Breaking Limits in Martial Arts: Grinding Your Way to Becoming a Martial Saint in a Chaotic Era

At noon, Xu Qing was practicing standing meditation in the inner courtyard when Chen Wang walked in with a cheerful smile.

Chen Wang's injuries had almost healed; his complexion was rosy, and his steps were light. He didn't go to find his master first, but went straight to Xu Qing.

"Junior Brother Xu, I have good news for you." Chen Wang's voice was filled with joy, "Another person in the academy has broken through to the Ming Jin level."

"Guess who it is?" He chuckled, not bothering to keep the mystery going, "Qin Liang, Junior Brother Qin."

Xu Qing finished reeling in the stake, his eyes lighting up: "When did this happen?"

"Just now. He was practicing his stance in the training ground when suddenly his aura changed, his blood and qi surged, and he successfully broke through the Ming Jin barrier." Chen Wang said with a smile, "That kid is overjoyed. Go check on him in the outer courtyard when you have time."

"I can't talk to you anymore, I have to tell Master this good news." After saying that, Chen Wang happily went to the study.

When Xu Qing arrived at the outer courtyard, Qin Liang was standing in front of the wooden dummy, grinning foolishly. There was a crack in the wooden dummy; without a doubt, it was Qin Liang who had hit it.

"Senior Brother Qin!" Xu Qing patted him on the shoulder.

Qin Liang whirled around, saw Xu Qing, and his face lit up with a huge smile: "Junior Brother Xu! I've broken through! Ming Jin! Do you see this wooden stake? I cracked it with one punch!"

"I saw it, impressive." Xu Qing smiled, genuinely happy for him. He knew best the significance of breaking through to the Ming Jin level for ordinary people.

Qin Liang chuckled twice, then suddenly stopped smiling, rubbed his hands together, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Junior Brother Xu, I heard that the yamen is short-staffed right now... You have a temporary post in the yamen, could you help me ask around? I'd like to go too."

He paused, then said, "My dad is always bullied when he runs a stall. If I could get a position in the government, those thugs wouldn't dare to bother him anymore."

After Xu Qing and Xue Guang intervened last time, the Tiger Head Gang behaved themselves for a while, but they've come knocking again in recent days. He thought that becoming a constable would truly put those people in check.

Xu Qing looked at him, remained silent for a moment, and then spoke: "The yamen is not like other places; it's much more dangerous. Eight constables died in this bandit suppression. Have you thought it through?"

Qin Liang nodded almost without hesitation, his eyes resolute: "I've thought it through. I'm not afraid. What I'm afraid of is that when my parents are bullied, I won't even have the ability to stand up for them."

Xu Qing looked into his eyes and suddenly remembered how she was when she first came to the martial arts school. Back then, she was just like him, wanting to become stronger, wanting to protect her family, and wanting to make sure that the bullying never happened again.

"Okay." Xu Qing didn't try to persuade her further. "I'll ask for you."

......

The next day, Xu Qing took Qin Liang to the yamen.

Officer Qi's left arm was still in a sling, and his right hand was holding a pen to review documents. Seeing the two enter, he inquired about their purpose, then only had Qin Liang perform a set of punches before nodding, "Alright, stay. The Ming Jin realm is enough. First, follow Old Huang and familiarize yourself with the rules."

Qin Liang was so excited he almost jumped up, and thanked him repeatedly.

Xu Qing didn't rush to leave, and asked with a smile, "Boss, can Qin Liang go with Xue Guang? His father's shop is on those streets."

Xue Guang was lucky; he only suffered minor injuries while suppressing the bandits.

"Alright." Constable Qi chuckled softly. "Then let him take over your shift. You... you'll be in charge of the four streets west of Green Willow Street, which happens to be where your second uncle and aunt live."

"Boss, thanks." Xu Qing bowed and clasped his hands in thanks.

"Don't give me that." Officer Qi waved his hand. "Take him to find Old Xue."

He suddenly added, his tone becoming serious: "In the coming days, do not leave the city unless absolutely necessary."

Xu Qingxin understood. Zhao Yan had already spoken to the county magistrate; his faction was planning something soon, and the county magistrate's side was also quite restless.

