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

Chapter 57 Opening

Green Ox Martial Arts Society.

Li Yuan followed his second grandmother into the inner hall.

"You may leave now. I need to speak with Li Yuan alone." Lin Chong, seated upright in his armchair, took a sip of tea, placed the teacup back on the table, and spoke in an unquestionable tone.

"Yes." The second mistress gave a slight bow and withdrew.

Lin Chong looked at Li Yuan, his eyes shining with a light he hadn't seen in a long time.

"Excellent! To achieve a ranking in your first martial arts exam is truly remarkable. The key is your composure and humility, which are rare and admirable!"

Li Yuan calmly clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Equally remarkable is that Master Lin did not blame him for withdrawing from the martial arts exam.

After all, the higher a disciple's ranking, the better it is for the reputation of the martial arts academy.

"Any news from the Guicang Alliance?" Master Lin asked calmly.

"Not yet," Li Yuan answered truthfully.

"Well, there's no need to rush. Based on past experience, it's about a month before the news of the Guicang Alliance recruiting disciples arrives after the martial arts exam," Lin Chong said.

"OK."

"Linjiang City is rife with undercurrents, far from being as calm as it appears on the surface. Your choices and decisions are impeccable." Lin Chong revealed an appreciative look.

"Thank you, Master Lin!" Li Yuan didn't pretend to be confused.

"Hmm." Lin Zhong nodded and said, "Not bad, you've already reached the third level of Dark Strength, right?"

"Yes," Li Yuan replied.

Lin Zhong's voice was deep and slow: "With the internal energy fully developed and the power emanating from the heart, one can be both hard and soft, penetrating the body to a depth of three-tenths. In the eyes of ordinary martial artists, this is already an extraordinary level."

Li Yuan replied in a low voice, "This disciple understands."

"But you should understand even more," Lin Chong paused, looking up at him. His usually gentle and peaceful eyes now gleamed with a metallic luster, "above the hidden strength lies the transformative strength. The hidden strength transforms into qi, like a snake transforming into a dragon. From this point on, the mortal body is shed, and the power begins to create."

He stood up, calmly took a few steps forward, and tapped his knuckles lightly towards Li Yuan's dantian.

"Thump!"

A very faint yet clearly audible muffled sound exploded at the acupoint where Li Yuan's blood and qi were flowing!

Li Yuan shuddered, feeling his dantian suddenly contract, followed by an uncontrollable surge of heat coursing through his limbs and bones, causing a tingling and itchy sensation. The muscles beneath his skin visibly twitched slightly, as if countless tiny snakes were about to burst forth from his body. He groaned, and fine beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead.

Lin Chong withdrew his fingers, his eyes showing no emotion whatsoever. "This is the initial sign of your Qi and blood being activated before you reach the threshold. Being able to sense this means that your foundation is fairly solid."

"Master Lin, is it really that difficult to 'break through' the barrier of internal energy?"

"Difficult?" Lin Chong's lips seemed to twitch slightly, but it was definitely not a smile. "Of hundreds or thousands of geniuses, eight or nine out of ten are trapped at the peak of Dark Force for their entire lives, unable to enter even if they look at the gate. It's not that they lack talent, nor that they lack strength, but rather that this one step of knocking on the barrier—"

He leaned slightly forward, his tone still calm, but his words were surprisingly startling: "One must, at the time when one's own qi and blood are at their most abundant and vigorous, reverse the natural order, drawing the qi and blood throughout the body not along the meridians, but flowing backwards through the entire body, to break through that invisible barrier that separates the mortal from the divine."

"Reverse flow—through the entire body?" Li Yuan's pupils contracted slightly.

"That's right." Lin nodded. "It's like a river bursting its banks, but you have to make it flow back and erode the banks themselves. The difference in degree, timing, and effort is slight."

He paused, then uttered four words: "All meridians are ruptured."

The air inside the stone chamber seemed to have grown even colder. Li Yuan felt a chill creep up his spine.

Even if one manages to control the surge of qi and blood, whether they can truly open that door remains unknown. Behind that door lies not a smooth path, but a reshaping of one's own qi, blood, and strength after a dramatic transformation. If one's will falters even slightly, or one's mind becomes even slightly scattered, one will be devoured by this newly born yet uncontrollable force. At best, one's skills will be completely ruined and one's mind damaged; at worst—"

Lin Chong didn't finish speaking, but Li Yuan already understood the unspoken meaning.

