Chaos begins when one joins a martial arts school

Chapter 67 Ranking Battle!
morning.

Tongyifang, in the courtyard.

After washing up, Yang Jing wiped his face with a cloth.

On the octagonal table in the main room, Yang An had already set out the food.

A large pot of stewed tiger meat until tender, with a thick broth, was still steaming.

Beside it was a dish of pickled vegetables and two bowls of white porridge, the steam rising and swirling like mist in the morning light.

"Eat it while it's hot. I stewed this tiger meat all night and added extra warming and nourishing medicinal herbs."

Yang An grinned and served Yang Jing a bowl of porridge, saying, "The drills at the training ground are exhausting, so eat more to replenish your energy."

Yang Jing sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and took a piece of tiger meat.

The meat is tender and has a subtle medicinal aroma, clearly indicating that it was prepared with care.

He chewed slowly, feeling the essence of the tiger meat resonate with the lingering power of the Qi-gathering pills within his body. His dantian felt warm and exceptionally comfortable.

In the past, he had a large appetite, and a pound of meat was just enough to fill his stomach. But today, with the medicinal power of the Qi-Nourishing Pill circulating in his body, his stomach felt as if it were filled with a warm current, and he felt full after eating a pound.

Why don't you eat more?

Seeing him put down his chopsticks, Yang An was a little puzzled. "This tiger meat is very precious. The price is ridiculously high. The hunter said it can replenish qi and blood and strengthen muscles and bones."

"That's enough," Yang Jing wiped his mouth and laughed, "I won't eat that much today."

Yang An said "Oh" and nodded: "Then you should hurry to the martial arts school, don't be late."

Yang Jing responded, stood up, straightened his clothes, picked up his cloth bag, and strode out of the courtyard.

The morning breeze carries the fresh scent of grass and trees, and feels especially refreshing on the face.

As the morning sun began to shine through the gray bricks and tiles of Chengpingfang, the vermilion gate of the Sun Family Martial Arts School was gently pushed open.

Yang Jing stepped inside. The front yard was empty except for a few janitors who were sweeping and cleaning up fallen leaves in the corner of the yard. When they heard the door open, they looked up and saw Yang Jing. They immediately put down their work and bowed.

Good morning, Senior Brother Yang!

The loudest voice came from a young boy in a gray cloth jacket, whose face showed obvious reverence and who almost dropped his broom.

The other servants also quickly greeted Yang Jing.

Everyone knows that this Senior Brother Yang is now a favorite of the headmaster. He was the top scorer in the seventh arena of the martial arts school. In the future, his influence in the martial arts school will probably rival that of Senior Brother Lin Yue.

Looking at their reserved yet eager expressions, Yang Jing smiled faintly and nodded slightly to them.

The morning light is growing stronger.

Yang Jing walked to a corner of the front yard, unbuttoned his coat, and casually draped his outer garment over the weapon rack next to him, revealing his smooth shoulders and back.

Because of his long-term martial arts training, his back is straight, and the muscles in his shoulder blades undulate slightly with his movements, conveying a sense of power without appearing bulging.

Then he walked to the spacious area in the center of the front yard, ready to practice his boxing.

He had taken the Qi-Nourishing Pill in the morning, and its effects were still surging through his body, making him feel hot all over and eager to vent his frustration by punching.

"drink!"

He let out a deep shout, and the starting stance of the Mountain-Crushing Fist was unleashed with fierce force. The wind from his fist swept across the ground, carrying up a few dew-covered fallen leaves.

The fist slammed into empty air, producing a dull "thump" that made the air tremble slightly.

The internal heat circulates with the movements of the fist, flowing along the meridians, and wherever it passes, the blood and qi surge even more.

As he practiced with great enthusiasm, his footwork suddenly changed, and he unleashed the "Surging Waves Leg" footwork.

His body moved like the ebb and flow of waves, his ankles turning lightly as he glided more than ten feet, his toes leaving swift afterimages as he touched the ground, sometimes like a startled swan skimming the water, sometimes like a raging wave crashing against the shore.

Having already revealed this leg technique on the training ground yesterday, there's no need to hide it anymore. I simply combined the ferocity of the Mountain-Crushing Fist with the agility of the Surging Waves Leg, making my punches swift and powerful, and my legs strike with might. The whole routine was performed with fluid grace and exhilarating skill.

The moon gate in the inner courtyard creaked softly, and Sun Yong walked out with his hands behind his back.

He was wearing a plain-colored training uniform and could see the focused figure in the front yard from afar.

He stopped in his tracks, his gaze falling on Yang Jing's boxing style and footwork. His originally calm eyes gradually showed more approval, and he couldn't help but nod slightly.

In retrospect, this apprentice not only has talent, but more importantly, he is diligent.

Many disciples become complacent after achieving some success, but he still comes early in the morning to practice diligently after achieving success. This kind of dedication alone is far beyond that of ordinary people.

