Chapter 8: Temporary Positions
At this moment, a light appeared in his mind.
【Tongbei Fist Entry (1/1000): Ten practices a day, Heaven Rewards Diligence, Minor Achievement in three months, Major Achievement in one year】
This feeling was incredibly clear, invigorating his spirit.
Sun Shun's explanation continued, as he meticulously broke down the methods for responding to each Move.
How to dodge when an enemy attacks, and which Move or stance would be most effective for a counterattack.
“Pay close attention to this Move, 'Nimble Ape Soars',” Sun Shun called out clearly, “If the opponent comes at you with a saber, you must not meet it head-on, but rather—”
His body was agile, his steps diagonal, perfectly demonstrating how to avoid the sharp edge.
Chen Qing was fully focused, engraving every one of Sun Shun's pointers into his mind.
Seeing Chen Qing's diligence and eagerness to learn, Sun Shun's explanations became even more detailed, even personally demonstrating several killing Moves.
Chen Qing practiced the Tongbei Fist again, his back drenched in sweat, before walking to a corner of the training ground to sit down and catch his breath, taking out his waterskin for a drink.
“Senior Sister Zhou, you've worked hard.”
“It's nothing, just be more careful next time.”
“Yes, Junior Brother understands.”
A soft and pleasant female voice caught Chen Qing's attention.
He saw a young girl in a plain white silk dress, holding a small celadon medicine pot, applying medicine to an injured Disciple.
Her fingertips were stained with brown ointment, and her movements were gentle.
The “injured” individuals were all flushed, their eyes darting nervously.
Sun Shun noticed the confusion in Chen Qing's eyes and whispered, “She is Junior Sister Zhou, Master's daughter. You should call her Senior Sister. She returned from Qingnang Hall yesterday after studying medicine. Junior Sister is kind-hearted and often applies medicine and bandages to Disciples injured during practice.”
At this, he scratched his head, revealing a hint of helplessness, “Because of this, there have been an unusual number of Junior Brothers 'spraining their waists' recently.”
Chen Qing naturally understood that in a yard full of rough men, the sudden appearance of a delicate white magnolia made it no wonder these 'hungry wolves' would feign injury.
After a short rest, Chen Qing took a deep breath and stood up again.
The Tongbei Fist fighting style was far from enough to rely solely on diligent practice; it needed to be tempered through countless real combat situations.
By the courtyard wall, Zhou Liang half-reclined in a grand armchair, squinting his eyes, occasionally offering pointers.
The afternoon sun filtered through the old locust tree, casting dappled shadows on his face.
Time slipped away quietly amidst the shedding of sweat.
Suddenly, a commotion arose at the courtyard gate.
“Guo Biao Shi from Wangyuan Escort Agency is here!”
“And Shopkeeper Wang from Li's Forging Weapon Shop!”
The Disciples all stopped their movements, curiously looking around.
More than ten people filed in. The grey-clad old man leading them walked with the stride of a Dragon and a tiger, followed by several sturdy men, each with slightly bulging temples, clearly practitioners of martial arts.
“Third Senior Brother, this is…?”
A Disciple, named Guo Dachui, who was also trained by Sun Shun, curiously leaned over and asked.
Sun Shun explained, “They're here to select people. As long as you reach Ming Jin (Manifest Strength), you can get a temporary position at places like Wangyuan Escort Agency or Li's Forging Weapon Shop, working part-time as a guard or an escort. You can earn a decent salary each month.”
He glanced at the many Disciples around them who had pricked up their ears, adding, “Many Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters in the yard do this. Otherwise, how could they afford the daily expenses of eating white flour and meat just relying on their families?”
Temporary position as a guard!?
Guo Dachui's eyes instantly widened, his mouth slightly agape.
He came from Xiahe Village, a family of poor farmers for generations, and even his Master's fee was cobbled together by the villagers. How could he not be excited upon hearing this news?
Chen Qing's heart also stirred.
If he could get a temporary position, he wouldn't have to worry about future tuition fees.
Sun Shun continued, “I remember the Forging Weapon Shop offers three thousand large coins a month for Ming Jin, plus thirty catties of meat. Wangyuan Escort Agency calculates remuneration based on the length of the escort mission, but I'm not entirely clear on the specifics.”
Many Disciples, upon hearing this, were eager to try.
