Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

Three people at the city gate, dressed in attire that is markedly different from the others present.

Their embroidered robes bear a totem of a beast, neither wolf nor something else, with sharp tusks hanging at their chests.

"These are Zheng Kingdom people."

Qu Feng whispered to Lin Chen’s ear: "In name, the Martial Arts Academy belongs to the Nine Kingdoms. Any young martial artist from these kingdoms can join the examination, but aside from the Lingxiao Martial Arts Academy, it is rare for martial artists from other nations to appear in the other three academies."

Hearing Senior Brother Qu’s words, Lin Chen understood that these three were here for him.

The reason being he had been awarded the exemplary martial path student from Liang, and defeating him would be a slap to the martial artists of Liang.

"Who are you?"

Before Lin Chen could speak, other young ones from Liang questioned, glaring at the trio.

"We are from Zheng Kingdom, just nobodies there. Even if we told you our names, you wouldn’t know. This time, we’ve come to participate in the Canglan Martial Arts Academy’s disciple examination. However, since there’s a martial path genius from Liang, may we witness their skills? I believe Liang’s genius is extraordinary."

The man on the left side spoke with a smile, but upon mentioning "Zheng Kingdom," the faces of Liang’s young ones turned grim.

Between the Nine Kingdoms, there are many overt and covert conflicts.

Liang and Zheng Kingdom have the deepest tension, with many clashes between their martial artists.

Initially, when the Demon Race had not yet been exposed, things were somewhat better. But after the Imperial Court revealed the matter regarding the Demon Race to the world, the youths from Liang further deepened their hatred towards Zheng Kingdom.

Because back then, most Demon Race members in Liang fled to Zheng Kingdom.

"If you don’t want to spar, it’s okay. After all, we are nobodies from Zheng Kingdom, unworthy of challenging Liang’s exemplary martial path student, which is understandable."

The man in the center also joined in, smilingly looking at Lin Chen: "We are indifferent, but if word gets out, some might say Liang’s exemplary martial path student is just a fame-seeker, undeserving of their reputation."

Every sentence nonchalant, every sentence barbed.

"You’re right. If Liang’s exemplary martial path student was so easily challenged, then Senior Brother Lin would have no time to train. If you want to challenge Senior Brother Lin, you’ll have to get through me first."

Ye Feng stepped out, addressing Lin Chen: "Senior Brother Lin, let me test these three’s skills."

Having the chance to make a name for himself on Martial Arts Mountain, Ye Feng has confidence in his skills, though he might be less skilled than Senior Brother Lin; he has no fear of facing others.

Qu Feng was about to speak but hesitated upon hearing Ye Feng. It was clear these three from Zheng Kingdom came to stir trouble. If entirely ignored, rumors would inevitably spread, potentially saying Junior Brother Lin feared Zheng Kingdom’s martial artists.

This Ye Junior Brother, having only lost one strike to Junior Brother Lin, evidently possesses formidable strength, making him the most suitable choice.

"If you want to spar, at least give some background. If you’ve been training in the Refining Viscera Realm for years, wouldn’t that be an unfair advantage?"

Though the intention was to let Ye Feng test them, Qu Feng still inquired.

"Senior Brother Qu’s reminder is timely. Zheng Kingdom people are known for shamelessness, perhaps they’ve been training in the Refining Viscera Realm for years, and now claim to challenge Junior Brother Lin; that’s something Zheng Kingdom people would do."

"With Zheng Kingdom people, nothing they do is surprising."

Canglan Martial Arts Academy disciples echoed these sentiments. Though others present might have few dealings with Zheng Kingdom martial artists, these disciples of Canglan Martial Arts Academy had frequent encounters with disciples from Zheng Kingdom’s academies and were well aware of their temperament.

"We three have not exceeded three months since entering the Refining Viscera Realm. If you don’t believe, we can swear it!" The lead Zheng Kingdom man stared angrily at the Canglan Martial Arts Academy disciples.

"It hasn’t exceeded three months."

A voice emerged from behind the crowd.

A young man slowly walked out, with many spectators making way. The young man coldly surveyed the three from Zheng Kingdom:

"Kameda Retsu, second son of the Kameda Clan, entered Refining Viscera two months and twenty days ago."

"Gong Xing, illegitimate son of the current patriarch of the Gong Family, entered Refining Viscera two months and twenty-five days ago."

"Kiyotsubo, youngest son of the Shimizu Family, entered Refining Viscera two months and twenty-nine days ago."

The scene burst into a commotion as the young man spoke.

"Really shameless, no wonder they say less than three months."

"If Senior Brother Lin comes tomorrow, wouldn’t they say it hasn’t exceeded four months?"

"What are you thinking, given the shamelessness of Zheng people, they’ll just say, ’I, Kiyotsubo, just turned three months, the other two are less than three months.’"

"Makes sense; brother, what does your family do to know Zheng people so well?"

"Not much; my family runs a meat stall, so I’m not familiar with Zheng people; rather, I’m familiar with animals."

The youths from Liang hurled vulgarities, causing Kameda Retsu and the others to flush with anger, glaring fiercely at the youth revealing their details.

"Who are you?"

"Xiao Huo!"

Xiao Yaojin spoke coolly. This time in Canglan Martial Arts Academy, he didn’t intend to use his real name. Since the Northern Garrison Marquis’s Young Master isn’t going for the Demon-slaying Martial Arts Academy but came to Canglan Martial Arts Academy, spreading such news would cause quite an impact.

"You are Junior Brother Xiao?"

Qu Feng showed surprise at Xiao Yaojin’s words, having seen the disciple list given by the Instructor.

Besides Junior Brother Lin and a few others who received the Disciple Letter from the academy to become direct admissions, others reaching the Refining Viscera Realm must still go through the examination, no matter the talent or potential, regulations must be followed.