Chaos begins when one joins a martial arts school

Chapter 41 Meeting
Chengpingfang, front courtyard.

Yang Jing practiced the application of hidden force in the Mountain-Crushing Fist again and again. Wherever his fist passed, the air seemed to tremble slightly. The restrained power made the surrounding disciples dare not approach.

Qi Yun was practicing her boxing not far away when she glanced at Yang Jing out of the corner of her eye. Seeing his focused expression, which attracted many disciples to steal glances, she couldn't help but sneer in her heart: "He just got lucky and broke through to the Dark Force realm, yet he shamelessly stands in the center of this arena. What a petty person who has achieved his goal."

Three poles in the sun.

The moon gate in the inner courtyard creaked open.

Sun Yong, dressed in a plain short jacket, walked out slowly, followed closely by Sun Ningxiang, who stood by the door, her gentle gaze sweeping over the front yard.

Sun Yong's steps may seem casual, but they are actually methodical.

He first walked towards the area for registered disciples, mostly stopping to take a look. When he encountered someone whose movements were obviously out of shape, he would give them a few words of advice in a deep voice, such as "Your shoulders are not relaxed properly, and your energy is being released" or "You are not twisting your waist, so where does your strength come from?" After saying this, he would continue walking without delay.

Sun Yong lingered a little longer when he arrived at the Ming Jin disciple's place.

He walked up behind a disciple and pressed down on the disciple's back: "When you throw a punch, you need to relax here, use the power of your legs to drive the power of your waist, and then transfer it to your hands. Don't just rely on the power of your arms."

He would explain and demonstrate at the same time, and only move on to the next person after the other person had grasped some of the concept.

There weren't many Ming Jin disciples to begin with, and he gave them pointers one by one. Although it didn't take long, every word he said hit the nail on the head.

Finally, he arrived at the training area for the disciples of the Dark Force School.

First, Zhao Wenzheng was shown a set of punches. Sun Yong shook his head and said, "The internal force is too strong and lacks staying power."

Then, after looking at it for a while, he pointed out two other minor issues.

Then he gave Xu Hong and Qi Yun some pointers.

When it was Yang Jing's turn, Sun Yong stopped and looked at him very carefully.

Seeing that when he finished the "Stone Shattering the Sky" move of the Mountain-Crushing Fist, the hidden force was not completely contained, he stepped forward, grasped his wrist and said, "Here you need to gather your strength like drawing a bow, not just let it dissipate after you finish. You see, the internal force needs to circulate through the meridians once and then sink into the dantian, so that it can be continuous."

As he spoke, he guided Yang Jing to feel the flow of internal energy, even subtly adjusting the rhythm of his breathing.

This meticulous instruction took ten times longer than usual, a stark contrast to the previous teaching of Yang Jing.

Sun Yong even personally dissected the hidden force variations of the three moves of the Mountain-Crushing Fist, demonstrating everything from the angle of force application to the range of spinal twisting, until Yang Jing nodded in understanding. Only then did he smile and say, "You succeeded in breaking through twice on your first try, which shows that although your physical constitution is inferior, your comprehension is above that of ordinary people. Don't think that you have no hope of mastering the fundamentals just because your physical constitution is poor. If you practice hard, you may be able to reach the threshold of mastering the fundamentals."

Upon hearing this, many disciples in the front courtyard were stunned.

Lin Yue paused in his boxing practice, his face darkening.

Qi Yun frowned, clearly feeling that her master valued Yang Jing too much.

Even Xu Hong and Zhao Wenzheng were somewhat surprised. The master's emphasis on Yang Jing seemed to subtly overshadow them, the veteran disciples of the Dark Force, which inevitably made them feel uncomfortable, especially the third senior brother Zhao Wenzheng, who was a bit narrow-minded.

Some disciples speculated that perhaps it was because Yang Jing had just broken through that the headmaster was taking extra care to guide him, rather than because he valued him highly.

Sun Yong ignored the stares of the crowd and walked toward Lin Yue.

He stood beside Lin Yue for a long time, meticulously explaining everything from fist techniques to internal strength and how to respond to an enemy. He even personally sparred with Lin Yue, his focus far surpassing that of the other disciples.

"Senior Brother Lin's physical constitution is the best in the academy, and the academy master ultimately values ​​him the most," a disciple whispered among himself.

“Yes, no one can compare to Senior Brother Lin’s status,” someone nearby chimed in.

Yang Jing was indifferent to everything else, but Sun Yong's guidance was like clearing away the clouds to reveal the sun, making his understanding of internal strength clearer and his progress in the Mountain-Crushing Fist was rapidly improving.

He calmed himself down and continued to immerse himself in the art of boxing, ignoring the attention and discussions from the outside world.

In the evening, Liu Maolin came over after finishing his chores at home. He was wearing a fine brocade short shirt and had a hearty smile on his face. He strode into the martial arts school.

"Junior brother, are you done with your work?" He looked at Yang Jing, who was still pondering his boxing techniques, and said with a smile, "The celebration banquet we promised tonight must be fulfilled."

Yang Jing put down his fist and wiped his sweat: "I just rested and was waiting for your news."

