Surviving in the chaos of battle, I'm grinding for proficiency.

After finishing their meal, Li Chuan called Li Qing to an open space.

The martial arts skills of the martial arts school cannot be taught privately; he can only teach Li Qing some methods to cultivate strength.

After thinking for a moment, Li Chuan decided to teach Li Qingju how to use stones.

Lifting stones is a common training method used in martial arts schools. This is not considered a secret technique of the school and can be taught.

Li Chuan picked up a small stone and said to Li Qing:

"Brother, there's a trick to lifting stones. Like this, bend your knees, spread your arms, and slowly and steadily lift the stone above your head. Hold for ten breaths and then put it down. Repeat this action."

"You can practice this skill whenever you have free time each day, and there are some tips and tricks..."

In the distance, a group of people watched Li Chuan and Li Qing chatting and laughing.

Qin Sanfeng wiped her eyes:

"Father, I said those things in anger. A-Chuan is a good boy, and I support him in practicing martial arts."

Li Nian's lips moved, and finally he said:

"I'm so sorry for you and Aqing."

Qin Sanfeng shook her head:

"If A-Chuan can pass the imperial examination and be exempt from taxes and corvée labor, then we will also be able to enjoy a good life."

Qin Sanfeng's words were sincere.

Anning County levies 20% of their taxes, and many of the patrolmen don't get paid for breakfast on weekdays.

They would come from time to time to collect "shop fees", "sewage fees" and "management fees".

After layers of deductions, even a seemingly thriving breakfast shop doesn't have much money left each month.

If Li Chuan can pass the imperial examination, all these expenses will be waived.

Life at home will be much better.

Seeing the usually silent Li Qing earnestly holding the stone according to Li Chuan's instructions, Qin Sanfeng couldn't help but laugh:

"This silly child."

The slight hostility she felt towards Li Chuan vanished completely.

After teaching Li Qing, it was time for Li Chuan to return to the martial arts school.

Right at my doorstep.

A group of people saw Li Chuan off.

Li Qing said earnestly:

"Take care, Ah Chuan. Study martial arts well, and I'll earn enough money for you."

Li Nian said with a smile:

"Achuan, don't slack off at the martial arts school, and strive to pass the entrance exam as soon as possible."

Wang Xiumei stepped forward and shook Li Chuan's hand:

"Chuan'er, just do your best in martial arts training. Don't listen to what your grandfather says. Just don't hurt yourself. Even if you don't succeed, your mother can still earn a living at the breakfast stall when you come back."

Li Chuan smiled, nodded, waved, and turned to leave.

He was holding a purse containing one or two taels of silver.

This was the money his family had scraped together to pay for his meals, a sum that represented their hopes and dreams.

It felt somewhat heavy in my hand.

My family doesn't understand the ins and outs of martial arts, and they always think that going to a martial arts school will make them successful.

Just like the college entrance exam in my previous life, I always thought that if I got into a good university, I could have a stable life for the rest of my life.

But this is only the first step.

There are also pressures to come from various aspects, such as further education, work, housing and cars, and wedding banquets.

Every obstacle is difficult, but every obstacle can be overcome.

Li Chuan shook his head, no longer thinking about things too far ahead.

He began to plan his next move in his mind.

As he walked, Li Chuan caught a glimpse of several familiar figures out of the corner of his eye.

Liu Hu?

And his several underlings.

What are they doing here?

Li Chuan frowned, lowered his head, and quickened his pace to try and avoid it.

With his current strength, it's best if he doesn't run into this plague god.

Ten steps.

Five steps.

Three steps.

Li Chuan walked past Liu Hu, but Liu Hu remained unmoved.

Li Chuan breathed a sigh of relief.

next second.

A hand was placed on his shoulder.

Liu Hu, tall and imposing like an iron tower, embraced him, blocking some of the sun.

He said with a smile:

"Brother Li, where are you going?"

Li Chuan's heart was racing, but he tried his best to keep his expression calm:

"Let's go to Songfeng Martial Arts School."

Upon hearing the name of the martial arts school, Liu Hu became slightly more restrained and lowered his hand.

