An encounter

Chengping Ward, Front Courtyard.

Yang Jing repeatedly honed his use of hidden strength in the Mountain Collapse Fist. Wherever his fists swept, even the air seemed to tremble faintly, and the power held within them kept the surrounding disciples from approaching.

Qi Yun practiced her punches nearby, glancing at Yang Jing out of the corner of her eye. Seeing his absorbed expression draw furtive looks from so many disciples, she snorted inwardly. He only broke through to hidden strength through sheer dog-shit luck, and now he has the gall to plant himself right in the center of the training grounds. A petty man puffed up by success.

The sun climbed high.

The Moon Gate to the Inner Courtyard opened with a creak.

Dressed in a plain short jacket, Sun Yong walked slowly out. Sun Ningxiang followed close behind, stopping beside the gate and sweeping a gentle gaze over the Front Courtyard.

Sun Yong's steps seemed casual, yet followed an order of their own.

He first headed toward the registered disciples' area. Usually, he only stopped for a glance. When someone's movements were visibly out of form, he offered a terse correction in a deep voice, such as, "You're sinking your shoulders wrong. All your energy is leaking away," or, "Your waist isn't turning. Where is the force supposed to come from?" Then he moved on without lingering.

He spent a little longer with the bright strength disciples.

Walking behind one disciple, he pressed a hand against his back. "This part needs to relax when you punch. Use the force from your legs to drive your waist force, then pass it into your hands. Don't just rely on your arms."

He demonstrated as he spoke, only moving on once the disciple had grasped something of it.

There weren't many bright strength disciples to begin with. Although going through them one by one took little time, every correction struck at the heart of the matter.

Finally, he came to the hidden strength disciples' training area.

Zhao Wenzheng came first. Sun Yong watched him perform a set of punches, then shook his head. "Your hidden strength penetrates too hastily. There's not enough force behind it."

He watched a little longer and pointed out two other minor problems.

Next, he instructed Xu Hong and Qi Yun.

When Yang Jing's turn came, Sun Yong stopped and watched with particular care.

Seeing that Yang Jing failed to fully rein in his hidden strength at the end of the Mountain Collapse Fist move Stone shatters, heaven trembles, he stepped forward and took his wrist. "Here, you need to draw your strength back as though drawing a bow, not let it scatter once the punch is finished. Look, your internal energy needs to circle through your meridians once before sinking into your dantian. Only then can it flow without end."

As he spoke, he guided Yang Jing through the circulation of his internal energy, even carefully adjusting the rhythm of his breathing.

Such meticulous instruction lasted a full ten times longer than usual, a world apart from the guidance he had given Yang Jing before.

Sun Yong even personally broke down three hidden strength variations of the Mountain Collapse Fist. From the angle of force to the degree of spinal rotation, he demonstrated every detail. Only once Yang Jing nodded in understanding did he smile and say, "Both your breakthroughs succeeded on your first breakthrough attempt. That shows that although your root bone is inferior, your comprehension surpasses ordinary people's. Don't assume transforming strength is beyond you just because your root bone is poor. Train well, and you may yet reach its threshold."

His words left many disciples in the Front Courtyard stunned.

Lin Yue's punches faltered, and his expression darkened.

Qi Yun's brows knitted tightly. Clearly, she felt 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 his regard for veteran hidden strength disciples like them. They couldn't help feeling uncomfortable, especially the more narrow-minded Third Senior Brother, Zhao Wenzheng.

Some disciples guessed that the hall master was taking particular pains because Yang Jing had just broken through, not because he especially valued him.

Sun Yong paid no attention to their gazes and went to Lin Yue last.

He remained beside Lin Yue for a long time, offering painstaking instruction on everything from his punches and internal energy to adapting in combat. He even sparred with Lin Yue himself, showing far more attention than he had to any other disciple.

"Senior Brother Lin has the best root bone in the hall. In the end, the hall master still values him most," one disciple whispered.

"Exactly. No one can match Senior Brother Lin's standing," another beside him agreed.

Yang Jing paid no attention to anything else. Sun Yong's guidance had parted the clouds to reveal the sun, making his understanding of hidden strength increasingly clear. His progress with the Mountain Collapse Fist was advancing rapidly.

He settled his mind and immersed himself in his punches again. The looks and chatter around him were no more than a breeze passing his ears.

That evening, Liu Maolin came over after finishing his family's business. Wearing a smart silk brocade jacket and a hearty smile, he strode through the Martial Arts Hall's gates.

"Junior Brother, finished yet?" Looking at Yang Jing, who was still working through his punches, he smiled. "We agreed on a celebration banquet. Tonight, we have to make good on it."

Yang Jing lowered his fists and wiped away his sweat. "I just stopped. I was waiting to hear from you."

"Perfect," Liu Maolin said with a smile. "My father specifically told me to make a proper celebration of it. We've picked Fu Man Lou in the Inner City. Shall we go now?"

