Rise from a Poor Family: My Martial Arts Counterattack

Chapter 250 Number One on the Ranking, Well-Deserved (First Update)
Lingxiao City!
Since the announcement of the Hidden Dragon Ranking, even more martial artists have flocked to it.

Especially in the Martial Arts Garden, battles can be seen every day, including many geniuses on the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

Amidst the commotion, several young figures headed towards the city gate.

"Senior Brother Lin, shall we stay a few more days?"

Meng Xing looked at Senior Brother Lin, who was wearing a bamboo hat, and he couldn't understand why Senior Brother Lin was leaving at this time.

I don't believe that Senior Brother Lin was afraid of being challenged because he ranked first on the Human Ranking.

In his opinion, Senior Brother Lin's strength was more than enough to make it onto the Earth Ranking.

If he were Senior Brother Lin, he would stay in Lingxiao City, challenge those top-ranked geniuses, and improve his own ranking.

"My three-month exchange program is almost over. I plan to go back to Poyang County and then return to Canglan Martial Arts Academy. That way, the timing will be just right."

Lin Chen replied with a smile that, as Dean Hou had said, he had already refined his five internal organs with the power of Lingxiao and even condensed his martial will, so he would not be able to absorb the power of Lingxiao again for a short period of time.

As for challenging the top-ranked martial artists, there's no rush.

"Senior Brother Lin is going back to Jiangnan Road."

Yu Fei looked envious. He hadn't gone home for the New Year either, and had stayed at Lingxiao Martial Academy the whole time.

It wasn't that he didn't want to go back, but because of Senior Brother Lin, Senior Brother Meng and the others would often invite him to cultivate and spar together. Since Senior Brother Meng and the others hadn't gone back, he felt embarrassed to go back.

"I've been away for more than half a year, so I'm going home to visit."

Lin Chen wanted to go back to Poyang County, not only to see his parents, but also to meet his teacher.

He wanted to discuss the changes in the nine kingdoms with his teacher.

Whether it's Dean Hou or Dean Hua, there's still a certain distance between them. These two deans consider things more from the perspective of the Martial Arts Academy, while the teachers only think of themselves.

He had some guesses and thoughts in his mind that he couldn't ask Dean Hou and Dean Hua, but he could ask his teacher without reservation.

"Cultivate diligently. The Hidden Dragon Ranking is coming out. The competition among martial artists from all countries, especially those of our age, is fierce. If you're not on the list yet, strive to be on it. If you are, don't let your guard down. Remember, there's an Earth Ranking above the Human Ranking, and a Heaven Ranking above that."

"I will keep in mind my senior brother's teachings."

Meng Xing and the others nodded, and Lin Chen smiled and said, "Alright, let's stop here."

Just as Lin Chen was saying goodbye to Meng Xing, Yu Fei and the others, a cold light shot out from the direction of the city gate. Lin Chen's eyes narrowed and he struck out with his palm the moment the cold light came.

boom!
The sudden change startled many people at the city gate, and everyone's eyes turned to the gate, where a silver spear was now embedded in the bluestone ground, its butt trembling incessantly.

"Lin Chen, do you dare to fight me, Gao Mushan?"

A voice rang out, and inside the city gate, a young man dressed in black armor walked alone, reaching out to pull out a long spear stuck in the bluestone floor.

hiss!
Many martial artists who were about to enter or leave the city stopped in their tracks upon hearing the boy's words.

Some people might not recognize the name Gao Mushan and could not recall it at first, but they had heard of Lin Chen.

Even those who are new to Lingxiao City from other countries and are unaware of the two major battles fought by Lingxiao Martial Academy, the three who rank first on the three lists are the most watched after the emergence of the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

As for the martial artists of Daliang, it goes without saying that Lin Chen is a model of martial arts students. However, his recent battles with Sihe Martial Academy and Chaosheng Martial Academy, as well as his battles with the Yu Beichen brothers three days ago, have made Lin Chen's name known throughout Daliang.

But who is Gao Mushan?

“I remember now, Gao Mushan is the Korean youth who ranked second on the list.”

"So, this is a challenge from the second-ranked person on the Human Ranking to the first-ranked person?"

Gao Mushan's eyes turned cold. The day after the Hidden Dragon Ranking was announced and he was ranked second on the Human Ranking, he chose to come to Lingxiao City.

People only remember the first, no one remembers the second.

He was unwilling to accept second place, and he was also resentful.

He could also defeat the three Yu brothers, Bei Chen and Bei Chen.

The martial artists who were about to enter or leave the city were now very excited. Several battles on the Hidden Dragon Ranking had broken out in Lingxiao City in recent days, but apart from one battle on the Earth Ranking, most of them were battles fought by people ranked lower on the Human Ranking.

This is the first time we've seen a battle between the number one and number two on the Human Ranking.

Gao Mushan pointed his gun at Lin Chen, who was wearing a bamboo hat: "The number one on the Human Ranking still has to wear a bamboo hat, afraid to show your true face. Are you afraid of being challenged?"

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze towards Lin Chen, and many people looked puzzled.

The emergence of the Hidden Dragon Ranking is an honor for anyone who makes the list.

