A Martial Saint Among Men: From Joining a Martial Arts School

Chapter 96 What's the point of learning martial arts if you have no money?

After leaving the city, the procession raised its banner.

The city lord's guards were in front and behind, while Chu Xuan and his martial arts students were in the middle.

In terms of strength, they might far surpass the city lord's guards. But in terms of experience in long-distance travel, these people, including Chu Xuan, were all novices!

Most of them were traveling far from home for the first time, and were initially full of curiosity about everything. After walking for more than ten miles, that sense of novelty wore off.

There were no farmlands on either side of the official road; the land was all dry and cracked, with weeds taller than a person growing everywhere.

Qingshan City and Lingxiao Prefecture are more than two thousand miles apart.

For the first few dozen miles, there were still signs of human habitation, but the further one went, the more desolate the roads became, until eventually even the official road was gradually hidden among weeds and rocks.

Occasionally, I would pass by a few abandoned villages, their walls crumbling, overgrown with weeds, long since deserted. Only the mournful sound of the wind whistling through the broken windows remained, adding to the desolation.

The team traveled day and night, braving the scorching sun during the day, with dust flying and their clothes soaked with sweat; at night, they would choose high ground to set up camp, light fires, and take turns keeping watch, not daring to relax for a moment.

As he traveled, Chu Xuan finally understood why Qingshan City was almost completely isolated from the outside world.

For ordinary people, crossing such a path is as difficult as climbing a mountain pass.

It was only because their group consisted of martial artists that no foolish bandits dared to block their path. Otherwise, they would likely have been robbed or devoured by strange beasts before even reaching ten miles outside the city.

Even so, Jiang Hailong did not dare to be careless along the way.

"Be careful, everyone! This forest is teeming with strange beasts. If you're alone, you're as good as dead!"

His voice was deep, yet carried an undeniable authority.

After traveling for several days, both men and horses were exhausted. As darkness fell, all that could be seen ahead were endless barren mountains and old forests, with withered trees reaching for the sky and vines intertwined.

Even during the day, the place is gloomy and dark, filled with the roars of beasts. A mournful howl echoes through the empty valley, sending chills down one's spine.

Jiang Hailong ultimately decided to rest where he was and continue his journey the next day.

Everyone dismounted to rest, lit a campfire, and began to eat dry rations or jerky.

Chu Xuan also silently ate his dry rations.

Not far away, Lu Xiaoshuang, Lin Chong, and Sun Nianxi gathered together, clearly separated from Chu Xuan, and did not disturb each other.

In the past few days, Lin Chong had invited Chu Xuan to form an alliance with them several times, but Chu Xuan had refused each time.

The wind howled through the treetops at night, sounding like ghosts wailing and wolves howling.

There were always green lights flickering in the shadows, and it was unknown what kind of strange beasts were lurking outside, waiting to pounce on them when their vigilance was at its lowest.

Fortunately, everyone was alert, and nothing unexpected happened.

They continued for several more days.

When everyone was exhausted and nearing their limit, Jiang Hailong shouted, "Everyone, give it your all! We've entered Lingxiao Prefecture! We'll be able to enter the city today!"

Another hour or so later.

"Lingxiao Palace, we've arrived!"

A gasp of surprise rang out.

From afar, everyone could see a magnificent city stretching between heaven and earth.

The city wall is built of huge, bluish-gray rocks, towering and majestic, with an imposing presence. Above the city gate are three large ancient seal characters, "Lingxiao City," written with vigorous strokes.

Upon entering the city, the traffic was heavy and the crowds were overwhelming, making it many times more prosperous than Qingshan City.

Without delay, the group immediately rode into the city.

The city streets are wide and flat, wide enough for more than a dozen carriages to travel side by side. The buildings on both sides are continuous, with upturned eaves and carved beams and painted rafters.

Restaurants and teahouses stood side by side, bustling with activity.

On the street, you often see martial arts masters with weapons at their waists passing by, their steps steady and their eyes sharp.

Chu Xuan and his group went directly into the city and eventually stopped at an inn called "Qingshan Guild Hall".

This place is both an inn and the "office" of Qingshan City stationed in Lingxiao Prefecture!

"Let's rest for the night and head to the Xuan Yang Sect tomorrow. Everyone's been working hard these past few days, so get some rest early—"

Jiang Hailong gave a few instructions and then led his horse away.

The group looked at each other, all appearing travel-worn and disheveled, and without saying much, proceeded to check in.

The night is dark.

In Qingshan City, everything had already quieted down, and most people were asleep.

Meanwhile, outside Lingxiao Mansion, the streets were still bustling with traffic and crowds, with vendors constantly calling out their wares.

Chu Xuan sat cross-legged on the hard bed, the doors and windows tightly closed, shutting out the noise from the tavern downstairs. He closed his eyes slightly, placed his hands lightly on his knees, and slowly adjusted his breathing according to the incantation of the "Spirit Turtle Breathing Method".

His breath was long and subtle, like a tortoise breathing deep into the earth.

Take a deep, slow, and focused breath, without being agitated or superficial.

The energy flowed slowly along the meridians, and the breathing became slower and lighter, almost imperceptible.

