Chapter 122: Chapter 119: Through the Body

“Master Guo, this is a small token of gratitude from us three brothers of the Yan Family. We hope you will accept this belated thank you.”

Yan Zhen said with the utmost sincerity.

Everyone stared at the two brothers in utter astonishment.

They had assumed that since Chu Lingguang had taken the top spot from Yan Chengdu, the two had come looking for trouble. Who would have thought they had prepared gifts in advance, specifically to thank Guo Wei for saving Yan Yusheng’s life?

The story about the Cyan Cloud Mountain Stronghold gradually spread through the crowd.

Once they learned the reason for their visit, and saw Yan Chengdu’s sincere acceptance of his defeat, the crowd’s perception of the two brothers changed. The disdain in their eyes quickly gave way to solemn respect and admiration.

“You two are too kind. I was merely doing what was convenient at the time—a simple favor. Lord Wang has already thanked me. I accept your kind intentions, but please, you must take these gifts back with you.”

Guo Wei said, quickly waving his hand in refusal.

“If Master Guo insists, we won’t impose. However, Young Master Chu has won first place. According to tradition, the top three from each region are able to study at the Governor Academy for a month. When Young Master Chu arrives at the Academy, the Yan Family must be allowed to fulfill its duties as host. And if Master Guo could grace us with his presence as well, it would bring great honor to our humble home.”

Yan Zhen said with a smile, bowing to Guo Wei once more.

“If I go, I will certainly pay a visit.”

Guo Wei said, cupping his fist.

“Excellent! My brother and I will await the arrival of you and Master Guo at the Governor’s Mansion!”

Yan Zhen was overjoyed. The two brothers cupped their fists toward Guo Wei, Chu Lingguang, and the others.

“Farewell.”

Guo Wei nodded as well. Chu Lingguang, Hei Hu, Wang Chao, and even Master Yan all cupped their fists in return, seeing the two brothers off.

“A dragon among men.”

Guo Wei couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration after the two had walked away.

He was clearly taken aback by Yan Zhen’s conduct. His younger brother had missed out on the top spot, yet not only was he not angry, he even brought his brother over to express their gratitude. Yan Chengdu’s claim of wholehearted acceptance was likely insincere, but for the two brothers to adopt such a humble posture in front of everyone was both admirable and intimidating.

Having stood face-to-face with Yan Zhen today, Chu Lingguang was also won over by his demeanor. That unflappable, easy confidence, the ability to chat and laugh casually in the midst of a storm without revealing the slightest flaw—it made him feel inadequate by comparison.

Guarding the Heart meant preserving one’s perseverance in the Martial Arts.

Chu Lingguang could remain calm while fighting an opponent, but he couldn’t maintain that same composure in every situation. He still had much to learn.

A short while later, the ranking list was posted.

Everyone crowded around the list.

Chu Lingguang was indisputably first in the South City Martial Arts Examination. Yan Chengdu was second, and Lin Longde was third.

Ji Hu, Shi Guangzhong, Chai Yaolong, and the others followed in order.

“A future Martial Arts Scholar.”

“And to think we actually crossed blades with him.”

Standing before the list, Teng Qingshan and Lin Yuanfu recalled their fight at the Martial Arts Hall, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. But then they remembered how they had shielded Chu Lingguang from being targeted, and seeing him now at the very top of the list, they felt it was an honor of a lifetime.

“’Better to provoke an old man than to bully a poor youth.’ It’s a good thing we left when we did that night.”

“Time to get a move on, you little rascals.”

After completing his mission, Xu Haizhou passed through South City again with his disciples. He had just witnessed Chu Lingguang defeat Yan Chengdu, and now, seeing the final rankings with the detailed scores, he was deeply shaken.

He was grateful he hadn’t clashed with Guo Wei in the tavern that night. Even if he had gained the upper hand then, being marked by Chu Lingguang later would have led to endless trouble.

“Even though you didn’t make the top ten, at least you both passed. From now on, you should learn more from Chu Lingguang and Master Guo.”

Leader Ma instructed.

“Yes.”

Da Wang and Xiao Wang nodded.

“Master, will Chu Lingguang participate in the Provincial Martial Arts Examination a year from now?”

Da Wu asked.

Da Wu and Xiao Wu had both witnessed Chu Lingguang’s performance over the past few days. The two brothers were wary of him, terrified of facing him in the Provincial Martial Arts Examination.

“The four of you have far more natural talent than Chu Lingguang. He has only gotten this far thanks to his perseverance in the Martial Arts. If you two are already afraid before you’ve even faced him, then even if he doesn’t participate in the Provincial Examination next year, with your current mindset, you’ll have a hard time achieving a good result.”

Leader Ma said, his voice firm and resonant.

“Master, your disciples were wrong.”

Da Wu and Xiao Wu shuddered and quickly lowered their heads.

’Maybe we all saw it wrong. Chu Lingguang is the real prodigy. Lacking talent? Impossible, impossible…’

Leader Ma could understand how Da Wu and Xiao Wu felt. In truth, he was quite frustrated himself. He had personally taught the Continuous Slash Saber Technique to Chu Lingguang and vividly remembered how much Chu Lingguang had struggled to learn it. Yet now, it was Chu Lingguang who had trained the technique to its absolute peak.

「In an alley in the Central Courtyard.」

Master Yan had laid out two large tables of food and wine. Leader Ma and his disciples were invited to celebrate Chu Lingguang winning first place, as well as Hei Hu, Da Wang, and Xiao Wang all passing the examination.

It was also to congratulate Guo Wei on moving one step closer to earning the title of Grandmaster.

“Master Guo, to have disciples like Chu Lingguang, Hei Hu, and Wang Chao is truly enviable. You already have three disciples who have become Martial Arts Scholars, and Yang Shaorong has even participated in the Imperial Examination and holds the post of Captain in the Governor’s Mansion. Now Chu Lingguang and Hei Hu have also passed, with Chu Lingguang even taking first place in the Daoist Examination. According to the rules of the Great Yuan Dynasty, as long as those two pass the Provincial Examination and one of them places in the top ten, you, Master Guo, will be granted the title of Grandmaster. I, Ma, offer my congratulations in advance and wish you a successful and perfect outcome.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep