Martial Arts Garden.
Lin Chen saw off Hall Master Zhao.
From Hall Master Zhao’s words, he roughly knew what had been happening outside these past few days.
A few days ago, the Director recomnded him to the Martial Affairs Hall as a model student of Jiangnan Dao, but it was suppressed by the Martial Affairs Hall.
The next day, Hongdu Prefecture also recomnded a student.
The day after that, Wenzhou Prefecture also recomnded a student.
Throughout Jiangnan Dao, there are a total of seven prefectures. Except for the Director of Quzhou Prefecture who supported him, the others remained silent or opposed.
"Are you feeling a bit discouraged?"
Yan He’an’s figure appeared behind Lin Chen at so unknown ti.
"I am not discouraged, Senior. If soone opposes , it ans I have not done enough."
Lin Chen smiled faintly. Being recognized as a model student of Jiangnan Dao was naturally a good thing, but not achieving it wouldn’t make him too disappointed.
Reaching this point, he had already shown his potential and talent. Moreover, the Director of the Military Affairs Departnt had ntioned that the special training would be the last encouragent given to them by the Martial Affairs Hall.
Being recognized as a model student of Jiangnan Dao had its benefits, but perhaps more importantly it would build a golden image of himself.
If recognized as a model student of Jiangnan Dao, any forces in Jiangnan Dao trying to target him would have to consider this.
"Now, other than Quzhou Prefecture and Huizhou Prefecture not recomnding students, the other five prefectures have recomnded students to compete for the model student of Jiangnan Dao."
The model student of Jiangnan Dao is not a title awarded every year.
The last one recognized as a model student was ten years ago.
Yan He’an knew well that two of these five prefectures were just there to stir things up. Apart from Lin Chen, the real competitors were Li Zhe from Hongdu Prefecture and Song Yueqiao from Wenzhou Prefecture.
He even clearly understood that the Martial Affairs Hall suppressed Raozhou Prefecture’s recomndation of Lin Chen because of the Huo Family’s interference.
But these matters did not need to be disclosed to Lin Chen for now.
He sent these details in a letter to Elder Zhao, and Elder Zhao’s reply contained only one sentence: In the face of absolute martial skill and talent, any sches are useless.
"Young Master Lin is about to enter special training and won’t be able to co to the Martial Arts Garden for a short ti. Please take this Thousand Hamr Map with you."
"Senior Yan, this is too valuable."
Seeing the Thousand Hamr Map in Yan He’an’s hand, Lin Chen was stunned.
The Thousand Hamr Map is undoubtedly considered a martial arts treasure, especially valuable for martial artists practicing Horizontal Training.
"Treasures for heroes; if the Thousand Hamr Map were just left in the Martial Arts Garden, it would gather dust. Only by allowing Young Master Lin to carry it can its value be realized. However, the Thousand Hamr Map is only lent to Young Master Lin temporarily and must be returned after special training."
Lin Chen pondered for a breath and solemnly cupped his fist: "Junior thanks Senior for the kindness of lending the map."
Yan He’an handed the Thousand Hamr Map to Lin Chen, saying, "The Thousand Hamr Map is made from special materials, impervious to water and fire, and very difficult to tear. Young Master Lin can carry it with ease."
"I understand, Senior."
"There are people from the Martial Affairs Office at the entrance of the Martial Arts Garden. I believe they are here for Young Master Lin, so I won’t delay your ti further."
Yan He’an ca to Lin Chen’s courtyard because people from the Martial Affairs Office ca to the Martial Arts Garden, and Lord Su invited Lin Chen to the Martial Affairs Office. He ca specifically to notify Lin Chen.
Lin Chen apologized, bid farewell to Yan He’an, and headed towards the entrance of the Martial Arts Garden.
"Young Master Lin, rember this: the path of martial arts ultimately relies on one’s own strength. Temporary setbacks an nothing; the future is long!"
As Lin Chen’s figure was about to disappear at the corner of the corridor, Yan He’an couldn’t help but give one more piece of advice.
The Huo Family’s shenanigans, Lin Chen will naturally co to know in ti.
Since the Huo Family stood against Lin Chen, they are likely to have further plots given their thods. Lin Chen, before growing into a Grade-Entering Powerhouse, would not be a match for the Huo Family.
