Backyard of the dormitory!
Lin Chen began to ponder whether to first train in the "Water Cloud Palm" or start with the "Flying Swallow Technique".
The advantage of practicing the "Water Cloud Palm" is that the more proficient he becomes, the more beneficial it will be for the internal Martial Hall competition at the beginning of the month.
The sisters all use the Water Cloud Palm. If I understand it well, I will be able to counter it more effectively.
On the other hand, the benefits of training the "Flying Swallow Technique" are also evident. With the enhancement of this body technique, Lin Chen could maximize the ethereal nature of the Clear Wind Palm.
Both have their benefits.
After a moment of contemplation, Lin Chen decided to train in the "Flying Swallow Technique".
Quickly improving his combat ability is the top priority right now.
"Besides training the 'Flying Swallow Technique', I also need to break through to the Three Acupoints as soon as possible. At the pace of Senior Sister Li and the others, it's very likely they will reach the Four Acupoints at the beginning of the month."
The Martial Hall has only five spots for Grade A students. Lin Chen estimated that Senior Sister Jiang Qing is in a class of her own; he can't compete for her spot, and it will be very difficult to compete with Senior Sisters Fu Jingya, Gu Qingqing, and Kong Lingyun for their spots either.
His competitors are Senior Sister Li Xue and the others, who had opened Three Acupoints when they first entered the Martial Hall. As of three days ago, Senior Sister Li and the others had already opened Four Acupoints. They may not be able to break through to the Five Acupoints in the next fifteen days, which is Lin Chen's opportunity.
The honor board outside the cafeteria gave Lin Chen an opportunity to understand the level of those senior sisters.
"I still need to meet with Hall Master Kong once more."
...
...
In the courtyard, seeing Lin Chen return, Kong Yinglei was somewhat at a loss for words.
"You want to leave the Martial Hall?"
"Disciple wants to train the 'Flying Swallow Technique', but the dormitory yard is too small, so I'd like to apply to leave the Martial Hall for a period and return at the beginning of the month."
After hearing Lin Chen's intention, Kong Yinglei pondered for a moment. According to Martial Hall rules, new students are not allowed to leave the Martial Hall for an extended period within six months.
But considering Lin Chen's special situation, and understanding why he wanted to practice the 'Flying Swallow Technique' for the preparation of the internal competition at the beginning of the month, she nodded in agreement.
"Since you choose to return to the village to practice the 'Flying Swallow Technique', don't wander outside. Focus on martial training in the village."
Lin Chen gladly agreed, bid farewell to Hall Master Kong, packed two sets of clothes in his dormitory, believed he had enough Purple Acupoint Pills, and left the Martial Hall without buying any more supplies.
After leaving the Martial Hall, Lin Chen didn't hurry back but went to the Cloud Conceal Martial Arts Hall to ask the gatekeeper to pass a message to Zhao Jingchuan.
He and Zhao Jingchuan had planned a gathering with the other two, and he needed to inform the three of them that he was going back to the village.
Soon, Zhao Jingchuan appeared at the gate of the Martial Arts Hall.
"Senior Brother Lin, what is this?"
Seeing Lin Chen carrying a bundle, Zhao Jingchuan looked puzzled.
"I'm going back to the village for about ten days, so I came to inform Junior Brother Zhao that I won't be able to meet this month. Please relay this to Junior Brother Lu and Junior Brother Cheng."
Zhao Jingchuan frowned, stepped closer, and whispered: "Senior Brother Lin, did something happen? If there's anything Junior Brother can help with, please feel free to say so."
Lin Chen looked at Zhao Jingchuan's concerned expression, contemplated for a moment, and said, "I am now an official disciple of the Jingshui Martial Arts Hall."
"Jingshui Martial Arts Hall, aren't you a disciple of the Clear Wind Martial Arts Hall, Senior Brother Lin?"
In Linhu Village, for ease of contact, Lin Chen had informed the three that although he was a disciple of the Clear Wind Martial Arts Hall, he had been temporarily assigned to the Jingshui Martial Arts Hall.
"This matter is a bit complicated; it's not something that can be explained in a few words. Junior Brother Zhao just needs to know that I am now a disciple of Jingshui Martial Arts Hall."
Lin Chen did not plan to spread the details of why he switched from a Clear Wind Martial Arts Hall disciple to a Jingshui Martial Arts Hall disciple since it wasn't something to be proud of.
Zhao Jingchuan showed a thoughtful expression, and after a while, said: "If Senior Brother Lin temporarily needs silver coins, I have some here. I believe Senior Brother Lu and Junior Brother Cheng could also gather some."
In Zhao Jingchuan's mind, compared to the prominent disciples at the Martial Hall, the only drawback for Senior Brother Lin was his rather average background.
So, it was very likely that the internal affairs involved silver coins.
When Lin Chen heard Zhao Jingchuan's words, he felt warmth in his heart. He finally patted Zhao Jingchuan on the shoulder and joked with a smile: "If I ever reach the point of needing money, I won't hesitate to ask you, Junior Brother Zhao."
It's important to help in emergencies, not poverty!
Lin Chen understood this very well, that Junior Brother Zhao and Junior Brother Lu could lend a hand in case he urgently needed money, borrowing some silver to tide him over, but he could only borrow once for an emergency. The Martial Path requires a considerable amount of silver coins; the three Junior Brothers' families could barely afford a bottle of Nourishing Acupoints Pill a month at the Martial Hall.
"Yes, Senior Brother Lin, since you are returning to the village, perhaps you could stop by the town. I'll write a letter to my father, and you could take it back for me."
"Of course."
"Then, could you wait a moment, Senior Brother?"
