Night Talk at the Tavern (Part 2)

"What about the other two martial halls? Town Mountain Martial Hall and Cloud Sea Martial Hall—surely they can't both rely on dockyard business for a living?" Chen Yuan pressed on, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the rim of his teacup as he sought to fully grasp the martial arts landscape of this county town.

Sun Yun tapped the table lightly with her fingertips, her voice heavier than before. "Let's start with Town Mountain Martial Hall."

She swept her gaze around, confirming the doors and windows were shut tight, before continuing. "The Martial Hall Master of Town Mountain Martial Hall, Shi Poshan, came from an escort background in his youth. His 'Solid Rock Skill' has reached perfection—back when he was in the Skin Grinding Realm, he could hold up a toppling grain cart with one arm."

"Their core business is the 'Hengtong Escort Agency' in the county town, along with a few security agencies. On the trade route from the county to the prefectural city, seven out of ten merchant teams hire their people."

"It's not just escort work," Wang Meng cut in, a note of admiration in his tone. "In town, the Banks and the mansions of big merchants—almost all their security personnel are disciples of Town Mountain Martial Hall. They emphasize 'stability,' selecting disciples first by temperament, and their techniques focus on defense. But when it comes to shouldering real trouble, they're top-tier reliable."

Sun Yun nodded and added, "There's also their relationship with the authorities. Town Mountain Martial Hall has close ties with the County yamen. Many disciples, after finishing their training, fill vacancies as yamen runners, and a few have even made it to constable."

"Their 'Zhenyuan Security Agency' basically monopolizes the protection work for wealthy households in the city—think about it: it gives disciples a good career path while also building connections with the rich and gentry. That kind of network can't be bought with money."

"As for Cloud Sea Martial Hall," Sun Yun shifted the topic, taking a sip of tea, "they walk a different path. The Martial Hall Master, Liu Qingyun, is a smiling Buddha, a master of management."

"The biggest 'Drunken Immortal Restaurant' in town, 'Clear Wind Teahouse,' and the silk shop 'Cloud Brocade Manor'—all of them are industries under Cloud Sea Martial Hall."

Wang Meng smacked his lips, a hint of envy in his voice. "Their strongest point is the merchant caravan."

"Cloud Sea Martial Hall formed the 'Xingyun Merchant Team,' which travels year-round between this county, neighboring counties, and the prefectural city. They not only transport local seafood but also bring back high-demand goods like silk and porcelain from the prefectural city, raking in hefty profits."

"The guards on their caravans, even the clerks, are all skilled fighters from the martial hall. Ordinary bandits wouldn't dare come near."

"And there's something more covert," Sun Yun said quietly. "They lend money on the side, calling it a 'Mutual Aid Fund,' mainly targeting small merchants with cash flow problems. The interest... isn't low."

"It does solve urgent money needs for some, but it's stirred up plenty of disputes. Still, Cloud Sea Martial Hall handles things smoothly, rarely leaving a trail of blame."

With that, Sun Yun let out a soft sigh. "The three martial halls, on the surface, are all harmony, jointly upholding the county's martial arts reputation. But the undercurrent rivalry never stops—competing for promising disciples, recommendation slots for the County Examination, profitable industries... resources are limited, and everyone wants a bigger slice."

"Our Blackwater Martial Arts School cooperates with them in many areas, but we can't avoid competition either. Balancing that line is the real test of the Martial Hall Master and the managers' skill."

"So that's how it is..." Chen Yuan slowly exhaled, realizing how deep the waters ran in this small county town.

Martial halls were far from simple training grounds—they were tangled webs of vested interests.

To stand firm here, martial skill alone was far from enough.

"Thank you, Senior Disciple Brother and Senior Disciple Sister, for the clarification." Chen Yuan raised his cup to toast them both, committing all this tangled information to memory, then asked, "Earlier, I heard Master and Second Senior Disciple Brother mention the County Examination and Province Examination. What exactly are the procedures for the County Examination? Is the competition fierce?"

At the mention of the County Examination, Wang Meng and Sun Yun both set down their chopsticks, their expressions turning serious.

"The County Examination—it's one of the most important chances for us Skin Grinding Realm martial artists to rise!" Wang Meng said. "Hosted by the County yamen, it's held twice a year, in spring and autumn. The next one is three months from now."

"It's not just for martial hall disciples—anyone with Lin Hai County residency who's reached the Skin Grinding Realm can sign up. But registration includes a bone age test; the younger you are, the higher the evaluation later. And the number of passes each time is extremely limited, so the competition is no joke."

Sun Yun explained in detail: "The County Examination is strict, testing three main things: cultivation, martial techniques, and actual combat. First is the cultivation check, using the official 'Strength Testing Stone' and 'Skin Drum.'"

