Chapter 14 Expectations_2

As dusk fell, he decided to find a secluded place in the mountains to practice tomorrow.

Today, having just recovered from serious injuries and fought with Wang Dong, his body was damaged and extremely fatigued. After dining, Lin Yuan put aside thoughts of training. He fell into a deep sleep shortly after lying down.

Unbeknownst to him, the nine-section vine within him shone green again, and dew dripped once more, nourishing his scarred body. In no time, his skin wounds started to scab over, and the cracks in his bones gradually restored to their original dense structure.

"Bull shakes the mountain."

"Bull kicks with its hoof."

"Bull charges with its horns."

At dawn, the rising sun spilled endless light.

Deep in the forest, Lin Yuan was drenched in sweat, soaking his green shirt at the waist. A thin layer of mist rose from his back, glimmering in the morning sunlight, appearing particularly captivating.

"I have now mastered the Bull Force, and can practice the Stone Breaking Hand and the Snake's Movement." Lin Yuan calmed his mind and utilized the Nine-section training to practice the Stone Breaking Hand.

The process was equally smooth, and he had entered the introductory stage of Stone Breaking Hand.

"Let's test its power!"

Looking at his hands like green stones, surrounded by a strong breeze that tore through gold and split stones effortlessly, Lin Yuan reached forward, grabbing the air. As his five fingers clutched together, they collided with a resounding clatter.

"Bang."

When Lin Yuan grabbed at a millstone-sized boulder beside him, it cracked with a sound and split into several pieces.

"Heh heh, this Stone Breaking Hand certainly isn't ordinary." Feeling the immense power in his hands, Lin Yuan remarked with a smile, increasingly impressed by the martial arts training system of the academy.

The Eight-step Breaking Fist, Bull Force, and Stone Breaking Hand complemented each other, and his strength, skin, and bones were now unrivaled. He was even more eager for the next phase of training the tendons with the Snake's Movement.

No sooner said than done, Lin Yuan focused his mind and looked at the vine leaves associated with the Snake's Movement.

"Hmm? The Snake's Movement can only be cultivated to the introductory stage too." Watching the nine-section vine leaves transform, the pill at the root of the gourd vine dissipated completely along with it.

Thus, in the following days, Lin Yuan concentrated on practicing martial skills in the secluded forest. However, it was tough on the forest, now full of cracked stones, broken trees, deep pits, and shallow grooves, as if plowed.

"Lin Yuan, Lin Yuan, I've finally found you. I've been looking for you these past few days."

On the fifth day at dusk, the village chief stood in front of Lin Yuan's door. Seeing Lin Yuan returning from afar, he tapped his cane anxiously.

"Village Chief, I found a secluded place to practice martial skills. What brings you to look for me?" Lin Yuan asked honestly upon seeing the village chief's urgency.

"I've waited all day at your doorstep. If I hadn't seen you today, I would have gathered the villagers to search for you." Seeing Lin Yuan return, the village chief breathed a sigh of relief.

"Take this, the bronze token for the academy's selection. Keep it safe."

"Thank you, Village Chief."

Receiving the bronze token handed to him by the village chief, Lin Yuan felt its pleasant texture. The once blank space bore the engraving of the characters for his name, Lin Yuan.

"Tomorrow morning, gather at the training ground to head to the academy for the selection. Pack your bags well tonight and get plenty of rest so you won't miss this opportunity," the village chief reminded him.

"We're leaving tomorrow? Isn't the selection in five days?"

"You think the academy's selection is held in the village?" The village chief, hearing Lin Yuan's question, responded with slight irritation.

"Our Bull Horn Village is remote. We must set out early tomorrow to reach the academy, which takes four days. We'll then have one day for you to rest and prepare adequately."

With that, the old village chief began to turn and leave.

"Village Chief, wait." Lin Yuan's eyes showed a hint of fierceness, and he spoke out: "I also wanted to ask about Quanya Village's Duan Yong, just who is he, and where is he from?"

In his previous life, Lin Yuan had been killed by Duan Yong, which brought him into this world. If he didn't resolve this matter in his heart, he couldn't find peace.

"Sigh," hearing these words, the old village chief sighed.

"Yuan, listen to me, let go of this hatred and let the past be past," the village chief continued:

"I speak as someone who's lived many years, witnessing too much life and death. You're already recovered now, so there's no need to seek more trouble."

"Rest assured, Village Chief, I just wanted to ask. I am aware of my martial prowess," Lin Yuan said with a smile.

Hearing this, the village chief felt comforted and wiped his beard, saying: "Duan Yong from Quanya Village has profound martial skills and great strength, but why have I never heard his name? I've specifically inquired recently."

"Duan Yong is from Quanya Village but has been training in the academy from a young age. Near the selection, he returned to Quanya Village. Do you know why? There must be influential figures in the academy that allowed him to train there."

"Lin Yuan, I've been village chief for almost thirty years. In numerous selections, not one from Bull Horn Village has entered the academy, which shows how difficult it is."

"If one can have a place in the academy, that kind of person is beyond my imagination in terms of strength. If you encounter Duan Yong during the selection, avoid conflict if possible."

"For the sake of youthful rivalry, if you lose your life, my heart would ache unbearably. Remember, staying alive is better than anything." The old village chief spoke these words with particular intensity.

After catching his breath, he continued, "In all these years, apart from you, Wang Dong is the most talented I have seen in martial arts. Your significant progress in defeating Wang Dong brings me great joy. I've watched you grow up, and if you make it through the academy selection, it would finally bring our Bull Horn Village some pride. Even if I pass away one day, I would be at peace."

"Don't mind me rambling; as one gets older, there's a tendency to talk more." The village chief sighed deeply, wiping the slightly moist corners of his eyes.

Having a local youth enter the academy for training had been his long-time wish, and now he saw vague hope in Lin Yuan, which couldn't help but move him.

Yet, he also worried that Lin Yuan, being young, might act impulsively and offend those he shouldn't. If Lin Yuan were to lose his life and dashed all hopes, he would not rest in peace even in death.

"Go rest now." The village chief glanced at Lin Yuan, not caring if he really took heed, and gestured with his cane.

"I understand, Village Chief, rest assured, Lin Yuan knows his limits! I won't get conceited, thinking a slight improvement in skill can conquer everything." Watching the elderly figure recede into the distance, Lin Yuan waved his hand.

The next morning.

When Lin Yuan arrived at the entrance to the training ground, he found Yang Baochang and another youth already waiting. Lin Yuan recognized the boy, his name was Deng Xiuguang.

He was one of the more gifted in the next generation from the village, and was here to see Lin Yuan off.

"Lin Yuan is here. Double-check your belongings and see if anything is missing." Given the importance of this selection to the village, Yang Baochang felt compelled to remind them again.

"Let's set off." Seeing Lin Yuan look prepared, Yang Baochang waved his hand grandly.

The morning sun fell on the three of them, elongating their shadows. Bathed in the sunlight, Lin Yuan took his steps toward Yanghua Academy.

Under the willow tree at the village entrance, the old man stood still, hands resting on his cane. His murky eyes gazed hopefully at the three figures growing distant on the road.

The burgeoning sunrise reflected in his eyes, bright, colorful, radiant, and fervent.