Rise from a Poor Family: My Martial Arts Counterattack

Chapter 175 Apprenticeship
The courtyard of Wuzheng Hall.

Lin Chen did not stay in the hall all the time. He left after the discussion about him was completed.

As the Military Affairs Office in charge of the entire Jiangnan Province, it is impossible for them to hold a special meeting for Lin Chen. This time, Shao Jingshan summoned the directors of the Military Affairs Departments of various prefectures, so he must have other official business to attend to.

A quarter of an hour later.

Jia Nanzhu appeared in the courtyard.

Lin Chen bowed and said, "Master Jia, you have kept this from me for a long time."

"Hide it from you?" Jia Nanzhu wondered.

"How could a teacher have such a front seat in the hall?"

Hearing Lin Chen's words, Jia Nanzhu smiled and said, "Before I went to the special training ground, I did have an important position in the Wuzheng Hall, but I had already resigned before I met you. Now I am just an ordinary instructor in the Wuzheng Hall."

What a normal teacher!
The corner of Lin Chen's mouth twitched. These words were on the same level as those of the ordinary Gu Letian.

"I have good news for you. The Ministry of Military Affairs did not announce your second time leaving your name on the Martial Arts Mountain because they wanted to see if you could leave your name on the Martial Arts Mountain for the third time."

"Leave your name for the third time?"

This time, Lin Chen did not pretend to be modest. Instead, he pondered for a moment and said, "Disciple is confident of this."

Leaving your name at the 18th and 19th openings in a row, and then saying that you cannot leave your name at the subsequent openings, is being overly modest, and being overly modest is hypocrisy.

"I also think that there is a great possibility that you will leave your name in Wudao Mountain again."

Jia Nanzhu nodded, acknowledging Lin Chen's confidence.

"For the next period of training, do you plan to stay in Hongdu Prefecture or return to Poyang County?"

"Disciple wants to return to Poyang County."

After living in Poyang County for so many years, he has become accustomed to Poyang County, and there are many familiar people in Poyang County.

"Want to return home in glory?"

"This disciple cannot be considered a return home in glory."

Lin Chen scratched his head embarrassedly. It would be a lie to say that he didn't have such thoughts.

He is not a saint, but it is somewhat satisfying to show off his prowess in front of others. In fact, to some extent, returning home in glory is one of the motivations for him to practice martial arts.

"Passing the exam can be called returning home in glory in the past, but leaving your name on the Martial Arts Mountain is even more difficult than passing the exam, but there is a slight gap in strength between you and the martial arts exam."

Jia Nanzhu explained with a smile that it takes several or even ten years for one person to be named in Wudao Mountain, and the martial arts examination is held every three years, and sometimes every two years.

In every military examination, there would be more than a dozen successful candidates from Jiangnan Province, and there were as many as two hundred successful candidates in the whole Daliang Province.

In terms of the number of people and time, it would be much more difficult for Lin Chen to leave his name on Wudao Mountain.

This is also the reason why the Jiangnan Daoxingfu ordered the Raozhou Prefecture to erect a "Martial Arts Monument" for Lin Chen. If one participates in the martial arts examination, only those who pass the top-class examination will be eligible to erect a memorial archway, and those who want to erect a monument must be in the top three.

"I remembered an interesting thing. Among the warriors still alive in Jiangnan Dao, only one has received the three stone tablets sent by the court. With your potential, you may have the opportunity to obtain two stone tablets. If there are other opportunities in the future, you may be able to catch up with this senior."

"Three stone tablets? Isn't it enough for me to leave my name on Wudao Mountain three times?"

Jia Nanzhu snorted, "What do you think the court's stele is? The highest reward for martial arts students is this stele, and you can only get it once. Even if you open your mind to all realms and leave your name on the Martial Arts Mountain, the court will not give you a second stele. If you want to get a second one, you can only be in the top three in the martial arts examination. There are very few people in the entire Jiangnan Road who can get two stele inscriptions from the court before entering the rank."

"So that's it."

Lin Chen suddenly realized, and then he thought that it was indeed true. If one were to be awarded a Martial Arts Monument for leaving one's name once, then this Martial Arts Monument would be too cheap.

"Originally, when you got the Jiangnan Dao Martial Arts Student Model, you would also get a Liwu Stele, but since you already have one, the Jiangnan Dao Xingfu will naturally not give you a second Liwu Stele. The rule in Daliang is that you can only get one with the same stele."

"Disciple doesn't really care about these..."

"wrong!"

