind."
Just then, Zhou Liang's hearty laughter suddenly came from the back courtyard.
"What's happening!?"
The disciples all stopped what they were doing, unanimously looking toward the moon gate leading to the back courtyard.
They saw a disciple stumble out, his face flushed red as he shouted, "Senior Brother Qin, he... he broke through to hidden strength!"
What!?
This sentence was like thunder on flat ground, leaving all present disciples stunned.
Though obvious strength and hidden strength differed by only one character, their power levels were worlds apart.
So-called hidden strength meant 'connecting the governing and conception vessels,' training mental power and skin and hair, making the membranes of all muscles and bones throughout the body connected, with explosive force bursting forth.
Moreover, obvious strength and hidden strength held very different positions in Zhou's courtyard.
Everyone was somewhat dazed, not expecting that Qin Lie had broken through to hidden strength in less than a year since becoming a disciple.
Many disciples sighed inwardly, their expressions complex.
Though they were all disciples of Zhou's courtyard, the gaps between them were vast.
He Yan showed a bitter smile, "We people have struggled for so many years... yet Junior Brother Qin used less than a year..."
As one of the most senior disciples in the courtyard, not only had his qi and blood stagnated, it had even begun to decline.
Over these years, he had exhausted his family wealth, practiced day and night, yet could never touch the threshold of hidden strength.
At this moment, a wave of disheartment surged in his heart, and He Yan couldn't help asking, "Junior Brother Chen, is 'heaven rewards diligence' ultimately just a joke?"
Chen Qing pondered for a moment without speaking.
Just then, Zhou Liang emerged with Qin Lie, Sun Shun, Zhou Yu, Luo Qian, Zheng Ziqiao and other disciples.
The entire courtyard fell silent.
Zhou Liang's face glowed red, his hands stroking his beard trembling slightly, while Qin Lie's expression carried several parts elation.
After all, a year ago he was just weaving mats and selling shoes on the street with his sister, but now he was already a hidden strength expert.
Sun Shun and several other hidden strength disciples had rather complex expressions.
Zhou Yu smiled as she watched Qin Lie, her eyes full of relief.
Zhou Liang glanced at the disciples and stroked his beard with a smile, "Starting today, I've decided to accept Qin Lie as my closing disciple."
The master wants to accept a closing disciple!?
This sentence was like a huge stone thrown into a calm lake.
Chen Qing noticed that Sun Shun, standing in the front row, though wearing a smile, had trembling hands.
The other hidden strength senior brothers had various expressions, some envious, some jealous, but mostly indescribable complexity.
In Zhou's courtyard, disciple ranks were clearly divided.
Those who hadn't reached obvious strength were apprentices, basically just holding a title, unable to represent the school outside.
Those who reached obvious strength were considered registered disciples, could represent the school outside, and could remain in Zhou's courtyard to practice martial arts.
This type of disciple was most numerous in Zhou's courtyard.
Those like Sun Shun, Zheng Ziqiao, Luo Qian, Liu Xiaolou, Qi Wenhan and other hidden strength disciples sometimes received individual guidance from the master, counting as indoor disciples.
The final category was closing disciples, the objects of the old martial master's focused cultivation, who would not only inherit the lineage in the future, but also provide for the master and shield him from challenges.
It was no exaggeration to say that closing disciples had a closer relationship with their master than actual sons.
Qin Lie would not only receive all of Zhou Liang's lifetime learning, but could also inherit all network resources.
How could such an honor not make people envious?
Over the years Zhou Liang had been searching, the position of closing disciple had never been settled.
Now seeing Qin Lie, he finally made his decision.
"This disciple respectfully obeys the master's command!"
Qin Lie excitedly cupped his fists in salute.
At noon, Qin Lie's sister came.
His sister had dark skin and plain looks, appearing to be an honest and simple person. Hearing that Zhou Liang wanted to accept Qin Lie as an indoor disciple, she was moved to tears and nearly knelt before Zhou Liang.
Everyone present couldn't help but sigh that from now on, the Qin family had completely turned their fortunes around.
This real-life demonstration of 'when one person achieves the Dao, even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven' made many poor children watch with heated eyes.
"When will I be able to succeed like this?"
He Yan watched this scene, his fists unconsciously clenching and loosening.
He thought of his bedridden father at home, of the ancestral farmland that had been sold, of countless dawns sweating like rain on the practice ground...
Subsequently, Zhou Liang took Qin Lie and his family to the apprenticeship banquet.
Though the other disciples returned to their positions to continue practicing, they were all distracted, whispering voices rising and falling.
Only Chen Qing remained as usual, burying his head in diligent practice with undivided attention.
The proficiency of his stance work steadily improved through his day-after-day persistence.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:28:06 +0000 UTC
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Chen Qing frowned slightly and asked puzzledly, "What's so special about the Li family guards?"
Cheng Ming patiently explained from the side, "You don't understand this. Our Gaolin County has five major prominent families: Huang, Han, Li, Zhu, and Luo. These five great families have very high requirements for selecting guards, requiring at least obvious strength cultivation."
"Oh?"
Chen Qing was somewhat surprised. He well knew that in ordinary wealthy households, martial artists with obvious strength were sufficient to serve as head guards. He hadn't expected that in the five great families, they could only be ordinary guards.
On second thought, this was quite reasonable.
The five great families of Gaolin County almost monopolized the county's main businesses of rice, flour, grain, oil, cloth, and tea leaves. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they controlled the entire county's economic lifeline.
In the eyes of local people, these five great families were veritable local emperors.
Cheng Ming continued, "Zhu Ming's Severing Sea Boxing skills are indeed not bad, but he's still far from achieving mastery."
Achieving mastery in boxing techniques wasn't easy, requiring not only extremely high comprehension but also time.
In all of Zhou's courtyard, only Zhou Liang had cultivated through-arm boxing to mastery.
Chen Qing secretly calculated that to cultivate his own through-arm boxing to mastery, even maintaining the intensity of ten practices per day, would take at least half a year or more.
Cheng Ming turned to Chen Qing, his eyes encouraging, "Ah Qing, why don't you go up and try your skills?"
Chen Qing rubbed his hands, a eager light flashing in his eyes.
This kind of real combat sparring could not only accumulate experience but also deepen his understanding of through-arm boxing.
Moreover, these patrol guards' real combat experience was far beyond what Zhou courtyard disciples could compare to.
"I'm Chen Qing, practicing through-arm boxing!"
Chen Qing then walked onto the training ground and cupped his fists toward the Severing Sea Boxing expert.
The sturdy man also smiled and cupped his fists, "Zhu Ming, Severing Sea Boxing!"
"Through-arm boxing, could he be Zhou Liang's disciple?!"
"Zhou Liang is no simple matter. This young man looks very young, don't know how much true teaching he's received."
The surrounding patrol guards all looked over.
Chen Qing planted his feet firmly, sank his waist and sat his hips in the standard through-arm boxing starting stance.
His left arm shot out like a spiritual snake emerging from its hole, suddenly probing forward with five fingers slightly spread, fingertips whistling through the air like a whip tip, directly pointing at Zhu Ming's face.
This move 'Spiritual Snake Exploring the Path' looked light and nimble but actually contained the essence of through-arm boxing's 'extend long to strike far' and 'cold, elastic, crisp, and fast,' plus the powerful force of obvious strength. This move was both a probe and contained hidden killing intent, if it struck true, it could instantly paralyze nerves.
"Good lad!"
Zhu Ming was startled. Seeing Chen Qing's young and honest appearance, he hadn't expected his attack to be so fierce.
He neither dodged nor avoided, brilliant light bursting from his eyes as his right fist spiraled out from his waist. That tearing force had already caused Chen Qing's extended arm to hesitate slightly.
Snap!
Zhu Ming's fist precisely smashed toward the wrist joint of Chen Qing's extended left arm, intending to use absolutely fierce and strong power to forcibly 'sever' Chen Qing's through-arm long snake.
Chen Qing felt the opponent's fist force was incomparably fierce and strong, taking it head-on would certainly be disadvantageous.
The next moment, his left arm suddenly sank and coiled as if it had lost its bones, like an agile monkey avoiding a falling log.
Simultaneously, his body borrowed the momentum to spin sideways, his right arm whipping out from an incredible angle like a whip, with a crisp 'snap,' the whip hand directly striking Zhu Ming's right ribs.
This combination of 'Monkey Circling Branch' connecting to 'Reverse Arm Whip Hand' displayed the essence of through-arm boxing's soft neutralizing hard striking, crafty and vicious to the fullest.
Quite a few patrol guards felt cold sweat running down their spines upon seeing this.
Seeing Chen Qing neutralize and counterattack, Zhu Ming's right fist struck empty air, but his left fist had long been ready to strike. He stomped his left foot hard on the ground, twisted his waist and turned his hips, his left fist carrying his whole body's strength like a mountain-splitting giant axe, smashing from bottom to top toward Chen Qing's shoulder and neck vital points.
This was Severing Sea Boxing's 'Mountain Breaking Style,' with magnificent momentum, charging forward relentlessly, seeking to determine victory with one strike.
However, just as his power exploded to the extreme and his force became unbalanced for a brief instant, his center of gravity inevitably showed an extremely subtle forward lean, and his chest and abdomen centerline defenses revealed a flaw under the violent boxing momentum.
Chen Qing keenly sensed and captured this fleeting flaw. Facing that fierce incoming 'Mountain Breaking Style,' he didn't meet it head-on but instead brought the 'length' of through-arm boxing to its extreme.
He drifted back half a step, narrowly avoiding that fierce boxing wind. At the same time, borrowing the momentum of retreating, his flexible whip-like right arm, while the old force hadn't dissipated, sprang out a second time like it was loaded with a spring.
Not a fist, not a palm, but fingers pressed together like a sword!
The fingertips concentrated penetrating inch-force, quick as lightning, accurately threading through the barely perceptible gap in Zhu Ming's violent boxing momentum, directly stabbing toward his heart.
Chen Qing's fingertips stopped abruptly when only an inch away from Zhu Ming's chest center point, the force contained but not released.
The force carried by his fingertips had already made Zhu Ming's chest skin feel a bone-piercing chill.
And Zhu Ming's mighty and incomparable 'Mountain Breaking Style' also froze in mid-air, still half a foot away from Chen Qing's shoulder.
"Brother Chen is young but so skilled."
Zhu Ming shook his head and sighed, "Admirable, admirable!"
Chen Qing said modestly, "Brother Zhu had already fought one battle and consumed some energy, which allowed this little brother to luckily gain an advantage."
Zhu Ming smiled without speaking.
He had indeed consumed some physical strength, but Chen Qing's boxing techniques were agile and varied, with moves connecting like flowing clouds and water, absolutely incomparable to the rigid routines of ordinary apprentice disciples.
Chen Qing then sparred boxing and kicking techniques with several more patrol guards, greatly enriching his real combat experience and skills.
After a few pleasantries, Chen Qing began his routine patrol duty.
The dock sides were bustling with voices, vendors' calls rising and falling, pedestrians rubbing shoulders.
"Ah Qing!"
Chen Qing, who was patrolling with his knife, suddenly heard someone calling him from behind.
Looking back, he saw Xiao Chun standing not far away waving at him.
"Brother Xiao Chun, what a coincidence." Chen Qing smiled as he approached.
Xiao Chun rubbed his hands and grinned sheepishly, "Not a coincidence, I came specifically to find you."
Chen Qing showed a trace of puzzlement, "Looking for me?"
Xiao Chun looked around, lowered his voice and said, "It's not convenient to talk here, let's step aside to speak."
He then pulled Chen Qing to a secluded corner.
"Ah Qing, I... I've run into something, a good thing, a tremendously good thing!"
Xiao Chun's voice dropped even lower, saying excitedly, "You know Miss Ah Cui from the floating houses on the river, right? The one with eyes like autumn water and a voice that rivals yellow orioles!"
What would he know about that?!
Chen Qing vaguely guessed something and didn't respond.
Xiao Chun didn't wait for his response and continued urgently, "She has feelings for me! Really! Ah Qing, you don't know, every time I go to listen to songs, her eyes only look at me, she smiles at me! Those rough boat passengers, how could they understand how to cherish her? Only I... only I understand how good she is!"
He swallowed, as if savoring something, his tone becoming both sweet and painful, "Hateful is that madam of the floating house, she only recognizes money, not people! Ah Cui is also forced by circumstances to sell her smiles there. Last night she secretly told me her heart is bitter, she only hopes I can take her away! Just thirty taels of silver, thirty taels! That would redeem her and let her escape from the sea of suffering!"
Xiao Chun suddenly grabbed Chen Qing's arm, "Ah Qing, we grew up together! Help me, just this once! Ten taels of silver would be enough! Ah Cui said as long as she's redeemed, she'll come with me and live a good life together. When that time comes, I'll smash pots and sell iron, work like an ox or horse to definitely repay you! I swear!"
Ten taels of silver isn't much?!
Chen Qing looked at Xiao Chun's appearance and sighed inwardly. This wasn't redemption, he was clearly bewitched by that courtesan.
He shook his head, trying to keep his tone gentle, "Brother Xiao Chun, you know I'm studying martial arts now, where would I have extra spare money?"
What use is studying martial arts! Can it compare to Ah Cui smiling at me once?
Xiao Chun grumbled inwardly but continued pleading desperately, "Then five taels? Ah Qing, five taels would work too! First redeem half her bond so she suffers less. If that won't work, three taels is fine! I'll go gather more, I can always gather enough! Ah Cui can't wait too long, I'm afraid..."
Redeem half a bond!?
This seemed like a joke.
Chen Qing still shook his head, "Really don't have any, only a few coins."
Xiao Chun immediately struck while the iron was hot, as if grasping the last straw, "Then lend me one tael! First buy Ah Cui some rouge and powder, let her know I'm thinking of her! We've had friendship since childhood, can you bear to watch me... watch Ah Cui suffer in deep water and hot fire?"
His voice even carried a crying tone.
Chen Qing: "..."
Xiao Chun eventually pestered and wheedled three hundred copper coins from Chen Qing, swearing oaths, "Ah Qing, don't worry! Once I redeem Ah Cui, we two will repay you together! Principal and interest, I'll repay you one tael! No, two taels!"
"Right."
Before leaving, Xiao Chun repeatedly instructed, "Never tell anyone about this, especially don't let my father know. If he found out, he'd definitely get sick from worry... He doesn't understand, he doesn't understand that Ah Cui and I truly love each other!"
Having said that, he hurried away clutching the copper coins, as if what he carried wasn't copper coins but the key to happiness.
Chen Qing watched Xiao Chun's departing figure and shook his head with a light sigh.
The lights from the floating houses on the river reflected in the water, swaying back and forth.
He continued his patrol work, but his heart felt heavy.
About half an hour later, Chen Qing was preparing to return to the River Office for roll call.
Suddenly, commotion and women's scolding came from the direction of the floating houses. A bedraggled figure was being punched and kicked by several fierce-looking thugs and thrown out, tumbling into the muddy shore.
"Bah! A toad wanting to eat swan meat! Miss Ah Cui said to get lost, she feels sick just seeing you!"
"With your poor appearance, you have the nerve to show off three hundred copper coins? Can't even buy Miss Ah Cui one box of rouge!"
"If you dare pester her again, we'll break your dog legs! Scram!"
Battered and bruised, Xiao Chun struggled to get up from the ground, half his face covered with muddy water, his eye sockets black and blue, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth, his clothes torn.
He awkwardly wiped his face with his sleeve, and upon looking up, met Chen Qing's complex and knowing gaze, immediately freezing in place, all color draining from his face.
"Brother Xiao Chun, what happened to you..."
Chen Qing looked at his purple eye sockets and bleeding mouth corner, the words reaching his lips before being swallowed back.
Xiao Chun forced out a smile that looked worse than crying, "Ah Qing, don't misunderstand, it's that madam forcing Ah Cui, Ah Cui definitely has feelings for me... tomorrow in my spare time I'll definitely work hard copying books to earn money..."
Hearing this, Chen Qing looked at Xiao Chun in amazement, and the next words made him completely embarrassed.
"...Ah Cui said, when a man is willing to spend money on her, that's true love."
Xiao Chun said with a face full of longing, "Once I gather enough money, I'll take her back to Mute Bay, plant a few acres of water chestnut ponds, raise two egg-laying ducks."
Chen Qing: "..."
He didn't say much more. After all, could advising someone who was completely bewitched actually be heard?
At this moment, Xiao Chun's heart was probably still full of thoughts about that "Miss Ah Cui" who thought even three hundred copper coins was too little, right?
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:27:45 +0000 UTC
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The next day, late spring drizzle.
Water mist rose from the bluestone street, fine raindrops weaving a hazy curtain under the eaves.
Chen Qing carried two salted fish, stepping on the wet stone road to the Yang family home in Hundred Flowers Lane.
"Knock knock!"
"Who is it?" came a sharp female voice from inside.
The wooden door creaked open, revealing a dark, thin face.
"What are you doing here, boy?!"
Chen Jinhua squinted as she looked Chen Qing up and down, her brow furrowed into a knot.
In the past, when Chen Qing's family came, nothing good happened, mostly they came to borrow money.
Chen Qing said, "Eldest aunt, my mother made two salted fish..."
Upon hearing the words "salted fish," Chen Jinhua's tense expression relaxed somewhat, and she stepped aside to make a narrow opening, "Come in."
Inside the house, Yang Tiezhu was hunched over adding firewood to the stove. Seeing Chen Qing enter, he hurriedly used his sleeve to wipe a wooden bench, "Ah Qing came? Sit for a while."
Compared to Chen Jinhua's harshness and sharpness, Yang Tiezhu was very honest and easy to talk to.
"Come, have some water." Yang Tiezhu picked up a chipped pottery pot from beside the stove.
As Chen Qing took the pottery pot, he noticed bruises on Yang Tiezhu's face and couldn't help asking, "Uncle, your face..."
Yang Tiezhu's expression became evasive as he turned his face away, mumbling, "...fell accidentally not long ago, it's nothing serious."
Those marks were clearly traces left by fists and feet. Chen Qing's heart stirred, could it be that his eldest aunt had done this?
Since Yang Tiezhu was unwilling to discuss it further, Chen Qing naturally didn't pursue the matter and quickly changed the subject, "Isn't Sister Huiniang at home?"
Chen Jinhua snorted, "That girl went to the cloth shop early in the morning. She's busy from dawn to dusk every day, but her wages are..."
She suddenly stopped speaking, her eyes scanning Chen Qing, "Why are you asking about this?"
"Don't think I don't know, last time when she gave you her wages, I found out."
Chen Jinhua sneered, "That girl, her elbow turns outward."
She deliberately emphasized the words "turns outward."
Footsteps came from outside the window, followed by the sound of a wooden basin hitting the ground.
Chen Qing turned his head and saw Yang Huiniang standing in the courtyard, bending down to pick up scattered clothing.
She was thinner than when he last saw her, her wrists so thin that the bones were visible, and water droplets still hung from her hair tips, obviously having just returned from washing and starching.
"Mother, I'm back..."
Yang Huiniang looked up and saw Chen Qing, her eyes brightened, then dimmed again.
She quickly walked into the house, positioning herself between Chen Qing and Chen Jinhua, "Aunt Wang said she wants to borrow our rice sieve..."
Chen Jinhua grabbed Yang Huiniang's arm, "What are you hiding from? He came specifically to see you!"
She glanced at Chen Qing sideways, "Ah Qing, isn't that right?"
Chen Qing said, "Eldest aunt, I just..."
"Just what?" The aunt's voice suddenly rose, "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking!"
She grabbed the salted fish from the table, "Two stinking fish are worth how many taels of silver?"
"Mother!" Yang Huiniang suddenly interrupted, her voice trembling, "That was my dowry, I can give it to whoever I want."
"Smack!"
The aunt threw the fish hard on the ground, the salted fish covered with dust.
"You dead girl!" She frowned, "Have you forgotten who raised you all these years?"
Yang Huiniang crouched down to pick them up, but Chen Qing pressed her shoulder.
He slowly bent down, picked up the fish one by one, gently brushing off the dust.
"Eldest aunt," he straightened up, his voice calm, "This fish was made from the fattest carp from Green River mouth. My mother said you love this the most."
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinhua's expression froze.
Chen Qing rewrapped the fish, gently placed them on the stove platform, and then left.
"Ah Qing."
Yang Huiniang hurried to catch up.
Yang Tiezhu said quietly, "Ah Qing is a good child. Though he doesn't have much ability, he's very obedient and filial..."
"Do you think I'm obsessed with money?"
Chen Jinhua's eyes suddenly reddened, her voice like it had been ground by sandpaper, "You think I'm greedy for those few taels of silver?"
She grabbed Huiniang's coarse cloth clothes hanging on the rope, the fabric already washed until it was white.
"Sigh!"
Yang Tiezhu's hunched back seemed to bend even more. He silently picked up the fire tongs that had fallen to the ground, the dying charcoal fire in the stove reflecting mottled shadows across his face.
...
Outside the alley.
Yang Huiniang grabbed Chen Qing's arm, her fingertips slightly cool but her voice urgent, "Ah Qing, those things my mother said were just nonsense spoken in anger, don't take them to heart..."
Chen Qing turned his face, the corner of his mouth pulling into a faint smile, "Don't worry, I didn't take it to heart."
Chen Jinhua obviously thought he had cheated Yang Huiniang of her silver.
Yang Huiniang looked up at him, her brow still furrowed, "Really?"
"Really."
He nodded, his tone calm.
Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief, the corners of her eyes curving, "That's good then."
Chen Qing's gaze moved downward, falling on her clasped hands. Her knuckles were red and swollen, the fine cracks like dried riverbeds, some still seeping with blood.
His brow furrowed, "Are your hands better?"
Yang Huiniang instinctively pulled her hands into her sleeves, smiling, "Much better. When spring comes and it gets warm, they'll naturally heal."
"I have some silver here." Chen Qing took out some broken silver from his chest, pressing it into her palm without allowing refusal.
"Ah Qing!" She hurriedly tried to refuse, "You'll need money for many things in the future, how can I take yours?"
But Chen Qing pressed her wrist, his strength not allowing refusal, "I said I would pay you back with interest."
Her nose tingled slightly as she clutched the silver tightly, saying quietly, "...The interest isn't that high. I'll keep it for you first, and when you need money for marriage someday, I'll give it back to you."
Chen Qing was silent for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly, "Alright."
"Ah Qing, there's still work at home, I need to go back and get busy."
Yang Huiniang said softly, "It's a bit cold at night, remember to wear more clothes."
Having said that, she quickly walked back toward home.
Chen Qing took a deep breath and walked toward Green River dock.
As he just stepped into the back courtyard of the River Office, cheers were coming from the training ground.
Following the sound, he saw more than ten patrol guards forming a semicircle, with two figures moving and dodging in the center, stirring up clouds of dust with their boxing winds and leg shadows.
Cheng Ming stood with arms folded, watching with great interest.
"Chief!"
Chen Qing walked over, "What's going on here?"
"These two are competing, I'm watching the excitement."
Cheng Ming smiled, "The one on the left is Wang Cheng, a patrol guard from the first squad. He previously studied martial arts at a training hall and practices Twelve-Route Seven Star Kicks. The one on the right practicing Severing Sea Boxing is Zhu Ming, who learned family martial arts and previously worked as a guard at the Li family for a while. Later he offended his master and came to the River Office to make a living."
Chen Qing focused his attention to watch closely, seeing that both men's techniques were extremely fierce, making dull collision sounds when their fists and feet met.
This was different from the restrained sparring among disciples at Zhou's courtyard. These two men's every move carried the ruthlessness of real combat, obviously both having experienced real battles.
Suddenly a muffled sound erupted from the field as Zhu Ming's "Angry Waves Strike Shore" found Wang Cheng's opening, forcing him back several steps.
The watching patrol guards immediately burst into cheers.
Cheng Ming nodded slightly, "Worthy of being a guard who came from the Li mansion, this Severing Sea Boxing already has some skill."
