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The next morning.

After Chen Qing finished a round of Tongbei Fist, heat steamed from his body, and his tendons and bones gave off faint crackling pops.

"Senior Brother Chen, wipe your sweat."

At that moment, a disciple came trotting over with a basin of water and a towel.

"Thanks."

Chen Qing took the towel and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

This person was called Song Yufeng. He had joined Zhou Academy half a month ago. His father was an itinerant physician, while his mother did odd jobs at the Sun Clan Tavern. His family was poor.

According to Zhou Academy's tradition, he practiced fist techniques under Chen Qing, an "old" disciple.

Song Yufeng grinned foolishly. "You're too polite, Senior Brother Chen."

Chen Qing set down the towel and casually asked, "How's your Tongbei Fist coming along?"

"Reporting to Senior Brother, I've memorized all the moves, it's just..." Song Yufeng hurriedly replied, then scratched his head. "It feels like something's wrong, but I can't put my finger on it."

Chen Qing said, "Show me a round."

Song Yufeng did not dare delay. He immediately assumed his stance and began demonstrating.

The essence of Tongbei Fist lay in the transformations of Internal Force. He had yet to reach Bright Strength, so his Tongbei Fist appeared exceedingly soft and weak.

Chen Qing watched carefully, then personally guided Song Yufeng through several points. "When using 'Ape Arm Reaching Heaven,' relax your shoulders and sink your elbows. Let your intent run through your fingertips, not the face of your fists. And for 'Iron Lock Across the River,' the force comes from your waist and back, not your arms."

"Your Internal Force is still weak, and your Qi and Blood are insufficient. You should first build up your Qi and Blood."

He explained it in great detail, just as Sun Shun had once done for him.

Song Yufeng nodded repeatedly, his face full of gratitude. "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Chen. I'll go practice my stance work now, so I won't disturb your training."

With that, he quickly returned to his own corner and focused on standing in stance.

Chen Qing rested for a while before continuing his Tongbei Fist practice.

[Tongbei Fist Minor Mastery (963/1000)]

If Tongbei Fist reached Major Mastery, his strength would undoubtedly rise to another level.

There were now seven or eight Hidden Strength disciples in the academy, but not a single one had brought Tongbei Fist to Major Mastery.

To reach Major Mastery in Tongbei Fist, one needed to turn one form into many moves, and soften Internal Force before unleashing hardness.

Turning one form into many moves required extreme familiarity with the forms of Tongbei Fist. They had to become muscle memory. This demanded not only comprehension, but years upon years of cultivation.

As for softening Internal Force before unleashing hardness, that required mastery over one's Internal Force.

One had to reach the realm where the step arrived with the fist, and force followed the step as it was unleashed.

After practicing Tongbei Fist two more times, Chen Qing headed to the River Bureau.

Patrol Guards at the River Bureau made three rounds a day when busy, and one round a day when not.

By the time he returned to Zhou Academy, it was already afternoon.

The moment Chen Qing entered Zhou Academy, he discovered that the courtyard was unusually lively.

Qin Lie stood in the middle, surrounded by a crowd of disciples like stars paying homage to the moon.

Zhou Liang, who was usually stern, stood opposite him with a smile at the corner of his lips.

Junior Brother Qin had returned from suppressing the bandits!?

Chen Qing's heart stirred at the sight.

Qin Lie took a deep breath and clasped his fists. "Master, your disciple has returned."

"Good. Very good."

Zhou Liang looked Qin Lie over from head to toe, and an unconcealed look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

He could tell that Qin Lie was completely different from before. He had clearly seen blood.

Sun Shun's feelings were somewhat complicated. When the two had met eyes just now, he had distinctly felt every hair on his body stand on end.

He knew that after this campaign against the bandits, Junior Brother Qin's strength had improved again. He was afraid that he was no longer Qin Lie's match.

"Come inside. We'll talk slowly."

Zhou Liang patted Qin Lie's shoulder. His tone was gentle as he turned and led him toward the backyard.

Anyone with eyes could see that Qin Lie's return had added much more joy to Zhou Liang's face.

"Senior Brother Fang, tell us about this campaign against the bandits."

"Did Junior Brother Qin really kill three River Bandits!?"