Yang Jing was practicing a move called "Mountain Crashing and Rock Splitting," and just as he was about to throw his fist, he suddenly noticed a gaze behind him. He paused, turned around, and saw Sun Yong. He quickly stopped his move and bowed, saying, "Master."

“Keep practicing,” Sun Yong waved his hand, walked over slowly, and looked at his sweaty shoulders. “I think you’ve combined the Surging Wave Kick and the Mountain-Crushing Fist.”

Yang Jing responded and rose again.

Sun Yong watched quietly from the side, occasionally speaking up between his moves: "This is not right. Leg techniques generally emphasize lowering the center of gravity. When you lifted your foot just now, your waist strength didn't keep up, making you a fraction slower."

Although Sun Yong had not read "The Turbulent Leg Techniques," he had seen too many leg techniques and his own level was high enough that he could also guide Yang Jing in the cultivation of body techniques.

He picked up a twig and drew a simple footwork diagram on the ground: "Watch carefully, land on the inside of your foot first, use the momentum to twist your waist, so that the leg power can be released in the same direction. This way it is both fast and stable."

Following his instructions, Yang Jing adjusted his footwork and indeed felt that the power in his feet was much smoother, and his leg techniques were more explosive when they were extended.

Sun Yong watched as he quickly grasped the key, and the smile in his eyes deepened.

After giving instructions for a short while, Sun Yong returned to the inner courtyard with his hands behind his back.

As the sun rose higher, footsteps echoed outside the gate of the Sun Family Martial Arts School. Disciples arrived in twos and threes, and the front yard quickly became lively.

"Senior Brother Yang is here very early."

Some people whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with admiration.

Yesterday's training ground test saw Yang Jing take first place in the seventh arena, which has already become the talk of the town. Everyone knows that Yang Jing's current status in the school is second only to that genius senior brother Lin Yue, who has excellent physical attributes.

Lin Yue also arrived. He had been injured yesterday, but after taking some kind of precious medicine, he had recovered and his eyes were sharp.

Seeing Yang Jing practicing his boxing, he frowned slightly, paused for a moment, and then casually walked to the other side and started moving his hands and feet on his own.

Not long after, Xu Hong, Zhao Wenzheng, Qi Yun, and Liu Maolin also arrived.

Sun Yong came out of the inner courtyard and saw that almost everyone had arrived, so he clapped his hands and said: "Disciples above the Ming Jin level who want to go to the training ground to watch the training test today, please get ready and then come with me to the training ground."

The disciples responded immediately and quickly began tidying up the things.

Yuhe County, Nancheng, Anxingfang.

A spacious courtyard, inside the room.

Shen Lie leaned against the headboard, with a thick cotton pillow behind him. A light-colored bandage was wrapped around his chest. Although he was not completely unable to move, his face was abnormally pale, and his lips were lighter than usual.

He held a celadon teacup in his hand, his knuckles exerting a slight pressure, causing the tea to ripple slightly.

"Damn it," he muttered, his voice full of resentment, "If I hadn't been careless, how could I have lost to that Yang Jing? Otherwise, I should be standing on the training ground right now, not lying on this broken bed!"

Zhao Yuman sat on the bamboo chair opposite, her neat lake-blue outfit making her figure appear tall and straight.

She didn't do anything, but just sat there, her gaze calmly fixed on Shen Lie. After listening to his complaints, she said, "Don't think about it so much. Just focus on healing your injuries first. Don't worry about anything else."

Shen Lie snorted and slammed the teacup down on the bedside table with a loud "thud." "Hmph!"

Shen Lie snorted coldly. He had boasted to Zhao Yuman that he would teach Yang Jing a lesson, but...

Thinking of Yang Jing's calm and unwavering eyes, he felt as if a fire was burning inside him.

Zhao Yuman unconsciously rubbed the silver button on her cuff, the symbol of Zhao's Escort Agency.

She looked at Shen Lie's indignant expression, but felt nothing; in fact, she was somewhat impatient.

If he hadn't been a master of internal energy, she would never have set foot in this courtyard.

Zhao Yuman took a deep breath and comforted him, "Focus on healing your injuries first. If you encounter this again next time, you can get your revenge."

As soon as she finished speaking, she recalled the time when Liu Maolin introduced Yang Jing to her. Unfortunately, who could have imagined that the person she had casually rejected would now defeat Shen Lie and become the champion of the school field test?

A faint sense of regret welled up in my heart.

If she had agreed then... perhaps now, she wouldn't be here on her sickbed, but on the training ground, eagerly anticipating the upcoming competition.

But there's no turning back in this world.

Zhao Yuman suppressed her disappointment, stood up and said, "Young Master Shen, I've come to see you. It's good that you're alright. You should focus on recovering. I still have things to do at home, and the escort agency can't be left unattended. I'll come again tomorrow."

Shen Lie was taken aback, seemingly not expecting her to leave so quickly, and subconsciously said, "Won't you sit a little longer?"

"No, I'll come again tomorrow," Zhao Yuman said softly, gave a few more instructions, and then turned and walked towards the door.

Yuhe County, drill ground.