He laughed:

"Brother Li, what's the use of practicing martial arts if you don't pass the test? You're not much better than me. Why don't you give me the silver and I'll teach you a few moves?"

Liu Hu's henchmen burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Seeing that Li Chuan did not respond, Liu Hu curled his lip, realizing he had made a fool of himself.

He then asked:

"What's your grandfather's decision?"

"Still considering it."

Liu Hu squinted and kindly advised:

"Brother Li, please persuade your grandfather. He's getting old and his health is poor; he can't take any more stress."

Li Chuan didn't reply and quickened his pace to leave.

His eyelids were lowered, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

If he had mastered martial arts, he should have said "There is a right way to die" by now.

Unfortunately, he is too weak now.

……

"Damn it, he stole my wife!"

"So what if we robbed them?"

"I'll fuck you to death!"

The two groups started fighting as soon as they disagreed.

The situation quickly spiraled out of control.

In the blink of an eye, red and white substances flew out as if they were free.

"The Black Bear Gang and the Iron Tiger Gang are fighting again. Who will win this time?"

"The Iron Tiger Gang won last time, so I reckon it'll be about the same this time."

Many civilians were hiding in the shadows, whispering among themselves.

"No fighting allowed within the city!"

A dozen or so armed police officers charged out angrily.

The two gangs immediately scattered like birds and beasts.

Li Chuan tightened his clothes and quickly went around to the side to avoid being caught up in the trouble.

Anning County's urban area is divided into an outer city and an inner city. The outer city is rife with gangs and thieves.

The inner city was the residence of the gentlemen, and it was well-safe.

The world is becoming increasingly chaotic, and there are more and more disturbances in the outer city.

Everyone could sense that the tension was rising.

You never know when it will accumulate to its limit and explode, causing the order to collapse.

"In this world, only those who have a strong fist can stand firm."

Li Chuan stepped past the many onlookers and entered the Songfeng Martial Arts School.

The previous hustle and bustle seemed to have nothing to do with this place.

A large gate divided the inside from the outside into two worlds.

No matter how things change outside, or which gang reigns supreme, Songfeng Martial Arts School remains steadfast.

The master of the martial arts school, Gu Fengbo, is a martial artist of the Transformation Realm from the inner city, and is considered a rare master in this outer city.

Under his protection, the martial arts school was like an ivory tower.

Even though it was almost dusk, many disciples in brocade robes were still walking around, discussing with great interest which restaurant to go to and where to listen to music.

"Li Chuan? Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you yesterday that Tingting was going to eat the new lion's head meatballs at Feiyanlou?"

"A plate for one tael and five mace of silver might just bring a smile to Jiang Ting's face!"

"Hurry up, hurry up, don't keep Tingting waiting!"

The two raised their eyebrows, a mischievous grin on their faces.

In the past, whenever they mentioned Jiang Ting's name, Li Chuan would rush to treat them to a feast and show off his wealth.

They were also given a few bites of food.

To the surprise of the two, Li Chuan's face did not show the usual excitement and enthusiasm.

He simply declined calmly.

"I have some things to do, so I won't go."

The two looked at him in surprise, wondering why he had suddenly changed his personality.

Even Jiang Ting couldn't move his heart?

After exchanging a glance, they stopped paying attention to Li Chuan and turned to leave.

Li Chuan is just an insignificant character in their world.

After putting down his luggage, Li Chuan went to the empty training ground.

It was getting dark, and there weren't many people in the training ground.

Those still practicing at this time are mostly dressed in ordinary clothes and come from humble backgrounds.

Only when one's family cannot provide for them will they see martial arts as their only hope and dedicate themselves to its arduous training.

This is true in both past and present lives.

The rich go abroad, while the poor are caught in the middle of competition.

After calming himself down, Li Chuan cleared his mind of distracting thoughts.

He followed the cultivation method of the Baoshan Zhuang (抱山桩) from his memory.

Make palms with both hands, place your left foot on your right knee, and squat down.

Not long after.

[Proficiency in the Mountain-Embracing Stance +1]