Senior Disciple Brother's Guidance

After leaving the Accounting Office, the sun had already begun to dip westward.

Zhang Zhenshan did not take Chen Yuan straight back to Listening Tide Courtyard. Instead, he turned toward a residential area on the other side of the Inner Court.

"Come on, Junior Disciple Brother. I'll take you to meet Fifth Junior Disciple Brother and Sixth Junior Disciple Sister." As they walked, Zhang Zhenshan said, "The two of them also train at the martial arts school regularly these days. You're close in age, so it'll be good for you to get acquainted. You can look after one another in the future."

Along the way, Zhang Zhenshan gave Chen Yuan a detailed introduction to their school's circumstances, his tone turning solemn. "Including you, Master currently has seven Personal Disciples. When Master accepts disciples, he values character and temperament above all else; talent and natural aptitude come second."

"I rank second, but my aptitude is dull and I am the least accomplished. I have only made minor progress in the Tendon Changing Realm. I now serve, unworthily, as an instructor at the martial arts school, assisting Master in managing its daily affairs and handling certain extermination assignments with the authorities."

"Your Eldest Senior Disciple Brother, Song Yun, has reached major accomplishment in the Tendon Changing Realm. His Wave Breaking Saber has received a fair share of Master's true teachings. He currently serves at the County yamen as deputy commander of the Patrol Camp, mainly responsible for clearing and defending against Demonic Beasts around the county city and along vital trade routes. He is busy with official duties and rarely returns to the school."

"Third Junior Disciple Brother Li Wei has made minor progress in the Tendon Changing Realm. He has a fiery temper, but he values loyalty greatly. He is currently the chief guard of Sihai Shipping Company in the county city, leading ships year-round and dealing with all manner of Sea Beasts, as well as the occasional pirate."

"Fourth Junior Disciple Sister Liu Qing has just entered the Tendon Changing Realm. She is from the Liu Family of the county city, with a long family tradition of learning. She usually cultivates within her Lineage, though she is also the Liu Family's representative in the Sea Patrol Office."

"Fifth Junior Disciple Brother Wang Meng and Sixth Junior Disciple Sister Sun Yun are both in the Skin Grinding Realm, just like you. They are presently cultivating diligently at the martial arts school as well. They often organize or participate in missions to clear First-Order Demonic Beasts, building up real combat experience."

Chen Yuan listened carefully, committing every piece of information to memory.

The Martial Hall Master's Personal Disciples truly were all extraordinary. Most already held important positions among the major powers of the county city. This was undoubtedly a powerful network of connections.

Zhang Zhenshan patted his shoulder, his tone becoming grave. "Under Master, unity and mutual aid are prized above all. We stand together against outsiders. Whether contending with men or battling demons, we must be of one heart and one mind. Since you possess exceptional talent, you must work even harder. Do not betray Master's earnest expectations."

"You must understand that in the Great Han Dynasty, and indeed across the whole world, martial cultivation is the foundation upon which one stands, the ladder by which one rises, and the shield by which one protects. It directly concerns one's future, fate, family fortune, and very life."

He once again explained the rules of this world to Chen Yuan, though from a deeper perspective this time. "The Imperial Court, the major cultivation sects, and the great lineages jointly established the system. They select talent through martial prowess, with ranks clearly distinguished."

"This is not merely to select talent for the nation, but to establish a powerful system of forces capable of effectively resisting the Monster Calamity."

"The lowest level is the 'County Examination,' which primarily tests basic martial arts and cultivation. One must be in the Skin Grinding Realm to register. Those who pass are recorded as Martial Scholars."

"With this title, one is qualified to serve as a constable chief, tax official, or clerk in the County yamen, with an annual salary starting at no less than thirty taels. One may also 'refuse to kneel before officials' and 'exempt one's Lineage from corvée labor.' Such people are already considered respectable in their hometowns, serving as the most grassroots backbone against the Monster Calamity."

"At the next level, the 'Prefecture Examination,' one needs Tendon Changing Realm cultivation to participate. The difficulty rises sharply, and those who pass may be called Martial Heroes."

