Chapter 41: Full Moon

As Chen Qing exerted his strength, his body leaned back slightly. He slowly drew the string of the ten-dan bow, pulling it into a full, taut arc that resembled a full moon suspended in the night sky.

A bow like a full moon!

Upon that tightly stretched string, an explosive power seemed to be contained; with a mere release of his fingertips, it could pierce straight through the clouds.

"Heavens!"

A woman gasped, covering her crimson lips for fear of losing her voice.

The sight of this youth, born of humble origins, pulling the bow was even more shocking than the aristocratic youths from moments ago; a sense of raw power surged toward them.

A disciple from the Zhou Academy cried out, "Junior Brother Chen actually pulled the ten-dan bow!?"

This was Chen Qing!?

The Chen Qing who usually kept his head down in hard practice within the academy?

Zhou Yu’s face was filled with bewilderment as she rubbed her eyes vigorously. "How is that possible!?"

The scene before her felt like a dream.

The son of a fisherman from Muddy Bay!?

"Junior Brother Chen..."

Sun Shun was also stunned on the spot.

Luo Qian’s eyes were equally filled with disbelief—could this seemingly unremarkable country bumpkin actually hide such astonishing strength?

Zheng Ziqiao was also deeply shaken.

Seeing this, the smile that had been hanging on Qin Lie's face gradually vanished. Fortunately, no one noticed, and he quickly forced himself to regain his composure.

On the other side, a smile bloomed on Zhou Liang's face.

Chen Qing's performance far exceeded expectations, bringing him immense joy.

Shen Zhenzhong whispered, "To be able to pull a ten-dan bow, his fist technique must be approaching Great Completion. Brother Zhou, your academy is likely to make a stunning debut this year."

With the arm strength required to pull a ten-dan bow, as long as he performed normally afterward, there was a high hope of passing the exam!

If a martial academy could produce two successful candidates, it would be as celebratory as the New Year.

Liu Ze gave Zhou Liang a deep look, unable to hide his envy. "Brother Zhou, besides Qin Lie, you actually had such a piece of unpolished jade hidden under your wing. You kept this well-hidden!"

Zhou Liang explained, "When this boy entered the academy, his constitution was merely middle-to-low. He only possesses extraordinary perseverance; it took three months of bitter struggle to barely step into the Bright Strength stage. His success today is truly an unexpected joy."

Hearing this, the envy in their eyes diminished slightly.

Constitution is the foundation of martial arts; it becomes more critical the further one progresses and is the deciding factor in breaking through to the Transformation Strength stage.

They did not lack disciples at the Dark Strength stage; what was truly scarce were such talents with the potential to strike at Transformation Strength—seedlings who could support a lineage and protect the family in the future.

Zhou Liang quickly calmed his emotions and returned to his normal state.

On the training grounds.

*Swish! Swish!*

As Chen Qing released his fingers, the bowstring slowly uncoiled.

*Thump!*

The moon-like bow instantly snapped back to its original shape, and the accumulated force exploded outward like an invisible shockwave!

*Buzz—!*

The bow body vibrated violently, emitting a piercing hum that made the eardrums of the martial students on both sides ache.

The clerk regained his senses and announced the results: "Xin Jia Thirteen, Passed!"

"Who is this person!? To actually be able to pull a ten-dan bow?"

"What incredible arm strength!"

Many people in the crowd began to discuss.

In the distance, a trace of surprise flashed through Xu Xiuhua's eyes.

She knew well the weight of a ten-dan bow; even a peak Dark Strength expert could pull at most about ten dan, unless their fist technique had reached Great Completion.

Seeing that Chen Qing was not very old, if he applied more effort, he might even be able to take it a step further.

Seeing Chen Qing stun the crowd, Xu Xiuhua was also inwardly amazed.

"This Chen Qing comes from a humble background. If I were to bestow some favors and provide guidance, I might gain a loyal hound," Xu Xiuhua thought to herself. "Xiaofang, are you acquainted with Chen Qing?"

"I suppose so. His family's boat is moored in the same place as mine..."

Xu Fang was slightly taken aback. "What does Aunt mean?"

