Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist-Chapter 309 - 94: Apprenticeship (Part 3)

No wonder Junior Brother Jia hasn’t had a single disciple all these years.

"If the disciple is willing, I’m just afraid Instructor Jia will find me too stupid..."

Lin Chen realized what was happening, and this time, without waiting for Shao Jingshan to ask again, he proactively looked at Jia Nanzhu.

"Junior Brother Jia, Lin Chen is willing to acknowledge you as a teacher. Give us a straightforward answer."

Jia Nanzhu felt a bit helpless. He indeed wanted to take Lin Chen as a disciple but hoped Lin Chen would initiate the request himself, not expecting Senior Brother Shao to intervene like this.

As for when Lin Chen would make the first move, it should naturally be when he was moved by his kindness, and then he would accept Lin Chen, achieving perfection.

"Junior Brother Jia is just too particular. If he continues to be so, perhaps Lin Chen will run away."

Shao Jingshan could guess what Jia Nanzhu was thinking, but in his opinion, since Jia appreciated Lin Chen and thought highly of him, he should directly accept Lin Chen as a disciple and make the master-disciple relationship official.

What’s the difference if Lin Chen suggested it or he initiated it?

If you value him, act!

When Lin Chen leaves his name on the Martial Arts Mountain for the third time, should someone from the Military Affairs Department express interest in taking Lin Chen as a disciple, wouldn’t all efforts be for nothing?

If Lin Chen could hear Shao Jingshan’s thoughts at this moment, he would undoubtedly agree wholeheartedly.

Being moved by actions – isn’t that just desperation?

A desperate attempt, leaving nothing in the end.

"Of course, I’m willing."

After a moment, Jia Nanzhu reluctantly uttered this sentence.

"Lin Chen, offer tea to Junior Brother Jia. I will be the witness of your master-disciple ceremony."

Shao Jingshan laughed again. With prepared tea in the courtyard, Lin Chen respectfully presented the fragrant tea.

"Disciple Lin Chen, please have tea, teacher!"

"Good."

Jia Nanzhu took the teacup and drank it all at once.

"From today, I will impart all my knowledge to you. As for the ceremony of taking an apprentice, give me some time to think about it, and I will arrange it in due course."

"For the teacher to take me as a disciple is already an honor. How could I dare to..."

"Lin Chen, acknowledging Junior Brother Jia as your master is a good thing, but don’t emulate your teacher’s temperament. It’s only natural for a teacher to give an apprentice ceremony."

Shao Jingshan interrupted Lin Chen once again, not because he, as the Hall Chief of the Military Affairs Hall, enjoyed interjecting, but because temperament oftentimes dictates how far one can go on the Martial Path.

Junior Brother Jia’s martial talent isn’t less than mine, yet his strength has declined not merely due to past injuries. Even without those injuries, it would be hard for Junior Brother Jia to catch up with me because his temperament is somewhat soft.

A martial artist should be bold and forthright.

If it is yours, take it; if not... decide whether to take it or not based on the situation.

"Thank you for your guidance, my lord. The disciple will remember it in his heart."

Lin Chen accepted the advice, while Jia Nanzhu gave a wry smile, but he had to admit that what Senior Brother Shao said was reasonable. His own temperament was indeed a bit soft, which is why he hasn’t reached the Upper Three Grades in the Martial Path.

"Since you have decided to return to Poyang County, you can directly seek resources required for cultivation from the Military Affairs Department of Raozhou Prefecture... never mind, now that Junior Brother Jia is your teacher, there’s no need for me to meddle. Junior Brother Jia will plan your path of cultivation."

Shao Jingshan had a motive for pushing Lin Chen to formally acknowledge a teacher today.

With the title of master and disciple, Junior Brother Jia can justifiably seek cultivation resources for Lin Chen without anyone gossiping.

"Is there anything else?"

As Hall Chief of the Military Affairs Hall, Shao Jingshan is extremely busy. Staying here for more than a quarter of an hour is about enough.

"Lord Shao, during the second time I left my name on the Martial Arts Mountain, I obtained a Martial Seal and have questions regarding the subsequent two steps of the Martial Arts Mountain."

Hearing this, Shao Jingshan’s expression became solemn. He looked at Jia Nanzhu beside him: "Junior Brother Jia, though you are Lin Chen’s teacher, the matter of the Martial Arts Seal is of great importance. Please excuse us for now."

"Okay."

Jia Nanzhu wasn’t displeased, as he understood Senior Brother Shao’s character. He wouldn’t care much about minor etiquette, and asking him to leave signified that the Martial Arts Seal concealed some grand secret.

Lin Chen never expected that Lord Shao would ask his teacher to step out; despite his teacher being the Deputy Hall Chief of the Military Affairs Hall, he wasn’t even allowed to listen in, leaving him both shocked and more curious about the Martial Arts Seal and the Martial Arts Mountain.

Jia Nanzhu departed from the courtyard and also dismissed the servants at the gate, leaving the surrounding hundred meters deserted.

"Follow me inside."

But even so, Shao Jingshan didn’t immediately speak but stepped into the main house, and Lin Chen followed, closing the door behind him.

"The Martial Arts Seal is related to the Martial Fortune of Liang."

Upon entering, Shao Jingshan’s first remark stunned Lin Chen.

Martial Fortune?

"This answers your first question."

Shao Jingshan’s eyes gleamed as he continued: "The first step of the Martial Arts Mountain was built by the Grand Ancestor Emperor, but the two subsequent steps were not. This answers your second question."

Lin Chen inwardly rolled his eyes. Lord Shao’s answer was no answer at all.

He resolved his doubts only to find new ones emerging.

"This matter must not be revealed to anyone, not even your teacher. Otherwise, it will be deemed a crime of treason!"

Lin Chen: ...

Reveal?

What could he possibly reveal?

Reveal his doubts?

Seeing Lin Chen’s confusion, Shao Jingshan’s expression remained highly serious: "I suspect you’re silently cursing me for withholding information, but this is all I can divulge to you, and you must seek the answers yourself."

"I understand."

After a moment, Lin Chen replied sullenly.

Observing Lin Chen’s demeanor, Shao Jingshan subtly shifted his expression and stated, "Some things provide no benefit for you to know now. You just need to understand that the Grand Ancestor Emperor harbored great intentions for Liang."