Physical immortality begins with Bajiquan

Three days later, at Songxuan Martial Arts School.

In the inner courtyard's training ground, just as dawn was breaking, Qin Heng stepped onto the wooden stakes.

Even though he knew he would definitely pass the martial arts examination with flying colors, he did not become arrogant or complacent. Instead, he focused on practicing diligently every day.

Three days have passed since the events of this year's martial arts competition, but they are still vivid in my mind.

The horrific scene of his third senior brother Xu Feng being crippled lingered in his mind, and the many heartfelt words spoken by his eldest senior brother only intensified his deep sense of crisis.

At this moment, his mind was free of distractions, with only one thought in mind: to break through to the Transformation Realm as soon as possible! Undercurrents were surging in Heyang City, and a storm was brewing. Only by having sufficient strength could he protect himself in this far-reaching storm.

[Destiny: Diligence is rewarded by Heaven; success is inevitable]

【Bajiquan (Dacheng 68/1800)】

Bajiquan (Great Completion 98/1800)

【Shadowless Footwork (Beginner 188/300)】

Just after 7 a.m., the gate of Songxuan Martial Arts School was suddenly opened by a deafening sound of gongs and drums.

A bailiff kept banging a gong to clear the way, while the lead official walked in the middle, followed by four constables who carried two black plaques with gold characters covered in red silk. Behind them followed a group of onlookers, crowding at the entrance of the Songxuan Martial Arts Hall, craning their necks to peek inside.

The leading official cleared his throat and announced loudly, "Qin Tianbao, a disciple of Songxuan Martial Arts School, has achieved third place in this year's martial arts examination, and is hereby awarded the plaque of 'Martial Arts Scholar'! Disciple Qin Heng has achieved fifth place in this year's martial arts examination, ranking thirteenth overall, and is also hereby awarded the plaque of 'Martial Arts Scholar'! Congratulations to both of you scholars!"

"Buzz—!"

The entire Songxuan Martial Arts Hall erupted in chaos! Although everyone already knew that Qin Tianbao and Qin Heng's status as martial arts scholars was secure, at the moment the official announced the list, an indescribable shock and envy still surged in everyone's hearts.

Senior Brother Zhang Mingyuan quickly stepped forward, bowed to the leading official, and said humbly, "Thank you for personally delivering this plaque to offer my congratulations. You must be tired from your journey."

The head constable smiled and returned the greeting: "Congratulations on your double blessing, producing two martial arts scholars at once! We are just following orders, it's nothing to complain about."

Zhang Mingyuan gestured for two disciples in the academy to come forward. They carefully took the two plaques from the official's hands and then handed over the pre-sealed congratulatory money: "This is a small amount of tea money to comfort you all after your long journey. I hope you will not refuse."

The official accepted the money with a smile, exchanged a few polite words of congratulations, and then left without lingering. He and his entourage of bailiffs and constables bowed and took their leave.

Once the constables left, the disciples in the academy came to their senses and rushed to the two men's side.

"Congratulations, Senior Brother Tianbao, on ranking third on the top-tier high school entrance exam!"

"Congratulations, Senior Brother Qin Heng, you ranked fifth on the Senior High School Ranking B!"

"Congratulations to my two senior brothers on passing the martial arts examination! Now our martial arts school can finally hold its head high in Heyang City!"

"Congratulations to both of you on your young success in passing the imperial examinations! You've brought great honor to our Songxuan Martial Arts School!"

The crowd gathered around the couple, offering their congratulations in a flurry of voices. Whether their wishes were sincere or not, everyone wore enthusiastic smiles and eagerly offered their best congratulations.

From this moment on, Qin Tianbao's identity was completely different from Qin Heng's. He was no longer an ordinary citizen, but a proper martial arts scholar with official rank in the imperial court.

From now on, in this city of Heyang, gentry, commoners, and martial artists will all have to give way to him, and ordinary people will never dare to provoke him easily again.