When the body dies, the Dao vanishes.

Lin Chong remained silent for a moment.

Then, he slowly raised his hand, unbuttoned the collar of his old blue cloth robe, and pulled the left half of the garment down to his shoulder.

Li Yuan's breathing suddenly stopped.

Under the dim light, two slightly raised veins, their color dark, were visible on Lin Chong's exposed arm. These scars, though seemingly old, still exuded a chilling aura, the lingering scent of a power rampage.

"This is what was left behind after knocking on the gate."

Lin Zhong's voice remained calm.

"The first attempt to break through the barrier to master the internal energy failed due to loss of control over the qi and blood. The second attempt was the most dangerous, as the spirit and will were lost, and cracks appeared in the heart meridian, leaving him bedridden for three years."

His fingertips gently brushed over the most ferocious spot. "That time, the surge of qi and blood was far more intense than expected. Just as the barrier was about to be breached, the new energy and the old internal energy fought and clashed within my body, almost tearing me apart from the inside."

The storm raged in Li Yuan's heart.

It seems that every time I try to break through a barrier, I'm just teetering on the brink of death!

However, the Transformation Realm is also considered the pinnacle of combat power in Linjiang City. Even powerful clans and aristocratic families would treat it as an honored guest and flatter it to the utmost.

What Li Yuan wanted to say was that, with the added advantage of the "Heavenly Book of Derivation" in his destiny, his future breakthrough to the Transformation Realm should be a natural and inevitable outcome.

Ouch-

A drawn-out groan came from the next room.

Lin Chong frowned. "Li Yuan, you should go back first."

Li Yuan felt somewhat disappointed. He had thought that Lin Shi would provide some resource assistance after he achieved a good ranking in the martial arts exam.

But no.

It was just some verbal encouragement.

"I'll go check on Lu Qing," Lin Chong said, frowning and looking distressed.

"How is Senior Brother Lu's injury?" Li Yuan's concern was evident in his words.

Lin Chong shook his head, lowering his voice, "His life is saved, but whether he can continue practicing martial arts in the future... is not optimistic, sigh..."

""

In an instant, Li Yuan felt that his master had aged ten years.

He must still think that Lu Qing was crippled by Tianlong Martial Arts School as revenge against Qingniu Martial Arts Society, and thus he has been trapped in self-blame ever since.

"Master Lin, there's no need to blame yourself too much. Senior Brother Lu, he..."

Li Yuan was hesitating whether to tell Lin Shi the truth, but was interrupted by an even more "heartbreaking" groan from the next room.

"Teacher Lin, ouch—"

Li Yuan didn't want to say anything more, so he clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Master, there's no need to worry too much. Senior Brother Lu is a lucky man, and I'll take my leave now."

"Okay, go ahead." Lin Chong sighed and waved his hand.

Before they had taken two steps, they heard Lin Zhong's voice.

"etc."

Li Yuan turned around and stood respectfully.

Lin Chong took a small blue booklet from a hidden compartment in the bookshelf and handed it to Li Yuan.

"This book is the 'Shaking Mountain Fist,' a fighting method of the Four Symbols Fist corresponding to the Transformation Stage. Its power is far beyond what the 'Tiger Fist' and 'Dragon Fist' can match. Once you break through to the Transformation Stage, you can officially begin practicing it."

Li Yuan stroked the slightly yellowed book, his gaze shifting from the three large characters "Shaking Mountain Fist" on the cover. A warm current flowed through his body and mind. "Thank you, Master!"

"I knew I hadn't misjudged you, kid! Calm, collected, and loyal!" Lin Chong nodded in satisfaction. "If only Lu Qing had half of that kind of personality!"

Lin Chong sighed and continued, "Hanyue Fist is a striking style of boxing known for its extreme power and weight. Its name comes from the idea of ​​'shaking mountains,' and it doesn't seek fancy techniques, but rather to overwhelm the opponent with pure power. Unlike the sharp penetration of Tiger Fist and the balance of hardness and softness of Dragon Fist, Hanyue Fist pursues ultimate power, causing overall shock and penetrating internal injuries."

"Yes, disciple will follow Master's teachings!"

Li Yuan was overjoyed.

Isn't that a coincidence? A fist technique with the power attribute can just fully utilize the power bonus of the Yuan Sha Gong.

"Okay, go ahead."

Li Yuan carefully put away the books, bowed respectfully, and then left.

Lin Chong shook his head and sighed.