Logically speaking, there was no need to wear a straw hat to conceal one's identity.

Unless Lin Chen is truly afraid of being challenged by others, as Gao Mushan said.

"What a joke! Senior Brother Lin is afraid of challenges, he's just afraid of trouble."

Yu Fei immediately retorted, and Meng Xing and the others beside him also showed anger on their faces. Gao Mushan had a sneer on his lips, and pointed the tip of his gun at Lin Chen again: "What, still unwilling to take off your straw hat?"

"as you wish."

Lin Chen removed his bamboo hat, revealing his true face, which caused a sensation among the many martial artists present.

"It really is Senior Brother Lin."

"That's right, I was there during that battle at the Martial Academy, it was indeed Senior Brother Lin."

As Gao Mushan watched Lin Chen remove his straw hat, a dark blue light flashed in his eyes. Meng Xing, who was standing next to him, saw this and whispered, "Senior Brother Lin, this person cultivates the unique 'Mysterious Netherworld Ice Soul Technique' of the Cold Kingdom. It can transform internal energy into extremely cold qi. Once you are hit by it, it will affect the speed of your blood circulation."

Lin Chen narrowed his eyes slightly. He only knew that the Korean Kingdom was the strongest among the nine kingdoms, but he really didn't know that the Korean Kingdom's martial arts had such special features.

So, is this the source of their confidence to challenge them?
"Let's go to the Martial Arts Garden for a battle."

Lin Chen shook his head: "No need."

These words caused an uproar at the scene. The martial artists watching did not understand the meaning behind Lin Chen's words. Did he not intend to accept Gao Mushan's challenge?
However, the martial arts academy has a rule that if someone who meets the challenge requirements challenges someone ranked higher than themselves, and the challenged person refuses the challenge without a reasonable reason, it is equivalent to admitting defeat.

Is Lin Chen going to hand over first place so easily?
At this moment, on a cruise ship at the dock, several figures were standing on the deck, their eyes also fixed on the direction of the city gate not far away.

"It seems Lin Chen is trying to stall for time."

"The fact that Wuyuan gave Lin Chen the first place on the Human Ranking is unfair. Before defeating Yu Beichen, Lin Chen had only trained two internal organs. It was only because the result of that battle shocked many people that he was ranked first. If the Hidden Dragon Ranking had been postponed for another month, the first place would still have belonged to Junior Brother Gao."

On the deck, a young man dressed in blue snorted. In the eyes of the Korean martial artists, Lin Chen's ability to become the number one on the ranking list was due to the influence of his battle with Yu Beichen.

In contrast, Junior Brother Gao has always stayed in South Korea and has not experienced any major battles, so he is not as famous as Lin Chen.

However, all the martial artists from the Korean Kingdom are like this, rarely venturing into other countries, not because they don't want to, but because they disdain it.

The martial arts of the Nine Kingdoms have always been led by the Korean Kingdom.

If someone is number one among their peers in China, then they are number one in all nine countries, and the rankings of the Heaven and Earth lists in this year's Hidden Dragon Rankings have confirmed this.

Junior Brother Gao came to Daliang this time to reclaim the top spot on the Human Ranking and prove to the other eight countries that the Heaven, Earth, and Human Rankings will all be under the rule of the Han Kingdom.

"What, you don't dare to compete with me?" Gao Mushan said with a hint of sarcasm as he listened to the commotion around him.

Before Lin Chen could answer, three figures rushed in from inside the city gate.

Anyone who disrupts the order of Lingxiao City will be arrested!

As the black-armored guards appeared, the martial artists who had been watching quickly retreated.

The shadow of the tree is the name of the man. The Black Armor Guards of Lingxiao City are notoriously strict. Once you are targeted by the Black Armor Guards, you will be severely injured even if you don't die.

The three black-armored guards glanced at Lin Chen, then their gazes fell on Gao Mushan.

"Haha, is this what you Liang people are thinking? Afraid that Lin Chen's ranking will drop, so you want to stop me from sparring with Lin Chen?"

Gao Mushan suddenly burst into laughter: "That's right. For the Great Liang, having the number one spot on the individual ranking is already quite satisfactory. Naturally, we should preserve this honor for a while longer."

Upon hearing Gao Mushan's words, Meng Xing and the others showed anger on their faces, and Yu Fei even directly rebuked them: "What nonsense are you talking about!"

The leader of the three black-armored guards frowned: "The black-armored guards only act according to the rules, and no one is allowed to disobey them."

"What a fine line, 'No one can disobey it!' Fine, you may escape today, but you can't escape tomorrow. I don't believe you, Lin Chen, can hide forever."

Gao Mushan shook his head, picked up his spear, and was about to leave, his disdain on his face was obvious.

"I think you've misunderstood."

Gao Mushan turned around and stared at Lin Chen.

"No need" means that you are not worth my trip to Wuyuan.

Lin Chen spoke calmly, then looked at the three black-armored guards: "Senior brothers, may I make my move here?"

The black-armored guard who had spoken earlier gave Lin Chen a deep look: "Destroying even a single brick or tile of Lingxiao City, including the floor, will be punished..."

