Opportunity

Yang Jing quickly recalled what had happened that night.

He had killed Scarface Li in a dark alley, leaving no trace other than the corpse.

He had been thorough when burning Xu Tai's house, and had hidden the murder weapon securely. There should not have been any loose ends there either.

At that thought, Yang Jing felt a little more at ease, but his vigilance sharpened.

He did not linger. Using the crowd as cover, he quickened his pace through Guang'an Ward and soon reached his little courtyard in Tongyi Ward.

He pushed open the door, went straight to the kitchen to warm up the tiger meat left over from breakfast, and stuffed large chunks into his mouth.

Warm juices slipped down his throat, and that familiar warmth dispelled some of his unease.

Looking at the darkening sky, Yang Jing decided not to head back to the Martial Arts Hall. Instead, he stripped off his shirt and stood bare-chested in the courtyard.

Moonlight filtered through gaps in the pagoda tree's leaves, casting dappled light and shadow across his bronze back.

He lowered his center of gravity, settled into a horse stance, and steadily assumed the opening posture of Mountain Collapse Fist.

Without the Martial Arts Hall's clamor, only the murmuring stream and the sound of fists cutting through the air intertwined.

The energy from the tiger meat coursed through his body. As his fists rose and fell, the muscles of his shoulders and back bulged. Sweat slid down their taut contours and struck the ground, spreading into small damp patches.

His fist sliced through the air in Mountain-Splitting Form, stirring a gust that rustled the morning glories in the corner.

When Mountain Collapse Stance drove downward, even the ground beneath his feet trembled faintly.

The more he practiced, the more absorbed he became. In these troubled times, only greater strength of his own could give him true confidence.

The days slipped quietly past amid Fist Wind and sweat. In the blink of an eye, another half month had passed.

Yang Jing's control over Mountain Collapse Fist's bright strength grew increasingly fluid. The stiffness in his movements had long since vanished, his ferocity tempered by steadiness. With every punch, he could release or rein in his power at will.

That afternoon, at the Sun Clan Martial Arts School in Chengping Ward.

Yang Jing and Liu Maolin stood facing each other.

"Your punches have become much more disciplined lately, Junior Brother."

Liu Maolin loosened his wrists, the leather of his boxing gloves gleaming in the sunlight. "Come, let's exchange a few moves."

Yang Jing smiled and nodded, lowering his center of gravity into the opening stance.

Liu Maolin struck first, his Fist Wind steady and forceful. It was Mountain Collapse Fist's Mountain-Pushing Stance. Though seemingly slow, it carried a weighty force.

Yang Jing neither dodged nor retreated. His left forearm deflected the incoming fist, while his right followed through with Mountain-Splitting Form, attacking at a cunning angle straight beneath Liu Maolin's ribs.

"Good!" Liu Maolin praised. He sidestepped and turned his wrist, striking Yang Jing's knuckles with the back of his fist.

Their fists collided with a dull thud. Yang Jing felt a deft force pass through the impact. His wrist tingled, and his punch veered half an inch off course despite himself.

"Bright strength isn't just about being hard. You must know how to shed force, too," Liu Maolin explained as they exchanged moves. "When your opponent's force is too fierce, redirecting it is better than taking it head-on. Be like flowing water meeting a solid rock-flow around it, then strike back."

Something stirred in Yang Jing's mind. He instantly recalled the words his master, Sun Yong, had once spoken: "Storing Momentum."

He adjusted his breathing and stopped relying solely on head-on clashes. His punches alternated between restraint and release, and he used Liu Maolin's force to adjust his position. Gradually, he began to glimpse the principles of Using Softness to Overcome Hardness.

They traded blows back and forth, their fists weaving a blur of shadows. Some of the newer disciples nearby stopped practicing and watched, spellbound.

To disciples who had yet to attain bright strength, both Liu Maolin and Yang Jing were experts far beyond their reach. Watching these two Mountain Collapse Fist experts spar in person would greatly benefit their own practice of the art.

After their Mountain Collapse Stances collided, both men retreated half a step.

Liu Maolin looked at Yang Jing with a smile in his eyes. "You're progressing well. Polish your skills a little longer, and bright strength peak will be within reach."

Yang Jing rubbed his heated fists, his mind suddenly opening up.

The force-shedding maneuver Liu Maolin had used during their spar had deepened his understanding of bright strength.

Ferocity did not mean blindly driving forward. The fine balance between restraint and release was the true essence of bright strength.

Yang Jing cupped his hands. "Thank you, Senior Brother."

Liu Maolin patted his shoulder. "On the martial path, burying yourself in solitary practice is no match for exchanging moves with others. Once you've attained bright strength, you need to spar more often. That's how you deepen your understanding of your fist technique and progress faster."

"Yes, I understand, Senior Brother," Yang Jing replied with a nod.

Liu Maolin gave a quiet hum of acknowledgment and continued, "Most importantly, sparring can sometimes spark flashes of inspiration and insight. Those can help you break through bottlenecks. With your root bone, overcoming the next bottleneck and reaching hidden strength will be difficult, but it isn't hopeless. There'll be an opportunity in a few days."

