Superior Bone Structure

The golden sun sank into the western mountains, leaving a thin streak of blood-red light across the sky as Grandfather and Second Uncle returned from the fields.

Li Pingsheng took the initiative to serve them rice and pour water, a gesture that left Second Uncle quite startled.

One had to know that the original owner had relied on his talent to demand whatever he pleased from the family without showing much respect. While Second Uncle never said anything aloud, he harbored more than a few grievances toward his nephew. Coupled with the fact that the old man had borrowed ten taels of silver from the Black Water Gang, effectively gambling the family's lives, how could he not have thoughts on the matter?

Seeing Li Pingsheng acting so solicitous, he weighed the situation in his mind, his expression turning sour.

The family was poor, and they ate in the dim light, barely able to see their food by the fading glow of the stove.

Madam Li and Second Aunt told the old man about Master Qin's visit. The old man just grunted, not taking it to heart, and merely encouraged Li Pingsheng to work harder.

Li Pingsheng fell silent for a moment, thinking of the bone-testing in five days. Although he possessed the primary-level specialty [Blood Strengthening], he could not guarantee that the master conducting the test would be affected again now that he was prepared. It would be best to use these five days to light up [Tiger Bone]; only then would he be absolutely certain of success.

"Grandfather, I want to give it my all these next few days. Is it possible to add one more dose of Blood Strengthening Powder each day?"

One dose of Blood Strengthening Powder cost one tael of silver; five days would mean five taels.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Second Uncle's face turned pitch black. He slammed his chopsticks onto the table with a "clack" and said in a low, heavy voice:

"Big Nephew, the family really is..."

The old man interrupted him.

"Fine!"

In the night air, the old man's words seemed soaked in dampness, heavy as iron.

"Second, take my thin coffin out to be sold tomorrow. It should fetch at least a tael of silver."

Second Uncle grew anxious.

"Father!"

The old man had worked himself to the bone his entire life, saving only enough for his own burial, yet now he was going to throw it all away.

"That's enough! As long as Pingsheng can enter the Azure Cloud Martial Hall, what is this small sacrifice!"

Li Pingsheng had not expected the old man to go to such lengths. His throat bobbed, and he squeezed out a dry, raspy sentence:

"Grandson will work hard!"

The next day.

Li Pingsheng went to the Azure Cloud Martial Hall as usual, ignoring the countless cold glares he received along the way.

After all, he had begged and pleaded for this set of clothes and the Health Preservation Stance; enduring a few looks was nothing to be ashamed of.

The instructor would not offer him any special guidance, so he stood to the side, practicing while he watched. With the [Blood Strengthening] specialty as a foundation, he had no fear of training-related injuries.

Five days passed in a row. Li Pingsheng maintained his routine between the martial hall and home, consuming seven doses of Blood Strengthening Powder during that time. Finally, on the morning of the sixth day, he lit up the [Tiger Bone] specialty.

Now, everything was ready; he only lacked the east wind!

"Pingsheng, don't be nervous. Just act as you always do."

On the day of the bone-testing, Grandfather and Second Uncle did not go out, joining Madam Li and Second Aunt to see Li Pingsheng off.

The day was clear and bright, the sun shining beautifully.

Standing at the doorway of their dilapidated shack, he looked back at the familiar, dear faces. Li Pingsheng let out a long breath, his eyes filled with determination, and said briefly:

"I'm off. Wait for my good news."

At the same time, a crowd of onlookers had gathered in front of the Azure Cloud Martial Hall. They spoke in hushed tones, no one daring to make a loud noise.

"I heard this 'top-tier talent' comes from the Wealthy District. Can that godforsaken place really produce a genius?"

"What do you know? The master conducting the bone-testing already said this kid doesn't have top-tier talent at all. He used underhanded tricks to court fame. After today, he'll be a street rat that everyone wants to beat!"

"Is that for real?"

Master Qin arrived at the martial hall with two lackeys. The three squeezed to the front, Master Qin's gaunt, sunken face twisted into a grimace as he whispered to his men:

"You two stay sharp. Once the verdict is in, head straight to the Wealthy District and grab the whole Li Family. Don't let them run!"

The lackey shook the rolls of fat on his face.