"That's perfect," Liu Maolin said with a smile. "My father specifically instructed that we should have a good time, and the venue is Fumanlou Restaurant in the inner city. Shall we go now?"

"The inner city?" Yang Jing was slightly taken aback. Since his transmigration, he had never been able to move beyond the outer city. He had only heard about the inner city from other people's discussions. It was said that the officials and gentry of Yuhe County lived there, and ordinary people could hardly set foot there.

"Is this your first time in the inner city? Come on, let me show you around." Liu Maolin patted his chest.

As the two exited the martial arts school, a simply decorated carriage was already waiting by the roadside. The driver bowed respectfully upon seeing Liu Maolin emerge.

Liu Maolin has gradually taken over the family business and is now considered the second-in-command of the entire Liu Family Medical Center. After all, in addition to being the young master of the Liu family, he is also a master of internal strength and holds a very high position in the Liu family.

"Get in the car."

Liu Maolin lifted the carriage curtain, and Yang Jing followed him into the carriage.

The carriage moved slowly, its wheels rolling over the cobblestones with a steady sound.

As Yang Jing sat in the car, he could feel the streets gradually widening and the pedestrians becoming more and more dressed.

When the carriage reached a tall city gate, it stopped, and several soldiers in armor came forward to check it.

The driver took out a wooden plaque engraved with intricate patterns from his pocket and handed it over. After the soldier inspected it, he waved for them to pass.

The moment the carriage entered the inner city, Yang Jing couldn't resist his curiosity and lifted a corner of the curtain to look outside.

What came into view was a scene completely different from that of the outer city.

The wide streets are paved with smooth bluestone slabs, and the buildings on both sides are mostly courtyard houses with upturned eaves, and the walls are covered with green vines.

There were many pedestrians on the street, regardless of age or gender, all dressed in fine silk and satin, with composed expressions, forming a stark contrast with the emaciated and ragged refugees in the outer city.

Occasionally, carriages and horses would pass by, but they were all beautifully decorated sedan chairs or tall horses, showing no trace of the hustle and bustle and chaos of the outer city.

"This is like a completely different world from the outer city." Yang Jing was shocked and couldn't help but gasp.

"How is it? It's different from the outer city, isn't it?" Liu Maolin smiled and explained when he saw his curiosity. "The inner city is inhabited by officials and powerful families, especially the six major families of Yuhe County. It is heavily guarded, and refugees can't get in at all. The security is ten times better."

Yang Jing nodded, his gaze sweeping over a pharmacy on the street with a sign that read "Baozhitang". The shop assistants standing at the door were all dressed in decent long gowns and were attentively greeting customers.

He stared blankly out the window, his heart gaining a more direct understanding of the world. The same city, yet two different worlds inside and out. Seeing Yang Jing lost in thought while gazing at the street scene, Liu Maolin simply said to the coachman, "You take the carriage to Fumanlou and book a private room. We'll walk there and stroll around at our leisure."

The coachman responded and drove the carriage away.

The two walked side by side on the bluestone road, and the prosperity of the inner city was even more impressive than what could be seen through the gap in the carriage curtain.

Shops lined both sides of the street. The shop assistants of the silk store were hanging out bolts of shimmering brocade to dry. The enticing aroma wafted from the entrance of the restaurant, and the sound of the storyteller's gavel, accompanied by cheers from the audience, came from the teahouse. Everywhere was a scene of peace and prosperity.

Looking at the commotion, Liu Maolin's smile faded, and he sighed, "Look at the inner city, a place of extravagance and revelry, truly living up to the saying 'behind the red gates, meat and wine go to waste.' But look at the outer city, and the countryside outside the city, people are starving to death every day these days... This world is like a gaping maw, devouring the poor."

His family runs a medicinal herb business, so he has a good understanding of the current situation in Yuhe County and the surrounding areas. He knows very well that the situation is almost in complete chaos, and Yuhe County is relatively better off.

As Yang Jing listened, his gaze swept over a wealthy young man on the street who casually tossed leftover pastries to a dog, and he thought of the humiliated refugees huddled in the corners of the alleys outside the city, barely alive. A heavy feeling welled up in his heart.

He thought of his father and uncle, who had gone to the front lines of Caozhou with the troops to transport grain half a year ago, and now there was no news of them, not even a letter from home.

It is said that the battle at the front is at a stalemate, and various rumors have already spread among the refugees. Yang Jing also made a special inquiry. Most people did not know about the supply convoy. Some people said some things, which made Yang Jing feel even heavier. Some said that the supply convoy was attacked and wiped out, and some said that it was captured by the enemy. Each one was like a knife stabbing into his heart.

But he was in Yuhe County, and all he could do was worry and feel anxious.

A strong sense of urgency welled up inside him; he needed greater power, he wanted to become stronger!

If one can reach the Transformation Realm, or even higher, one will have the confidence to protect oneself in chaotic times and will be able to personally go to Caozhou to find the whereabouts of one's father and uncle.

But right now, he is just a martial artist who has just entered the Dark Force realm. He has not even gained a foothold in this small Yuhe County yet, so how can he talk about traveling thousands of miles to find his relatives?
“Strength…” Yang Jing murmured softly, clenching his fists.

