touchnovel Chapter 39 Worries
Chapter 39 Worries
"Is this what it feels like to be a master of innate martial arts?"
Li Hong felt the flow of abundant true energy within his body, and his internal organs, muscles, bones, and meridians seemed to have been reborn.
This immense inner power erupts from time to time, but having just broken through to the Innate Realm, he is not yet able to circulate it consistently or control it properly.
Looking around, though the night was deep, there was no dust or shadows.
"According to Shen Hezhi, martial arts cultivation involves externally strengthening the skin, flesh, tendons, and bones, and internally strengthening the blood to generate energy and activate the eight meridians, all of which are acquired skills."
Li Hong sighed: "But even if one is strong after birth, and possesses immense strength, once separated from the body, one is still just a mortal."
Only by reversing the acquired state and rebuilding the eight innate meridians can true qi flow like a spring, running naturally without being circulated or urged.
Only by entering the Innate Realm can one glimpse the true path of martial arts!
"Having gradually transcended the mortal realm, what lies beyond the innate level?"
Li Hong couldn't help but wonder if the pinnacle of martial arts in this world was already close to immortality?
"In my opinion, although there are many innate martial arts experts in the inner city, I have not yet seen the realm above the innate gate after entering twice."
"That thunder dragon... I'm afraid it hasn't transcended this realm either!"
Li Hong secretly analyzed the differences between the two.
When he was in his prime, he was blinded by a single leaf, but now that he has broken through the innate barrier, he recalls the demeanor of the masters he encountered at the previous business meeting. Although they were stronger than him, they had not undergone a qualitative change.
The first three stages of martial arts each represent a different realm, not to mention the realm beyond the Innate level.
"Could it be that there are no experts above the Innate Realm in Muyang County? We need to keep a close eye on things and investigate..."
Li Hong sighed inwardly:
"With twenty days left until the Autumn Examination, I have already broken through to the Innate Realm. The Martial Arts Examination, which has hindered so many martial artists from the outer city, is no longer a challenge for me!"
"If I reveal my innate strength during the autumn examination, I can probably easily secure the title of first-class martial arts student!"
"Hopefully, nothing unexpected happens..."
Lost in thought, Li Hong couldn't help but recall another matter: some time ago, he had conducted a thorough search of the armory of the Inspection Office and the Armory of the Martial Arts Hall.
They also failed to find any internal cultivation techniques beyond the innate level.
"That supreme sect that dominates the land must be one of the top transcendent forces in this world. Perhaps martial artists who want to break through to the Innate Realm must join a supreme sect?"
This inference also aligns with his previous conjecture.
Time passed day by day...
For the next few days, Li Hong remained in the courtyard, focusing on consolidating and familiarizing himself with the Innate Realm.
Incidentally, I also made "The Concealing Edge Technique" my main training method, and it only took me ten days to go from zero to mastery of this miscellaneous skill.
There were five days left until the autumn examination.
Martial arts hall.
Li Hong stepped into the west courtyard and immediately saw many disciples doing their morning exercises.
Today, he came at the invitation of Shen Hezhi, presumably because the autumn examinations are approaching and he wants to give some advice.
"It's Senior Brother Li!"
"Senior Brother Li, I wish you all the best in your autumn exams!"
The people who were practicing martial arts gathered around Li Hong like a rising tide.
In the martial arts academy, Li Hong is now a figure with a somewhat legendary aura.
In recent days, as his deeds have gradually come to light, almost everyone knows about them privately.
Li Hong, a child from a poor family, is probably only one leap away from the Dragon Gate!
"Thanks, brothers."
Li Hong had already mastered the "Concealing Edge Technique," but his external martial arts cultivation was suppressed to around the mid-stage of the Inner Strength realm.
Unless one deliberately exposes themselves, or engages in a deep exchange with another expert at the same Innate Realm, no one will be able to detect it.