On the other side, Zhang Mingyuan first instructed his disciples to temporarily place the plaques in the outer courtyard, then immediately sent Cui Daoning, who was beside him, "Quickly go to the inner courtyard to inform Master that the results of the martial arts examination have been released, and Qin Tianbao and Qin Heng have passed with flying colors. The county government has sent the two junior brothers their scholar plaques!"

Cui Daoning responded and, not daring to delay, hurriedly ran into the inner courtyard.

A moment later, footsteps came from the inner courtyard, and Mo Guangren slowly walked out.

He was still wearing the blue training robe he had worn that day at the martial arts competition, and a lingering weariness was on his face.

For the past three days, just as Qin Tianbao had expected, he hadn't said a single word to him, nor had he wanted to see him.

But what does it matter? Once the results of the martial arts exam are released, the matter is 70% settled.

"Disciple greets Master!" Qin Tianbao immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Hmm." Mo Guangren responded indifferently, his gaze not lingering on him, but passing him directly to the two plaques covered with red silk.

He raised his hand to straighten his clothes, and solemnly bowed to the plaque. This was a sign of respect for the imperial merits and had nothing to do with anyone else.

After bowing, he pointed to the lintel above the martial arts school's main entrance: "Hang them up. Qin Tianbao's will be on the left, and Xiao Heng's on the right."

The two disciples waiting nearby immediately responded and quickly brought over wooden ladders. One of them carried a plaque and climbed up to the other side.

The two carefully compared the positions and placed Qin Tianbao's plaque on the left side of the lintel, while Qin Heng's plaque was placed on the right side, making them symmetrical, upright, and secure. Then they reached out and gently pulled off the red silk from the two plaques.

"Whoosh!"

The black plaque with gilded background was immediately revealed in the sunlight. The characters were vigorous and powerful, and the three large gold characters "Martial Scholar" were eye-catching and dazzling, making people dizzy.

Upon seeing this, all the disciples in the courtyard moved to the outside of the martial arts hall, holding their breath and looking up at the two plaques on the lintel, their eyes filled with envy and awe.

Qin Tianbao was full of anticipation, waiting for his master to praise him in public. However, Mo Guangren remained indifferent from beginning to end, his gaze fixed on the plaque, his expression quite complicated, and his heart filled with mixed feelings.

Zhang Mingyuan, Xu Feng, and his second disciple, who had already gone to the prefectural city, were among the earliest disciples to learn martial arts from him. Although Xu Feng had some of the arrogance and eccentricities typical of scions of noble families, he was not a bad person at heart. He was once one of the younger generation that Mo Guangren had the most faith in. The two had been together for many years and had a deep bond.

However, things are unpredictable. This incident in the martial arts examination completely ruined one of his old disciples who had high hopes for him, but it also gave him two new disciples who became "martial arts scholars".

One loss and one gain, which is the gain and which is the loss?

Qin Heng stood on the other side of the crowd, his expression calm and composed, looking at the two plaques hanging above the door without any ripples in his heart.

Before achieving fame and success, he still had high hopes, but now that he has, he feels it's nothing special. His true desire is to strive for a higher level of martial arts.

Mo Guangren remained silent for a moment before finally withdrawing his gaze from the plaque. He glanced at Zhang Mingyuan and the others, and said in a low but authoritative voice, "You will all come with me."

Zhang Mingyuan and the others felt a chill and hurriedly followed Mo Guangren's footsteps, heading towards the inner courtyard.

The other disciples also looked expectant, whispering among themselves. It seemed that the matter was settled. Which senior brother would it be?

......

The front hall of the inner courtyard.

Mo Guangren walked to the head seat and sat down, gesturing for the others to sit down to him.

After everyone was settled, he slowly swept his gaze across their faces, and finally spoke solemnly, with a hint of weariness: "I called you all in today for two reasons. First, to settle the matter of your martial arts examination results. Second, I mentioned before the martial arts examination that I would choose one person to be my last disciple. Now I have made my decision, and I will state it to everyone now."

After he finished speaking, the front hall fell silent.