Especially those who had recently joined and came from impoverished families, their faces showed longing.
Weren't they striving to Cultivate martial arts precisely to rise above others and change their fate?
Three thousand large coins plus thirty catties of meat was definitely a tempting sum of money.
One must know that Han, Han, weaving nets day and night, would only earn about five hundred large coins after a month of hard work.
Sun Shun crossed his arms and said, “Currently, all forces within the county need experts to hold temporary positions, so the conditions offered are very good. If they encounter young, promising elites with good Aptitude—”
He paused, referring to those Geniuses, “—to win them over and show goodwill, the price offered will be even more generous. Some wealthy families might even consider inviting them to marry into the family.”
At this time, Guo Biao Shi from Wangyuan Escort Agency, Shopkeeper Wang from Li's Forging Weapon Shop, and several other wealthy individuals had all taken their seats.
“Qin Lie, you go!”
Zhou Liang glanced around and whispered, “Remember what I usually tell you.”
“Yes, Master!”
Qin Lie slowly walked out and said loudly, “Seniors, wealthy gentlemen, please excuse my humble demonstration!”
He stood in the center, took a deep breath, and then unleashed his fist techniques.
He was performing the Tongbei Fist, his muscles and bones cracking with each Move, and strong winds surging! Every punch he threw was accompanied by a crisp “snap” sound, as if the air was being torn apart.
This was precisely the Realm of Ming Jin (Manifest Strength).
The strong winds howled, and Chen Qing, watching from a distance, felt his heart pound, especially with Qin Lie's 'Nimble Ape Soars' and 'Galloping Horse Viewing Flowers' Moves, which appeared exceptionally refined.
Ming Jin (Manifest Strength) was already vastly different from ordinary people, marking a true step into the Martial Dao.
The first Breakthrough could strengthen the entire body, allowing one to unleash Ming Jin (Manifest Strength). A single punch would cause the air to explode, possessing astonishing power.
A person with Ming Jin (Manifest Strength) could be said to walk boldly among ordinary people, possessing enough strength to participate in the Martial Examination and strive for fame and official positions.
The second Breakthrough involved the mind and skin, coordinating with the body's meridians, allowing one to unleash An Jin (Hidden Strength), which could injure internal organs through heavy armor, incredibly profound.
This Realm was already considered to surpass ninety-nine percent of martial artists, and one could already be a pillar of a local force. Only a handful of people in Zhou Yard had reached this Realm.
The third Body Tempering was Hua Jin (Transforming Strength), where the internal organs, flesh, muscles, and bones were all filled with An Jin (Hidden Strength). With a tremor of Qi and blood, all flesh, muscles, and bones would be mobilized, like a resounding thunderclap, unleashing the even more astonishing power of Hua Jin (Transforming Strength).
In the entire Zhou Yard, only Zhou Liang was currently a grand Master of Hua Jin (Transforming Strength).
After completing a set of fist techniques, Qin Lie stood still, his face not flushed, his breath steady and long.
“Junior Brother Qin's progress speed…”
Sun Shun also took a sharp intake of breath upon seeing this, “He might be able to challenge An Jin (Hidden Strength) in less than half a year, perhaps?”
Zhou Liang stroked his beard, his eyes filled with undisguised satisfaction, “My untalented Disciple is dull; it took him a month and a half of practicing fist techniques to reach Ming Jin (Manifest Strength). I've made you all laugh.”
Though his words were humble, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes could not hide his pride.
“Master Zhou, you jest!” Guo Biao Tou stepped forward, his goose-quill saber clattering at his waist, “For such a fine talent, my Wangyuan Escort Agency is willing to offer thirty percent of the cargo's profit!”
“Hold on!” Shopkeeper Wang slammed the table, making the teacups clatter, “My Li's offers five thousand coins a month, plus a set of fine iron weapons!”
The scene immediately erupted into a clamor.
The maids brought by the wealthy families gasped, covering their small mouths; this price was enough to buy two strong slaves!
The Senior Brothers and Junior Brothers of Zhou Yard also discussed animatedly, a hint of envy in their eyes.
Qin Lie had been poor since childhood. Hearing such generous terms, his breathing quickened, and the excitement in his eyes was undeniable.
While adjusting his sleeves, he seemingly inadvertently swept his gaze over the faces of his fellow Disciples.