A young patrol guard at the side whispered, "I heard the monthly wages at Li mansion are more than five times that of ordinary guards..."
"But you need real ability. Last year when the Li family recruited guards, they only selected two out of more than thirty people..."
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:27:22 +0000 UTC
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Without realizing it, the two had returned to the dock.
Cheng Ming suddenly remembered something and turned to ask, "Ah Qing, you still haven't received any sponsorship, have you?"
"Not yet."
Chen Qing shook his head.
During these days he had discovered that not all disciples with obvious strength could obtain sponsorship.
Those wealthy merchant families were all cunning as ghosts, only placing bets on young talents.
Like Qin Lie, who not only could hold a position at Wang's Records but also gained favor from major families like the Luos, receiving continuous meat and medicinal supplements daily, naturally his cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds.
While disciples like Chen Qing with mediocre qualifications were mostly ignored.
Most would eventually stop here, with the lucky ones possibly breaking through bottlenecks to reach hidden strength.
"The Cheng family is willing to sponsor you," Cheng Ming suddenly said. "Ten pounds of meat monthly, plus one tael of blood qi powder. Though it's not much, are you willing?"
After spending these days together, Cheng Ming most appreciated two things about Chen Qing: his diligence and hard work, and his great filial piety.
Although his natural endowments were somewhat lacking and his family circumstances poor, this kind of character was truly rare.
Though the Cheng family wasn't a major clan, the two brothers managed a family business of more than twenty people, operating two merchant ships and a hundred acres of thin farmland.
For Chen Qing, this was already no small tree to lean on.
Cheng Ming's position at the River Office was partly intended to facilitate dealings for the merchant ships.
Chen Qing's heart stirred, and a trace of surprise showed in his eyes.
Cheng Ming raised an eyebrow, "What, think it's too little?"
"How dare I! Thank you for your cultivation, Chief!"
Chen Qing took a deep breath and clasped his fists solemnly.
Cheng Ming waved his hand, "Tomorrow I'll have someone deliver the items to your home. You just focus on practicing martial arts."
After Chen Qing left, a nearby patrol guard approached, "Chief, are you really going to sponsor that Chen Qing?"
After spending this time together, everyone knew Chen Qing's background.
Chen Qing was only of middle to lower qualification at Zhou's courtyard, taking several months to cultivate obvious strength. Any discerning person could see his potential was limited.
Though the Cheng family had some property, every piece of silver had to be spent on the cutting edge.
Cheng Ming watched Chen Qing's departing figure and sighed softly, "This child is about the same age as my son, but lost his father early and has to support his family alone..."
He rubbed the knife at his waist, "Consider it fate."
...
As dusk gradually painted the sky, Chen Qing walked through mottled tree shadows back to Zhou's courtyard.
"Junior Brother Chen, you haven't been coming as early as usual these past few days," He Yan was wiping stone weights and greeted him with a smile when he saw him.
This senior disciple who had practiced at Zhou's courtyard for seven or eight years, whose cultivation remained stuck at obvious strength, had become the most diligent model in the courtyard.
Since Chen Qing broke through to obvious strength, the two often practiced together, sparred, and exchanged insights, developing a good relationship.
"Trivial matters kept me busy and delayed me," Chen Qing stretched his muscles and bones, his sleeves still carrying the dusty air from the office.
"Without you here, I felt much more lonely," He Yan returned the stone weight to its place. "After stance work ends, let's have a good few rounds."
Chen Qing then stretched his muscles and bones, preparing for stance work training.
On the other side of the courtyard.
Qin Lie was speaking quietly with Luo Qian, occasionally glancing toward the back courtyard.
Zheng Ziqiao was practicing moves with several senior brothers, his boxing wind surging and force overflowing, forcing several ordinary disciples who were sparring partners to retreat repeatedly in embarrassment.
"Junior Brother Qin, Junior Sister Luo, Junior Brother Zheng."
Zhou Yu's voice rang out like a clear spring as she and Sun Shun approached together, immediately drawing the attention of surrounding disciples.
When Qin Lie saw Zhou Yu, his eyes couldn't help but brighten, "Senior Sister Zhou, is there something?"
"With the military examination approaching, several nearby courtyards want to organize a small sparring gathering, with seven spots per courtyard," Zhou Yu smiled sweetly. "Senior Brother Liu Ze from Mantis Boxing and Senior Sister Liu Xue from Seven Star Palm have already agreed to attend. These are all masters of great achievement in hidden strength, and if there's compatibility, connections could continue afterward."
Upon hearing this, Luo Qian's fingertips moved slightly.
Great achievement in hidden strength was only one step away from transforming strength. If she could make such connections, it would greatly benefit her standing in the Luo family.
The Luo family was large and flourishing, with her father having six sons and three daughters. Without exceptional means, how could she secure a place in the clan?
"I'll go," Zheng Ziqiao said without hesitation.
Liu's courtyard's Mantis Boxing was famous far and wide, reportedly producing several skilled fighters. Having the fortune to make such connections would be excellent.
Qin Lie calculated silently: though his qi and blood were abundant, he lacked real combat experience. Such occasions could both broaden his horizons and build connections, exactly the opportunity for sons of humble families to leap through the dragon gate.
"Counting Senior Brother Liu, Senior Brother Qi... there are still two spots left," Zhou Yu counted on her fingers. "Do you have good candidates?"
Qin Lie remained silent, his gaze sweeping over the obvious strength disciples in the courtyard with a natural scrutiny and detachment. He had no deep connections with these 'mediocre' people.
Sun Shun looked at Chen Qing's figure silently practicing stance work alone in the corner, pondered for a moment, and finally spoke, his voice carrying a trace of barely perceptible lack of confidence, "Junior Brother Wu Lin... and Junior Brother Chen Qing, how about them?"
"Junior Brother Wu has achieved great accomplishment in obvious strength and attempted to break through to hidden strength once, so he's... barely qualified," Zheng Ziqiao responded, his tone relatively peaceful.
Immediately, his brow furrowed into a knot as he looked toward Chen Qing in the corner, his voice carrying incredible doubt, "Junior Brother Chen Qing? How long has he barely stepped into obvious strength? His foundation might not even be stable! Senior Brother Sun, this small gathering represents our Zhou courtyard's reputation! Take him along?"
Obviously, he thought Chen Qing wasn't qualified to participate in this gathering.
Zhou's courtyard had more than thirty disciples total, with over ten having reached obvious strength.
Chen Qing was completely unremarkable among the many disciples, having neither distinguished family background nor amazing talent, his martial future was predictable.
Luo Qian also spoke up, "Senior Brother Sun, this small gathering represents Zhou courtyard's reputation, concerning our exchange level with other martial courtyards, a serious matter! It's not charity!"
Her words carried barbs, obviously dissatisfied with Sun Shun's favoritism.
Sun Shun's face burned, and he hurriedly said, "Junior Brother Chen practices martial arts very diligently..."
"Like this..."
Zhou Yu spoke up at the right moment, her voice still gentle, "We're all fellow disciples. Junior Brother Chen has been here for a short time, so treating this as giving him a chance to gain experience would be fine. From now on, the spots for small gatherings can rotate, equal opportunities for all."
Her words gave Sun Shun a way out and also silenced Luo Qian.
Seeing Zhou Yu speak, though Zheng Ziqiao was dissatisfied, he also closed his mouth.
Luo Qian shrugged, considering it tacit approval.
Sun Shun grinned and said, "Good, I'll go tell Junior Brother Chen right now."
With that, he quickly walked toward Chen Qing's position.
"A sparring gathering?"
Chen Qing finished his stance and breathing exercises, sweat still fresh on his forehead.
Sun Shun said eagerly, "Liu Zhang from Mantis Boxing and Liu Xue from Seven Star Palm will both attend, everyone sparring together and exchanging insights..."
Chen Qing pondered for a moment and refused, "Senior Brother Sun, I won't attend this gathering."
Whether this so-called sparring exchange was good or bad remained unknown.
He possessed the Heaven Rewards Diligence fate pattern and only needed to practice diligently and hard.
Sun Shun was slightly stunned, "Junior Brother Chen, this... this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"Thank you for Senior Brother Sun's kind intention."
Chen Qing shook his head, "It's just that I know my cultivation is still shallow and my foundation unstable. Rather than join that commotion, I'd prefer to calm my heart and make my foundation more solid."
Sun Shun tried to persuade him earnestly for a while longer, but finally gave up when he saw Chen Qing's persistence.
When Zhou Yu saw Sun Shun returning, she said, "Is it settled?"
Sun Shun smiled bitterly, "Junior Brother Chen... politely declined."
The several people were somewhat surprised upon hearing this.
They hadn't expected Chen Qing to give up such a good opportunity.
Zheng Ziqiao raised an eyebrow, "Probably afraid of stage fright and losing face, so he doesn't dare go."
In his view, this was the only explanation.
Qin Lie looked at that figure sweating profusely and shook his head, "Truly hopeless. He doesn't know how to cherish such a good opportunity. What use is burying oneself in hard practice?"
In his view, people of humble circumstances like Chen Qing should seize every opportunity they could grasp.
Practicing martial arts wasn't just about mindless hard cultivation.
Though Luo Qian said nothing, she had already branded Chen Qing as "useless" in her heart.
She must keep her eyes sharp and remember never to sponsor such people.
A flash of disappointment passed through Zhou Yu's eyes, then quickly returned to calm.
For her, this was just losing one disciple to make up numbers, anyone else going would be the same.
There were many disciples with obvious strength in the courtyard, someone would always be willing to seize this opportunity.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:26:38 +0000 UTC
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"What's happening?"
Lady Han pushed aside the cloth curtain and saw fishermen gathering in small groups on the shore, whispering to each other.
Neighbor Uncle Gao lowered his voice, "Aunt Han, don't you know? Song Tie from the Golden River Gang is dead."
"What?!"
Lady Han's eyes widened like copper bells.
Song Tie was a local tyrant of Mute Bay, reportedly able to take down four or five strong men barehanded. How could such a ruthless character be dead?
Aunt Cuihua had somehow approached at some point and patted her chest, "I heard it was the Tiger Gang's doing, hacked to pieces with random blade strikes, what a gruesome sight."
The surrounding fishermen were all shocked upon hearing this, fear showing on their faces.
"These times..."
Lady Han let out a long sigh.
Uncle Dachun looked at Aunt Cuihua and couldn't help saying, "Aunt Cuihua, you've been looking much better lately."
Her face was glowing with health, much more spirited than usual.
Aunt Cuihua smiled so widely she couldn't close her mouth, "It's all because Er Ya has gained favor at Master Zhao's house and often brings back pastries."
When the neighbors heard this, their eyes went straight with envy.
For these poor people, wheat flour pastries were extremely precious rarities.
Uncle Gao swallowed and said, "I heard those pastries are fragrant and sweet..."
Aunt Cuihua said with slight pride, "Next time I'll have Er Ya bring more for everyone to taste."
Uncle Gao rubbed his hands, "How could we be so presumptuous..."
Though his mouth said it was presumptuous, his eyes were shining.
Aunt Cuihua turned to Uncle Dachun, "By the way, how has Xiao Chun been lately? I haven't seen him around for a long time."
Uncle Dachun waved his hand, "The manager at Treasure Hall thinks highly of him and often takes him out, so he's rarely home."
Aunt Cuihua said sourly, "Xiao Chun has been smart since childhood, so worry-free."
Lady Han listened from the side, feeling somewhat uncomfortable in her heart.
"Xiao Chun has indeed saved me and his mother a lot of worry."
Uncle Dachun said with relief, "This child mentioned before about settling down in the inner city and bringing us old folks over."
The inner city was an unreachable place for common people.
Uncle Gao sighed, "Xiao Chun is not only promising but also filial. You're truly blessed."
Er Ya working as a servant in a wealthy household could hardly achieve much in her lifetime but once Xiao Chun became a manager, he wouldn't have to worry about food and drink.
Lady Han said nothing and silently turned to walk home.
Aunt Cuihua's voice called out, "Aunt Han, when there are pastries, I'll share some with you."
Lady Han gave a dry laugh and quickly walked back home.
"Show-off! Who cares about those table scraps!" She had just finished muttering when she saw Chen Qing coming out from the inner room, "Mother, what are you grumbling about?"
"Song Tie, the Golden River Gang leader, is dead. They say he was hacked to bloody pieces."
Lady Han pulled him into the room and whispered, "Song Tie was killed by the Tiger Gang, you must be careful..."
Chen Qing nodded, "I understand."
Indeed, just as he had expected, the Tiger Gang couldn't wait to help him take the blame for this.
For ordinary people like Chen Qing, this was a murder case, but for the Tiger Gang, it was a rare opportunity to establish their authority.
Lady Han counted on her fingers, "The grain at home is almost gone, and we still need to buy pickled vegetables, tooth powder..."
Since Chen Qing began practicing martial arts, his appetite had increased dramatically, and they often needed to prepare dried food as well.
"Mother."
Chen Qing took out a money pouch and said quietly, "From today on, add more fish and meat to our meals at home."
Consuming meat daily would strengthen his qi and blood, helping him break through to hidden strength faster.
Lady Han took the silver, her expression changing, "Where did this silver come from?"
Chen Qing said, "You don't need to worry about that, just listen to me."
"Alright."
Lady Han rubbed the silver and finally nodded.
In these times, being able to get money showed capability.
She was already calculating in her mind which morning market to shop at and how much to buy each time to avoid drawing attention.
A woman who had struggled for survival in these chaotic times for many years understood the ways of survival best.
Chen Qing returned to his room and took out the "Swift Wind Blade Technique" he had obtained last night.
This manual not only contained fighting techniques but also fundamental diagrams of force application, making it extremely complete.
Chen Qing thought to himself, "I can practice this blade technique more in my spare time."
...
Time flew by, and half a month passed.
Since his last agreement with Cheng Ming, Chen Qing had become a river patrol guard.
Except for patrol duties at the fourth and ninth hours of the day, most of his time could be freely arranged.
He spent most of his time at Zhou's courtyard diligently practicing through-arm stance work and boxing.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Through-arm Stance Work: Minor Achievement (161/1000)]
[Through-arm Boxing: Minor Achievement (132/1000)]
With meat and blood qi powder for nourishment, his qi and blood grew increasingly vigorous, his physique became stronger, and his progress improved at twice the previous rate.
This also meant constant consumption of his silver, and sitting idle while eating away his savings was not a long-term plan.
Chen Qing thought to himself, "If I had sufficient meat and medicinal supplements, perhaps I could attempt my second breakthrough in less than half a year."
The power of obvious strength was strong and dominating, which made Chen Qing even more eager for hidden strength.
This day, Chen Qing was patrolling the dock with Cheng Ming.
Cheng Ming looked across the river and sighed, "Across this South River lies the inner city."
Across the river, the outline of the inner city emerged in the twilight, with lights scattered like broken gold throughout the city walls.
Gaolin County was divided into inner and outer cities. The inner city was where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold, home to prominent families and wealthy merchants. The streets were wide and clean, pedestrians were energetic, and martial artists were everywhere.
Because all the major households maintained guards, gangs had disappeared here, making it a hundred times safer than the outer city.
He sighed wistfully, "While people in the outer city are still worrying about having enough to eat, these masters have long been living in wine pools and meat forests, indulging in pleasure."
Chen Qing remained silent.
Which era wasn't like this? The so-called upper class merely enjoyed themselves by stepping on the bones of common people. Those extravagant practices, feeding pigs with human milk, coating walls with pepper mud, cooking rice with candles, using silk to block wind, were beyond ordinary people's imagination.
Chen Qing recalled scenes from operas in his previous life, where an official wanted to rest, servants would attend to the official's rest, and when going to bed, there would be two little maids to warm the bed. After the official lay down, they would use their bellies to warm the official's feet. Of course, this was artistic exaggeration.
In reality, bed-warming maids wouldn't be wearing clothes.
"While people in the outer city are still fighting desperately for half a bowl of rice bran."
Cheng Ming's voice carried a trace of barely perceptible fatigue and self-mockery, "The masters in the inner city have probably grown tired of bird's nest and shark fin, wondering how to feed ginseng to pigeons."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the dock workers in tattered clothes, and said quietly, "Save enough silver and bring your mother to the inner city, even if it means renting the cheapest small room. In these times, the two words 'peace and safety' are worth ten thousand gold."
Chen Qing nodded.
For the people of these times, safety was most precious.
Just then, an unusual commotion came from the dock entrance, accompanied by exclamations and the restless snorting of horses.
"Make way! All of you damn well make way!"
"Are you blind? Get to the side!"
Several men in gray martial attire with fierce faces roughly pushed aside the laborers and vendors blocking the way, clearing a path.
Their eyes were menacing, their temples slightly bulging, with knives at their waists, clearly all martial artists.
Clop! Clop! Clop!
Clear and rhythmic hoofbeats struck the bluestone slabs, unhurried but carrying an unquestionable majesty.
A magnificent jet-black horse slowly walked into the dock area.
On the horse's back sat a person.
"Ah Qing."
Cheng Ming grabbed Chen Qing, his brow furrowed tightly, quickly pulling him into a nearby secluded alley.
"Chief, who was that...?" Chen Qing looked at the departing figure, uncertain and suspicious.
"That was a military examination graduate."
Cheng Ming lowered his voice and slowly exhaled, "With this military examination degree, he doesn't need to bow or kneel even when meeting the county magistrate, and his family's fields and commercial goods are all exempt from taxes!"
"He can also receive an official military position from the court and draw a salary."
"How many poor families compete to serve as servants to military examination graduates, just to benefit from this tax exemption... the advantages are truly numerous."
Cheng Ming's tone was complex, containing both reverence and a trace of barely perceptible longing.
If a small family like the Chengs could produce a military examination graduate, everything would be completely different.
Chen Qing felt his heart burning with excitement.
Passing the military examination was not only a way to reach heaven in one step, but also brought tremendous wealth and fortune!
"But to pass the military examination, one must first pass the military imperial examination." Cheng Ming heavily patted Chen Qing's shoulder and shook his head with a sigh, "Difficult, as difficult as ascending to heaven!"
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:25:57 +0000 UTC
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Mute Bay, Tiger Gang's small courtyard.
Er Mazi leaned against the door frame with his arms folded, yawning listlessly out of boredom.
"Smack!"
A hard little paper ball suddenly flew over, hitting him precisely on the forehead!
"Who?!"
Er Mazi jumped up with a start, his hand pressing on his knife handle as he vigilantly scanned the empty alley.
No one responded. He suspiciously bent down to pick up the paper ball, unfolded it, and saw it was densely covered with writing.
"Damn..." Er Mazi cursed under his breath. He was illiterate and couldn't recognize a single character but he wasn't stupid and knew this thing must be important.
He immediately clutched the paper ball tightly and turned to rush quickly into the courtyard.
"What's the rush?" Just then, Xu Chengfeng walked out of the courtyard gate with a gloomy expression.
"Brother Feng! Someone... someone threw this!" Er Mazi hurriedly presented it.
Xu Chengfeng took it suspiciously, quickly scanned it a few times in the dim light, and his face instantly erupted with wild joy and ferocity, "Damn! I've searched everywhere for this! That old dog is actually hiding on Locust Street!"
He waved the note and lowered his voice, "That turncoat dog Pockmarked Liu! He's betrayed them! This is Song Tie's hiding place!"
Er Mazi looked confused, "Pockmarked Liu? He..."
"You! Immediately take two clever brothers and go watch the outskirts of Locust Street! See if there are any Golden River Gang rats poking around there! Go quickly!" Xu Chengfeng urgently ordered.
"Yes!" Er Mazi didn't dare delay and turned to run.
Xu Chengfeng stared at the note, vicious light flickering in his eyes.
He already believed this intelligence seventy to eighty percent. He understood Pockmarked Liu's character, just a fence-sitter, cowardly and afraid of death, capable of doing such a thing but to be safe, he still needed to verify the truth.
Before long, Er Mazi ran back panting, his face showing excitement, "Brother Feng! There really are some! At the entrance of Locust Street, there are two Golden River Gang brats keeping watch."
"Gather the brothers!"
Xu Chengfeng's eyes erupted with vicious light, "Take up weapons! Surround that alley on Locust Street completely! Don't let even a fly escape! Kill Song Tie and there will be great rewards."
"Yes!" The courtyard immediately resounded with the sounds of drawing knives and low roars.
Er Mazi leaned in and asked quietly, "Brother Feng, what about Pockmarked Liu..."
Xu Chengfeng's mouth twisted into a cruel cold smile, "Keep him for New Year? I hate traitors the most! Deal with him too!"
Then, more than ten Tiger Gang members drew their long knives and, like a pack of hunting wolves, silently yet murderously pounced toward Locust Street.
...
Locust Street.
The Tiger Gang members were like they'd been injected with stimulants, drawing their long knives one after another. Led by Xu Chengfeng, like hyenas that had caught the scent of blood, they silently yet murderously rushed toward Song Tie's hiding place.
Chen Qing hid in the shadows, quietly watching the thugs disappear into the depths of the alley. Without seeing Song Tie's corpse with his own eyes, he remained uneasy.
"Crash!"
"Kill!"
"Song Tie! Come out and die!"
Soon came the loud crash of breaking down doors, angry roars, the clashing sounds of weapons, and shrill screams.
Fire light faintly brightened in the direction of the broken courtyard, reddening that narrow patch of sky.
Song Tie, with bloodshot eyes, leaned against the door frame frantically slashing, using two of his subordinates as human shields desperately blocking in front of him.
At the same time, the wound in his abdomen tore open again with his violent movements, blood gushing wildly.
"Who is it?! Who betrayed me?!!"
Song Tie roared in desperate fury, using his last bit of strength to suddenly crash toward the broken wooden window behind him that was already tottering.
"Watch out for his poison darts! Chase him! Damn it, chase him!"
From within the courtyard came Xu Chengfeng's frantic roar, apparently having been injured.
Escape!
He must escape!
Song Tie, like a wounded wild beast driven to desperation, burst forth with amazing survival instincts.
He ignored the tearing pain in his abdomen, relying on his familiarity with Locust Street's complex terrain to flee desperately through the narrow back alleys filled with debris.
He didn't dare take the main roads, specifically choosing the darkest, most winding crevices to squeeze through.
Each hurried breath carried a heavy smell of blood.
His vision began to blur, and the dizziness from blood loss continuously assaulted his consciousness like a tide but he didn't dare stop!
As long as he could rush out and blend into the crowds outside, or jump into the nearby waterway, there would be hope of survival.
His eyes erupted with one last trace of madness. He bit through the tip of his tongue, using the sharp pain to stimulate himself, squeezing out his last bit of strength as he staggered forward!
Three steps! Two steps! One step!
Whoosh!
A black shadow flashed from the nearby eaves! Chen Qing pounced down like a hunting night cat.
He used the through-arm boxing technique "Extending Hand Binding Mountain," his right hand's five fingers like iron hooks, firmly grasping the elbow joint above Song Tie's right wrist, his fingers exerting force.
Crack!
The crisp sound of breaking bones made one's teeth ache.
Song Tie had just started to cry out in pain when Chen Qing's left hand had already wrapped around like lightning, grasping the inside of his elbow! His waist and legs suddenly twisted, his whole body's strength exploded as he pulled and tore with all his might.
Rip!
Flesh tore, bone fragments were exposed, and the entire right arm was forcibly torn off.
The intense pain made Song Tie's vision go black, his body swaying unsteadily.
Chen Qing gave him no chance to catch his breath, his right fist carrying his whole body's strength, hammering out like striking an anvil.
Bang!
This punch heavily struck Song Tie's face. He flew directly more than ten feet away, crashed to the ground motionless, blood gurgling from his mouth.
He desperately tried to open his eyes wide, wanting to see clearly who had ambushed him.
The next moment!
Crack! Splurt!
All his ribs shattered, his internal organs were crushed, Song Tie's body convulsed violently once, his eyes rolled back showing the whites, and he completely lost all breath.
