Chapter 28: Meeting Zhu Lingshan Again

The next day, at the break of dawn.

The sun had not yet shown its outline, only endless rays of light bursting from the east.

Lin Yuan fetched water by the well early in the morning and took a refreshing wash.

Last night, after he successfully pushed his Qi-Blood to perfection, he was utterly exhausted. Both his spirit and body were at their limits, and after breaking through to the Red Spirit State, he relaxed his mind and fell into a deep sleep.

Early in the morning, he found the sweat on his body especially uncomfortable, mixed with shedding dead skin.

After a wash, he changed into a clean set of clothes.

A refreshing feeling arose naturally after all this was done.

As usual, Lin Yuan walked towards the martial practice ground of the academy. Due to the breakthrough in Qi-Blood, Lin Yuan felt particularly light on his feet this morning, cutting down his travel time by almost half compared to usual.

Before long,

Lin Yuan arrived at the usual spot but didn't see Xie Wanxin and Hu Junnan. Finding himself with some spare time, he began his own warm-up exercises, ready to start the sparring session as soon as the others arrived.

"I wonder if my estimation last night was accurate." While practicing the Eight-step Breaking Fist and Wild Ox Strength, Lin Yuan couldn't help but doubt himself.

Entering the Red Spirit State made him exuberant last night, and he couldn't help but worry that the excitement might have clouded his judgment. So, upon waking this morning, he started to doubt his conclusions from the night before.

Like decisions made in the middle of the night often turn out to be erroneous.

"I will only know for sure after the spar."

Thinking of this, Lin Yuan couldn't help but look forward to today's sparring, wanting to confirm his martial level and see how far he still was from becoming an elite disciple.

Becoming an elite disciple soon would allow him to further his plans at heart.

Being a chores disciple was too lowly, making it nearly impossible to do what he wanted.

If a chores disciple walks around at night, they are rigorously checked by the elite disciples. If he expanded his shady business in the future, it would certainly be suppressed by the elite disciples.

With his martial movements constantly changing, various thoughts crossed Lin Yuan's mind. Unconsciously, he completed several sets of cultivation techniques. Because he had arrived so early today, neither Xie Wanxin nor Hu Junnan had arrived yet.

Lin Yuan stopped his exercise and sat on a nearby stone bench, taking a sip of water and quietly watching the people sparring around him.

Most of the people nearby were just starting out in martial arts. Watching many people make moves and defend around him, various counter techniques continuously flashed through Lin Yuan's mind.

As the days of cultivation lengthened, Lin Yuan's understanding of martial arts was no longer as naive as it was in Bull Horn Village. Watching these people's techniques, Lin Yuan gradually came up with at least three counter methods. Moreover, he could imagine follow-up strikes after breaking the moves, leaving them with no chance to fight back.

As the techniques of these people kept appearing, reflecting in Lin Yuan's pupils, he continuously calculated and practiced his counter methods, becoming absorbed for a while.

Xie Wanxin and Hu Junnan entered the practice ground, prepared for their warm-up, and saw Lin Yuan already waiting for them to finish. They pulled him up to start the morning practice.

In a corner of the martial practice area,

two figures continuously collided, attacking one another.

Boom!

Lin Yuan separated Hu Junnan's fists. At this moment, he had already adapted to Hu Junnan's attack rhythm. Despite Hu Junnan's incessant attacks having no effect, Lin Yuan swiftly dodged and avoided them. Although his movement technique still needed improvement, his speed had increased by more than twice compared to before.

Moreover, Lin Yuan knew he hadn't reached his limit yet.

Slap!

Once again, Lin Yuan brushed off Hu Junnan's attacking right leg, slowing his steps, and with formidable strength, forcefully pushed away Hu Junnan's subsequent attacking right fist.

To him, Hu Junnan's movement technique seemed to have a flaw.

"It's not that Hu Junnan's movement technique has regressed, nor is he deliberately going easy."

"I've broken through! My speed has increased, allowing me to seize position and block moves." At this moment, countless variations of moves filled Lin Yuan's mind, enabling him to break Hu Junnan's subsequent attacks and counterattack without a scratch.

However, Lin Yuan didn't do so, knowing he just needed to confirm his martial progress had already resulted in qualitative change, thereby verifying last night's conclusion.

He continued to combat using the movement techniques and moves from yesterday, further confirming his rate of improvement.

Xie Wanxin, seeing the two fight with intensity, immediately joined in, and the three of them engaged fiercely in the sparring.

The red sun gradually rose, its scorching rays bursting forth.

The three finally concluded their morning practice on the martial practice ground. Sitting on the stone bench beside, they took out the prepared tea, sat, and slowly enjoyed resting.

All three sat down, gulping down the cool tea.

Xie Wanxin put down his teacup, looked at the other two. After a bit of contemplation, his tone was calm but what he said was quite shocking.

"Brothers, I've recently had some insights during my cultivation and have already broken through. I plan to adapt to my current state soon and apply to become an elite disciple." Xie Wanxin said with a smile, sharing his good news with Lin Yuan.

"Elite disciple?"

"Congratulations!" Lin Yuan, moved, immediately offered his congratulations.

Over time, the three had established a deep friendship through several sparring sessions. Hearing that Xie Wanxin was about to become an elite disciple couldn't help but make him happy.

