Encounter

Chengping Ward, front courtyard.

Yang Jing honed his use of the Hidden Strength in the Mountain Collapse Fist over and over. Wherever his fists swept, the air itself seemed to quiver faintly. The contained force in them kept the surrounding disciples from daring to approach.

Qi Yun practiced her fists some distance away, stealing glances at Yang Jing from the corner of her eye. Seeing his focused expression and the many disciples sneaking looks at him, she could not help snorting inwardly. He only got lucky enough to break through to Hidden Strength, yet he has the nerve to stand in the very heart of the training ground. What a petty man puffed up by success.

The sun had climbed high in the sky.

With a creak, the moon gate to the inner courtyard opened.

Sun Yong, dressed in a plain short jacket, walked out at an unhurried pace. Sun Ningxiang followed closely behind him, standing beside the gate as her gentle gaze swept across the front courtyard.

Sun Yong's steps appeared casual, yet they followed a method of their own.

He first went to the area for registered disciples. Most of the time, he merely paused for a glance. When he encountered someone whose movements were clearly distorted, he would offer one or two stern corrections, such as, "Your shoulders are sinking wrong; all your breath is leaking away," or "Your waist isn't turning—where is your power supposed to come from?" Once he finished, he moved on without the slightest delay.

When he reached the Bright Strength disciples, Sun Yong lingered a little longer.

He walked behind one disciple and pressed a hand against his back. "This part needs to relax when you throw a punch. Use the strength of your legs to drive your waist, then pass it into your hand. Don't just rely on your arms to force it out."

As he spoke, he demonstrated in person. Only after the disciple understood a little did he proceed to the next.

There were not many Bright Strength disciples to begin with. Though it did not take him long to instruct them all one by one, every word struck at the crux.

At last, he arrived at the training area for the Hidden Strength disciples.

First came Zhao Wenzheng. After watching him perform a set of punches, Sun Yong shook his head. "Your Hidden Strength is being released too urgently. You lack follow-through."

After watching a while longer, he pointed out two other minor issues.

He then gave guidance to Xu Hong and Qi Yun.

When it came to Yang Jing, Sun Yong stopped and watched with particular care.

When Yang Jing finished the Mountain Collapse Fist move Stone Shatters Heaven, his Hidden Strength had failed to fully draw back in. Sun Yong stepped forward, gripped his wrist, and said, "Here, you must draw in your strength as if pulling a bow—not let it scatter once the strike is done. Look, your Internal Energy must circle once through the meridians before sinking into the Dantian. Only then can it flow on without end."

As he spoke, he guided Yang Jing through sensing the circulation of his Internal Energy, even carefully adjusting the rhythm of his breathing.

Such meticulous instruction lasted nearly ten times longer than usual, utterly unlike the guidance Sun Yong had given Yang Jing before.

Sun Yong even personally broke down three Hidden Strength variations of the Mountain Collapse Fist, demonstrating each one—from the angle of exertion to the extent of the spine's twist—until Yang Jing nodded in understanding. Only then did he smile. "Both your breakthroughs succeeded on a single breakthrough attempt. That shows that while your natural aptitude may be inferior, your comprehension surpasses that of ordinary people. Do not think that poor natural aptitude means you have no hope of reaching Transforming Strength. Train well, and you may yet touch the threshold of Transforming Strength."

As soon as those words fell, many disciples in the front courtyard froze.

Lin Yue's punching movements paused, and his face darkened.

Qi Yun knitted her brows, clearly feeling that their master thought too highly of Yang Jing.

Even Xu Hong and Zhao Wenzheng were somewhat surprised. The hall master's regard for Yang Jing seemed to faintly surpass that for veteran Hidden Strength disciples like themselves, inevitably leaving them somewhat uncomfortable—especially Third Senior Brother Zhao Wenzheng, whose heart was the narrower of the two.

Some disciples guessed that perhaps the hall master was only taking special care to instruct Yang Jing because he had just broken through, not because he truly valued him so highly.

Yet Sun Yong paid no heed to the crowd's gazes and finally went over to Lin Yue.