Amid the bustle of the Front Courtyard, a graceful figure emerged through the Inner Courtyard's Moon Gate.

Sun Ningxiang wore a neat, lake-blue training outfit with a matching sash around her waist. She walked briskly up to Liu Maolin and said in a clear voice, "Fourth Senior Brother, my father wants to see you. He's waiting in the Inner Courtyard."

At her words, Liu Maolin lowered his fists and nodded to Yang Jing, then turned and followed Sun Ningxiang toward the Inner Courtyard.

Sun Ningxiang gave Yang Jing a slight, closed-lipped smile before entering the Inner Courtyard, talking with Liu Maolin.

Yang Jing froze briefly, a gentle ripple stirring in his heart. Then he drew a deep breath, suppressed his restless feelings, and returned his attention to practicing.

With a thought, the System Panel appeared before him, clearly displaying his current progress in both martial arts-

[Mountain Collapse Fist: Minor Achievement (455/500)]

[Surging Wave Leg: Initiation (131/200)]

Both arts were progressing well. Mountain Collapse Fist was drawing ever closer to bright strength peak, while his progress in Surging Wave Leg was astonishingly fast. In just half a month, he had already completed most of the initiation stage.

Yang Jing still focused primarily on Mountain Collapse Fist. He only practiced Surging Wave Leg when he grew tired from training his fists, or at night in his own little courtyard. Even so, his progress remained remarkably swift.

The main reason was that Yang Jing was already a bright strength practitioner, and fairly close to Bright Strength Peak. Practicing Surging Wave Leg from such a commanding height naturally made things much easier than when he had first begun learning Mountain Collapse Fist.

After looking over the panel's information, Yang Jing had completely suppressed the stray thoughts that had just arisen.

He was very satisfied with his current progress. At this rate, he had a chance of breaking through to hidden strength within half a month.

With that thought, Yang Jing immediately threw himself back into practice, becoming more focused and absorbed with every punch, brimming with motivation!

In the Main Hall of the Inner Courtyard.

Sun Yong, master of the Sun Clan Martial Arts School, sat upright in the Grand Preceptor's Chair at the head of the room. A tea set rested on the table beside him. Wisps of steam rose from the cup, and the fragrance of tea filled the air.

Senior Brother Xu Hong, Second Senior Sister Qi Yun, and Third Senior Brother Zhao Wenzheng had already arrived and were standing in the room. Hearing movement behind them, all three turned to glance at Liu Maolin as he entered.

Sun Ningxiang stood beside her father, Sun Yong, her expression calm.

"Everyone's here." Sun Yong lifted his cup and took a sip, his gaze sweeping across his four disciples. "The Parade Ground Trial begins in one month. All of you must stay sharp and prepare properly."

The Great Qi Dynasty divided the Martial Arts Examination into four stages.

The first stage was the Parade Ground Trial, and the second was the Prefecture City Trial. After those came the Province Trial and the Palace Examination. Whoever made it to the very end would become the Martial Champion, renowned throughout the land.

For them, however, the title of Martial Champion was far too distant. Their goal was to pass the Parade Ground Trial.

Once they passed the Parade Ground Trial, they would be exempt from the Imperial Court's corvée labor requirements and half their taxes.

Those who owned no farmland could allow rural farming households to register under their names, which was also a considerable source of income.

All four answered in unison.

The Martial Arts Examination was a road to the heavens for martial artists seeking to enter official service and gain official status. Securing a placement would not only bring them substantial personal benefits, but also provide an excellent opportunity to spread their Martial Arts Hall's reputation. Naturally, none dared take it lightly.

Sun Yong set down his teacup and continued, "To help you get a feel for real combat, I've spoken with the masters of the Weiyuan Martial Arts School in the West of the City and the Iron Fist Hall in the North of the City. We've arranged several sparring matches over the next half month."

As he spoke, he looked at the four before him. "Our Martial Arts Hall will put together a team to compete against the other two Martial Arts Halls. The four of you will be on it, along with Lin Yue. Discuss the remaining members among yourselves."

All four promptly nodded. "Yes, Master."

Sun Yong hummed in acknowledgment and added a few brief remarks before waving his hand. "Go outside and discuss the specific candidates. Report back to me once you've decided."

"Yes, Master." The four rose, saluted, and left the Main Hall one after another.

Sun Ningxiang followed them out as well.

Left alone in the Main Hall, Sun Yong gazed out the doorway, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

These matches would serve both as a warm-up for the Parade Ground Trial and as a chance to assess his disciples' progress. He was especially interested in Lin Yue. Of all these disciples, he valued that prodigy most. If Lin Yue distinguished himself in the matches, it would greatly benefit the Martial Arts Hall's reputation.