"Phew!"
Chen Qing let out a long breath. Fortunately, he had been guarding the perimeter, otherwise Song Tie might really have escaped.
He quickly searched Song Tie's body and found a heavy money pouch.
Opening it, there were actually more than twenty taels of gleaming silver!
"I've struck it rich!"
Chen Qing's eyes flashed with brilliance.
Last time when he ambushed Qian Biao, he had only found a few taels of broken silver but now on Song Tie's body he had actually found twenty taels of silver.
This was a huge sum!
How many years would it take for him and his mother to save so much silver without eating or drinking?!
Besides the silver, there was also a thin booklet, "Swift Wind Blade Technique."
Chen Qing delivered several more punches to the vital points of Song Tie's corpse, ensuring that the surface showed no traces characteristic of through-arm boxing's force delivery, before his figure flashed and he quickly disappeared into the shadows of Locust Street.
The next day, news that the Golden River Gang leader had been killed by the Tiger Gang was everywhere in Mute Bay.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:25:38 +0000 UTC
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Locust Street was on the edge of the outer city, three parts dirtier and more chaotic than Mute Bay.
Both sides of the street were crowded with beggars in tattered clothes, while skeletal children rummaged through sewage ditches for food scraps.
The air reeked of rot and excrement, and occasionally one could see swollen, bluish corpses lying by the roadside.
In such a place, a person's death was less noticeable than a rat's.
Chen Qing crouched in the shadows under the eaves, surveying the intricate network of narrow alleys below.
Qian Biao's death was like an invisible thorn. As long as the Golden River Gang wasn't eliminated, this thorn would remain embedded in his flesh, and who knew when it might fester and rot.
Rather than waiting for trouble to come knocking, it was better to strike first.
Suddenly, Chen Qing's eyes sharpened.
Two figures emerged from the alley entrance, acting stealthily. One was Pockmarked Liu, and beside him was a shifty-eyed man.
Both walked hurriedly with tense expressions, looking back every three steps like startled birds.
"Brother Liu, do we really have to go out at this time? Those Tiger Gang bastards are biting hard..."
The yellow-toothed man lowered his voice, unease evident in his tone.
"Nonsense!"
Pockmarked Liu irritably rubbed his hands and cursed in a low voice, "My mouth is so bland it could hatch birds! Who can stand gnawing on dry bread crusts for two days? Move it! Buy and go!"
The two pressed against the wall base and quickly burrowed toward the other end of the alley.
Chen Qing's heart stirred. Holding his breath, his figure silently moved across the rooftops, following them with cat-like agility, his gaze locked firmly on those two figures.
Pockmarked Liu and his companion navigated the familiar turns expertly, arriving at a relatively bustling small crossroads.
He vigilantly looked around for a moment before quickly stepping forward, pulling out a few copper coins, grabbing oil-paper-wrapped food, and immediately turning back with the yellow-toothed man, walking even faster.
From his rooftop vantage point, Chen Qing could see clearly that this food didn't look like it was just for two people.
He silently followed, maintaining a safe distance and height.
After winding through several turns, Pockmarked Liu and his companion finally slipped into the end of an unusually quiet dead-end alley.
Before them was a dilapidated wooden door.
Pockmarked Liu nervously looked left and right again, confirming no one had followed, before quickly knocking on the door.
The door creaked open a crack, the two quickly slipped inside, and the door immediately closed.
"Let me first probe the situation."
Chen Qing took a deep breath and climbed along the adjacent courtyard wall onto the rooftop.
He carefully extended his head to look into the courtyard.
Two or three long knives lay on a wooden table in the courtyard, with fragments of women's torn dresses scattered on the ground, creating a scene of chaos.
At this time, voices of conversation came from inside the house.
Chen Qing carefully lifted a roof tile to peer down.
This was a bedroom with messy quilts piled on the bed, a medicine bottle on the table, and bloodstained bandages thrown on the floor.
"Not this room." Chen Qing understood and gently replaced the tile, crouching low as he moved to the adjacent eaves and lifted another tile.
The main room's scene came into view. Four or five burly men sat around, with a middle-aged man in black robes and a cold expression sitting at the head.
"It really is Golden River Gang people!"
Chen Qing's eyes narrowed as he recognized the middle-aged man as Song Tie, the Golden River Gang leader.
It was said that Song Tie was extremely skilled, specializing in blade techniques, and Mute Bay had been carved out by his blade.
Chen Qing had seen him once before.
"Gang Leader, we bought the things!" Pockmarked Liu wiped his sweat and handed over the oil-paper package.
Song Tie impatiently tore it open, glanced at it, and immediately cursed, "Cornmeal steamed buns?! Not even a trace of oil? My mouth is ready to scrape out knives!"
Pockmarked Liu smiled bitterly, "Gang Leader, in this godforsaken place on Locust Street, having something hot is already not easy."
"Damn this humiliation! How long do we have to hide and skulk around?" one man couldn't help but mutter.
"Go out? Do you miss Qian Biao?" another sneered, "Died without even knowing how!"
Several gang members couldn't help but complain quietly. When mentioning Qian Biao's death, their voices carried several degrees of fear.
Pockmarked Liu rolled his eyes and tentatively said, "Gang Leader, the Tiger Gang is biting too hard... perhaps we should try... to negotiate peace?"
"I think negotiating peace isn't bad."
Pockmarked Liu's suggestion immediately gained agreement from quite a few people present.
"Slap!"
Song Tie's palm heavily struck the table, and the solid wooden table immediately split into pieces.
The room instantly fell silent, all gang members quiet as cicadas.
Such strong power!
Chen Qing on the rooftop was also secretly shocked.
This Song Tie's qi and blood could be considered vigorous even among those at obvious strength. If he faced him head-on, he probably wouldn't fare well, not to mention there were so many Golden River Gang members.
Song Tie said expressionlessly, "Negotiate peace? I think you want to take my head and surrender, eh?"
Pockmarked Liu shuddered, "I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare! Gang Leader, please calm your anger!"
Song Tie's accumulated authority over the years remained. The gang members all lowered their heads.
"All scared now? Ah Biao's revenge, Mute Bay's territory, I will personally take them back! All of you listen!"
Song Tie's hawk-like gaze swept over his silent subordinates and sneered, "Ah Hu! Do you all remember? He's coming back! Once he arrives, let's see if there's still room for that Tiger Gang to bounce around in Gaolin County!"
"Ah Hu is returning?!" Pockmarked Liu's eyes suddenly burst with light, his voice trembling.
"Would I lie to you?"
Song Tie impatiently waved his hand, "You all go back. Don't let those Tiger Gang bastards catch your scent."
"Yes!"
The men felt as if they'd received amnesty and hastily bowed and retreated.
"Ah Hu?"
Chen Qing's mind filled with doubt.
Who was this person? Someone Song Tie relied on so heavily?
He committed this name to memory.
This wasn't a place to linger.
Chen Qing silently withdrew and prepared to leave.
"Wait!"
Chen Qing paused. How clever was he? Even a single hair pulled from his head was hollow.
Connecting this to the medicine bottle and gauze he'd seen earlier... this old fox was probably injured?
Chen Qing crouched low again, moving to above the side room where he'd previously observed the medicine bottle and bloody cloth strips, holding his breath and gently opening a gap between tiles.
Inside the room, Song Tie had just confirmed the last gang member had left, and his whole person collapsed in the chair like a deflated balloon.
"Bah! A bunch of treacherous bastards!"
Song Tie gritted his teeth while pouring wound medicine on his injury, the powder mixing with blood to form dark red scabs.
As gang leader, he understood too well how laughable the "brotherhood loyalty" written in gang rules was. If he showed even half a sign of weakness, tomorrow his head would be hanging on the Tiger Gang's flagpole.
"Fortunately, I was smart enough to keep a trump card."
Song Tie applied medicine while snorting coldly, "All hoping for me to fall so they can lick their new master's boots?... Just wait, once I catch my breath..."
"...That palm strike just now was probably a desperate bluff."
On the eaves above, Chen Qing saw this scene clearly.
If he ambushed, this seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
His eyes narrowed as he began calculating in his mind.
A skinny camel is still bigger than a horse. How severely was Song Tie injured? Did he just look bad on the surface, or was he truly at his last gasp?
Moreover, a cornered rabbit will bite, and a desperate dog will jump over walls. Someone who could survive gang struggles and sit in the gang leader's position would definitely have fierce retaliation and trump cards when facing death, perhaps hidden weapons, deadly poisons, and such.
This broken courtyard's terrain was unclear. Were there other traps inside? Secret passages? Once he made his move and couldn't instantly resolve Song Tie, if he made noise and attracted others, what should he do?
If he failed or left survivors, his identity would be completely exposed.
If the ambush succeeded, the benefit would be obtaining Song Tie's wealth, though he didn't necessarily look wealthy.
"Using another's knife to kill!"
Chen Qing had an idea.
Like a falling leaf, he silently slid down the rooftop, landing without even disturbing half a speck of dust.
In less than a moment, Chen Qing's figure had melted into the darkness of the alleyways.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:25:12 +0000 UTC
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Three days later.
Chen Qing had just finished washing when someone came to the cabin door.
The visitor was a middle-aged man in his thirties, wearing a black short jacket, followed by four or five burly subordinates.
The middle-aged man smiled, "You must be Brother Chen Qing. I'm Xu Chengfeng from the Tiger Gang."
Chen Qing replied calmly, "So it's an expert from the Tiger Gang. I've long admired your reputation."
Xu Chengfeng cupped his hands, "From today on, this area will be managed by our Tiger Gang. We hope for your cooperation in the future. If there's anything we don't do well, please bear with us, Brother Chen!"
Chen Qing acted flattered, "Sir, you're too kind."
The Tiger Gang people had come calling. It seemed Mute Bay had truly changed hands, and the Golden River Gang was now a thing of the past.
Xu Chengfeng smiled, "Brother Chen is too polite."
After chatting briefly, Xu Chengfeng left with his subordinates.
After leaving the Chen household, Xu Chengfeng whispered instructions, "Ah Jie, go find out where this Chen Qing is learning martial arts..."
Being cautious in all matters was certainly not wrong.
"I understand."
The subordinate behind him nodded.
...
"Ah Qing, who was that just now?!"
Lady Han lifted the curtain and asked curiously.
Chen Qing replied flatly, "People from the Tiger Gang."
"The Tiger Gang?!"
Hearing this, Lady Han's face immediately showed deep worry, "They won't be adding more incense money, will they?"
Every time a new gang appeared, they would demand three months' worth of fees in advance.
Chen Qing said, "Mother, don't think about it so much."
Despite Chen Qing's consolation, Lady Han's expression remained very troubled.
After all, these gangs were like mountains weighing on their shoulders.
Chen Qing said nothing more and left home for Zhou's courtyard.
At this moment, the senior brothers in the inner courtyard were sparring and exchanging moves.
Fist winds surged, producing crackling sounds.
Chen Qing prepared himself and began practicing boxing.
The most difficult aspect of through-arm boxing wasn't the techniques, but this subtle body control.
Too loose and strength would scatter, too tight and strength would stagnate. One had to find that perfect balance point between loose and tight.
Before he knew it, he had completed two sets of through-arm boxing.
Sun Shun walked over, "Junior Brother Chen, there are several escort positions available now. Take a look..."
Hearing this, Chen Qing stopped his movements, and Sun Shun described three available positions.
One was with Li's Trading Company, where the main duties were guarding warehouses and gates, night patrols, escorting short-distance valuable goods, and deterring petty criminals.
However, the treatment was quite good, with a monthly salary of four taels.
Another was at Drunken Moon Tower, a somewhat special position also called a "hidden stake."
Daily duties included maintaining order in the establishment, deterring troublemakers and cheaters, collecting gambling debts, and when necessary, physically "cleaning up" problems.
The monthly salary typically ranged from five to eight taels, but the risk was very high.
Chen Qing shook his head, clearly unsatisfied with these two options.
The Li's Trading Company position was safe but offered little freedom.
Going to Drunken Moon Tower as a "hidden stake" was quite dangerous. Who knew what kind of demons and monsters might emerge from gambling dens?
"The last one is river patrol guard."
Sun Shun said, "The River Office is desperately short-handed. If you agree, you can register tomorrow. Two taels of silver per month, with six rest days monthly."
"Courtyard disciples think the pay is too low, so not many go."
River patrol guards' main duties were patrolling designated river sections, maintaining security, handling minor disputes, checking suspicious people and boats, and assisting river officials with river affairs.
When there was nothing happening, it was quite leisurely.
After careful consideration, Chen Qing nodded, "Then let's go with this one."
Sun Shun took out a letter, instructing, "This is a letter of recommendation. Go to Green River Dock to find River Official Cheng."
"Thank you, Senior Brother."
Chen Qing took the letter and headed toward Green River Dock.
The bluestone road was wet, gleaming with faint light.
River water gently lapped against wooden posts, and several black-canopied boats swayed lightly with the waves.
The morning market was already open on the shore, with vendors' calls mixing with fishy smells in the humid air.
Chen Qing stepped through puddles and turned into a narrow alley to reach the River Office entrance.
The River Office wasn't large, with a somewhat weathered facade where peeling paint revealed dark wood beneath.
The door was open, and a mixture of old paper, sweat, and river water scents hit him.
Inside, figures moved about with noisy voices, mostly patrol guards wearing River Office uniforms, occasionally mixed with arguments and disputes.
Chen Qing stepped over the high threshold.
The main hall was somewhat dim, with simple furnishings. Several long tables were piled with scrolls and miscellaneous items, and even undried wet footprints could be seen on the floor.
He stopped a hurried clerk and asked with cupped hands, "Brother, is River Official Cheng Ming available?"
The clerk looked Chen Qing up and down. Seeing that although he wore ordinary coarse clothes, his posture was upright, his eyes clear and bright, and especially his hands with distinct knuckles showing traces of martial arts training, he pointed to a narrower passage beside the main hall, "River Official Cheng is in the duty room inside. He's been busy all night and is probably irritated right now. Go find him yourself."
"Thank you."
Chen Qing thanked him and followed the directions inside.
At the end of the passage was a small room with the door slightly ajar, light filtering out from within.
Chen Qing stood at the door and gently knocked twice on the door panel.
"Who is it?" A hoarse, weary voice came from inside.
"I'm Chen Qing, here about a position." Chen Qing's voice was steady and clear.
The door creaked open from inside.
"I'm Cheng Ming."
A square-faced man in his forties appeared before him, with a loosely hanging sword at his waist. He looked at Chen Qing and asked, "Do you have a letter of recommendation?"
Chen Qing took out the recommendation letter from his chest and handed it over with both hands, "Yes."
Cheng Ming took the letter and looked at it, his furrowed brow relaxing slightly, "A disciple of Master Zhou Liang?"
"Correct." Chen Qing replied.
"The letter checks out, and you look quite sturdy. The River Office is short-handed right now, so your timing is perfect."
Cheng Ming examined Chen Qing, his tone becoming gentler, "You know about the River Office rules and monthly pay, right?"
"I do." Chen Qing replied.
Cheng Ming nodded and said slowly, "Let me brief you on some things. The River Office has nine small teams, each with one river official and three patrol guards. The work is quite simple."
"Walk along your assigned river section and keep your eyes sharp. When you see thieves, fights, or suspicious activities, don't foolishly charge in yourself."
He emphasized his tone, instructing, "Come back and report first. The constables will handle it. Don't provoke the boat captains at the docks or warehouse managers without reason. They're all old eels soaked in oil, very slippery. If you really encounter some blind petty thief who wants to fight..."
Cheng Ming's voice lowered, "Use your own judgment. Don't take losses, but don't make things big either. Remember, you're 'attached,' and if you really cause a big mess, even Zhou's courtyard's reputation... might not be able to cover for you."
Chen Qing cupped his fists and said seriously, "Thank you for River Official Cheng's reminder."
Cheng Ming was quite satisfied with Chen Qing's attitude and nodded almost imperceptibly, "Tomorrow at the first quarter of the hour of the rabbit, go to the duty room at the east end of the dock to find Old Li for your badge and uniform. He'll tell you which section to patrol. Today counts as your registration, so go home and rest first."
After waiting a moment, Cheng Ming noticed Chen Qing was still standing there and couldn't help but look up, "Is there something else?"
Chen Qing cupped his fists in salute and said in a deep voice, "River Official Cheng, I dare to ask... could I advance a few months' salary?"
"Advance salary?"
Cheng Ming was slightly stunned hearing this. This was the first time he'd heard such a request, and his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, "For what purpose?"
"To pay tuition." Chen Qing answered straightforwardly.
Cheng Ming's gaze lingered on Chen Qing's face for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "The River Office's monthly pay has never had a precedent for advances..."
He paused slightly, then changed direction, "Very well, I'll give you five taels of silver first. In the coming months, you won't need to collect your monthly pay, it'll go directly to me."
Chen Qing immediately bowed deeply, "Thank you, River Official Cheng, for your accommodation!"
Cheng Ming waved his hand, "Go on."
...
In the afternoon, Chen Qing came to Zhou's courtyard to continue cultivating.
"Junior Brother Chen."
Several senior brothers greeted him with smiles.
Especially the newly enrolled disciples, who were very enthusiastic.
Sun Shun waved his hand, "Junior brother, come spar with me."
"Good!"
Chen Qing nodded, then put on Zhou's courtyard practice clothes.
"Then I won't be polite."
Sun Shun loosened his muscles and bones, generated power from his feet and fists, and in the blink of an eye charged toward Chen Qing.
Chen Qing didn't retreat but advanced, taking large steps forward.
Through-arm boxing emphasized "through," "long," and "fast." Simply put, it meant striking far and long, with penetrating strength and combining hardness with softness.
So momentum was most important.
Three steps of charging power, fists like strong wind, attacking with continuous strikes, one move not yet finished before the second arrived, forming dense offensive pressure.
At this moment, Chen Qing's body reached its optimal state, with his waist, legs, feet, fists, and spine all generating rhythmic bursts of power.
The air exploded with impressive force, the so-called "a thousand gold can't buy one sound," this was the realm of obvious strength.
This sudden explosion created howling fist winds.
Sun Shun, with quick eyes and hands, immediately performed a donkey roll to avoid this attack, then flipped over and threw a punch.
Bang!
After this exchange, Chen Qing couldn't help but retreat several steps.
"Again!"
Sun Shun shouted and charged forward once more.
The two exchanged moves, completing dozens of techniques in just a few moments.
Chen Qing knew that Sun Shun was proposing this sparring match to help him better understand obvious strength, and he felt several degrees of gratitude in his heart.
"Not bad. In terms of technique proficiency and application alone, among disciples below hidden strength in the courtyard, not many are stronger than you."
After sparring, Sun Shun picked up a towel to wipe the sweat from his body and said with some surprise, "If I didn't know your background, I would have thought you'd been practicing for several years!"
Chen Qing was not only skilled in techniques but also extremely sophisticated in combinations.
He was unpredictable, and some of his technique applications even inspired Sun Shun.
Chen Qing smiled, "I've practiced too much. These techniques have become part of my memory."
Every day before dawn, he came to Zhou's courtyard to train. The nine moves and eighty-one forms of through-arm boxing had long been indelibly etched in his memory.
At this time, Zhou Yu walked over, "Senior Brother Sun, father wants you to go to the back courtyard."
"Alright, I understand."
Sun Shun nodded, then followed Zhou Yu toward the back courtyard.
Besides Sun Shun and Qin Lie, several other disciples who had reached hidden strength were also there.
Seeing this immediately attracted the attention of many disciples.
Someone whispered, "Could something have happened?"
A nearby senior brother said, "The martial examinations are approaching. Master is going to discuss martial examination matters. People like Senior Brother Sun and Senior Brother Qi are disciples that Master values..."
Martial examinations?!
The courtyard immediately erupted in discussion.
Chen Qing paid no attention and continued pondering through-arm boxing.
Soon, a golden light appeared in his mind.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Through-arm Boxing: Minor Achievement (1/1000)]
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:24:46 +0000 UTC
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Zhou Liang also walked over and patted Chen Qing's shoulder, "Not bad, keep up the good work."
Chen Qing hurriedly cupped his fists, "Yes, Master."
It had been a long time since he'd spoken alone with his master.
Zhou Liang said a few simple words, then turned and left.
After all, taking over two months to reach obvious strength showed truly limited future potential.
Subsequently, the other disciples also dispersed one by one.
Sun Shun asked with a smile, "Junior Brother Chen, how do you feel?"
"Pretty good." Chen Qing nodded. After breaking through to obvious strength, he felt his qi and blood flowing smoothly throughout his body, and his strength had increased considerably.
Sun Shun smiled, "These next few days I'll spar with you to help you quickly become familiar with using your strength."
"Thank you, Senior Brother Sun." Chen Qing pondered for a moment, then asked, "Senior Brother Sun, about these escort positions..."
Sun Shun immediately understood. For disciples from Chen Qing's background, once they broke through to obvious strength, the first priority was finding a faction to work for, as this was the only way to have money to continue paying tuition.
He hesitated, "The major powers like Li's Weapon Forging Shop, Far-Sight Escort Agency, and Harmony Hall have quite high thresholds for positions, which is somewhat troublesome. However, other places aren't difficult. I'll keep an eye out for you these next few days."
Li's Weapon Forging Shop and Far-Sight Escort Agency were established names in Gaolin County, filled with experts, and had extremely strict requirements for position holders. They usually only accepted elite disciples from martial halls or under martial masters.
Chen Qing cupped his fists again, "Then I'll trouble Senior Brother to take the effort."
Sun Shun hesitated for a moment, then still spoke up, "Junior Brother Chen, if you're willing, you might consider getting closer to other senior and junior brothers from wealthy families. Perhaps... you could receive some sponsorship."
Chen Qing's eyes showed a trace of confusion, "Sponsorship?"
Sun Shun slowly explained, "Thirty percent practice, seventy percent eating. Actually, the most important things in martial arts training are meat and medicinal supplements. The blood qi powder that Junior Sister Zhou just gave you, if taken daily, can increase cultivation speed by thirty percent. There are even more precious blood qi pills... I spend five taels of silver monthly just on medicinal supplements alone. How could the small salary from escort positions be enough?"
Seeing Chen Qing's silence, Sun Shun continued, "Now that you've reached obvious strength and have the opportunity to participate in martial examinations, you can be said to be a bamboo shoot that has broken through the soil. Perhaps some wealthy household might want to invest in you, providing you with meat and medicinal supplements. What these wealthy households let slip through their fingers would be enough for half a year of your tuition."
Hearing this, Chen Qing immediately understood.
He'd long heard that some wealthy households and major families in Gaolin County would sponsor martial artists, spending money and effort to help them participate in martial examinations, all to build good relationships.
They would sponsor dozens of people, and as long as one succeeded, they'd profit. Moreover, even if none succeeded, these martial artists would still owe them a favor, expanding their network of contacts and leaving behind a good reputation.
Sun Shun patiently explained, "Look at Senior Sister Luo and Junior Brother Zheng, they're both from wealthy families. One of their purposes in learning martial arts is to scout for good prospects."
"Senior Sister Luo's Luo family is one of the five major families in the inner city, with abundant financial resources and sponsorship amounts far exceeding ordinary wealthy households. However, her standards are quite high. Junior Brother Qin has received Luo family sponsorship and rarely has to worry about meat or medicinal supplements. Junior Brother Zheng comes from the Zheng family, which also has considerable wealth."
"Just like how I've always relied on sponsorship from Guo's Records, never lacking."
Chen Qing looked in the direction Sun Shun indicated.
Luo Qian and Zheng Ziqiao were both wealthy family disciples in the courtyard. This could be seen from their daily practice, as they were always surrounded by a group of people.
"Forget it."
Chen Qing shook his head.
When he'd just broken through, neither of them had even given him a proper look, clearly looking down on his aptitude.
Even if he shamelessly approached them, he probably wouldn't receive a warm reception.
