Jiang Chen

Anning Prefecture, White Cloud County.

Early morning, the rising sun ascended, and all things stirred to life.

On the bed, Jiang Chen, his face pale, opened his eyes in a daze.

Within his mind, the memories of his past and present lives were constantly merging.

Ancient martial artist, Kunlun Mountain ruins, mysterious ancient map...

In his past life, he was an ancient martial artist.

Because the inheritance of ancient martial arts had been severed, he ventured into the ruins deep within Kunlun Mountain to explore, only to trigger a restriction and lose his life.

Dagan Dynasty, Martial Arts Hall training, danger in a Cursed House...

In this life, he was born into a merchant family.

Half a year ago, the Jiang clan conducted bone-testing on youths of age.

He was found to have the aptitude for the Martial Dao and was sent by the clan to a Martial Arts Hall to cultivate.

However, after entering the Martial Arts Hall, he became infatuated with a female disciple, fawning over her all day and completely neglecting his cultivation.

Yesterday, in an attempt to play the hero, he broke into a haunted Cursed House alone.

Unfortunately, he truly encountered an evil spirit and nearly lost his life.

Yet, because of this, he awakened the spiritual wisdom of his past life; it could be considered a blessing in disguise.

"Martial Dao!"

After the memories of his two lives merged, Jiang Chen sat up halfway, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

The Dagan Dynasty was founded on martial power and held martial strength in the highest regard.

This "martial" was not the martial arts of his past life, but the [Martial Dao]!

It is said that the strongest of the Martial Dao can lift mountains and overturn seas, fly through the heavens and burrow into the earth, and even possess a lifespan of several hundred years...

This naturally stirred his heart and soul.

The path of ancient martial arts he had explored in his past life was completely insignificant compared to the [Martial Dao] of this world.

No, it didn't even qualify as insignificant.

Overturning seas!

Flying through the heavens and burrowing into the earth!

A lifespan of several hundred years!

This was nothing short of a myth or legend!

Creak.

Suddenly, the door was gently pushed open.

A somewhat portly man and a woman with a gentle expression entered.

"Chen'er?!"

Seeing Jiang Chen wake up, Lin Shuyun was ecstatic and hurried over.

"Is your head dizzy? Do you feel any discomfort in your body?"

Jiang Sihai also walked quickly to the bedside, checking his pulse while asking.

"Father, Mother, don't worry, I'm fine."

Jiang Chen collected his thoughts and shook his head gently.

It was strange to say, but although he had encountered an evil spirit, his body suffered no major harm.

"Aside from being a bit blood-deficient, there is indeed no problem."

After a careful diagnosis, Jiang Sihai felt relieved, but his face soon darkened, filled with frustration:

"You brainless thing, you dare to go anywhere just because someone goaded you?"

When Jiang Chen was first found to have the aptitude for the Martial Dao, he felt as if his ancestral graves were smoking with good fortune, full of hope that Jiang Chen would achieve success in the Martial Dao.

One must know that in the Dagan Dynasty, having absolute martial power meant possessing everything.

As long as one was strong enough, even becoming the ruler of the world would meet with no dissent.

But over the past half-year, Jiang Chen's actions had completely extinguished his expectations.

This brat was simply a debt collector from his past life.

"Chen'er just woke up, why say such things?"

Seeing this, Lin Shuyun quickly tried to smooth things over to prevent a conflict between father and son.

"Master, the Third Grand-Elder is here."

At this moment, a steward hurried over.

"Third Granduncle?"

Jiang Sihai was taken aback.

Third Granduncle was the elder with the highest seniority in the Jiang Clan and also the head of the clan.

Usually, if there were matters to attend to, he would be summoned to the clan hall; why would he come in person today?

"It must be something major. Husband, you should head to the main hall first."

Lin Shuyun took the opportunity to say.

"Go to the storehouse and get two mountain ginsengs to brew a bowl of ginseng soup for the young master."

As Jiang Sihai left, he gave instructions to the steward.

His frustration at Jiang Chen's lack of progress was real, but so was his concern.

After all, with only one heir, he couldn't afford for his health to fail.

"Understood."

The steward went to make arrangements.