He patted the shoulders of several familiar disciples who were nearby to express his gratitude.
Once he entered the Innate Realm, every move of these disciples who were still developing their strength outside became full of flaws in his eyes.
Even the lightest feather and the smallest insect cannot escape his sight, let alone these disciples.
"Li...Senior Brother Li."
Yang Chen stammered as he spoke in the crowd.
For months, Li Hong had been rising rapidly through the ranks.
Yang Chen, who used to be very close to me, is now rarely seen anymore.
"Hmm, how are you now?"
Li Hong looked at him intently, a smile on his face, remembering that he had once financially supported him for a period of time.
This attitude made Yang Chen, who was initially a little awkward, suddenly brighten up.
"I... attempted to break through the Inner Strength barrier, but failed. I plan to retire due to injury next spring and go home to help out. Martial arts is not my path."
Li Hong nodded and smiled slightly, "Yes, everyone has their own destiny. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."
With Yang Chen's talent, it's estimated that he'll be lucky to reach the inner strength stage before the age of twenty-five in the martial arts path.
"Once you pass that age, there won't be any more significant progress on your martial arts path," he patted Yang Chen on the shoulder and smiled.
"Okay, I'll go in first then. If anything happens, you know where I live."
Yang Chen waved his hand, secretly overjoyed: "Senior Brother Li, I wish you good luck in the martial arts exam!"
It's clear that Li Hong treats him much better than others; he's someone who cherishes old friendships.
.............
In the rear hall of the west courtyard.
The disciples of the inner sect were all practicing their skills in the training ground.
Shen Hezhi and Huang Shan were talking in the corridor.
"Huang Shan, I heard you and Li Hong have some minor disagreements behind the scenes?"
Shen Hezhi stared directly at the latter, a shallow vertical line appearing between his brows:
"Although Li Hong comes from a humble background, I dare not underestimate him based on what we have seen and heard in the past few months, let alone you?"
Huang Shan reluctantly nodded, clasped his hands in a fist and replied, "Head Instructor, it's all just rumors. Junior Brother Li and I just don't interact much on a regular basis."
Shen Hezhi, with a scrutinizing look, sensed the deep-seated resentment in him, then shook his head and sighed:
"If it's just rumors, that's fine... If the Martial Arts Academy can produce two martial arts students in this autumn examination, it would be a great blessing. Speaking of which, you two are classmates and born in the same year. You're not young anymore, so you should be able to think about the pros and cons yourself."
Huang Shan lowered his head, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips: "Hmm... I will certainly keep that in mind."
In his heart, however, he did not take it seriously at all. On the contrary, he hated Li Hong even more because of Shen Hezhi's bias.
Why should he be friends with this kind of peasant?
I broke through to the inner strength level only a month or so later than him.
Moreover, it was only because of the advice and warnings of his elders that he was able to master the stance training in just over four months and attempt to break through the barrier.
In Huang Shan's view, although Li Hong had some talent, it was just good luck.
Like Shi Liang, they were just risk-taking speculators.
After all, he had nothing and no attachments.
He was different; he came from an outer city family and had a detailed plan for his martial arts path.
He and his elder brothers joined different forces in the outer city. He came to the martial arts hall with the idea of replacing Shen Hezhi in the future.
Otherwise, why would I stoop to this position?
"Senior Brother Li!"
"Senior Brother Li, why do I always feel like I lack power and can't sink down in the 'One Rider at Changguan Pass' move..."
Just as Shen Hezhi was about to say something, the inner disciples had already surrounded Li Hong as he walked in.
The two stopped talking and turned to look.
Shen Hezhi had a smile on his lips.
Huang Shan's eyes flashed with barely suppressed disgust. In the past two months, that peasant had overshadowed him in the martial arts hall.
A fading reputation... is something anyone can sense.
This sense of disparity is something that cannot be suppressed simply by thinking about it.
Even the inner disciples are now all vying for Li Hong's attention.
