A Gesture of Goodwill

[Heaven rewards diligence, will achieve something]

[Cloud Settling Stake Technique: Beginner (8/100)]

A glint of golden light seemed to gather in his eyes. As Lin Yin ceased his movements, a shout rang out from the previously silent crowd.

"Excellent skill!"

Following the sound, Lin Yin saw Xu Chang's spirited expression and the amiable faces of the disciples behind him.

With a light leap, he jumped down from the tall wooden stake.

Lin Yin's steps were steady, his form utterly still upon landing. This sight made Xu Chang's eyes sparkle with admiration.

The devil was in the details.

Even those disciples with poor discernment could now perceive the absolute control over his body, a perfect reflection of the initial signs of entering Inner Strength!

"Junior Brother Lin Yin, you've recently reached the beginner stage of the stake technique, haven't you? The precision of the final Sinking Cloud Falling Goose breath was breathtaking."

A thin, unfamiliar young man stepped forward to praise.

Lin Yin nodded but did not respond, instead looking at Xu Chang.

In truth, he had already reached the beginner stage of the Cloud Settling Stake Technique several days ago. Since his Vajra Stake Technique had already reached Minor Accomplishment, mastering the Cloud Settling Stake Technique's basics came naturally.

Lin Yin had long intended to inform Xu Chang of his progress in the stake technique.

He had no desire to waste time as a Living Stake. Showing a portion of his strength and formally entering the Martial Arts School was the better course.

Lin Yin had never forgotten his purpose in coming to Fist Manor.

Join the Martial Arts School, secure a foothold in this chaotic world.

Xu Chang heavily patted Lin Yin on the shoulder. Though his frame was thin, he was as steady as a rock. Xu Chang burst into hearty laughter, repeatedly shouting praise.

"Junior Brother Lin, I'll go report to Martial Uncle for you right away. To reach the beginner stage of the stake technique in just over half a month—this talent is absolutely top-tier."

Hearing this, the crowd erupted in murmurs.

"Really just half a month..."

Li Qianjiang's expression shifted repeatedly.

The surrounding disciples were even more effusive in their praise and admiration, their intent to form a connection unmistakable.

Some disciples even asked Xu Chang for an introduction. Xu Chang's eyes and brows carried a smile, but he declined them all.

Regardless, Lin Yin was Xu Chang's recommendation. Anyone wanting to build a relationship would have to go through him, the Bole.

Xu Chang, who had been "restrained" by Li Qianjiang, was now beaming with spring breeze.

A deadlock had turned alive, and it even brought a huge surprise—how could Xu Chang not be happy?

Watching the disciples whispering among themselves and the burning glances sweeping toward him, Lin Yin's expression was unreadable, his thoughts unknown.

After some deliberation, Xu Chang tactfully declined these disciples' probing.

"Once Junior Brother Lin formally enters the school, if you junior brothers and sisters are interested, you may decide for yourselves."

Xu Chang said only this before pulling Lin Yin away from the enthusiastic disciples.

"You all pick your Living Stakes here. I'll take Junior Brother Lin to see Martial Uncle."

With that, he gave them no chance, shielding Lin Yin like a protective mother hen as he led him toward the Inner Court.

The remaining Living Stake selection did not cool down with Lin Yin's departure; instead, it grew even more heated. Aside from standouts like Shi Zhong, even those with little hope were successfully chosen.

When Lin Yin followed Xu Chang into the Inner Court, he couldn't help but voice his confusion.

Lin Yin didn't understand why those Inner Court disciples were so enthusiastic toward him. Even if he entered the school, he would only be an ordinary disciple.

Xu Chang shook his head, smiling as he explained the reason.

"Junior Brother, you don't understand. Even the most ordinary new disciple is worth others' attention."

Xu Chang, shedding his usual calm demeanor, spoke with a grin.

His turnaround relied entirely on Lin Yin's breakthrough, and inwardly he was grateful for the care he had shown him recently.

Gilding the lily was nothing compared to the true sincerity of offering coal in a snowstorm.

"Senior Brother, what do you mean exactly?"

Lin Yin pressed on.

Xu Chang spoke as they walked.

"Once you reach the beginner stage of the stake technique, you are no longer a Commoner. You must have felt this yourself. Aside from those with exceptional talent, the fact that two or three ordinary strong men can't get near you shows something."

"Most importantly, you've successfully entered the beginner stage. The true gate of martial arts has been thrown wide open for you."

Xu Chang's expression turned solemn.

"Everyone says the Martial Arts School's selection is harsh, but they don't know the reason behind it.

First, they test Bone Structure, because those with poor Bone Structure who learn the stake technique will only end up with flowery fists and fancy footwork. They may never knock on the great gate in their entire lives!"

Xu Chang's expression turned somewhat grave as he spoke, his words carrying a hint of ruthlessness.

"The initial stage of martial arts has three barriers, as you likely know: Bright Strength, Hidden Strength, and Transforming Strength. The world only knows of these three, each harder than the last, but they don't realize there are actually four!"

"Four..." Lin Yin's eyes flickered, a guess forming in his mind.

"Correct—the first hurdle is entering the Stance Skill! Stance Skill requires Essence, Qi, and Spirit to merge as one, harmonizing without flaw to break through. Many get stuck here, ending up as mediocrities with nothing but fancy moves!"

"Fancy moves..." Somehow, Lin Yin was reminded of the declining Chinese Martial Arts from his past life.

"This is why the Martial Arts School insists on passing the Bone Structure test. If your Bone Structure is poor, not only can you not practice martial arts, you can't even cross the first threshold!" Xu Chang's voice carried a certain cruelty and certainty.

'So even the entry itself is a hurdle. No wonder Lin Lin was so smug...' Lin Yin had thought all entry was a natural progression.

"Senior Brother, then why doesn't the world know about this barrier, letting people think the school only cares about Bone Structure..."

"Heh, that's because the next three barriers are several times harder than the first, each layer more difficult than the last. As for how hard... From entry to Condensing Strength, it took me three months... and I nearly failed the breakthrough, my Qi and Blood dispersing." Xu Chang's face showed a trace of lingering fear and regret, his words filled with awe for the danger of condensing strength.

"Three months..." Lin Yin's eyes flickered as he considered his own training time. About a month and a half. As for the so-called danger of a second breakthrough, he didn't seem to feel much...

"Do you know why their attitude toward you changed so drastically?" Xu Chang smiled mysteriously, holding back a little.

"Please enlighten me, Senior Brother." Lin Yin pressed on.

"Ha! Of course it's because you entered the Stance Skill in less than a month! Everyone knows that the shorter the time to enter Stance Skill, the more likely your Condensing Strength progress will far exceed others. Now you should understand why you suddenly became so popular... Some genuinely want to befriend you, and others even want to recruit you outright." Xu Chang winked meaningfully.

Lin Yin wanted to ask for more details, but Xu Chang brushed him off. "Once you enter the Inner Court, you'll understand."

With that, Xu Chang stopped walking. Lin Yin snapped back to attention—they had arrived at their destination. The Side Room before him was not unfamiliar; it was the same room Zhang Da Niu had once entered!

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