Chaos begins when one joins a martial arts school

Chapter 82 Release of List
Sun Yong listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. After listening, he nodded slightly, gradually gaining an understanding.

It turns out that Yang Jing's ability to finish fourth was indeed partly due to luck.

The help of the Hundred Herbs Elixir and Zhou Tong's injuries were both rare and serendipitous opportunities.

In normal circumstances, given Yang Jing's current strength, achieving this ranking in the highly competitive training ground would be an incredibly difficult task.

However, Sun Yong did not look down on Yang Jing in the slightest because of this.

Having lived most of his life and seen thousands of martial artists, he naturally understood how much hardship lay behind the word "luck."

He Han had long been famous in Yuhe County, and Xu Guangwei was a formidable opponent at the peak of internal strength. The fact that he was able to defeat these two in succession could not be attributed to mere luck. Without solid strength and adaptability, even the best opportunities could not be seized.

Moreover, Zhou Tong is a well-known figure in the martial arts circle of Yuhe County. Even with his left arm disabled, his combat strength surpasses that of an ordinary peak internal energy practitioner.

The fact that Yang Jing was able to gain an advantage over him, and even defeat him, is enough to prove that his own strength is not to be underestimated. He is at least much stronger than Xu Hong, the senior brother who is at the peak of the Dark Force.

"Well, I see."

Sun Yong spoke slowly, his tone full of approval, "Being able to seize opportunities is a skill in itself. You've gotten this far through your own hard work."

After Sun Yong finished speaking, he paused for a moment, then looked at Yang Jing with a more serious expression: "You need to be careful of that Jinlian girl. She is the head of a large family in the prefecture. She has shouldered the heavy responsibility of the family at a young age, and her methods and courage are extraordinary. The resources and power in her hands are probably no less than the six major families that have been entrenched in our Yuhe County for hundreds of years. It is difficult for ordinary people to even talk to her. The fact that she is willing to give you the Hundred Herbs Elixir is your good fortune."

He paused, his tone now tinged with caution: "It's fine to associate with her, even to form a friendship; you might even get her help in the future. But remember, don't get too close, and be careful not to let her get too involved. After all, she single-handedly supports such a large family, and she's bound to be shrewd and calculating. You're young and innocent, so don't give anyone something to gossip about and ruin your reputation."

These words were spoken bluntly, serving as both a reminder and a defense of one's own shortcomings.

Having lived most of his life, Sun Yong had witnessed many entanglements within powerful families and feared that his disciple, being inexperienced in the ways of the world, might be tempted by beauty and suffer a setback.

He had given Lin Yue the same advice, but Lin Yue spent his days attending banquets with the sons of various families in Yuhe County and never took his words to heart.

Just then, Sun Ningxiang walked in carrying a tea tray and gently placed two celadon teacups on the table.

Upon hearing her father mention Jinlian, her fingers, which were holding the teacup, paused slightly, and her brows furrowed involuntarily.

Although there were few rumors about the young woman who had taken charge of the family, people in the city had heard that she was very capable. Now, hearing his father specifically instruct Yang Jing to be careful in his interactions with her, he felt a little uneasy, but he didn't say anything. He put down his teacup and stepped aside.

Yang Jing picked up the teacup, feeling the warmth travel through his fingertips. He nodded earnestly, "Disciple understands, thank you for your guidance, Master."

He already held a certain amount of awe for Jinlian.

The other party's gift of medicine was a gesture of goodwill, but it also hinted at something unfathomable.

He did intend to visit in a couple of days to express his gratitude, but that was all.

Just as Master said, it's enough to be a nodding acquaintance; there's no need for any close relationship.

Moreover... Yang Jing thought to himself, the other party was no ordinary person who could stabilize the situation after the family upheaval.

I am just a martial artist with internal strength. Although I got fourth place in the training ground test, it probably means nothing in the eyes of that Golden Lotus girl.

To say you're trying to climb the social ladder is probably just wishful thinking; there's no way someone would even notice you.

Seeing that he looked clear-headed and didn't seem to have any other thoughts, Sun Yong felt relieved. He picked up the teacup and took a sip. The fragrance of green buds and jade leaves spread on his tongue, carrying a faint spiritual energy that nourished his meridians. He smiled and said, "Try this tea; it will be good for your recovery."

Yang Jingyi sipped the tea as instructed, and felt a warm sensation flow down his throat, spreading throughout his body, even relieving the dull pain in his abdomen.

The study was filled with the aroma of tea. The master and apprentice were silent for a moment, yet there was a harmonious atmosphere.

Sun Yong put down his teacup, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "How many Qi-Nourishing Pills do you have left?"

Yang Jing answered truthfully, "Master, there are nine left."

"Um,"

Sun Yong nodded. "This pill will greatly benefit your current cultivation of internal strength. Come back for more when you've finished it; don't be stingy."