"Your father is just stubborn with his words."

Hearing Jiang Sihai's arrangements, Lin Shuyun said with a smile.

"Mother, I am fine now; you don't need to stay here."

Jiang Chen naturally understood the concern his parents had for him.

"Then get some good rest; Mother will go brew that ginseng soup for you."

Seeing Jiang Chen's pale complexion, Lin Shuyun also stood up and left.

"Let's try the White Ape Stance."

Unable to contain himself, Jiang Chen put on his clothes, got out of bed, and began to practice the stance right there.

His posture was rather peculiar: his legs were slightly parted and bent, his waist and back arched like a bow to store power, and his arms hung in a state of neither fully relaxed nor fully tense...

At a glance, it did not look like a common horse stance, but rather like an ape sitting in stillness.

This stance technique was the White Ape Stance.

On the path of martial arts, Blood Qi comes first!

In layman's terms, to become a martial artist, one must condense martial Blood Qi.

What is martial Blood Qi?

It is a source of energy hidden within the body.

It cannot be seen or touched.

Only those with martial aptitude possess this source of energy.

And to stimulate this source of energy, one must practice specific stance techniques.

Dong~

Just as Jiang Chen began the stance, an ethereal sound echoed deep within his mind.

In that instant, his consciousness was drawn into a state of "internal vision."

He saw that deep within his Soul Sea, a mysterious ancient chart was floating silently.

The chart was pale purple, wreathed in chaotic Dao patterns, and displayed three lines of ancient characters:

[Myriad Dao Chart]
[Dao Master: Jiang Chen]
[Technique: White Ape Stance · Entry 1%]

"This is... the ancient chart from the Kunlun Mountain ruins?!"

The moment he saw the mysterious chart, Jiang Chen immediately realized what it was.

There was no mistake.

This was the very chart he had discovered in the ruins of Kunlun Mountain in his past life.

Had this chart actually followed him through reincarnation?

Or was it because of this chart that he was able to be reborn in the first place?

Dong!

As Jiang Chen pondered, the ethereal sound rang out again, and the Myriad Dao Chart bloomed with brilliant light.

Immediately, a void-like figure appeared on the chart, assuming the posture of the White Ape Stance.

Following that, insights regarding the practice of the White Ape Stance emerged from that void-like figure, flowing continuously into his Soul Sea.

Those insights felt as if he had personally practiced the technique ten thousand times.

It was a sensation etched into his marrow and deep into his soul.

[White Ape Stance experience +1]

In less than ten breaths, a line of ethereal text appeared on the Myriad Dao Chart.

[Cultivation Method: White Ape Stance · Entry 2%]

Under the cultivation method column, the progress of the White Ape Stance had increased.

Jiang Chen's stance adjusted itself naturally with subtle refinements.

Comprehension increasing...

Is this the power of the Myriad Dao Chart?!

This is practically a cheat code!

Even with Jiang Chen's temperament, he could not help but feel his heart surge with excitement.

In just ten short breaths, he had gained 1% experience.

Doesn't that mean in just two hours, the White Ape Stance could reach 100% entry level?

Jiang Clan main hall.

"Third Granduncle, Seventh Uncle, Second Uncle..."

Jiang Sihai hurried into the hall, only to find that all the clan elders were present.

"Sihai is here, sit."

At the head of the table, Jiang Guiyuan, with his white hair and beard, beckoned with a cheerful smile.

Although he was already in his eighties, his complexion was ruddy and his eyes were bright; there was no sign of old age about him at all.

This was the difference between a martial artist and an ordinary person.

Even in old age, a martial artist's physical foundation remained far stronger than that of an average person.

"Third Granduncle, since you came in person, has something happened within the clan?"

After serving tea to Jiang Guiyuan, Jiang Sihai asked about the purpose of his visit.

"City Lord Yu has left."

After taking a sip of tea, Jiang Guiyuan got straight to the point.

"City Lord Yu has left?"

"Does that mean the rumors are true? Is the imperial court really going to abandon Anning Prefecture?"

Jiang Sihai was shocked.

Since the founding of Great Gan, over nine hundred years had passed.

Initially, the eight wildernesses submitted and the four seas flourished; it could be called a thousand-year golden age!

