Xiang Tingchun

Does Horse Riding count?

"Neigh--"

Before Chen Sanshi could ponder it carefully.

The White Swan horse suddenly neighed towards the sky, then bolted out of the stable, galloping uncontrollably. It bucked and jolted, trying to throw its rider off.

"Damn it!"

Chen Sanshi almost flew off. He quickly grabbed the reins with both hands, planted his feet in the stirrups, and clamped his legs tightly around the horse's belly.

Watching others ride horses seemed easy, but he knew from experience that riding was definitely not a simple task.

Especially with a spirited, untamed horse. Falling off could be fatal!

"Neigh--"

The White Swan horse galloped wildly, neighing.

Chen Sanshi sat on its back, feeling the wind roar past his ears and the scenery blur by. Coupled with the horse's resistance, it was like riding a roller coaster without a seatbelt.

"You stubborn beast!"

He simply wrapped his arms around the horse's neck, intending to subdue it with brute force.

Man and horse were locked in a stalemate for a full half hour, neither gaining the upper hand.

Only when both were exhausted did they temporarily cease their struggle.

Skill: Horse Riding (Beginner)

Progress: (35/100)

Effect: None "You're a mare?"

Most military horses are mares or geldings; stallions are too aggressive.

Chen Sanshi leaned forward, peering closely.

He didn't know much about horses, but he knew mares were generally smaller. This one, however, was clearly an exception, astonishingly strong.

"Hahahaha!"

Hearty laughter erupted from behind him.

Chen Sanshi turned his head and saw Xiang Tingchun.

Xiang Tingchun had shed his armor and was wearing casual clothes. His face looked more amiable, but a hint of authority still lingered.

A Thousand Households was a fifth-rank official.

In Poyang County, fifth rank was a position of immense power.

Not just in terms of official rank, but also in cultivation and influence.

"Lord Thousand Households."

Chen Sanshi cupped his fist in greeting.

"How is it? This horse is difficult to tame, isn't it?"

Xiang Tingchun teased, "It's supposed to be difficult. If this horse wasn't so wild and sometimes dangerous, no one would have been willing to give it to me, and I wouldn't have been able to give it to you. Whether you can tame it depends on your own skill."

The Thousand Households wasn't specifically here to see him.

Chen Sanshi noticed a groom leading out another white horse not far away. The Thousand Households was likely preparing to depart and happened to encounter him here.

"Work hard, and come to me if you need anything."

Xiang Tingchun said, then mounted his horse.

His horse was very docile.

"Where is he going?"

Chen Sanshi pondered, "Last night, did they finally find the key to opening the Immortal Treasure? Were all those masked men caught? Is Luo Dongquan with him?"

He saw another black horse appear as they left the stable, riding alongside the white horse.

The rider was Luo Dongquan.

"Is he involved in the Immortal Treasure matter too?"

This group was clearly hiding things from the court.

He grew more curious about what was inside the box.

"Old Luo, don't bring up the matter of the elite selection again,"

Xiang Tingchun said firmly, "At a time when our Great Sheng court is short of talent, infighting like this is unbecoming."

"My Lord."

Luo Dongquan looked regretful, "The first half of next year is the last time for the Supervisor to select elites."

"So what?"

Xiang Tingchun pulled on the reins, "You need to understand one thing. The Supervisor's power has grown too great, and he's getting old. His Majesty has long wanted him to step down."

"Joining the Eight Great Camps at this time might not be a good thing.

His Majesty has been looking for new people all these years, wanting to reshuffle the Northern Border. The Eight Great Camps might be disbanded and transferred to various places in the east, west, north, and south in the future.

At this juncture, if someone can stand out, they might be able to reach a high position under the future new Supervisor."

Luo Dongquan listened intently, "So that's why you plan to cooperate with the martial arts schools to find the so-called 'Immortal Treasure'? Are there really divine items in this world that can rapidly increase cultivation?"

"Judging by how excited those old guys from the martial arts schools were, it doesn't seem fake. I'm not sure where the barbarians got such a treasure.

No wonder the barbarian incursions have become more frequent since last year."

Xiang Tingchun paused and continued, "You must remember, our main objective is not the Immortal Treasure. Those fools, don't they realize that if such a thing truly existed, could they keep it hidden? The most important thing is to take this opportunity to squeeze the martial arts schools and gentry in the county, to prepare for the spring next year."

"Sir, you really plan to cross the Great Wall and attack a branch of the Yuwen Tribe?"

Luo Dongquan's expression was grave, "The barbarians living around Xihe have a fighting strength of at least two thousand five hundred people. We only have nine hundred in total, and we still need to report to the Ministry of War and get their approval before we can send troops."

"So, I need warhorses, bows and arrows, grain, and medicinal materials, which means I need silver!"

As they spoke.

The two arrived amidst the fields.

Xiang Tingchun raised his horsewhip and pointed at the vast cultivated land, "See? This land should all belong to our Great Sheng Dynasty, but what is the result? Seventy to eighty percent has become private property of the martial arts schools and gentry!

"Now there are constant wars, and when money is needed, they are unwilling to contribute a single cent!

"The matter of the Immortal Treasure can just help me scare them.

"With money and strength, once we achieve unparalleled merit, we will naturally have better prospects. Why should we be confined to the Eight Great Camps?

"Old Luo, how long have you been with me?"

Luo Dongquan nodded, "By winter, it will be exactly twenty-one years."

Xiang Tingchun said solemnly, "In the entire Poyang, I trust you the most, which is why I'm telling you this alone. I hope you will give me your full support. If we succeed in the future, wherever I go, you will be there."

"Lord Thousand Households, rest assured."

Luo Dongquan cupped his fists, "Your subordinate is willing to go through fire and water for you, and would not shy away from death!"

"Let's go, time to talk to those old guys from the martial arts schools."

The two rode their horses into the city and went straight to the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.

Liang Zhan greeted them at the entrance, "My father and several uncles have already prepared food and wine, and have been waiting for a long time. Please come in, both lords!"

After welcoming the guests.

Liang Zhan didn't rush in. Instead, he waited for a disciple from the martial arts school and asked, "Have you found the person?"

"Replying to young master, no."

The disciple answered, "He's not in the residences where our fellow disciples live in the city, nor is he at his old home in Yanbian Village. After inquiring around, everyone says they haven't seen Qin Feng."

"He's missing?"

Liang Zhan tapped his palm with his folding fan, "Eighty percent chance he was killed by that kid surnamed Chen in the army."

"Then young master, what should we do?" The disciple, who was familiar with Qin Feng, looked heavy-hearted.

Liang Zhan said coldly, "What else can we do? We have no evidence. If he's dead, he's dead. Am I going to give you a sword and have you charge into the military camp for revenge?"

The disciple fell silent.

Liang Zhan sneered.

Qin Feng was good. He had been in their martial arts school for several years, working diligently and loyally.

A while ago, by chance, he overheard a secret conversation between him and his father. Considering how tight-lipped the kid usually was, he didn't kill him but took him on as a personal disciple.

In the end, he couldn't think straight and had to go to his death.

He had advised him, and he had helped him.

Qin Feng's life was only worth a few dozen taels of silver to him.

The Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy wasn't without other personal disciples. Liang Zhan wouldn't be foolish enough to risk revenge for him.

"This Brother Chen is quite interesting!"

"Qin Feng was proficient in Blood Tempering, yet he claims to have killed him just like that."

"Such talent, I must get to know him well after I'm done with this busy period."

"Last night... was also precisely when the barbarians escaped the city. What a coincidence."

Liang Zhan narrowed his eyes, lost in thought.