Although the Qi-Nourishing Pill is not considered a top-grade elixir, it excels in being gentle and practical, making it most suitable for the daily cultivation of martial artists with internal strength.

Yang Jing nodded and said, "Thank you, Master."

The two chatted for a few more words.

Yang Jing stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Master, if there's nothing else, I'll go back to the front courtyard and practice my boxing for a while longer."

“Go,” Sun Yong instructed, “Remember not to practice too intensely. Focus on recuperating these next few days, slow down the flow of internal energy, and avoid aggravating old injuries.”

"Disciple understands." Yang Jing replied and turned to leave the study.

The footsteps faded into the distance, leaving only Sun Yong and Sun Ningxiang in the study.

Sun Yong picked up his teacup and took another sip. The delicate flavor of the green buds and jade leaves lingered on his tongue. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that his daughter was still standing to the side, motionless.

Sun Yong looked up and saw Sun Ningxiang slightly turned to the side, her gaze fixed on the window. Following her gaze, he saw the direction Yang Jing had left in.

She frowned slightly, her expression somewhat dazed, as if lost in thought, unaware that her father was looking at her.

Sun Yong was stunned for a moment upon seeing this. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then swallowed it back.

That thought popped into his head again.

Yang Jing is a steady and reliable young man, and now it seems he is quite talented. He and Ningxiang are a good match.

Previously, he had always favored Lin Yue, feeling that Lin Yue was exceptionally talented and was also a disciple he had personally trained. If he could marry Ning Xiang, it would not only be a wonderful thing, but it would also make Lin Yue more dedicated to serving the martial arts school.

But now Lin Yue is seriously injured, has failed the training ground test, and is arrogant and unruly. On the contrary, Yang Jing has emerged as a dark horse, not only becoming the hope of the martial arts school, but also, judging from Ning Xiang's appearance, seems to have a good impression of him.

On one side is Lin Yue, to whom he has devoted a great deal of effort, and on the other side is Yang Jing, who has recently risen to prominence. Both are promising talents, and he would be satisfied with whichever of them becomes his son-in-law.

However, this matter involves many aspects, and especially since Lin Yue is still bedridden, it would be inappropriate to say anything at this moment.

Sun Yong shook his head slightly, suppressing the thought.

In matters of love and affection, it ultimately depends on their own feelings; it cannot be forced.

It's better to let things take their course. If there's a real connection, things will fall into place naturally. He put down his teacup, coughed lightly, and said, "Ningxiang, go check on things in the front yard whenever you have time. Tell your junior brothers to be careful when they practice their boxing, and also tell Yang Jing not to overdo it. Let him rest and recover for the next few days."

Sun Ningxiang then came to her senses, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly replied, "Yes, Father."

After saying that, she turned around and quickly walked out of the study, but there seemed to be a hint of panic in her steps.

Sun Yong watched his daughter's retreating figure, a faint smile playing on his lips. He picked up his teacup and slowly sipped his tea.

Sunlight streamed through the bamboo branches outside the window, casting shimmering spots of light on the pages of the book; everything was still going strong.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

The morning sun shone brightly in the front yard of the Sun Family Martial Arts School. Yang Jing, shirtless, was practicing the Mountain-Crushing Fist over and over again.

The wind howled with each punch, carrying a steady internal force; each punch caused the surrounding air to vibrate slightly.

After two days of rest, the wounds on his body had faded somewhat, and his complexion had regained its rosy hue, but his eyes were sharper than ever before.

Lin Yue was still recovering from serious injuries, and the focus of the martial arts school unconsciously shifted towards Yang Jing.

Now, even veteran disciples of the Dark Force realm like Xu Hong and Zhao Wenzheng dare not underestimate him in the slightest.

Whether it's the awe shown by the disciples during their daily sparring or their earnest requests for martial arts instruction, it all points to a clear signal: Yang Jing has become the core of the martial arts school, and his status even surpasses that of several more senior disciples with deeper internal strength.

After finishing a set of punches, Yang Jing was slightly out of breath, with fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

He could feel that the energy contained in the beast meat he had eaten that morning had been completely used up, and his fist techniques and internal energy circulation had become somewhat sluggish.

So he took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom, poured out a Qi-Nourishing Pill, and swallowed it.

The pill melted instantly upon entering the mouth, and a gentle medicinal power slowly spread, nourishing the meridians and restoring vigorous energy and spirit.

After a short rest, Yang Jing walked to the most spacious spot in the center of the front yard, lowered his waist and assumed a horse stance, and slowly began to unleash the starting posture of the Mountain-Crushing Fist.

At this moment, Sun Yong came out from the inner courtyard.

He was dressed in a gray outfit today. His gaze swept over the disciples practicing in the courtyard. He would stop from time to time to give some pointers on a disciple's moves or correct the details of their power.

Seeing their master giving them personal guidance, the disciples were all on high alert and dared not slack off in the slightest.

