The First

Their swords clashed, unleashing a string of piercing sounds so shrill they seemed capable of shattering eardrums.

Neither was affected. Their speed grew faster and faster as they fought.

Every time their swords crossed, they immediately launched another attack.

Chen Qinglin was delighted to find a worthy opponent. He wasn't in a hurry to end the match, and could feel his swordsmanship proficiency rising rapidly.

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

The sharp blades cut through the air, becoming streaks of visible light that slashed across the battlefield.

One move after another of the Iron Sword Sword Art flowed from his hands.

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

"Are you all right, Brother Zhong?" He reached out to Zhong Qing, who was slumped on the ground, and pulled him up.

"I'm fine. Thank you for showing mercy, Brother Chen."

"Not at all. Your swordsmanship is impressive, Brother Zhong. Let's spar again sometime."

"Gladly..."

Next came the match against Qi Hanwen, which was far less eventful.

After fewer than ten exchanges, Chen Qinglin defeated Qi Hanwen and claimed first place in the Martial Arts Competition. Zhong Qing had spent too much of his strength and narrowly lost to Qi Hanwen, taking third place.

"Wow, Qinglin, you're amazing! You won every match and defeated all eight martial arts schools!" Chen Qingshi exclaimed excitedly as Chen Qinglin returned, as if he were the one who had taken first place.

"Then you'd better train hard, Brother Qingshi, and spend less time wandering around Moon Red Pavilion with Second Senior Brother. One day, you'll be able to do the same. Ha ha..."

"He's slandering me, Qinglin! He's slandering me!" Jiang Zhong protested.

"Hahaha..."

"Let's head back. The matches for you guys start over the next few days, Second Senior Brother. Do your best."

"Ah! It's my turn already?"

"Master, why didn't you sign Disciple Qinglin up for the next match, too?"

"I think if Qinglin had entered, he might've taken first place again! What do you think, Disciple Zhou?"

"I think so too. Qinglin's a beast."

"How was I supposed to know?" Xie Feng said, feeling a little regretful. He'd known his youngest disciple was capable, but hadn't realized he was this formidable.

He'd fought his way through every round, swept aside all his opponents, and taken first place in the opening competition.

Xie Feng was so delighted he couldn't stop grinning, and he practically strode on a breeze.

"You're exaggerating, Second Senior Brother. You have way too much faith in me."

"Of course..."

"Hahaha..."

The next morning.

The second competition hadn't even begun, yet someone was already waiting for him.

"Are you Young Master Chen Qinglin?" As soon as he stepped out of the courtyard, he saw a young servant waiting outside. A luxurious carriage was parked beside him.

The carriage was painted vermilion, and exquisite patterns had been carved into its body. Yellow silk draped over the roof, with tassels hanging down in long strands.

"I'm Chen Qinglin." Seeing the young servant bow to him, Chen Qinglin hurriedly returned the courtesy.

"Good news, Young Master Chen! My lord requests your presence." The young servant clasped his hands toward Chen Qinglin, beaming.

"Who is your lord? Do I know him?" Chen Qinglin was puzzled. He didn't know any wealthy or powerful people in Dingyuan County.

"My lord is the Dingyuan County Magistrate. He has invited you to the County Office for a visit. Please do us the honor." The young servant spoke respectfully.

"You're too kind. Please lead the way." Why was the county magistrate summoning him? Could it have something to do with his taking first place in yesterday's competition?

"Yes, Young Master. Please board the carriage." The servant lifted the curtain and held out a hand to help him in.

Only after Chen Qinglin had entered the carriage did the servant climb aboard and drive toward the County Office.

Once inside, Chen Qinglin discovered that he wasn't the only one summoned. Xin Shuming, Qi Hanwen, and Zhong Qing were there as well.

When Zhong Qing saw Chen Qinglin, he came over to greet him.

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

"Brother Zhong, Brother Xin, Brother Qi." Chen Qinglin greeted each of them, then began chatting with Zhong Qing.

"Brother Zhong, do you know why the county magistrate summoned us?"

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

"Oh?" Chen Qinglin was still wondering when a loud voice rang out.

"Young friends, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I had some matters to attend to in the main hall and neglected you. Please don't take offense."

Looking up, they saw a broad-shouldered, dignified official in a blue robe enter.

"I am Han Lang. I invited you here for two reasons: first, I wanted to meet the outstanding talents of our county; second, someone asked me to invite you."

"You flatter us, sir. We're not worthy of such praise."

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

"Thank you for thinking of me, Uncle."

"Your aunt often asks after you. Come visit her when you have time."

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

"Young friends are all outstanding talents. Would you be willing to go to White Deer Academy in the prefectural city..."

Before he could finish, a roar interrupted him.

"Why, you old rascal Han! You're trying to poach my people right under my nose? Have you no shame? It's not your turn until next year!"

"Brother Shen, please calm down, calm down. I was only joking."

How did that old rascal get here so quickly? Looks like I really won't be able to poach them, Han Lang thought.

"You'd better be joking. Otherwise, just you wait... Hmph." The newcomer had already decided to pull the same trick himself in the future.

"..."

"This is Shen Shi, an outer sect deacon of Qingfeng Mountain. He's the one who wanted to meet you today."

"You four, are you willing to go to Qingfeng Mountain? If you're not, I won't force you." The man from Qingfeng Mountain got straight to the point.

As if anyone would say no.

Getting into an academy or sect would bring resources and rewards to their families and martial arts schools, while giving them the chance to study in a better environment. Their parents and relatives would be proud of them.

"We're willing, sir." Xie Feng had told them before that if they ever had a chance to join a sect or academy, they mustn't hesitate. Hearing Shen Shi's offer, Chen Qinglin accepted.

"Good. Our Qingfeng Mountain spans the three provinces of Great Xuan Cang, Yun, and You, and recruits at least a thousand disciples each year."

"You may be geniuses here, but across the three provinces, there are countless others just like you."

"I'll take you to the mountain gate. Once we arrive, your assignments will be determined by your aptitude and cultivation."

"You have three days. After the second competition ends, we'll set out. Go back now."

"Yes!" The four of them answered in unison.

After leaving the County Office, Chen Qinglin gazed up at the sky. He probably wouldn't have time to go back and say goodbye to his family. Sigh...

When Chen Qinglin returned, he told his master and fellow disciples what had happened, then asked the martial arts school to look after his parents and family.

Xie Feng and several senior brothers readily promised to take care of his parents.

That evening, in the room Chen Qinglin shared with Chen Qingshi,

Chen Qinglin took out the three hundred taels' worth of Silver Notes he had on him. The money was what he'd earned from hunting over the past few months, after subtracting his daily expenses.

He gave the money to Chen Qingshi and asked him to go home, explain the situation to his parents, and persuade them to move to town.

"Brother Qingshi, your family should move to Qingyan Town too. That way, we can look out for one another. I'll be leaving in three days. Please help keep an eye on my parents while I'm gone."

"Don't worry, Qinglin. Go and focus on your martial arts. I'll pass your message along to Third Uncle and Third Aunt."

"I'll look after them. When I get back, I'll explain everything to my father and Third Uncle. Both our families can move near the martial arts school and keep Second Uncle company."

Looking at the cousin who'd grown up alongside him, entered the martial arts school with him, and trained with him, Chen Qingshi felt reluctant to part.

But he didn't try to hold him back. He knew this was a good thing and wanted Qinglin to have a brighter future.

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

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