The first of the ninth lunar month was the first day of lessons at Pingxi Prefecture Martial Arts Academy in the current term. This also meant that it was the first lesson the new students of the martial arts academy would attend and the venue was the huge classroom in the academy.
Apart from the old students, most of the new students had already arrived and filled the seats of the classroom, leaving only a few empty seats. The entire classroom was filled with excitement. All of the people were whispering to the people beside them rather excitedly while some couldnât help but look everywhere. The sight before Yan Liqiangâs eyes was no different from those university students in lecture halls during their first day of lessons at the university.
Yan Liqiang still came even though he already knew the subject of the first lesson and had even âgone throughâ it once.
There were almost no new students who didnât attend the first lesson. Yan Liqiang didnât wish to attract too much unnecessary attention either which is why he came. There was another important reason for it. Yan Liqiang had been clueless about everything that had happened to his body over these two days. Living in Wuyang Village, he couldnât find anyone he could ask. Therefore, he was hoping that he could seize the opportunity to find an academy tutor and ask his question today.
Yan Liqiang held his student identity pass and entered the martial arts academy. By the time he arrived at the huge classroom, most of the seats were already taken.
âYan Liqiang! Here! Here!â
While Yan Liqiang was scanning the surroundings, someone had already stood up from the last row of seats at the back of the classroom. He was yelling Yan Liqiangâs name and waving at him.
The person who stood up to greet Yan Liqiang was none other than Shi Dafeng.
Upon seeing Shi Dafengâs face brimming with enthusiasm, a mysterious warmth filled Yan Liqiangâs heart. He smiled at Shi Dafeng, then made his way towards him.
Due to the incident from last time, Shi Dafeng furiously ripped the announcement that the academy had published. He simply couldnât believe the words which tarnished Yan Liqiangâs reputation. In the end, he was forced to withdraw from the martial arts academy, so he ended his studies in advance and was later sent elsewhere by his father.
Yan Liqiang might not have a lot of friends, but Shi Dafeng definitely counted as one. Passionate, loyal, and responsible; that was who Shi Dafeng was.
âSo heâs the first among the top three in Qinghe Countyâs Martial Arts County TrialâŚâ
âWow, so young. Heâs probably fourteen or fifteen years old at mostâŚâ
Due to Shi Dafengâs yells, many people in the classroom spontaneously directed their gazes on Yan Liqiang in unison. The lively classroom instantly quieted down for a moment. As newcomers at the Pingxi Prefecture Martial Arts Academy, many new students paid a lot of attention to the top three new students from different counties. Although Yan Liqiang hadnât appeared at the academy over the past few days, his reputation had already spread like wildfire.
As the youngest amongst the top three new students, it was difficult for Yan Liqiang to avoid the attention.
Under the scrutiny of many gazes, Yan Liqiang walked to the row Shi Dafeng was sitting in.
Shen Teng was also seated beside Shi Dafeng. There was still another seat on the other side of Shi Dafeng, so Yan Liqiang went over there.
Previously, Yan Liqiang came to this lesson with Shi Dafeng, so they sat together. When Shen Teng came, he sat a few rows away from them. However this time, the seating arrangement for three of them had completely changed and they were gathered together again.
âItâs been a few months. You seem to have made progress in your cultivation again, Liqiang. How admirable!â Shen Teng, who lacked youthful vigor, turned his head to face Yan Liqiang and greeted him with a smile.
Unlike Shi Dafeng who was passionate and outspoken, Shen Teng was always elegant, poised, gentle, and refined. One would have a favorable impression of him after they exchanged a few conversations with him. Yan Liqiang had some fortuitous encounters these few days, so his physical state was at its peak. Naturally, his complexion was quite different than before and it didnât escape Shen Tengâs keen observation.
Yan Liqiangâs heart was thumped and raced wildly for a moment. After his senses told him that there was no way for Shen Teng to know what was going on with him, and that his words were most likely praises and courtesy, Yan Liqiang smiled. âPlease donât ridicule me, Brother Shen. My menial improvement over these two months is nothing like Brother Shenâs. If we are going to spar next time, please go easy on me!â
âTo be honest Liqiang, since you suddenly appeared and snatched the first position among top three, squeezing me into the second position. I have indeed been forced by my uncle to shut myself in and cultivate painstakingly. I thought initially that I would be able to relax for two months after the martial arts examination and do something I enjoyed, but I didnât expect my plans to be ruined because of thisâŚâ Shen Teng sighed and said miserably.
âFine, fine, letâs leave the past behind. Who cares about which position in the top three as long as we tried our best with no regrets? What good will come out of harping about it?â Shi Dafeng interrupted Shen Teng then looked at Yan Liqiang. âIâve been searching for you for these two daysâŚâ
âOh, why were you looking for me, Brother Shi?â
âI wanted to ask if you found a place to stay. Out of all of Qinghe County, I think I hit it off the best with you and Shen Teng and we can get along well. These few years in martial arts academy will be fun if the three of us can stay together. We can cultivate together, supervise each other, and spar togetherâŚâ Shi Dafeng chuckled.
