Rise from a Poor Family: My Martial Arts Counterattack

Chapter 364 Growth Before Departure (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

That night, Jiang Duanchao and Lin Chen talked for two hours.

Although Lin Chen suspected that his father-in-law was afraid that he would cheat on him, he was also very moved by his father-in-law's heartfelt advice.

Because his parents were ordinary fishermen and didn't know much about martial arts, they didn't give him much advice before they went out, fearing that saying the wrong thing would affect him.

Now, the father-in-law is making up for the younger generation's departure by offering earnest advice and survival tips as an elder.

The Yan Dynasty, to put it simply, was an expanded version of the Nine Kingdoms.

Some principles are the same.

Don't act impulsively.

When you're out and about, try to avoid making enemies.

But if it really can't be avoided, then you have to be ruthless. Once you've broken off relations, don't be soft-hearted.

An enemy will never be grateful for your mercy.

……

……

The next day, at dawn.

Lin Chen and Jiang Qing left the Jiang residence through the main gate and headed to the Shu residence on another street.

Upon arriving at the gate of the Shu residence, Lin Chen, holding Jiang Qing's hand, quickly stepped forward when he saw Instructor Yu and his wife standing in front of the gate.

"Instructor Yu, is there a distinguished guest at the Shu residence today?"

Seeing the puzzled look on his disciple's face, Yu Yongnian smiled and said, "You two are honored guests. Your master's wife and I have been waiting for you here."

It turned out that long before the two were about to leave, the steward of the Jiang family had already sent a servant to the Shu family to inform them.

"How can an instructor be made to wait for his disciple?"

Lin Chen smiled, but Yu Yongnian stroked his beard and said, "Instructors do not need to wait for their disciples. As a citizen of Great Liang, I should wait to welcome those who can turn the tide for our Great Liang."

Lin Chen: ...

Shu Suwan stepped forward and took Jiang Qing's hand: "Don't worry about those two grown men, go inside with your master's wife."

……

……

When Lin Chen visited the Shu residence, he was received by Yu Yongnian and his wife, but no one else was there.

The Shu family knew about Lin Chen's arrival, but they wisely chose not to disturb the master and disciple's reunion.

If Lin Chen were still the same as before, just a young genius, the Shu family could have come up to him to make their faces known. But now, Lin Chen is someone the Shu family can no longer reach.

Running up to people only causes annoyance.

"I am currently only at the ninth rank, but thanks to you, I may be able to reach the eighth rank later. There is not much left for me to teach you on the path of martial arts."

Yu Yongnian and Lin Chen sat in the pavilion in the courtyard, while their teacher's wife, Shu Suwan, was whispering secrets to Jiang Qing a short distance away. Lin Chen glanced over and occasionally caught a glimpse of the blush on Jiang Qing's face.

"When do you plan to set off for the Yan Dynasty?"

"Seven days later."

Lin Chen didn't hide anything from his own tutor.

"Seven days later..." Yu Yongnian hesitated for a long time, "I won't see you off then."

Yu Yongnian could imagine that on the day Lin Chen left the Yan Dynasty, many people would see him off, including many important figures from the court. He was just Lin Chen's instructor at the Martial Arts Hall, so he wouldn't mingle with those important figures.

Unless he wants to use Lin Chen to gain personal benefits, deliberately showing off his deep master-disciple relationship with Lin Chen in front of everyone, so that those important figures in Daliang will give him more resources.

"How could I trouble you, instructor, to see me off? This time, I don't intend to disturb too many people on my way to the Yan Dynasty."

"Ah."

Yu Yongnian nodded. He knew his disciple's situation; he wasn't the type to show off.

"However, I do have a suggestion: you could write another letter."

"write a letter?"

"After you became a model martial arts student in Jiangnan Dao, the letter you wrote, 'Words to My Junior Brother in Jiangnan Dao,' has spread throughout the entire Daliang. As your instructor, I was in charge of investigating the atmosphere of martial arts education in various places at the Martial Affairs Hall. Your letter had a great influence on the young people later on."

The position assigned to Yu Yongnian by the Military Affairs Bureau was a leisurely one, which was also requested by Yu Yongnian himself; he did not want to be the director of the Military Affairs Bureau.

"It is no exaggeration to say that your letter strengthened the martial arts aspirations of the young people in Jiangnan Dao by several times compared to previous years. Now, the emergence of the Yan Dynasty has not only shown these young people in Daliang a broader world of martial arts, but also dealt them a blow."

Lin Chen pondered that he had also sensed what the instructor was saying when he was chatting with his junior brother Lu and the others not long ago.

"I will consider it."

