This Martial Path?

"Aptitude increased to 3?"

Xu Yuan was overjoyed. "It seems my aptitude isn't fixed; it can be improved through skill breakthroughs?"

Thinking this, his heart filled with excitement. If it could really be used this way, then the potential of this Golden Finger was extraordinary!

"But what changes will come after my aptitude increases?"

Xu Yuan pondered for a moment, determined to test the quality of his Golden Finger.

He immediately struck a pose and leisurely began practicing Tai Chi Fist again. This time, he immediately felt a difference.

Details that were previously somewhat blurry in his mind suddenly became clear. His movements became even more fluid and precise, making him feel more at ease as he practiced!

"The efficiency this time is comparable to practicing three times before..."

Xu Yuan was inwardly horrified. This was only for someone with average aptitude. How terrifying would it be for someone with true genius aptitude?

With such a snowball-like Golden Finger, he estimated that with just a little more time, he could become an unprecedented super prodigy!

Tap, tap.

At that moment, the sound of footsteps startled Xu Yuan, who was in a state of ecstatic joy.

Seeing someone beginning their evening patrol, he quickly wiped the sweat from his body and, using the cover of night, slipped back into the communal sleeping quarters.

The room was still filled with snores like thunder, and the strong smell of sweat, body odor, and foot odor... all mingled together overhead, suffocating.

Xu Yuan's expression remained unchanged. After quietly lying down, his heart was still in turmoil.

Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.

The next day.

The biting autumn chill stung his face.

Xu Yuan, with dark circles under his eyes, emerged from the room.

As usual, he fetched water, washed the pots, and started the fire to cook.

The laborers cooked their own breakfast; only for lunch and dinner would Fatty Wang take charge, weighing the ladle.

Splash!

A large bucket of clean water was poured into the pot. Xu Yuan, whose body had not yet fully developed, submerged half of himself into it to wash.

After finishing the last rinse, he rubbed his aching waist and hips, then began chopping wood and starting the fire...

"This is so tiring. When will this life ever end?"

"You've already sold yourself into servitude as a laborer; what else do you expect?"

"Sigh, if only I had money, I'd really want to be like the Martial Students in the front courtyard, practicing martial arts and fists. At least there'd be some prospects."

"What nonsense are you talking? If we had money, who would come to do this dirty, tiring work?"

As the early morning light broke through, Fatty Wang and the supervising servants were still asleep. The laborers began to speak their minds freely.

"Didn't they say there were some benefits to joining the Shangyang Family?"

A clever-looking young laborer glanced around and said mysteriously, "It's said that if these benefits are used well, they can make someone soar to the heavens."

"What benefits?"

"Really? Tell us more..."

Xu Yuan listened to the laborers chat while chopping firewood.

The vast Shangyang Family, besides its enormous inner courtyard, also had many side courtyards and outer courtyards.

The side courtyards were where the maids and older women lived.

The outer courtyards were divided into front and back sections. The back courtyard was where they, the laborers, handled logistics.

The front courtyard was where the students who had paid their fees and followed the Martial Masters to train resided.

The laborers were also responsible for their meals. Although the food was not as good as for the students, they were guaranteed to have meat at least once every three days, which made the laborers very envious.

Furthermore, it was rumored there were other courtyards, but Xu Yuan knew nothing of them.

"Wait, what's that sound?"

As they were talking, several people suddenly heard sounds of "hu ha" coming from the front courtyard, accompanied by the whistling sound of weapons being swung.

"This person is actually so diligent, waking up as early as us laborers?"

A thin young laborer looked surprised, his mouth opening in a whisper, seemingly realizing that the Martial Students weren't as relaxed as he imagined.

Xu Yuan said nothing, silently continuing his work.

At this moment, if one were to look down from above the courtyard, they would only see dozens of small, pitch-black dots, like ants, toiling back and forth, working diligently.

When the sun reached its zenith.

A commotion suddenly arose at the entrance of the small courtyard.

"Huh? It's not mealtime yet, why are the Martial Masters here?"

A Laborer stood up, looking over in confusion.

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He saw that Fatty Wang, usually rough and fierce, was currently leading the way like a quail, his smiling face crinkled like an old chrysanthemum.

Behind him, a burly middle-aged man with a broad face and a straight nose appeared.

