Martial Arts Require Honing

The next morning, just after dawn broke, the owner of the An He Inn personally brought over breakfast—millet porridge, boiled eggs, and freshly steamed meat buns, all soft foods suited for the elderly and children.

"Young Master Chen, the carriage is already waiting at the door. The martial arts school just sent word that the guests are nearly all here." The owner smiled warmly. "Don't worry, I've already had my men pack up the dried fish and kelp you brought. They'll be sent straight to the school's kitchen later."

Chen Yuan thanked the owner, helped his family get ready, and supported his grandmother and grandfather into the carriage.

Old Zhou was still driving. As the carriage made its way toward the martial arts school, they could see many disciples in the school's training uniforms heading in the same direction. When they spotted the carriage, they stepped aside one after another, greeting him with smiles: "Good morning, Senior Disciple Brother Chen!"

At the school's entrance, Zhang Zhenshan was already waiting. He wore a dark blue instructor's uniform. When he saw Chen Yuan and his family, he immediately came over: "Junior Disciple Brother, you're here. The main hall is all set up, and the guests are resting in the side hall."

Chen Yuan helped his family follow Zhang Zhenshan inside. The stone path of the school was lined on both sides with Outer Court disciples, all in matching gray uniforms. As they passed, the disciples shouted in unison: "Welcome, Senior Disciple Brother Chen! Welcome, Senior Disciple Brother Chen's family!" The voices were so loud that the locust tree leaves in the courtyard trembled slightly.

Xiao Li shrank back into Lin Sanniang's arms in fright, then curiously peeked out. Chen Tie Mao, meanwhile, straightened his back, his gaze sweeping over the disciples on both sides, a hint of pride on his face—he'd spent his life fishing in a village and had never received such treatment. Now that his grandson had made something of himself, the whole family got to share in the glory.

Entering the inner courtyard, the atmosphere grew more solemn.

The main hall's doors were wide open, with two large red lanterns hanging at the entrance, bearing the words "Apprenticeship Ceremony." In the center of the hall stood an incense table, where the school's founder's spirit tablet was enshrined. In front of the tablet were a pig's head, fresh fruit, and three cups of white liquor. On either side of the incense table stood four inner court disciples in cyan uniforms—senior brothers and sisters Chen Yuan had never met before.

"That's Senior Disciple Brother Song Yun, just back from the Patrol Camp. Next to him are Third Senior Disciple Brother Li Wei and Fourth Senior Disciple Sister Liu Qing. They took special leave to attend your apprenticeship ceremony." Zhang Zhenshan introduced them in a low voice.

"Sitting beside the incense table are the hall master's friends. On the left is Master Liu Tie from the Hundred Refinements Iron Shop, and on the right is Old Master Hai from the Sihai Shipping Company. Both are prominent figures in the county town."

Chen Yuan followed Zhang Zhenshan's direction and saw two elderly men seated by the incense table: Master Liu Tie wore a black coarse-cloth short jacket, his hands covered in calluses, his gaze sharp; Old Master Hai, dressed in a deep blue silk robe, held a folding fan, exuding an air of elegance—this was the head of the Sihai Shipping Company that Wang Meng had mentioned before.

Zhao Canghai, clad in a purple brocade robe, sat in the grand master's chair behind the incense table, carrying more authority than usual.

Seeing Chen Yuan and his family, he nodded slightly and said to Liu Tie with a smile, "Old Liu, this is the Chen Yuan I told you about. Young, but his foundation is solid."

Master Liu Tie looked at Chen Yuan and nodded: "Not bad. Full blood and qi, firm skin and flesh. A good seed for martial arts training."

Old Master Hai also smiled and said, "Hall Master Zhao has a good eye. A young man who can break through and independently kill a Sea Beast is quite impressive. He'll surely be someone who can take on responsibility in the future."

Hearing this, Chen Yuan's family showed relieved smiles. Lin Sanniang quietly tugged at Chen Yuan's sleeve and whispered, "Don't be nervous. Just follow Instructor Zhang's instructions."

The apprenticeship ceremony began at Zhao Canghai's signal. Zhang Zhenshan walked to the incense table and announced loudly: "The apprenticeship ceremony begins. Disciple Chen Yuan, offer incense!"

Chen Yuan took three incense sticks handed to him by a nearby disciple, lit them, bowed three times to the founder's spirit tablet, and inserted the incense into the burner.

His movements were steady, without a trace of panic—he had practiced with Zhang Zhenshan several times the night before, afraid of making a mistake today.

"Disciple Chen Yuan, present the Apprenticeship Post!"

Chen Yuan pulled the prepared Apprenticeship Post from his chest, held it with both hands, walked before Zhao Canghai, bowed, and offered it: "Master, disciple Chen Yuan wishes to enter your tutelage, abide by the school rules, train diligently, and never betray your teachings!"

Zhao Canghai took the Apprenticeship Post, opened it, and glanced at it. Seeing the neat handwriting and sincere oath, he nodded with satisfaction: "Good. Since you have the heart to practice martial arts and the ambition to protect your homeland, I accept you as my disciple."

"From today onward, you are my seventh Personal Disciple. You must remember: 'Martial virtue comes first, and defense is paramount.' Do not bully the weak, and do not forget your roots or betray your obligations."

"Disciple will remember Master's teachings!" Chen Yuan bowed in response.

"Disciple Chen Yuan, offer tea!"

An inner court disciple approached with a tray holding a cup of warm tea.

Chen Yuan took the teacup with both hands, walked before Zhao Canghai again, knelt on both knees, and raised the cup above his head: "Master, please drink tea!"

