I'll write a manual called the Sunflower Manual, and the entire martial arts world will turn in

[Bajiquan (Supporting Hammer: 100/100), (Dragon Subduing: 5/100)]

Five days later at noon, Xie An practiced Bajiquan in a corner of the Yongsheng Martial Arts Hall's training ground.

After five days of hard practice, I finally improved my progress in the Dragon Subduing Style from 1 to 5.

Realizing that he could not go any further for the time being, Xie An sat in the corner of the courtyard and ate some beef jerky.

"Roughly speaking, it's been twenty days since I started practicing the hammer support. Today I can go and explain the situation to Instructor Zhanping."

According to Xie An's understanding over this period, even a highly talented apprentice would need more than a month to master the hammer-supporting technique.

I mastered it in just over twenty days, which was perfect timing. It showcased my talent without being overly extraordinary.

Concealing one's talents is for self-preservation, while showcasing one's abilities is for seizing opportunities.

This balance still needs to be carefully considered.

There was once an exceptionally talented genius whose outstanding abilities instantly attracted the attention of all the top powers in Wuqiao Town, who vied to sponsor and win him over. However, this also sparked another idea within these top powers—

Since I can't have it, I absolutely can't let my rival have it either. I might as well destroy it.

Then, this genius was inexplicably murdered.

Such is the way of the world and people's hearts; it's the same in any era.

Before long, Xie An saw a toddler walking unsteadily through the archway in the backyard.

It was Lin Chong.

Compared to his high spirits five days ago, Lin Chong now looked like a completely different person, his face haggard, his eyes devoid of any luster, like a walking corpse.

Many apprentices around looked over and began to whisper among themselves.

"Five days ago, Instructor Zhanping took four people to the medicinal bathhouse to break through their barriers. Wei Dian succeeded in breaking through in just one day, which shows his exceptional talent. Wu Wei succeeded in breaking through in two days, which also shows his good talent. Even Ma Tie, who came from a poor family, succeeded. Only Lin Chong failed."

"Logically speaking, Lin Chong's family runs a brothel, so their conditions shouldn't be bad. I never expected this."

"What's so surprising about that? He never practices martial arts diligently; his mind is always filled with women. With impure thoughts, it's no wonder he failed to pass the level."

"The first attempt is extremely important. If he fails, it will be very difficult to pass the next level. The gap between him and the other three will only widen."

"..."

Lin Chong looked at the pointing and whispering crowd around him, listening to the extremely sarcastic comments, but didn't argue. He went to a secluded corner, sat down, and buried his head in his knees.

The surrounding crowd just watched and pointed, but no one went up to offer comfort.

Several apprentices who used to be on good terms with Lin Chong also chose to keep their distance, shaking their heads and sighing repeatedly.

"One failed attempt to break through the barrier has extinguished your will? This isn't the Lin Chong I know."

Lin Chong looked up and saw Xie An beside him. Then, looking at the old friends around him who were once familiar with him but now kept their distance, he finally forced an awkward smile at Xie An.

"Everyone is laughing at me, thinking I have no future and am no longer worth befriending. But you're the one who stays by my side and comforts me."

Xie An took out a piece of beef jerky and handed it to Lin Chong: "Eat a piece of beef jerky, it might make you feel better."

Lin Chong reluctantly took the beef jerky and started munching on it, but he couldn't hide the disappointment in his eyes. "Five days ago, Dad found out I was going into seclusion to try and refine my skin. He was overjoyed. He even told me that if I succeeded, I could choose any of the prostitutes in the house... Sigh, I'm just a good-for-nothing."

"..."

Although Xie An strongly disagreed with Lin Chong's father's methods of education and encouragement, the desire of parents to help their children improve is the same.

"If you fail, just try again. A man should be able to take things in stride, to win and to lose gracefully. Life is long, and it's impossible to have a smooth journey every time. A person who loses the courage to start over after one defeat is destined not to go far in life."

Just then, a commotion arose from the crowd.

Pang Tong led Wei Dian in, beaming. Pang Tong then announced some news to everyone: "From today onwards, Junior Brother Wei Dian will serve as a lowly constable in my Wuqiao Town government office, working for the yamen. He will receive two doses of Qi and Blood Powder and five taels of silver per month. If Junior Brother Wei Dian performs well in the future, he can be promoted to a full-fledged constable, joining the imperial staff and receiving a government salary. If anyone wants to work in the yamen, then practice martial arts diligently and break through your cultivation barriers as soon as possible. As long as you perform well, I will not show favoritism."

These words caused an uproar throughout the room, with countless students looking at Wei Dian with envy.

"Wei Diancai has just broken through the Pipi Pass and already became a lowly servant in the yamen. He'll eventually be promoted to a full-fledged constable; it's like a meteoric rise!"

"These days, those who work for outside gangs can never compare to those who live off the government. With the imperial court as their backing, they'll receive preferential treatment when taking the military examinations in the future; their future is practically limitless."

"Wei Dian will be from a different world from us from now on. It's truly enviable."

"..."

Immediately after, Liu Jiang led a burly young man in.

The boy was none other than Ma Tie, a poor kid who had just successfully passed the test this morning.

Liu Jiang also publicly announced that Ma Tie would be a temporary employee of Zhenwei Escort Agency, receiving a dose of Qi and Blood Powder and three taels of silver per month. He added that if Ma Tie performed well, he could be promoted to a full-fledged escort. He also encouraged everyone to work hard, saying that as long as they broke through their current level, they could all be temporarily employed by Zhenwei Escort Agency.

Although the treatment of porters was not as good as that of government servants, they were still the envy of many.

At this moment, Mai Qiuyan brought Wu Wei in, indicating that Wu Wei would be temporarily assigned to the Cao Gang. She also encouraged everyone and demonstrated the Cao Gang's willingness to support the martial arts practitioners.

For most young men, the cost of martial arts training is considerable, and their families struggle to support them. Taking on a temporary job means generating income and receiving financial assistance.

Not only can they find work, they can also gain resources.

This is a crucial step for a fish to leap over the dragon gate.

But this one step, like an insurmountable chasm, has kept most people outside the door.

Compared to Wei Dian and Ma Tie's beaming faces, Lin Chong, sitting in a corner of the courtyard, looked particularly dejected.

But the way these two were treated clearly stung Lin Chong.

"Xie An, what you said is very true. I will not give up."

Xie An was pleased and patted Lin Chong on the shoulder, "Then cheer up and start practicing martial arts. Continue your breakthrough in a couple of days. After all, your family isn't short of money."

Lin Chong nodded emphatically, but said, "I haven't seen Ying'er for five days. I guess she's worried about me too. I'll go tell her. Then I'll come back and practice martial arts with you."

Xie An was speechless, but he didn't force the issue.

After watching Lin Chong leave, Xie An dusted himself off and got up to walk towards Jingsi Garden.

The previous group of people who tried to get through have all come out; now it's my turn.