Jia Nanzhu's expression became serious. "The court inscription is the highest reward Daliang gives to a warrior besides training resources. Don't underestimate the martial arts monument. It is more than just an honor. As long as this inscription exists, the director of the Poyang County Military Administration will visit your home every year. If there are any new changes in matters related to martial arts education in the entire Raozhou Prefecture, the Military Administration will send you a letter to ask for your opinion. As for the policies issued by the Poyang County Military Administration, you can directly veto them."

"As for you, with this stone tablet, you can directly work in the government office as long as you are qualified, and you don't even need to participate in the military examination. In addition, you can enjoy a discount on the contribution points required to exchange for the treasures in the court treasury compared to others. But this is not the most important thing about the Liwu Monument. The most important thing about the Liwu Monument will be told to you after you are qualified..."

"Junior Brother Jia, there is no need to hide the most important thing about this Liwu Monument. There are some areas in Daliang that can only be entered if certain conditions are met."

Shao Jingshan appeared at the gate of the courtyard and strode in.

"Disciple greets Master Shao."

Lin Chen hurriedly saluted, and Shao Jingshan waved his hand: "Originally, some secrets can only be told after you enter the rank, but with your martial arts potential, Lin Chen, there is no problem in entering the rank. Junior Brother Jia, it’s okay for you to tell Lin Chen first, and it won’t be considered breaking the rules."

Jia Nanzhu shook her head: "The rules cannot be broken."

The main reason is that he is not Senior Brother Shao. As the director of the Jiangnan Dao Wuzheng Department, he can naturally ignore some rules.

It would be appropriate for Senior Brother Shao to say this, but it would be inappropriate for me to say it.

"Junior Brother Jia, you are too obedient to the rules."

Shao Jingshan replied with a smile, and turned his gaze to Lin Chen: "There are many places for cultivation in Daliang. Although there are risks, they can help warriors improve their strength quickly. These areas are usually inaccessible to warriors, but you can enter them with the Martial Arts Stele."

A treasure land for cultivation?

The first thought that came to Lin Chen’s mind was the secret realm.

There are risks, but it can quickly improve your strength, isn’t that a secret realm?
"I can only tell you that some treasured lands can even allow warriors to advance two ranks overnight!"

Hearing Shao Jingshan's words, Lin Chen's eyes lit up. Promoted two levels overnight?
"Don't think about it. Master Shao is joking with you. Although the martial arts treasure land can improve the progress of cultivation, it is not so exaggerated. Master Shao mentioned that he was promoted two levels overnight. That means that the senior was already at the point of breakthrough."

Seeing Lin Chen's eyes light up, Jia Nanzhu explained the truth to Lin Chen.

"And with your current strength, you can't even enter the lowest treasure land. The lowest treasure land in Daliang requires one to enter the Lianzang realm. Now your task is to break through to the Lianzang realm as soon as possible."

Lin Chen's eyes were filled with resentment. He was still dreaming of breaking through to the second level overnight, but his dream was ruthlessly shattered by Instructor Jia.

"Haha, Junior Brother Jia, you are too boring. I have given this kid something to look forward to."

Shao Jingshan burst into laughter, but after a while he stopped smiling and looked at Lin Chen: "I think Junior Brother Jia has already told you some things, so I won't repeat them. Do you want to stay in Hongdu Prefecture or go back to Poyang County?"

"I have decided to return to Poyang County."

Hearing Lin Chen's answer, Shao Jingshan looked at Jia Nanzhu.

"Brother Shao, I have resigned from my important position and want to relax. Poyang Lake has beautiful scenery and I can live here for a while."

Jia Nanzhu understood the meaning of Senior Brother Shao's eyes. If Lin Chen returned to Poyang County, he would follow him back. With him around, there was no need to worry about Lin Chen's safety in Poyang County.

If he couldn't even protect Lin Chen, then it would not be safe for Lin Chen to stay in Hongdu Mansion. It was impossible for Lin Chen to stay with Senior Brother Shao forever.

"Teacher Jia?"

Lin Chen did not expect that Instructor Jia would go back to Poyang County with him. He originally thought that after Instructor Jia returned to the Wuzheng Hall, his task of guiding him would be completed.

"Lin Chen, although Junior Brother Jia doesn't care, I still want to tell you that Junior Brother Jia is the deputy director of the Jiangnan Dao Wuzheng Department. In order to go to the special training ground to instruct you, he specially resigned from the position of deputy director."

Shao Jingshan saw Lin Chen's confusion and understood in his heart that Junior Brother Jia probably had not told Lin Chen about this in advance. Given Junior Brother Jia's personality, he probably wouldn't even tell him that he would resign as deputy director for Lin Chen.