"Did Lord Commandant make a move!?"

Seeing Qin Lie follow Zhou Liang into the backyard, everyone turned toward the disciples who had gone to suppress the bandits with him.

"Lord Commandant's spearwork was truly unfathomable! Shen Tong, the chief of Bailang Bay, couldn't even last three exchanges under the Commandant! That sight... tsk, tsk!"

One senior brother who had gone with them spoke with a tone of shared glory. "With the Commandant and experts from the Five Great Clans overseeing this operation, all we did was follow behind and mop up some remaining bandits. We broadened our horizons and met quite a few skilled fighters from other academies..."

Hearing this, many disciples who had hesitated before revealed a trace of regret on their faces. They had missed an opportunity.

Had they known it would be like this, they would have signed up as well.

Chen Qing gave it no further thought and calmly returned to his spot to continue practicing his fist techniques.

His master had no time now, so he could only find another chance to report to him.

As night deepened, the academy gradually quieted down, and the discussions about suppressing bandits grew much fewer.

After tidying up simply, the disciples left one after another.

Seeing that Chen Qing was still practicing, Zhou Yu could not help asking, "Junior Brother Chen, it's so late. Aren't you going back yet?"

She had already changed out of her training clothes. Dressed in a white ruqun, she looked gentle and captivating between her brows.

Chen Qing said, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister Zhou. I'll head back after practicing a little longer."

Zhou Yu smiled faintly. "All right. Don't stay too late."

With that, she returned to the backyard.

Night deepened further. Moonlight poured like water over the silent courtyard, leaving only the faint rustling chirps of insects.

A sudden rumble came from Zhou Liang's stomach.

His Qi and Blood were vigorous, and his need for food far surpassed that of ordinary people. Late at night, he often needed nourishment.

"Hungry again."

He rubbed his abdomen, rose, and pushed open his door, intending to find something to eat in the kitchen.

Just as he stepped out of the backyard and passed through the moon gate connecting it to the front courtyard, a highly rhythmic sound of air being torn reached his ears.

"Hm? A disciple is still training this late?"

Zhou Liang was slightly surprised and looked toward the sound.

Under the moonlight, a figure moved and shifted through the courtyard, practicing Tongbei Fist.

His body stretched like an ape's. As his arms swung, they stirred up faint yet piercing gusts of force, and crisp pops rang through the air from time to time—the sign of Bright Strength trained to an exceptionally solid level.

Yet what drew Zhou Liang's attention even more was that the figure's movements were rounded and fluid. Every move seemed fierce, yet concealed supple transformations. Especially in the transitions between gathering and releasing force, there was a restrained penetrating quality that no ordinary Bright Strength disciple could possess.

He could not help stopping and looking more closely.

At this look, his heart immediately stirred!

That disciple was none other than Chen Qing!

He could clearly see heat steaming from Chen Qing's entire body as he moved, while white vapor faintly gathered above his head. That was the sign of Qi and Blood circulating to its utmost limit.

More importantly, his breathing was long and deep. Every time he exerted force, his Internal Force was contained without leaking, unleashed without scattering!

This... this was clearly the hallmark of Hidden Strength!

Though he had only recently achieved it and could not yet perfectly control its release and withdrawal at will, leaving some signs impossible to fully conceal, this was without question Hidden Strength!

"How is that possible?!"

Zhou Liang almost thought his eyes were playing tricks on him.

Chen Qing?

That Chen Qing, with average innate talent and a poor family, who had needed nearly three months just to barely break through to Bright Strength?

How could he have cultivated Hidden Strength so quickly?

Zhou Liang held his breath and observed for a while longer, confirming beyond doubt that it was Hidden Strength.

Unable to contain himself any longer, he strode over.

"Good kid!"

"Master!"

Chen Qing hurriedly withdrew his technique and clasped his fists.

Zhou Liang waved a hand, looked Chen Qing over, and asked in a deep voice, "You... when did you break through to Hidden Strength?"

Chen Qing answered honestly, "Reporting to Master, yesterday."

"Yesterday..."

Zhou Liang murmured, then stared hard at him. "When did you enter the academy last year?"

"November last year," Chen Qing answered.

"November... November..."

Zhou Liang calculated rapidly in his heart. It seemed that not even a year had passed since Chen Qing entered the academy.

