Four Stages of Martial Arts

Fang Yue did not dare imagine it. After all, it rather overturned the ingrained notions in his mind.

But on second thought, the belief in his mind that civil officials were more esteemed than military officers—

That was all a concept brought over from his previous life. In this world, he had only ever made one trip far from home, and that had merely been a visit to the County Town.

He was simply someone who had never seen the world.

So, when it came to the civil and martial examinations in this world, or whether civil officials or military officers ranked higher, he truly had no idea.

"Of course the Martial Imperial Exam has better prospects. Military officers are more distinguished, hold greater rank and power," Fang Hu said with certainty.

This was common knowledge in the County Town, something nearly everyone knew.

In a remote rural place like Daliushu Village, farmers only knew to face the yellow earth with their backs to the sky. Anyone dressed in silk and satin was called master. As for which master was formidable and which was not, they could not tell the difference.

"You want to ask why?"

"That is naturally because martial artists cultivate themselves, and great strength belongs to the self. Force Cultivation, Skin Tempering, Bone Forging, Marrow Refining—the Four Stages of Martial Arts."

"Force Cultivation unifies the strength of the entire body into Unified Strength. Even the weakest practitioner possesses the force of a thousand jin. Once Skin Tempering reaches completion, the skin becomes like bronze, difficult for blades and swords to harm. With just these two points, and a suit of armor, one can stand against a thousand men."

"And if one passes Bone Forging and Marrow Refining as well, one becomes a foe that ten thousand men can scarcely contend with."

"Anyone who passes the Martial Imperial Exam is, at the very least, at Bone Forging. Tell me, how could military officers who command such power not be more distinguished than civil officials?"

After finishing, Fang Hu picked up his teacup, gently blew across the surface, and drank.

So that was how it was!

In an instant, Fang Yue understood. Since martial artists in this world could cultivate such power, with great strength belonging to themselves—

Every powerful martial master could sweep aside an army of a thousand.

Then it was only natural that civil officials could not shake the standing of military officers. It was understandable that military officers held higher status and greater distinction.

What puzzled Fang Yue, however, was that in the memories and understanding of the original owner of this body, Master Liu's family had studied and passed the examination, becoming the largest landlord here.

Studying and passing the examination could change one's fate, yet he had never known that practicing martial arts could change one's fate as well.

Now, through Fang Hu's explanation and Master Liu's act of sending gifts, he finally had his answer.

"Thank you for clearing up my doubts, Master."

With his heart settled, Fang Yue became even more determined to continue down the path of martial arts.

"Enough. Go back now. Same time tomorrow—don't forget." Fang Hu waved a hand, dismissing Fang Yue.

Fang Yue hurriedly bowed and took his leave. He had only just turned around when Fang Hu's voice sounded again.

"Oh, right. Have Er Gou get you a few jin of tiger meat. When you pass Widow Yu's house on your way back, bring it to Zhang Shu."

When Zhang Shu had first arrived in Daliushu Village, she had been arranged to stay at Widow Yu's home.

After all, Fang Hu's household contained only him and his son, both men. It was inconvenient for Zhang Shu, a woman, to stay in their home.

Widow Yu, on the other hand, lived only with her daughter, the two relying on each other. It was quite convenient for Zhang Shu to stay there for a while.

Widow Yu was naturally more than willing. After all, if Zhang Shu stayed in her home, Fang Hu would be responsible for their food.

"Understood, Master."

Only then did Fang Yue leave. He accepted the tiger meat Er Gou handed him and departed from Fang Hu's home.

Daliushu Village, at its center.

Within the Liu Family Manor of blue bricks and gray tiles.

"Grandfather, why did you have the steward send silver and cloth to that Fang Yue? His family are nothing but mud-legged peasants. Why hold him in such high regard?"

Young Master Liu of the Liu Family, Liu Chuanzhi, wore green silk and had the air of a scholar. His face was full of dissatisfaction and contempt.

When he had sought Fang Yue out to play that time, it had merely been because he was curious about a country boy.

Later, in the Ancestral Hall, he had accidentally damaged a Sacrificial Vessel.

He was the noble young master of the Liu Family. Naturally, the blame for damaging a Sacrificial Vessel could not fall upon him. It could only be that this country boy had been clumsy and broken it.

What did it have to do with the Liu Family's young master, who had studied since childhood and knew propriety and etiquette?

The other boy had taken the beating for him. Not only did he say nothing, he felt no gratitude whatsoever. Instead, he had developed a dislike for the youth.

"Hmph. What do you know? Remember this: once you go outside, never show that attitude. Fang Yue is different now. He has entered the White Tiger Fist school. Treat him more politely from now on."

Old Master Liu spoke sternly, warning him in earnest.

In truth, he had not needed to send those gifts in the first place. But that incident had happened during the New Year.

He naturally knew that Fang Yue had taken the beating for his grandson.

But what status had Fang Yue held at the time? A mud-legged country peasant, the descendant of a farming household.

So what if he was beaten? In fact, being able to take a beating for his grandson was already an immense honor.

Yet now, that boy had become quite fortunate.

Or perhaps his fate was simply good. He possessed the talent and aptitude for martial arts, and Fang Hu had even taken him in as a disciple.

Although he might not necessarily pass the Martial Imperial Exam in the future—

A martial artist's destructive power could not be underestimated.

If Fang Yue held a grudge, how could the Liu Family live peacefully in Daliushu Village?

That was why they sent some gifts, showing goodwill and letting the matter pass.

"Grandfather, I understand. In a few days, I will visit him and apologize to him." At this moment, Liu Chuanzhi also put away his arrogance.

He was not some countryman who knew nothing. He understood the status of martial masters very well.

The White Tiger Martial Arts School was also among the highest-ranking military forces in Xiahe County Town.

Whether in the County Yamen or the City Guard of Xiahe County Town, there were disciples of White Tiger Fist.

White Tiger Fist had no small influence. Not to mention that martial masters themselves possessed formidable strength—his Liu Family Manor was filled with nothing but ordinary servants, who could not stop such a person.

Therefore, although he felt deeply indignant—

Why was it that he had been born so well, yet his martial aptitude was merely middling at best, leaving him unable to find a master even now?

While Fang Yue, the insignificant son of a farming household, had caught Fang Hu's eye and become a disciple of White Tiger Fist.

It truly left one unable to find peace in one's heart!

"Mm, that would be best. If you can think this way, then our Liu Family will have someone to carry it on in the future!" Old Master Liu said with a smile, deeply gratified.

Those who know the times are heroes. Now that Fang Yue had found backing and risen to power—

Lowering their heads and befriending him was the wise course of action.

His grandson was even willing to set aside his pride and resentment, swallow his face, and apologize to Fang Yue, resolving the small grudge between them.

Such breadth of mind and bearing was enough to inherit the Liu Family estate!

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

"Ah, why is light leaking through your roof? And why is this table so black? And here—"

Inside Widow Yu's home, Zhang Shu pinched her nose and pointed at everything in the house, unable to stop herself from frowning.

"Miss Zhang, this is all our home has. I'm truly sorry. I'll tidy all this up right away," Widow Yu said with an apologetic smile.