49: Chapter 49 The Battle for a Spot

Returning to Sifang Pavilion, he shut the door, cutting off the blood and the night outside.

Lin Tian lit an oil lamp, using its dim, yellow glow to take stock of the spoils he had obtained from Elder Yan Lie.

Over twenty taels of loose silver and a few small-denomination silver banknotes, totaling less than fifty taels.

For a Second Grade Martial Artist and martial arts hall Elder, this was practically destitute; perhaps he hadn't carried most of his wealth with him.

What was truly valuable were the two booklets.

One had a blank cover, yellowed pages, and heavily worn corners. Upon flipping it open, a palm technique named "Fire Poison Palm" was recorded inside in tiny, regular script.

Looking at its force-exerting methods and poison-tempering techniques, it was insidious and tricky, completely different from the upright style of Liehuo Martial Arts Hall's "Fire Killing Palm," which was known for its searing heat and fierce power.

It seemed more like some unorthodox Legacy or the result of a fortuitous encounter.

At the end of the booklet, there was an appendix of notes on the medicinal herbs and techniques required to mix and refine the fire poison. The handwriting was relatively fresh, likely added by Elder Yan Lie himself through his own research.

The other booklet was even thinner and resembled a journal, recording the characteristics, growth environments, simple processing methods, and some basic compounding taboos of over a dozen rare medicinal herbs.

Judging by the content, it seemed like a summary of experiences from someone who spent years traveling through mountains and forests dealing with herbs. It might have been acquired by Elder Yan Lie in his early years, or collected specifically to Cultivate the Fire Poison Palm.

"Fire Poison Palm..." Lin Tian flipped through it for a moment before closing it.

Although the palm technique was unique, its style was insidious and poisonous, which did not align with the upright, grand, and exquisitely coordinated path of the Five Elements Fist he currently Cultivated.

Moreover, refining fire poison required time, and he had no spare leisure at the moment. "I'll keep it for now; it might come in handy."

He placed the money and the two booklets into an inner pocket in his robes, blew out the oil lamp, and lay down with his clothes on.

In his mind, he replayed tonight's battle, especially the feeling of perfect coordination between strength and speed, completely under his control, when he finally killed Elder Yan Lie.

The realm of Second Grade was indeed different.

The most important thing right now was the Imperial Guard recommendation quota. Now that his strength had met the threshold, he should go claim it tomorrow.

Early the next morning, before the sky was fully bright, Lin Tian had already finished a round of fist forms in the courtyard. His blood and Qi were active, and his spirit was fully energized.

He changed into a clean, grey-blue martial arts hall outfit and pushed open the door to head out.

Arriving at the Qingfeng Martial Arts Hall, before even stepping through the main gate, he sensed an unusual atmosphere.

On typical mornings, the martial arts hall would be filled with the shouting of fist practice, but today it was bustling with voices, the noise carrying excitement, agitation, and even a hint of fanaticism.

"What happened?" Lin Tian felt slightly surprised as he stepped onto the training ground.

He saw that many Disciples were not practicing as usual. Instead, they gathered in groups of three to five, discussing heatedly, their eyes occasionally glancing toward the inner courtyard.

He just happened to see Wang Yu squeezing out of the crowd, his expression somewhat complex, seemingly emotional yet helpless.

"Senior Brother Wang, morning. Why is the hall so noisy?" Lin Tian went forward and asked.

Seeing it was Lin Tian, Wang Yu sighed and lowered his voice, "Junior Brother Lin, you don't know yet? Du Fei... he made a Breakthrough! He went into seclusion last night and emerged this morning, his blood and Qi surging, his strength skyrocketing. It has been confirmed that he is... a Second Grade Martial Artist!"

He paused, looking at Lin Tian, and said in a heavy tone, "I'm afraid this final Imperial Guard recommendation quota... is bound to be his.

The Hall Master said beforehand that within the six-month limit, whoever reached Second Grade first would get the quota.

Now that the deadline is approaching, Du Fei is the first to make a Breakthrough. Others... have no chance left."

"Oh? Du Fei also made a Breakthrough?" Lin Tian raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling a bit surprised, but quickly felt relieved.

Du Fei was originally one of the top talents in the hall. He had been stuck at the First Grade Peak for a long time, and with the stimulus of the quota, it was only reasonable that he would break through under desperate effort.

He was also the one the Hall Master and everyone else had originally favored the most.

"Also made a Breakthrough?" Wang Yu was startled, not catching the implication of the word "also" in Lin Tian's words, taking it as a normal exclamation, and smiled bitterly. "Yeah, who would have thought he could really push through at the final moment. Now..."

"Why lose heart, Senior Brother Wang?" Lin Tian smiled, his tone calm. "Even if he made a Breakthrough, this quota might not necessarily be his."

"Huh?" Wang Yu looked up in astonishment, staring at Lin Tian in confusion. "Junior Brother Lin, what are you saying? The Hall Master clearly stated that only Second Grade is qualified.

Among the Disciples now, except for the Eldest Senior Sister and Eldest Senior Brother whose quotas were decided long ago, only Du Fei is Second Grade. Who can compete with him? Unless..."