"The Strength Testing Stone requires a punch with over a thousand jin of pure force. The Skin Drum demands taking a drumstick strike of a specific force without breaking the skin or dispersing the energy—no faking it. It directly weeds out those who broke through with drugs and have shaky foundations."

"The second stage is martial technique demonstration," Wang Meng chimed in. "You need to perform a signature technique at least at the 'Minor Accomplishment' level. The County Defender, Patrol Inspector, and a few invited Martial Hall Masters or merchant leaders jointly evaluate proficiency, power, and energy control. This stage tests a martial artist's foundation and insight."

"The most critical is the third stage: actual combat." Sun Yun's tone grew heavy.

"It's usually a draw-based duel; losers are eliminated outright. Sometimes, to test adaptability, they even arrange life-or-death fights with captured low-rank Demonic Beasts or death-row convicts! Every year, the County Examination sees injuries, and occasionally deaths. So cultivation alone isn't enough—you need real combat ability and grit."

"If you pass all three stages of the County Examination, you earn the title of 'Martial Scholar,' and your name is recorded in the County yamen and even the prefectural archives—it's a legitimate scholarly status!" Wang Meng said with pride.

"With that status, your standing changes. Positions like constable, tax officer, or jailer in the County yamen—those with official rank—are filled first from Martial Scholars! Even if you don't want to enter government service, big merchants like Sihai Shipping Company or Zhangji Fish Market offer higher pay and better treatment for recruiting guard leaders or managers!"

Sun Yun added, "And only with the Martial Scholar title can you qualify for next year's 'Prefecture Examination' held in the prefectural city. That requires at least the Tendon Changing Realm, and passing makes you a 'Martial Hero,' a whole different level of status—eligible for posts like Patrol Inspector or County Vice-Magistrate. In short, the Martial Scholar title is the key to truly entering the Great Han Dynasty's promotion system and escaping commoner status!"

Three months from now! The Martial Scholar title! Fierce competition, even danger!

Chen Yuan's eyes gleamed with sharp light. Instead of fear, a stronger fighting spirit ignited within him.

With his current foundation of Skin Grinding - Minor Accomplishment and his skin membrane's initial hum, passing the examination shouldn't be a problem. His goal was to aim for a better ranking!

"Looks like I need to prepare thoroughly for this County Examination," Chen Yuan said firmly.

"With your foundation, Junior Disciple Brother, passing the County Examination won't be hard. And you're young—the younger you are, the more favor you attract."

Wang Meng was confident in Chen Yuan. "But don't slack off these three months. The martial hall's Scripture Pavilion has a few combat techniques suited for the Skin Grinding Realm. You should pick one or two to master, so you'll handle actual combat more smoothly."

"If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me or Junior Disciple Sister Sun. We both passed last year's County Examination and have experience. Or you can consult Second Senior Disciple Brother. Oh, and," he recalled something, "before the County Examination, the martial hall usually holds an internal selection to determine the recommendation list. Those who perform well can get extra rewards from the hall."

"That's right," Sun Yun nodded. "The actual combat stage of the County Examination is dangerous. More strength means more security."

"And if you excel in the County Examination and rank high, not only are the rewards better, but you'll also catch the eye of the County Defender or even the County Magistrate, which is great for your future. The big families behind Sihai Shipping Company and Zhangji Fish Market will also compete to recruit talented students from humble backgrounds."

The three of them chatted and ate for a long time. Wang Meng and Sun Yun shared everything without reservation—details from past County Examinations, the examiners' preferences, potential strong opponents from other martial halls, and even dirty tricks to watch out for in combat.

This welcome feast was worth its weight in gold, giving Chen Yuan an exceptionally clear and deep understanding of Lin Hai County's power structure and his future path of advancement.

Full and satisfied, the three left Hundred Flavors Tower. The night breeze brushed their faces, carrying the lingering scent of seafood and alcohol.

Wang Meng and Sun Yun each bid farewell and headed home. Chen Yuan walked alone back to the martial hall, gazing at the county town's bright lights and the distant dark sea. His mind was clear, yet filled with a sense of urgency.

The County Examination was his next goal—not just for the Martial Scholar title, but to test his own strength and carve out a solid foothold for himself and his family amid this tangled web of powers.

Winning the Martial Scholar title and securing a real post in the County yamen would provide stable resources to support his own and his family's cultivation, elevate his social standing, and lay a solid foundation for future higher-level Prefecture and Province Examinations.

And the prerequisite for all of this remained strength.

Feeling the Tide Luck Points slowly growing in his Sea of Consciousness, his steps grew more resolute.

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