Martial Arts Sainthood Begins with the Tiger-Taming Fist

The most anticipated match in the subsequent contest was between Liao Tian and Liu Sha.

The two fought fiercely for over fifty rounds, and in the end, Liao Tian defeated Liu Sha by half a move.

The martial arts exams concluded this year.

The government will post a red notice five days later, and the top ten will be the martial arts scholars.

The top ten from each county could participate in the state's martial arts examination. If they passed the martial arts examination, they were truly outstanding talents who could be directly appointed to official positions by the government.

Anyang County belongs to Chuzhou. The martial arts examinations are held in late spring and in late autumn. The current heads of the Xie and Qi families are both martial arts graduates who have retired after their terms of office expired.

Although Chen Mo was defeated by Xie Jinyou, his combined scores in the physical and technical tests should place him among the top ten.

He walked back to the inn with Yin Tianqing and others.

Yin Tianqing patted his shoulder, a smile spreading across his face. "Let's stay in the county town for a few more days, until the martial arts examination results are posted, then we can leave, okay?"

When making this decision, Yin Tianqing subconsciously asked Chen Mo for his opinion.

Chen Mo thought for a moment, then nodded, "Okay, Master, please make the arrangements."

Previously, both the Qi and Xie families had invited him to visit, and he also wanted to take this opportunity to make friends with the prominent families in Anyang County.

To cultivate one's skills in the mountains and rivers, one will inevitably need many resources, and making connections with prominent families is the most suitable way.

The problem lies with the Xie and Qi families...

How should we choose?

Or should we go to both?

However, during the martial arts competition over the past two days, Chen Mo inadvertently learned that the Xie and Qi families were not actually on good terms.

If you try to please both sides, you'll end up offending both.

In comparison, he was quite familiar with Xie Jinnian, which made it easier for him to get in touch with the Xie family.

Just then.

A man dressed in a dark-colored official's uniform blocked their path. "May I ask which one of you is Chen Mo, the martial arts master?"

"Martial Master" is an honorific title for a high-ranking martial artist with prestige.

Chen Mo immediately clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute, "I am Chen Mo."

The official said solemnly, "The county magistrate invites Martial Master Chen to a gathering at Zuichunlou tomorrow."

Chen Mo was taken aback. "The County Magistrate? Zuichunlou?"

"Yes, Your Excellency, I am here to deliver your message today."

When the official spoke of the county magistrate, a hint of respect appeared on his face. "The county magistrate personally selected the Drunken Spring Pavilion, which is located on the main road in the west of the city. You can arrive before dusk tomorrow."

After pondering for a moment, Chen Mo asked, "Brother officer, do you know who the county magistrate invited?"

The other party replied, "As far as I know, besides you, Master Chen, there should also be martial arts masters from the Xie family, the Qi family, the Black Tiger Hall, and Fengdang."

Chen Mo nodded, understanding dawning on his mind.

Although the results will not be released for another five days, someone like the county magistrate will surely know the outcome today.

Although the county magistrate was not the examiner for the martial arts examination, he was the head of the military officers in the county. It was normal for him to invite those who had passed the martial arts examination to a gathering in his personal capacity so that they could meet and exchange greetings.

Most importantly, this way, Chen Mo wouldn't have to worry about whose house to visit.

"Tomorrow at Zuichunlou, both the Xie and Qi families will be there. Let's see how things unfold then."

After making up his mind, Chen Mo clasped his hands in a fist and bow again, "Thank you for informing me, officer. I will definitely be there tomorrow."

The official bowed and left.

The next day, at Zuichunlou.

The building was filled with wealthy merchants and entertainers, and singers and dancers in heavy makeup filled the air with the aroma of delicacies from land and sea.

After Chen Mo entered the building, he was invited to a private room. At this time, people from the Xie and Qi families, Hefeng Pawnshop, Iron Palm Gang, and Black Tiger Hall had already arrived.

He scanned the surroundings.

Cousins ​​Xie Jinyou and Xie Jinnian sat side by side, while Qi Jia Liaotian and Qi Sheng sat on the other side.

Strangely, Zhao Huayuan was also seated, while Zhang Chong was not.