Zhao Canghai took the cup, drank a sip, then pulled a small blue-covered booklet from his chest and handed it to Chen Yuan: "This is a notebook of insights I wrote when I was young. It records many tricky points where mistakes are easy to make. Study it carefully—it will benefit your training."

Chen Yuan accepted the notebook with both hands. It felt heavy—not just a training journal, but his master's effort. He quickly kowtowed: "Thank you, Master! Disciple will study it diligently!"

"Rise." Zhao Canghai helped Chen Yuan up and said to Song Yun and the others standing nearby, "You senior brothers and sisters, look after your junior disciple brother from now on. If he doesn't understand something, guide him."

"Yes, Master!" Song Yun and the others replied in unison. Senior Disciple Brother Song Yun stepped forward and handed Chen Yuan a short blade: "Junior Disciple Brother, this is the Patrol Camp's 'Armor Breaker.' It can pierce the Leather Armor of low-rank demonic beasts. Keep it for self-defense."

Third Senior Disciple Brother Li Wei handed over a cloth bundle: "Inside are some demonic beast scales I collected at sea. You can use them to make an inner vest—lighter and handier than ordinary iron armor."

Fourth Senior Disciple Sister Liu Qing smiled and passed him a picture book: "This is the 'Near-Sea Demonic Beast Illustrated Manual.' It records the weaknesses of common demonic beasts. You'll find it useful when you go to sea."

Wang Meng and Sun Yun also squeezed over. Wang Meng handed him a gourd of wine: "Junior Disciple Brother, this is my aged Sea Soul Wine. Take a sip after training—it warms the blood and qi!"

Sun Yun gave him a sachet: "Inside are herbs to repel insects. Handy for summer training."

Chen Yuan accepted each gift, his heart full of warmth. He hadn't expected his senior brothers and sisters to prepare presents.

"Hall Master's friend, give a speech!" Zhang Zhenshan announced again.

Master Liu Tie stood up, walked to Chen Yuan, and patted his shoulder: "Young man, martial arts training isn't just about strength—it's about the heart. I see you have a steady temperament, someone who can settle down. If you ever need a weapon forged, come to the Hundred Refinements Iron Shop anytime. I'll make you the best one!"

Old Master Hai also stood and said with a smile: "I trust Hall Master Zhao's disciple. If you ever want to train at sea or need a boat, come to the Sihai Shipping Company anytime. I'll arrange it for you."

Zhao Canghai watched this scene, a smile spreading across his face: "Alright, the ceremony is complete! The kitchen has prepared a feast. Everyone, follow me to the side hall for the banquet. Today, we drink until we drop!"

The crowd cheered and headed toward the side hall. Chen Yuan's family was led by Zhang Zhenshan to the main table, seated beside Zhao Canghai.

During the meal, Zhao Canghai frequently picked food for Chen Tie Mao and Zhang Shi and chatted with Chen Dahai about the Flying Swallow, saying that if they ever needed to repair the ship's Runes, they could come to the dock anytime for free.

Chen Dahai quickly thanked him: "Thank you, Hall Master Zhao. You've taken such good care of Yuan'er. We don't know how to repay you."

"No need for repayment," Zhao Canghai said with a smile. "Chen Yuan is a good seed. I just cherish talent. If he achieves something in the future, that will be the best repayment for me."

Xiao Li sat in Lin Sanniang's arms, holding the sachet Sun Yun had given her, and asked curiously: "Grandpa Zhao, can I come to the martial arts school to train too when I'm older? I want to drive away Sea Beasts like my brother!"

Zhao Canghai laughed at Xiao Li's words: "Of course. When you're a bit older, if you still want to learn martial arts, come to the school anytime and find me. I'll have your brother teach you."

Xiao Li clapped her hands happily: "Great! Thank you, Grandpa Zhao!"

The banquet lasted until the afternoon.

Chen Yuan chatted with his family, his master, and his senior disciple brothers and sisters, listening to them talk about what was happening in the county town, share insights on cultivation, and recount their experiences fighting Demonic Beasts.

He learned many things that couldn't be taught at the martial arts hall, and gained a clearer understanding of the path ahead—first, pass the County Examination to become a Martial Scholar, then strive to break through to the Tendon Changing Realm, take the Prefecture Examination, and become a martial artist capable of protecting his homeland.

As the sun set, the banquet finally ended.

Chen Yuan helped his family out of the martial arts hall, with Zhao Canghai and the senior disciples seeing them off at the entrance.

"Yuan'er, starting tomorrow, you'll come to the inner courtyard and train with me. I'll teach you personally," Zhao Canghai instructed. "The County Examination is three months away; we need to make the most of the time."

"Yes, Master!" Chen Yuan bowed in response.

Chen Yuan's family watched this scene and smiled with relief.

Chen Tie Mao patted Chen Yuan on the shoulder. "Study hard under your master. Don't worry about things at home—your father and I will keep an eye on everything."

"Grandfather, I understand." Chen Yuan nodded, his heart filled with resolve.

As the carriage rolled away, Chen Yuan looked back at the martial arts hall. The figures of his master and senior disciples stood clearly against the sunset, the vermilion gate bathed in warm golden light.

There would surely be storms ahead, but his gaze was steady. The strength within his body and the Tidal Stele in his Sea of Consciousness were his foundation.

His fingertips brushed the cover of the notebook tucked in his chest, and a conviction rang sharp and clear in his heart—

Only by becoming stronger could he protect everything he wished to protect.

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