Even in the crisp and cold late autumn season, this man was still wearing a thin, light blue shirt and short martial attire. Muscles coiled on his arms, and he strode with an imposing presence.

"It's Martial Master Feng!"

Someone couldn't help but exclaim, startling the others into staring blankly.

In the courtyard, Martial Masters held the highest status, second only to the Shangyang Family members.

The reason this man was so clearly remembered by the Laborers, besides his beast-like strong physique, was his immense appetite. He ate almost as much as any Martial Master!

"What are you all standing around for? Gather here and stand properly!"

Fatty Wang turned his head, his chrysanthemum-like smile vanishing instantly. He barked coldly.

The group of young Laborers quickly assembled in the center.

"Master Feng, excluding those who took leave, these are all the new Laborers in the back courtyard."

Fatty Wang put on a fawning smile again, flattering the man beside him.

"Mm."

Feng Xiao responded indifferently. His stern, unsmiling face made the young Laborers' hearts tighten, as if a heavy stone had been placed upon them.

He scanned them all, remaining silent, as if waiting for something.

"That's..."

Xu Yuan squinted, finally seeing the two horizontal stripes embroidered on the shoulders of the man's blue shirt. He guessed they were a symbol of a Martial Master's rank.

After a while.

A faint sound of panting suddenly came from nearby. The crowd looked over and immediately showed surprise.

It turned out to be several maids, running into the formation.

Their usual delicate appearance in light blue satin vests and skirts was gone, replaced by more practical, fitted clothing.

Xu Yuan's heart trembled slightly.

What a grand occasion?

Even the new maids specifically trained to serve distinguished guests in the side courtyard had arrived.

"Alright, we won't wait for those who aren't here."

Feng Xiao spoke with a deep, resonant voice. Though low, it was incredibly clear in the quiet and solemn courtyard.

"The reason I've come to the courtyard, I believe some of you already know."

Xu Yuan subtly glanced around. Indeed, he saw a few people with joyful expressions, which made him ponder.

Is this benefit real?

"Our Shangyang Family is one of the most prominent, even arguably the foremost, great families in Prefecture City. We have deep foundations and countless martial artists."

"At the same time, we possess discerning eyes and foresight, and will not let slip any possibility of nurturing talent."

Speaking to this point, Feng Xiao carefully scanned the crowd and said gravely:

"Therefore, even a group of Laborers, after working for some time in the manor, will be given an opportunity to prove their Aptitude!"

Xu Yuan's eyes lit up.

I can learn martial arts without paying tuition?

No wonder his past self had rushed to join the Shangyang Family.

The Laborers immediately cheered. Some couldn't help but clench their fists, their eyes showing ambition. Among them was Xiao Sheng, the Laborer who had been beaten by Fatty Wang.

"All of you Laborers come from poor families, barely able to put food in your mouths. If you hadn't joined the Shangyang Family, who knows where you would have starved to death."

"Now that you have food and the opportunity to change your destiny through martial arts, you must remember the Master Family's grace and serve with loyalty!"

Feng Xiao watched the cheering crowd with cold eyes, his expression still indifferent, but his voice suddenly rose in pitch.

"However, you only have two months. During this time, you must not only practice martial arts but also continue to work diligently."

"If you cannot achieve any breakthrough by then, rein in your ambitions and honestly remain a Laborer, keeping your heads bowed in the mud."

"Otherwise, the family rules and iron discipline will serve you!"

Upon uttering the last sentence, Feng Xiao seemed to exert force, his voice booming like a bell, causing the faces of the Laborers present to turn pale.

"Without further ado, today, I will teach you one set of Stance Practice."

As Feng Xiao said this, his expression turned solemn, as if recounting a faith.

"In our Martial Path, the most important thing is for Blood Essence to erupt like a furnace. This Stance Practice is used to temper Blood Essence."

"The ancient saying goes: Man is the essence of heaven and earth."

"Therefore, everyone possesses the Extraordinary Meridians and Eight Channels, located throughout the body, which can sharpen one's senses, speed up reactions, and increase physical strength!"

As he spoke, Feng Xiao lifted a foot and nudged a wooden plank. He weighed it a few times, and without any apparent effort, simply pressed down lightly, leaving a clear palm print.

The laborers were immediately astonished, their eyes wide as they tried to get a better look.

Xu Yuan's gaze was sharp, his heart burning with passion.

Is this the power of the Martial Path in this world?

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