The Martial Saint rose to power starting as a substitute bridegroom.

The entire room fell silent, followed by a chorus of envious exclamations.

Everyone knows what being a true disciple means.

The so-called "personal disciples" are, to put it bluntly, "large-class teaching, so that everyone can benefit from it."

True disciples are different. They not only receive individual instruction from their master, but also eventually inherit their master's most treasured secrets and mantle.

This is an incredible benefit; how could anyone not be envious?

"This disciple will humbly follow Master Lin's teachings!"

Lu Qing was somewhat agitated.

Feeling the intense gazes of the crowd, he felt as if he were in another world.

He recalled all that had happened in the past.

Initially, he and his mother depended on each other for survival, working as long-term laborers in the wealthy man's house, where they were bullied by the foreman and manager.

Later, he became a disciple of Lin Chong and became a renowned martial arts genius, his value increased many times over, and his glory was shared with others.

The mother, who couldn't read a single word, was promoted to foreman by the employer.

Later, with his exceptional natural talent, his martial arts skills improved by leaps and bounds. He not only gained the respect of his senior brothers and sisters, but also attracted the attention of a group of local gentry and powerful families.

Afterwards, because Ming Jin Xiao Hui injured his meridians, it became a deserted roadside path.

From that moment on,

All the passion has turned into a visible indifference.

All the adulation turned into dismissive indifference.

Fortunately, Master Lin spared no expense in using precious medicine to restore his health and the precious fish to nourish his body. Not only did his injuries heal, but his cultivation level was also raised by one level.

Of course, there was also the meticulous care from Second Grandma.

"This time, I'm going to take back everything I've lost, twice as much!" Lu Qing's fist, hidden in his sleeve, was clenched tightly, but his face remained expressionless.

The senior disciples had mixed feelings, including envy, jealousy, and above all, resentment.

A direct disciple!

Rosanne's eyes revealed envy. "I must be that successful someday!"

She thought of the family's pawned property, her bedridden grandmother, her father who toiled tirelessly to make ends meet, her mother who never dared to rest during the day while running the tailor shop, and the countless evenings and dawns she spent practicing martial arts, her sweat pouring down her face...

She has been learning martial arts here for three months, but she is still practicing and refining her internal strength, and her progress is as slow as a snail.

Lu Qing has only been here for a short time, including more than half a month spent lying in a hospital bed, yet he has already broken through to the Ming Jin level and is now at the peak of the Ming Jin level.

"Junior Brother Li, do you think hard work is useful? Does effort always guarantee a reward?"

Li Yuan pondered for a moment, then remained silent.

Once the matter was over, the other disciples took their places and began cultivating, but none of them could calm their minds. They whispered among themselves from time to time, still sighing and lamenting.

Li Yuan, however, remained focused and resumed the starting stance of the "White Tiger Bone Forging Technique".

【White Tiger Bone Forging Technique (Minor Success): 70/100 (Practice ten times daily, achieve major success in ten days)】

......

Good days seem to have arrived for the Green Ox Martial Arts Society.

Amidst astonished gazes, Qi Xiuyuan and Chen Ting successfully broke through to the mid-stage of Ming Jin.

Li Yuan remained calm.

Their aptitude was not bad to begin with, and even if they slacked off in their training, they had no shortage of potent medicines to nourish them, so a breakthrough was only a matter of time and not surprising.

The atmosphere in the courtyard suddenly became lively.

The two of them and Lu Qing talked and laughed all day long, their intimacy resembling that of a family.

Li Yuan's side has once again become the cold side.

The word "mediocre talent" had long been secretly spread throughout the entire courtyard. Apart from Yang Cheng, who would like to exchange a few words of experience with him, the other disciples had reverted to their indifferent attitude.

Furthermore, having witnessed Lu Qing's experience at the ceremony, Li Yuan did not mention his breakthrough to the mid-stage of Ming Jin to anyone. Instead, he carefully concealed it, and on the surface, it appeared that he had made no further progress in his training these past few days.