Sun Yong pointed out the way along the way, and finally stopped next to Yang Jing.

He didn't speak immediately, but stood aside with his hands behind his back, watching Yang Jing practice his boxing intently, his eyes filled with scrutiny and contemplation.

After Yang Jing finished his set of punches, Sun Yong slowly spoke: "The Crushing Mountain Fist emphasizes 'heavy as a collapsing rock, fierce as a splitting cliff.' Your punches had enough power, but not enough spirit. When you throw a punch, you should not only think about shattering what's in front of you, but also convey an indomitable momentum, concentrating your inner strength at the tip of your fist, rather than spreading it across the surface..."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and gestured, personally demonstrating the secret to generating force.

From the foundational stances of the boxing form to the flow of internal energy and the transitions between different boxing postures, he explained everything in detail. He even occasionally reached out and touched Yang Jing's arm to correct his subtle deviations in movement.

Previously, this was a privilege that only Lin Yue could enjoy.

Even the other disciples with internal strength did not receive such detailed instruction from Sun Yong.

After instructing him on the Mountain-Crushing Fist, Sun Yong said, "Try practicing your Surging Wave Leg as well."

Although Yang Jing was somewhat surprised, he still followed instructions and began to practice the leg techniques.

He moved with agility, his legs flashing like waves crashing on the shore, and sometimes like a gust of wind whistling through the forest.

Sun Yong watched intently, and after Yang Jing finished practicing, he commented: "The essence of this leg technique lies in 'change.' Your footwork transitions are not smooth enough, especially the connections between different moves, which are a bit stiff. The way of body movement is that no matter how many changes there are, it is all about borrowing force, deflecting force, and accumulating force... Try to integrate sinking force into your footwork, and you might find some feeling for it."

Although he didn't know the "Surging Wave Kick," he offered guidance from a higher level based on his mastery of internal energy and understanding of the essence of martial arts. Every word was precious, enlightening Yang Jing.

Sun Yong did not go anywhere else. He stood not far from Yang Jing and pointed out any problems Yang Jing encountered while practicing martial arts. He would either wait until Yang Jing finished a set of moves before giving detailed instruction.

Yang Jing focused his mind and comprehended the technique. He practiced the Mountain-Crushing Fist again, incorporating his master's instructions into the movements. As expected, the fist technique became more rounded and powerful than before.

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the martial arts school gate, mixed with the excited shouts of several disciples.

Immediately afterward, several martial arts school disciples who had arrived late rushed in from outside the gate, their faces full of excitement, shouting from afar:

"Senior Brother Yang! Senior Brother Yang! You've made it onto the list of successful candidates in the military examination!"

"The government has already posted notices; they're posted outside the county government office and at the city gates!"

"There are only five spots available for passing this year's entrance exam, and Senior Brother Yang is fourth! He's a shoo-in!"

"Our martial arts school has finally produced someone with an official position! Hahaha!"

They ran breathlessly to the front yard, their excitement almost overflowing, and their eyes were all fixed on Yang Jing, filled with undisguised admiration and joy.

The commotion in the front yard instantly subsided, and all the disciples stopped, their eyes fixed on Yang Jing and the disciples who had brought the news.

Even Sun Yong suddenly stopped pointing and turned to look at the door, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

The wrinkles on his face smoothed out at that moment, and the pent-up frustration of more than ten years seemed to dissipate in an instant.

Sun Yong strode up to the disciples who had brought the news, his voice trembling slightly but trying to remain calm: "Don't rush, speak slowly, tell me the situation in detail."

His gaze swept over the excited faces of his disciples, then he subconsciously looked at Yang Jing, his eyes filled with undisguised satisfaction and excitement.

The Sun Family Martial Arts School had been silent for too long, so long that he had almost forgotten the last time a disciple made it onto the training ground's ranking list. Now, Yang Jing had finally broken the deadlock, and this glory was enough to make everyone in the Sun Family Martial Arts School proud.

The leading disciple took a deep breath, trying to calm his breathing, and respectfully replied, "Reporting to the Master, notices and the results of the military examination have been posted at the county government office and the city gate! This year, five places will be awarded in the military examination, and the top five from this year's examination are Li Mengchao, Qin Yu, Zhou Zhiqiang, Senior Brother Yang, and Zhou Tong!"

He emphasized the words "Senior Brother Yang" with a tone full of pride: "The list had only been posted for a short time when it was surrounded by people! We squeezed in and looked at it several times to make sure that Senior Brother Yang's name was clearly written in the fourth position, there was no mistake!"

Another disciple added, "Moreover, I heard from the officials around here that the imperial court has already sent people to deliver the good news according to the ancestral home we registered when we enrolled! Senior Brother Yang, you should hurry home. The officials might already be on their way to your house. You'd better go home and see them!"

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(End of this chapter)