Although there's little chance he'll break through to the Transformation Realm, he won't lack the necessary inheritance.

Stepping into the inner room, he looked at Lu Qing on the bed and was met with Lu Qing's resentful gaze.

"Master, what did you say to Junior Brother Li?" he asked, his gaze fixed intently on Lin Chong.

"It's nothing," Lin Chong said softly. "Just rest well and try to heal your injuries as soon as possible."

Lu Qing pouted, turned to look out the window with her back to Lin Chong, and said, "Is my injury even healed?!"

His tone was filled with despair and blame.

"Who said that?" Lin Chong said. "Don't think nonsense. No matter what the cost, I will definitely heal your injuries."

Lu Qing abruptly rolled over, a smirk playing on her lips. "At this point, why are you still being so hypocritical? Isn't it a bit too fake?"

Lin Chong was stunned and stood there in place.

"You're tired, get some rest." After a while, Lin Chong let out a long sigh and said.

Lu Qing's cold eyes were like daggers. "Did I hit the nail on the head? I knew it. What kind of lousy 'true disciple' is he? He's just using me to make a name for himself in the Green Ox Martial Arts Society. You've never truly cared about my feelings; you've only ever been kind to Junior Brother Li!"

Lin Chong stumbled and slumped into a chair, his lips trembling with anger. "How...how could you have such a thought?"

"Did I say something wrong? Did you give your most secret technique to Li Yuan?!" Lu Qing roared excitedly, "Have you forgotten that I am your true disciple?!"

"Li Yuan has already broken through to the third level of Dark Force... If he is fortunate enough to advance further, he can then practice this fist technique."

"You don't need to explain to me! I know everything! Now that Junior Brother Li has passed the martial arts exam, he's brought you honor! And I, right now," Lu Qing's lips curled into a bitter smile, "am nothing more than a burden to you!"

My heart says, "That's enough!"

Lin Chong slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly.

Lu Qing laughed even harder, "Finally showing their true colors! Hahaha!"

The laughter was filled with mockery, despair, and a hint of bitterness.

Laughter turned into tears.

Lu Qingpeng's hair was disheveled, and his eyes were bloodshot. "Master, look at me! Look at this wretched state I am! What's the difference between me and a useless piece of trash waiting to die? Master, I want to get better! I want to stand up! I still want to practice martial arts! I can't be crippled! I can't!"

These words, each one a tearful lament, were like heavy hammer blows, striking Lin Chong's heart with devastating force.

Two streams of tears flowed down his face.

"If you take your medicine on time, your chances of a full recovery... are not low. I will do my best..." he said, choking back tears.

Li Yuan returned home.

As soon as you open the door, you see the whole room piled high with gifts.

Rice, noodles, grains, oil... and even a dozen or so large carp.

Seeing the confusion in Li Yuan's eyes, Zhou Yanqiu smiled and said, "These were all gifts from the neighbors. This is twenty catties of rice from Old Liu's family, these are two buckets of oil from your Aunt Ge's family, oh, and ten catties of pork from your eldest aunt... I remember them all."

He paused, then took out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Li Yuan. "By the way, this is a hundred taels of silver note sent by the Liang family."

Li Yuan smiled knowingly.

With the opening of Liang Jiaxin's butcher shop, business is booming thanks to the unique exotic animal meat.

Liang's Butcher Shop in the inner city.

Today is the auspicious day for the grand opening.

"Old Liang, bring out all the exotic beast meat from your house. Master Chen will take it all!" A group of burly men stood in front of the door, and the lean man in the lead said arrogantly.

This man is Dong Guan, the head of the Chen family's guards.

Dong Guan's repeated failures in the martial arts college entrance examination led the Xie family to eventually give up on this "older" young talent.

Now he's ended up working as the head of the Chen family's guards, just trying to make a living.

Liang Bai said innocently, "I'm sorry, please come back tomorrow. There's not much beast meat left. Someone has already placed a deposit."

"I don't care!" Dong Guan shoved one foot onto the cutting board, crossed his arms, pointed his nose at Dong Guan, and raised an eyebrow. "You don't want to keep this butcher shop open anymore, do you?!"

Liang Bai frowned deeply, but he was at a loss for what to do.

Half the street's population gathered around, all eager to see what was going on.

Who are the Chen family? Most of the businesses on this street belong to the Chen family. How can a small Liang family butcher shop like yours possibly turn things upside down?

