Chapter 41: Full Moon |
As Chen Qing exerted force, his body leaned slightly backward, and the bowstring of the ten-stone bow was slowly drawn by him, stretching into a full arc like the full moon hanging in the night sky.
The bow like a full moon!
That taut bowstring seemed to contain explosive power, requiring only a release of his fingertips to shoot straight to the clouds.
"Heavens!"
A woman gasped and covered her red lips, afraid of crying out.
This youth from humble origins displayed a more shocking bow-drawing posture than the aristocratic young men before, with an overwhelming sense of power.
Zhou courtyard disciples exclaimed, "Junior brother Chen actually pulled the ten-stone bow!?"
This was Chen Qing!?
The Chen Qing who usually just buried his head in hard practice in the courtyard?
The scene before her was like a dream.
That fisherman's son from Mute Bay!?
"Junior brother Chen..."
Sun Shun was also stunned in place.
Luo Qian's eyes were equally filled with disbelief, that seemingly unremarkable country bumpkin actually possessed such astonishing strength?
Zheng Ziqiao was also deeply shocked.
Seeing this, Qin Lie's smile gradually faded from his face. Fortunately, no one noticed as he quickly forced himself to remain calm.
On the other side, Zhou Liang's face broke into a smile.
Chen Qing's performance far exceeded expectations, delighting him immensely.
Shen Zhenzhong whispered, "To be able to pull a ten-stone bow, his boxing technique must be close to great achievement. Brother Zhou, your courtyard might make a spectacular showing this year."
The arm strength to pull a ten-stone bow, as long as he performed normally afterward, had great hope of achieving high marks!
If one martial master's courtyard could have two high achievers, it would be like celebrating New Year.
Liu Ze looked deeply at Zhou Liang, unable to hide his envy, "Brother Zhou, besides Qin Lie, you actually had such an unpolished gem hidden among your disciples. You concealed it well!"
Zhou Liang explained, "When this child entered the courtyard, his root bone was only mediocre at best. Only his perseverance was remarkable, he struggled for three months before barely stepping into obvious strength. That he has achieved today's level is truly an unexpected joy."
Hearing this, the envy in their eyes diminished slightly.
Root bone was the foundation of martial practice, becoming more crucial the further one advanced, and was the deciding factor in challenging to reach transforming strength.
They didn't lack hidden strength disciples. What was truly scarce were such promising seedlings who had potential to impact transforming strength and could support the sect and block punches in the future.
Zhou Liang quickly calmed his emotions and returned to normal.
On the examination ground.
Whoosh whoosh!
As Chen Qing's fingers released, the bowstring slowly loosened.
Thump!
The full-moon bow instantly returned to its original shape, the accumulated force becoming an invisible wave of energy that burst forth!
Buzz buzz—!
The bow body vibrated violently, producing a piercing hum that made the eardrums of nearby martial candidates ache.
The clerk also came to his senses and announced, "Xin Jia Thirteen, Jia middle!"
"Who is this person!? He can actually pull a ten-stone bow?"
"Such amazing arm strength!"
Many people below began discussing.
In the distance, a trace of surprise flashed in Xu Xiuhua's eyes.
She knew well the weight of a ten-stone bow. Even hidden strength peak experts could at most open about ten stones, unless their boxing technique had reached great achievement.
Looking at Chen Qing's age, if he pushed a bit harder, he might be able to advance further.
Seeing Chen Qing astound everyone, Xu Fang was also amazed.
"This Chen Qing comes from humble origins. If I show him kindness and guidance, I might gain a loyal dog."
Xu Xiuhua thought to herself, "Little Fang, are you familiar with Chen Qing?"
"Quite familiar, I suppose. His family's boat and my family's... were moored together..."
Xu Fang was slightly stunned, "What does little aunt mean?"
Xu Xiuhua smiled lightly, "In the path of martial arts, connections and resources are both indispensable. He's ultimately just a mudfish that jumped out of a wild river. I could give him a good opportunity, it just depends on whether he can grasp it."