He stood beside Lin Yue for a long while, going from his fist forms to his Internal Energy, then to his ability to adapt in battle, leaving no detail untouched. He even personally stepped in to exchange moves with Lin Yue, displaying a level of focus far beyond what he gave the other disciples.

"Senior Brother Lin has the best natural aptitude in the hall. In the end, the hall master still values him the most," some disciples murmured quietly.

"Of course. No one can compare to Senior Brother Lin's standing," someone beside them agreed.

Yang Jing cared nothing for the other matters. Sun Yong's guidance was like clouds parting to reveal the sun, making his understanding of Hidden Strength increasingly clear. His progress in the Mountain Collapse Fist was rapidly advancing.

He settled his mind and continued immersing himself in the fist forms. The stares and discussions of the outside world were all like a breeze passing by his ears.

By evening, Liu Maolin arrived after finishing up matters at home. Wearing a respectable brocade short shirt and a hearty smile, he strode briskly through the martial hall's gates.

"Junior Brother, are you done?" Looking at Yang Jing, who was still pondering his fist forms, he said with a smile, "That celebration feast we promised—you have to make good on it tonight."

Yang Jing withdrew his fists and wiped away his sweat. "I just took a break. I was waiting for word from you."

"Perfect, then." Liu Maolin smiled. "My father specifically said we should make it lively. The venue is Fu Man Lou in the Inner City. Shall we go now?"

"The Inner City?" Yang Jing was slightly stunned. Since arriving in this world, he had never ventured beyond the Outer City. He had only heard of the Inner City in others' discussions. It was said to be home to Yuhe County's officials, gentry, and great clans, a place ordinary people found difficult to set foot in.

"This is your first time entering the Inner City, isn't it? Come on, come on—I'll take you to broaden your horizons." Liu Maolin patted his chest.

The two left the martial hall, where a simply decorated carriage was already waiting by the roadside. Seeing Liu Maolin emerge, the driver hurriedly bowed in salute.

Liu Maolin had gradually begun taking over the family business, and throughout the Liu Family Medical Hall, he was already considered the second-in-command. After all, beyond his status as the Liu family's young master, he was also a Hidden Strength expert, giving him an exceptionally high position within the Liu family.

"Get in."

Liu Maolin lifted the carriage curtain, and Yang Jing followed him inside.

The carriage slowly began moving, its wheels rolling over the bluestone road with a steady rumble.

Sitting within the carriage, Yang Jing could sense the streets gradually becoming broader, while the pedestrians' clothing grew increasingly refined.

When they reached a tall city gate, the carriage stopped, and several armored soldiers stepped forward to inspect them.

The driver took a wooden token carved with intricate patterns from his robe and handed it over. After checking it, the soldiers waved them through.

The moment the carriage entered the Inner City, Yang Jing could not resist his curiosity. He lifted a corner of the curtain and looked outside.

Before his eyes was a scene entirely different from the Outer City.

The broad streets were smoothly paved with bluestone slabs. On both sides stood residences with upturned eaves and soaring roofs, their walls draped in creeping green vines.

There were many pedestrians on the streets. Men and women, old and young alike, were dressed in silks and satin, their expressions composed—a stark contrast to the sallow-faced, rag-clad refugees of the Outer City.

Now and then, carriages passed by, but they were all exquisitely decorated sedans or tall, fine horses. There was not the slightest trace of the Outer City's clamor or disorder.

This is practically a different world from the Outer City. Yang Jing was stunned, clicking his tongue in amazement.

"How is it? Different from the Outer City, isn't it?" Seeing his curiosity, Liu Maolin smiled and explained, "The Inner City is home to either officials or great clans. In particular, Yuhe County's six great clans are all here. Security is tight, refugees can't get in at all, and public order is ten times better."

Yang Jing nodded. His gaze swept past an apothecary with a sign reading "Baozhi Tang." Even the attendants standing at its entrance wore respectable long robes as they eagerly greeted customers.

He stared blankly out the window, gaining a more tangible sense of this world. The same city, yet inside and outside were two entirely different worlds.