The prosperity of the inner city and the suffering of the outer city, the uncertainty of his loved ones' fate, all transformed into a heavy driving force, weighing on his heart and burning in his eyes.

Liu Maolin noticed the change in Yang Jing's expression and patted him on the shoulder: "Don't think too much, let's go have a drink first. You've just broken through to the Dark Force realm, you have a long road ahead of you."

Yang Jing took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent emotions, and nodded.

There are no shortcuts to becoming stronger; you can only walk that path step by step on your own!

The two walked along the street and soon arrived at their destination.

Two large red lanterns hang in front of the vermilion gate of Fumanlou, making the golden characters on the lintel shine brightly.

As Yang Jingzheng followed Liu Maolin up the steps, the sound of tinkling pendants suddenly came from inside the door, and two women walked out gracefully.

The woman at the head of the group was dressed in a moon-white long gown with a jade belt around her waist. She had a touch of heroism between her brows and a beautiful face. She was none other than Zhao Yuman, the young lady of the Zhao Family Escort Agency. Behind her was her maid, Qinghe.

"Miss Zhao?" Liu Maolin was somewhat surprised and stopped, bowing respectfully.

Zhao Yuman also saw him, smiled slightly, and nodded in response, "Young Master Liu has also come to eat."

His gaze inadvertently swept over Yang Jing beside Liu Maolin. At first, he was a little puzzled, feeling that the man's face looked somewhat familiar. Then, as if he remembered something, his brows furrowed slightly.

She remembered that Liu Maolin had previously wanted to introduce her to a martial arts master of the Ming Jin style and had even shown her a portrait of him, but she hadn't paid much attention to it at the time.

Upon seeing him again, and thinking of Liu Maolin standing beside her, Zhao Yuman quickly remembered Yang Jing's identity. Her expression immediately turned indifferent. She simply nodded slightly to Yang Jing as a greeting, then said goodbye to Liu Maolin. She then hurriedly turned and left with her maid Qinghe, seemingly unwilling to stay any longer.

As Qinghe passed by, she also gave a proper bow: "Greetings, Young Master Liu."

After the two left the Fu Man Lou restaurant and got into a carriage, Qing He asked in a low voice, "Miss, was the man next to Young Master Liu just now the same Yang Jing from the portrait that Young Master Liu gave us? Come to think of it, he looks more dashing in person than in the portrait, and his features are quite handsome."

Zhao Yuman pulled the carriage curtain closer, a barely perceptible smile curving her lips.

Yang Jing's appearance is acceptable, but he is ultimately just a Ming Jin martial artist with inferior aptitude, and his potential has already peaked.

If I still can't find a suitable partner after a few more years, I might as well consider him.

As for now... he's not qualified to stand by my side.

She didn't respond to Qinghe's words, but simply said, "Let's go. We still need to check the accounts when we get back. Don't let this delay our important business."

Qinghe quickly instructed the driver to drive, and the carriage soon disappeared around the street corner.

Fu Man Lou, a private room on the second floor.

The room was elegantly decorated, and the window seats offered a view of the street.

The two had just sat down when Liu Maolin was still clutching his stomach and laughing, tears welling up in his eyes.

"What are you laughing at?" Yang Jing looked at him helplessly and poured himself a cup of tea.

"Laugh at Zhao Yuman!" Liu Maolin finally stopped laughing, wiping his eyes. "She's always been arrogant and picky, looking down on even the sons of minor families. The way she avoided you when she saw you just now probably thought you were Ming Jin!"

He slapped the table and laughed again: "Once the news of your breakthrough to the Dark Force spreads, and she knows you've already broken through to the Dark Force, guess what her expression will be? She'll definitely regret it to the core! The entire Zhao Family Escort Agency only has one Dark Force master. No matter how arrogant Zhao Yuman is, she'll have to think twice about her position."

As he spoke, he leaned closer and winked, asking, "Seriously, junior brother, how did you feel after meeting Zhao Yuman in person? Didn't I show you her portrait before? Are you still interested? If you are, once the news of your breakthrough to the Dark Force spreads in a couple of days, I'll find another excuse to invite her out. She'll be eager to come running, more enthusiastic than anyone else."

Yang Jing put down his teacup and shook his head: "No, thank you."

“True,” Liu Maolin clicked his tongue, “We’re better off without someone as easily swayed as her. Let her regret it!”

He waved his hand dismissively, "You're a master of internal energy now, so many young ladies are waiting for you. Some of them are just as good as Zhao Yuman, or even better. I'll keep an eye out for you later."

"Senior brother," Yang Jing quickly waved his hand, his tone serious, "I'm not considering marriage for now."

He looked out the window. The inner city was still bustling, but beneath this prosperity lay the starving corpses and the shadow of chaos in the outer city.

The world is getting more and more chaotic. His father and uncle are still missing on the front line in Caozhou. Yang Jing is now thinking only about improving his strength.

Only with sufficient strength can I investigate the whereabouts of my father and uncle, and only then can I ensure the survival of myself and my family in this chaotic world.

PS:

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(End of this chapter)