"Such people may serve as inspectors, squad leaders in the City Guard, and other such positions. Their Lineages may be exempted from part of their taxes, and their social standing rises significantly. They are enough to support the rise of a Lineage and are already the backbone against small-scale Monster Calamities."

"As for the 'Province Examination,' jointly held by the Imperial Court's Ministry of Personnel and the major sects, one must possess at least Bone Forging Realm cultivation to qualify. Once one passes, one becomes a Martial Elite—a true outstanding talent among men, a future pillar of an entire province."

"One may be granted important posts with real authority, such as county magistrate, county commandant, or commander of a hundred households in a garrison. One's Lineage receives many privileges and may even obtain quotas of low-grade cultivation resources issued by the authorities. That is the position that brings glory to one's ancestors and completely changes the standing of one's household!"

"As for the still higher Blood Changing Realm Martial Champions who pass the Imperial Examination in the imperial capital, once they leave the capital, they are already among the foremost figures in a province or prefecture, wielding towering power and capable of influencing the situation in an entire region. Needless to say more."

Zhang Zhenshan looked at Chen Yuan with blazing eyes, full of encouragement and expectation. "Junior Disciple Brother, you are young and promising, with a deep foundation. Your future is boundless."

"Whether you pursue an official career through the Imperial Court, bringing glory to your ancestors and sheltering your Lineage, or join a sect and seek higher realms of martial cultivation, the Martial Elite title from the Province Examination will be an indispensable cornerstone of your future."

"Only with the corresponding strength and status can you better protect everything you wish to protect."

"Master holds great expectations for you. I hope you guard against arrogance and impatience, achieve Tendon Changing and Bone Forging as soon as possible, make a name for yourself in the future Prefecture and Province Examinations, and let the name of Blackwater Martial Arts School ring far and wide!"

Chen Yuan's heart surged as his horizons broadened. So cultivation in this world was directly linked to official titles, government positions, social standing, and the allocation of resources!

This undoubtedly pointed out a clear and broad path upward for him.

His goal instantly became clear and definite: first, rely on his Skin Grinding Realm cultivation to pass the upcoming County Examination and obtain the title of Martial Scholar, then secure an actual post in the County yamen.

That would not only grant him stable resources and status to protect his Lineage, but also allow him to make a tangible contribution toward protecting his homeland.

At the same time, he would cultivate arduously. With the resources of a Personal Disciple and the aid of the Tidal Stele, he would strive to break through to Tendon Changing and even Bone Forging as soon as possible, then take the Great Han Prefecture Examination and Province Examination in a few years, win official titles, and gain greater authority and power!

"Thank you, Second Senior Disciple Brother, for clearing away my confusion." Chen Yuan solemnly bowed, his gaze resolute. "This disciple has already made up his mind. I will cultivate diligently without cease, so that I may soon possess enough strength to protect what I cherish. I will never disappoint Master's and Senior Disciple Brother's earnest expectations!"

"Good. It is good that you have such ambition. A martial artist should be like this!" Zhang Zhenshan smiled approvingly. "Today, familiarize yourself with the surroundings first. After the apprenticeship banquet, I can personally guide you through several profound key points of the Mysterious Vortex Skin Grinding Method, as well as Master's prized saber art. I will also teach you how to identify the weak points of common Demonic Beasts and the essentials of fighting them. We cannot have you encounter a demon in the future, possessing only brute strength yet not knowing how to use it."

As they spoke, the two arrived before a courtyard. They had barely reached the entrance when a burst of hearty laughter came from within.

Pushing open the door, they saw a tall, sturdy young man with dark skin practicing punches against a Wooden Dummy. His fists and kicks whistled like tigers through the wind, and every punch carried a dull boom as it tore through the air.

Beside him stood a young girl in a fitted azure outfit, her arms folded as she occasionally offered a few pointers.

"Fifth Junior Disciple Brother, Sixth Junior Disciple Sister, look who's here!" Zhang Zhenshan called with a smile.