Sun Shun wanted to persuade him further, but Chen Qing had already said seriously, "Thank you for your kind intentions, Senior Brother, but I'd rather focus on finding an escort position first."
Seeing his persuasion was fruitless, Sun Shun could only sigh and pat his shoulder.
...
Today, Chen Qing didn't practice extra. He headed home early.
Passing through the narrow alleys filled with the scents of fish and damp wood, the familiar outline of the connected boats of Mute Bay came into view.
"Search! Search every household!"
Several fierce-looking Golden River Gang members were questioning fishermen near the dock. The leader was a pockmarked man with triangular eyes scanning left and right.
This person was the gang leader's trusted subordinate, Pockmarked Liu.
This so-called search was just finding an excuse to ruthlessly "rake in" another haul.
Chen Qing calmly lowered his head, staying close to the shadows as he quickly skirted around those men and returned to his family's worn connected boat.
Pushing open the creaking cabin door, in the dim light, his mother Lady Han was anxiously wringing her hands.
"Mother, I'm back."
Chen Qing kept his voice as level as possible, "What are the Golden River Gang people doing?"
Lady Han sighed, lowering her voice, "What else could they be doing? Going back and forth questioning everyone, saying they want to root out Qian Biao's killer... What evil times, these days..."
Chen Qing nodded calmly on the surface, but ripples stirred in his heart.
"Qian Biao was killed by my own hand. I believe I was clean about it, thoroughly erasing all traces. For these gang lackeys to find any clues should be as difficult as ascending to heaven."
"But what if? In this world, is there any such thing as absolute perfection?"
"This Pockmarked Liu, bringing people to search Mute Bay so openly... could he be coming for me?"
This feeling made him feel like he had thorns in his back. Chen Qing never harbored any lucky thoughts about anything.
He always prepared for the worst in everything.
"Why did you come back so early today?"
Lady Han put down the shuttle in her hands, glanced at Chen Qing, and said in a trembling voice, "Ah Qing... your complexion looks different? Could it be..."
Obvious strength was quite different from ordinary people. Vigorous qi and blood made the skin appear ruddy and lustrous, with bright and sharp eyes that ordinary people dared not meet directly.
Chen Qing stepped forward and grasped Lady Han's rough hands, nodding, "Mother, I succeeded. My first breakthrough attempt was successful."
"You succeeded?! Really... really succeeded?!"
Lady Han's lips trembled as she repeatedly confirmed, "Heaven has opened its eyes! The ancestors are protecting us! My son... my son has made something of himself!"
Chen Qing smiled, "From now on, I can continue learning martial arts with Master."
"Wonderful, truly wonderful."
Lady Han was so excited her hands shook, "Then... then you can participate in the martial examinations?"
The martial examinations were the easiest path for ordinary people learning martial arts to change their fate.
Once successful, their status would immediately undergo earth-shaking changes.
Even a martial scholar could have many taxes reduced, relieving enormous pressure in daily life.
If they passed the next level, they could not only hold an official position in Gaolin but also receive imperial stipends, and even county magistrates wouldn't require them to kowtow.
For common people, this was almost unimaginable.
Old Master Chen's greatest wish was for Chen Heng to succeed, allowing him to enjoy some comfort.
Chen Qing waved his hand, "Mother, with my current strength, participating in the martial examinations is still too difficult..."
Among the dozens of people at Zhou's courtyard who had reached obvious strength, only a few dared attempt the martial examinations.
This showed just how difficult success was.
However, he would need to start preparing for the martial examinations. Only by making a name in the martial examinations could he truly rise above his station.
Lady Han's heart quickly dimmed. She slowly sat back on the low stool and lowered her head, feeling a trace of guilt, "Success is good. It's mother who's useless, unable to help you..."
She couldn't continue, her shoulders trembling slightly.
Through three months of torment, she had watched Chen Qing practice desperately, seeing it all and feeling the pain in her heart.
Now that her son's future seemed to have a glimmer of light, she still couldn't help with anything.
Chen Qing consoled her, "Mother, now that I've reached obvious strength, I can take escort positions. You don't need to worry about these things."
"Escort positions can earn money?"
Lady Han murmured, hope rekindling in her eyes.
Chen Qing nodded.
Lady Han wiped her eyes and reached under the cabinet bottom to pull out a blue cloth bundle, "Today is a happy day, we should celebrate."
Chen Qing nodded. If he could eat more meat and take some blood qi powder, it would indeed speed up his progress.
Soon, Lady Han returned, carrying a small grass string with three small fish.
The fish weren't large, their tails still twitching slightly, clearly just caught and very fresh.
Lady Han sat on the boat deck, using the weak light to scale the small fish and remove their innards.
She carefully collected the fish bladders and some roe in a small bowl on the side, reluctant to throw away even the fish heads.
"Take one to your grandfather's house and tell him this good news while you're there."
Lady Han picked out a cleaned fish, "Mother will stew fish soup for you at home."
Chen Qing's brow furrowed slightly, "Mother, let's forget about it."
"Silly child, you don't understand."
Lady Han pressed the fish into Chen Qing's hands without allowing refusal, lowering her voice, "If your grandfather knew you succeeded on your first breakthrough attempt, he might be so happy that he'll think more highly of you in the future. We don't fight or compete, but if we don't try, will good fortune just fall from the sky?"
Chen Qing knew he couldn't argue with her, so he wrapped the fish in lotus leaves layer by layer before getting off the boat.
When he reached the vicinity of the Chen family's old house, Chen Qing's steps slowed.
He remembered his grandfather's cold words about his martial arts learning and his second aunt's calculating appearance.
Lady Han's intentions were good, but this fish... giving it to them, they might not appreciate it.
Looking at the fish wrapped tightly in lotus leaves in his hands, he had a sudden idea. Looking around to ensure no one was watching, he quickly hid the lotus leaf package in the dense root crevices of an old locust tree next to the old house, covering it with a few stones.
After doing this, he took a deep breath and walked empty-handed toward that mottled wooden door.
Soon, he arrived at the Chen family's old house.
"Knock knock!"
The old house's mottled wooden door produced dull sounds.
"Who is it?"
Old Master Chen's hoarse voice came from inside.
"Grandfather, it's me!"
The door creaked open. Old Master Chen squinted his dim eyes, and after seeing who it was, his expression darkened, "What brings you here today?"
Ever since learning that Chen Qing had gone to learn martial arts, the old man had been holding back his anger.
In his view, not informing him of such a major matter clearly showed a lack of "respect" for him.
Chen Qing entered empty-handed, "Grandfather."
"Come in."
Seeing his empty hands, Old Master Chen's expression darkened further, and his tone became even more distant.
He could see Second Aunt busy in the kitchen, but Second Uncle was nowhere to be seen, probably hiding in his room being lazy again.
Old Master Chen tapped his copper pipe and asked seemingly casually, "I heard you apprenticed under an old escort master?"
Chen Qing nodded, "Master used to work escorts, and now he's retired and teaching disciples at home."
Old Master Chen's brow furrowed into knots.
A retired escort master was either injured or old and frail. What could he possibly teach?
He took a deep puff and exhaled a cloud of smoke, "Learning martial arts requires meat at every meal, and money flows like water..."
His meaning was obvious, he wanted to persuade Chen Qing to give up martial arts.
After all, if martial arts training failed, all the money spent would be wasted.
Giving up now would be cutting losses in time.
Chen Qing nodded, "I will work hard."
Old Master Chen's brow furrowed slightly, "With your constitution, martial arts training is destined to have no great future. Better to honestly follow your father's path..."
His tone became somewhat stern.
Chen Qing said seriously, "Thank you for grandfather's teachings. Your grandson has already made up his mind."
"Fine!"
Hearing Chen Qing's words, Old Master Chen immediately felt somewhat angry, "Your father was such an honest man, and you're deliberately trying to anger me to death..."
Second Aunt came out wearing an apron, looking pained, "Ah Qing, your grandfather is doing this all for your good."
In her view, Chen Qing was just wasting money.
Chen Qing didn't hide anything, "Grandfather, Second Aunt, I've now reached obvious strength."
"What did you say?!"
Old Master Chen's movements paused, and a trace of surprise appeared in his aged eyes.
Obvious strength?!
He naturally knew what obvious strength meant. This represented truly stepping onto the martial path, not only being able to participate in martial examinations but also not having to worry about food and drink.
His good-for-nothing grandson had actually reached obvious strength?
Chen Qing repeated, "Grandfather, I've reached obvious strength and am qualified to participate in next year's martial examinations."
Second Aunt was also somewhat stunned.
Could this foolish boy Chen Qing really have fool's luck? Successfully breaking through on his first attempt?!
"Good! Good! Excellent!"
Old Master Chen suddenly burst into hearty laughter, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out.
He stood up tremblingly and vigorously patted Chen Qing's shoulder, "It's grandfather who was blind. I never expected our Chen family would produce another promising one!"
The slight displeasure about arriving empty-handed seemed to vanish instantly.
Chen Qing said, "Grandfather is too kind."
Second Aunt's eyes turned as she asked with feigned concern, "When did Ah Qing break through to obvious strength?"
Chen Qing replied calmly, "I just reached obvious strength today."
Hearing this, Second Aunt's tense shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly.
Based on Chen Qing's martial arts training time, he'd taken nearly three months to reach obvious strength. According to what Chen Heng had said, attempting a second breakthrough to hidden strength would be basically very difficult.
Old Master Chen's smile remained, but his eyes weren't as passionate as before.
Next, Chen Qing chatted with Old Master Chen.
Old Master Chen's attitude had changed dramatically, with his words carrying several degrees of concern.
Chen Qing looked at the time, "Grandfather, it's getting late, so I'll head back first."
"Look at this old fool."
Old Master Chen patted his own head, "You'd better go back quickly. If it gets dark, there'll be trouble."
In these times, few common people dared walk at night.
Chen Qing left the old house.
Old Master Chen watched Chen Qing's retreating figure, pondering in his heart.
Learning martial arts to participate in martial examinations wasn't easy and required money.
Although he'd accumulated quite a bit over these years, supporting Chen Heng's martial arts training was already stretching him thin, leaving him completely unable to bear Chen Qing's expenses.
"Father, Heng'er said that the later the first breakthrough..."
Second Aunt said casually from the side, "If luck is good, succeeding on the first breakthrough attempt is also normal..."
"I know."
Old Master Chen interrupted her, his voice hoarse.
How could he not understand? Compared to Chen Heng, Chen Qing's aptitude was clearly inferior by a level. His first breakthrough was also quite forced, and the possibility of further progress wasn't great.
Chen Heng had better hopes for a second breakthrough and better chances of achieving scholarly success.
He should put all resources on Chen Heng now.
"What a pity..."
Old Master Chen looked in the direction Chen Qing had departed and shook his head slightly.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:24:18 +0000 UTC
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When Chen Qing arrived at Zhou's courtyard, quite a few disciples were already practicing their boxing.
Chen Qing quietly moved to a corner, steadied himself, took a deep breath, and began loosening his muscles and bones.
Arms, shoulders, spine, waist and hips, every joint stretched into place, muscles shifting between relaxation and tension.
After several breaths, Chen Qing began practicing the through-arm stance work.
His movements were fluid and natural, his body technique and hand skills coordinating with exquisite precision.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Through-arm Stance Work: Beginner (399/500)]
[Through-arm Boxing: Beginner (318/500)]
"According to my current progress, perhaps in less than a month, I'll be able to cultivate through-arm stance work to minor achievement and reach obvious strength."
After finishing one round of stance work, Chen Qing sat down to catch his breath, calculating in his mind.
The broken silver obtained from Qian Biao had allowed mother and son to eat several meals with meat, speeding up his progress somewhat, but the money was also spent quickly and now little remained.
During this period, people came and went in the courtyard. Familiar faces gradually became rare while new faces constantly appeared.
He had become an "old-timer" at Zhou's courtyard.
There was still one month before tuition would be due again.
Chen Qing could keep his composure, but several fellow disciples from the same period had gloomy faces, looking heavily troubled.
"Why didn't Senior Brother Guo come today?"
At this moment, a disciple asked in a low voice.
Hearing this, Chen Qing looked up and scanned the courtyard.
Guo Dachui, who came from a poor farming background, was usually extremely diligent in his martial arts practice and never arrived late.
"He..."
A senior brother nearby sighed, his voice low and heavy, "He failed to break through last night and packed his belongings overnight to return to the countryside."
The air suddenly froze. Several disciples from the same period simultaneously lowered their heads. Some unconsciously rubbed the calluses on their palms, others stared blankly at their worn cloth shoes.
Chen Qing's brow furrowed darkly. Zhou Liang had said that those who failed their first breakthrough attempt would basically have no connection with the martial path for the rest of their lives.
Moreover, the longer time passed, the smaller the possibility of breakthrough became.
If they couldn't break through to reach obvious strength and couldn't get a position, how could they sustain this martial arts path?
A disciple sighed, "Senior Brother Guo and Junior Brother Qin always had a good relationship. Last night when he left, he greeted Junior Brother Qin, but Junior Brother Qin actually... ignored him."
The atmosphere became oppressive.
Between disciples who had broken through to obvious strength and those who hadn't, there was a clear divide, as if they were separated into two different worlds.
Chen Qing's gaze involuntarily drifted toward Qin Lie's direction.
That genius from humble origins had truly changed... a great deal.
The surrounding disciples all began harboring different thoughts. Those with some family wealth contemplated their future retreats.
If martial arts training failed, where should they go?
Meanwhile, disciples from destitute families secretly clenched their fists, viewing this as an all-or-nothing opportunity to turn their lives around.
After a brief rest, Chen Qing threw himself back into practice.
From that day forward, Guo Dachui never appeared at Zhou's courtyard again.
Zhou's courtyard remained the same courtyard, unchanged by the absence of one person.
During this period, several new disciples arrived, and one with decent aptitude received special attention from Zhou Liang.
Where some came, naturally others left.
As time passed, some people's attitudes toward Chen Qing also underwent subtle changes.
The fickleness of human relationships was nothing more than this.
...
That afternoon, Chen Qing came to Wang's Fabric Shop on Four Square Street.
Lady Han told him that Yang Huiniang had come looking for him yesterday and seemed to have something to discuss.
Jinxiu Fabric Shop's storefront wasn't large. The street-facing shop was hung with various colored fabrics, and the air was filled with the distinctive smell of starched cloth.
Chen Qing stood at the entrance looking around. Inside, figures busied themselves, with sounds of looms, cutting, and beating and washing all mixing together.
In a corner, Yang Huiniang stood beside a large wooden basin, sleeves rolled high, revealing small arms that were frozen red and covered with cracks, laboriously beating thick coarse cloth.
Water splashed and dampened the hem of her dress, and fine beads of sweat seeped from her forehead.
"Cousin," Chen Qing called softly.
Hearing his voice, Yang Huiniang looked up, her face instantly flashing with delight, "Ah Qing! You came?"
She hastily wiped her dripping wet hands on her apron and quickly walked to the entrance.
"I almost forgot!" Yang Huiniang seemed to suddenly remember something, quickly turned and ran to a small stool in the corner where miscellaneous items were kept, reaching underneath to pull out a small cloth bundle that had been washed until it was white.
She carefully opened it, revealing two boiled eggs still warm inside, with over twenty copper coins laid beneath them.
"Here, take these."
Yang Huiniang pressed the eggs and copper coins into Chen Qing's hands without allowing refusal, lowering her voice, "The young master rewarded these yesterday, I just heated them this morning."
Chen Qing hurriedly tried to refuse, "How can this be proper?"
"Why be polite with me?"
Yang Huiniang glared at him reproachfully, then showed a warm smile, "Keep the copper coins for yourself. There are always times when they're needed in martial arts training. Didn't I say? You'll have to pay me back later, and I'll be charging interest."
Chen Qing gripped the slightly warm eggs and heavy copper coins, his heart warming, "If you give me all the money, what will you do?"
"Don't worry, I basically don't need any here." Yang Huiniang's tone was relaxed.
Chen Qing took a deep breath and said with a completely serious expression, "Cousin, great kindness needs no words of thanks."
Apart from Lady Han, Yang Huiniang was undoubtedly the person who had helped him the most and to whom he owed the greatest debt.
Yang Huiniang's willow brows slightly furrowed as she feigned anger, "If you keep this up, I really will get angry!"
"I understand."
Chen Qing smiled, "I'll record it in the account book first, and pay back both principal and interest when the time comes."
Yang Huiniang also smiled.
"So that's where you ran off to!" Suddenly, a sharp and harsh voice came from the inner room of the fabric shop.
A managing woman wearing a silk jacket with prominent cheekbones stood at the doorway with hands on her hips, glaring fiercely in their direction, "There are still three bolts of cloth waiting to be starched and beaten in the back! Are you going to dawdle until dark? Don't you want your wages?!"
The smile on Yang Huiniang's face instantly froze. She said helplessly to Chen Qing, "Ah Qing, I need to get back to work. You should head home quickly..."
"Hurry up and get going!"
The managing woman's urging voice rang out again.
Yang Huiniang didn't dare delay any longer and turned to trot back to the large wooden basin.
The managing woman glanced sideways at Chen Qing, snorted through her nose, and walked away.
Chen Qing's brow furrowed slightly as he silently left Wang's Fabric Shop.
In the afternoon, Chen Qing came to Zhou's courtyard to continue practicing.
Ever since experiencing Guo Dachui's incident, the fellow disciples from the same period had all become anxious.
Zhou Liang continuously recruited disciples, but only a dozen or so people remained constantly by his side, from which one could see the pattern.
Reaching obvious strength was not easy. This first breakthrough blocked seventy percent of people, and adding some external conditions, they might not even have a seventy percent chance.
Chen Qing stood steadily on the wooden post, his form as motionless as an ancient pine.
Sweat slid down from his temples, glittering with fragmented light in the morning sun.
This was the last round of through-arm stance work.
Sun Shun was also secretly anxious for Chen Qing.
He understood Chen Qing's diligence and effort better than anyone, but on the martial path, relying on effort alone was far from enough.
On the other side, Qin Lie impatiently waved away a junior brother who had come to ask for guidance, causing the disciple to leave with a flushed face in embarrassment.
In Qin Lie's view, the questions from these mediocre talents were nothing but a waste of his precious cultivation time.
His gaze inadvertently swept across the training ground and fell on that sweat-soaked figure.
He remembered that Chen Qing had entered the school half a month before him, practiced desperately, yet had been unable to break through.
Suddenly, the image of that dark, damp latrine flashed through his mind, the scene of the two of them cleaning filth side by side.
Qin Lie unconsciously touched the brand new practice clothes he wore. The feel of the fine cotton caused a strange irritation to flash through his heart.
He averted his gaze, as if to completely shake off that memory, focusing on his own boxing forms.
"Junior Brother Qin, what are you looking at?"
A senior sister walked over gracefully, glancing in the direction of Qin Lie's previous gaze at Chen Qing, "That one? It's been almost three months, and he's still struggling on the wooden post."
Her name was Luo Qian. Her appearance was average, nothing outstanding, but her family circumstances were prosperous and wealthy, being one of the rich households in the inner city.
While practicing martial arts at Zhou's courtyard, Luo Qian would also scout for promising disciples, providing support and winning them over before they showed their potential.
When these disciples grew up, even if they couldn't join the Luo family, a favor would still be quite valuable.
In her view, this was completely a matter of panning for gold in manure, and she had indeed found a piece of gold.
This gold was Qin Lie.
Chen Qing was unaware of the external gazes and discussions. His world contained only the wooden post beneath his feet, the qi and blood within his body, and every minute detail of the stance work in his mind.
Sweat soaked through his single garment. His muscles sent signals of soreness under continuous tension, but his will was like iron. Again and again, he adjusted his breathing, guiding that weak but persistent flow of qi and blood.
Suddenly, a strange change occurred.
It wasn't like mountains collapsing and seas overflowing, nor like fierce fire burning.
It was like a long-blocked river channel being quietly penetrated by a gentle yet tenacious force.
Chen Qing felt his vision suddenly brighten. The leaf veins of the old locust tree in the distance became clearly visible, and even the tiny dewdrops condensing on the leaf tips were reflected in his eyes.
The cacophony of practice sounds and wind around his ears seemed to instantly recede, leaving only the steady, powerful beating of his own heart, like drumbeats, once, then again, clearly echoing in his chest cavity.
The sound of blood flowing also became real, like a stream washing over a riverbed.
The wooden post beneath his feet seemed to have grown roots, becoming one with the solid earth.
His skin became extraordinarily sensitive, clearly perceiving the subtle coolness brought by morning wind passing over his sweat-dampened skin, even capable of capturing the trajectory of dust floating in the air.
A gentle yet abundant force quietly rose from his lower abdomen's dantian, unhurried and calm, slowly permeating through his limbs like spring water.
At the same time, his muscles and bones produced crackling sounds, crisp and pleasant.
The long-standing feeling of stagnation was completely swept away, as if clouds had parted to reveal the sun. The fog that had troubled him for so long finally dispersed, and the path ahead became suddenly clear.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Through-arm Stance Work: Minor Achievement (1/1000)]
[Through-arm Boxing: Beginner (425/500)]
"Success."
Chen Qing slowly opened his eyes, then exhaled a breath of stale air, "So this is through-arm stance work at minor achievement!?"
A touch of joy arose in his heart.
Reaching obvious strength meant not only that he could continue practicing martial arts, but he could even take on escort positions.
"Congratulations, Junior Brother Chen!"
"Junior Brother Chen, please take care of us in the future!"
...
The surrounding senior and junior brothers enthusiastically came forward to congratulate him, and the atmosphere instantly transformed.
Those disciples still wandering outside the threshold of obvious strength showed both envy and hidden unwillingness in their eyes. They understood all too well what this meant.
Chen Qing felt relieved.
Now that he had reached obvious strength, he could not only take escort positions but also participate in the martial examinations.
Sun Shun stepped forward with a broad smile, "Junior Brother Chen, congratulations."
"Thank you, Senior Brother Sun."
Chen Qing cupped his fists toward Sun Shun.
Zhou Yu also walked over with a smile, offering encouragement, "Zhou's courtyard gains another obvious strength disciple today. Congratulations, Junior Brother Chen, keep up the good work."
As she spoke, she handed over a small paper packet, "This is a portion of blood qi powder, please keep it."
Although she was somewhat surprised by Chen Qing's breakthrough at this moment, regardless, this strengthened the courtyard's overall power.
Chen Qing's eyes lit up as he nodded, "Thank you, Senior Sister!"
Blood qi powder was an internal medicine powder that increased the speed of qi and blood accumulation, greatly beneficial for cultivation. Chen Qing often saw wealthy senior brothers and sisters in the courtyard, or those with escort positions, taking it.
Not far away, a flash of surprise crossed Luo Qian's eyes, then she said in a low voice, "He really managed to stumble into it. This boy's luck isn't bad, but limited by his natural constitution, his potential is exhausted. There's no hope for him to attempt a second breakthrough."
These words were her attempt to salvage her reputation for "judging people accurately."
Qin Lie paid no attention to the discussions behind him, not even lifting an eyelid.
Whether Chen Qing succeeded or failed, whether he broke through quickly or slowly, in his eyes, it was nothing more than a troublesome stone on the roadside, not worth a moment of his attention.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:19:31 +0000 UTC
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The next day at noon, Mute Bay.
An old awning boat quietly moored by the water's edge. Tea boats were known for their good quality and low prices, for three coins you could drink barley tea at the bow all day long, and the stove at the stern was always burning brightly.
The scattered customers were mostly porters and craftsmen, currently sitting casually on the boat deck chatting.
Today was the day the childhood friends from Mute Bay had agreed to gather.
In a corner at the stern, Chen Qing, Liang Badou, Xiao Chun, Er Ya, Li Hu and others sat in a circle.
The slightly oversized dark blue long robe on Liang Badou made him seem less rough than before, adding some deliberately cultivated "maturity."
He cleared his throat, speaking with barely contained pride, "In a while, there's another person coming."