Seeing Yang Jing lost in thought as he watched the streetscape, Liu Maolin simply told the coachman, "Take the carriage ahead and reserve a private room at Fu Man Lou. The two of us will walk over and take our time looking around."

The coachman answered and drove the carriage away first.

The two walked side by side along the bluestone road. The Inner City was even more prosperous than it had appeared through the gap in the carriage curtains.

Shops lined both sides of the street. Attendants from silk shops hung bolts of shimmering brocade out to air, enticing aromas drifted from restaurant entrances, and the crack of a storyteller's clapper mingled with thunderous applause spilling out of teahouses. Everywhere was a picture of song, dance, and peace.

As Liu Maolin looked at the bustle, the smile on his face faded somewhat. He sighed. "Look at this Inner City—lost in pleasure, with music and revelry every night. It truly fits the saying, 'Behind vermilion gates, wine and meat rot.' But look at the Outer City, and the countryside beyond the walls. People have been starving to death every day lately... This world is like a gaping bloody maw, devouring the poor and suffering."

His family dealt in medicinal herbs, so he knew quite a bit about the current situation in Yuhe County and its surrounding areas. He understood clearly that things were nearly a complete mess now; Yuhe County was already considered one of the better places.

Listening to him, Yang Jing saw a rich young master casually toss his leftover pastries to a dog by the roadside. Then he recalled the refugees in the Outer City's alleys, curled up against walls and barely clinging to life, and heaviness welled up in his heart.

He thought of his father and eldest uncle. Half a year ago, they had followed a convoy escorting provisions to the Caozhou front, and there had been no word from them since—not even a single letter home.

It was said that the fighting at the front had reached a stalemate, and all manner of rumors had long spread among the refugees. Yang Jing had deliberately asked around as well. Most people knew nothing about the provisions convoy, while the bits of information some offered only made his heart sink further. Some said the provisions convoy had been attacked and wiped out to the last man; others said they had been captured by the enemy army... Every possibility stabbed into his heart like a knife.

But he was in Yuhe County. Other than worrying and agonizing, there was nothing he could do.

A fierce urgency surged up within him. He needed greater strength. He had to become stronger!

If he could reach Transforming Strength, or even a higher realm, he would have the foundation to protect himself in these chaotic times. Then he could personally go to Caozhou and search for his father and eldest uncle.

But now, he was merely a martial artist who had just entered Hidden Strength. He had not even gained a firm footing in this tiny Yuhe County, so how could he speak of traveling a thousand li to search for his relatives?

"Strength..." Yang Jing murmured, clenching his fists.

The prosperity of the Inner City, the suffering of the Outer City, and the uncertain fate of his family all became a heavy driving force, weighing on his heart and blazing in his eyes.

Noticing the change in Yang Jing's expression, Liu Maolin patted his shoulder. "Don't think too much about it. Let's drink first. You've only just broken through to Hidden Strength—the road ahead is still long."

Yang Jing took a deep breath, suppressing his turbulent emotions, and nodded.

There had never been a shortcut on the road to becoming stronger. He could only walk it one step at a time, relying on himself!

The two continued down the street and soon arrived at their destination.

Two large red lanterns hung before Fu Man Lou's vermilion-lacquered doors, casting the golden characters on the plaque above into brilliant relief.

Just as Yang Jing followed Liu Maolin up the steps, the tinkling of jade ornaments sounded from inside. Two women emerged with graceful steps.

The leading woman wore a moon-white robe cinched with a jade belt. There was a touch of heroic spirit between her brows, and her features were delicate and beautiful. She was none other than Zhao Yuman, the young lady of the Zhao Clan Escort Agency. Her maid Qing He followed behind her.

"Miss Zhao?" Liu Maolin said in surprise, stopping and cupping his hands in greeting.

Zhao Yuman saw him as well. She gave a faint smile and nodded in return. "Young Master Liu has come to dine as well?"