Junior Brother Jia loves talented people, so he helped to promote them.

"Master Jia, it is really unnecessary for you to resign from the position of deputy director of the Military Affairs Department for your disciple. This disciple..."

When Lin Chen heard Lord Shao say that Instructor Jia resigned from his position in order to go to the special training ground to instruct him, his pupils suddenly shrank. It would be a lie to say that he was not moved.

"How can this kid be so worthy of the title..."

"Alright, I'm not resigning from the important position in the Military Affairs Office just for you. I'm also a little tired. My strength hasn't improved in all these years. If I continue to occupy this position, I'm afraid that many people will be annoyed. It's better for me to leave in a decent manner by giving you some advice."

Jia Nanzhu waved her hand to stop Lin Chen from continuing.

What he said was three-tenths true and seven-tenths false. The three-tenths true was that his strength had indeed begun to decline in recent years, and he had considered retiring a few years ago, but he continued to serve because he had not found a suitable successor.

The person most qualified to take over his position was originally Jiang Zheng from Hongdu Prefecture, but due to the dispute between Lin Chen and Li Zhe, Qiu Rufeng took advantage of it. Before he left, Senior Brother Shao asked him who could take over, and he recommended Qiu Rufeng.

Those who benefited from Lin Chen were not only the school owners and teachers in Poyang County, but also Qiu Rufeng, the director of the Military Affairs Department of Raozhou Prefecture, who got what he wanted this time and was able to make a big step forward.

"Master Jia, I still feel that..."

"Don't be so fussy. If you really want to be moved, then I'll ask you, how do I compare to your teaching position?"

"Uh?"

Lin Chen was speechless. After a moment of silence, he replied, "Teacher Jia, for a teacher, it has a different meaning than for a disciple. The disciple..."

"Just your words are enough. Since I am not as good as your teacher in your heart, it means that I haven't done enough for you. I still need to work harder."

Jia Nanzhu's words silenced Lin Chen again.

"Lin Chen, I have a suggestion. Since you feel unworthy of the honor, why not accept Junior Brother Jia as your master? That way you won't feel unworthy."

Shao Jingshan spoke with a smile. Lin Chen was stunned after hearing it. His eyes immediately swept to Instructor Jia beside him, just in time to catch a glimmer of expectation that just flashed in Instructor Jia's eyes.

"Junior Brother Jia is actually embarrassed to accept a disciple. If I hadn't given him a push this time, I'm afraid he wouldn't have mentioned the matter of accepting a disciple until Lin Chen took the initiative to ask."

Not only Lin Chen was observing Jia Nanzhu's expression, Shao Jingshan was also observing. When he saw that Junior Brother Jia's eyes flickered after he finished speaking and he didn't dare to look at Lin Chen at first, he was speechless.

No wonder Junior Brother Jia hasn’t had a single disciple in all these years.

"I am willing, but I am afraid that Master Jia will despise me for being stupid..."

Lin Chen reacted, and this time, without waiting for Shao Jingshan to ask again, he took the initiative to look at Jia Nanzhu.

"Junior Brother Jia, Lin Chen is willing to be your disciple. Please give me a straightforward answer."

Jia Nanzhu was somewhat helpless. He really wanted to accept Lin Chen as his disciple, but he wanted Lin Chen to take the initiative to speak. He did not expect Senior Brother Shao to do this.

As for when Lin Chen took the initiative to speak, it was naturally because he was moved by my kindness to him, and then I accepted Lin Chen, and that was perfect.

"Junior Brother Jia is just too hypocritical. If he continues to be hypocritical, Lin Chen might run away."

Shao Jingshan could guess what was in Jia Nanzhu's mind, but in his opinion, since he admired and had high hopes for Lin Chen, he should just ask to accept Lin Chen as his disciple and solidify the relationship of master and disciple.

What difference does it make whether Lin Chen took the initiative to bring it up or he spoke up on his own?
If you value it, then take action!

When Lin Chen leaves his name at Wudao Mountain for the third time, the Wuzheng Department will come. If someone from the Wuzheng Department asks to take Lin Chen as his disciple, wouldn’t it be a waste of time?

If Lin Chen could hear Shao Jingshan's inner voice at this moment, he would definitely agree with it.

Trying to impress others with your actions, isn't that just being a bootlicker?
Licking the dog, licking until there is nothing left.

"Of course I am willing."

After a while, Jia Nanzhu managed to utter these words.