"Who?" Er Ya immediately asked curiously.
Chen Qing and the others also cast inquiring glances.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Just then, a clear voice rang out.
Several people turned to look, and saw a dark-colored figure standing at the threshold, the silk dress fabric gleaming with delicate luster in the sunlight, a plain silver hairpin in her hair gathering every strand meticulously.
She stood straight, even the folds of her dress hem seemed carefully arranged.
Chen Qing said somewhat uncertainly, "Xu Fang?"
The young woman's lips curved into a perfectly measured arc, neither overly warm nor distant, "Brother Qing, it's been a long time."
The two families used to be neighbors, and as children they often hid in the reeds blowing reed spoons, laughing heartily whenever water ducks flapped and flew up from the shore.
When hungry, Chen Qing would feel around in the river branches for wild water chestnuts for her, often pricking his fingers.
Er Ya's mouth formed a perfect circle, Liang Badou uncomfortably tugged at his rough clothing hem, while Xiao Chun quickly adjusted his posture, trying to make himself look more respectable.
Li Hu looked at her and sighed, "The change is really too great..."
Xu Fang was also a fisherman's daughter from Mute Bay. Her parents died from epidemic disease three years ago, and she was later taken away by her aunt who had married into a wealthy household in the city.
Since then, the children of Mute Bay had never seen her again.
"Last time I happened to meet her at Wang's Rouge Shop, so I tried inviting her to gather," Liang Badou explained, his voice several degrees higher than usual, "Didn't expect she'd really honor us with her presence."
Xu Fang gently shook her head, "What outsider talk is this? We all grew up drinking the water of Mute Bay."
Her gaze swept over everyone, lingering a moment longer on Chen Qing's face, "Three years apart, everyone has changed."
"You've changed the most!" Er Ya gestured exaggeratedly, "When you used to follow behind me eating 'Dragon King's rice,' who could have imagined..."
Chen Qing noticed Xu Fang's fingers slightly curl under the table, but her face maintained a proper smile.
Looking at Xu Fang, Xiao Chun spoke somewhat stutteringly, "This... if I passed you on the street, I definitely wouldn't recognize you."
After everyone sighed for a while, the atmosphere gradually became lively.
And Xu Fang undoubtedly became the center of conversation, no one had expected to see her again today.
No one had imagined that the once timid Xu Fang would reappear in such a manner.
Chen Qing quietly sipped his tea while secretly observing.
Xu Fang had undoubtedly changed the most. Previously when she was in Mute Bay, she was timid by nature and spoke unclearly, always Er Ya's little follower.
Now her words and actions were generous and gracious, her appearance had blossomed, with added clarity between her brows and eyes, drawing frequent glances from Liang Badou and Xiao Chun.
Whether in speech or temperament, she was completely different from the others.
Next was Li Hu. Since that incident, his father hadn't made it through the winter, and this series of events had made Li Hu become silent overall, talking much less.
And Xiao Chun, because he worked as an errand boy at Treasure Hall, had become more smooth in his dealings with people, knowing how to weigh his words.
Er Ya hadn't changed much, still speaking straightforwardly, now working as a rough servant girl in a wealthy household. Though her status was lowly, she had seen some of the world, occasionally boasting about the master's wealth in her speech.
Liang Badou worked with his relatives at the county office, doing odd jobs while learning to read and write. His gestures deliberately carried scholarly airs, and his conversation couldn't hide his pride in "having connections in the government office."
"Ah Qing doesn't seem to be doing too well either."
Xiao Chun's gaze swept over Chen Qing's old clothes washed white, and he inexplicably felt relieved.
The Chen family was orphan and widow, with no family savings to support Chen Qing's learning a trade. Being barely able to eat was already good enough.
Liang Badou seemed to remember this too, speaking with casual yet seemingly deliberate concern, "Ah Qing, I remember last time you said you wanted to learn martial arts. Did you find a master?"
Everyone looked over.
Learning martial arts was a way out, and once successful in passing the military examinations, it would bring glory to the family and elevate one's status.
But learning martial arts was too difficult, especially for common people, it was as hard as reaching the sky.
In their understanding, learning a trade to make a living and earning honest food was the proper path.
Learning martial arts was simply daydreaming.
Chen Qing sipped his tea, "Currently learning martial arts at Zhou's courtyard."
"You really went!?"
Er Ya widened her eyes, saying, "Learning martial arts is so hard. Not only do you need good bone structure, but you have to eat meat every meal to have a chance of achieving anything!"
Xiao Chun couldn't help asking, "How do you know all this?"
"Isn't it from listening to those guards talk?" Er Ya said, "Except for their leader who's somewhat respectable, the other two, tsk tsk, for a bite of food they're ordered around all day like dogs. And also, I heard them say that from years of tempering their bodies, they're left with hidden injuries all over and don't live long..."
She suddenly caught Li Hu's warning look and realized she'd spoken too bluntly, quickly shutting her mouth.
Xu Fang, who had been quietly listening, now looked at Chen Qing with a trace of surprise.
He actually went to learn martial arts?
At this moment, Liang Badou puffed out his chest, "Ah Qing, if you ask me, you might as well just work with me. When I become a clerk, I'll recommend you for the security squad. I won't promise great wealth, but guaranteeing you a stable meal shouldn't be a problem."
These words sounded like an invitation, but that condescending tone clearly showed he wanted to take Chen Qing as a follower.
Chen Qing shook his head, "Forget it, I'll continue learning first."
Er Ya shook her head with a look of disappointment, "Ah Qing, you're good in everything except being stubborn."
Seeing Chen Qing refuse, Xiao Chun's anxious heart quietly settled back in his stomach, secretly relieved.
In his view, being able to climb Liang Badou's tree of 'government connections' was a godsend opportunity. Chen Qing actually didn't know what was good for him, he was really foolishly obtuse.
Li Hu sighed, "Learning martial arts is indeed not easy."
He had once fantasized about learning martial arts to change his fate, but it was just a thought.
Xu Fang glanced at Chen Qing, pursing her lips as if wanting to speak but stopping herself.
Brother Qing, oh Brother Qing, you still can't see through it now. This world has long ago woven countless threads in the shadows, some strangle your neck, some bind your hands and feet, and others are quietly tied to your fate.
No one believed Chen Qing could succeed in learning martial arts.
Just as Er Ya said, those guards who were ordered around and treated like dogs might be Chen Qing's entire life.
Everyone chatted casually for a while longer.
While Liang Badou poured everyone more weak tea, he brought up a topic, "You all heard about Master Qian's matter, right?"
"Bah! What Master Qian!"
Li Hu spat, his face showing satisfaction, "That beast walking alone at night, beaten beyond recognition, definitely killed by enemies. Ordinary people wouldn't have such courage..."
Er Ya said through gritted teeth, "He deserved to die."
And Chen Qing, the actual 'perpetrator,' also showed righteous indignation.
Xiao Chun nervously looked around and lowered his voice, "Better keep it down. Master Qian and the Golden River Gang leader had a close relationship, they're searching everywhere for the killer."
Qian Biao's ability to run rampant in Mute Bay naturally didn't rely on his own meager skills.
Rumors said he was the brother-in-law of Golden River Gang leader Song Tie.
Liang Badou dismissively waved his hand, "Golden River Gang? They can barely protect themselves now. The Tiger Gang is hunting their people everywhere, that Song Tie probably doesn't know which rat hole he's hiding in."
He paused, then mysteriously lowered his voice, "Li Hu, you saw Pockmarked Liu on Locust Street yesterday? He's Song Tie's trusted lackey. I figure Song Tie is probably hiding in that area!"
Chen Qing's heart stirred, but his face remained calm as he merely lifted his tea bowl for another sip.
Liang Badou seemed to feel this topic was somewhat sensitive and changed the subject, "Alright, alright, let's not talk about such unlucky things."
Next, everyone chatted while drinking tea.
They occasionally recounted childhood anecdotes and half-seriously fantasized about the future.
Liang Badou wanted to become familiar in the government office, Xiao Chun wanted to become assistant manager at the shop, Er Ya wanted to catch the eye of the young master's family someday...
Xu Fang listened quietly, maintaining a proper smile, but her eyes seemed distant, clearly having little interest in these topics.
But she didn't interrupt the lively chatter filled with the warmth of life from her Mute Bay childhood friends.
Before anyone realized it, afternoon had arrived.
Xu Fang looked at the sky and elegantly stood up, preparing to take her leave.
Liang Badou took a deep breath, as if mustering courage, quickly stepping forward, "Xiao Fang, I happen to be going to the inner city, how about I escort you back?"
His words carried obvious expectation.
Suddenly, crisp horse bell sounds came from the dock.
Everyone looked toward the sound and saw a green-curtained carriage stop steadily, pulled by two glossy chestnut horses with shining horseshoes.
An old nanny with graying temples jumped down from the carriage shaft, wearing plain cotton clothes.
"Miss," the old nanny bowed to Xu Fang, "The old madam instructed that you must return to the manor before the hour of shen."
"I understand."
Xu Fang responded, sweeping her gaze over her childhood companions, finally settling on Chen Qing's face.
The boat deck suddenly fell quiet, with only the sound of river water lapping against the hull.
Xu Fang's lips trembled slightly, as if she had countless things to say, but in the end only sighed softly.
"If we have the chance in the future, let's gather again."
Her voice was light, but like a stone heavily striking everyone's heart.
The words were polite, but everyone present understood that after today's parting, they would probably never meet again.
The carriage slowly departed, the rumbling sound of wheels on bluestone gradually fading.
Everyone stood dumbly at the bow, watching the carriage disappear in the dust raised at the alley entrance.
Er Ya unconsciously rubbed the corner of her clothes, Liang Badou clenched his fists, while Xiao Chun stared blankly at the water surface.
Chen Qing looked down at the coarse porcelain tea bowl in his hands. The tea had long grown cold, reflecting his blurred image.
A few rough tea leaf stems settled at the bottom of the bowl, no matter how much they tumbled, they ultimately sank to the very bottom.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:19:03 +0000 UTC
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At this moment, a light appeared in his mind.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Through-arm Stance Work: Beginner (228/500)]
[Through-arm Boxing: Beginner (1/500)]
This feeling was crystal clear, lifting his spirits.
Sun Shun's explanation continued, as he detailed the responses to each move.
When enemies attack, how to dodge, and which moves and techniques would be most effective for counterattack.
"Pay attention to this move 'Nimble Ape Flying and Leaping'," Sun Shun called out clearly, "If the opponent comes with a blade strike, don't meet it head-on, you must..."
His body moved nimbly, his footwork stepping diagonally, perfectly demonstrating how to avoid the sharp edge.
Chen Qing focused intently, burning every one of Sun Shun's pointers into his mind.
Seeing Chen Qing's diligence and eagerness to learn, Sun Shun's explanations became even more detailed, even personally demonstrating several killing moves.
Chen Qing practiced through-arm boxing once more, then walked to a corner of the training ground to sit and catch his breath, taking out his water pouch to drink.
"Senior Sister Zhou, thank you for your trouble."
"It's nothing, be more careful next time."
"Yes, junior brother understands."
...
A series of gentle and pleasant female voices attracted Chen Qing's attention.
He saw a young woman in plain white silk dress, holding a small celadon medicine jar in her hands, applying medicine to injured disciples.
Her fingertips were stained with brown medicinal paste, her movements gentle.
Those "wounded" disciples all had flushed faces and shifty eyes.
Sun Shun saw the confusion in Chen Qing's eyes and said in a low voice, "That's Junior Sister Zhou, master's daughter. You should call her Senior Sister. She returned yesterday from studying medicine at Azure Pouch Hall. Senior Sister is kind-hearted and often applies medicine and bandages for disciples injured during practice."
At this point, he scratched his head, showing a trace of helplessness, "Because of this, there have been particularly many junior brothers with 'sprained backs' lately."
Chen Qing naturally understood, in this courtyard full of rough men, suddenly adding a clear and beautiful white magnolia, no wonder this pack of hungry wolves would pretend to be lame and disabled.
After resting for a moment, Chen Qing took a deep breath and stood up again.
The fighting methods of through-arm boxing couldn't be mastered through blind hard practice alone, they needed to be honed through thousands of real combat experiences.
By the courtyard wall, Zhou Liang half-reclined in his grand chair with his eyes closed, occasionally speaking up with guidance.
Afternoon sunlight filtered through the old locust tree, casting dappled shadows on his face.
Time quietly passed in the splashing of sweat.
Suddenly, there was commotion at the courtyard gate.
"Master Escort Guo from Far-Sight Escort Agency is here!"
"And Manager Wang from Li's Weapon Forging Shop!"
...
The disciples all stopped their movements and looked on curiously.
More than ten people filed in, led by an elderly man in gray robes walking with the stride of a dragon and tiger, followed by several sturdy men, all with slightly bulging temples, clearly all martial practitioners.
"Third Senior Brother, what's this about?"
A curious disciple came over to ask.
His name was Guo Dachui, and he was also under Sun Shun's guidance.
Sun Shun explained, "They're here to recruit people. As long as you reach obvious strength, you can get a position at places like Far-Sight Escort Agency or Li's Weapon Forging Shop, working part-time as guards or convoy hands, earning a decent monthly wage."
He glanced at the many disciples around who had pricked up their ears to listen, and added, "Many senior brothers and sisters in the courtyard do this, otherwise, relying only on family support, how could they afford the daily expenses of eating white flour and meat?"
Temporary positions as guards!?
Guo Dachui's eyes immediately widened, his mouth slightly agape.
He came from Lower River Village, generations of poor farmers, even his apprenticeship fee was copper coins pooled together by fellow villagers. Hearing this news now, how could he not be excited?
Chen Qing also felt his heart stir.
If he could get a temporary position, he wouldn't have to worry about future tuition fees.
Sun Shun continued, "I remember the weapon forging shop offers those with obvious strength three thousand large coins per month plus thirty pounds of meat, while Far-Sight Escort Agency calculates compensation based on the length of escort missions. I'm not entirely clear on the specific calculations."
Hearing this, many disciples were eager to try.
Especially those disciples who had just entered and came from poor backgrounds, their faces showed longing.
They practiced martial arts desperately, wasn't it precisely to rise above their station and change their fate?
Three thousand large coins plus thirty pounds of meat, this was absolutely an eye-watering fortune.
You must know, Lady Han weaving nets day and night without rest, working hard for a whole month, could only earn around five hundred large coins.
Sun Shun crossed his arms and said, "Now the various powers in the county all need experts in temporary positions, so the conditions they offer are quite good. If they encounter young, potential talent with good bone structure and elite abilities..."
He paused, referring to those geniuses, "To win them over and show goodwill, they'll offer even more generous prices, some wealthy households will even consider... taking them as live-in sons-in-law."
At this time, Master Escort Guo from Far-Sight Escort Agency, Manager Wang from Li's Weapon Forging Shop, and several other wealthy merchants all sat down.
"Qin Lie, you're up!"
Zhou Liang looked around and said in a low voice, "Remember what I usually tell you."
"Yes, Master!"
Qin Lie slowly walked out and declared loudly, "Esteemed seniors and masters, I'll make a fool of myself!"
He stood steady in the center, took a deep breath, then began demonstrating his boxing techniques.
He was performing through-arm boxing, with each move making his tendons and bones crack explosively, generating fierce winds! Every punch thrown was accompanied by crisp "pop" sounds, as if the air was being torn apart.
This was precisely the realm of obvious strength.
Fierce winds howled, and Chen Qing watching from a distance felt his heart racing, especially Qin Lie's moves like 'Nimble Ape Flying and Leaping' and 'Passing Flowers on Horseback' appeared extremely refined.
Obvious strength was already completely different from ordinary people, truly stepping into the martial way.
The first breakthrough could train the entire body's strength, catalyzing obvious strength. One punch thrown would make the air explode with impressive might.
With obvious strength, one could basically walk sideways among ordinary people, possessing sufficient ability to participate in military examinations and strive for official titles.
The second breakthrough involved mental strength and skin, coordinating with the body's meridians to catalyze hidden strength, able to injure internal organs through heavy armor, mysteriously profound.
This realm already surpassed ninety-nine percent of martial practitioners, could serve as a backbone of local power, and only a few people in Zhou's courtyard had reached this level.
The third body tempering was transforming strength, where the five internal organs, flesh, tendons and bones were all suffused with hidden strength. With a shock of qi and blood, all flesh, tendons and bones would be mobilized, like thunder echoing, catalyzing the even more terrifyingly powerful transforming strength.
In all of Zhou's courtyard, only Zhou Liang was a great master of transforming strength.
After completing the boxing set, Qin Lie withdrew his stance and stood at ease, face neither red nor breathless, his breathing long and steady.
"Junior Brother Qin's speed of progress..."
Sun Shun seeing this also drew in a sharp breath, "Won't it take less than half a year before he can attempt to break through to hidden strength?"
Zhou Liang stroked his beard, his eyes showing undisguised satisfaction, "My inferior disciple is dull-witted, taking a month and a half of boxing practice to reach obvious strength, making everyone laugh."
Though his words were modest, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes couldn't hide his pride.
"Master Zhou is too modest!" Master Escort Guo was the first to step forward with a quick stride, his wild goose feather blade at his waist clanging, "For such fine jade and precious material, my Far-Sight Escort Agency is willing to invite him with thirty percent of the red goods profit!"
"Wait!" Manager Wang slammed the table and stood up, making the tea cups rattle chaotically, "My Li's Shop offers five thousand coins monthly, plus a set of refined iron weapons!"
The training ground immediately erupted.
Several servant girls brought by the wealthy merchants were so startled they covered their mouths. This price was enough to buy two strong slaves!
The senior and junior brothers in Zhou's courtyard also discussed among themselves, their eyes showing a trace of envy.
Qin Lie had been poor since childhood. Hearing such generous conditions, his breathing became somewhat rapid, and his eyes couldn't hide his excitement.
Taking advantage of straightening his sleeves, he seemingly casually swept his gaze over the faces of all his senior and junior brothers.
Those previously cold and distant looks had now turned into surprise and envy.
"Both gentlemen, please calm down, don't harm your harmony."
Seeing this, Zhou Liang stood up and smiled as he mediated, "This concerns my disciple's future, it's a weighty matter. How about we move to the inner hall later to discuss this in detail?"
Manager Wang and Master Escort Guo, hearing this, slowly sat back down.
Next, three more senior brothers who had reached obvious strength came forward to demonstrate.
Although their performances were solid, compared to Qin Lie they seemed ordinary. They ultimately also gained the favor of the wealthy merchants, but the monthly wages offered were only around two thousand coins, far less than Qin Lie's.
Everyone knew this was because they valued Qin Lie's potential.
Soon, the recruitment process ended.
Sun Shun looked at Chen Qing and the others with a complex expression, saying, "You few need to reach obvious strength as quickly as possible..."
Catalyzing force through qi and blood was the foundation of martial arts practice.
Obvious strength, hidden strength, and transforming strength were the essence of through-arm boxing.
To break through, one must have strong qi and blood as support, and qi and blood required day after day of cultivation, as well as supplementing with meat and medicinal tonics.
"Poor in literature, rich in martial arts", this saying wasn't just talk.
Except for disciples with exceptionally good bone structure, for ordinary people the difficulty of each breakthrough was extremely high.
If unsuccessful, all the silver, time, and energy invested in the early stages would be completely wasted.
Chen Qing cupped his fists and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother."
Guo Dachui hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Third Senior Brother, if we can't reach obvious strength..."
"Then don't continue suffering in the courtyard."
Sun Shun was silent for a moment, then said with a bitter voice, "Go work odd jobs at escort agencies and weapon forging shops, serve as guards for wealthy households... do some hard and tiring work, you can always have a bite to eat."
As his words fell, the hearts of several people around turned cold.
Guards? That sounded nice, but they were really just servants to be ordered around by the wealthy.
Which person who came to the courtyard to practice martial arts didn't dream of passing the military examinations with high honors and bringing glory to their ancestors!?
Chen Qing's eyes narrowed slightly.
He knew clearly that the urgent priority was to step into the realm of obvious strength as quickly as possible.
These words made Guo Dachui and the others' expressions turn grave. They then silently walked away, throwing themselves even more vigorously into their practice.
They all held back their frustration, determined to reach obvious strength.
Before anyone realized it, evening had arrived, and the disciples in the courtyard departed one after another.
Chen Qing practiced stance work once more until his whole body's muscles ached, then wearily walked to sit in a corner of the training ground to catch his breath.
"It's so late, haven't you gone home yet?"
A gentle voice sounded.
Chen Qing looked up to see Zhou Yu walking out from the inner courtyard, her plain white silk dress particularly striking in the dim light.
Chen Qing wiped the sweat from his forehead and respectfully replied, "Replying to Senior Sister, junior brother is dull by nature and can only make up for it through diligent study and hard practice."
"Martial arts practice should balance work and rest, you must not be too hasty."
Zhou Yu said with concern, "Pay attention to your body, otherwise it will be counterproductive."
Chen Qing cupped his fists and said, "Thank you for Senior Sister's concern, I was just preparing to rest."
Zhou Yu waved her hand, saying, "That's good then. If you're not practicing, go home early."
"Senior Sister, then junior brother takes his leave."
Chen Qing simply tidied up and left Zhou's courtyard.
Watching Chen Qing's retreating figure, Zhou Yu sighed softly.
This junior brother was humble and polite to others, and exceptionally hardworking in his practice, she naturally remembered him.
But in this courtyard, she had seen too many figures like him gritting their teeth in hard practice.
In the end, how many could endure through that qi and blood threshold to break through to obvious strength?
The path of martial arts, relying on diligence alone, ultimately couldn't bridge the gap in bone structure and aptitude, much less fill that bottomless pit of nourishing qi and blood.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:18:42 +0000 UTC
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Two days later, the night was as dark as ink, thick and impenetrable.
In the depths of Mute Bay, a shabby little boat gently swayed, with a few dim yellow lights leaking from the boat canopy.
Qian Biao sat cross-legged on the boat deck, with a greasy torn cloth spread before him, on which lay several scattered pieces of silver, a string of copper coins, and several rings and bracelets of varying quality.
Two henchmen, Ma Wu and Crippled Old Seven, crouched nearby, greed flickering in their eyes.
"Boss Biao, did you squeeze out all of the Wei family's coffin money?" Ma Wu rubbed his hands together, his voice kept very low.
Qian Biao picked up a piece of silver and weighed it, his mouth corners twisting into a fierce smile, "No matter how hard that old thing's bones are, they can't be harder than the chisel in our hands. There are still a few families, tomorrow we'll go 'light their lamps' again, let them wake up."
Crippled Old Seven took a gulp of inferior liquor and said in a low voice, "Boss Biao, the situation is tense. Those mad dogs from the Tiger Gang have been biting fiercely at the docks these past two days, even over at the canal entrance... I heard many brothers are packing their belongings."
Qian Biao's facial muscles twitched, his eyes sinister, "I've long expected this! So we need to make one final haul, then... run!"
Ma Wu's eyes lit up, "Boss Biao is wise! Then... the rotten meat?"
"Sell it all!"
Qian Biao said decisively, "Don't care if it stinks, as long as it can be exchanged for copper coins! Especially the Chen family, that orphan and widow. That little Chen brat dares to make excuses, we gave them a warning before! If they still don't buy it, then don't blame me for not showing mercy..."
He grabbed the four corners of the torn cloth, carelessly wrapped up the valuables inside, and stuffed them into his chest.
"Go! Back! Before dawn tomorrow, everything must be exchanged for hard currency!"
He stood up, and the boat swayed violently.
The three men extinguished the weak lamp in the boat canopy, jumped off the small boat, and then scattered in different directions.
Qian Biao walked toward his 'home'.
The grudges accumulated over these years were enough to get him hanged ten times over, so he had always followed the principle of having multiple hideouts like a cunning rabbit.
The night grew deeper, and all of Mute Bay was deathly silent.
Only his own footsteps echoed in the empty alleyways, sounding particularly jarring.