He shook his head, finding his own thought absurd. "Unless someone else can make a Breakthrough in these last few days, but how is that possible?"

"Why is it impossible?" The corner of Lin Tian's mouth curled slightly as he pointed at himself. "I am already Second Grade."

"You?!" Wang Yu's pupils shrank sharply as he stared intently at Lin Tian, as if trying to find any trace of a joke on his face.

But Lin Tian's expression was composed, his gaze calm and deep—where was there any hint of playfulness?

Recalling Lin Tian's mind-boggling speed of Cultivation and the fact that he seemed to have returned very late yesterday... a thought that made his heart race uncontrollably rose within him.

"Junior Brother Lin, are you... speaking the truth? This is no joking matter!" Wang Yu's voice tightened.

"Whether it's true or false, you will know very soon." Lin Tian said no more, patting Wang Yu's shoulder and turning his gaze toward the inner courtyard.

Just then, the crowd suddenly parted to both sides as a figure walked over with a powerful, confident stride. It was indeed Du Fei.

Today, he had specially changed into a brand-new sapphire-blue martial outfit, with a jade belt around his waist, his hair meticulously combed, holding his head high with chest out, exuding high spirits with every look.

Although he tried his best to restrain his blood and Qi, the heavy and vigorous aura belonging to a Second Grade Martial Artist still faintly seeped out, striking awe into people's hearts.

"Senior Brother Du!"

"Congratulations, Senior Brother Du, on breaking through to Second Grade!"

"Senior Brother Du possesses heaven-sent talent; it is well-deserved!"

"Who else but Senior Brother Du deserves that Imperial Guard quota?"

The surrounding Disciples flocked to him like bees to honey, showering him with a torrent of flattery and sycophancy.

Du Fei wore a reserved smile, nodding in response to each of them as he basked in the feeling of being the center of attention.

His gaze swept across the crowd, and he suddenly spotted Lin Tian standing on the periphery with a calm expression. The smile on his lips instantly turned into a condescending sneer.

He pushed through the crowd, walked straight up to Lin Tian, and stopped. The surroundings instantly fell silent as everyone looked over, the air thick with anticipation for a good show.

"Junior Brother Lin—oh, wait, now I should call you Junior Brother Lin." Du Fei deliberately dragged out his words, his eyes filled with unconcealed superiority and provocation.

"You must have heard. I, your Senior Brother, have fortunately made a Breakthrough and am now a Second Grade Martial Artist."

He raised his chin slightly, as if anticipating and savoring the shock, resentment, or frustration that might appear on Lin Tian's face.

"Speaking of which, I've always found you somewhat disagreeable. But then again, I probably won't have many opportunities to find you disagreeable in the future." Du Fei's tone was dismissive, as if he were talking about an ant.

"I will soon become an Imperial Guard and leave this tiny Qingfeng Martial Arts Hall. When that time comes, we will be as different as clouds and mud; you will only be able to gaze up at me from afar."

He stepped half a pace closer, lowering his voice, yet keeping it loud enough for those around to hear clearly: "Right now, if you know what's good for you, hurry over and flatter me with a few nice words. Perhaps if I'm in a good mood, I can give you a pointer or two in the Imperial Guard in the future.

Otherwise... once I get the quota and put on that Flying Fish Uniform, you won't even have the right to approach me if you wanted to."

He was looking forward to seeing this kid, who had once been taken in as a Disciple by the Hall Master and stolen some of his spotlight, show a fawning, humble, or even fearful expression before him.

However, Lin Tian merely looked at him quietly. Not only was there none of the negative emotions Du Fei had anticipated, but Lin Tian suddenly laughed instead.

The laughter was not loud, yet it echoed clearly in the silent training ground, carrying a faint trace of mockery.

"Senior Brother Du," Lin Tian stopped laughing, his tone flat and unperturbed. "You want to join the Imperial Guard? I'm afraid... it's still a bit too early."

"Huh?" Du Fei's brow furrowed, and his face darkened. "What do you mean? You're not convinced?"

"Whether I'm convinced or not isn't important." Lin Tian shook his head. "What I mean is, if you want to get that quota, I'm afraid you have to ask me first. As for whether you can get it... that remains to be seen."

"Ask you? Hahaha!" Du Fei laughed as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world, then looked at Lin Tian as if he were an idiot. "Lin Tian, I think you haven't woken up yet!

Or do you think that just because you are the Hall Master's apprentice, you can do whatever you want and completely ignore the rules set by the Hall Master?

The Hall Master made it very clear: to get the quota, one must be a Second Grade Martial Artist! Are you a Second Grade Martial Artist?"

He snorted heavily, no longer paying attention to Lin Tian as if looking at him for one more second would dirty his eyes. He turned and strode toward the main hall where the Hall Master was, leaving behind a sentence: "I won't waste my breath on your pipe dreams!

I am going to see the Hall Master to claim the quota that I deserve!"

The surrounding Disciples also shook their heads, whispering among themselves:

"What's wrong with Senior Brother Lin? Has he gone mad with anger?"

