My cultivation techniques can be infinitely fused.

Daxia, Fengling County.

In winter, the wind in northern Xinjiang is like a knife cutting through people.

Lu Zheng, dressed in a close-fitting outfit and carrying a long wooden sword, was fighting against a young man.

The two men moved with meticulous precision, their movements sharp and decisive.

The blades clashed, producing dull "bang! bang!" sounds.

[The host has successfully blocked an opponent's attack. Proficiency in "Eight Styles of Breaking the Edge" +3]

[The host has successfully blocked an opponent's attack. Proficiency in "Eight Styles of Breaking the Edge" +3]

......

Name: Lu Zheng

Age: 16

[Martial Arts Technique: First-Rank Martial Art "Eight Forms of Breaking the Edge" (42/100, Not Yet Entered)]

[Medical Skills: "Mu's Medical Classic" (1/100, not yet a beginner)]

[Achievement Points: 0]

The data that appeared in his mind did not stop Lu Zheng from doing his work. He had been in this world for three days and was already used to the system.

In the distance, on a two-story pavilion, two figures watched the martial arts contest below. One of them was Lu Xiong, Lu Zheng's father in this world.

There is another person, who is Lu Zheng's nominal mother and the current head wife of the Lu family, Madam Wang.

The latter wore a red brocade dress with a snow-white shawl draped over her shoulders. Her round face and slightly thin lips gave her a somewhat harsh look.

Watching the martial arts competition below, Madam Wang slowly said, "Master, Lingyuan Academy in Qingzhou has already sent their invitation. They can send the participants over in three days. Which member of our family do you plan to send?"

The middle-aged man frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "The reason we were able to obtain the entrance token for Lingyuan Academy is because when A-Zheng's mother was alive, she saved a dean of Lingyuan Academy, which is why we have this opportunity..."

"But Zheng'er's mother is no longer here, and the dean didn't specifically ask him to go. The person delivering the token can just say he's a disciple of the Lu family. Also, Lu Yun has already entered the country, and his strength is above Zheng'er's, so sending him there is the most suitable option."

Now that chaos is gradually emerging, haven't you always hoped that a military general could emerge from your family? As long as you graduate from Lingyuan Academy, you will be a proper centurion in the imperial court.

  

"When the time comes, I'll use some money to have my brother find someone he knows to bring Lu Yun back. He'll definitely become your right-hand man." Madam Wang slowly analyzed the pros and cons.

A hint of excitement appeared on Lu Xiong's face.

Lu Zheng was born to his former wife, Mu, but she died of illness a few years ago. Lu Xiong then naturally made his second wife, Wang, his legal wife.

This resulted in the other party's son, Lu Yun, becoming the legitimate heir of the family, while Lu Zheng's position became somewhat awkward.

Most importantly, as local merchants, the Lu Xiong family desperately needed a powerful patron in the military to support them in this chaotic world.

Wang's elder brother served as a county magistrate in Fenglingdu. Although it was only a city guard position and not a real border army, it was still considered quite good.

At least I can take care of myself.

After a moment of contemplation, he said, "It's not impossible, but Ah Zheng needs to come up with a safe arrangement."

"My brother said that the border army needs to recruit men from Fengling County. The Lu family definitely needs to send a strong young man. It's not good for you to go. It's a good opportunity to let A-Zheng go and gain some experience. He can also assist Lu Yun in the future." Wang's words made Lu Xiong somewhat tempted.

After a moment of struggle, he said, "Then let's do it this way."

He then added, "This matter should be handled sooner rather than later. Otherwise, if Lu Yun goes to the academy in three days and A-Zheng is there, it won't look good for us." Lu Xiong had clearly made his choice by this point.

Wang smiled and said, "I'll have the steward take care of it right away. A contingent of recruits will be heading to Fufeng County today, and A-Zheng will go with them."

As they talked, they decided on Lu Zheng's future.

At this moment, the opponent was unaware of all this and was still desperately swinging the wooden sword, trying to turn all his sweat into his own strength.

In this world, only the strong can survive.

However, after a short while, the young man opposite him became somewhat impatient and waved his hand, saying, "Let's call it a day."

As he spoke, he simply raised his hand, and a servant brought over the ginseng soup that had already been cooled.

Lu Zheng pursed his lips and remained silent. He was Lu Yun's sparring partner, and only Lu Yun received this kind of treatment. Although he was a year older than Lu Yun, he would not have such resources.