"I'll pay this fine!"

Gao Mushan interrupted the black-armored guard directly, looking at Lin Chen: "Since you want to make a move here, I'll grant your wish!"

In Gao Mushan's mind, he still believed that Lin Chen was just making excuses on purpose, and he was now going to cut off all of Lin Chen's excuses.

"it is good!"

Lin Chen agreed. Since someone was helping him pay the fine and even delivering the money to his door, he had nothing to say.

The onlookers were excited upon hearing the conversation between the two; they were about to witness a battle between the number one and number two on the Human Ranking.

This battle is bound to be incredibly exciting.

"bring it on."

Gao Mushan pointed his spear at Lin Chen, emanating a sharp, chilling aura, with frost slowly condensing on the spear tip.

Lin Chen stood with his hands behind his back, his expression calm.

"What, aren't you going to use your bow and arrow?"

"Not for you yet."

Upon hearing Lin Chen's words, a fierce glint flashed in Gao Mushan's eyes: "I hope you can remain this arrogant in a moment."

Gao Mushan's spear suddenly gleamed with a cold light, and the frost that had condensed on the tip of the spear suddenly turned into a sky full of frost and snow. The onlookers retreated three feet away, and the bluestone slab was covered with a thin layer of ice when the extremely cold energy swept by.

“Junior Brother Gao has already cultivated the Xuanming Ice Soul Technique to perfection. With the long spear forged from cold iron in his hand, his strength can increase by 30%. If Lin Chen does not use his bow and arrow, he will definitely be defeated.”

"I've heard that Lin Chen's qi and blood are extremely strong. I suppose he's confident in his vigorous qi and blood and is not afraid of the extreme cold qi."

"Hmph, just a frog in a well!"

On the deck, several young men looked at Lin Chen with disdain.

They had never seen a martial artist whose qi and blood were so vigorous that they were unaffected by the extreme cold qi.

call out!
Gao Mushan moved, his spear flashing with a chilling aura as it hurtled straight toward Lin Chen.

At that very moment, Lin Chen's blood and qi surged, his true blood coursing through his internal organs like a river. His feet remained motionless, and his right palm, glowing with golden light, fiercely struck out at the tip of Gao Mushan's spear.

"court death!"

Seeing Lin Chen's actions, Gao Mushan's eyes also showed anger. How dare Lin Chen look down on him like this? He would make Lin Chen pay the price.

The chilling aura at the tip of the spear surged once more; this time, he intended to pierce Lin Chen's palm with this shot.

Before the gun tip and the palm even collided, several men on the deck suddenly cried out in surprise.

"This is impossible!"

The three black-armored guards closest to the front also had a glint in their eyes.

In their eyes, before Lin Chen's palm even collided with the spear tip, the wind from his palm arrived first, and the frost on Gao Mushan's spear tip instantly turned into mist!
boom!
With a loud bang, Gao Mushan staggered back several steps, his tiger's mouth split open, the tip of the spear actually being knocked back by Lin Chen's palm.

"This is impossible!"

Gao Mushan roared, but despite his hand injury, he spun around and stabbed again, this time his qi transformed into cold mist and surged towards Lin Chen.

Lin Chen's eyes flashed with golden light, completely ignoring the cold mist. His left hand grasped the spear tip as if taking something out of a bag. The next moment, his five fingers suddenly clenched, and the spear tip of the cold iron spear that Gao Mushan was so proud of twisted and deformed under Lin Chen's palm force, showing an impressive degree of curvature.

Gao Mushan's pupils shrank, and he wanted to continue to exert his strength. However, accompanied by a soft roar like a dragon's roar, the spear shattered, and the remaining force sent Gao Mushan flying dozens of feet backward, crashing heavily into the city wall.

The crowd was deathly silent, and the frost on the ground, formed from the condensation of the cold mist, reflected iridescent colors in the sunlight.

All eyes were fixed on the figure standing in the center of the field, a figure bathed in the sunlight with a faint golden glow, whose hair was completely free of any frost or snow.

"How...how is this possible?"

At the foot of the city wall, Gao Mushan struggled to stand up. Why was Lin Chen unaffected by the cold?
How could Lin Chen's physical body shatter his spear?

Lin Chen remained calm. So what if it was the Xuanming Ice Soul Technique?
His own blood and energy far surpassed that of ordinary martial artists, and he had absorbed the power of Lingxiao. The power of Lingxiao is the power of the rising sun, the most yang power in the world. It would be strange if he were invaded by cold energy.

As for why it was able to destroy Gao Mushan's spear, it was the convergence of two energies, one cold and one hot, that made it strange that the spear didn't shatter.

On the deck, several men fell silent.

The more they had mocked Lin Chen before, the more embarrassed they were now.

"Below the rank of 'Entering the Rank,' he is truly number one, and no one on the Human Ranking can shake his position."

Finally, a young man on the deck slowly spoke: "If my Zhao Kingdom is no good, then your Han Kingdom is no good either."

The two South Korean youths on the deck didn't want to admit it, but they couldn't find any excuse to refute it.

"Let him be arrogant for now, and we'll talk about it after he reaches the next level."

(End of this chapter)