Xu Xiuhua smiled faintly. "In the path of martial arts, connections and resources are indispensable. He is, after all, a loach in a wild river. I can give him a good opportunity; it remains to be seen if he can grasp it."

The first round of assessments continued, with elites from martial halls and prestigious families appearing one after another.

The ten-dan bow was shaken several more times, with two individuals drawing particular attention: one was an elite disciple from the Tianju Martial Hall, whose Dark Strength refinement had reached perfection; the other was the young master of the Li family, born with divine strength, who actually pulled three ten-dan bows in a row!

Gasps and discussions rose in waves from the sidelines.

Watching from a distance, Chen Qing secretly calculated his position.

"Based on the current situation, there are definitely no more than ten people with better results than me. My first-round score is quite good. The second round is actual combat; as long as I don't perform poorly, there shouldn't be a problem."

High-tier talent makes one a target for greed; being too defensive or being too mediocre invites bullying. Both bring unnecessary trouble.

Only being mediocre is the safest path.

It was not until evening that the first round of the martial examinations concluded.

As Chen Qing squeezed through the crowd, a stout manager with a face full of smiles approached him, cupping his hands. "I am the Second Manager of the Zhu family. Greetings, Little Brother Chen."

"You are too polite, Manager," Chen Qing replied with a composed gesture. The Zhu family was one of the five great clans of Gaolin County, controlling much of the county's grain and silk trade, possessing immense wealth.

The Second Manager of the Zhu family smiled. "I wonder if Little Brother would be willing to serve as a retainer for our Zhu family? Regarding benefits, the Zhu family will certainly not mistreat you."

He then stated the conditions: a monthly stipend of thirty taels of silver, along with two Blood Qi Pills; if a ten-year contract was signed, a two-entry courtyard house would be gifted at the edge of the Inner City.

Chen Qing's heart stirred slightly. These conditions were truly generous; even a house at the edge of the Inner City was worth a fortune.

He cupped his hands and said, "This is a significant matter. Allow me a few days to consider it."

"Very well! If Brother Chen is interested, you may come to the Zhu family to find me at any time."

Manager Zhu agreed with a chuckle.

Whether the recruitment succeeded was secondary; making a familiar face and building a good rapport would make things easier in the future.

Following this, many other aristocratic families and wealthy merchants approached, attempting to win Chen Qing over.

After all, the potential he displayed today meant he had a very high probability of passing.

These merchants and families were far inferior to the Zhu family, but the conditions they offered were not much worse. One wealthy merchant even asked Chen Qing if he was betrothed, stating that if he simply nodded, he would promise his young daughter to him.

In addition, forces such as the Forging Armory and the Iron Hand Gang also came forward to converse.

The offers from all sides were tempting, but Chen Qing remained impassive, declining them one by one.

He knew clearly that once he accepted these resources, he would be tied to these factions.

"Brother Qing!"

Just as Chen Qing saw off the manager from the Forging Armory, a crisp female voice rang out from behind him.

He looked toward the sound and saw it was Xu Fang.

"Long time no see."

She was dressed in pale purple clothing, clean and elegant, bringing a faint fragrance as she approached.

Since their last small gathering, they indeed had not seen each other for many days.

"Yes, it has been a long time."

Xu Fang's gaze lingered on him, her tone carrying a hint of wistfulness. "Your change... is truly astonishing. If not for the faint outline of your features, I almost wouldn't have recognized you."

At their last meeting on the tea boat, Chen Qing had not yet undergone such a transformative change.

Chen Qing smiled. "You flatter me."

"By the way!"

Xu Fang seemed to just remember her business. "My aunt wants to meet you. Come with me, quickly."

Before he could respond, she grabbed Chen Qing's wrist and led him away without allowing for argument.

"Oh? Your aunt?" Chen Qing felt slightly puzzled.

"My aunt is a very good person. In a moment, you..." Xu Fang explained with a smile as they walked.

Before long, the two arrived before Xu Xiuhua.

Chen Qing looked her over. She was not yet forty, well-maintained, and possessed a very charming grace.

Her silk garments draped over a dignified figure, and her exquisitely painted features carried an air of elegance born from a life of luxury.

(End of Chapter)