Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist-Chapter 354 - 112: Dignity Lies Only Upon the Sword’s Edge

"Rising at sunrise and resting at sunset, your Linhu Village is certainly a place of leisure."

Hearing Lord Kong’s words, Lin Chen merely smiled. He understood Lord Kong’s mindset, much like how many urban dwellers in the past life yearned for the pastoral life in the countryside.

But what they longed for were the idyllic landscapes of the countryside, the vast fields of golden rapeseed flowers, the lush green rows of rice seedlings, not the toil of farmers leaving early and returning late, carrying hoes.

"If my lord appreciates Linhu Village, why not stay a few more days?"

"Oh, are you implying this old man would just hurry away after a brief visit?"

Kong Qifeng looked at Lin Chen, who explained, "I just thought, given your esteemed status, Lord Kong, you must handle a myriad of affairs daily and probably don’t have much time for rest."

"You... don’t seem like a fisherman’s child."

Kong Qifeng’s aged eyes scrutinized Lin Chen, who felt as if he were being completely seen through. This lord’s gaze lacked oppressive sharpness, but the depth in his pupils seemed to pierce through everything in the world.

"Ever since I was young, I’ve loved reading books and listening to storytellers. The stories they told most often were about nobility. After hearing many, I gained some understanding. However, some storytellers have never seen how the noble truly live. The stories are fascinating at first but, after learning more, one finds them full of flaws."

"Oh, tell me more."

"Once, there was a storyteller who told of a noble celebrating his sixtieth birthday. Obviously, this gentleman had never witnessed such a celebration. In the story, the table was piled high with meats — pork, beef, lamb, and poultry like chicken, duck, and goose. At that time, hearing this, I thought the feast was impressive. But later, after practicing martial arts and entering a martial gym, I learned that beyond domestic fowl, there are many rare birds, not to mention demon flesh..."

Lin Chen’s lips curled into a smile, "That storyteller spoke of a noble who was a prefect. Now thinking back, it’s quite absurd. The poor truly can’t pen stories, especially tales of the noble."

Kong Qifeng also smiled at the amusing story.

"In the end, it’s because Poyang County is too impoverished, and ordinary people are not very knowledgeable. My teacher once said that in other regions, even common folk know about exotic meats, but I didn’t learn until I was sixteen and joined a martial gym that rare poultry meat can enhance qi blood."

Lin Chen subtly glanced at Lord Kong’s expression. Seeing no change, he continued, "My teacher told me about Jiangnan Dao’s past. It was once a prosperous place, full of martial artists. However, due to certain reasons, it has gradually declined. Now, it’s at the bottom of all regions. If not for the Military Affairs Department’s support, the Martial Path in Jiangnan Dao would be extinct in less than a century."

Pleading poverty!

Can’t do it blatantly.

Must employ some verbal skills.

After gaining his teacher’s favor, Lin Chen pondered how to express grievances to this Lord Kong.

If there’s a problem, surely, it’s not Lord Kong’s fault. Whose fault is it then?

The predecessors’ fault?

Kong Qifeng’s expression remained unchanged, though he was well aware. Shao Jingshan and the others dared not openly complain in his presence, so they had Lin Chen speak to him. Facing a junior, he, a dignified First-Grade Martial Artist, couldn’t possibly lose his temper.

"And regarding this Martial Arts Academy matter, I..."

"I am aware of it all. If you were wronged at the academy, then just leave them be."

Kong Qifeng interrupted Lin Chen again. This youngster had quite a way with words. If he continued, they might talk for half a two-hour period. He truly didn’t have much time to stay in Linhu Village. His visit to Lin Chen was more about needing to come to Jiangnan Dao for an important announcement.

"Since your teacher mentioned that Jiangnan Dao was a prosperous place with a thriving Martial Path, do you know why it’s now at the bottom?"

"My teacher never explained the reason," Lin Chen shook his head.

"It’s because Jiangnan Dao experienced a great demon war. At that time, to annihilate the Demon Race, Liang drove them all into the deep mountains and lakes of Jiangnan Dao. In this sense, indeed, the other regions owe you of Jiangnan Dao."

"A demon war in Jiangnan Dao?"

Lin Chen was stunned. He had never considered this, realizing now the great sacrifices Jiangnan Dao’s people made for all of Liang.

"Since you’ve been to the Special Training Ground, you should know about the Demon Race and understand why Liang’s people are unaware of their existence."

"Yes."

Kong Qifeng looked at Lin Chen, "Lately, the imperial court has been arguing incessantly over whether to inform people about the Demon Race. What’s your take on it?"

"My view?" Lin Chen pointed to himself, saying helplessly, "My lord, you overestimate me. I’m just a young boy, and I’m unfamiliar with state affairs. It would be reckless to comment."

"Speak freely. It’s just the old man here. Do you fear I’ll sell you out? You’re too young to be so cautious, like those old foxes, lacking any vitality."

Kong Qifeng’s face was stern, suddenly chiding. Lin Chen remained unmoved, merely cupping his fist, saying, "My lord, you’re right. I am indeed cautious and prudent. I would like to critique the world in grandiloquent words, but I cannot."

"My family is poor, with a father who is but a village fisherman and a mother who is merely a village housewife. If I’m not careful, a slip of the tongue could offend those in power. The anger of even one Grade-Entering Martial Artist is beyond what I can bear. This journey has been precarious, with not a step wrong."