The First

The dual swords clashed, emitting a series of incredibly piercing sounds, as if they would shatter eardrums.

The two were unaffected, their fighting speed increasing with each exchange.

As soon as their dual swords crossed, the next attack would immediately follow.

Chen Qinglin, seeing the opportunity, was not in a hurry to end the match, feeling his own sword art proficiency rapidly increasing.

Reflected Light Illuminating Shadow, Sword Shadows Overlapping, Sword Light Leaping.

The sharp sword cut through the air, transforming into visible streams of light that slashed across the battlefield.

One Iron Sword Sword Art after another was unleashed from his hands.

Only when Zhong Qing's strength waned and his sword swings slowed did Chen Qinglin end the match with Clear Wind Brushing the Top.

"Are you alright, Brother Zhong?" He extended a hand to the slumped Zhong Qing on the ground, pulling him up.

"I'm fine, thank you, Brother Chen, for holding back."

"Not at all, Brother Zhong's sword art is good. We should spar again sometime."

"Okay..."

Next was the match against Qi Hanwen, which didn't have as many details.

After a fierce battle of less than ten moves, Chen Qinglin defeated Qi Hanwen, taking first place. Zhong Qing, having expended too much energy, narrowly lost to Qi Hanwen, taking third.

"Wow, Qinglin, you're amazing! You won all your matches and defeated the eight major martial halls." Chen Qingshi said excitedly to the just-returned Chen Qinglin, as if he had won first place himself.

"Then Brother Qingshi, you need to cultivate diligently and spend less time with Second Senior Brother at the Moon Red Pavilion. You can achieve this too in the future. Haha..."

"Slander! Qinglin is slandering me!" Jiang Zhong protested.

"Hahaha..."

"Let's go back. The next few days are Second Senior Brother's matches. You have to do your best."

"Ah! It's my turn so soon!"

"Master, why didn't you sign up Qinglin Junior Brother for this match, or even the later ones?"

"I think if Qinglin had signed up, he might have won first place again! What do you think, Disciple Zhou?"

"I think so too, Qinglin is too fierce."

"How was I supposed to know?" Xie Feng also felt a bit regretful. Although he knew this young disciple was quite capable before, he hadn't expected him to be this formidable.

He blazed through all the challenges, sweeping aside all opponents, and won first place in the first martial arts competition.

Xie Feng's face was beaming, and he walked with a spring in his step.

"That's too exaggerated, Second Senior Brother. You have too much confidence in me."

"That's..."

"Hahaha..."

The next morning.

Before the second martial arts match even began, someone was already waiting for him.

"Is that Young Master Chen Qinglin!" As soon as he stepped out of the courtyard, he saw a servant waiting outside, with a luxurious carriage parked nearby.

The carriage was painted vermilion red, with exquisite patterns carved on its body. Yellow silk draped from the roof, adorned with tassels.

"I am Chen Qinglin." Chen Qinglin quickly returned the bow as the servant bent down to greet him.

"Good news, Young Master Chen, my Lord requests your presence." The servant said to Chen Qinglin with a joyful expression, cupping his hands.

"Who is your Lord, and do I know him?" Chen Qinglin was a little confused. He didn't know any wealthy or powerful people in Dingyuan County.

"My Lord is the Dingyuan County Magistrate. He specifically invites Young Master to the County Office for a chat. Please, make yourself comfortable." The servant said respectfully.

"I wouldn't dare. Little brother, please lead the way." Why would the County Magistrate want to see him? Could it be related to him taking first place in yesterday's competition?

"Yes, Young Master. Please get into the carriage." He lifted the curtain for Chen Qinglin and extended a hand into the carriage.

After Chen Qinglin entered the carriage, the servant drove the carriage towards the County Office.

Upon entering the County Office, he discovered that he wasn't the only one invited. Xin Shuming, Qi Hanwen, and Zhong Qing were also present.

Seeing Chen Qinglin, Zhong Qing walked over.

If you find this book good, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.