Meanwhile, Xu Hong, Qi Yun, Zhao Wenzheng, and Liu Maolin had just left the Inner Courtyard when they saw Lin Yue returning from outside. Grease stains marked his moon-white brocade clothes. Presumably, he had accepted another invitation to lunch from some prominent lineage's young scion.

Lin Yue looked at the four who had just emerged from the Inner Courtyard. His gaze fell on Sun Ningxiang, who came out last, and his eyes brightened slightly. Then he looked away and asked the four ahead of her, "Did Master call you in?"

Although Lin Yue was young and had joined late, he possessed a prodigy's arrogance. Despite his ordinary background, he still showed a faint air of disdain even toward these long-established senior disciples from powerful lineages.

Xu Hong immediately gave him a brief account of the Martial Arts Examination's Parade Ground Trial and the upcoming matches with the other Martial Arts Halls.

After listening, Lin Yue's lips curled into a confident smile. "Sparring sounds good. It'll be a chance to stretch my muscles and get used to real combat ahead of time."

With his talent, he was naturally indispensable to the team.

The six continued talking as they walked into the shade of a tree at the edge of the Front Courtyard to discuss matters.

"The Parade Ground Trial mixes dragons and snakes together. Every Martial Arts Hall has its own methods, so analyzing them beforehand won't help," Xu Hong said gravely. "These matches are mainly about giving everyone more combat experience. Don't worry about what the opponents specialize in. Just fight."

"Then let's put together a team of six or seven," Zhao Wenzheng suggested. "The four of us, plus Junior Brother Lin, and another two. That'll give the other junior disciples some opportunities as well."

Qi Yun and Lin Yue both nodded in agreement. Sun Ningxiang merely listened quietly at the side without interrupting.

Next, they began considering whom to add.

This was an excellent opportunity to gain combat experience and improve their strength. If used well, it might even allow someone to outperform their usual ability and secure a placement in the Parade Ground Trial.

For many martial artists of ordinary birth, winning a placement in the Parade Ground Trial was a major achievement that brought glory to their ancestors.

Even for the scions of powerful lineages, making a name for themselves in the Parade Ground Trial would be a significant mark in their favor, earning them greater regard within their lineages.

And now, such an important opportunity rested in their hands.

Their gazes slowly swept over the many disciples training in the Front Courtyard. They enjoyed this lofty position, as though they were gods deciding the other disciples' fates.

Zhao Wenzheng said, "I think Junior Brother Luo Feng would do well. He's naturally strong, and he's already trained Mountain Collapse Fist to bright strength peak. He's quite formidable among bright strength practitioners."

Qi Yun added, "Junior Brother Han Feiyu is a good choice too. Although he's only just attained bright strength, his root bone is above average, so he has a strong chance of reaching hidden strength in the future. More combat experience now will spark more insights and make the bottleneck easier to overcome when he attempts his breakthrough."

Zhao Wenzheng and Qi Yun had nominated two disciples who generally performed well.

After a moment's thought, Liu Maolin said, "I think Junior Brother Yang Jing would also be a suitable choice. He's nearly at bright strength peak, and no one trains harder. He's just lacking in combat experience. Letting him participate in more actual fights might help him break through to hidden strength."

At Liu Maolin's nomination, however, Lin Yue immediately frowned. "Him? Forget it."

Among the Martial Arts Hall's many disciples, Yang Jing had left an impression on Lin Yue, but not a favorable one.

Every day, he acted like a show-off, arriving first and leaving last. Plenty of disciples praised his supposed diligence and dedication, and even their master had remarked on it twice.

But what use was any of that?

Root bone was the foundation of martial training. With low-grade root bone, his future achievements were limited. He might never reach hidden strength in his entire life. To stubbornly press forward despite knowing the road led nowhere was not diligence. It was stupidity.

The sight of such a fool only irritated Lin Yue. A single day of his own casual practice was worth ten days of Yang Jing's grueling effort.

"His root bone is what it is. Reaching bright strength peak is already his limit. Wouldn't sending him to represent our Martial Arts Hall just make us a laughingstock? It's the Martial Arts Hall's reputation he'd be disgracing."

Qi Yun nodded along. "Junior Brother Lin has a point. Yang Jing's aptitude really is mediocre. He isn't worth cultivating. For an opportunity like this, I think choosing disciples with better potential is the safer course."

Hearing Lin Yue and Qi Yun's remarks, Zhao Wenzheng nodded in agreement as well. Senior Brother Xu Hong remained silent.

As they argued, Sun Ningxiang stepped forward and said softly, "I think we can give Yang Jing a chance."

She looked at them and spoke slowly. "I often see him arrive at the Martial Arts Hall before dawn and leave only after dark. Of all the fist marks on the wooden posts in the Front Courtyard, his are the most numerous. Dedication like that shouldn't be buried."

Sun Ningxiang's sudden interjection caught everyone present by surprise.

Although she was the hall master's daughter, Sun Ningxiang rarely interfered in the Martial Arts Hall's affairs. Yet this time...

P.S. Thanks to "Green Mountains, Flowing Water" for the tip of 100 Qidian coins~