"Exactly. Even the Hall Master's apprentice can't be this arrogant, right? Rules are rules!"

"Senior Brother Du is already Second Grade; it's a done deal. Can he really turn the heavens upside down?"

"He's probably just unwilling to accept it and putting up a stubborn front."

Lin Tian turned a deaf ear to the surrounding gossip. He merely watched Du Fei's departing figure, smiled again, and then also stepped forward, following unhurriedly.

Inside the main hall, Hall Master Chen Qingfeng sat in the main seat, with several Elders seated on either side.

Du Fei was the first to enter. Cupping his hands and bowing, his voice was resonant: "Disciple Du Fei pays respects to the Hall Master and the Elders!"

"Ah, Du Fei. What is it?" Hall Master Chen Qingfeng looked at Du Fei, a hint of expectation in his eyes. He had already vaguely heard rumors.

"Reporting to the Hall Master! Fortunately, this Disciple did not fail his mission. In seclusion last night, I luckily made a Breakthrough and have stepped into the realm of a Second Grade Martial Artist!"

Du Fei held his head high, his voice like a great bell, his face filled with pride.

"Oh? Really?" Hall Master Chen Qingfeng's eyes lit up, and he sat up straight. "Release your blood and Qi, and perform a demonstration for this Hall Master and the Elders!"

"Yes!"

Du Fei took a deep breath, stepped back a few paces, and gave a low shout. He no longer held back his blood and Qi, letting them erupt with a boom!

A vigorous aura far exceeding that of First Grade spread out, scorching and violent. He immediately assumed a stance and unleashed the fist technique he was most proficient in.

The wind from his fists howled, and his internal force surged. With every punch thrown, the air produced a dull, booming sound, demonstrating a formidable power far exceeding two thousand catties! The ground trembled slightly.

"Good! His blood and Qi are robust, his internal force is solid, and he has already mastered the control of releasing and withdrawing. He is indeed Second Grade without a doubt!" an Elder praised, stroking his beard.

"Good! Good! Good!" Hall Master Chen Qingfeng said "good" three times in a row, a gratified smile appearing on his face.

He had originally thought that no one might make a Breakthrough at the final moment, and this recommendation quota would be wasted or had to be arranged otherwise. He hadn't expected Du Fei to actually succeed! "Du Fei, you have done very well! You did not let down the martial arts hall's nurturing!"

Du Fei finished his stance and stood, his breathing slightly rushed, but the excitement on his face was even stronger. He cupped his hands again: "This is all thanks to the cultivation of the Hall Master and the Elders! This Disciple only made a Breakthrough by luck and dare not take all the credit.

It's just... the Hall Master once said that within the six-month limit, whoever reached Second Grade first would obtain the Imperial Guard recommendation quota.

This Disciple takes the liberty to ask the Hall Master: regarding this quota..."

Hall Master Chen Qingfeng was all smiles and was about to agree: "Yes, since you have already broken through to Second Grade, according to the original agreement, this final..."

"Disciple pays respects to Master."

A calm voice sounded from outside the hall, interrupting Hall Master Chen Qingfeng's words.

Everyone looked toward the source of the sound and saw Lin Tian stepping in from outside, bowing to Hall Master Chen Qingfeng and the Elders.

Being interrupted, Hall Master Chen Qingfeng frowned slightly, but seeing it was his beloved Disciple, his tone remained warm: "Tian'er, you've come. Just in time, Du Fei has already broken through to Second Grade. According to the rules, this final quota should belong to him. You can also witness this."

Du Fei cast a sidelong glance at Lin Tian and let out an almost imperceptible snort through his nose, carrying the arrogance of a victor.

Lin Tian seemed not to hear. He looked up, staring directly at Hall Master Chen Qingfeng, his voice clear and firm: "Master, this Disciple also wants this quota."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell slightly silent.

Hall Master Chen Qingfeng's brow furrowed even deeper, the smile fading from his face as he said in a low voice, "Tian'er, do not fool around.

Although you are my Disciple, this matter concerns the reputation of the martial arts hall and the imperial selection. How can it be treated as child's play? I announced publicly back then that whoever reached Second Grade first would get the quota.

Now that Du Fei has reached Second Grade, it should rightfully go to him. Rules are rules. I cannot neglect public duty for personal feelings. This quota... cannot be given to you."

His tone carried a warning, along with a bit of helplessness.

Although he favored Lin Tian, how could rules established in front of everyone be altered because of personal feelings?

What was more, no matter how high Lin Tian's talent was, he ultimately was not Second Grade right now.

Hearing this, Du Fei sneered even louder, turning to Lin Tian with a mocking tone: "Lin Tian, did you not hear the Hall Master's words?

You want the quota? Fine, show us the strength of a Second Grade Martial Artist! Are you a Second Grade Martial Artist?"

He crossed his arms, waiting in leisurely comfort to see how this kid would extricate himself from this awkward situation.

The various Elders in the hall also shook their heads slightly, feeling that Lin Tian's action showed a lack of tact and only invited embarrassment.