Xu Qing nodded and led Qin Liang out.

......

That evening, Qin Liang hosted a celebratory dinner for Xu Qing and Sun Ping at a tavern.

Braised pork knuckle, steamed sea bass, braised beef, and stir-fried pork kidneys. Qin Liang gritted his teeth and ordered four hearty dishes, along with two jugs of wine.

He ate with his mouth full of oil, his chopsticks never stopping, mumbling "Delicious, really delicious."

Xu Qing smiled and poured him a drink, and also poured a glass for Sun Ping.

Sun Ping was smiling, eating, and drinking. But Xu Qing felt something was off. The smile was still the same, but something seemed to be hidden beneath it.

Sun Ping's eyes still held a light, but it was different from before. Before, it was honest, sincere, and warm; now, there was something inexplicable about it.

Xu Qing raised his glass to him, and he drank it with a smile. Qin Liang patted him on the shoulder and said, "Junior Brother Sun, you'll be here soon too," and he nodded with a smile. Everything was the same as before, but Xu Qing could sense that something had changed.

He recalled a time when he returned to Blackwater Bay, and Sun Ping had ridden with him in a horse-drawn carriage home, chattering incessantly the whole way. When he talked about Old Man Zhou jumping into the river, his eyes reddened, and he clenched his fists, saying he wanted to protect his family.

At that time, Sun Ping's eyes shone with a clean and bright light.

But now, something else has mixed into that light.

Envy? Jealousy? Xu Qing couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she vaguely sensed that Sun Ping's gaze towards Qin Liang was no longer the simple camaraderie of before, but rather contained a hint of... comparison, or rather, resentment.

Xu Qing sighed inwardly.

He thought this was normal. It's human nature; seeing those around you break through barriers, get promoted, and acquire things you don't yet have, you'll always feel a little uneasy.

He is not a saint; he himself has these qualities.

As long as Sun Ping is still the same Sun Ping, he will treat him the same way as before.

The banquet ended. The three men left the restaurant. The night breeze was cool, dispelling the effects of the alcohol on their faces. Qin Liang let out a burp and said, "I'm going home tonight," before staggering away.

Sun Ping and Xu Qing returned to the martial arts school together. On the way, Sun Ping still had a smile on his face, but there was a hint of forced smile in it.

......

Back at the martial arts school, Xu Qing did not see Zhao Yan.

He knew perfectly well that his master had gone to collect the debt for him.

The Lin family secretly plotted to kill him, and Zhao Yan said he would collect interest on that debt tonight.

Sure enough, news spread that very night that the two gangs controlled by the Lin family had been completely wiped out, and several skilled martial artists had died. Zhao Yan personally carried out the operation, cleanly and efficiently, leaving not a trace.

......

Days passed by, and before they knew it, it was the end of the twelfth lunar month.

Strangely, the Lin family fell silent, contrary to their usual behavior. There was no retaliation, no movement, not even a harsh word. It was unclear whether they feared Zhao Yan's willingness to fight to the death, or if they were secretly plotting something even bigger.

In short, Xu Qing enjoyed a rare period of peace and quiet.

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, the martial arts school began its New Year holiday.

The disciples of the outer courtyard packed their things to go home for the New Year. Sun Ping also packed his bags, slung them over his shoulder, and headed out.

Xu Qing saw him at the courtyard gate and called out to him.

"Junior Brother Sun, are you going home for the New Year?"

Sun Ping turned his head and smiled: "Yeah, I'm going back to see my parents. And I'll pick up my tuition for next month while I'm at it."

Xu Qing looked at him, took out a small piece of silver from her pocket, about an ounce, and handed it to him: "Take this. Go home and buy something for your parents. It's almost New Year's, don't go empty-handed."

Sun Ping glanced at the silver coin, shook his head, and smiled as he pushed it away: "Senior Brother Xu, no need. I have enough at home. Keep it for yourself."

Xu Qing looked at him, said nothing more, took the silver back, and patted him on the shoulder: "Take care on the road. See you after the New Year."

Sun Ping nodded, turned and left.

He walked out of the martial arts school, out of the alley, and onto the main street...

He walked all the way to the city gate without looking back.