Gou Zai Wudao Shi Lian Shen

In the warm spring of March.

After a night of spring rain, the Qing Shi Street in Chixia County was washed clean.

Fine water droplets still clung to the eaves, and tender buds sprouted from the willow trees along the street. A spring breeze carried the scent of earth and grass.

But what really stirred up the entire Chixia County, even more than the growing spring atmosphere, was an imperial proclamation sent from the prefectural city.

Early in the morning, the area outside the county government office was already crowded with people.

"I heard it's an urgent report from the prefectural city?"

"Is it going to be another conscription?"

"No, I heard it's about the martial arts department!"

"Martial arts?"

At this moment, at the entrance of the county government office, a yamen runner stood on a high platform, holding a gong, and struck it forcefully.

"Thump—!"

The deep, resonant sound of gongs echoed throughout the entire long street.

The street surface after the rain seemed to tremble slightly from the sound.

The bailiff straightened his back and shouted loudly:

"Imperial Announcement—"

"Wu Ke will achieve his goal this June!"

These words immediately caused an uproar among the crowd.

"The martial arts exam has begun!"

"Finally!"

"Haha, my son has been training hard for three years, waiting for this day!"

Some people were so excited that their faces turned red, some clenched their fists, and some turned and ran, splashing water at their feet, eager to get home and report the news.

The bailiffs struck the gong again, silencing the commotion in the crowd.

"quiet!"

He then unfurled the bright yellow notice and read it aloud:

"The Zhou Dynasty lasted for 372 years."

"The sixth day of the sixth lunar month."

"Martial arts examinations were held simultaneously in all prefectures and counties throughout the land."

Anyone aged 18 or under may register to participate.

Those who pass the county examination will be granted the title of Martial Scholar, exempt from taxes, and included in the official register.

As he read this, the yamen runner's voice unconsciously rose a few decibels.

"Those who are even more outstanding may enter the Temple of Martial Arts, be granted a military rank by the imperial court, enjoy a salary, be given martial arts techniques, and be provided with elixirs."

"May he be granted a high-ranking official position and rise to great heights!"

Countless young martial artists had burning eyes and were breathing rapidly.

The Great Zhou Martial Temple is the ladder to heaven for all martial artists from humble backgrounds.

Once you pass the martial arts exam and achieve high honors, you can escape the life of a commoner and leap over the dragon gate!

From then on, he had everything: cultivation techniques, elixirs, salary, and official position.

In the future, they may even be granted high-ranking official positions and leave a lasting legacy!

In an instant, the entire Chixia County was in turmoil.

There are only three months left until June.

This martial arts competition will determine the fate of countless young martial artists.

……

After the fistfight in Qingliu Lane, Lu Chen did not make frequent public appearances again.

The Wuhan University entrance exam will be held in June.

Therefore, during this period, Lu Chen stayed at Wang's Yam Shop to cultivate.

Every morning, he would first take a Blood Qi Powder and then stand on the Panlong Pillar.

In the backyard, the morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the aroma of herbs lingered.

Lu Chen stood barefoot on the bluestone ground, his knees slightly bent, his back like a dragon, and his breathing long and even.

As the Panlong Zhuang Gong (a type of internal energy cultivation) is practiced, the medicinal power of the elixir dissolves in the abdomen, and the scalding heat is carried by the blood and qi, slowly flowing throughout the limbs and bones.

His blood and qi flowed like a great river.

Each breath is like the ebb and flow of the tide.

By the time the medicine had fully penetrated into his bones and muscles, it was already broad daylight.

After that, he began to practice the Vajra Palm technique.

Master Ge Ye would deliver the body-tempering elixir he prepared every day.

The medicinal liquid was extremely potent; an ordinary martial artist would feel unbearable pain after immersing his palms in it for half an incense stick's time.

Lu Chen, however, was able to grit his teeth and endure for half an hour.

The medicine burned my palm, like countless fine needles piercing my skin and flesh, or like iron filings repeatedly grinding against my joints.

Lu Chen circulated his qi and blood, repeatedly washing his palms, backs of hands, knuckles, and wrist bones.

Over time, his palms became increasingly firm and solid, with thick, dark gold calluses on his palms and his knuckles as tough as iron.

With the aid of medicinal liquid, the support of qi and blood, and Lu Chen's own comprehension and the negligible assistance from his stats, Lu Chen's Vajra Palm technique progressed very smoothly, with changes visible almost every day.

However, what Lu Chen found troublesome was the Heart-Shattering Force.

This hidden strength technique is completely different from the martial arts he had practiced before.

The Canglong Tongbei Fist has moves and footwork.

Iron wire grappling also includes techniques such as hooking, locking, seizing, and entangling.

The "Destroying Heart Strength" technique has no variations in moves; it only trains the control of internal energy.

