Unsettled Times

After the meal, Li Chuan called Li Qing over to an open patch of ground.

The martial arts taught at the academy could not be passed on privately, so he could only teach Li Qing some methods for tempering his strength.

After a moment of thought, Li Chuan decided to teach Li Qing how to lift stones.

Lifting stones was a common training method used in martial arts academies; it did not count as a secret technique and could be taught freely.

Li Chuan picked up a small stone and said to Li Qing:

"Big Brother, there is a trick to lifting stones. Like this: bend your knees, spread your hands, lift the stone slowly and steadily over your head, hold it for ten breaths, then lower it. Repeat this motion."

"You can practice this whenever you have free time. There are also some other pointers..."

In the distance, a group of people watched the scene of Li Chuan and Li Qing chatting and laughing.

Qin Sanfeng wiped her eyes:

"Father, I spoke in anger just now. Chuan is a good boy, and I support him in practicing martial arts."

Li Nian's lips trembled, and he finally said:

"It has been hard on you and Qing."

Qin Sanfeng shook her head:

"If Chuan can earn a scholarly title and be exempted from taxes and corvée labor, then we will enjoy a good life too."

Qin Sanfeng meant these words sincerely.

Anning County levied a twenty percent tax on them, and on top of that, many patrol officers would eat breakfast without paying.

From time to time, they would also come to collect "shop fees," "sewage fees," and "governance fees."

After layer upon layer of exploitation, their seemingly bustling breakfast shop didn't have much money left at the end of each month.

If Li Chuan could earn a scholarly title, all these fees would be waived.

Life at home would also become much easier.

Watching the usually silent Li Qing diligently lifting the stone according to Li Chuan's instructions, Qin Sanfeng couldn't help but smile:

"That silly boy."

The lingering hostility she felt toward Li Chuan in her heart dissipated completely.

After finishing his instruction to Li Qing, it was time for Li Chuan to return to the martial arts academy.

At the doorway of their home.

The family saw Li Chuan off.

Li Qing said earnestly:

"Chuan, take care of yourself and study martial arts well. I will earn enough money for you."

Li Nian said with a chuckle:

"Chuan, don't slack off once you're at the academy. Strive to break through the barrier as soon as possible."

Wang Xiumei walked up and took Li Chuan's hand:

"Chuan'er, just do your best with the martial arts. Don't listen to what your grandfather says; whatever you do, don't hurt your body. Even if you don't succeed, you can come back to the breakfast shop, and Mother will be able to provide you with a meal."

Li Chuan nodded with a smile, waved his hand, and turned to leave.

In his hand, he held a pouch containing one tael of silver.

This was the food money the whole family had scraped together through frugality, carrying the hopes of the entire household.

Held in his palm, it felt somewhat heavy.

His family didn't understand the intricacies of martial arts and assumed that just getting into the academy meant success.

It was just like the college entrance exams in his past life; people always thought that getting into a good university meant the rest of their lives would be secure.

But this was only the first step.

Ahead lay the pressures of further advancement, employment, housing, vehicles, and marriage.

Each hurdle is difficult to overcome, yet one must pass them all.

Li Chuan shook his head, deciding not to think too far ahead.

He began to calculate his next steps in his mind.

As he walked, the corner of his eye caught a few familiar figures.

Liu Hu?

And his lackeys.

What were they doing here?

Li Chuan frowned, lowered his head, and quickened his pace, hoping to avoid them.

With his current strength, it was best not to run into this plague god.

Ten steps.

Five steps.

Three steps.

Li Chuan walked past Liu Hu, who remained indifferent.

Li Chuan breathed a sigh of relief.

The next second.

A hand rested on his shoulder.

Liu Hu, tall and sturdy like an iron tower, draped an arm around him, blocking out some of the sun.

He smiled and said:

"Brother Li, where are you headed?"

Li Chuan's heart raced, but he tried his best to keep his expression steady:

"To Pine Wind Martial Hall."

Hearing the name of the martial hall, Liu Hu restrained himself slightly and lowered his hand.

He chuckled:

"Brother Li, tell me, what's the use of practicing martial arts? If you can't break through the barrier, you're not much stronger than me. Why not give the silver to me, and I'll teach you a few moves."