"I knew Brother Chen would come," he said.

"Brother Zhong, Brother Xin, Brother Qi." Chen Qinglin greeted them one by one and then started chatting with Zhong Qing.

"Brother Zhong, do you know why the County Magistrate wants to see us?"

"Don't worry, Brother Chen. If I'm not mistaken, this is good news."

"Oh?..." Just as Chen Qinglin was wondering, a loud voice called out.

"My young friends, thank you for waiting. I had some minor matters in my hall, which caused me to keep you waiting. Please forgive me."

Looking up, he saw a burly, dignified official in a dark blue robe walking in.

"This official is Han Lang. I've invited a few young friends here today, firstly to meet the outstanding talents of our county, and secondly, someone has asked me to invite a few young friends."

"Your Excellency is too kind. We are unworthy."

"Shuming, it's been a while. You've brought your uncle a surprise."

"Thank you, Uncle, for your concern."

"Your aunt often mentions you. Come visit your aunt more often when you have time."

"Yes, I haven't seen Auntie in a long time either."

"All of you young friends are outstanding individuals. Are you willing to go to White Deer Academy in the prefectural city..."

Before he could finish speaking, a roar was heard.

"You old scoundrel Han, you're trying to poach my talent! Have you no shame? It's not your turn until next year."

"..., Brother Shen, calm down, calm down. I was just joking."

How did this old fellow get here so fast? Now it's really impossible to poach, Han Lang thought to himself.

"You'd better be joking, otherwise in the future... Hmph." The newcomer made up his mind to do the same thing in the future.

"..."

"This is Shen Shi, the Qingfeng Mountain Outer Sect Deacon. He is the one looking for you today."

"The four of you, are you willing to go to Qingfeng Mountain? If not, I won't force you." The person from Qingfeng Mountain stated directly.

Joking, who would be unwilling?

Being able to enter an academy and a sect not only brings rewards in resources to one's family and martial arts school, but also allows oneself to pursue further studies in a better environment, making parents and relatives proud.

"We are willing, Your Excellency." Xie Feng had said before that if they could enter a sect or academy, they should not hesitate. Hearing Shen Shi's words, Chen Qinglin agreed.

"Good. My Qingfeng Mountain spans the three prefectures of Yun and You in Great Xuan Cang, and we recruit at least over a thousand disciples every year."

"Here, you might be a genius, but looking at the three prefectures, there are countless others like you."

"I will take you to the mountain gate, and then we will assign you based on your aptitude and cultivation realm."

"Now, I'll give you three days. We will set off after the second martial arts competition. You may go back."

"Yes" *4

Exiting the County Office, Chen Qinglin looked up at the sky. He was afraid there wouldn't be enough time to go back and bid farewell to his family, alas...

Chen Qinglin went back and told his Master and fellow disciples about this matter, entrusting the martial arts school to look after his parents and family.

Xie Feng and several senior brothers all stated they would look after his parents.

That evening, in the house where Chen Qinglin and Chen Qingshi were staying, Chen Qinglin took out the three hundred taels of silver notes he had on him. This money was all earned from hunting over the past few months, after deducting daily expenses.

He gave the money to Chen Qingshi, asking him to return and explain the situation to his parents, persuading them to move to town.

"Brother Qingshi, it would be best if your family also moved to Qingyan Town. That way, you can look out for each other. I'll be leaving in three days. Please help look after my parents during that time."

"Don't worry, Qinglin. You go and train hard. I'll pass your message to Third Uncle and Third Aunt."

"Take good care of them. When I get back, I'll explain the situation to my father and Third Uncle. Our two families will move together to the martial arts school, so we can keep Second Uncle company."

Chen Qingshi looked at his cousin, who had grown up with him, trained at the martial arts school together, and learned martial arts together. He felt a deep reluctance to part.

However, he did not try to persuade him to stay, knowing this was a good thing. He also hoped Qinglin would have a better future.

The two brothers talked late into the night before finally going to sleep.

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