Zhao Jingchuan returned to the Martial Arts Hall and came out after a short while with an envelope, handing it to Lin Chen.
"Thank you, Senior Brother."
"Junior Brother Zhao, you can go back inside. No need to see me off. I'm just going back to the village to train, not leaving the county for good."
Noticing Zhao Jingchuan's intent to see him off, Lin Chen smiled, waved his hand indicating Zhao Jingchuan should head back, and then turned to leave.
...
...
Kaohe Town!
Lin Chen rode into the town, returned the horse to the stable, and headed towards the Zhao Family's restaurant.
"Young man, is your owner here?"
"Who is looking for Zhao?"
Lin Chen entered the restaurant and just as he inquired, the curtain to the inner hall was lifted, revealing the figure of Zhao Dongyang.
"Nephew Lin?"
Seeing Lin Chen, Zhao Dongyang paused briefly, then approached warmly: "Nephew Lin, aren't you at the county martial arts hall?"
"Uncle Zhao, I need to go home for a bit. Junior Brother Zhao heard the news and asked me to bring you a letter."
Seeing the envelope Lin Chen took out from his pocket, a hint of suspicion crossed Zhao Dongyang's eyes. Jingchuan had written a letter home six days ago, why was another one sent so soon?
However, being a businessman, Zhao Dongyang naturally didn't display his doubts and accepted the letter with a smile, saying, "Thank you, Nephew Lin. By the looks of the sun, you haven't had lunch yet..."
After speaking, Zhao Dongyang instructed the waiter beside him, "Have the kitchen prepare a few of our signature dishes."
"Uncle, that's not necessary. I can still make it home in time."
"Absolutely not!" Zhao Dongyang said firmly, "You must have lunch here with Uncle today. Unless Nephew Lin thinks the food at Uncle's restaurant isn't to your liking?"
"Uncle's cuisine, I savored it for days after my last visit."
"Then it's settled. Eat first and then go. No need to rush. You probably haven't informed your family of your return. It's the busy farming season, and the family might not have prepared food."
During the spring farming season, Zhao Dongyang knew the villagers in the surrounding villages were busy farming, and most families were out in the fields. At noon, the women would often bring cooked meals to the fields.
"Then I'll graciously accept your offer, Uncle."
Lin Chen didn't put on a show of politeness. Solving lunch in town before heading home was indeed more convenient.
"Nephew Lin, there's no need for such formalities. My Jingchuan mentioned that among all the senior and junior brothers at the martial hall, he admires Nephew Lin the most."
As Zhao Dongyang said this, he felt a bit emotional. According to Jingchuan privately, not only him but both the Lu Family and Young Master Chen also admired Lin Chen greatly.
A fisherman's son achieving this was proof of his uniqueness.
Such a person, as long as there are no unforeseen events, will surely have achievements on the Martial Path.
Seeing Zhao Dongyang leading him to a private room, Lin Chen stopped in his tracks and advised, "Uncle, I'm alone. Dining here in the main hall is more than enough; there's no need for a private room."
Zhao Dongyang pondered for a moment. Seeing that Lin Chen wasn't just being polite, and being a businessman, he also knew that excessive enthusiasm could lead to awkwardness.
"Alright, Nephew, please sit here. I'll have the kitchen prepare some cold dishes to pair with the wine. I'll join you for a few drinks later."
In the restaurant's main hall, several guests were present. Seeing Zhao Dongyang warmly receive Lin Chen, their gazes fell upon Lin Chen, filled with curiosity.
They were curious about the boy's background, which warranted such warm treatment from Zhao Dongyang?
There were only a few wealthy families in town, and they'd seen the sons of those families. This young man, however, seemed unfamiliar.
Lin Chen paid no attention to the curious eyes around him. His gaze was drawn to a man at the entrance carrying baskets.
"Brother!"
Seeing his brother carrying two baskets of fish into the restaurant, Lin Chen first doubted his own eyes, but as a martial artist, his eyesight was perfect, so it was indeed his brother coming in.
"Brother Chen?"
Hearing the somewhat familiar voice, Lin Liang instinctively turned his face to look and was equally excited to see his younger brother sitting at the table.
"Brother, what are you doing here?"
Lin Chen walked up to inquire, though he already had a hunch.
"Brother, just two days after you went to the martial arts hall, Shopkeeper Zhao stopped by our house. He said that the fish we catch from now on can be delivered to the restaurant, fetching a higher price than selling to the fish store."
Lin Liang replied cheerfully, lowering his voice: "Dad was initially worried why Shopkeeper Zhao was being so kind to us, but mom saw it clearly and said Shopkeeper Zhao was looking out for us because of you, Brother Chen. Isn't Shopkeeper Zhao's son the one practicing martial arts with you, named Young Master Zhao?"
"Yes, Junior Brother Zhao is indeed Uncle Zhao's son. Uncle Zhao is not just the restaurant's shopkeeper, but also the owner."
Lin Chen explained to his brother. Many owners liked hiring shopkeepers, but Uncle Zhao chose to manage the restaurant himself. Lin Chen guessed it wasn't due to an inability to afford a shopkeeper, but rather Uncle Zhao enjoyed the bustling business interactions.
"Brother Lin is here. Truly, timing couldn't be better."
Zhao Jingchuan, carrying two plates of cold dishes from the kitchen, saw Lin Liang and Lin Chen standing together and gestured to the nearby waiter. The waiter responded quickly, hastening over to take Lin Liang's shoulder pole.
"Brother Lin, let me help you."
"No, no, it's fine. I can manage on my own."
Seeing his brother a bit flustered, Lin Chen placed a hand on his brother's: "Brother, let this young man help you with the fish. I haven't been home in months, and I miss our parents. Sit down and tell me about everything at home recently."