"Lin Chen, you serve tea to Junior Brother Jia. I will be the witness of your master-disciple ceremony."

Shao Jingshan laughed again. There was boiled tea in the teapot in the yard, and Lin Chen respectfully served him the fragrant tea.

"Disciple Lin Chen invites the teacher to have tea!"

"it is good."

Jia Nanzhu took the teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

"From today on, I will pass on to you everything I have learned throughout my life. As for the gift for becoming your disciple, let me think about it and give it to you in the future."

"It is an honor for me to be accepted as a disciple by my teacher. How dare I..."

"Lin Chen, it's a good thing for you to take Junior Brother Jia as your master, but don't learn from your teacher's temper. It is only natural for a teacher to give a disciple a gift of respect."

Shao Jingshan interrupted Lin Chen again. It was not because he, as the director of the Military Affairs Department, liked to interrupt, but in many cases, one's temperament determined how long one could go in the martial arts.

Junior Brother Jia’s talent in martial arts is no worse than mine, but his strength has declined now. It’s not just because of the injury he suffered earlier. Even if he hadn’t been injured, it would have been difficult for Junior Brother Jia to catch up with me because he is a little too soft-tempered.

A warrior should be bold and open.

If it’s yours, take it. If it’s not yours... it depends on the situation.

"Thank you for your teachings, I will keep them in mind."

Lin Chen agreed, but Jia Nanzhu smiled helplessly. However, he had to admit that what Senior Brother Shao said made sense. His temper was indeed a little soft, which was also the reason why he failed to enter the third level of martial arts.

"Since you have decided to return to Poyang County, you can directly go to the Military Affairs Department of Raozhou Prefecture for the resources you need for cultivation... Never mind, Junior Brother Jia is your teacher now, there is no need for me to interfere. Junior Brother Jia will plan a good path for your cultivation."

Shao Jingshan pushed Lin Chen to take Junior Brother Jia as his master today, and he also had an idea in mind.

With the title of master and disciple, Junior Brother Jia can legitimately fight for cultivation resources for Lin Chen without anyone gossiping.

"Is there anything else?"

As the director of the Military Affairs Department, Shao Jingshan was extremely busy. He had been here for more than a quarter of an hour, which was enough.

"Master Shao, when I left my name for the second time at Wudao Mountain, I received a martial arts seal. I also have some questions about the next two steps of Wudao Mountain."

Hearing Lin Chen's words, Shao Jingshan's expression became serious, and he looked at Jia Nanzhu beside him: "Junior Brother Jia, although you are Lin Chen's teacher, the matter of the martial arts seal is of great importance, so I can only ask you to step aside for the time being."

"it is good."

Jia Nanzhu was not dissatisfied. He knew Brother Shao well and he knew he would not care too much about small rules. The fact that Brother Shao said something to ask him to avoid it meant that the martial arts seal was hiding some big secret.

Lin Chen did not expect that Lord Shao would ask his teacher to recuse himself. His teacher was the deputy director of the Martial Arts Department, but he did not even have the authority to listen in. Besides being shocked, he became even more curious about the Martial Arts Seal and the Martial Arts Mountain.

When Jia Nanzhu left the yard, she also waved away the servants at the gate, and there was no one within a hundred feet around the entire yard.

"Follow me into the house."

But even so, Shao Jingshan still didn't speak directly, but stepped into the main house. Lin Chen followed him in and closed the door.

"The martial arts seal is related to the martial fortune of Daliang."

As soon as he entered the room, Lin Chen was stunned by Shao Jingshan's first words.

Military luck?

“This is the answer to your first question.”

Shao Jingshan's eyes sparkled as he continued, "There are three steps on Wudao Mountain. The first step was built by Emperor Taizu, but the next two steps were not. This answers your second question."

Lin Chen rolled his eyes in his heart. Lord Shao's answer was no different from no answer.

After solving my own doubts, new doubts arise.

"You must not reveal this to anyone, not even your teacher. Otherwise, you will be charged with treason!"

Lin Chen: …

disclose?

What can I reveal?
Reveal your doubts?
Shao Jingshan saw Lin Chen's confused expression, but his expression was extremely serious: "I guess you must be complaining that I kept you in suspense, but this is indeed the answer I can tell you. You need to find the answers yourself for more."

"Disciple understands."

After a while, Lin Chen answered in a muffled voice.

Shao Jingshan looked at Lin Chen's expression, his expression changed slightly, and said: "Some things are of no benefit to you now. You just need to understand one thing, Emperor Taizu has good intentions for Daliang."

(End of this chapter)