Her gaze inadvertently passed over Yang Jing at Liu Maolin's side. At first, she was somewhat puzzled, finding his features vaguely familiar. Then, as if recalling something, her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

She remembered. Liu Maolin had previously wanted to introduce her to a Bright Strength disciple from a martial arts school and had even shown her a portrait of the man. At the time, she had not given it much thought.

Seeing him again now, and connecting him with Liu Maolin beside him, Zhao Yuman quickly recalled Yang Jing's identity. Her expression immediately cooled. She merely gave Yang Jing a slight nod as a greeting, then bade Liu Maolin farewell. Turning sideways, she hurriedly left with her maid Qing He, as though unwilling to remain there any longer.

As Qing He passed by, she too gave a proper salute. "Greetings, Young Master Liu."

Once the two had left Fu Man Lou and boarded a carriage, Qing He asked softly, "Miss, was that man beside Young Master Liu the Yang Jing from the portrait Young Master Liu gave you before? Come to think of it, he looks more spirited in person than in the portrait. His brows and eyes are rather handsome too."

Zhao Yuman gathered the carriage curtain, the corners of her lips lifting in an almost imperceptible curve.

Yang Jing's appearance was passable enough, but in the end, he was only a Bright Strength martial artist with inferior natural talent. His potential had long since reached its limit.

If, in a few more years, she still could not find a suitable match, she would not mind considering him.

But for now... he was not qualified to stand at her side.

She did not respond to Qing He's words, merely saying blandly, "Let's go. We still need to review the accounts when we return. Don't delay our proper business."

Qing He hurriedly instructed the coachman to set off, and the carriage soon vanished around the street corner.

Fu Man Lou, second-floor private room.

The room was elegantly furnished, and the seats by the window offered a view of the street below.

The moment they sat down, Liu Maolin was still clutching his stomach and laughing so hard tears were nearly coming out.

"What are you laughing at?" Yang Jing looked at him helplessly as he poured himself a cup of tea.

"Zhao Yuman, of course!" Liu Maolin finally managed to stop laughing and wiped at the corner of his eye. "She's always thought highly of herself, picking and choosing until she wouldn't even spare a glance for the legitimate sons of small clans. The way she couldn't get away from you fast enough just now—she probably still thinks you're only at Bright Strength!"

He slapped the table and started laughing again. "Once news of your Hidden Strength breakthrough spreads and she learns that you've already broken through, what kind of expression do you think she'll make? I guarantee she'll regret it until her guts turn green! The entire Zhao Clan Escort Agency has only one Hidden Strength expert. No matter how proud Zhao Yuman is, she'll have to weigh the significance of that."

As he spoke, he leaned closer and waggled his brows. "Seriously, Junior Brother, now that you've seen Zhao Yuman herself, what do you think? Didn't I show you her portrait before? Are you still interested? If you are, once word of your Hidden Strength breakthrough gets out in a couple of days, I'll find an excuse to ask her out. She'll definitely come running over eagerly—more proactive than anyone."

Yang Jing set down his teacup and shook his head. "No."

"True enough." Liu Maolin smacked his lips. "Someone that shallow isn't worth having. Let her regret it!"

He waved a hand dismissively. "You're a Hidden Strength expert now. Plenty of young ladies are waiting for you. Some have conditions no worse than Zhao Yuman's, even better. Shall I keep an eye out for you?"

"Senior Brother," Yang Jing hurriedly waved his hands, his tone earnest. "For now, I'm not considering marriage."

He looked out the window. The Inner City was as prosperous as ever, yet beneath that prosperity lay the starving corpses of the Outer City and the shadow of a chaotic age.

The world was growing more and more turbulent. His father and eldest uncle were still missing without a trace on the Caozhou front lines, and all Yang Jing could think about now was improving his strength.

Only by becoming strong enough could he investigate his father and eldest uncle's whereabouts, and only then could he and his family survive in these troubled times."

PS:

Thanks to Book Friend 20230309053250072 for the 500 Qidian Coins reward.

Thanks to Green Mountains, Flowing Waters for another 100 Qidian Coins reward.

Thanks to [gadnka] for the 100 Qidian Coins reward.