Gathering and Scattering Have Their Time, Breaking Through Martial Pass

Chapter 7: All Gatherings Must Disperse, Breaking Through the Martial Pass

Chapter 7: All Gatherings Must Disperse, Breaking Through the Martial Pass

For a small place like Changhe County, the martial arts practices taught in most martial arts schools and training halls are largely similar, primarily focusing on tempering the body and cultivating Blood Essence.

Combat techniques are a fundamental pillar for martial arts schools and training halls, and a crucial source of combat power for Martial Artists.

Lin Mo is still an apprentice and hasn't even cultivated Blood Essence yet, so naturally, he can't learn any combat techniques. Even the most basic techniques require him to become a disciple first.

For several consecutive days, he could only take the remaining two Qi and Blood Pills, occasionally supplementing his diet secretly, but mostly he spent his time tempering his muscles and bones in the courtyard.

Through these interactions, he had also gotten to know quite a few impoverished youths in similar situations.

"Lin Mo, when do you think we'll be able to sense Blood Essence and become disciples?" asked Wang Hu, a dark-skinned farm boy, casually.

"I'm not sure, we can only take it one step at a time."

Sensing Blood Essence is a mysterious matter, and Lin Mo wasn't confident about it, so he could only shake his head and say he didn't know.

As soon as the afternoon training ended, a group of exhausted apprentices gathered in twos and threes, chatting idly while taking out their own food.

Most of them in this small courtyard were at the lowest tier, only provided with one meal a day, and mostly had to rely on bringing their own food to feel full.

Lin Mo didn't prepare much: a few white steamed buns and a small dish of pickled vegetables.

Although he had spent a good portion of the silver from Zhao Wu over the past week, he still had seven or eight taels left, which would be enough for a month or two even if he added meat every day.

He understood the principle of not flaunting wealth, but even so, he was still quite well-off among the impoverished youths.

Several people sat on the ground, taking out their cloth bags. Most contained simple porridges or yellowish wheat cakes, not the kind with meat.

They were made from wheat bran mixed with a small amount of grain. Kudali often ate this stuff; there was no nutritional value, but it was enough to fill one's stomach.

A wheat cake was about the size of two palms and cost two copper coins. Even for ravenous teenagers in their prime, four copper coins were sufficient.

"As long as we become disciples and cultivate for a month or so, we can find some nominal work after leaving this martial arts school," someone sighed.

"I heard a senior brother broke through to the Second Level, reaching the stage of muscle refinement, and went to the Li Family Manor to become the head of the guards. He earns thirty-five taels of silver a month!"

Wang Hu, while gnawing on a wheat cake, thought of a senior brother from the martial arts school, his eyes filled with envy.

This remark drew a chorus of gasps from the others.

In a corner of the crowd, a fisherman's son was drinking water, not saying much, just sitting beside Lin Mo and the others, listening and occasionally chuckling to show his appreciation.

"Chen Qing, you didn't bring your afternoon meal today either?"

Someone asked. Chen Qing felt all eyes on him, his face blushing as he mumbled, "I... I forgot to bring it when I left this morning. I'll go home and eat later."

It was said that his home was in Yazi Bay by the Changhe River. He had a sister, and the family of four squeezed onto a boat made by joining two or three dilapidated sampans.

Perhaps due to his family situation, he often didn't have an afternoon meal.

"Chen Qing, why don't you eat something to fill your stomach?"

Lin Mo, also from a fishing family, kindly offered him half a white steamed bun, which made the others extremely envious.

This was the third time he had helped this person. He didn't give much each time, partly out of kindness and partly because of his Luck.

After Lin Mo's research, he discovered that although the Luck gained from helping others was small, it accumulated over time, amounting to something, however little.

Words also occasionally popped up in his mind from the Jade Talisman:

[Performing good deeds, offering small favors, Luck gathered +1]

"Thank you, Brother Mo."

Chen Qing quickly took it, took a few bites, and tucked the rest of the bun into his clothes, savoring the taste.

After eating, they chatted about their experiences and insights for a while. Those who needed to go home did so, and those who needed to return to the communal dormitory went to bed early.

Several more days passed. A batch of those with shallower qualifications began to leave successively, mostly those without talent for martial arts cultivation.

Lin Mo watched many youths pack their bags, feeling a bit surprised.

Among them was Wang Hu, whom he knew. He had been full of energy just a few days ago, but why was he leaving today?