Yan Liqiang gave him an apologetic smile. Before he relieved himself of his crisis, he didnât wish to involve anyone whom he considered a friend. âWell⌠Iâm really sorry. Iâve already found somewhere to stay outside the city!â
âOh, youâre not staying in Three Yuan Street too?â Shi Dafeng asked in great disappointment. âThe courtyard beside the house I rented is still empty. Never mind that Shen Teng is not living anywhere near the martial arts academy, why did you have to go so far too, Liqiang!?â
âWell first, itâs very peaceful there and itâs convenient for cultivating. Second, itâs cost-effective. Renting a courtyard on Three Yuan Street for three months is probably enough for me to stay outside the city for a year!â
âWhere are you staying, Liqiang?â
âIn one of the villages near the public road, east of Pingxi CityâŚâ Yan Liqiang replied vaguely. There were more than ten villages on that side of the public road that was east of Pingxi City. With this reply, it was enough that he had given Shen Teng and Shi Dafeng a vague idea about where he lived.
Qi Donglai was seated in front of Yan Liqiang, in the nine oâclock direction. He was only ten meters away from Yan Liqiang. Yan Liqiang cast a glance at Qi Donglai and realized that he appeared to be very relaxed, leaning against the back of the chair as far as he could. However, his ears were probably already perked up since long ago.
Looking at Qi Donglai, Yan Liqiang secretly and coldly sneered.
Yan Liqiang got the worst of it last time for not taking Qi Donglai seriously. This time, he would definitely not repeat the same mistake again.
The trio who had not seen each other for a long time managed to chat for a while before the academy tutor for the first lesson arrived.
The person who entered was an old man who had an air of arrogance around him and a rather stern expression. After coming in, he stood on the platform and clasped his hands behind his back. He lifted his chin slightly and looked down at the bunch of new students. The entire classroom instantly grew quiet.
âThe Horse Stance is the result of hard work and persistence over time. Do not be lazy, and make sure your tendons are taut when you assume the Horse Stance!â This was the first sentence the old man said after the classroom went completely silent.
When he saw a number of students being drawn to his words with thoughtful looks on their faces, he spoke again. âYou need to be able to hold the stance until you can maintain your entire body in a relaxed manner along with a peaceful state of mind. Only with a relaxed body and tranquil mind will you be close to passing the Horse Stance stage.â
His two sentences caused all the studentâs attention to be focused on him. The classroom was so silent all of the sudden that one could hear a pin drop.
Seeing so many students around him with their full attention on the old man as they waited for him to continue, Yan Liqiang could only smile wryly in his heart. That was because he knew that the first lesson from this old man would end with another final sentence.
And as expectedâŚ
âI will not be coming in for future Horse Stance lessons. This skill will only succeed through practice and not words. My words will not do any good. Go on and practice it independently, spend a few years time. You will achieve a great outcome if you can endure the hardship. Thatâs all, you are dismissed!â
After finishing that sentence, the old man lifted up the hem of his robe, turned around, and exited the classroom. The students in the classroom looked at each other in dismay, unable to believe that their first lesson at the Pingxi Prefecture Martial Arts Academy had ended just like that because it only lasted for less than three minutesâŚ
âDamn, so thatâs the end of itâŚ?â Shi Dafeng had a look of disbeliefâŚ
The classroom was silent for about half a minute. After seeing that the old man wasnât coming in again, everyone in the classroom only realized that the first lesson had indeed already ended.
The new students in the classroom were then in an uproarâŚ
âWho was that damned old man?â
âNo idea, but he seems to be very strong..â
âHe seems to have some very impressive knowledge, but he didnât share all of itâŚâ
The new students broke into discussions.
âLiqiang, letâs have lunch together!â Shi Dafeng invited Yan Liqiang.
âBrother Shi, I have something to do in the afternoon. Iâll pass this timeâŚâ Yan Liqiang gave Shi Dafeng and Shen Teng a smile before he stood up and quickly made his way to the exit of the classroom.
âWhat about you?â Shi Dafeng looked at Shen Teng. Shen Teng looked at Yan Liqiang with unswerving determination. âI canât slack either. I need to get back to my trainingâŚâ
âDamn, that makes me sound like Iâm here to have fun!â
âŚ
Ignoring the noise in the classroom behind him, Yan Liqiang exited the classroom and looked around the path outside. When he spotted the old man who was leaving martial arts academy and making his way to the foot of the mountain, he quickly chased after him.