This was the first time Lu Chen had ever encountered such a subtle method of internal energy cultivation.

It doesn't cause the qi and blood to explode, but rather to converge them.

Lu Chen's qi and blood were too abundant, and his Azure Dragon Force was too fierce. Once he habitually exerted his strength, the force would burst out like a river bursting its banks.

What one desires is not rivers and mountains.

Instead, it is a hidden stream.

It pierced through the skin and flesh, penetrating deep inside.

Fortunately, there's a control panel to help you, so as long as you work hard, you'll reap the rewards.

A few days later, a transparent light screen appeared before his eyes:

[The Power of Heart and Soul: An Introduction]

[Progress: 1/300]

"Finally, I've mastered it."

Lu Chen's face showed a slight joy.

Although this power is difficult to cultivate, once mastered, it will become another trump card in his hands.

The azure dragon surged and roared with power.

The Vajra Palm possesses immense power.

Iron Wire Grappling Technique: Cuts off Qi and Blood Flow to generate force.

But the Heart-Destroying Force is ruthless to the bone.

Even a top-level martial arts master who has practiced for decades may not have as many tricks up his sleeve.

As dusk fell, the last rays of sunset blazed like fire on the horizon.

A caravan of carriages slowly drove along the long street into the back gate of Wangji Yam Shop.

The truck was piled high with medicinal herbs transported from the Chixia Mountain Medicinal Herb Garden, covered with a thick tarpaulin. Several guards, with long knives at their waists, looked on alert.

The leader was Wang Zhong.

He was covered in dust, with mud from the mountain road still clinging to the hem of his clothes, but a relaxed smile graced his face.

Since the destruction of Black Wind Stronghold, the mountain roads of Crimson Cloud Mountain have become much safer, and this time the transport of medicinal herbs went much more smoothly than in previous days.

"Be gentle!"

"Those boxes contain old ginseng that Master Ge specifically requested; you can't afford to pay for them if they get damaged!"

Wang Zhong stood at the back door, directing the workers to unload the goods.

Several workers quickly responded and carefully carried the boxes of medicinal herbs into the warehouse.

After the last cart of medicinal herbs was delivered to the warehouse, Wang Zhong patted the dust off his clothes and said to Wang Qinian, "Manager Wang, you keep the accounts checked. I'm going to check on Consort Lu."

Wang Qinian laughed and said, "I knew you would go."

"Lu Gongfeng has been cultivating in the backyard these past few days and has rarely come out."

Wang Zhong nodded and strode towards the backyard.

As soon as he arrived at the courtyard gate, he smelled a strong medicinal odor.

Lu Chen was sitting at the stone table, adjusting his breathing, when he heard footsteps and opened his eyes to look.

Upon seeing that it was Wang Zhong, a smile immediately appeared on his face, and he stood up to greet him.

"Chief Wang!"

Wang Zhong was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and waved his hand.

"I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it."

"Lu Gongfeng, you are now the Wang family's Gongfeng, your status is much higher than mine as the head of the herb garden."

"If you don't mind, you can just call me Xiao Wang."

Lu Chen realized he was joking and couldn't help but laugh.

"Chief Wang is joking."

"When I first went to the herb garden, I was fortunate to have your care."

"You are my senior. If you don't mind, I will call you Brother Wang from now on."

Wang Zhong's smile faltered slightly.

Looking at the boy in front of him, he suddenly felt a surge of emotion.

Who would have thought that the boy who knocked Liu Heng down in the herb garden would become the pillar of Wang's business in such a short time?

Killing Sun Liancheng, defeating Qiu Heixiong, destroying Black Wind Village... one thing after another, all of these events made Wang Zhong feel incredulous.

He felt a warmth in his heart and reached out to pat Lu Chen on the shoulder.

"good!"

"If you don't mind my rough and uncouth manner, I'll shamelessly accept the title of 'elder brother'."

He sat down on the stone bench, took the tea Lu Chen handed him, drank half a cup in one gulp, and then let out a long sigh.

"Your yard is so much quieter."

"It's very lively outside."

Lu Chen asked, "How's the herb garden doing lately?"

Wang Zhong put down his teacup and said, "Things are relatively stable."

"With Black Wind Village gone, the mountain roads are much quieter."

"However, even with the arrival of spring, things are not peaceful in Chixia Mountain."

Lu Chen's gaze shifted slightly.

Wang Zhong continued, "Recently, the medicinal herbs in the mountains have ripened, and more people are going into the mountains to collect them."

"But perhaps because the medicinal properties are too strong, the strange beasts in the mountains have become much more active."

"A few days ago, a herb gatherer said that he saw a mountain deer with red stripes all over its body in the Xiling area. It ran like a ball of fire."

"The essence blood of exotic beasts is of great benefit to warriors who can transfer blood."

"Everyone's probably eyeing it."