"You are now a role model for all the young people in Daliang who are determined to learn martial arts. Consider this one last encouragement to them."

Yu Yongnian nodded with a smile. He knew that when Lin Chen said "I'll think about it," he meant he agreed.

As for literary talent...

For someone capable of writing "Words to My Fellow Disciple Jiangnan Dao," writing an article is nothing special.

……

In the evening, Lin Chen and Jiang Qing had dinner at the Shu residence and left the residence with the help of Yu Yongnian and his wife.

Yu Yongnian waved until the boy's figure disappeared at the end of the street before he lowered his hand.

"Seeing your poverty yet firm will, your tireless practice, you are truly a noble son from a humble family, a rare treasure in this world."

"You should use this gold as your boat to brave the waves and sail across the sea of ​​martial arts, search for the pearl, and achieve extraordinary success."

Yu Yongnian murmured that he had used these two sentences to encourage Lin Chen a few years ago, and unexpectedly, Lin Chen had achieved it in just a few years.

Shu Suwan looked at her husband. Although he didn't want to take advantage of Daliang because of Lin Chen, and didn't want to mention his relationship with Lin Chen to others, she knew that in her husband's heart, Lin Chen was his greatest pride.

Furthermore, because of Lin Chen, many sons of powerful and wealthy families wanted to become her husband's teachers, but he refused them all.

Planting flowers by chance, not driven by profit, is something that is difficult to replicate.

If other disciples are recruited, this pure heart will be lost.

……

In the following days, Lin Chen visited Master Kong of Jing Shui Martial Arts School. The original master, Zeng Qingyao, had already entered the Xiantian realm and left Poyang County. The current master was the former deputy master, Kong Yinglei.

At the same time, Lin Chen also visited Master Tai Rubai of Zhenyue Martial Arts School and Master Zhao Qifeng of Kuangfeng Martial Arts School... He met many old friends and even went to Poyang Guard to meet Fang Ze.

Fang Ze is now the Deputy Commander of Poyang Guard, while the former Commander applied to be transferred to the Zhenbei Army when the Great Liang and the Northern Frontier Demon Clan went to war. In the end, he died in battle on the icy plains of the Northern Frontier, which made Lin Chen feel somewhat regretful.

……

Quzhou.

Li House.

Lanterns and colors.

Today is the 89th birthday of the old master of the Li family.

Throughout Jiangnan Dao, there are specific customs regarding the birthdays of the elderly, with the ninetieth birthday being the most important and the tenth the most important.

The number "ten" has the meaning of "fullness," and "fullness overflows" implies that things will eventually turn into their opposites; while "nine" is a homophone for "long-lasting," symbolizing longevity and long life.

This is a folk custom, and the Li family, being a martial arts family, is no exception.

The Li family was a large clan, and many guests had come. Li An was greeting guests in the side hall inside the gate when he heard the gatekeeper announce, "Master, the master of the Zhenyue Martial Arts School in Poyang County has arrived."

"The head of Zhenyue Martial Arts School?"

Ang Lee's eyes lit up, and he immediately stood up to greet him.

In the past, he would not have taken the head of Zhenyue Martial Arts School seriously, but the situation is different now.

If it weren't for Tai Rubai, the head of Zhenyue Martial Arts School, bringing Lin Chen to their door, and Lin Chen's father personally pursuing him under the moonlight and teaching him the Zhenyue Manual, the Li family would have no connection with Lin Chen.

Thinking about Lin Chen's achievements, Ang Lee admires his father's vision immensely.

The only thing that bothered him was that his father wouldn't let him publicize his family's relationship with Lin Chen.

"Brother Tai..."

Li An had just opened his mouth when he saw the young man beside Tai Rubai and was immediately stunned.

"You...why are you here?"

After a long pause, Ang Lee's words became somewhat incoherent.

“Uncle Li, what are you saying? Today is the old man’s birthday, how could I not come? If Master Tai hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known it was the old man’s birthday today. Uncle Li, you didn’t even send me an invitation.”

Lin Chen smiled. He really didn't know that it was Lord Li's eighty-ninth birthday today. It was Tai Rubai who told him when he visited Master Tai.

Now that he has some free time, he naturally wants to attend Lord Li's birthday celebration.

Master Li's teachings went far beyond simply imparting the Zhenyue Manual to him. He also learned from his own teacher that when he and Li Zhe were vying for the title of Jiangnan Dao martial arts student, Master Li had gone to the Martial Arts Hall and slammed his fist on the table.

The old man's care and concern for her were evident in his words.

"Father said you have a lot to do these days, so he won't bother you with this little thing."