"Understood. The women get sold into the dark houses, and the men get dragged off to the Sea Embankment Construction. We'll make sure Master Qin doesn't lose a cent."

And so, amidst discussions and gazes filled with varying emotions, Li Pingsheng, dressed in a slim-fitting white robe, arrived calmly at the Azure Cloud Martial Hall.

Under countless stares, he pushed the door open and walked in. It was no different from when he used to sneak in to watch lessons and practice punches, only now, the disciples inside were all watching him with cold, expectant eyes.

In the center of the training ground stood an elderly master with a square face and an air of uprightness. Aside from him, there was no one else.

At this, anyone with eyes could see what was happening.

Logically, if a top-tier talent were being admitted, the hall master should have made an appearance. But since he was absent, it was clear they didn't think much of Li Pingsheng.

"Come on, stop dawdling."

Master Pei frowned and barked. He had no fondness for the handsome, well-mannered youth before him; the last time he had tested his bones, the boy had taken medicine that disrupted his blood flow, nearly ruining his reputation.

Li Pingsheng stood his ground calmly, his expression natural, without a hint of flinching.

Master Pei let out a cold snort, thinking to himself that some people never shed tears until they see their own coffin.

Whoosh—

He slammed a heavy palm toward Li Pingsheng's chest, only to pull his strength back at the very last moment, using a gentle force to surge through Li Pingsheng's blood and qi.

His other hand gripped Li Pingsheng's wrist, eyes closed in concentration as he carefully sensed the state within.

The next moment.

This upright and righteous old master flew into a towering rage, bellowing:

"How bold! Last time you ruined your blood and qi with medicine to interfere with my judgment, and now you try the same trick again? Do you really take me for a fool?"

This sentence was like a spark, igniting everyone present.

"Heh, this kid has some nerve. A trick that works once won't work every time. By offending Master Pei, he won't be able to survive in Qingyun County anymore."

Master Qin reacted with lightning speed, shouting sharply:

"What are you still standing there for? Go and tie up the Li Family! This little beast, he's infuriated me!"

Two lackeys took off running.

Questions, mockery, and ridicule flooded into his ears, buzzing incessantly. Li Pingsheng looked calmly at the enraged old man and said indifferently:

"I would not dare. I ask that Master Pei test me once more!"

Pei Guang was just about to curse, but he felt that something was wrong.

When he checked the bones last time, he was certain Li Pingsheng had taken medicine, because the blood and qi disrupted by the drugs were scattered and lacked solidity.

But now, upon touching him, the pulse was steady and powerful. If he listened closely, he could even hear the sound of blood and qi surging within Li Pingsheng's body.

This was clearly the state of blood and qi so robust it rivaled that of a wild beast!

Only then did Pei Guang realize he had been blinded by his preconceptions and had wronged the boy. Caught in a dilemma, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and proceed with the bone-testing.

After a thorough examination, his eyes trembled. With a hoarse voice, he cried out:

"That's right, it is a top-tier bone structure!"

His voice was very soft, yet it carried immense weight—heavy enough to suppress the doubts and mockery inside and outside the martial arts hall, and heavy enough to make the world go black before Master Qin's eyes.

He screamed internally: You old bastard Pei, you've ruined me!!!

But the lackeys had long since run off; it was impossible to call them back now. Thinking of this, Master Qin felt like crying but had no tears.

Offending someone with a top-tier bone structure was a big deal; offending someone with a top-tier bone structure whose blood and qi were like a wolf's was a life-threatening disaster.

Li Pingsheng withdrew his hand, cupped his fists in a salute, and said respectfully:

"Thank you for the bone-testing, Master Pei. May I ask when I may enter the hall?"

Pei Guang felt ashamed. This young man had been insulted by him yet remained perfectly polite. He had always prided himself on fairness and justice, yet he had just committed a bastardly act. Thinking of this, he gave a dry cough.

"Wait a moment, I will personally take you to see the Hall Master!"

Li Pingsheng turned around, locking eyes with Master Qin across the crowd. Seeing that the space beside him was now empty, he narrowed his eyes and said softly:

"Please be quick. My family is likely waiting impatiently to hear my good news!"