But Lin Chen is not alone. He has the support of Poyang Martial Affairs Office and the Military Affairs Departnt, so the Huo Family wouldn’t dare openly target Lin Chen, not to ntion Lin Chen is currently a key subject of evaluation at the Martial Arts Garden. As long as Lin Chen endures, the Huo Family won’t be able to do anything to him.
The real concern is the youthful impulsiveness, the inability to endure grievances, which could ultimately play into the Huo Family’s sches.
Lin Chen paused his steps, thinking that Senior Yan’s words were suggestive; perhaps Senior Yan knew so inside information related to the contention for the model student of Jiangnan Dao?
"Junior thanks Senior Yan for the guidance, and I will certainly keep it in mind."
...
...
Martial Affairs Office.
When Lin Chen arrived, he noticed another eagle-eyed man besides Lord Su.
The man’s eyes were sharp, and the mont Lin Chen stepped into the hall, his gaze fixed on him, exerting imnse pressure.
Yet another Grade-Entering Powerhouse, likely even stronger than Lord Su.
Eighth Grade, perhaps?
"Are you Lin Chen, a student from Linhu Village, Kaohe Town, Poyang County, Raozhou Prefecture?"
Without waiting for Lin Chen to salute, the eagle-eyed man directly spoke, questioning sternly.
"Yes!"
"In the late November of Liang Calendar year 298, you first encountered Clear Wind Palm, then achieved perfection by early March 299. Is this true?"
"It is true."
"If there’s any lie, you will be executed imdiately!"
The eagle-eyed man’s final words were filled with murderous intent, making Lin Chen feel as if he was in an ice cave.
"I have not lied."
One breath, two breaths, three breaths...
The eagle-eyed man’s aura retracted, his face showing a smile again: "Lord Su, this is part of my duty, and I ask for your understanding."
"I understand."
Whether Su Lingchuan truly understood was sothing only he knew, but on the surface, he naturally wouldn’t show discontent, nor question the other’s interrogation as a distrust of the Martial Affairs Office.
"By the imperial decree of the Grand Ancestor, the Military Affairs Departnt intends to nurture promising apprentices. The Jiangnan Dao Martial Affairs Hall has established a genius program. If you et the criteria, you shall accompany this official to the Special Training Ground imdiately."
Imdiately?
Lin Chen didn’t expect them to be so swift, not even allowing him ti to pack his luggage?
"Lord Jiang, might you grant so ti to explain a few matters to Lin Chen?"
Su Lingchuan frowned slightly but then quickly relaxed, speaking towards the eagle-eyed man.
"Lord Su, this is a rule set by the Hall Chief. Upon receiving an apprentice, we must depart imdiately without delay. I hope Lord Su understands the duty at hand."
Jiang Kui refused but continued, "I hope Lord Su understands the duty at hand."
Su Lingchuan didn’t expect such bluntness, but he had nothing more to instruct Lin Chen on, everything had been said earlier.
However, he didn’t expect Zhao Qifeng to privately approach Lin Chen and reveal that the Military Affairs Hall had suppressed the recomndation from Lin Chen’s teacher. He feared Lin Chen might overthink, so he prepared to say a few comforting words.
"Lin Chen, follow Lord Jiang to participate in the special training. Know that this opportunity is hard-won and should be cherished."
"Disciple understands."
Lin Chen nodded heavily, and Jiang Kui wasn’t so unfeeling as to prevent Su Lingchuan from exchanging a few words with Lin Chen. After Su Lingchuan had given his instructions, Jiang Kui interrupted, "Lord Su, this official takes his leave."
"I’ll see Lord Jiang out."
Su Lingchuan personally escorted Jiang Kui and Lin Chen to the entrance of the Martial Affairs Office, where two chestnut horses stood waiting. Jiang Kui mounted his horse, cupped his hands towards Su Lingchuan, and then raised his whip.
Seeing this, Lin Chen also mounted his horse and cupped his hands towards Su Lingchen, "My lord, disciple takes his leave."
...
...
With two n and two horses, they exited the city gates and galloped away.
Within just half a two-hour period, they reached the waters of Poyang Lake. Lin Chen was amazed by the speed of the horse beneath him, surely it wasn’t an ordinary steed.
By the lakeside, a boat was moored.