People became even more convinced that Li Yuan's talent was just a flash in the pan, and that his previous success in mastering the Ming Jin technique was merely a matter of luck, further confirming the saying that he was "mediocre in terms of natural talent."

Li Yuan was happy with the peace and quiet, and he became even more focused on practicing his skills.

Those things that appear glamorous on the surface often conceal unfathomable crises beneath.

Like two sides of a coin.

Or perhaps, where there is sunlight, there will inevitably be shadows.

Everything is relative.

When one's strength is insufficient, one must remain low-key and cautious in order to avoid unnecessary risks and take control of one's own destiny.

Twilight Quadruple.

Qi Xiuyuan, riding high on his success, swiftly threw a sparring partner to the ground, his fists flying. He was still incredibly excited.

Just then, Yang Cheng stood in the middle of the courtyard.

"Gentlemen, the martial arts examination is just around the corner. Master Lin has contacted the masters of Iron Fist Manor and Xiaoxiang Martial Arts Academy and decided to hold a practical combat guidance course for the disciples of the three academies."

"Senior Sister He Chaonan from Iron Fist Manor and Senior Brother Ning Chenhao from Xiaoxiang Martial Arts Society will both participate. They are both masters of internal strength and have rich experience in martial arts examinations. If they can guide us, it will definitely be of great benefit to improving our practical combat and test-taking abilities."

"Our martial arts club has four spots!"

This is a golden opportunity.

Chen Ting's eyes lit up instantly.

He Chaonan and Ning Chenhao are both highly skilled individuals. Befriending them would undoubtedly be of great benefit to one's future development.

"I'm signing up!"

Qi Xiuyuan spoke first.

His thoughts were exactly the same as Chen Ting's.

"Me too!" Chen Ting said hastily, then seemed to suddenly remember something, "Junior Brother Lu should also be participating."

The disciples in the arena were initially eager to try, but many were too shy to speak up.

Now that someone else has beaten them to it, they can only sigh inwardly.

Yang Cheng, Qi Xiuyuan, Chen Ting, and Lu Qing, that makes four.

Yang Cheng looked around, as if searching for something.

When he saw Li Yuan resting against a bamboo chair, he frowned slightly.

"I won't go. Let me ask Junior Brother Li if he wants to go."

Qi Xiuyuan closed his folding fan. "Senior Brother Yang, why did you ask him? He's been very lazy these past two days. He's probably given up."

"Yeah, with his looks, giving him a chance would be a waste," Chen Ting said bluntly.

Yang Cheng smiled and said, "Everyone has a chance in this guidance session. Junior Brother Li may have encountered some difficulties recently, and perhaps this opportunity can help him get back on his feet."

"This course will continue to be offered in the future, and everyone can take turns attending."

Although Qi Xiuyuan and Chen Ting were dissatisfied, Yang Cheng had already spoken, so they couldn't say anything more out of consideration for his feelings.

On the other side.

After listening to Yang Cheng's explanation, Li Yuan frowned. "Practical guidance?"

"Yes, the senior brothers and sisters of the Dark Force School from the outer academy will also be there to share their martial arts experience. Furthermore, everyone can exchange and spar together."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Yang, but I'd better not go."

The so-called "practical guidance" cannot solve his resource problem.

If you can't reach a higher level, everything else is just empty talk.

Yang Cheng was taken aback; he hadn't expected Li Yuan to refuse. "Such an opportunity is extremely rare. Why don't you reconsider..."

"I've thought it through. Thank you for your kindness, Senior Brother Yang."

Yang Cheng shook his head in disappointment and walked back.

"How is it?" Qi Xiuyuan asked.

Chen Ting also adopted a gossipy attitude, her gaze fixed on Yang Cheng.

"He... refused," Yang Cheng said.