"It's normal for Zhao Huayuan, a master of internal energy, to be invited by the county magistrate..." he thought to himself.

At this moment, Xie Jinnian beckoned to him, signaling him to come over, and Chen Mo sat down to Xie Jinnian's right.

Before long, County Lieutenant Lin Chong arrived, and everyone immediately stood up to greet him. Lin Chong gestured slightly to indicate that everyone should sit down.

Lin Chong, dressed in a black robe, surveyed the entire scene with an imposing presence, radiating authority without anger.

He raised a glass of strong liquor, held it with both hands, and said, "Thank you all for giving me this face. I am but a simple warrior, and I don't know how to say anything polite, so I'll just drink it down first!"

After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.

A sense of heroic spirit washes over you.

Everyone immediately stood up and drank it all in one gulp.

Chen Mo downed a glass of strong liquor, which had a slightly spicy taste, but he had a good tolerance for alcohol in his previous life, so he could handle it.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, everyone had enjoyed a meal.

Lin Chong stood up and said, "This grand martial arts competition showcases the abundance of martial arts talent in Anyang County. Xie Jinyou of the Xie family, Liao Tian of the Qi family, Liu Sha of the Black Tiger Hall, Ye Zimou of Hefeng Pawnshop, Chang Hao of the Iron Palm Gang, and..."

At this point, Lin Chong's gaze lingered slightly on Zhao Huayuan before turning to Chen Mo, "And there's also Brother Chen Mo from Tianqing Martial Arts School."

Zhao Huayuan glanced at Chen Mo, his face darkening.

"You are all martial arts talents from Anyang County. I, Lin, may have the opportunity to work with you in the future. As the saying goes, 'When people are of one mind, their strength can break metal.' I believe that as long as you all work together, there will be no problem!"

At this point, Lin Chong raised his cup and drank it all.

Afterwards, people moved around between seats, mainly to build connections.

Chen Mo noticed that Qi Sheng and Liu Zongsheng, the leader of the Black Tiger Hall, temporarily left their seats and returned together a moment later. At this time, Qi Sheng's expression was complicated, but Liu Zongsheng could not hide his smile.

Chen Mo suddenly remembered what they had talked about that day. Liu Zongsheng had asked Zhao Huayuan to cooperate on a certain matter, and Zhao Huayuan had agreed at the time.

Later, Liu Zongsheng asked Yin Tianqing to cooperate, but the latter refused. Chen Mo never asked his master about this matter, and the latter would not bring it up on his own initiative.

This scene is quite similar to the situation back then.

"Could it be that Qi Sheng also agreed to Liu Zongsheng's request?"

He suddenly felt uneasy.

"Young friend Chen Mo."

As he was pondering, a voice suddenly rang out above his head.

Chen Mo looked up and saw Liu Zongsheng standing in front of him. The latter had arrived silently, causing a slight cold sweat to break out on his back.

"Master Liu," he said, standing up and bowing.

Liu Zongsheng's wine cup was already full. "I, Liu, invite my young friend Chen Mo to take a stroll and have some drinks in the backyard of Zuichun Pavilion. I wonder if you would do me the honor?"

"Master Liu, you flatter me. How could I, a junior, dare not refuse to accompany you!"

The two walked to the backyard, and Liu Zongsheng cut to the chase: "I invited you out to ask if you would be willing to join my Black Tiger Hall if we invited you in?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo understood perfectly. If they were truly inviting him to the hall, why would they need to be so secretive?

After pondering for a few moments, he replied, "I am currently learning martial arts at the Tianqing Martial Arts Academy, and my skills are not yet up to par. Therefore, I will have to disappoint Hall Master Liu for the time being."

Liu Zongsheng's face showed little expression. "Your Excellency can defeat Zhang Chong and fight several impressive rounds with Xie Jinyou. Judging from this, the day when you catch up with Yin Tianqing is not far off."

Chen Mo quickly added a polite remark to his self-deprecating tone.

But Liu Zongsheng suddenly stopped, his expression hardening slightly. "The Black Tiger Hall needs talent like yours, and you also need the Black Tiger Hall's resources. If there's something that requires your cooperation, would you be willing?"