From the original owner's memories, he learned that since his birth mother died, his position in the family was very awkward.

Therefore, after packing his things, he turned and walked towards the Central Court.

The Lu family had been in business for generations and were considered one of the wealthiest families in Fengling County. Unfortunately, they lacked sufficient martial prowess and influence among officials, which caused them to suffer many losses. This also led Lu Xiong to place great importance on martial arts training and becoming an official.

This opportunity to enter Lingyuan Academy is more important to Lu Xiong than anything else.

In this world, it's much safer if a family has someone who can lead troops.

As Lu Zheng walked through a covered walkway and was about to enter the courtyard, an old man with a big smile on his face came towards him, carrying a bundle in his hand.

This is Butler Fu of the Lu family: "Greetings, young master."

Although he was just saying hello, he stood in the center of the aisle, completely blocking Lu Zheng's view.

"Uncle Fu, is there something you need?" Lu Zheng's tone was cold and his attitude was not very good.

Perhaps influenced by Wang's warning, these servants were not friendly to her and sometimes deliberately made things difficult for her.

"Young master, the master and madam have received news that a team recruiting border troops is heading to Fufeng County today. Your name has already been registered at home, and the team is waiting outside now."

This bundle contains some dry rations, clothing, and a little silver. You should go outside and report for duty as soon as possible, so as not to keep the garrison commander waiting." Uncle Fu's words were quite respectful.

But it carried a hint of driving them away.

And the fact that everything was prepared so quickly clearly shows that the Wang family had made arrangements in advance.

"Where is my father?"

"Master has something to attend to and instructed this old servant to escort the young master away," Uncle Fu said calmly.

Lu Zheng took the bundle and examined it. Inside were several winter clothes and about ten taels of silver.

The Lu family, a wealthy and influential family in Fengling County, actually gave me so little. It seems that having a stepmother means having a stepfather.

Does the Lu family lack this little bit of money? Obviously not, but they're deliberately being so harsh on you.

Lu Zheng didn't have much affection for the Lu family. Since they were kicking him out, he saw no reason to keep them around.

He picked up the bundle and headed out the door. Anyway, he didn't have much to take from his own room, just a spare winter coat, which wasn't as new as the one in the bundle.

There was no pocket money at all.

Uncle Fu followed behind, ostensibly to see Lu Zheng off, but actually to prevent him from running away. Wang's son, Lu Yun, was to report to Lingyuan Academy in three days, and Lu Zheng absolutely could not be allowed to disrupt it.

Therefore, it was natural for them to watch Lu Zheng join the recruiting team.

Along the way, many servants cast their gazes, some with curiosity, others with mixed feelings.

When Lu Zheng arrived at the gate, he saw a group of people already waiting there.

The leading captain wore a fish-scale iron armor and had a standard battle sword of the Great Xia Dynasty at his waist.

He was about 1.9 meters tall, with broad shoulders and a thick waist. He was a garrison captain in Beicheng Prefecture, and was responsible for recruiting soldiers for the border army all year round.

Behind him, besides a dozen or so warriors in leather armor, were hundreds of newly recruited soldiers, including young men and middle-aged men.

Each of them wore a look of worry about the future.

"The Lu family is really willing to send their own child to serve in the border army." Li Hu, the garrison captain, had a mocking look on his face.

The people of Fengling County had all heard about the Lu family's affairs, but no one expected that they would actually send Lu Zheng out this time.

After all, wealthy families like this still have ways to evade military service.

But the Lu family didn't do that; instead, they pushed Lu Zheng forward.

Uncle Fu naturally understood Li Hu's mockery, but he still wore a humble smile on his face.

"Young Master Lu, take this. The road is not safe, so be careful." Li Hu took a long knife from his men and threw it directly at Lu Zheng.

The northern frontier was not peaceful. In addition to small groups of cavalry that occasionally sneaked in, there were also bandits along the way and some rebels. Therefore, after recruiting soldiers, the newly recruited soldiers were also issued weapons.

However, most people are a gun.

Because the Lu family had spent a lot of money to buy a sword technique book a few years ago, everyone in the county knew about it, so Li Hu simply gave Lu Zheng a sword.

After receiving the long sword, Lu Zheng hung it on his waist, tightened his bundle, and set off with the group.

Until their figures completely disappeared from sight.

Uncle Fu then turned around and went back to the Lu residence to report to Madam Wang.