The treatment of a deputy envoy on temporary assignment in the Patrol and Inspection Division... what does it signify in the eyes of ordinary disciples? It's obvious.
"Let you be so smug for a few more days..."
Huang Shan scoffed inwardly and glanced at him disdainfully.
The last small gathering of elites from the outer city.
This kid offended Liang Shifan, and he took the opportunity to stir up trouble for Li Hong, making sure to draw a lot of hatred towards him.
Regardless of the power dynamics within the inner city, just facing the top talents from the outer city in this autumn examination will be enough to give him a hard time.
On the martial arts arena, fists and feet have no eyes.
"I'd like to see what happens when you end up like Shi Liang!"
Thinking about it, the anticipation rising in Huang Shan's heart... finally smoothed out the strong sense of disappointment.
Before long, Li Hong stepped out of the crowd and came to Shen Hezhi.
"Professor Shen."
Li Hong bowed deeply and said that although Shen Hezhi was not his master, he had personally guided him more than ten times in the last two months in the West Courtyard.
A teacher who adds a sentence to the end is naturally worthy of the title.
Of course, this "shi" simply means teacher, and is different from the kind of teacher who imparts knowledge for a lifetime and is like a father.
"Well, there are still five days until the autumn exams. I called you and Huangshan here today because there are some things I need to discuss with you both."
Shen Hezhi nodded, got straight to the point, and led the two into his private room.
"This is a two-year-old bone-healing plaster, used for tendon and bone injuries. Apply it to the most important parts of the body before the autumn test. It can prevent the injury from worsening in critical situations."
He took out two small wooden boxes and examined Li Hong and Huang Shan in front of him, his expression slightly solemn:
"You two should already know that this year's autumn examination is different from previous years."
When Shen Hezhi said this, his gaze was focused on Li Hong.
Huang Shan wasn't worried at all; coming from a prominent family, he naturally had no shortage of precious armor and healing items.
The martial arts exam not only required unarmed combat skills, but also the "weapon duel" in the skills test, where the actors would use weapons.
Although swords and spears are not sharpened, martial artists with internal strength can easily exchange blows with a force of over a thousand pounds. The slightest mistake can result in injury to their bones and muscles.
Therefore, the sons of wealthy families, and even the elites in the inner city, basically all wore armor.
He also always carries protective medicine with him.
Li Hong came from a humble background and probably didn't have these extra protective measures.
A single set of precious armor costs hundreds of taels of silver, which he could not afford to give away.
All I can do is offer Li Hong one box of this "Bone-Protecting and Bone-Regenerating Ointment".
"Thank you very much, Professor Shen!"
Li Hong accepted it with both hands and bowed deeply.
Huang Shan had already taken over, but he didn't show much gratitude on his face. His family had already prepared a lot of this kind of healing medicine for him.
It was something he could easily obtain, nothing special.
Shen Hezhi had such keen eyesight that he naturally noticed Huang Shan's expression.
The medicine was originally intended for Li Hong, and inviting him along was merely to prevent unfair distribution.
After sending Huangshan away, he left Li Hong behind and solemnly instructed him:
"Li Hong... This autumn exam is a good opportunity to gain experience. Be smart, and if you feel that you are not up to the task, don't be too concerned about saving face. As long as you admit defeat or jump off the stage, there will be no great danger."
"Especially if you're unlucky, and you encounter one of the eight great families of the inner city or their servants in the five skills tests, it's not shameful to just jump off the stage and admit defeat."
"Where there's life, there's hope. If you don't pass the exam, you can just wait."
"Thank you for your guidance, Professor Shen."
Li Hong nodded emphatically. Although Huangshan looked down on this remedy, it was still very precious to him.
It would cost at least several dozen taels of silver, which might be crucial in mitigating the injury.
He won't need the skills he acquired for the martial arts exam, but he'll still have some use for it.