Li An quickly explained that his father was celebrating his birthday and had invited guests. He had considered sending invitations to the Lin family, but his father had stopped him. "Lin Chen is now the number one person in the Nine Kingdoms. He probably has many things to do and also needs to cultivate. My old man isn't dead. He's just celebrating his birthday. There's no need to disturb him."

"The old man is really..."

Lin Chen shook his head helplessly, while Tai Rubai, who was standing next to him, laughed and said, "Lin Chen, why don't you go and ask the old master yourself later why he didn't send out invitations?"

"I wouldn't dare, I'm afraid the old man will point his finger at me and scold me."

Li An listened to Lin Chen's joke and laughed along, then personally led Lin Chen to the inner courtyard.

My father is eighty-nine years old. Although there are many guests at this birthday celebration, apart from the elders of the family and some elders who have a very good relationship with the Li family, my father does not plan to meet with the others in private. He will only show up when the birthday banquet begins.

The inner quarters.

Li Qi, who was accompanying her grandfather, saw her father enter with people. When she saw the faces of the people who entered, her mouth opened slightly, and she looked incredulous.

"My lord, may you live a long and healthy life."

"What brings you here? Did An'er send you an invitation?"

When Li Yueshan saw Lin Chen appear, a smile appeared on his old face, but he immediately turned serious and looked at his son.

“My lord, you are wronging Uncle Li. I learned it from Master Tai. You don’t treat me as a junior. You didn’t tell me such an important matter.”

Lin Chen helped Li An out of the predicament, then stepped forward, nodded to Li Qi, and took the old man's withered hand from her.

"I'm an old man, not dead. I'm just celebrating my birthday. It's not a big deal. How can I take up your time? Your time is precious now. I'm afraid you'll be going to the Yan Dynasty soon."

"Yes, I'll be leaving in a few days."

Lin Chen nodded, having nothing to hide from Elder Li either.

"Before you go to the Yan Dynasty, you must have many things to arrange. How can you waste time for an old man like me?"

“My lord, you are wrong. If I want to get things settled, I must come and see you. Otherwise, I will never be able to get things settled. Even after I go to the Yan Dynasty, I will still be thinking about you.”

Hearing Lin Chen's answer, Li Yueshan was stunned, and the hand that Lin Chen was holding tightened: "It's enough that you have the intention."

Li Yueshan led Lin Chen around the courtyard, while Li An and his daughter Li Qi did not follow, nor did Tai Rubai, who let the old man and the young woman whisper among themselves.

"You don't need to worry too much about the Li family. Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. If any of the Li family's descendants are capable and can go far in martial arts, then help them if you can. If the Li family's descendants don't have the talent for martial arts, then don't force them to help. With the wealth they've accumulated, they'll be well-off for generations. Sometimes it's nice to be a leisurely rich man."

"Okay," Lin Chen replied.

"Your achievements have far surpassed mine. Now that you're going to the Yan Dynasty, I don't have much to tell you. Just remember not to take on too much responsibility. The Great Liang has its own destiny. Don't make the Great Liang a burden. Once you're in the Yan Dynasty, just treat yourself as if you were alone."

"Yes, I understand."

……

……

Half an hour later, the banquet began.

After offering a toast to dozens of tables of guests, Elder Li left.

Lin Chen did not appear in front of the guests, at Li Yueshan's request.

“My Li family hasn’t produced any talented descendants lately. If outsiders find out about your relationship with my Li family, it will only attract the attention of some scheming individuals.”

Finally, Lin Chen, Tai Rubai, Huang Kun, the young master of the Huang family who came from Huangshan, and several close relatives and elders from the Li family set up a separate table in the backyard.

……

……

Three days later.

Linhu Village.

Lin Chen bid farewell to his parents and boarded a ship early in the morning to head to Canglan Martial Academy.

He and Steward Gao agreed to depart from Canglan Martial Academy for the Yan Dynasty.

Gao Zemin was quite interested in the relics left by the Canglan Sect disciples beneath the Canglan Martial Academy in Daliang.

When Lin Chen arrived at Canglan Martial Academy, he was stunned for a moment when he saw the boy in front of him. The next moment, the two stepped forward and hugged.

"Junior Brother Xiao."

"Senior Brother Lin."

Xiao Yaojin also arrived at Canglan Martial Academy, while Fang Zhan stood aside watching this scene with a smile.

……

Canglan Martial Arts Academy.

Gao Zeming emerged from the Canglan Zhenjun Mansion beneath Canglan Lake, a look of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing both emotion and reflection).

"This True Monarch Canglan is a senior of my Canglan Sect who is at the third level of the Innate Realm. After returning to the sect, I will report to the sect. If this senior has any descendants, the sect will take care of them."