Lu Zheng followed behind the group, and as they were about to leave the city, he spotted a familiar figure.

The other party arrived on horseback, appearing to be in a great hurry.

In a short time, they overtook the group and blocked their way.

Li Hu frowned, but the man jumped down and bowed, saying, "Captain, I just learned that my nephew has been sent to the border, so I came to see him. May I speak with Lu Zheng for a few minutes and then leave?"

After saying that, he handed over a silver note without leaving a trace.

Li Hu's expression softened, and he said to the newcomer, "I'll give you the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. I'll be waiting outside the city gate. Don't have any other thoughts, and don't bring harm to your Lu family."

"I know, I only want to say a few words to my nephew," the man said with a forced smile.

At this moment, another rider came from behind him. It was a woman, dressed in a red outfit, and looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old.

She has a beautiful appearance and a heroic air about her.

These two people are Lu Zheng's second uncle, Lu Kun, and his cousin, Lu Wan.

After glancing at the two men, Li Hu told Lu Zheng to stay.

"Ah Zheng, why are you suddenly going to join the border army?" Lu Wan stepped forward and asked. She had married a centurion in the border army a year ago, and they were living a fairly comfortable life.

However, it is said that her husband's family is quite domineering, and she is often criticized by her in-laws.

"It was arranged by my family, there's nothing I can do about it," Lu Zheng said with a wry smile.

"Ah Zheng, your father and I have already separated our families. Your second uncle has no say in your family's affairs, especially since my sister-in-law is quite assertive now."

Her second uncle runs a small business, but he can't afford to offend her brother.

"This is a small token of my second uncle's appreciation. You might find it useful when you get to the border." After saying this, Lu Kun stuffed a stack of silver notes into Lu Zheng's bundle.

Before the latter could refuse, Lu Wan stepped forward and said, "Azheng, stay at my house when you get to the border. Your brother-in-law and I are both in Fufeng County, and we will make sure you don't suffer any grievances."

Her eyes involuntarily reddened as she spoke.

She clearly knew the hardships of the border troops. The officers had it easier, but the ordinary soldiers had a tough time. Even with her help, they probably didn't have an easy time.

Lu Zheng knew that although his cousin had no worries about food and clothing in her husband's family, her second uncle's family was in business, and although her brother-in-law's family was not particularly prominent, they were still officials.

Being shorter than her already, she didn't want to trouble her cousin, but to put her mind at ease, she nodded and said, "Sister, I know I'll have to trouble you a lot."

Lu Zheng learned from the original owner's memories that his second uncle had always doted on him since childhood, and would always think of him first when there was something delicious or fun to do. Later, Lu Zheng was mistreated at home.

She even had a conflict with her eldest brother, Lu Xiong, which eventually led to the family splitting up.

As a result, he was often harassed by Wang's elder brother.

You could say that these two people in front of you are the last of your family members in this world.

"You brat, what do you mean by troublesome? You're my brother. Going to your sister's place is like going home," Lu Wan said with a laugh.

"Let's go." A loud voice rang out from outside the city gate. It was Li Hu. The time it takes for an incense stick to burn has been up.

Lu Zheng glanced at his second uncle, waved his hand, and said, "Second Uncle, Sister, you should go back now. I'm leaving."

After saying that, he went straight out of the city gate.

Lu Kun watched his nephew's disappearing figure and couldn't help but wipe the corner of his eye.

Lu Wan knew her father was upset, so she tugged at his sleeve and said, "Father, I'll go back tomorrow."

"Okay, go ahead. Your brother has had a hard life. Remember to take good care of him when you get to Fufeng." After saying that, Lu Kun turned and left with his daughter.

Lu Zheng followed the group and walked to Fufeng County.

The northern frontier is vast, and the distance between the two counties is quite far. Moreover, Lu Zheng and his group were walking along the way, so it would probably take them six or seven days to reach their destination.

During this period, Lu Zheng traveled during the day and practiced his swordsmanship diligently at night while others rested.

Although he had no sparring partner and could only gain a little proficiency after each round of swordplay, Lu Zheng was not discouraged. He focused on practicing martial arts and could gain about seven or eight points of proficiency every day.

I'm already very satisfied.

After traveling and stopping frequently, five days passed in the blink of an eye. On this day, after everyone had set up camp and eaten, Lu Zheng went to a secluded spot to check his system data and see how much he had improved.

He had a sense of anticipation, hoping that today would be the day he could break through.