"Sixth Transformation resources?"

Jia Nanzhu’s old eyes glimmered: "With the foundation of the Martial Arts Garden, it is indeed possible to obtain Sixth Transformation resources. As for having you return to Poyang County, it seems that it’s because Lingxiao City is now a gathering of forces from various countries, and breaking through in Lingxiao City would draw too much attention."

"Yes, Elder Zhao mentioned the same to me."

The older, the wiser, sighed Lin Chen inwardly. Just a mention, and the teacher could already guess the reason.

"Is there anything else you wish to tell your teacher? Don’t hold back; there’s no one else here now, so go ahead and speak."

"Teacher, do you know why the people from the Nansha Three Islands came to challenge us, yet our side of Liang did not arrange for stronger talents to meet their challenge?"

When it came to the main issue, Lin Chen’s expression turned serious, and Jia Nanzhu did the same. Although he was in Linhu Village, there were people from Senior Brother Shao in the Military Affairs Hall who relayed letters to him, so he was informed of major events in Liang promptly.

The Nansha Three Islands sent people to challenge Lingxiao City, yet only the Lingxiao Martial Arts Academy arranged for disciples to fight. If not for my disciple stepping forward, this conflict would have played right into the Five Clans of Guan’s plan, and it was puzzling that Lord Kong took no action.

"Is there some inside story to this?"

"Yes, this matter seems to relate to the Flame Dynasty..."

Lin Chen relayed to his teacher the information Elder Zhao had shared, omitting only the fact that the Martial Garden Master and Emperor of Liang were senior and junior brothers, while being completely honest about everything else.

"I see!"

Jia Nanzhu had an epiphany, the doubts in his heart finally resolved.

"No wonder Lord Kong ultimately did not intervene. The Five Clans of Guan must have also learned the news, seizing this opportunity to pressure Lord Kong. If it weren’t for your intervention, the Five Clans of Guan would have already achieved their goal."

"Do you think Lord Kong will eventually compromise and make changes?"

Faced with his disciple’s inquiry, Jia Nanzhu did not provide an answer, instead posing a counter-question: "In your view, does the Military Affairs Department need reform?" 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Does the Military Affairs Department need reform?

Lin Chen remained silent, unable to provide an answer.

From his perspective, he only hoped to leave a path for disciples from low-class families, but if no changes are made, would people from the Flame Dynasty really appear?

"This is not something you should worry about. If you have a tendency, then focus on improving your strength. The stronger you are, the more support you can provide to Lord Kong."

Jia Nanzhu knew what his disciple was conflicted about, but he believed that after his disciple defeated the Yu Beichen brothers in Lingxiao City, Lord Kong already had a strategy to break the situation.

"Cultivate in peace. Elder Zhao wasn’t wrong when he said what you can do is strengthen yourself. There’s nothing else you can do; if the sky falls, Lord Kong and the others will hold it up, and at worst, there’s us old bones."

Lin Chen was taken aback, looking at his teacher, but he didn’t expect the next moment for his teacher’s face to show anger.

"I think you’ve been a bit conceited lately, even if you yourself don’t realize it."

"Teacher..."

"You’re just a Martial Artist who hasn’t even entered the grade. How much of the affairs of the Nine Kingdoms can you participate in, and what can you influence? Spending so much effort and thought on this matter, do you really think you’re a martial genius of Liang, already representing Liang’s destiny?"

This was the first time Lin Chen heard his teacher speak so sternly to him. Since he’d known him, the teacher had always mainly praised him, speaking gently.

"Disciple understands."

"After you meet your parents later, go to the ancestral hall for a night and calm your mind."

Hearing about going to the ancestral hall, Lin Chen was stunned for a moment.

"What, unwilling?"

"Disciple dares not."

Lin Chen quickly shook his head, not unwilling, but the thought of the ancestral hall reminded him of the old village chief. Each time he returned to the village, the old chief insisted he pay respects to the ancestors. He thought that by returning quietly this time, he could avoid it, but it seemed he couldn’t escape it after all.