Qian Biao unconsciously quickened his pace.
Just as he buried his head and rushed into the depths of a narrow alley that could barely accommodate one person, suddenly, he heard a "creak" behind him, like a shoe sole crushing a dry branch.
Qian Biao's hair stood on end, and he whirled around, but it was too late.
A thick hemp rope soaked in tung oil had already coiled around his neck like a venomous snake.
"Urgh—!"
Qian Biao's eyeballs bulged, and his survival instincts made his hands frantically claw at the death rope around his neck. His fingernails scraped harsh sounds against the rough hemp rope, leaving bloody white marks.
From the darkness came the "creak, creak" sound of tightening, the hemp rope digging deep into flesh, and his throat bones groaned under the unbearable load.
He struggled futilely, his feet kicking wildly, his body desperately ramming backward, but the noose around his neck only tightened more.
Each futile attempt to breathe only brought back the burning sensation of suffocation, his lungs feeling ready to explode.
In the shadows, Chen Qing's eyes blazed with cold light.
He had waited in ambush for three days and finally found his opportunity.
At this moment he gripped the hemp rope tightly, his palms rubbed red by the rope.
"Aiiya—!"
Qian Biao let out a strange cry, his body being dragged and staggering backward, trying to use his body weight to resist.
Chen Qing suddenly spun around, his back pressing hard against the cold, hard brick wall.
Using the support point provided by the wall, he pushed hard with both feet, and his core abdominal strength exploded instantly.
The entangled figures of the two men were cast by moonlight onto the mottled wall, twisted and distorted like wild beasts fighting to the death, one seeking survival in desperation, the other claiming life in deadly silence.
Due to extreme oxygen deprivation, Qian Biao's face changed from flushed red to bluish purple.
Bulging veins throbbed frantically at his forehead and temples, like countless dying earthworms burrowing under his skin.
Chen Qing's killing intent was set, blue veins bulging on his hands as he gripped the rope tightly.
Dozens of breaths later, though it felt like a century to Qian Biao.
His struggling strength grew weaker and weaker, his wildly kicking feet gradually drooped, and his hands clawing at the rope also hung limply.
But Chen Qing didn't loosen his grip in the slightest, instead applying even more force.
His arms trembled violently from sustained exertion, his teeth nearly grinding to pieces.
"Crack! Crack!"
Hair-raising bone-breaking sounds came from Qian Biao's neck.
Only then did Chen Qing's taut nerves suddenly relax, as if all strength had been drained from him, and he slowly loosened his already numb and stiff hands.
"Thud!"
Qian Biao's corpse heavily hit the ground.
Chen Qing leaned against the wall, gasping heavily, sweat mixed with unknown stains sliding down from his forehead.
He wiped his face and looked down at his burning palms, where blood blisters had long since burst, leaving them a bloody mess.
"Whew—!"
Chen Qing exhaled, concentrated force in his right foot and stomped down, aiming at Qian Biao's twisted neck vital point, stepping down hard.
"Crack!"
The neck bone shattered on impact, completely cutting off all life.
More importantly, this stomp also crushed the strangulation marks left by the rope into a bloody mess, making their original form indistinguishable.
Finishing blow, must be thorough.
Without any pause, he exerted force with his foot, like a cold grinding wheel, and swiftly and heavily stomped several more times on Qian Biao's finger bones, chest bones, and lower vital areas.
After confirming all traces had been erased or obscured, Chen Qing finally stopped his actions.
He quickly bent down and gathered up Qian Biao's valuables and the hemp rope.
His movements were clean and efficient, without any sloppiness.
After finishing all this, his figure flashed and he quickly disappeared into the depths of the alley, leaving only a heavy smell of blood permeating the air.
...
Mute Bay, a street somewhere.
Under the moonlight, Chen Qing looked at his trembling hands, which still retained the rough texture of the hemp rope.
He had thought he would feel fear, would vomit, but his heart held only ice-like calm...
When it came to killing, there was only zero times and countless times.
He had to adapt to the ways of this world.
Chen Qing took out the bundle he had searched from Qian Biao's body, opened it for a look, and his eyes immediately brightened.
Inside were four or five taels of broken silver and a jade bracelet...
"Qian Biao just died, these valuables can't be disposed of right now. I'll have to wait for the heat to die down, then it can perfectly supplement the household expenses."
Chen Qing took a deep breath, his heart ice-cold.
You are what you eat... eating bitterness won't make you a superior person, eating people will.
...
The next morning, at the Mute Bay boat district.
"Did you hear? Master Qian was done in!"
"How arrogant he was last month collecting 'Dragon King's incense'!"
"Shh... the Golden River Gang is frantically searching for the killer... they say they'll dismember the murderer."
...
The neighbors and local residents of Mute Bay were all discussing, and when news of Qian Biao's death spread, countless people secretly applauded.
Zhou's courtyard, morning lesson.
The disciples formed a circle, their gazes focused on Zhou Liang in the center.
"Through-arm boxing is not flowery fists and embroidered legs."
Zhou Liang's voice was not loud, "It emphasizes 'extending long to strike far, cold snap crisp and fast', its purpose is not in 'performance' but in 'killing'!"
His gaze was like lightning, sweeping over all disciples, "Boxing techniques and fighting methods have their foundation in stance work qi and blood, tendons and bones as weapons, force as the sharp edge. Today I won't speak of fancy routines, only how to take lives when facing enemies!"
At these words, Chen Qing immediately held his breath.
He knew that today the master was going to demonstrate real kung fu.
"Sun Shun!" Zhou Liang shouted.
"Disciple present!" Sun Shun immediately stepped forward, assuming a defensive stance with a grave expression.
"Watch carefully!"
Before Zhou Liang finished speaking, his entire aura suddenly changed, like a fierce ape ready to pounce.
Zhou Liang's body remained motionless, but his right arm suddenly shot out like it had no bones, so fast it left only a shadow. His five fingers came together like a bird's beak, not a straight punch but carrying a cunning arc, striking like lightning toward the 'Yifeng acupoint' below Sun Shun's ear.
"Snap!" A crisp sound, not a heavy strike but a precise point attack.
Although Sun Shun was prepared, his body still instinctively shuddered violently, his head involuntarily whipping to the side and back, leaving his defenses wide open.
"This move 'Thunder Striking Window' is also called 'Striking Acupoints and Hitting Jaw'"
Zhou Liang withdrew his hand and said coldly, "Light strikes to this acupoint cause dizziness, heavy strikes cause death. The length of through-arm lies in catching opponents off guard, attacking what they must defend, breaking their balance with one strike, seizing their consciousness."
On the other side, as Sun Shun had just steadied himself, Zhou Liang's left hand had already silently extended like a venomous snake's tongue, his arm seeming to extend by a section out of thin air. His five fingers formed claws, carrying the sharp whistle of tearing air, striking directly at Sun Shun's throat.
This claw was extremely vicious, the penetrating power contained in the fingertips seemingly able to pierce through leather.
Chen Qing knew this move was called White Ape Severing Throat, locking throat and crushing armor.
Sun Shun was greatly alarmed, hastily crossing his arms to block and protect his throat.
"Hiss!"
Zhou Liang's claw didn't clash head-on, but slid in along the inside of Sun Shun's blocking forearm like a venomous snake, fingertips like hooks, precisely aiming for the 'Tiantu acupoint' below Sun Shun's Adam's apple.
The claw wind was fierce, and Sun Shun's neck skin instantly broke out in goosebumps, feeling as if his throat bone had already been locked by cold iron hooks.
Zhou Liang's fingertips stopped steadily the moment they touched skin, but that bone-piercing killing intent still made Sun Shun's forehead instantly break out in cold sweat.
"The throat is a death zone! The cunning of through-arm lies in avoiding strength to strike weakness, seeking gaps to enter. The power of finger claws can crush throat and break bones in an instant!"
Zhou Liang withdrew his stance, his breathing stable, as if those two lethally sharp moves just now were merely casual gestures.
The training ground fell into dead silence.
The disciples' faces turned pale, even their breathing became cautious.
In their daily boxing practice, they emphasized proper techniques and complete force application. When had they ever seen their master so nakedly display the lethal killing intent contained in boxing techniques?
Those precise vital point strikes, cunning throat locks, each move aimed at the most vulnerable parts of the human body, pursuing not victory or defeat, but instant destruction.
Zhou Liang looked around, "Did you see clearly? This is the fighting method of through-arm boxing. Practicing martial arts means practicing the skills to kill enemies and preserve life. Stance work tempers tendons, bones, qi and blood, fighting techniques practice ruthless hearts and accurate hands. When fighting with others, it's not platform competition, between life and death in an instant, there's no room for hesitation or fancy moves."
"Remember!"
Zhou Liang declared loudly, "Boxing routines are to help you remember the 'rules' of force conversion and coordination of body and footwork. But when facing enemies, these 'rules' must all be forgotten, keeping only one thing in mind, how to use the fastest, most ruthless, most effective method to strike down and destroy your opponent, attack their vital points, break their foundation, this is 'killing technique'."
"Practice martial arts without practicing foundation, and you'll be empty when old; practice foundation without understanding principles, and you'll die when you fight."
Chen Qing felt a chill rise from his spine straight to the top of his head, his heart pounding uncontrollably.
Those few moves just now were brutal, direct, and efficient to the extreme.
It wasn't performance, that was the naked law of survival.
Real combat, attack when unprepared, strike vital points, don't be constrained by form, only seek to defeat the enemy with one strike.
Zhou Liang concluded, "If you want to live, you must practice this ruthlessness and accuracy. Now all of you go practice."
"Yes!"
All disciples responded in unison.
Sun Shun stepped forward, saying, "Junior Brother Chen, let's exchange a few moves."
"Good!"
Chen Qing took a deep breath, suppressing his churning emotions, and assumed his stance.
Under Sun Shun's guidance and practice feeding, Chen Qing began truly practicing the fighting methods of through-arm boxing.
Starting from the first move "Thunder Striking Window," sweat quickly soaked through his back.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:18:17 +0000 UTC
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Chen Qing dragged his weary body back to Mute Bay.
Chen Qing pushed open the creaking cabin door to find Lady Han mending fishing nets.
Hearing the movement, she immediately looked up, "Ah Qing, you're back? How did today... go?"
Chen Qing smiled, "Mother, it worked out."
"Really!?"
Lady Han felt a surge of joy, then immediately worried, "Then... then the apprenticeship fee... was it expensive? Is the master a good person?"
"The master is very strict, but follows proper rules."
Chen Qing walked into the cabin and picked up a water ladle to drink several gulps, "The tuition fee... I used the silver coins that cousin Yang Huiniang gave me, it's enough for now."
Lady Han breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good then."
She brought out warmed mixed grain beans, "Eat quickly."
Chen Qing set down his bowl and chopsticks, saying, "Mother, tomorrow evening I'll come back to help you weave fishing nets together. We can't neglect the family's livelihood, after all, practicing martial arts also requires food, doesn't it?"
"Mm."
Lady Han responded with a sound, the dim yellow lamplight flickering on her face.
She seemed to suddenly remember something important and looked up at Chen Qing, "I heard there's a new Tiger Gang that just arrived, and they're fighting fiercely with the Golden River Gang. You must be careful in your daily activities."
Chen Qing's brow furrowed tightly as he nodded silently, "I understand."
What a world this is!
The mother and son said nothing more, only silently eating the warm mixed grain beans from their bowls.
...
The next day.
Chen Qing arrived at Zhou's courtyard before dawn.
He once again stepped onto the wooden stakes, assuming that twisted yet powerful through-arm stance work posture.
Soreness, numbness, swelling, pain... the familiar torment instantly swept through his entire body.
Chen Qing gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead, sweat quickly soaking through his thin clothes and rising as faint white mist.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Through-arm Stance Work: Beginner (6/500)]
The disciples arrived one after another, all somewhat surprised to see Chen Qing.
"That kid comes really early."
"Yesterday I saw him grinding away there, wonder how long he can last," someone whispered.
Chen Qing buried himself in hard practice, drawing many gazes.
Some paid no attention, some sneered with disdain, while others thought he was just trying to show off in front of the master.
Before anyone realized it, a month had passed, and the murmuring gradually diminished.
The disciples in the courtyard had grown accustomed to this silent and diligent figure, Chen Qing had become "that new student who can particularly endure hardship."
The paulownia leaves on the training platform had grown several degrees wider.
Chen Qing stepped onto the three-inch high wooden stakes, his waist and back straight as a spear shaft. Beneath his shirt hem, newly formed muscle lines could be faintly seen, and compared to when he first entered Zhou's courtyard, his shoulders had broadened by more than half an inch.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Through-arm Stance Work: Beginner (211/500)]
On this day, Zhou Liang paced over and asked, "How long have you been in the courtyard?"
Chen Qing respectfully replied, "Master, it's been one month."
Not long ago, Zhou Liang had tested Chen Qing's bone structure.
The final result was below average bone structure.
Zhou Liang's expression showed no change, he only gave him a few routine words of encouragement.
Clearly, he hadn't held much hope to begin with.
Zhou Liang said in a deep voice, "Stance work is the foundation for tempering qi, blood, tendons and bones, all paving the way for boxing techniques. Now that your foundation is stable, starting tomorrow you can join the morning lessons and formally practice fighting techniques."
"If there's anything you don't understand, just ask."
After initial instruction, Zhou Liang naturally wouldn't personally teach all disciples.
Only those with exceptional bone structure who showed promise of inheriting his legacy would receive his careful guidance.
This introductory stance work also served as a test for all disciples.
Clearly, in his eyes, Chen Qing was not uncut jade, but merely dust sifted through a sieve.
The senior disciples were all shrewd, knowing that taking this poor junior brother under their wing offered no benefits to gain, and he was unlikely to amount to much in the future, so most couldn't be bothered with him.
Only Third Senior Brother Sun Shun, being honest in nature, would occasionally give new disciples some guidance.
Chen Qing cupped his fists in response, "Yes, this disciple will remember the master's teachings."
Zhou Liang nodded slightly, "Mm, continue practicing."
After speaking, he returned to the grand chair under the tree, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the disciples in the courtyard, showing deep thought, no one knew what he was thinking about.
Chen Qing wiped the sweat from his forehead and concentrated on practicing again.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Through-arm Stance Work: Beginner (214/500)]
As the sun's shadow slanted west, Chen Qing had practiced the through-arm stance work three more times.
"You few should get to work."
At this moment, a rough voice shouted across the courtyard.
The apprentices in the courtyard, besides practicing martial arts, also served as Zhou Liang's manual laborers, washing clothes and cooking, carrying water and chopping firewood, cleaning the courtyard, clearing the latrines, feeding horses and cutting grass, they had to do all sorts of menial tasks.
Chen Qing then followed several senior and junior brothers to begin cleaning the courtyard.
Cleaning the courtyard and feeding horses weren't the most difficult tasks, the hardest was cleaning the latrines.
First they had to use long-handled wooden ladles to scoop clean water to flush the waste pits, and after flushing they had to sprinkle a layer of plant ash, it was dirty, exhausting and troublesome.
"Chen Qing, Qin Lie, you two clean the latrines today."
The senior brother in charge of assignments dropped these words and turned to leave.
Today Chen Qing was partnered with another disciple of similarly poor background, dark and thin, named Qin Lie.
He had entered Zhou's courtyard around the same time as Chen Qing, his parents were both dead, and he only had an older sister at home.
The difference was that Zhou Liang seemed to value him highly, often giving him personal guidance and even providing him special meals.
Qin Lie smiled somewhat embarrassedly, "Senior Brother Chen, how about... I can handle it myself, I can manage."
"It's fine, two people work faster."
Chen Qing waved his hand and directly began working.
The two men buried themselves in work amid the foul odor.
Other disciples in the courtyard chatted while working, some complaining that practicing martial arts was too hard, others dreaming of passing the military examinations and rising above their station.
Qin Lie scooped water to flush the pits while asking in a low voice, "Senior Brother Chen, did you... also come to study martial arts to take the military examinations?"
"To be able to make a living," Chen Qing answered very honestly.
Qin Lie was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then clenched his fists, his eyes showing determination, "I want to pass the military imperial examinations! So my older sister... can live a good life and not have to suffer so much anymore."
Chen Qing looked up and carefully observed this dark and thin young man.
The menial work continued until the sky gradually darkened.
As dusk fell, the senior brother who assigned tasks hurried back, directly shouting at Qin Lie, "Junior Brother Qin, quickly come with me! From now on, you don't need to do these menial tasks!"
Qin Lie was delighted upon hearing this and quickly said, "Yes, Senior Brother."
Watching Qin Lie's figure disappear behind the corridor, several nearby disciples couldn't help but whisper among themselves, their tones sour:
"How long has Qin Lie been here? Why doesn't he have to do this work anymore?"
"Tch, can you compare with him? In less than a month he's already touched the threshold of obvious strength! The master's precious treasure!"
"I heard the master not only waived his tuition but gives him special meals every day!"
"..."
Qin Lie's figure being hurriedly called away was like a thorn, making the present disciples feel more clearly their position in this courtyard, they were ultimately different from those key disciples being cultivated in the front courtyard.
Chen Qing also felt some melancholy in his heart.
After all, many people had fantasized about being uncut jade, stumbling forward through hardships, only to open their palms years later and discover they were merely pebbles.
After another moment, until all the work was finished, everyone finally dispersed.
On the street, pedestrians were sparse.
From time to time gang members would dart out, which undoubtedly added several degrees of danger.
Chen Qing quickened his pace and detoured around them.
Before long, he arrived home.
The dim oil lamp flickered on the table, casting light on Lady Han's hunched figure.
Her rough fingers moved back and forth through the fishing net, without looking up she asked, "Ah Qing, you're back, were you tired today?"
Chen Qing took off his practice cloth shoes, "Mother, it was okay, have you eaten?"
"Just had some porridge."
Lady Han's hands didn't stop moving, the thread dancing between her fingers, "Today I sold two fishing nets, that person didn't bargain much, let me gather a bit more and see if I can squeeze out the tuition for two months from now."
She bit through the thread and gently shook out the mended clothes.
These days Lady Han had been weaving nets from dawn to dusk, nearly ruining her eyes.
Fortunately, Chen Qing's net-weaving skills were becoming increasingly proficient, his speed getting faster and faster.
With these fishing nets, the mother and son could get by without problem, but to gather that tuition fee was still like trying to stop a cart with a cup of water.
"Mother, there are still two months left, don't worry about the tuition fee."
Chen Qing crouched down to help organize the fine threads scattered on the ground.
"Tomorrow morning mother will get up early and try her luck at Dawn Market again..." The oil lamp licked up the last drop of oil, the flame gradually weakening.
Lady Han moved to the doorway, borrowing the cold and clear moonlight, her needle and thread began shuttling through the cloth again.
"Bang—!"
Just then, the cabin door was kicked open with one foot.
Lady Han's needlework trembled, nearly pricking her finger.
Chen Qing quickly looked toward the sound.
He saw Qian Biao swaggering in with two burly henchmen. A short knife hung at his waist, and the flesh on his face quivered with each step.
"Oh, still doing embroidery so late? Aren't you afraid of going blind?"
Qian Biao spoke in a mocking tone, but his eyes stared directly at the embroidered handkerchief nearly completed in Lady Han's hands.
Chen Qing stepped forward, instinctively shielding Lady Han behind him, saying, "Master Qian, is there something you need?"
"Don't be nervous, Ah Qing." Qian Biao grinned, revealing several black and yellow teeth, "This time I've come to bring you good fortune."
Good fortune!?
Chen Qing sneered inwardly, but showed confusion on his face, "I wonder what Master Qian is referring to..."
"The Dragon King shows mercy and bestows meat!"
Qian Biao suddenly clapped his hands, and the two henchmen behind him immediately carried a side of rotten meat and heavily slammed it onto the boat deck.
Immediately, a nauseating stench spread, it was dead pork that had been soaking for many days, the surface already showing an eerie blue-gray color, and maggots could faintly be seen writhing in the putrid flesh.
The so-called 'meat bestowed by the Dragon King' was actually the Golden River Gang's racket of force-selling diseased and rotten pigs to fishermen.
Chen Qing's throat moved as he forced down his nausea, saying, "Master Qian, you also know our family just paid the incense money..."
"What, not even giving the Dragon King face?"
Qian Biao's palm was thick and powerful as he heavily patted Chen Qing's shoulder, "Ah Qing, you're a smart person, don't make foolish mistakes."
Chen Qing took a deep breath, saying, "Master Qian, give me some time."
Upon hearing this, Qian Biao unexpectedly didn't get angry, but instead stood up and patted Chen Qing's shoulder, "Fine, I'll give you three days to gather the money."
Qian Biao got up and strode away with his two henchmen.
After the three men's footsteps completely disappeared, Lady Han's lips trembled, "Ah Qing, what should we do?"
The family had very little money left, barely enough to buy rice bran. If they didn't buy this rotten meat, with Qian Biao's vicious methods... Lady Han didn't dare think further.
"Don't worry."
Chen Qing narrowed his eyes. This Qian Biao had threatened him to borrow at high interest rates last time without success, now he wanted to use force.
He was so eager to sell this rotten meat... and he didn't come during the day but at night, could he be afraid of something?
Very likely the Golden River Gang was at a disadvantage in the territorial dispute with the Tiger Gang, and Qian Biao wanted to make one more profit before fleeing.
Thinking it through carefully, Chen Qing seemed to understand something and said in a low voice, "Mother, leave this matter to me."
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:17:26 +0000 UTC
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This was a courtyard with two sections. The outer courtyard was filled with wooden posts, stone locks, and various weapons like swords, spears, and halberds.
The sound of vigorous shouts filled the air. On the blue brick ground of the outer courtyard, seven or eight bare-chested men were training. Their bronze-colored backs gleamed with oil under the blazing sun, and the dull thuds of stone locks hitting the ground sent numbing vibrations through one's feet.
"Practice properly, all of you! If you want wealth and honor in public, you must suffer in private!"
A man in his fifties wearing a black robe with a goatee was holding a rattan cane and loudly scolding them.
This was Zhou Liang.
Zhang San quickly stepped forward with a smile, "Master Zhou, this is Chen Qing from Mute Bay. He sincerely wants to learn some skills from you."
"A fisherman?"
Zhou Liang glanced at Chen Qing, then asked, "How old are you?"
Chen Qing quickly replied, "Not quite sixteen."
Zhou Liang squeezed his shoulder blades with rough palms that felt like iron sand, then suddenly applied force. Chen Qing grimaced in pain but held back any sound.
"Your bones haven't fully set yet, and your tendons have some flexibility. You can still be trained."
Zhou Liang released his grip, his tone softening slightly.
He then carefully questioned Chen Qing about his family background.
Taking disciples was no small matter, if a disciple caused trouble outside, the master would inevitably be implicated.
Many martial arts instructors had stumbled over this before.
Chen Qing recounted his family background.
"Hmm, your family background is fairly clean."
Zhou Liang nodded slightly, then his tone became serious, "Let me speak plainly, I charge tuition for teaching. If you cannot pay on time, don't blame me for expelling you. Have you thought this through?"
His teaching wasn't charity after all, he had to consider his livelihood.
Zhang San gave Chen Qing a meaningful look, and the latter quickly took out his silver, saying solemnly, "I've thought it through."
"This silver is enough for three months' tuition."
Zhou Liang weighed it and tucked it into his robe, "From today, you'll stay in the courtyard to practice martial arts. As for how much skill you can develop, that depends on your own fortune."
Seeing this, Zhang San breathed a sigh of relief, the matter was settled.
Chen Qing cupped his hands in salute, "This disciple will definitely work hard and practice diligently, not disappointing Master's expectations."
The crucial first step on the martial arts path had finally been taken.
Zhou Liang waved his hand, "Practice some real skills, and making a living won't be difficult."
Poor children learning martial arts mostly just sought a livelihood, truly rising above one's station? That was harder than reaching heaven.