At this speed, even across all of Zhou Academy, he could definitely be considered quite good!

Looking at the disciple before him, whose clothes were soaked through with sweat, Zhou Liang did not know what to say for a moment.

He knew Chen Qing's family circumstances well. There was simply no way he could have had enough meat or precious medicinal supplements to support him. To reach this point, the hardship and effort he had expended were likely several times, perhaps even dozens of times, that of others!

He had originally thought this was a disciple with limited talent, someone who could only barely keep up through diligence and who would at most linger at Bright Strength in the future. Never had he expected... never had he expected that he had misjudged him!

"You're very good!"

A satisfied smile appeared on Zhou Liang's face.

Chen Qing was a fairly promising prospect.

The fact that he had clearly sought him out alone meant he did not wish to draw attention.

For a young man to be able to keep his composure was exceptionally rare.

Qin Lie's greatest problem was precisely that he could not bear to be patient or keep his composure.

But this could not really be counted as Qin Lie's fault. After all, having been born poor and suddenly gaining wealth and status, few people could fully keep themselves in check.

What a pity.

Zhou Liang sighed inwardly. If there were no Qin Lie in Zhou Academy, he would certainly devote himself to nurturing Chen Qing.

But Zhou Academy already had Qin Lie, so for now, Chen Qing could only be wronged.

After pondering for a long while, Zhou Liang said, "For the next period of time, first consolidate your Qi and Blood, and temper the Hidden Strength within your body into every part of yourself. Start with your torso, then move into your five viscera and six bowels. Above all, do not lose heart."

"If there is anything you don't understand, come ask me."

Chen Qing felt somewhat disappointed. "This disciple understands."

He had originally thought Zhou Liang would give him special attention like he did Qin Lie and provide him with some cultivation resources.

With resources, his cultivation speed could increase much more quickly as well.

After all, reaching Hidden Strength in less than a year, though it could not compare to Qin Lie in terms of time, was still quite impressive.

But after thinking it over carefully, Chen Qing accepted it. Qin Lie was his master's Closed-Door Disciple, the one who would inherit his legacy, support him in his old age, and stand before his blows.

"Since there's no rush, I'll explain the techniques for tempering Hidden Strength to you."

Zhou Liang explained in detail, then patted Chen Qing on the shoulder and encouraged him. "Cultivate well. You can take part in this year's Martial Arts Examination. Even if you do not succeed, it will count as experience."

Chen Qing nodded. "Yes!"

Zhou Liang said, "Go back and rest early."

"This disciple takes his leave."

Chen Qing clasped his fists and prepared to leave.

"Wait."

Looking at the disciple's retreating back, Zhou Liang could not bear it after all, and called him back.

"Has any faction supported you so far?"

Chen Qing replied, "The Cheng Family of Osmanthus Orchid Ward."

A small household, nothing more than a drop in the bucket. It's already not easy that he managed to break through the gate twice.

Zhou Liang thought to himself, "Come with me."

Chen Qing followed Zhou Liang into the study, where the latter took out a small celadon bottle from a cabinet.

"There are three Blood Condensing Pills inside."

Zhou Liang's voice was deep and steady. "Their effects are comparable to the Blood Vitality Pills sold on the market. They will be quite beneficial for stabilizing your Hidden Strength and honing your Qi and Blood. From now on, come find me on the fifth day of every month, and I will give you another three."

Qin Lie had the Luo Family's support, so he was not lacking in resources.

But Chen Qing was different. He would give Chen Qing his own share.

Chen Qing gave a deep bow. "This disciple thanks Master."

A single Blood Vitality Pill cost three taels of silver on the market. Three pills were worth nine taels, a considerable sum to Chen Qing at present.

Zhou Liang waved his hand. "Go."

Chen Qing nodded heavily, then headed home.

A sky full of stars casually dotted the vast twilight, enfolding the new moon of deep summer in a profound, boundless desolation.

Along the way, Chen Qing kept recalling Zhou Liang's words.

Bright Strength and Hidden Strength were vastly different. Bright Strength only required accumulating Qi and Blood and tempering the skin and flesh, but Hidden Strength required connecting the tendons, bones, skin, and flesh as one.