The sturdy young man stopped and turned around. The moment he saw Chen Yuan, his eyes lit up. He strode over and reached out to pat Chen Yuan's shoulder. "Haha! You must be Junior Disciple Brother Chen Yuan, right? I'm Wang Meng, fifth in rank. I heard long ago that you broke through to the Skin Grinding Realm and even slaughtered an Arrow Bone Fish. Impressive!" His broad, powerful palm made Chen Yuan's shoulder tingle slightly, yet it conveyed warm enthusiasm.

The young girl beside him also came over. Her features were delicate, her eyes lively. She circled halfway around Chen Yuan and said with a grin, "I'm Sun Yun. You have to call me Senior Disciple Sister, Junior Disciple Brother Chen Yuan. Did you really kill an Arrow Bone Fish by yourself? Those bone spears are fast and accurate—hard to deal with. How did you dodge them?"

The two were both curious about Chen Yuan, this newly initiated Junior Disciple Brother whose reputation had already spread far and wide, and they were quite friendly toward him.

Chen Yuan answered with a smile, "It was only luck. I was forced into a desperate corner at the time and could only gamble everything on one attempt. I'll need much guidance from Fifth Senior Disciple Brother and Sixth Senior Disciple Sister in the future."

"Heh, neither arrogant nor rash. You're good material!" Wang Meng praised him, then patted Chen Yuan's shoulder again. "From now on, I'm your Fifth Brother. Come find me whenever you need anything. If you encounter difficulties in cultivation or want someone to spar with, come anytime. Heh, next time the martial arts school organizes a clearing of Iron Pincer Crabs on the tidal flats, we'll have another person to join us!"

Sun Yun nodded as well. "That's right. There are only a few of us Personal Disciples, so we should be helping one another most of all. By the way, is Master going to hold an apprenticeship ceremony for you?"

Zhang Zhenshan cut in, "Yes, it is set for three days from now. All of you must come as witnesses then. Yuan'er, once you have familiarized yourself with the surroundings today, you can return home tomorrow and bring your family to the county city, so they may attend the ceremony as well."

Chen Yuan hurriedly nodded. "Thank you for the reminder, Second Senior Disciple Brother. That was exactly my intention. I'll make the trip back tomorrow."

The group chatted for a while longer. Zhang Zhenshan still had matters to attend to, so he left first.

Wang Meng and Sun Yun pulled Chen Yuan along, asking many details about his killing of the Arrow Bone Fish. They also told him some amusing stories about the martial arts school, and the atmosphere was exceptionally lively.

Before they knew it, the sky gradually darkened. The setting sun shone through the clouds, gilding the martial arts school's rooftops with a rim of gold.

Wang Meng glanced at the sky and waved a large hand. "Junior Disciple Brother, don't keep your head down and cultivate all day! Come on, Senior Disciple Brother and Senior Disciple Sister will take you out for a meal. Consider it a welcome feast!"

Sun Yun echoed him with a smile. "That's right, Junior Disciple Brother Chen Yuan. The martial arts school's food fills the belly, but the taste really is nothing special."

"I know that the Grilled Silver Knife Fish and Drunken Sea Crab at Hundred Flavors Tower in East Market are unmatched. Today is the perfect time to satisfy our cravings. We can also tell you about the affairs of this county city—you have just become a Personal Disciple, and you will inevitably have dealings with all the various powers in the city. It is always good to understand more about the situation."

Unable to refuse such warm hospitality, Chen Yuan knew it was the goodwill of his Senior Disciple Brother and Senior Disciple Sister, so he smiled and agreed. "Then thank you for spending the money, Fifth Senior Disciple Brother and Sixth Senior Disciple Sister."

"Haha, we're brothers of the same school. Why be so polite?" Wang Meng slung an arm around Chen Yuan's shoulders and led him out familiarly. "Come on, let's go right now! If we're late, there won't be any private rooms left!"

Sun Yun followed behind them, smiling as she reminded him, "Don't rush. I'll tell you about Hundred Flavors Tower's origins along the way. It is one of the finest restaurants in our county city, and the owner behind it is no simple figure..."

At night, Lin Hai County was even more prosperous than it was by day. Lanterns of every color illuminated the streets brightly, taverns and teahouses buzzed with voices, and the cries of night-market vendors rose without end. The three chatted and laughed as they headed toward the restaurant.