Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist-Chapter 312 - 95: Returning Home in Glory

As for knowing that Lin Chen would return to Poyang County at this time, it was because he and his junior brother had been stationed in Poyang County for two days. Seeing many people at the Poyang County dock today, he guessed in his heart that Lin Chen must have returned.

Originally, he was worried that strong fighters from the Military Affairs Hall would accompany Lin Chen on his return trip, which might hinder the plan. Unexpectedly, Lin Chen returned alone, as if even the heavens didn’t want Lin Chen to join the Qingyun Martial Arts Academy.

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The visit from the Qingyun Martial Arts Academy did not affect Lin Chen’s mood.

As the boat approached the dock, Lin Chen saw two officials and also saw Hall Master Zeng, Hall Master Tai, Hall Master Zhao, and several other hall masters.

He saw his junior sisters from the Jingshui Martial Arts Hall, including Fu Qingqing, and also saw his junior brothers Lu Yongfeng, Zhao Jingchuan, and Cheng Ying. He saw Fu Ang, Gu Shan, Zhao Kang, and finally saw Elder Sister Hua’Er.

There were many familiar faces and also many new ones.

The boat came to a steady stop at the shore. After expressing his gratitude with a cupped fist gesture to the boatman, Lin Chen then stepped onto the shore.

Dong!

The moment Lin Chen set foot on the shore, drumbeats and the sound of gongs rang out nearby.

Lin Xiuyong was vigorously striking the drums and gongs, his face full of excitement. The other officials beside him could understand why Lin Xiuyong was so excited.

The previous chief of the Raozhou Prefecture Military Affairs Department came to Poyang County to trouble Lin Chen. Lin Xiuyong risked his life to buy time, a favor that Young Master Lin would surely remember. With Young Master Lin’s presence, Lin Xiuyong’s future as a chief constable at the government office was assured.

Fortune favors the bold, and Lin Xiuyong indeed made the right gamble.

"Disciple Lin Chen greets Lord Su and Lord He."

Lin Chen went up to Su Lingchuan and He Ruyun, saluting them respectfully, and then greeted Zeng Qingyao and others, showing no arrogance for having his name etched on Martial Arts Mountain, being awarded a plaque by the imperial court, and being recognized as a Jiangnan Dao exemplary student.

"Haha, Lin Chen, you’ve surprised me twice on this occasion."

Su Lingchuan made no attempt to hide his joy. Upon hearing this, Lin Chen muttered in his heart that if the Military Affairs Hall had not kept secrets about his second commendation on Martial Arts Mountain, Lord Su might have been surprised once again.

"Lin Chen, having a talent like you in Poyang County brings me great honor as well."

He Ruyun followed with a praise. Though he and Su Lingchuan were Grade-Entering Martial Artists, they could at best reach the Middle Grade, unlike Lin Chen, who, despite his currently low strength, had the potential for the Upper Grade.

"Let’s go. Lord He and I have arranged a welcome banquet for you. After the feast, we shall accompany you back to Linhu Village."

"Disciple will follow the lord’s arrangements."

Lin Chen did not refuse but declined when Su Lingchuan wanted him to walk in the front.

"It’s been months since I last saw my junior brothers, and I have much to talk about with them. Lord Su, please let me walk with my junior brothers."

Faced with Lin Chen’s request, Su Lingchuan was taken aback, but was even more pleased with Lin Chen in his heart.

Amidst such honor, maintaining one’s true self is indeed commendable!

"Very well, I’ll oblige you, but at the welcome feast, you mustn’t be so willful."

Su Lingchuan stroked his beard and laughed, knowing Lin Chen was the guest of honor at the feast and could not just sit at any student table.

Walking up to the many students of the hall, and seeing the somewhat unnatural expressions in the eyes of these junior brothers and sisters, Lin Chen naturally understood the reason.

Ascending so rapidly caused these junior brothers and sisters to feel intimidated and distanced from him.

"Why so silent, it’s only been a few months since we last met. Junior Brother Fu, I remember you used to be the most talkative one. Why are you silent today?"

Called out by Lin Chen, Fu Ang naturally didn’t admit it was due to reverence. He defended by saying, "I just thought I’d be quiet since the lords and hall masters are present."

"The way you’re talking, it’s like Hall Master Tai doesn’t know your temperament."

With the conversation between Lin Chen and Fu Ang, the respectful distance that had developed among the students due to awe of Lin Chen slowly dissipated as they started asking curious questions one after another.

"Senior Brother Lin, you’re truly remarkable."

"Senior Brother Lin, you can’t imagine how shocked we were when the Military Affairs Hall issued a notice..."

"Senior Brother Lin, what’s Martial Arts Mountain really like?"

Walking in front, Su Lingchuan and He Ruyun, along with the hall masters from various martial arts halls, all bore smiles on their faces as they listened to the discussions of the students behind them.

These youths would be the foundation of Poyang County’s martial arts in ten years, and Lin Chen would undoubtedly be the pillar.

Even if Lin Chen hadn’t been honored as the Jiangnan Dao exemplary student, these youths still viewed him as their senior brother, not only for his strength but for his character.

Their world was not void of young prodigies!

Most were aloof and proud!

However, a genius like Lin Chen remained rare in both Jiangnan Dao and Liang.

A single Lin Chen could significantly elevate the martial arts strength of the entire Poyang County.

Both Su Lingchuan and the hall masters clearly understood that this batch of students was noticeably stronger than previous ones, largely thanks to Lin Chen’s influence.

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Linhu Village.

"Hurry up, Second Xu, is the ancestral hall cleaned?"

"What are you dawdling about for?"

"Those who bought burial plots also want to put their ancestral tablets in the hall; they’re dreaming."

"Pay us? No amount is acceptable!"

"One hundred taels?" Zhao Canghe swallowed hard: "Sure, sure, place them, place them. As many as they want. After all, whether Lin Chen worships one ancestral tablet or two, it’s still worship."

PS: I promised an update by midnight. Even though I wrote until two in the morning, I still made it. Are there any monthly votes?