The first round of assessment continued, with martial hall elites and aristocratic talents appearing in succession.
The ten-stone bow was moved several more times, with two people particularly notable: one was an elite disciple from Tianju Martial Hall whose hidden strength refinement had reached perfection; the other was a naturally strong young master of the Li family who actually opened the ten-stone bow three times consecutively!
Exclamations and discussions rose and fell around the field.
Chen Qing watched from afar, calculating silently in his heart.
"Based on current performance, absolutely no more than ten people scored better than me. The first round results are quite good. The second round is actual combat, as long as I don't perform poorly, there shouldn't be major problems."
Superior aptitude easily attracted attention and wariness, while being too mediocre invited bullying, both unnecessarily invited trouble.
Only being moderate was most secure.
By evening, the first round of martial examination finally ended.
Chen Qing squeezed out of the crowd when a corpulent, smiling steward approached and bowed, "I am the second steward of the Zhu family. Greetings, young brother Chen."
"Steward, you're too kind."
Chen Qing returned the courtesy without revealing his thoughts. The Zhu family was one of Gaolin County's five major powerful clans, controlling most of the county's grain, rice, and textile businesses with abundant wealth.
The Zhu family's second steward smiled, "I wonder if young brother would be willing to condescend to become a retainer of my Zhu family? Regarding treatment, the Zhu family definitely won't shortchange you."
He then stated the conditions: thirty taels of silver monthly, plus two Blood Congealing Pills; if signing a ten-year contract, they would additionally gift a two-courtyard residence on the edge of the inner city.
Chen Qing was slightly moved, these conditions were truly generous. Even a residence on the edge of the inner city was quite valuable.
He bowed, "This matter is of great importance. Please allow me a few days to consider."
"Good! If Brother Chen is interested, you can seek me at the Zhu family anytime."
The second steward agreed with a smile.
Whether the recruitment succeeded was secondary, making an acquaintance and forming good relations would be convenient for future dealings.
Subsequently, many more aristocratic families and wealthy merchants approached, wanting to win over Chen Qing.
After all, based on the potential he displayed today, his probability of achieving high marks was great.
These wealthy merchants and aristocratic families were far inferior to the Zhu family, but the conditions they offered weren't much worse. One wealthy merchant even inquired whether Chen Qing was married, saying if he agreed, he would betroth his young daughter to Chen Qing.
Besides these, weapon forging shops, the Iron Hand Gang, and other forces also came to chat.
All sides offered tempting prices, but Chen Qing remained unmoved throughout, politely declining each.
He knew clearly that once he accepted these resources, he would be bound to these forces.
"Brother Qing!"
Just as Chen Qing sent away the weapon forging shop's steward, a clear female voice called from behind.
He looked toward the sound, it was Xu Fang.
"Long time no see."
She wore a light purple dress, clean and proper, bringing a subtle fragrance as she approached.
Since their last small gathering, the two indeed hadn't met for many days.
"Yes, it's been quite a while."
Xu Fang's gaze lingered on him, her tone carrying some wistfulness, "Your transformation... is truly amazing. If not for your vaguely familiar features, I almost wouldn't have recognized you."
During their last meeting on the tea boat, Chen Qing hadn't yet undergone such a complete transformation.
Chen Qing smiled, "You jest."
"Oh right!"
Xu Fang seemed to just remember her business, "My aunt wants to meet you. Come with me quickly."
Before her words finished, she grabbed Chen Qing's wrist and led him away without allowing refusal.
"Oh? Your aunt?" Chen Qing was slightly puzzled.
"Aunt is extremely nice. You later..." Xu Fang explained with a smile as they walked.
Soon, the two had come before Xu Xiuhua.
Chen Qing looked up to appraise her, she was not yet forty, well-maintained, with extremely captivating charm.
Layers of brocade created a dignified bearing, and her delicately painted features carried the gracious demeanor cultivated by a life of luxury and ease.
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