But ever since Grand Ancestor passed away more than a decade ago, the authority of the imperial court had been declining day by day.

At first, it was only the wild borderlands that saw unrest and rebellion.

Later, forces in various counties and prefectures gradually rose up, carving out territories and declaring themselves kings.

Now, were they actually going to abandon even a prosperous place like Anning Prefecture?

This was certainly not good news for them.

The reason their Jiang Clan could gain a foothold in the Prefecture City was precisely because they had established ties with the City Lord's Mansion!

"In name, Anning Prefecture is still the territory of the imperial court."

"But in reality, from now on, every county in Anning Prefecture will be taken over by the Upper Sect, and our White Cloud County is no exception."

Jiang Guiyuan waved his hand, signaling for Jiang Sihai to calm down.

The situation in Anning Prefecture was still somewhat different from those rebellious regions.

"The Upper Sect? The True Sun Sect?"

Within the territory of Anning Prefecture, the only force that could be called an Upper Sect was the True Sun Sect.

Although the True Sun Sect only had a history of a hundred years, its foundation was extremely strong and its background unfathomable; it was the undisputed titan of Anning Prefecture.

"Third Granduncle, can we establish a connection with the True Sun Sect?"

Jiang Sihai immediately proposed.

The territory of White Cloud County was a place where dragons and snakes mingled, with interests intricately intertwined.

Without a backer, they would sooner or later be devoured and wiped out by other forces.

"I have pulled every string, but all my efforts have been like stones sinking into the ocean."

Jiang Guiyuan shook his head gently.

What Jiang Sihai could think of, he naturally could as well, and he had already put it into action long ago.

Unfortunately, they were merely a small merchant clan in White Cloud County; they simply could not catch the eye of a behemoth like the True Sun Sect.

"However, before City Lord Yu departed, he shared a piece of news."

Jiang Guiyuan added.

"What news?"

Jiang Sihai asked hurriedly.

"After the Upper Sect takes over Anning Prefecture, they will establish a City Guard in every county and district to deal with unrest across the region."

"The commanders of the City Guard will be dispatched directly by the Upper Sect, but the personnel serving under them will be recruited from the local counties and districts."

"As for the recruitment criteria, they will be selected from the Martial Exam and the Martial Trials!"

Jiang Guiyuan revealed the news.

This was a comprehensive and thorough reshuffling that would sweep across the entire Anning Prefecture.

The True Sun Sect intended to use these local City Guards as anchors to construct a massive web of interests.

Those who could secure a seat at the table would be able to share in the regional profits.

Those who could not would be reduced to the very interests being carved up by all parties.

Once this web was fully formed, the True Sun Sect would become the true absolute ruler of Anning Prefecture.

For their Jiang Clan, this was also the only opportunity to turn their fortunes around.

If they could place on the Martial Exam and join the City Guard, they would be able to maintain their foothold in the Prefecture City.

If no one made the list, they would have to consider plans to migrate out of the Prefecture City.

"Martial Exam!"

"Martial Trials!"

Hearing this, Jiang Sihai understood the intention behind Jiang Guiyuan's personal visit.

The Martial Exam and Martial Trials were systems established by the Grand Ancestor while he was alive.

The Martial Exam was held once a year.

Any martial artist under the age of eighteen could participate to earn a scholarly rank.

The Martial Trials were held once every three years.

Martial artists under the age of twenty-five who already held a scholarly rank could participate in the Martial Trials.

The purpose of both the Martial Exam and the Martial Trials was to screen for martial arts talent.

In this generation of the Jiang Clan, there were only two clansmen of the appropriate age with the aptitude for martial arts.

One was Jiang Chen.

The other was Jiang Xuan, a descendant of Jiang Guiyuan's lineage.

Both were fifteen years old.

Both had enrolled in the Martial Arts Hall half a year ago.

Jiang Xuan had now reached the perfection of the Three Qi and Blood Gates, only a hair's breadth away from the True Martial Realm, and was an elite disciple of the Martial Arts Hall.

In contrast, Jiang Chen was still stuck at the stage of standing on stakes; the two were as different as heaven and earth.