Jiang Kui remained taciturn, but after boarding with Lin Chen, he finally spoke, "Rest in the cabin, and when we arrive, I will notify you."
Lin Chen nodded and entered the cabin, only to discover that there were no windows on either side, it was entirely a closed wooden room.
Did they not want him to know the route to the special training ground?
Jiang Kui did not enter the cabin but stood on the deck. The boat moved rapidly on the water like an arrow released, yet it was extrely stable.
Soon, the boat entered a mist-covered area of Poyang Lake.
"Who goes there?"
"Jiang Kui of the Martial Affairs Hall."
Inside the cabin, Lin Chen, who had been sitting silently, heard the conversation outside and listened intently.
"Lord Jiang, please wait a mont."
This voice sounded sowhat familiar?
Lin Chen thought for a mont and imdiately recognized the owner of the voice as Lord Lv, the one who had initially taken him to the military camp.
On the deck, Jiang Kui frowned slightly. Usually, when he fetched apprentices to the special training ground, the Poyang Guards allowed passage imdiately. Why was he being asked to wait today?
A tea’s ti later, Lin Chen heard another familiar voice.
"Lord Jiang, is Lin Chen, the apprentice from the Poyang County Martial Arts Hall, on the boat?"
Lord Fang’s voice.
Lin Chen didn’t expect Lord Fang to be there too.
Jiang Kui looked at Fang Ze and said in a deep voice, "Lord Fang, you should know the rules."
"Lord Jiang, please don’t misunderstand. Of course, I am aware of the rules. It’s just that a few days ago, Lin Chen helped my Poyang Guards slay a snake monster. I reported this to the Marshal, who bestowed an award. I only just arrived in Poyang County to find that Lin Chen had already been taken by Lord Jiang, hence I sent a pigeon to ask my subordinates to have Lord Jiang wait briefly."
Fang Ze was making it up. He hadn’t actually been to Poyang County, but he knew the special training ground of the Jiangnan Dao Martial Affairs Hall had to pass through the territory managed by the Poyang Guards. So he had his n watch for any Martial Affairs Hall personnel and inford him imdiately.
Upon hearing Fang Ze ntion the Poyang Guard Marshal, Jiang Kui fell silent, intrigued. Lin Chen had slain a snake monster?
To be awarded by the Marshal, it must have been a Grade-Entering snake monster.
A Martial Artist who had just opened the acupoints slaying a Grade-Entering snake monster?
"I understand the rules of the Martial Affairs Hall. Please hand over the Marshal’s awarded item to Lin Chen, Lord Jiang."
Fang Ze tossed a package towards the boat, which Jiang Kui caught across the distance, agreeing tacitly.
"Let them pass!"
The soldiers on either side cleared the waterway. Fang Ze smiled as he watched the boat leave.
"My lord, why did you say the Marshal awarded Lin Chen when it was clearly an award you prepared?" Lv Tongzhi asked, puzzled, watching the boat enter the fog.
"I am rely a Standard Bearer; Lord Jiang may not see in high regard. But ntioning the Marshal is different. Although I’ve never been to the special training ground of the Martial Affairs Hall, I’ve witnessed several tis when the Martial Affairs Hall picked people up here. Most apprentices stay in the cabin, but occasionally one or two are allowed on deck... do you know what that implies?"
"What does it an?"
"It ans that even within the Martial Affairs Hall, geniuses are ranked in a hierarchy. This was to let Lord Jiang know that Lin Chen isn’t soone without backing, especially if he caught the eye of the Marshal after slaying a snake monster."
"My lord, you truly look out for Lin Chen."
"I rely wish to cultivate a true genius martial artist for the military."
...
...
On the deck, Jiang Kui looked at the package in his hand, showing a thoughtful expression. After a mont of contemplation, he walked into the cabin.
"I’ve been fetching apprentices for days on end, and I’m a bit weary. Before you, I had already escorted seven apprentices to the training ground. If we count my colleagues, this ti, thirty apprentices from the entire Jiangnan Dao will enter the base."
Lin Chen listened to Lord Jiang speak so many words in one breath and was sowhat surprised. He thought Lord Jiang was a man of few words, but it seed not so.
So was it Lord Fang’s words that took effect just now?
"I heard from Lord Fang just now, did you slay a snake monster?"
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