Zhang San said his farewells and left.
Zhou Liang picked up his tea bowl and took a sip, "Sun Shun, show Chen Qing around and explain the courtyard rules."
"Yes!"
A burly, honest-faced man approached.
"I'm Sun Shun, I'll be your third senior brother from now on."
Sun Shun grinned, "Come on, senior brother will show you around."
Sun Shun led Chen Qing around the not-too-large courtyard.
The front yard was the training ground, the back yard was the master's residence, entry only by invitation.
The storehouse, dining hall, and bath house were all present, small but complete.
"We don't have many rules here, but a few are iron laws," Sun Shun said seriously:
"First, before graduating, you cannot use the master's name outside, much less cause trouble."
"Second, whether it's challenging a place, standing guard, or sparring with others, you must first announce yourself and reveal your background."
"Third, only when seeking revenge or challenging a school can you not reveal your background or announce yourself."
"Fourth, respect your master and fellow disciples, strictly forbidden to harm each other!"
Chen Qing stood to the side, memorizing each rule carefully.
"Come, let me get you a practice uniform."
Finally, Sun Shun brought him to the storage room and took out a coarse cloth outfit washed to white, the dense stitches at the sleeves showing it had been mended many times.
Soon after lunch, Zhou Liang strolled over, "For beginners, foundation is most important. These few days, I'll personally guide you."
Chen Qing's heart warmed as he nodded vigorously, "Thank you, Master!"
He was full of curiosity and anticipation about martial arts in this world.
Were they truly as miraculous as the story books from his previous life?
"Before practicing martial arts, you must first understand what true martial arts are."
Zhou Liang brought him to a row of wooden posts and said solemnly, "Martial arts, in professional terms, are called 'performance styles.' Street performers often use so-called 'showy styles,' which are fake stuff. These martial arts emphasize looking good, being spectacular, showing off many techniques."
"Though these moves look impressive, they violate all principles of true martial arts. They can only fool ignorant outsiders and country folk. Authentic 'real styles' can't attract audiences at all."
"Because true martial arts are killing techniques."
Zhou Liang's tone was calm, without the slightest ripple.
But Chen Qing's heart stirred with waves.
Killing techniques!
This was exactly what he wanted to learn.
After all, in this world, learning flowery fists and fancy footwork was useless.
Zhou Liang continued, "The foundation of martial training lies first in cultivating qi and blood. Tempering tendons and bones, stance training and qi circulation are all methods to strengthen qi and blood. When qi and blood reach their peak, only then can you knock on the door of obvious strength."
"Watch carefully."
Zhou Liang suddenly leaped onto the plum blossom posts, his withered frame surprisingly agile as an ape.
He assumed a strange posture: left arm reaching forward like an ape grasping the moon, right fist drawn back like a leopard hiding its claws, legs slightly bent in a sitting-but-not-sitting position, his entire being radiating a tense energy of stillness ready to pounce.
"Through-arm stance work emphasizes the concept of 'ape arms reaching heaven,'" Zhou Liang's voice suddenly became resonant, "Head suspended, tailbone straight, relaxed waist and settled hips like sitting on empty air."
"You try it."
"Yes, Master!"
Chen Qing imitated him and stepped onto the wooden post, immediately feeling dizzy and disoriented.
This seemingly simple posture actually required all the body's muscles to twist tight like hemp rope, fighting against each other.
In less than three breaths, he tumbled down, scraping a bloody mark on his elbow against the blue bricks.
This through-arm stance work wasn't so simple after all!
Chen Qing gasped for breath and asked, "Master, what you just mentioned about qi and blood, breaking through barriers, achieving obvious strength..."
Zhou Liang explained, "Martial training has two processes: accumulation and breaking through barriers."
"Stance training and strength conditioning both cultivate your qi and blood. When qi and blood reach a peak, you can attempt to break through barriers, sublimating your strength. My through-arm boxing, when cultivated to perfection, allows three barrier breakthroughs: obvious strength, hidden strength, and transforming strength."
"Each barrier breakthrough brings earth-shaking changes to a martial artist, but the risk of failure is also great, and it will cause some bodily damage. The later breakthroughs become increasingly difficult."
Hearing this, Chen Qing immediately understood.
Wasn't breaking through barriers just overcoming bottlenecks?
If he wanted to succeed, wouldn't he need to complete the first breakthrough within three months?
Thinking this, he couldn't help asking again, "Master, what's the success rate for the first breakthrough?"
Zhou Liang said flatly, "For ordinary disciples, around twenty to thirty percent. The higher your bone structure, better your aptitude, and more solid your foundation, the higher the success rate."
Hearing this, Chen Qing's heart shook.
The breakthrough success rate was so low?
And this was just the first breakthrough!
Obviously strength, hidden strength, transforming strength clearly required three breakthroughs.
"My through-arm boxing practices stance work internally and striking methods externally. Only when internal and external unite is it true through-arm boxing."
Zhou Liang said plainly, "You start with stance work first. When your qi and blood reach a certain level, I'll teach you through-arm boxing techniques."
"Yes!"
Chen Qing took a deep breath and stepped onto the wooden post again.
Instantly, a sharp, bone-piercing pain exploded from his feet and shot through his entire body like lightning.
He gritted his teeth, veins bulging at his temples, beads of sweat rolling down, yet his body maintained that twisted posture like solid rock, motionless.
Time crawled by in torment.
Chen Qing felt his lungs being seared by a branding iron, each breath carrying a bloody taste, his legs trembling on the wooden post like chaff, yet his toes gripped the post surface tightly, knuckles turning blue-white.
Half an hour passed, his coarse cloth training outfit long since soaked with sweat, clinging stickily to his body.
Just then, a golden light suddenly flashed in his mind:
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Through-arm Stance Work Beginner (1/1000): Ten practices daily, minor achievement in three months, major achievement in one year]
Chen Qing wiped the sweat from his forehead and muttered, "Others need to break through barriers to overcome bottlenecks in martial training, but I only need diligent practice to guarantee breakthrough success."
According to Zhou Liang, ordinary people only had about a twenty to thirty percent chance, but Chen Qing was different, as long as he practiced, he would definitely succeed.
This was the extraordinary nature of his fate pattern.
Heaven rewards diligence, success guaranteed.
Chen Qing immediately felt motivated and began practicing diligently.
At midday, when other disciples in the courtyard were resting and chatting in small groups, only he continued repeating the monotonous stance training.
Several fellow disciples came to greet him. He responded briefly, then quickly returned to practice.
In the afternoon, the courtyard was filled with sounds of exerted breathing.
After practicing through-arm boxing two more times, Chen Qing felt his entire body's tendons and bones were falling apart, weak and powerless.
Each step felt like walking on soft cotton, extremely unsteady.
He gasped for breath, sweat sliding down his temples.
Just then, the disciples found sheltered corners to rest, taking out food they'd kept warm against their bodies.
The courtyard temperature had quickly cooled the food.
Chen Qing's gaze swept around, seeing disciples from poor families hunched over, struggling to gnaw at rock-hard cornbread with cold pickled vegetables, each bite seeming difficult.
Those from better families carefully unwrapped oil paper packages containing still-warm wheat cakes, even a few pieces of braised meat with congealed fat.
The faint meaty aroma drifted over in the cold air, making empty stomachs rumble even more.
Chen Qing touched his stomach, a sharp cramping sensation striking, his throat rolling dryly.
"Junior Brother Chen."
Sun Shun hurried over with two snow-white steamed buns still slightly steaming from the steamer, "First day here, didn't bring food, right? Master's orders, in this freezing weather, practice consumes energy, can't have an empty stomach. Starting tomorrow, you'll need to prepare your own."
He pressed the buns into Chen Qing's hands.
"Thank you, Senior Brother!"
Chen Qing's eyes immediately lit up as he eagerly accepted them.
The buns were warm and soft in his hands, with sweet wheat fragrance rising up.
White flour fine grain, in this cold winter, for someone from a fishing family, this was rare warmth and luxury.
"Don't mention it, eat up quickly." Sun Shun waved with a smile and walked away.
Chen Qing held the buns, unable to restrain himself any longer, and bit into one.
The soft, scalding interior with its grain sweetness instantly warmed his mouth.
He practically devoured them, stuffing both buns into his stomach in just a few bites.
Warmth rose from his stomach, dispelling some of the cold brought by exhaustion.
He leaned against the cold corridor pillar for a brief rest. The bodily aches hadn't completely disappeared, but that floating, powerless feeling had lessened considerably.
Seeing most of his fellow disciples still resting or eating in the courtyard, Chen Qing took a deep breath, straightened his back, and returned to the wooden posts.
He knew that with his [Heaven Rewards Diligence] fate pattern, he had to put in ten times, a hundred times more effort than others.
Round after round, sweat soon soaked his clothes completely.
Until dusk fell and only he remained in the courtyard.
[Through-arm Stance Work Beginner (10/1000): Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed, ten practices daily, minor achievement in three months, major achievement in one year]
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:16:55 +0000 UTC
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"It's Huiniang."
Chen Qing was somewhat surprised.
Lady Han quickly got up and opened the creaking cabin door.
Yang Huiniang stood outside, her small face frozen red, her faded gray old jacket blown tight against her body by the river wind.
"Huiniang!?"
Lady Han stepped aside in surprise, "Come in quickly, it's cold outside."
Yang Huiniang's gaze quickly swept over the bowl of thin gruel on the table, a flash of heartache in her eyes.
She pulled out a small cloth bundle from her bosom and carefully opened it, "These are mixed grain beans I just made."
"How can I accept this..." Lady Han declined politely, but her eyes couldn't help glancing at the beans.
"Auntie, don't be polite," Yang Huiniang pushed the bundle toward Lady Han.
Chen Qing noticed the calluses on her fingers, the eldest aunt's family had also been struggling financially these past years.
Lady Han bit her lip, "Alright, I'll put these mixed grain beans away first."
She clutched the cloth bundle and turned to duck into the inner cabin.
Yang Huiniang looked at Chen Qing and asked, "Ah Qing, what are your plans for the future?"
Chen Qing replied, "Take it one step at a time."
Yang Huiniang was silent for a moment, then suddenly pulled out a faded red pouch from her bosom and pressed it into Chen Qing's hands.
"This is..."
Chen Qing asked in confusion.
"I've been saving my private money for two years, originally planning to use it for my dowry," Yang Huiniang's face reddened slightly.
Chen Qing was slightly stunned, "Cousin, how can this work... this is yours..."
"What? Afraid you won't succeed at learning martial arts? Afraid you can't pay me back?"
Yang Huiniang blinked, "I'll be charging interest, you know."
Chen Qing felt the remaining warmth on the pouch and said seriously, "I will definitely pay you back, principal and interest."
"I was just joking."
Yang Huiniang giggled, then stood up, "It's getting dark, I should go back."
"I'll walk you home."
Chen Qing followed her out of the covered boat.
The two walked along the riverbank, with bone-chilling river wind howling.
The setting sun burned Mute Bay's silhouette into the muddy ground, broken pottery shards and fish scales competing for the last light in the sewage ditches.
The Yang family lived on Hundred Flowers Lane, an alley so narrow it was like a weak intestine, twisting and squeezing in the western corner of the outer city.
The bluestone road had long since cracked, with weeds growing through the gaps. The earthen walls on both sides of the alley were mottled and patchy, with some households using broken tile pieces to patch holes in their wind-leaking walls.
Compared to the precarious connected boats of Mute Bay, the brick and tile houses here at least provided shelter from wind and rain.
The two chatted about childhood, and Yang Huiniang also shared some trivial matters from the fabric shop.
Yang Huiniang looked at Chen Qing, "Cousin, you seem different."
Chen Qing chuckled lightly, "Do I?"
"But it's good."
Yang Huiniang nodded, "You used to be a bit... slow."
Saying this, her face reddened slightly.
Without realizing it, they had already reached the Yang family's door.
Yang Huiniang said softly, "I'm going in now, you should head back early too."
Chen Qing nodded, "Alright."
Not long after Yang Huiniang returned home, a sharp voice came from inside the house.
"This time is different! His father is a pig butcher, every meal has meat!"
"You're just too young, you don't know how expensive rice and firewood are!"
"Mother, how do I not know..."
This was eldest aunt Chen Jinhua's voice.
Chen Qing took a deep breath and hurried toward Mute Bay. Due to the dim light, there were very few pedestrians on the road at this time.
"Chase them! Don't let the Five Poison Gang scum escape!"
Suddenly, beast-like roars came from the distance.
Immediately after, dozens of men wielding sharp blades and radiating killing intent came fighting out from the alley ahead.
Blade light sparked chilling gleams in the darkness.
Crash! Clang!
The surrounding residents instantly turned pale, frantically closing doors and windows in panic, fearing they'd be caught in the crossfire.
"Not good!"
Chen Qing's heart tightened as he immediately ducked into the shadows of the nearest corner, holding his breath.
He had three principles for dealing with situations:
Don't cause trouble, don't fear trouble, run when trouble comes.
Only after the shouts of battle and clashing weapons had completely disappeared into the depths of the alley did he cautiously poke his head out, then take off running madly toward the connected boats.
"Huff... huff..."
Rushing into the boat cabin, Chen Qing supported his knees and gasped heavily, his heart still pounding.
This world was too chaotic.
Especially after dark, it was extremely frightening.
Chen Qing silently warned himself to be cautious, cautious, and more cautious.
"What happened?"
Seeing his appearance, Lady Han's face went white with fright as she rushed over to feel him up and down, "Was it bandits or gang fighting? Are you hurt anywhere? Let mother see!"
Chen Qing waved his hand, calming his breathing, "Mother, I'm fine, I just... walked too fast."
"That's good."
Lady Han's anxious heart finally settled as she turned toward the inner cabin.
Halfway there, she suddenly stopped and said with unusually serious expression, "Ah Qing, you've grown up now. Whatever you want to do, mother supports you."
She paused, her voice carrying a thread of determination, "Mother will start weaving more nets tomorrow, there will always... be a way."
After speaking, she lowered her head and ducked into the inner cabin.
Chen Qing felt warmth in his heart and stood silently in place for a long time before slowly sitting down.
As night deepened, cold wind howled outside, making continuous whistling sounds.
Cold moonlight slanted through gaps in the boat planks, shining into the cabin.
Chen Qing took out the pouch Yang Huiniang had given him. Five taels of broken silver and dozens of copper coins rolled out.
To learn martial arts, aside from family transmission, you could only take a master.
Taking a master naturally required tuition fees.
Chen Qing muttered quietly, "With this silver, I have a chance to learn martial arts."
All of this was what Yang Huiniang had painstakingly saved.
The broken silver in the pouch was brighter than any moonlight he'd ever seen.
The next morning, frost was heavy and wind was cold.
Chen Qing squatted by the stove, watching the rice bran gruel bubbling in the clay pot.
In the corner, Lady Han hunched her back, her withered fingers shuttling between fishing nets.
"Mother, I'm going out."
Chen Qing hastily swallowed the thin gruel in his bowl and wrapped himself tightly in his patched-upon-patched torn jacket.
Without looking up, Lady Han said, "Come back early, I'm keeping the mixed grain beans in the pot for you."
"I know."
Chen Qing jumped down from his family's boat plank, and cold wind immediately cut into his collar like knives.
The stone road was uneven, full of potholes of varying depths.
Garbage was everywhere, mountains of waste emitting nauseating odors.
Sewage flowed down the center of the street, forming black streams that gave off pungent stenches, with flies and mosquitoes buzzing chaotically over the garbage piles.
People on the street hurried past, some wore tattered clothes with patches everywhere, others were barefoot with mud-covered feet.
These poor people in the shoreline shacks also had to pay "eaves water fees," their lives no better than the fishermen making their living on the water.
Chen Qing kept his head down and quickened his pace.
Before long, he stopped in front of two low flat-roofed houses.
The main door was open, and inside a thin middle-aged man was holding a large pipe, taking a deep puff with an expression of enjoyment.
Chen Qing knocked on the door frame, "Third Master, I'd like to ask you to handle something."
This was the broker Zhang San, who had earned a small reputation in several nearby streets for his honesty and efficiency, many people sought him out.
To find someone to teach martial arts, you had to check family background and whether your origins were clean, so you needed a broker's recommendation.
Zhang San put down his pipe and stood up with a smile, "You're too polite. Just say what you need, if Zhang San can handle it, I absolutely won't hesitate."
Chen Qing pulled out a string of copper coins and said in a low voice, "I want to learn martial arts, but martial hall tuition is really expensive. I wonder if Third Master could help me find another way?"
"Learn martial arts?"
Zhang San looked Chen Qing up and down, his gaze pausing on his faded white collar, "Young man, learning martial arts isn't like learning a trade. If you don't succeed, that money is like water poured out, you can't get it back."
He had to speak the harsh truth upfront to avoid future entanglements.
Chen Qing nodded, "I've thought it through."
"Alright, let me think..."
Zhang San squinted and pondered for a moment, "There's an old escort master on Changping Street who used to work escorts for an escort agency. Later, because he got old and suffered internal injuries, he retired from the agency. Now he takes on some disciples to train at home. If you're interested, I can take you there right now."
Chen Qing took a deep breath and nodded, "Good."
"This old escort master is named Zhou Liang. In his youth he was quite skilled at the escort agency, and now he has considerable reputation on Changping Street. He's taken on quite a few apprentices in recent years."
On the way, Zhang San chattered about the old escort master's temperament and rules, "You're not too old, and as long as you can pay the tuition, eight or nine times out of ten you'll succeed."
Chen Qing listened silently, engraving every word Zhang San said in his heart.
Before long, the two arrived at the Zhou family courtyard gate on Changping Street.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:16:29 +0000 UTC
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"Xiao Heng has truly made something of himself."
Chen Jinhua's tone was complex, envy mixed with bitterness.
What do you mean you didn't have time to tell us? It's clearly favoritism.
Where would the second son get money to support Chen Heng's martial arts training? Wasn't it all from grandfather's pocket?
"If Heng can pass the martial scholar examination," Old Master's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice filled with expectation, "our family's tax burden could be reduced by sixty percent."
Chen Heng puffed out his chest, declaring confidently, "Grandfather, don't worry! I'll study hard, not only to reduce the family's taxes, but in the future when I've saved up silver, I'll bring you to live in the inner city and enjoy prosperity!"
He raised his head, his expression showing a trace of pride.
After all, he was still young, having achieved some success, how could he not be high-spirited?
"Good, good, good!"
Old Master's face was full of gratification, his smile so wide he couldn't close his mouth.
The inner city was the place he had dreamed of his entire life.
Thinking of this, Old Master Chen's gaze toward Chen Heng carried not just doting affection but also weighty hope.
Lady Han absent-mindedly made polite conversation, but eventually returned to the main topic, "Father, about Ah Qing learning a trade..."
"Sigh!"
Old Master Chen let out a long sigh, tapped his pipe on the table edge, and said, "Xiao Heng's martial arts training concerns the rise and fall of our old Chen family. We need to prepare more silver for it."
Having struggled for most of his life and been battered bloody by this world, he deeply understood that to make something of yourself in these times, the family must produce someone skilled in martial arts.
Chen Heng was the Chen family's only hope.
Regarding Chen Qing learning a trade, he truly felt powerless to help.
"Sister-in-law!"
Chen Wen put on an expression of deep concern, "You must think long-term! If Xiao Heng succeeds in the future, imagine what that would mean? Could he forget you, his aunt? You must look far ahead!"
Hearing this, Lady Han was immediately speechless.
"Xiao Heng,"
Chen Jinhua's mind became active as she quickly said, "If you have any difficulties in your martial arts training, just tell your eldest aunt! I'll definitely support you!"
She thought to curry favor early with this rising star.
Chen Heng said bluntly, "Eldest aunt, I don't have any difficulties right now. I just want to eat meat."
Gaolin County was situated by the river, with most people making their living by fishing, which made pork extremely expensive.
At the mention of "meat," even Chen Wen couldn't help but swallow.
"You child, what nonsense are you spouting?"
Second Aunt feigned anger and patted Chen Heng, then turned to Chen Jinhua with a forced smile, "His aunt, the child is just talking nonsense from greed, don't take it seriously."
Chen Jinhua's heart ached, but she forced a smile, "Wanting to eat meat is simple! Come to eldest aunt's house tomorrow, I'll make sure you have enough!"
"Thank you, eldest aunt," Chen Heng answered quickly, as if afraid Chen Jinhua might change her mind.
Lady Han looked toward Old Master with final hope, "Father..."
Old Master Chen took a deep drag from his pipe, exhaled thick smoke, and made his decision, "About Ah Qing learning a trade, we'll discuss it later."
Lady Han wanted to speak but stopped herself, ultimately saying nothing.
Thinking of all the cold treatment over the years, she couldn't help feeling wronged.
Chen Qing shook his head inwardly.
Old Master had placed all the family's chips on Chen Heng, hoping he would revitalize their family name through martial arts.
Right now, trying to squeeze even half a copper coin from Old Master was wishful thinking.
He was silent for a moment, then raised his head, "Grandfather, I also want to practice martial arts."
As soon as these words came out, the entire room fell silent.
Chen Wen was first stunned, then snickered, "Ah Qing, martial arts isn't something just anyone can practice."
Chen Jinhua also delivered a merciless blow, "Learning martial arts requires looking at bone structure and talent! Your build and brains... it's not that your aunt is criticizing you, but learning would just be wasting money! You should honestly find some livelihood instead."
She was convinced this nephew was dull and stupid, absolutely not martial arts material.
Chen Qing wasn't bothered by their discouragement and asked, "Grandfather, could I learn alongside Xiao Heng?"
Lady Han's heart stirred as she quickly nodded, "Right, just let Xiao Heng teach Ah Qing a bit."
If her son could follow behind Chen Heng to learn martial arts, that would also be a good thing.
"How could that work?"
Hearing this, Chen Heng shook his head like a rattle drum, "The martial hall has rules, techniques cannot be privately transmitted. Besides, I practice hard daily preparing for the martial examinations, where would I find leisure time to teach people?"
He was very busy daily, where would he find time to give Chen Qing basic martial arts instruction?
Moreover, his cousin wasn't cut out for it anyway, it would just waste his time.
Second Aunt frowned and chimed in, "Absolutely cannot delay Xiao Heng."
Old Master's face immediately darkened as he scolded, "Ah Qing, you're not suitable for martial arts, stop making trouble!"
Xiao Heng was now all his hope.
What if Chen Qing interfered with his training? What would they do then?
"Father..."
Lady Han still wanted to say something more.
"Cough cough cough, !"
Old Master suddenly began coughing violently. Second Aunt patted his back, then sneered coldly at Lady Han, "Sister-in-law, have you forgotten? Father cannot get agitated."
Chen Jinhua also glared at Lady Han, "Eldest's wife, stop talking quickly."
Lady Han's face went pale as Chen Qing pressed down on his mother's trembling hand.
He remembered that snowy night when second uncle clung to grandfather's legs wailing, while father silently shouldered his pack.
The bones of canal laborers could build a second city wall.
"Being a fisherman on the river isn't bad either," Old Master finally waved his hand, his pipe pointing toward the dust-covered oar in the corner, "Just like your father."
Lady Han's heart had now turned cold as ash.
Chen Qing kept his head down without speaking, he hadn't heard what Old Master said at all.
No matter what, he had to find an opportunity to learn martial arts.
That was the only way out.
Rippling light danced on the river surface.
The connected boats rocked gently with the waves, creaking.
Chen Qing sat on the boat planks, a bowl of rice bran porridge on the worn wooden table before him. The porridge was so thin you could see your reflection, accompanied by half a gray sediment cake.
The so-called sediment cake was made from wine lees discarded by breweries, mixed with rice bran and baked.
Lady Han felt somewhat guilty, "Today... I added a bit too much water. Tomorrow mother will buy more reed seeds to add."
"Let it stay thin, we can make it last longer."
Chen Qing took the bowl, the rough ceramic bowl's rim already had several chips knocked out of it.