Liu Hu's underlings burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Seeing Li Chuan didn't respond, Liu Hu curled his lips, feeling snubbed.

He continued to ask:

"How is your grandfather's consideration coming along?"

"Still considering."

Liu Hu narrowed his eyes and offered a well-intentioned warning:

"Brother Li, try to persuade your grandfather more. At his age, his body is frail and can't handle much tossing and turning."

Li Chuan didn't reply and quickened his pace as he walked away.

He lowered his eyelids, a cold glint flickering in his eyes.

If he had achieved success in martial arts, he would have said "you are courting death" right now.

Unfortunately, he was too weak at the moment.

"Damn his mother, he stole my wife!"

"So what if I stole her?"

"I'll kill you!"

The two groups started fighting without another word.

The situation immediately spiraled out of control.

In an instant, red and white matter splattered everywhere as if it were worthless.

"The Black Bear Gang and the Iron Tiger Gang are fighting again. Who will win this time?"

"The Iron Tiger Gang won last time; I reckon it'll be about the same this time."

Many civilians hid in the shadows, whispering to each other.

"Fighting is forbidden within the city!"

A dozen bailiffs with sabers shouted angrily as they charged out.

The members of the two gangs scattered like birds and beasts.

Li Chuan tightened his clothes and quickly detoured to the side to avoid being dragged into the chaos.

Anning County was divided into an outer city and an inner city; the outer city was filled with gangs and thieves everywhere.

The inner city was the residence of the masters, where law and order were well-maintained.

The world was becoming increasingly chaotic, and the turmoil in the outer city was growing more frequent.

Everyone could feel the scent of gunpowder growing thicker.

No one knew when it would reach its limit and explode, causing the collapse of order.

"In this world, only when your own fists are hard can you gain a foothold."

Li Chuan bypassed the many onlookers and stepped into Pine Wind Martial Hall.

The previous clamor and noise seemed to have nothing to do with this place.

A single gate divided the inside and outside into two different worlds.

No matter how the outside changed or which gang claimed to be king, Pine Wind Martial Hall remained as steady as a mountain.

The master, Gu Fengbo, was a martial artist who had mastered the internal force from the inner city and was considered a rare expert in this outer city.

Under his protection, the martial arts school was as idyllic as an ivory tower.

Even as dusk approached, many disciples in brocade robes and fine silks still wandered about, excitedly discussing which restaurant to visit next or where to go to listen to music.

"Li Chuan? Why are you back so late? Didn't we tell you yesterday that Jiang Ting wants to try the new lion's head meatballs at the Flying Swallow Pavilion?"

"One and a half taels of silver a plate—it might just win you a smile from Jiang Ting!"

"Hurry up, hurry up! Don't keep Jiang Ting waiting!"

The two men raised their eyebrows, wearing mischievous grins.

In the past, whenever they mentioned Jiang Ting's name, Li Chuan would rush to treat them and show off his wealth.

They would always manage to get a few bites of food out of it as well.

But to their surprise, Li Chuan's face lacked its usual excitement and warmth.

He simply refused, calm and collected:

"I have some things to attend to, so I won't be going."

The two exchanged a look of astonishment, wondering why he had suddenly changed his tune.

Could even Jiang Ting no longer stir his heart?

After glancing at each other, they stopped paying attention to Li Chuan and turned to leave.

Li Chuan was merely an insignificant character in their world.

After putting away his bag, Li Chuan walked onto the empty training grounds.

It was nearly dark, and there weren't many people left on the field.

Those still practicing at this hour were mostly dressed in plain clothes, hailing from ordinary backgrounds.

Only those without family support viewed the martial path as their sole hope, pouring their efforts into grueling training.

It was the same in his past life as it was in this one.

The rich went abroad, while the poor fought for scraps.

Steadying his mind, Li Chuan cast all distracting thoughts aside.

He followed the method for the Mountain-Holding Stance from his memories.

He formed his hands into palms, rested his left foot against his right knee, and lowered his body into a squat.

Before long.

[Mountain-Holding Stance proficiency +1]