"Junior Brother Lin, the martial path is long, and I am just temporarily ahead. I believe you will certainly become a black-robed elite disciple within two years!" said Xie Wanxin modestly.

His tone also carried a hint of pride. After almost two years at the academy, he finally stood out among tens of thousands of chores disciples to become one of the few elite disciples.

"I appreciate Brother's kind words!" Lin Yuan cupped his hands and replied.

After parting from the two, Lin Yuan was about to head back to the drying yard to complete the sorting and registration of today's herbs.

"Excuse me, is this Brother Lin Yuan?" A soft voice came from behind, sounding quite familiar, reminiscent of something heard in the past.

"Hmm! Why does it look a bit familiar?" Lin Yuan looked up at the two, and the memory instantly surfaced in his mind.

'The girl I defeated in the arena match? Hmm, the one with a decent movement technique!'

Lin Yuan took a closer look.

No, a third glance.

'Alright! I admit, the movement technique and her presence are both quite good!'

Lin Yuan reconfirmed the curves he observed being unmistakable, even the loose chores disciple's robe couldn't completely hide them.

"Pardon my intrusion." Zhu Lingshan smiled, unaware of Lin Yuan's thoughts, and continued, "Ever since entering the academy, I've been trying to get information about Brother. I recently found out that you've been cultivating at the Elixer Hall. I've been waiting here since early morning for you."

"Hmm?" A glint of sharpness flashed in Lin Yuan's eyes, "What do you want from me?"

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Zhu Lingshan, from Zhu Family Fist Hall." Seeing Lin Yuan's unfriendly expression, Zhu Lingshan quickly explained, "I seek you not for any improper reasons, nor to exploit you."

"Then what does Junior Sister Zhu intend?" Listening to this, Lin Yuan remained cautious internally, though outwardly relaxed, sincerely listening for her reason.

"I seek you for one request only, Brother, to join my Zhu Family Fist Hall," Zhu Lingshan hurriedly said, "Brother, please do not reject outright. Joining the Zhu Family Fist Hall will provide you with two portions of Qi-Blood Powder each month. Should you rise to become an elite disciple in the future, a unique martial cultivation technique from the Zhu Family Fist Hall can also be made available for you."

"The Zhu Family Fist Hall also has a movement technique formula that may aid in your cultivation."

Hearing this, Lin Yuan felt moved. He realized his current shortcomings lay in movement technique and body refinement, both of which required further enhancement. Particularly the movement technique aspect, which was indeed lacking in battle readiness at times.

"In the recent sparring, I observed great potential for improvement in your movement technique. Should it mature, none facing you will be your match." Zhu Lingshan thought to herself, she estimated the terms she offered should be enticing to Lin Yuan.

"Brother, should you consider?"

"The terms are indeed tempting, I'm quite interested." After Zhu Lingshan finished speaking, Lin Yuan gazed at her clear and lovely face, smiling slightly.

"Brother, please don't worry, this matter will not interfere with your martial cultivation." Seeing Lin Yuan smiling, Zhu Lingshan felt confident the matter was almost settled.

Ever since facing Lin Yuan in the selection arena, Zhu Lingshan had been deeply impressed. She realized Lin Yuan's strength was definitely not limited to the portion revealed in the match. Thus, inviting Lin Yuan to join the Zhu Family Fist Hall was to find a martial talent to assist in its growth. With aspirations that Lin Yuan would become a flag bearer for the hall and aid in dealing with crises it may face.

She believed in her intuition; Brother Lin in front of her was certainly not simple and had the potential to reach great heights.

"Then Brother on this matter, hmm?" Zhu Lingshan was pondering, feeling like she might have misheard the next moment.

"Not going!" Lin Yuan turned and walked away.

"Hey! Hey! How can he be like that!" Seeing Lin Yuan decisively walking away, Zhu Lingshan stomped her foot angrily, suddenly recalling that scene on the arena stage, feeling as helpless as she had then.

As he walked, Lin Yuan quietly calculated in his heart.

Destiny's gifts have long had their price marked in secret!

Lin Yuan clearly understood he wasn't the chosen one, and the strength he showed was mediocre at best, so why would Zhu Lingshan choose him over others?

Could it be my looks?

Well, I have to admit I'm quite handsome, but can looks provide a living?

Uncertain, unknown, don't think about it. Only earn the Qi-Blood Powder within one's understanding!

Moreover, with time, he believed he could certainly deduce several cultivation techniques to a higher level. Time was on his side; there was no need to take unnecessary risks.

"Brother Lin, Brother Lin, wait." Zhu Lingshan called out urgently, helplessly chasing after him again.

"Junior Sister, seek someone else. I am merely a small chores disciple, not worth it!" Lin Yuan said expressionlessly to Zhu Lingshan, who was blocking his path.

"Brother Lin, if the opportunity arises, the Zhu Family Fist Hall can introduce a Pharmacist to you." Zhu Lingshan looked at Lin Yuan seriously, "But I have a small additional request, accompany me in cultivation practice."

"Brother, you must agree!" Zhu Lingshan looked at Lin Yuan's cold and hardened expression, feeling anxious.

"Junior Sister Zhu!" Lin Yuan stared at her expressionlessly and said seriously.

"If I can't agree to even a small request, what kind of person would I be?"

"Where is the Zhu Family Martial Hall? Do we need to go now?"

Zhu Lingshan: "..."