"Brother Mo, and all my brothers, thank you for taking care of me all this time."

Wang Hu bowed in the style of a Martial Artist, his eyes welling up with tears, "I've made up my mind. I don't have the talent for martial arts. I've paid tuition twice, and in a month, I haven't even sensed Blood Essence. My father's health isn't good either. I plan to go back and focus on farming those few acres of land."

Lin Mo watched their receding backs, feeling a sense of melancholy for the first time. He didn't dare to slack off either, continuing his strenuous training.

He stepped onto the Plum Blossom Stances, his body moving nimbly, his arms swinging, his fists punching, his waist and legs united.

His movements and posture constantly changed. The five forms of White Ape Stance Training had become increasingly proficient, but sensing Blood Essence was proving to be slower than he had imagined. The half-month assessment was nearing its end.

Lin Mo jumped off the Plum Blossom Stances, his feet feeling numb and devoid of sensation, as if he were walking on clouds.

Although his Destiny had improved, reality still differed from his expectations.

"[Healthy and Strong] is still lacking... but thankfully, that business with Zhao Wu seems to have vanished without a trace, so there's no rush."

Lin Mo sighed, calculating his remaining silver and making plans for the future.

He decided not to buy any more Qi and Blood Pills with the remaining silver. It would be better used for food or next term's tuition. He had no means of earning money through frivolous spending.

He had no choice but to patiently practice diligently, bit by bit.

The days passed quickly. Lin Mo paid his second tuition fee, still opting for the second tier which included accommodation and one meal a day. However, many people he knew had already returned home.

It was early morning. Xu Changfeng was leading everyone in practice when a senior disciple suddenly ran in. This disciple had already reached the Martial Pass.

Most senior disciples from the Changhe Martial Arts School wouldn't come here. Usually, they would only come to find odd jobs, hiring young laborers for a few coins. These impoverished youths had to take on such work.

Cleaning stables, serving as an emcee, cooking, or cleaning latrines – as long as there was money, they would eagerly compete for it.

However, today was unusual. The senior disciple rushed into the courtyard and shouted at everyone, "Where is Chen Qing? Martial Master Wang is looking for him. He won't need to be here anymore!"

Everyone was surprised and asked questions amongst themselves. They learned that yesterday, while doing odd jobs, Chen Qing had coincidentally sensed his Blood Essence and entered the Martial Pass.

Chen Qing had joined the school even later than Lin Mo, having been there for only ten days in total. He never expected his talent to be so high, and he was immediately chosen by Martial Master Wang.

He wasn't just any registered disciple; he was genuinely selected as a personal disciple, someone who would learn the real techniques.

"Brothers, I, Chen Qing, will take my leave first."

Chen Qing was delighted upon hearing this. He said a few brief words and then left excitedly without looking back.

The others couldn't help but envy him, their tones tinged with a bit of sourness.

"How long has he been here? He probably hasn't even mastered the stance training yet, and he's already sensed his Blood Essence?"

"He barely says a word all day, but he's got such good luck!"

Lin Mo, from a corner, looked at Chen Qing's retreating back and used [Observe Qi and People] to examine his Destiny. Apart from a few ordinary white ones, he possessed a green Destiny, just like Xu Changfeng and the other Martial Artists.

However, the azure mist lingered for a long time, preventing him from discerning its contents.

Not long after Chen Qing left, there were no more impoverished youths he was familiar with in the courtyard. Lin Mo had no choice but to focus on his practice. Fortunately, within two or three days, he too sensed his Blood Essence.

Lin Mo stood before Xu Changfeng, feeling the faint wisp of Blood Essence in his dantian, his heart filled with joy.

"Senior Brother, has any family taken an interest in me?" Lin Mo asked.

Considering the time he had spent practicing, including renewing his tuition once, it took him twenty days to sense his Blood Essence. This talent could only be considered average.

"Junior Brother is diligent enough, but the Li and Wang families' Martial Masters haven't noticed you..." Xu Changfeng paused, then continued, "Since you're willing to become a registered disciple under them, why not become a registered disciple under Martial Master Yang?"

Lin Mo's talent wasn't exceptional, but he had a good heart and often helped the poorer youths. Xu Changfeng had seen this.

Perhaps due to a good rapport, he mentioned it to Martial Master Yang Yun, and an exception was made to take on one more registered disciple.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Xu!"