"The Inner City?" Yang Jing paused in surprise. Since transmigrating, he had never ventured beyond the Outer City. He had only heard others talk about the Inner City. Supposedly, it housed Yuhe County's officials, gentry, and great clans, and ordinary people could scarcely set foot there.

"This is your first time entering the Inner City, right? Come on, come on. I'll show you a bit of the world." Liu Maolin patted his chest.

They left the Martial Arts Hall's gates. A simply but tastefully decorated carriage was already waiting by the road. Seeing Liu Maolin emerge, the Carriage Driver hurriedly bowed.

Liu Maolin had gradually begun taking over the family business and now counted as second-in-command of the entire Liu Family Medical Hall. After all, besides being the Liu Family's young master, he was also a hidden strength expert and held an extremely high position within the family.

"Get in."

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

The carriage slowly set off, its wheels rolling over the bluestone pavement with a steady rumble.

Sitting inside, Yang Jing could sense the streets gradually widening and the pedestrians' clothing growing finer.

When they reached a towering city gate, the carriage stopped, and several armored soldiers approached to inspect it.

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

The moment the carriage entered the Inner City, Yang Jing could no longer contain his curiosity. He lifted a corner of the curtain and looked outside.

The scene before him was completely different from the Outer City.

The broad streets were paved smoothly with bluestone slabs. Most buildings along either side were residences with sweeping, upturned eaves, their walls covered in ivy.

There were plenty of people in the streets. Men and women, young and old alike, wore fine silks and satins, their expressions unhurried-a stark contrast to the ragged, sallow, emaciated refugees of the Outer City.

Even the occasional passing conveyance was an exquisitely decorated sedan chair or a tall, imposing horse. There was none of the Outer City's clamor and disorder.

"This is practically a different world from the Outer City." Shaken by the sight, Yang Jing couldn't help clicking his tongue.

"Well? Different from the Outer City, isn't it?" Seeing his curiosity, Liu Maolin explained with a smile, "The people living here are either officials or great clans. In particular, all six great clans of Yuhe County are here. Security is tight, so refugees can't get in at all, and public order is ten times better."

Yang Jing nodded, his gaze passing over an apothecary bearing a "Baozhi Tang" sign. Even the assistants at the entrance wore respectable long gowns as they eagerly welcomed customers.

He stared out the window, gaining a more immediate sense of this world. It was the same city, yet inside and outside were two different worlds.

Seeing Yang Jing absorbed in the streetscape, Liu Maolin simply told the Carriage Driver, "Take the carriage ahead to Fu Man Lou and book a private room. We'll walk over and have a leisurely look around."

The Carriage Driver acknowledged the order and drove on ahead.

The two walked side by side along the bluestone pavement. The Inner City's prosperity was even more striking than it had appeared through the gap in the curtain.

Shops lined both sides. Assistants at a silk shop were hanging out bolts of shimmering brocade to air, enticing aromas drifted from restaurant entrances, and the sharp clap of a storyteller's wooden block mingled with cheers spilling from a teahouse. Everywhere was a picture of singing, dancing, and peaceful prosperity.

Watching the bustle, Liu Maolin's smile faded a little, and he sighed. "Look at this Inner City. Revelry and drinking, music every night-it really lives up to that line, 'Behind vermilion gates, wine and meat go rotten.' 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 beast with its bloody maw wide open, devouring only the poor."

His family traded in medicinal herbs, so he knew a fair amount about conditions in Yuhe County and the surrounding areas. He understood perfectly well that the situation was almost boiling over into utter chaos. Yuhe County was comparatively better off.

Listening, Yang Jing glanced at a rich young man casually tossing leftover pastries to a dog by the roadside. He remembered the dying refugees curled against walls in the Outer City's alleys, and a heaviness rose in his heart.

He thought of his father and Elder Uncle. Half a year ago, they had joined a convoy escorting grain and supplies to the Caozhou Frontline. There had been no word of them since, not even a single letter home.

The fighting on the frontline was said to be deadlocked, and all manner of rumors had long been circulating among the refugees. Yang Jing had deliberately made inquiries, but most people knew nothing about the supply convoy. What some did tell him only weighed more heavily on his heart. Some said the convoy had been attacked and wiped out; others said they had been captured by the enemy... Each possibility stabbed into his heart like a knife.

But here in Yuhe County, he could do nothing except worry and fret.

An intense urgency surged within him. He needed greater power. He had to become stronger!

If he could reach transforming strength, or an even higher realm, he would have the means to protect himself in these troubled times. Then he could go to Caozhou himself and search for his father and Elder Uncle.

Yet right now, he was merely a martial artist who had just entered hidden strength. He had not even secured his footing in this little Yuhe County. How could he speak of traveling a thousand miles to find his family?

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

The Inner City's prosperity, the Outer City's suffering, and his loved ones' uncertain fate all became a weighty driving force, pressing upon his heart and burning in his eyes.