Shen Hezhi kept his worries to himself; he was quite anxious about Li Hong's participation in the autumn examination.
In contrast, Huangshan remained patient and waited for several months.
He waved his hand: "Go on... Relax these days, don't overdo the training, a little relaxation will bring some new insights."
............
Two days later.
There were three days left until the autumn exams.
Yangchun Tower.
On the patrol and inspection side, Jiang Tao led Liu Ming, who was dressed in casual clothes, to sit in a private room.
"Your Excellency, this precious armor of yours is too valuable. Are you going to let that brat have it?"
Liu Ming looked at the steel-inlaid armor inside the wooden brocade box that Jiang Tao had opened, his eyes filled with envy.
"Ha, our patrol and inspection division has finally produced a talented person, we can't be stingy with him."
Jiang Tao stroked the armor, his eyes shining.
This was a reward given to him by his superiors after he performed a meritorious service.
Now, all we can do is focus on that kid Li Hong and try our best to ensure he passes the autumn exam without any problems.
Liu Ming shook his head and chuckled, "Why is this kid in such a hurry to participate in the martial arts audition?"
There was also a small wooden box in front of him, containing five strands of golden marrow ginseng.
It is a precious medicine that has been aged for two years and is quite valuable.
I took it a few days before the exam; it is said to invigorate my blood and energy.
Liu Ming's fingers traced the wooden box, a hint of worry flashing across his brow:
"Sir, do you think Li Hong has a chance of passing the martial arts exam this time?"
Jiang Tao remained calm and composed, naturally confident in his abilities. He said indifferently, "I don't think there's much of a problem with the second-class martial arts students. They might even make a name for themselves!"
"The level of the strength test determines the ranking in the skills test. Li Hong has a solid foundation and high comprehension. As long as he doesn't encounter the martial servants of the eight major families in the inner city one after another, there aren't many people to worry about."
Liu Ming nodded. The last time he saw Li Hong, the kid was at the mid-stage of the Inner Strength realm, but it was clear that in terms of strength, he was no less than him.
He was also present at the scene of the last major river case and knew Li Hong's ruthless and resourceful nature in actual combat.
Although there was an element of luck involved in killing three bandit leaders who were in the middle to late stages of the Inner Strength realm, he should be able to perform well in the martial arts exam and not return empty-handed.
The experience gained in life-or-death battles is something that most second-class martial arts students in the outer city do not possess.
Shortly after, Li Hong pushed open the door and entered.
"Envoy, Liu!"
He clasped his hands in a fist and felt a warmth in his heart as he noticed the invitation from his two superiors and the items on the table.
Jiang Tao waved his hand. "Alright, sit down."
"You passed five skills tests in the martial arts examination. It's unlikely that you won't encounter any masters from the inner city in any of them. Just be quick-witted, kid. If you can reach level B or above in the strength test and win three skills tests, you'll meet the standard for a second-class martial arts student."
Li Hong nodded, sat down in the head seat, his back straight and his expression solemn.
He had heard a lot about the martial arts exam, but knew very little about the details.
Jiang Tao, as a master of the Innate Pass, already had a family business in the inner city.
What he saw and heard was naturally different from what ordinary people experienced.
As Jiang Tao recounted the story, Li Hong not only learned about some interesting anecdotes from previous years' martial arts examinations, but also gained insights into them.
Along with this, information about the power structure and other aspects of the inner city also quietly spread.
Since Jiang Tao, Liu Ming, and the others were free, Li Hong took advantage of their good mood to find out many things that had puzzled him before.
For example, the realm beyond the innate level, and some past information about the martial arts exam.
He memorized all the information, including some of the information about the upper sect.
That evening, the three of them drank five jars of wine together.
Before leaving, Li Hong accepted the precious armor added by Jiang Tao, as well as the golden marrow and ginseng root given to him by Liu Ming. He returned home and prepared to remain in seclusion until the day of the autumn examination...