Jiang Guiyuan's visit today was likely to consolidate the clan's resources to cultivate Jiang Xuan with all their might.

"This year's Martial Exam concerns the survival of our Jiang Clan."

"Therefore, after consulting with the other elders, we have decided to fully fund Xuan'er, and every branch of the clan must contribute."

As expected, Seventh Uncle, who had come along, stated the purpose of their visit.

"Seventh Uncle, I wonder exactly how much this contribution is expected to be?"

Seeing all the clan elders staring at him, Jiang Sihai had a bad premonition.

"Each branch's situation is different, so the contributions vary. Sihai, your family's shops have good returns, so from now on, you will contribute five hundred taels of silver each month."

Seventh Uncle said.

"Five hundred taels?!"

Jiang Sihai's expression stiffened.

He knew he would have to bleed, but he hadn't expected to lose so much blood.

In the past, handing over three hundred taels had already made his heart ache, but now it had skyrocketed to five hundred.

Over the course of a year, that amounted to six thousand taels.

This was equivalent to handing over their entire annual profit.

If business went poorly, he would even have to dip into his own savings.

"Sihai, I know that your family's shops were bought with the lives of your grandfather and your father, and by rights, the clan has no authority to interfere."

"But these are extraordinary times. If Xuan'er does not place high this year, then from here on out, there will no longer be a place for our Jiang Clan in the Prefecture City."

"As long as we endure these few years and wait for Xuan'er to enter the City Guard, the sacrifices your family makes now will surely be returned tenfold or hundredfold in the future."

Seeing that Jiang Sihai remained silent, the other clan elders spoke up one after another.

They did not mention Jiang Chen once, yet the implication in their words was painfully obvious.

Jiang Chen was merely a bystander; Jiang Xuan was the hope of the entire clan.

"Fine, I will hand over five hundred taels on time every month."

When the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken; Jiang Sihai understood this principle well.

If Jiang Chen had shown promise, he could have argued his case.

Unfortunately...

"Then it is settled."

With the matter successfully negotiated, Jiang Guiyuan and the others rose to take their leave.

"Oh, that's right, Sihai. The East District has been restless lately. Thieves have been targeting merchant goods, so you should be extra vigilant."

As he stepped out the door, Jiang Guiyuan seemed to recall something and turned back to offer a reminder.

"I understand."

Jiang Sihai nodded.

He, too, had sensed the growing chaos within the city.

"Husband, what happened?"

Lin Shuyun, who had just come from the kitchen, could see that Jiang Sihai was troubled.

"White Cloud County is about to change."

Jiang Sihai did not hide the truth and laid out their current predicament.

"Five hundred taels of silver every month? What will happen to Chen'er then?"

Lin Shuyun was well aware of their family's financial situation.

If this money were handed over, there would be nothing left to fund Jiang Chen's martial arts training.

As the saying goes, literature is for the poor, but martial arts are for the rich.

While studying also costs money, it is not on the same level as martial arts.

Take Jiang Chen, for example; his monthly tuition alone cost twenty taels of silver.

Furthermore, his daily meals could not be too meager.

If his nutrition could not keep up, forcing himself to train would be nothing more than a path to self-destruction.

In addition, there were the occasional hot compresses, massages, acupuncture, and the like.

This was because training damaged the body, and without proper care, the accumulated injuries would eventually lead to illness.

Calculating it all, even with a conservative estimate, it cost fifty taels of silver a month.

Although the family still had a fair amount of savings, they could not afford to sit idly by and watch their wealth dwindle.

"Since Chen'er has no heart for martial arts, he might as well come back early to learn how to manage the business. Once the situation stabilizes in a couple of years, we will find him a wife."

As for Jiang Chen, Jiang Sihai had long since lost the high expectations he held half a year ago.

Now, he only hoped that Jiang Chen would live smoothly and settle down to start a family soon.

When Jiang Chen was carried home yesterday, it had nearly scared the soul out of him.

Lin Shuyun also knew of Jiang Chen's lazy nature and could only sigh helplessly.

"I am going to check on the shop. You stay home and watch over Chen'er; don't let him run off."

Recalling Jiang Guiyuan's warning, Jiang Sihai hurried away.