Noticing the change in Yang Jing's expression, Liu Maolin patted his shoulder. "Don't dwell on it. Let's go have a drink first. You've only just broken through to hidden strength. There's still a long road ahead."

Yang Jing took a deep breath, suppressed his surging emotions, and nodded.

There was never a shortcut to becoming stronger. He could only walk that road himself, one step at a time!

They continued along the street and soon reached their destination.

Two large red lanterns hung before Fu Man Lou's vermilion-painted gates, illuminating the golden lettering above the entrance.

Yang Jing was following Liu Maolin up the steps when the jingling of jade ornaments suddenly came from inside, and two women walked gracefully out.

The woman in front wore a moon-white long robe cinched with a jade belt. A touch of martial spirit lay between her brows, and her features were delicate and lovely. She was none other than Zhao Yuman, the young lady of the Zhao Clan Escort Agency. Her maid, Qing He, followed behind.

"Miss Zhao?" Somewhat surprised, Liu Maolin stopped and cupped his hands in greeting.

Zhao Yuman noticed him too. With a slight smile, she nodded in reply. "You've come for a meal too, Young Master Liu."

Her gaze happened to pass over Yang Jing beside him. At first, she looked puzzled, feeling that his face was somewhat familiar. Then, as though remembering something, she frowned almost imperceptibly.

She remembered. Liu Maolin had previously wanted to introduce her to a bright strength disciple from his Martial Arts Hall and had even shown her his portrait. She hadn't taken it to heart at the time.

Seeing him now, with Liu Maolin beside him, Zhao Yuman quickly recalled Yang Jing's identity. Her expression immediately cooled. She gave Yang Jing only a slight nod by way of greeting, then said goodbye to Liu Maolin and promptly stepped aside, leaving with Qing He as though unwilling to linger.

As she passed, Qing He also gave a proper bow. "Greetings, Young Master Liu."

Only after they had left Fu Man Lou and boarded a carriage did Qing He ask quietly, "Miss, was the man beside Young Master Liu just now Yang Jing, the one in the portrait Young Master Liu gave you? Come to think of it, he looks more spirited in person than in the painting. His features are quite handsome, too."

Zhao Yuman adjusted the carriage curtain, the faintest curve touching her lips.

This Yang Jing was passably good-looking, but ultimately, he was only a bright strength martial artist with inferior root bone. His potential had already reached its ceiling.

If she still failed to find a suitable match after another few years, she might consider him.

As for now... He was not yet qualified to stand beside her.

She didn't respond to Qing He's remark, saying only coolly, "Let's go. We still have to check the accounts when we get back. Don't let this delay proper business."

Qing He hurriedly told the Carriage Driver to set off, and the carriage soon disappeared around the corner.

A private room on Fu Man Lou's second floor.

The room was tastefully furnished, with a view of the street from the window.

They had only just sat down, but Liu Maolin was still clutching his stomach with laughter, nearly laughing himself to tears.

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

"Zhao Yuman!" Liu Maolin finally managed to stop laughing and wiped the corners of his eyes. "She's always thought so highly of herself, picking and choosing until even the legitimate sons of minor families aren't good enough for her. The way she couldn't get away from you fast enough just now-she probably still thinks you're at bright strength!"

He slapped the table and burst out laughing again. "Once word of your breakthrough to hidden strength spreads and she finds out, what expression do you think she'll have? I guarantee she'll regret it until her guts turn green! The entire Zhao Clan Escort Agency only has one hidden strength expert. However proud Zhao Yuman is, she'll have to weigh what that means."

As he spoke, he leaned closer and asked with a conspiratorial waggle of his brows, "Seriously, Junior Brother, what did you think after seeing Zhao Yuman in person? I showed you her portrait before, didn't I? Still interested? If you are, once word of your breakthrough spreads in a couple of days, I'll find an excuse to invite her out again. She'll come flocking to you, guaranteed. No one will be more eager."

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

"Fair enough." Liu Maolin smacked his lips. "Better not to bother with someone so shortsighted. Let her regret it!"

He waved a hand dismissively. "You're a hidden strength expert now. Plenty of young ladies will be waiting, and some are no worse a match than Zhao Yuman-in fact, better. Shall I keep an eye out for you?"

"Senior Brother." Yang Jing hastily waved his hands, his tone earnest. "I'm not considering marriage for the time being."

He looked out the window. The Inner City remained prosperous, but beneath that prosperity lay the Outer City's starvation dead and the shadow of troubled times.

The world was growing increasingly chaotic, and there was still no word of his father and Elder Uncle on the Caozhou Frontline. All Yang Jing could think about now was improving his strength.

Only when he was strong enough could he investigate his father and Elder Uncle's whereabouts, and keep himself and his family alive in these troubled times.

P.S.:

Thanks to [Book friend] for the generous tip of 500 Qidian coins.

Thanks to [Green mountains and flowing waters] for another generous tip of 100 Qidian coins.

Thanks to [gadnka] for the generous tip of 100 Qidian coins.