The sound wasn't loud, but it made Qi Xiuyuan and his companion sway.

reject?

Does he have the ability to do that?!

Qi Xiuyuan curled his lip. "I think, maybe Junior Brother Li's cultivation has stagnated, and he's afraid of falling from grace and becoming a laughingstock."

In Qi Xiuyuan's mind, face was the most important thing.

Chen Ting smiled and said, "I suppose Junior Brother Li is still reminiscing about how he made a name for himself at the Mingjin Small Meeting."

My lord, times have changed.

In her heart, she secretly labeled Li Yuan as "not presentable".

Lu Qing walked over and said, "You're hopeless! You don't know how to cherish such a good opportunity. What's the use of just practicing hard?"

In his view, Li Yuan, who also came from a humble background, should be like him, seizing every opportunity at all costs.

Hard work is important, but building a wider network of contacts is equally important, if not more so.

"However, he may also know that with his natural talent, it will be difficult for him to make any progress in the future, so he can be considered to have some self-awareness," Lu Qing concluded.

Yang Cheng did not express his opinion.

In his view, it didn't matter who went.

This year's martial arts examination is still hopeless for the Qingniu Martial Arts Society; no one will be able to break through to the Dark Force level before the examination.

Even if one breaks through the hidden strength, passing the imperial examination is not a sure thing.

Linjiang City is teeming with talented young people.

Even he, a renowned expert in internal strength, had no confidence in this competition.

......

Li Yuan and Liang Bai were casually patrolling the streets.

"Yuan-ge'er, how's your martial arts training going lately?" Liang Bai asked casually, biting into an apple.

Li Yuan frowned slightly and shook his head. "It seems there's been no progress."

"Come on, want to exchange a few moves?"

Li Yuan sighed, "Never mind."

"You haven't been acting right lately," Liang Bai said, frowning. "Have you run into some trouble?"

"If you have any difficulties, just tell me. In this area, your brother Liang still has some influence," Liang Bai said, patting his chest.

"It's nothing," Li Yuan said after thinking for a moment.

Ultimately, all problems boil down to money.

Although the Liang family lived a relatively comfortable life, they could not be considered a prominent local gentry or wealthy household.

With a daughter in school and a son practicing martial arts, the family's expenses are considerable.

My wife is pregnant again, and we're spending money on everything.

This left Li Yuan with no way to ask for a loan.

"By the way, how is your sister-in-law now?"

When his pregnant daughter-in-law was mentioned, Liang Bai's face immediately lit up with a smile, and his eyes shone even brighter. "She's doing great! The midwife checked her out early this morning. Her belly is round and she's craving sour foods. She said she'll definitely have a son!"

Liang Bai's face was full of anticipation.

Just then, a commotion arose ahead.

A dozen or so constables led the way, and a convoy of more than a dozen horse-drawn carriages slowly approached.

Leading the way was a luxuriously decorated four-horse open carriage.

A distinguished young man sat in the carriage, smiling slightly as he clasped his hands in greeting and looked around.

An official with slicked-back hair rode alongside the carriage, occasionally speaking to the young man inside with a cheerful expression.

The carriage stopped in front of an exquisitely decorated ancestral hall, where the head of a powerful family, who had been waiting there, hurriedly clasped his hands in greeting to the middle-aged man.

That's right, representatives from all the powerful and influential families in Linjiang City were present.

These gentlemen, whom it would be incredibly difficult to even meet on a normal day, were all bowing their heads, looking as humble as children who had done something wrong.

The crowd of onlookers seemed to be in an uproar.

"Is he Qian Feng, the number one man in Linjiang City?"

"That's right, Mr. Qian is back in his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors!"

"To have the county magistrate personally accompany them, and with the heads of the three powerful clans all respectfully waiting here, this level of prestige is unmatched..."

......