Gurgle!
The rice bran became drier as he chewed, carrying the musty smell of old granaries. The bits scraped his throat painfully.
He gulped several mouthfuls of cold water to barely swallow it down, his stomach heavy as if stuffed with dry grass.
This stuff wasn't tasty, but fortunately he was used to it.
After all, in these times, having anything to eat was already good.
According to Uncle Gao, some people outside the city even ate tree bark, tree roots, and even Guanyin clay.
Guanyin clay was even more choking than rice bran, making people want to drink more water, but once you drank too much water, the Guanyin clay would expand and burst your intestines and stomach, suffocating you to death.
Chen Qing knew that in these times, if poor people didn't have enough survival experience, they would die even more miserably.
Compared to Guanyin clay, rice bran gruel was already a delicacy.
"Learning a trade wouldn't be bad either," Lady Han said quietly, "Not long ago when I went to Dawn Market, I heard Carpenter Li wants to take on an apprentice."
Although learning a trade might mean being a beast of burden for life, at least you could survive.
Most young people from Mute Bay were like this now.
Chen Qing took a deep breath and said slowly, "Mother, I want to learn martial arts."
In this world, fists were the foundation, silver was the umbrella.
Even learning a trade, you'd still be exploited.
These gangs had mastered a vicious balance, they wouldn't let you starve to death, but they wouldn't let you live well either.
Chen Qing calculated that if worst came to worst, he'd fish first to secretly save some capital, then pursue the martial arts path.
It was just a question of how much time that would take.
"Learn martial arts?"
Lady Han's lips trembled slightly, the gruel in her bowl rippling in circles.
She knew Chen Qing had his own ideas, but with their family's conditions, wanting to learn martial arts was really too difficult.
"Great-aunt, Ah Qing!"
Just then, a clear voice rang out from outside the cabin door.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:16:05 +0000 UTC
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Pushing open the creaking cabin door.
The cramped boat cabin was filled with the smell of damp wood, aged fish odors, and a faint scent of rice bran.
Chen's mother, Lady Han, hurried forward upon hearing the sound, "Ah Qing, today... how was it?"
Chen Qing shook his head, his voice low, "Those people at the fish market lowered prices again... Today's luck was poor too. One net cast brought up only small fish and shrimp, sold for just a few big coins in total."
Lady Han sighed, tears welling in her eyes, "Sigh... how will we... survive in the future?"
She looked at the nearly empty rice bag, "Now we can't even eat brown rice, can only chew this rice bran... I just hope the Dragon King will open his eyes and grant us mother and son a mouthful of life-sustaining food."
Food was categorized in order: white flour (fine grain), brown rice and sorghum flour (coarse grain), rice bran, and moldy rice.
Items like rice, steamed buns made from refined flour, and noodles were expensive in the market, only wealthy households could afford to eat them daily.
Common people and fishermen ate brown rice, rice bran mixed with snails and reed leaves, very few could regularly eat pure coarse grains.
The Chen family now found even coarse grains hard to come by, with rice bran becoming their staple food.
They rarely used oil in daily life, even salt was used sparingly, mostly relying on chili peppers, wild onions, and garlic to mask unpleasant tastes.
As for Lady Han's mention of the Dragon King's blessing, it was merely cold steamed buns sunk to the river bottom after sacrificial ceremonies, retrieved already swollen like rotten meat.
Lady Han sighed mournfully, "Your father went to dig canals for the clan and vanished without a trace, leaving us orphaned mother and son. We can't survive by fishing anymore..."
She looked at Chen Qing, biting her lip, "How can we manage in the future without a skill to rely on? I heard Uncle Dachun say Xiao Chun is going to Treasure Hall as an apprentice... Ah Qing, you should also find a way to learn a trade, shouldn't you?"
For the people of Mute Bay, being a fisherman ultimately offered no way out. Their only hope of escaping this quagmire was learning a skill that could take them ashore, even if it meant being the lowliest apprentice.
Chen Qing said quietly, "Learning a trade... would probably require considerable silver, wouldn't it?"
The Chen family was already poor, and what little savings they might have had were long since plundered by the Golden River Gang.
This was an era where ordinary people with money would be targeted.
That fiber-puller Old Zhang had a stroke of luck earning some copper coins. When he flaunted his wealth at the floating houses, he was robbed that very night and had a leg broken besides.
Floating houses were boat gambling dens and brothels.
There was also illiterate Old Qiu's family, who were tricked into signing a fish-scale contract and had their daughter-in-law sold directly into floating houses.
Such incidents were countless, too numerous to mention.
Lady Han was silent for a long while, then said with difficulty, "If there's really no other way, should we go to the old house and borrow some from your grandfather?"
The old house?
Chen Qing shook his head inwardly but said nothing.
After midday.
Mother and son got off the boat and walked through three long streets to reach Firewood Fish Market.
The fishy smell from fish vendors packing up had not yet dissipated, but compared to Mute Bay's lingering stench of decay, this place actually seemed somewhat lively.
The old Chen family house was located in this Firewood Fish Market, operating as a general goods store.
Behind the shop was a run-down small courtyard squeezed with four or five rooms.
Old Master Chen had lost his wife early and single-handedly ran the general store while raising two sons and one daughter: eldest daughter Chen Jinhua, eldest son Chen Wu (Chen Qing's father), and second son Chen Wen.
At this moment, Old Master Chen sat in the main room, puffing on his pipe, his brow showing a mixture of joy and worry.
Around him gathered Second Uncle Chen Wen's family.
Chen Wen was Old Master's most favored youngest son, whose appearance inherited the old man's youthful refinement and fair complexion. He had never suffered much hardship from childhood.
Old Master had always planned to have him take over the old house and shop, but Chen Wen had grown lazy from being spoiled. He would occasionally haul some goods when idle, then lie at home when tired, unable to endure hardship.
Old Master's heart ached for him, showing indulgence far more than reproach.
To Chen Wen's left sat Second Aunt, her hair neatly arranged in a bun with wooden hairpins, dressed considerably more elegantly than Lady Han.
To the right was Chen Qing's cousin Chen Heng, five months younger than Chen Qing but with a robust build and heroic bearing, looking much more spirited.
On the other side, eldest aunt Chen Jinhua and cousin Yang Huiniang were picking and washing vegetables.
Yang Huiniang was about fifteen or sixteen, her features not particularly delicate but very pleasing to look at. Her wheat-colored skin had a healthy glow, and her bright, sparkling eyes were strikingly luminous.
Chen Qing took all this in. Old Master Chen clearly favored Second Uncle's family greatly, denying himself food and clothing, saving and economizing, keeping all the good food and drink for his second uncle's household.
He was especially fond of the clever Chen Heng, showering him with extra affection.
Yet he, as the eldest grandson, received treatment vastly different from Chen Heng's.
"Father!"
"Grandfather!"
Mother and son entered the courtyard, with Chen Qing performing a deep bow to Old Master Chen.
Old Master Chen was the feudal patriarch, his status and position were different after all.
Second Aunt immediately approached, her tone rising with deliberate surprise and mockery, "Oh my, sister-in-law, what brings you here with free time today?"
Her words carried implicit meaning.
Lady Han pursed her lips, ignoring this sister-in-law.
Eldest aunt Chen Jinhua glanced up briefly, too lazy to bother with either of them, then silently lowered her head to continue picking vegetables.
Only Yang Huiniang's eyes brightened slightly upon seeing Chen Qing, calling out, "Ah Qing!"
Chen Qing smiled in response, "Cousin."
In his memory, eldest aunt was shrewd and calculating, but his cousin was gentle and kind.
He had always had an excellent relationship with his cousin since childhood.
Now his cousin was sixteen, having worked at a clothing shop for three years and could already independently sew and sell embroidered handkerchiefs.
"Eldest's family, please sit," Old Master Chen put down his pipe and greeted them.
After some small talk, Old Master Chen looked at Chen Qing and sighed, "Ah Qing, you must also strive to succeed."
He shook his head inwardly.
Chen Wu had been honest and simple since childhood, and Chen Qing also seemed dull and slow. In these difficult times, mere survival was not easy, let alone rising above one's station.
Although Chen Qing showed little promise, he was still his grandson after all.
"While you're young and strong, quickly find some livelihood," Second Uncle Chen Wen assumed an elder's posture, his tone carrying solemnity, "You can't let your mother worry about everything."
Chen Qing glanced at his second uncle, feeling somewhat speechless.
This man who lived off his parents at home had the face to lecture him?
"Father, Ah Qing is still young," Lady Han quickly interjected, getting to the point, "So I want him to learn a trade for making a living."
Hearing this, Old Master Chen nodded, "Learning a trade is a good thing. If he can master it, at least he can make a living in these times."
Seeing Old Master Chen's approval, Lady Han's eyes brightened as she quickly said, "Learning a trade requires an apprenticeship fee, and we mother and son really have no spare money..."
Though her words were unfinished, the meaning was clear.
Old Master Chen's eyelid twitched as he fell into silence.
When Chen Wu had divided the household, aside from basic daily necessities, he had taken essentially nothing with him.
Over these years, he had felt guilty about the eldest family.
Especially since the eldest had gone to dig canals in place of the second son, with no news since.
Second Aunt immediately became alert upon hearing this, "Father, Xiao Heng is learning martial arts at the martial hall, which is extremely expensive. This matter cannot be delayed..."
Chen Heng is learning martial arts at a martial hall!?
Hearing this, Chen Qing's heart stirred.
A martial hall was a place where one could learn martial arts, but the tuition was extremely expensive, with most disciples being wealthy families from the county seat.
Chen Jinhua couldn't sit still, "Father, when did Xiao Heng start learning martial arts? How did I not know?"
Eldest aunt's tone carried some dissatisfaction.
Old Master Chen tapped his pipe and said slowly, "I haven't had time to tell you all about this. Xiao Heng went to Guangchang Martial Hall to learn martial arts three months ago and has made considerable progress. If all goes well, he can participate in the military examinations next year."
By the end, Old Master Chen's eyes crinkled with smiles.
A martial scholar in the Yan Kingdom counted as having official rank, which could reduce family tax burdens, a significant expense.
If he could continue with examinations and pass the military provincial examination, that would be soaring to great heights, bringing glory to ancestors, for ordinary families, it would be like their ancestral graves emitting auspicious smoke.
Second Aunt was as proud as a rooster, saying smugly, "Xiao Heng was practicing boxing this morning when the martial hall instructor praised him as good material!"
She then pulled out a silk handkerchief, "Feel this silk, it was a gift from Master Liu's wife at the martial hall."
Chen Qing watched his grandfather's withered fingers stroking the silk surface, cloudy eyes brightening with light.
He knew this was material only available in the inner city.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:15:45 +0000 UTC
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The endless reed marshes of Mute Bay rustled in the wind.
Deep within the marshes, on a shallow sandbank far from the main waterway, several clusters of particularly tall and dense reeds had been bent down and woven together. A dilapidated old boat was stranded here, and under its canopy, several young but care-worn faces bore the deep imprint of life's heavy burdens.
"The Dragon King's incense offerings... have gone up by thirty percent again!" Liang Badou sighed deeply, his voice carrying a note of helplessness, "The Golden River Gang is clearly trying to suck the marrow from our bones."
"My father coughed all night," Li Hu's voice was low and hoarse, "We still haven't found money for medicine, and most of the fish and shrimp we caught this morning went to fill the Dragon King's incense hole... How are we supposed to live?"
As he spoke, his eyes reddened.
Hearing this, the others' faces showed traces of desolation.
The government's harsh taxes and levies had already bent their backs, and the local Golden River Gang still forced them to pay "Dragon King's incense offerings."
Though called Dragon King's incense, it was actually water lantern fees.
Every month at the beginning, gang members would carry tin lanterns from house to house along the river demanding payment. The lanterns were painted with blood-red characters for "canal," and their wicks were soaked in fish oil, producing a foul stench when lit.
Fishing families who couldn't pay would find bowl-sized holes bored through their boat bottoms at night, and the next day the river surface would have one more flickering "water lantern", these were floating lanterns made from broken boat planks, with corpses often sunk beneath them.
Those who paid received a green fish scale to nail above their door frame, supposedly for "Dragon King's protection."
But everyone knew these scales were stained not with divine grace, but with human blood.
"All the family money has gone to Dragon King's incense. This can't go on..." Chen Qing in the corner frowned deeply.
He had transmigrated here half a month ago, born into a poor fishing family in this life.
His so-called home was merely two decrepit fishing boats tied together end to end with hemp rope and tattered cloth strips, their gaps stuffed with wet mud and reed fluff.
Father and son made their living by fishing, but a year ago his father Chen Wu had been conscripted to build canals and remained missing without word.
In these chaotic times when human life was cheap as grass, losing the family's breadwinner was tantamount to disaster.
His mother, Lady Han, wove fishing nets at home for a meager income.
Their family, like over two hundred thousand other ant-like poor people in Gaolin County, were pressed firmly into the very bottom of the muddy pit.
These times were harder than climbing to heaven!
Government taxes scraped away skin and picked bones layer by layer, while local gangs used knives to scrape the marrow from those same bones.
Academy tuition? That was the exclusive preserve of gentry children.
If poor families' children wanted to learn a few characters, they would chop wood by day and steal light to study by night, surviving on thin gruel, grinding away for twenty years for just a thread of hope.
Want to learn a trade for survival? You needed three generations of "clean" family background as guarantee.
If poor children tried to get ahead forcefully, having their legs broken in the dark of night was common.
Meanwhile, in the western kilns, mastering the "fire-eye secret method" could earn craftsman status and a few full meals, but the price was thirty years of apprenticeship like cattle and horses.
The poor struggled at the bottom, muddled and dazed, seeing not a glimmer of light.
But Chen Qing was different.
In his mind hung a fate pattern: [Fate Pattern: Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
Heaven favored the diligent, effort would surely be rewarded.
This meant that for him, any skill had no qualification barriers, no bottleneck obstacles.
He had secretly explored for some time and discovered that only martial arts could fully unleash this fate pattern.
Learning martial arts would allow him to participate in military examinations, gain official rank, rise above others, and completely turn his life around.
Most importantly, he wouldn't be bullied anymore.
However, learning martial arts wasn't easy.
"Li Hu, Xiao Chun, Ah Qing, Er Ya," Liang Badou spoke again, his voice grave, "Just sighing is useless. We can't survive by fishing anymore, unless we accept our fate like Uncle Wang, mortgaging our boats to work for them like cattle and horses. What are your plans..."
The others' faces were filled with confusion.
They were all children of fishermen from Mute Bay, childhood playmates.
Liang Badou had the best family circumstances, his father was a barefoot traveling doctor, his mother worked odd jobs at a wine house, and supposedly they had a relative in the inner city.
Er Ya's family made pickled fish for a living, and she always carried a heavy salty fishy smell.
Xiao Chun's father was a boat builder who helped fishermen repair tung oil and clay caulking, barely making ends meet.
Li Hu had lost his mother early, his sister had married away, and he lived by fishing with his old father. Now that Old Li was bedridden with illness, only he could support the household.
"My father wants to send me to Treasure Hall as an errand boy," Xiao Chun said quietly, head bowed, "Sign a ten-year indenture contract, can get three years' wages in advance."
Treasure Hall was a pawn shop. Errand boys were responsible for cleaning, moving goods, running errands, and learning to evaluate items. They couldn't touch the account books for three years.
Liang Badou looked at Xiao Chun in surprise, "I heard that to become an errand boy at Treasure Hall, you need to slip Second Appraiser ten taels of silver..."
The faint hope that had just kindled in Li Hu and Er Ya's eyes was suddenly extinguished.
Ten taels of silver was enough for a Mute Bay family's grain for a year. Who could easily produce such an amount?
Xiao Chun quickly explained, "Where would our family have such savings? My father scraped together that silver by selling everything, borrowing from here and there."
He deliberately emphasized "borrowing money." In this man-eating world, not flaunting wealth was a survival principle, even among childhood friends.
Er Ya sighed, "If you can endure it, it's still a way to live."
Chen Qing nodded silently.
Appraisers were evaluation masters responsible for pricing and examining goods. Besides their regular pay, they surely had plenty of side income.
Liang Badou turned to Li Hu, "Ah Hu, what about you?"
Li Hu took a deep breath, his gaze drifting toward the distant muddy river surface, "Work on boats... maybe go south. I hear the wages are higher there."
Er Ya was startled and asked again, "Go where?"
"South," Li Hu's gaze pierced through Mute Bay, "My father... my sister will look after him."
Everyone fell silent again. With Old Li injured, the burden of life fell entirely on Li Hu's shoulders.
The river wind moaned as it struck the boat canopy.
Er Ya then said quietly, "Mother asked Granny Wang to speak for me, wanting to send me to Master Guo's house as a rough servant girl... saying I'm pretty and nimble-handed, the monthly wage could be two hundred wen more."
Her voice grew even softer, "Actually, in wealthy households, you can see the world too."
Liang Badou nodded, finally looking at Chen Qing, "Ah Qing, what about you?"
Chen Qing was brief and to the point, "I plan to learn martial arts."
Learn martial arts!?
Everyone was stunned, as if they'd heard wrong.
Liang Badou waved his hand dismissively, laughing, "Ah Qing, you're talking nonsense again."
Chen Qing said slowly, "I'm serious."
"An ordinary martial arts school charges ten taels of silver just for the apprenticeship fee, and they still have to check your bone structure and aptitude," Liang Badou frowned deeply, shaking his head repeatedly, "That's not counting monthly room and board of at least two taels, medicinal baths one tael, weapons... How easy do you think learning martial arts is?"
"Poor in literature, rich in martial arts" was no empty saying.
Entering a martial arts school was just the threshold, actually learning martial arts was a bottomless pit, requiring constant meat supplementation.
Mute Bay had also had people with such foolish dreams, ultimately wasting their time and falling into huge debts. The luckier ones merely became watchmen for wealthy households.
Er Ya and Xiao Chun also shook their heads secretly, clearly thinking Chen Qing's idea impractical.
Li Hu opened his mouth but swallowed his words back.
Er Ya looked at Liang Badou, "Brother Badou, what about you?"
Speaking of himself, Liang Badou unconsciously straightened his back a bit, "My third uncle works as a clerk in the Inner River Bureau. My father said to have me study and practice calligraphy with him first, and when third uncle retires in a few years, he'll find a way to recommend me..."
"Brother Badou, you're going to become an official!?" Er Ya's eyes lit up, her voice rising, "Doesn't that mean... you'll be successful!?"
The others immediately showed undisguised envy.
For the poor people of Mute Bay, even a runner's position was already a remarkable "official," let alone a clerk with real power. Being able to study under one and eventually replace him was a great fortune they wouldn't dare dream of.
"This isn't certain yet. I'll learn from third uncle first and see," Liang Badou, still young at heart, couldn't suppress the smile at the corners of his mouth, "We all came from Mute Bay, we should gather often in the future and look out for each other."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
If Liang Badou truly could make his fortune, maintaining good relations now would be a valuable connection for the future.
After more idle chat, Er Ya and Xiao Chun's attitudes toward Liang Badou became noticeably warmer.
After a while, everyone took small boats to leave the reed marsh and return to Mute Bay.
Chen Qing hurried toward his family's connected boats.
In these times with gangs everywhere and desperate outlaws robbing on the roads, unknown dangers lurked everywhere.
Just as Chen Qing was almost home, a harsh shout suddenly came from ahead:
"You dog! That upstream area is Golden River Gang territory, how dare you go there!?"
"I'll show you what real water lantern lighting means!"
Near his family's broken boat, he saw that neighbor Aunt Gao's door plank had been split open with a large gash.
Tattered cloth curtains hung askew, several clay pots lay shattered on the ground, and the stench of rotting dead fish and shrimp permeated the air.
Aunt Gao sat collapsed in the mud, holding her head and sobbing. Uncle Gao was pressed firmly to the ground by two Golden River Gang thugs in short jackets with fierce expressions. His forehead was bruised and swollen, blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were filled with humiliation and despair.
The culprit behind all this was Qian Biao of the Golden River Gang.
He was stockily built, wearing a silk jacket left open to expose a hideous knife scar across his chest.
Qian Biao was mainly responsible for collecting "Dragon King's incense" from fishing households.
The Golden River Gang didn't just collect "Dragon King's incense", they also had funeral money, called "ghost boat guidance silver," charging two hundred wen per corpse, or else dumping bodies in the river.
There was also so-called "water ghost dowry," forcing bride's families to pay money, or "water ghosts" would come to steal the bride.
As for these "water ghosts," everyone knew perfectly well who they were.
Marriages, funerals, weddings, every occasion squeezed oil from the bones of poor fishermen.
Who dared refuse? Fishing nets would be cut in the night, dead rats would mysteriously appear in boat holds, or more directly, an "accidental" collision would send a fishing boat to the river bottom.
The fishermen of Mute Bay both hated and feared them, their faces changing at the mere mention.
"Oh, Ah Qing!" Qian Biao saw Chen Qing and strode over, "Look, look what a mess Old Gao has made of things."
He sighed as if he were the most pained person, "That upstream fishing ground is Golden River Gang territory, Old Gao broke the taboo... Sigh, there's really no choice, gang rules can't be broken! My heart aches too!"
Chen Qing's face also showed a pained expression, "Master Qian speaks truly."
"Sigh, these times are really hard to endure. Look how fish prices have dropped. Oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, which hasn't gone up?" Qian Biao changed his tone, his smile becoming even more sincere, "Ah Qing, has your family been managing recently? Seeing you and your mother in such difficulty, my heart... really feels bad."
"If it's not enough, I could lend you some emergency money, one hundred wen copper coins generating two wen interest daily, settled day by day, interest clear as crystal, absolutely won't cheat you. Just use your family's broken boat as collateral!"
Chen Qing's face maintained its fawning smile, but his heart turned cold. Behind him, Aunt Gao's sobbing seemed even clearer.
Behind Qian Biao's "righteousness" lay cold calculation. That one hundred wen copper generating two wen daily interest sounded trivial, but with compound interest it became frighteningly high annual rates, truly sucking marrow and crushing bones.
The collateral would certainly be the Chen family's boat, a fisherman's lifeline.
Qian Biao had decided that this orphan and widow were soft targets, already viewing the Chen family as fish meat on his chopping block.
Chen Qing's bitter smile deepened as he repeatedly bowed, "Thank you for Master Biao's concern! You're too righteous! But right now... we can still barely manage. If we really can't, I'll come to you."
Seeing Chen Qing wouldn't take the bait, Qian Biao's smile instantly stiffened and cooled, his features only perfunctorily twitching, "Fine, when you need it, come find me anytime."
His gaze swept over Chen Qing with a trace of barely perceptible coldness, "Go back quickly, don't keep your mother waiting."
Those three words "waiting anxiously" were deliberately slowed, sounding like concern but more like an icy demand.
"Yes, thank you Master Qian, thank you Master Qian!" Chen Qing's face squeezed out gratitude as he hurried toward his family's two connected decrepit fishing boats.
[NEXT CHAPTER]
2025-08-27 13:15:23 +0000 UTC
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IMPORTANT INFOS
For Pledged Members:
Wizard: Starting With Synthesized Gems — Chapters 141 to 150
American Hunting: Starting From Alone In The Wilderness — Chapters 141 to 150
We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? — Chapters 101 to 110
For Free Members:
Necromancer, What the Hell Is A Type 055 Summon? — Chapters 89 & 90
Wasteland Border Inspector — Chapters 87 & 88
My Father Is Superman, But I'm Just An NPC? — Chapters 79 & 80
Wizard: Starting With Synthesized Gems — Chapters 79 & 80
American Hunting: Starting From Alone In The Wilderness — Chapters 79 & 80
We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? — Chapters 55 & 56
God's Imitator — Chapters 55 & 56
Daily Divination: From Market Rogue Cultivator To Immortal Venerable — Chapters 41 & 42
I Run A Prison In America — Chapters 41 & 42
2025-08-26 10:12:58 +0000 UTC
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