Those formerly indifferent gazes had now transformed into astonishment and envy.
“Gentlemen, please calm down and don't let it affect our harmony.”
Seeing this, Zhou Liang stood up and laughed, trying to smooth things over, “This concerns my Disciple's future, and it's a significant matter. How about we Move to the inner hall later to discuss it in detail?”
Shopkeeper Wang and Guo Biao Tou, upon hearing this, slowly sat down.
Next, three other Senior Brothers who had reached Ming Jin (Manifest Strength) took the stage to demonstrate.
Although their performances were solid, they appeared unremarkable compared to Qin Lie. They eventually also gained the favor of the wealthy families, but the monthly pay offered was only around two thousand coins, far less than Qin Lie's.
Everyone knew this was because of Qin Lie's potential.
Soon, the selection process ended.
Sun Shun looked at Chen Qing and a few others with a complex expression and said, “You all need to reach Ming Jin (Manifest Strength) as soon as possible.”
Unleashing Jin (Strength) through Qi and blood was the foundation of Cultivating martial arts.
Ming Jin (Manifest Strength), An Jin (Hidden Strength), and Hua Jin (Transforming Strength) were the essence of Tongbei Fist.
To achieve a Breakthrough, one needed strong Qi and blood as support, and Qi and blood required daily Cultivation, as well as supplementing with meat and tonics.
“Poor scholars, rich martial artists” – this saying was not just idle talk.
Except for Disciples with exceptional Aptitude, it was extremely difficult for ordinary people to achieve each Breakthrough.
If one failed, all the money, time, and effort invested earlier would be wasted.
Chen Qing cupped his fists and said, “Thank you, Senior Brother, for the reminder.”
Guo Dachui hesitated for a moment and asked, “Third Senior Brother, if we can't reach Ming Jin (Manifest Strength)...”
“Then don't keep struggling in the yard.”
Sun Shun was silent for a moment, then said with a bitter voice, “Go work odd jobs at escort agencies or Forging Weapon Shops, or become a guard in a wealthy household… do some hard labor. You'll always find a way to eat.”
As his words fell, the hearts of the few people around him turned cold.
A guard? It sounded nice, but in reality, they would just be servants summoned and ordered around by the wealthy.
Which martial artist who came to the yard didn't dream of passing the Martial Examination and bringing honor to their ancestors!?
Chen Qing's eyes narrowed slightly.
He knew clearly that the most pressing task was to quickly enter the Realm of Ming Jin (Manifest Strength).
These words made Guo Dachui and the others' expressions become solemn. They then silently walked away, dedicating themselves even more vigorously to their practice.
They all had a fire in their hearts, determined to reach Ming Jin (Manifest Strength).
Unconsciously, it was evening, and the Disciples in the yard had all left.
Chen Qing practiced his Standing Meditation again until his muscles ached all over, then tiredly walked to a corner of the training ground to sit down and catch his breath.
“It's so late, and you haven't gone back yet?”
A soft voice sounded.
Chen Qing looked up to see Zhou Yu walking out of the inner courtyard, her plain white silk dress particularly striking in the dim light.
Chen Qing wiped the sweat from his forehead and respectfully replied, “To Senior Sister, Junior Brother's Aptitude is dull, so I can only make up for it a little through diligent practice.”
“Practicing martial arts requires a balance of effort and rest; never be too hasty.”
Zhou Yu said with concern, “You must pay attention to your body, otherwise it will be counterproductive.”
Chen Qing cupped his fists and said, “Thank you, Senior Sister, for your concern. I was just about to rest.”
Zhou Yu waved her hand and said, “That's good. If you're not practicing, go back early.”
“Senior Sister, then Junior Brother will take his leave.”
Chen Qing quickly tidied up and left Zhou Yard.
Watching Chen Qing's retreating figure, Zhou Yu sighed softly.
She certainly remembered this Junior Brother, who was humble and polite to others, and exceptionally diligent in his practice.
However, in this yard, she had seen too many figures like him, gritting their teeth and practicing hard.
Yet, how many of them ultimately managed to overcome that Qi and blood threshold and Breakthrough to Ming Jin (Manifest Strength)?
In the path of martial arts, sheer diligence, in the end, was difficult to bridge the chasm of Aptitude and even harder to fill the bottomless pit of nourishing Qi and blood.