âSirâŚ!â
The old man stopped when he heard Yan Liqiangâs voice and turned around to look at him. He sized up Yan Liqiang seriously. After realizing that the clothes Yan Liqiang wore was just of ordinary quality and he didnât seem like some noble young lord either, that old manâs face was instantly filled with arrogance. The expression on his face became stern once again. âIâve already said what I needed to say. The rest will depend on your own diligence in practice. Anything you donât understand, you may sign yourself up to study at the Dragon Flag Dojo!â
Song Tianhao, the dojo master of Dragon Flag Dojo, was a famous person in Pingxi City. With his capability which helped many to pass the Horse Stance stage through the Essence Unifying Post secret technique and concocting Essence Nurturing Pills, the business of his small dojo thrived and many people in Pingxi Prefecture sought his help. Aside from the secret techniques of Essence Unifying Post and Essence Nurturing Pills, there were another three reasons behind Dojo Master Songâs fame. First, he was avaricious and worshipped wealth like his life. Using the money he earned from running his dojo, he bought quite a bit of land in Pingxi City and ran different businesses. It could be said that he was a rich and powerful person in the region.
Apart from being avaricious, the second reason which made Dojo Master Song a hot topic among others was the fact that he had eighteen wives. His youngest wife, which he just married last year, had only turned eighteen this year. The third label Dojo Master Song had on him was not a positive one in many peopleâs eyes. Many claimed that he was a snobâŚ
âSir, I have already passed the Horse Stance stage. But I still have a question in mind. When you mentioned the Horse Stance today, I suddenly recalled something which I wish to ask youâŚâ Yan Liqiang scratched his head and acted like he was an obedient student.
Song Tianhao was slightly taken aback upon hearing that Yan Liqiang had passed Horse Stance stage. He thought about Yan Liqiangâs age before he softened the tone of his voice. âWhat is it?â
âAfter passing the Horse Stance stage, I realized that my body can receive the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earthâs blessing which significantly enhanced my strength by the strength of one horse. I asked around and most people told me that passing the Horse Stance stage is the only chance a person can receive the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earthâs blessing. From that point onwards, no matter what technique one cultivates or how many stages one passes, one can only resonate with the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth to allow the cultivation techniqueâs phenomena to emerge but they cannot receive the blessing of the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth. I wonder if this is really true?â
âYes, of course.â Song Tianhao replied emotionlessly.
âOh. Is there no other exception? Are there any cultivation techniques from which I can obtain the blessing from the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth upon passing itâŚ?â
âOf course there are exceptions. But you can forget about those other âexceptionsâ.â Song Tianhao casted Yan Liqiang a glance and spoke with a slightly mocking tone.
âWhy?â Yan Liqiang deliberately made an unconvinced expression. âIf others can do it, why canât I? Iâm sure you know the saying, âdonât discriminate a poor young manâ [1], Sir!â
âHAHAHAHA!!â Song Tianhao roared with laughter, seemingly amused by Yan Liqiang. âIt may be possible to use the saying, âdonât discriminate a poor young manâ somewhere else, but not here. If we do, then we truly do not know the immensity of Heaven and Earth. Do you know what kind of people are these âexceptionsâ?â
âWhat kind of people are they?â
âPeople who can once again obtain the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earthâs blessings after passing the Horse Stance stage are the founding fathers of various sects, secret techniques, and battle techniques.â Song Tianhao had a look of reverence on his face. âThese founders are the people who open up the way of cultivation and comprehend the Great Dao. When they first create an unprecedented secret technique or battle technique, they would resonate with the Heaven and the Earth and gain their approval, thus obtaining the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earthâs blessings when passing the stage or advancing onwards. This blessing is known as Heavenly Bestowment. Heavenly Bestowments may vary, depending on the different secret techniques or battle techniques. The highest number of realms a secret battle technique may possess is already decided the moment these founders create them. The maximum number of Heavenly Bestowments these founders can obtain when they establish it will be the highest realm to his secret battle technique. This is how the realms of various battle techniques came about and are what the later generations can only imitate. Figures who can enjoy Heavenly Bestowments like founding fathers havenât appeared in the entire Great Han Empire for a few centuries. They donât even exist among the four major sects. What makes you think you can compete with these founding fathers who have obtained Heavenly Bestowments?â
âOh, I see. Thank you for enlightening me, Sir!â
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âYoung man, do not overestimate yourself just because you have passed the Horse Stance stage. Cultivate diligently from now on and strive to become a Martial Warrior. It is much more sensible to aim to get some high-grade conferred fields which can support your familyâŚâ Song Tianhao glanced at Yan Liqiang for one last time and left after passing on his final piece of advice.
Yan Liqiang watched the Song Tianhaoâs disappearing silhouette and swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Although he seemed calm on the surface, his heart was already racing like crazy. Blood rushed to his head, causing Yan Liqiang to suddenly feel a little dizzy.
Did no one ever think about the possibilities of creating things like blow darts in the Silver Continent? Although the blow darts he made seemed a little wretched and sinister, he was actually the first to create it in Silver ContinentâŚ
It was him⌠He had actually become a founder who could receive the Heavenly Infusionâ the founder of blow darts! He had actually blown his way to his title of a founder as well as Heavenly Infusion with his mouth [2]!