A Martial Saint in Chaotic Times: Starting with Grinding Proficiency

Zhou Yuan hid in the shadows at the street corner, watching the butler-like man walk into the patrol station, his eyes slightly narrowed.

Whether it was the man in the long robe from the caravan a few days ago, or this luxurious carriage that came from the inner city today,

All of this shows that his superior, Zhao Dacheng, is far more complex than he appears on the surface.

This person is adept at navigating relationships with all sides, seemingly able to maneuver effortlessly among various factions.

A moment later, Zhou Yuan shook his head and turned to leave.

The waters in Luochuan County are too deep; there are probably quite a few people like Zhao Dacheng.

He's just a lowly clerk in the Skin Refining Realm right now; he can't and doesn't want to manage it.

As long as Zhao Dacheng doesn't try anything with me, we'll just keep to ourselves.

The most urgent task is to enhance our strength.

Because of Zhao Dacheng's "consideration," Zhou Yuan was given two extra days off. Instead of going home directly, he went straight to Qingyang Martial Arts School.

As soon as he stepped into the martial arts gym, he sensed that the atmosphere was different.

In the past, the disciples were all engrossed in their own training, but today quite a few of them gathered together, forming a long queue.

At the very front of the procession stood a graceful figure.

Zhu Mengran, dressed in a white dress, had a small table in front of her and was taking the pulse of a disciple with her slender fingers.

Zhou Yuan was puzzled, so he casually grabbed a martial arts school disciple who had just finished taking a pulse and asked him.

"What is Senior Sister Zhu doing?"

The man, with a hint of gratitude on his face, explained in a low voice, "Senior Sister Zhu said that we martial artists are prone to internal injuries because we constantly strain our qi and blood. So every now and then, she would examine our pulses for free and offer some suggestions for treatment."

It turned out to be the case.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the daughter of the museum owner.

In this chaotic world where human life is as cheap as grass, there are very few people with such a kind heart.

Thinking of this, Zhou Yuan also walked to the end of the line and quietly joined the queue.

His training is so intense that it's beyond the average person's, and he might actually have some hidden ailment that he himself is unaware of.

Today is a good opportunity to investigate.

The queuing process was somewhat boring, but the disciples' chatter could be clearly heard.

"Have you heard? Senior Brother Wang Tengfei went on a mission with Senior Sister Jiang!"

"Of course I've heard! The Jiang family is going to a neighboring county to transport a batch of valuable goods, and they've specially asked Senior Brother Wang to accompany them as a bodyguard. This is a privilege usually reserved for experts at the Bone Forging Realm!"

"Sigh, it's really frustrating to compare yourself to others. Senior Brother Wang has only been at the breakthrough stage for a short time, and he's already getting such a lucrative job."

The crowd's words were filled with envy.

Zhou Yuan listened without any inner turmoil, but his desire for strength only intensified.

Soon it was his turn.

Zhou Yuan sat down at the table, a faint, elegant fragrance lingering around his nose.

In this training ground filled with the stench of sweat, Zhu Mengran's presence was like a pure white lotus untouched by the dust of the world.

"Reach out your hand."

Zhu Mengran's voice was very soft.

Zhou Yuan did as instructed, extending his right wrist.

A delicate, warm finger gently rested on his pulse.

Zhu Mengran originally thought that a disciple like Zhou Yuan, who cultivated in such a self-destructive manner, must have accumulated a lot of hidden injuries and his qi and blood must be deficient.

But the moment her fingertips probed into Zhou Yuan's pulse, she couldn't help but be taken aback.

Such vigorous blood and energy!

Like a mighty river surging forward, powerful and vigorous, it flows through his veins.

She examined it carefully for a moment, but found not a trace of bruising or hidden injuries.

His overall physical condition was three points better than those young men from the inner city who nourished themselves with medicinal diets every day.

How is that possible?

Zhu Mengran withdrew her finger and looked at Zhou Yuan with a hint of surprise.

"You... have a very good physical constitution and no hidden injuries. However, you need to practice gradually and not be too impatient. Just pay attention to the balance between work and rest."

All she could say were these few bland and meaningless words of advice.

Zhou Yuan was also somewhat surprised upon hearing this.

He himself thought he would have many health problems, but to his surprise, he was completely unharmed.

After much thought, the only explanation is that it's thanks to that magical proficiency panel.

"Thank you for the reminder, senior sister."

Zhou Yuan thanked him, then got up and walked to the open space in the corner of the training ground, where he continued to practice the Six Harmonies Stance.

Watching Zhou Yuan once again immerse himself in cultivation, Zhu Mengran felt a different kind of emotion towards this taciturn junior brother for the first time.

Perhaps, hard work really does pay off.

……

Inside a quiet room in the backyard of the martial arts school.

After performing a set of acupuncture techniques on her father, Zhu Xiaowen, Zhu Mengran slowly put away the silver needles.

"Father, how are you feeling?"

Zhu Xiaowen let out a long breath, and his previously tense body relaxed.