The fact that this senior left Lin Chen the Canglan Token, allowing the Canglan Sect to receive a genius disciple, is enough for the sect to give this senior a great credit.

Lin Chen, Qin Yan, and Gu Kong listened quietly.

Lin Chen was fine, but Qin Yan and Gu Kong understood what the steward meant.

The Yan Dynasty was fiercely competitive.

In contrast, after learning about the situation in Daliang these past few days, they actually envied the martial artists of Daliang.

Even if a martial artist in the Great Liang Dynasty is not strong, as long as they reach the rank of a certain level, their family's strength will gradually increase. Even if no one in their descendants has martial arts talent, they can still live a life free from worries about food and clothing.

In the Yan Dynasty, it was a matter of either advancing or retreating.

The territory of Canglan Domain is dozens of times larger than that of Daliang, but if a family makes a decline, it will have to give up the territory it originally owned.

In the Yan Dynasty, there is an extremely strict hierarchy. If a family with an Innate Martial Artist grows old or suffers an accident, resulting in the family having no Innate Martial Artists, the family's territory will immediately shrink.

The existence of this rule leads some innate powerhouses, when they find that their family's descendants are unable to take over, to complete certain tasks for the sect in order to protect the interests of their family.

The fact that a powerful expert at the third level of the Innate Realm would travel overseas is a testament to the fierce competition within the Yan Dynasty.

"Lin Chen, I learned from Canglan Martial Academy these past few days that all of its disciples have absorbed and refined Canglan energy, which means they have close ties with my Canglan Sect. When I return to the sect, I will suggest that we grant Canglan Martial Academy a disciple training quota. Then, Canglan Martial Academy can recommend a talented disciple to Canglan Sect to participate in the assessment."

Gao Zeming looked at Lin Chen with a smile. Lin Chen understood that this was Deacon Gao doing him a favor.

"However, this matter still needs the elders to push it forward, otherwise my report alone will not be enough to attract the sect's attention."

Gao Zeming gave Lin Chen a clear explanation. Under normal circumstances, this matter would definitely not have been possible, but Lin Chen's situation was special. Now, several elders were vying to take Lin Chen as their disciple, and Lin Chen could take this opportunity to seek some benefits for Canglan Martial Academy.

For those elders, having the Canglan Martial Academy recommend talented disciples to the Canglan Sect for assessment was just a matter of a word.

Lin Chen understood. Deacon Gao was reminding him that when he arrived at the sect, choosing which elder to take as his master could help him secure some benefits for the Canglan Martial Academy.

……

……

after one day.

A figure entered the Canglan Martial Academy.

Lin Chen looked at Su Qin in front of him and the delicate handwriting in the letter in his hand, and finally nodded.

The sky was dark.

An inn in Canglan Prefecture.

When Lin Chen arrived on time, pushed open the door, and stepped inside, he was stunned for a moment.

inside the house.

The young girl had just finished bathing, her long hair cascading down to her waist. Her black dress slowly slipped down, revealing her exquisitely dressed inner garments, displaying her beauty to Lin Chen.

A pair of delicate, white hands slowly closed the door.

"I don't ask for anything, I just want to give myself to you before you leave."

The young girl, her breath sweet as orchids, pressed Lin Chen against the door, grabbed his hand, and gently lifted the ribbon on his fair, jade-like shoulder...

Spring cold showers in Huaqing Pool, hot spring water slides and gels.

……

The girl was extremely domineering, charging forward like a knight, fighting her way in and out seven times. However, after a short while, she was eventually overwhelmed and captured by the enemy. She had no choice but to surrender and submit to their command.

There were no other guests on this floor of the inn today, and Su Qin personally guarded the entrance.

A young girl can be herself without restraint.

That night, Lin Chen was quick-witted, thinking about what article to rewrite, and inspiration flowed like a spring.

The young girl ground ink and added fragrance to it with her sleeves...

PS: Brothers, it's not that I'm not giving you guys some meat (a euphemism for something risqué), but remember when Lin Chen was in the Canglan True Monarch's Mansion, Jiu Deng only briefly described the scene of the junior sister seducing the extras, and as a result, he was warned and his chapter was banned. I'm really speechless.

Some people write more than me and nothing happens, but I always have a problem with every word I write. Does that mean there are upright gentlemen among my readers?

Even the most upright gentleman shouldn't be a eunuch.

The balance of Yin and Yang is a natural principle for human beings.

Brother, go easy on me. We've already made it as bland as possible; it can't really be a monk's broth.

(End of this chapter)