Besides, everyone knows that Dong Guan is a master of internal strength, and he's one of the top martial artists in the entire Linjiang City. How could Liang Bai possibly be his match?

"Old Liang, a wise man doesn't fight a losing battle. Just give it to him!"

"Yes, Lao Liang, when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head."

Dong Guan became even more smug. Eager to gain favor with his new master, he was not about to let this opportunity slip by, and immediately became even more arrogant.

"I heard that my sister-in-law is very beautiful..."

Just then, the sound of footsteps grew closer.

A wealthy gentleman dressed in a silk robe appeared in the arena, followed by two middle-aged men with even stronger auras. Their temples were bulging, and their hands were large and thick, clearly indicating that they were seasoned martial arts practitioners.

"Master Chen has arrived!"

The crowd fell silent and quickly parted to make way for the Liang family, all eager to see how they would handle the situation.

Liang Bai's expression immediately changed.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Dong Guan's eyes lit up immediately. He clasped his hands in a fist salute and greeted him with a fawning smile, saying, "Master, what brings you to this filthy place? Is there anything I can do for you?"

Master Chen grabbed Dong Guan's arm and slapped him hard across the face.

Snapped!

With a loud crash, Dong Guan stumbled and nearly fell.

A gasp rippled through the crowd; no one could fathom what was happening.

Dong Guan covered his burning cheek, tears welling in his eyes, but he had no choice but to bow his head and ask, "Master, why is this happening?"

When you're under someone's roof, you have to swallow your pride even if you break your teeth.

"Why?!" Master Chen sneered. "Don't you know Brother Liang is my benefactor?!"

"This..." Dong Guan looked at Master Chen, then at Liang Bai, and was even more puzzled.

"Dong Guan, if you dare to lay a finger on Brother Liang, you can forget about ever setting foot in the Chen family again!!" Master Chen shouted in a deep voice.

Dong Guan's eyes twitched wildly. What...what did I do wrong?

This left Liang Bai completely bewildered.

What's going on? This Mr. Chen... I don't know him at all... I've never even met him before.

How could a mere butcher shop stand up to the Chen family's vast empire?

The patriarch of this large family is worlds apart from me in terms of status and position!

No, we're worlds apart.

Old Master Chen turned to face the bewildered Liang Bai, put on a warm smile, and grasped Liang Bai's greasy hands. "Brother Liang, just focus on your work on this street. Anyone who causes you trouble is going against me, Chen Shourong!"

Old Liang was even more confused.

Chen Shourong smiled and said earnestly, "By the way, Brother Liang, if there's a chance in the future, please give my regards to Martial Arts Master Li."

"Martial Arts Master Li?" Liang Bai frowned. "You're not talking about... Li Yuan, are you?"

"Exactly!" Chen Shourong was even more delighted.

Everything is clear now.

It turned out that Chen Shourong had heard about the relationship between the Liang family and Li Yuan, so he rushed over in a hurry, fearing that if he was a step too late, Dong Guan would cause trouble again.

Fortunately, they arrived in time.

Chen Shourong was still shaken.

Are martial arts masters the kind of people you can just offend?

Upon hearing the name "Li Yuan," Dong Guan immediately shrank back.

Now that Li Yuan has passed the martial arts exam, he can no longer be viewed with the same perspective as before.

He spotted a gap in the crowd and slunk away like a stray dog.

Not only was he beaten and scolded, but he also almost lost his job. Dong Guan was already furious and was planning to take revenge on Liang's Butcher Shop in the future.

That's really bad.

It turned out the other party was a friend of the martial arts master, so he had no choice but to swallow his anger.

"Still as a mountain, yet swift as thunder. The joints of the body suddenly snap shut, energy surges from the earth, power explodes from the dantian, the spine cracks like the earth itself, fascia snaps like steel strings. Breaking the entanglement of strength and weakness. Knowing that what can be shaken is not the fist, but the foundation; knowing that what cannot be shaken is not the enemy, but the mind as firm as a mountain. When striking, it is like a thunderbolt striking the head, fearless and without regret; when withdrawing, it is like the earth returning to stillness, silent and without a trace..."

Li Yuan breathed a sigh of relief as he closed the "Shaking Mountain Fist" manual.

It is said that martial arts are killing techniques, and the "Shaking Mountain Fist" is the most lethal technique among killing techniques.

However, everything must begin with breaking through the barrier of Transformation Realm.

Li Yuan composed himself and assumed the starting stance of the "Azure Dragon Entangling Silk Technique"...

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