"The medicines Shen He brought back from Black Wind Mountain are indeed remarkably effective. When the hidden injuries flare up, they don't hurt as much anymore."

He leaned back in his chair and said with some emotion:

"In the blink of an eye, it has been almost twenty years since I came to Luochuan County and established the Qingyang Martial Arts School."

Now that I'm old and riddled with injuries, it's time to find a direct disciple to pass on the 'fundamental diagram'.

Zhu Mengran poured him some hot tea.

"Father, there are many talented people in the school. Several of my senior brothers and sisters are outstanding. You don't have to worry about finding a successor."

Zhu Xiaowen slowly shook his head.

"Jiang Qian, Han Ming and their ilk, aren't they all after their own interests? They only care about their own interests, they don't care about my old bones or the rise and fall of the martial arts school."

"As for Shao Shang... that kid is too undisciplined."

Zhu Mengran thought for a moment and then said, "What about the eldest brother? The eldest brother is very filial to you and is also a steady person. You can rest assured that you will pass the reins on to him."

Zhu Xiaowen shook his head again, this time with a sigh.

"The cultivation of the Fundamental Diagram demands extremely high levels of innate talent and physical attributes. If ordinary people attempt to cultivate it, they will not only fail to break through but also risk going mad with demonic possession."

"Shen He's natural talent is only below average. His current level of cultivation is entirely due to his extraordinary effort and perseverance. But comprehending the fundamental diagram cannot be achieved through effort alone. If I were to pass the diagram on to him, I would not be helping him, but harming him."

The quiet room fell silent for a moment.

After a moment, Zhu Xiaowen continued, "Fortunately, Wang Tengfei has recently emerged. This boy has excellent aptitude and comes from a poor family, so he should know how to respect his teacher. I will observe him for a while longer, and if his character is also fine, I will pass on this fundamental diagram to him."

Upon hearing her father's words, another figure flashed through Zhu Mengran's mind.

Zhou Yuan.

But when she thought of how even her senior brother Shen He had been rejected by her father, she suppressed the thought and didn't say it aloud.

……

As evening fell, Zhou Yuan finished his day of cultivation and was preparing to change his clothes and go home.

"Junior Brother Zhou, wait a moment."

A familiar voice called out to him.

Zhou Yuan turned around and saw Chen Shaoshang.

Chen Shaoshang walked over in a few steps, his face bearing his usual hearty smile.

"Do you remember what I told you a few days ago, that I have a friend at the General Headquarters of the Inspection Division?"

Zhou Yuan smiled and nodded.

Chen Shaoshang clapped his hands.

"What a coincidence, he's off duty today too. There's no time like the present, so I'll treat you tonight and introduce you two."

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Yuan agreed.

While competence is essential for survival, connections are equally important when navigating the world. It's never a bad thing to know more people.

"Walk!"

Chen Shaoshang put his arm around Zhou Yuan's shoulder, and the two walked out of the martial arts school together.

After walking for about an hour, passing through the checkpoints of the inner and outer city, the two arrived in front of a magnificent restaurant.

On the plaque, three large characters were written in a vigorous and elegant style.

Wangjiang Tower.

Zhou Yuan understood.

Wangjiang Tower is quite famous throughout Luochuan County. It is the largest and most luxurious restaurant in the county, located in the most prosperous area of ​​the inner city.

A meal here would probably cost quite a bit.

Chen Shaoshang truly lives up to his reputation as the young master of a prominent family in the inner city.

As soon as the two entered, a middle-aged man who looked like a shopkeeper greeted them with a big smile.

"Young Master Chen, you've arrived!"

The shopkeeper greeted Chen Shaoshang warmly for a few moments, indicating that he was a regular customer.

Then, a waiter courteously led the two to a private room on the fifth floor.

Wangjiang Tower has six floors. The first to fifth floors are used for dining, while the sixth floor is used for accommodation of distinguished guests.

The higher the floor, the more expensive it is; those who can go up to the fifth floor are either rich or noble.

Once inside the private room, Chen Shaoshang asked Zhou Yuan to sit down first, while he went to give instructions to the waiter.

My friend will be there soon.

After Chen Shaoshang sat down, he pushed a recipe book in front of Zhou Yuan.

"Junior Brother Zhou, see what you'd like to eat. Don't be shy with your senior brother."

Zhou Yuan shook his head. He couldn't even recognize all the dishes on the menu, let alone order them.

"Just keep an eye on things, senior brother."

Chen Shaoshang didn't stand on ceremony and ordered more than a dozen dishes that Zhou Yuan had never even heard of, along with a pot of fine wine. Then he chatted with Zhou Yuan.

Half an hour later, the curtain of the private room was lifted.

A strong, muscular man with a deep and composed aura walked in.

Upon seeing this, Chen Shaoshang immediately stood up and greeted him with a smile.

"Brother Lü, you've finally arrived! Come, let me introduce you. This is the one I mentioned to you..."

However, he hadn't finished speaking.

Zhou Yuan was taken aback.

He knew this person.

It was the same Patrol Inspector Lü he had met at the General Headquarters when he first entered the Patrol Inspectorate!

......