Centered on the arena complex, the spectator stands on the three sides, except for the high platform directly in front, gradually filled with people.

The Sun Family Martial Arts School is located in the middle of the east spectator stands, offering a wide view and facing the main arena in the center.

Sun Yong sat in the front row of the grand chair, with Sun Ningxiang standing beside him, refilling her father's tea.

Xu Hong, Liu Maolin, Zhao Wenzheng, Qi Yun and other disciples found seats in the back row, their eyes scanning the entire room, occasionally pointing to the martial arts teams in the distance and discussing in hushed tones.

"Look over there, the people from Poshan Martial Arts School don't look too good." Liu Maolin nudged Xu Hong with his elbow and gestured with his lip. "It must be because Shen Lie lost that they lost face."

Xu Hong looked in the direction he pointed and saw that the disciples of Poshan Martial Arts School were all bowing their heads, no longer as arrogant as before. He couldn't help but smile and said, "This is called losing both face and substance."

Yang Jing and Lin Yue, who were going to go on stage later, sat in the front row, one on each side of their master Sun Yong.

Yang Jing recalled the information his master had given him about the other six people last night.

Sun Ningxiang walked over with a teacup and saw him lost in thought, so she said softly, "Junior Brother Yang, would you like some water first?"

Yang Jing looked up, took the teacup, and thanked her. His gaze inadvertently swept over the pearl hairpin at her temple before quickly looking away. "Thank you, Senior Sister."

Sun Ningxiang smiled, said nothing more, and turned back to the front row.

The training ground was now boiling over, filled with the sounds of high-ranking officials chatting, martial arts students sparring, and wealthy merchants exchanging pleasantries, all blending together into a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Flags fluttered in the wind on the training ground, and robes of various colors swayed in the sunlight, creating a flowing tapestry of hues. All eyes were subtly drawn to the main arena in the center.

There, the most exciting competition in the martial arts world of Yuhe County this year is about to take place.

As Yang Jing sipped his tea, he pondered the upcoming military examination.

Today's competition is to rank the top players from the eight arenas.

Once the rankings are determined, the results will be released in a few days.

There are only a few spots available for the school examination this year, and students will be admitted in order of priority.

Therefore, even if you lose in the first round, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't make it onto the list of candidates for the school exam. If you perform well later, you still have a chance to be on the list.

At 9:00 AM, the sun climbed to its zenith, and the hot wind over the drill ground gradually subsided.

The chief examiner and three examiners slowly walked up to the high platform on the east side.

They took their seats one by one behind the desk, on which were placed writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and the files of the champions from each arena.

As the examiners appeared, the noisy training ground quickly quieted down. The entire training ground seemed to be held down by an invisible hand, with only the sound of the wind rustling through the flags remaining.

All eyes were focused on the high platform and the main arena in the center, and everyone subconsciously held their breath. The main event was about to begin.

A moment later, a captain in silver armor strode onto the platform, holding a scroll of yellow paper in his hands, and announced loudly: "The ranking battle of Yuhe County's training ground is about to begin!"

His voice was loud and clear, carrying across most of the training ground and causing a low commotion.

Immediately afterwards, the captain unfolded the yellow paper and read out seven names: "Zhou Tong, first arena champion; Xu Guangwei, second arena champion; Lin Yue, third arena champion; Yang Jing, seventh arena champion; Zhou Zhiqiang, eighth arena champion. Champions of each arena, enter the arena immediately!"

As he finished speaking, several soldiers stepped forward from behind the wooden fence surrounding the main arena and opened a narrow path that could only accommodate one person at a time.

Figures rose one after another from the direction of each martial arts school, some walking steadily, others full of vigor, heading towards the inside of the fence.

At the Sun Family Martial Arts School, Yang Jing and Lin Yue stood up at the same time and bowed to Sun Yong beside them, saying, "Master, we're going."

"Go, but be careful," Sun Yong said solemnly.

"Yes!"

The two responded and immediately turned around, walking towards the path leading to the main arena.

Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, casting the shadows of the two figures on the ground, which moved slowly forward with each step.

A thunderous roar of cheers and applause erupted from the stands outside the fence, mixed with the cheers of disciples from various martial arts schools.

Looking at his two disciples' upright backs, Sun Yong felt as if he had a warm charcoal fire burning in his heart.

He deliberately puffed out his chest, straightened his back, and his wrinkles around his eyes revealed a sense of pride.

The Sun Family Martial Arts School has produced two champions in the ring at once, which is no ordinary occurrence!
Sun Yong could almost feel the gazes cast by the other martial arts school owners around him, gazes filled with envy, jealousy, and a hint of sourness.

"Hahaha."

Sun Yong felt completely comfortable, like drinking a bowl of chilled plum juice on a sweltering summer day, feeling refreshed from the inside out.

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As always, if you see anything wrong, feel free to point it out to me.

These past few days, while writing the book, I feel like I have a better grasp of the concepts. I can roughly sense where to elaborate and where to summarize.

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(End of this chapter)