Liang Bai sighed, "Qian Feng is the most outstanding descendant of the Qian family, the largest family in Linjiang City. It is said that he passed the martial arts exam at the age of sixteen and was accepted as a disciple by the Guicang Alliance, a major martial arts sect."

"The Guicang Alliance?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.

"Guicang" is one of the three interpretations of the ancient Book of Changes, which means all-encompassing, profound and unassuming, and returning to simplicity and authenticity.

Using this character as the name of a sect implies a desire to encompass the entire world.

Liang Bai explained, "The Guicang Alliance covers a vast area and is a self-contained system. Its sect has a long history, profound foundation, and extensive martial arts; it is a powerful force protecting this region..."

"Any one of these disciples who emerges possesses at least the cultivation level of Transformation Realm or higher, enough to intimidate the surrounding area."

"Above the Transformation Realm?" Li Yuan exclaimed in surprise.

There are even higher realms beyond the Transformation Realm?

Could this world be a world of immortals and martial arts?

Since birth, I have lived in the small town of Linjiang, and my knowledge is still too shallow.

"..." Liang Bai spoke vaguely, actually he wasn't quite sure himself, "In short, Qian Feng's strength is enough to crush all the experts in Linjiang City!"

"No wonder it's such a grand affair," Li Yuan remarked. "Brother Liang, if we want to join the Guicang Alliance, we probably have to pass the martial arts exam first, right?"

"Of course! Only those from martial arts high schools are qualified to enter the Guicang Alliance's sights," Liang Bai said, shaking his head and smiling bitterly. "However, now, everything has to start from breaking through to the Dark Force realm."

Li Yuan felt a pang of tenderness in his heart.

"Brother Liang, do you think it's possible for me to get an advance on my wages?"

silence.

Liang Bai was taken aback, then sighed, "I can find an opportunity to talk to the boss about this, but don't get your hopes up too high."

Back at the barracks, Li Yuan changed out of his patrolman's uniform, tidied himself up a bit, and prepared to go home.

As I passed the patrol chief's quarters, I heard two people talking inside...

"Boss, Yuan has been working hard these past few days, and everyone has seen it. Now that he's running into some difficulties, could you perhaps give him an advance on his wages?" Liang Bai's voice was sincere, with a hint of flattery.

This kind of situation is rare for this seven-foot-tall tough guy.

It seems that he never appeared to be humble or subservient.

Then a voice rang out, "Who?"

He was Sun Shoucheng, the patrol chief of the Linjiang government office specifically in charge of managing the street patrol officers, and was known as Fatty Sun.

Unlike these temporary street patrolmen, the patrol chiefs were officially employed in the government office, and it was a lucrative and lucrative position.

Sun Shoucheng squinted, his voice sounding somewhat disdainful.

"Li Yuan," Liang Bai, standing below, replied.

"What's his background...?" Sun Shoucheng frowned. "Oh, I remember now, it's that kid from the Green Ox Martial Arts Club, right? I've seen his resume, and I've heard people say... he seems to have very poor aptitude..."

"Boss, he really needs the money urgently. Could you make an exception?"

"Old Liang, you've been working under me for quite a few years now. When have we ever had a precedent of receiving an advance on our wages?"

This is against the rules, you can't drag me into this...

From Sun Pangzi's words and actions, Liang Bai had already discerned the meaning of rejection.

"Alright, then I won't trouble Inspector Sun." Liang Bai was seething with anger, but he had to smile and say it.

Sun Pangzi, that old fox, has a lot of resources at his disposal. Giving his subordinates an advance on their wages is just a piece of cake for him.

It's not a big deal. We can just brush it off with the higher-ups and it'll be over.

But this old fox won't act until he sees the rabbit!

After Liang Bai left, Fatty Sun snorted coldly, "Hmph, that kid comes from a poor background, and his aptitude is terrible. His potential is limited to this. He can't make a single penny out of me, yet he expects me to give him special treatment?"

Li Yuan heard it clearly, but remained silent and carefully retreated away.