He was like an old turtle lying dormant in deep water, as still as a mountain, his aura restrained.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, falling on his calm face.

Fine beads of sweat seeped from his forehead, and he felt a slight soreness and distension in his meridians—the normal pain from the circulation of energy and the tempering of his body.

Chu Xuan remained calm and his breathing remained steady.

The Spirit Turtle Breathing Technique does not seek speed, but rather stability, depth, and duration.

It trains endurance, builds a foundation, and cultivates the resilience to hold on even in dire circumstances.

After an unknown amount of time, a faint white tinge appeared on the horizon.

[Spiritual Turtle Breathing Technique - Minor Success (2736/3000)]

Chu Xuan slowly opened his eyes, a glimmer of light flashing in them.

At this rate, it won't be long before he masters the Spirit Turtle Breathing Technique, achieving minor mastery. His physical constitution will undergo another transformation, and his cultivation speed will increase once again.

His starting point may have been much lower than others, but after two transformations, he believes his talent is definitely not much weaker than others.

"Is this Spirit Turtle Breathing Technique incomplete? Or is it a simplified version?"

While Chu Xuan was excited, a question also came to mind.

The value of the Spirit Turtle Breathing Technique in his heart was no less than that of the Vajra Indestructible Technique.

According to the description on the panel, the Spirit Turtle Breathing Technique can only be cultivated to perfection at most, meaning it can only allow him to undergo four transformations at most. This is far from the description of it being "as powerful as a river bursting its banks, as thunderous as lightning"!

If it's incomplete or a simplified version, then it's easier to understand.

Before he obtained the Vajra Indestructible Body, he didn't think much of it, but now, after comparing the two, Chu Xuan felt that his guess was probably right!

The Spirit Turtle Breathing Technique is most likely a simplified version.

"I wonder if the Xuan Yang Sect possesses a complete version of the 'Spirit Tortoise Breathing Technique'?"

When Chu Xuan came out of the room, everyone else had also finished washing up and came out. After having breakfast, the group headed straight for the Xuan Yang Sect.

The Xuan Yang Sect is not located within Lingxiao City, but rather situated atop the mountains to the side of Lingxiao City.

An hour later.

In the distance, a continuous range of mountains came into view.

Everywhere you look, towering peaks rise straight up. Pine trees with gnarled roots and twisted branches adorn the peaks, exuding an ancient and rustic charm. Countless waterfalls, some thousands of feet high, cascade down the mountains like giant white dragons.

Nestled among the mountain peaks, pavilions and towers are faintly visible, hidden in the clouds and mist.

"This is the Xuan Yang Sect? My god! It's like a paradise!"

Someone couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

Everyone else, including Jiang Yunfei, the city lord's grandson, was deeply moved and breathing rapidly.

This is the sacred place of martial arts in their hearts!

Compared to this place, Qingshan City, a thousand miles away, is not even as good as a latrine.

Hearing the crowd's exclamations, Jiang Hailong merely smiled noncommittally: "Let's go, it's still quite a distance to the Xuan Yang Sect's mountain gate!"

Half an hour later.

The group finally arrived at the gate of the Xuan Yang Sect.

On a towering white jade boulder, the three large characters "Xuan Yang Sect" are carved. The strokes are like swords, their sharpness restrained, yet they exude a weighty weight that seems to crush the heavens and earth.

A thousand stone steps lead straight up to the clouds.

There were already many young men who had come to seek apprenticeship at the mountain gate, their expressions ranging from nervous to expectant. The gatekeepers, dressed in uniform, stood tall and imposing, their demeanor stern, and they checked the purpose of each visitor.

The Xuan Yang Sect does not only recruit disciples through the martial arts examination; it also opens its own gates to accept disciples. However, its main target is Lingxiao Prefecture and surrounding forces.

Chu Xuan and his group have already passed the martial arts examination, so they naturally do not need to participate in the entrance examination.

Jiang Hailong entered a large hall with documents and a roster, and soon followed by a middle-aged man in a deacon's robe.

"My name is Kou Tie, and I am an outer sect steward of the Xuan Yang Sect, responsible for guiding outer sect disciples. Please follow me!"

The middle-aged man held the roster in his hand, said something casually, and then led the way.

Jiang Hailong said, "Go! From now on, I will follow Steward Kou's arrangements."

The group bid farewell to Jiang Hailong and then followed Kou Tie on their journey.

"Our Xuan Yang Sect has seven main peaks, divided into five peaks, one hall, and one pavilion. Apart from the hall and pavilion, the other five main peaks recruit inner disciples. However, these are still too far away for you—"

On the way, Kou Tie walked ahead, explaining some basic information about the Xuan Yang Sect to them.

"If you can stay in the outer sect for a full three years, you'll naturally have plenty of opportunities to understand things clearly. If you don't stay long enough, it won't be of any use even if you do understand."

"I'll take you to register your identity information and get your identity tokens first. Remember, you must always carry your identity token with you, otherwise, no one will collect your bodies if you die—"

These words were quite impolite, but no one dared to show any dissatisfaction.

On their way here, they also learned some information. Those who can serve as outer sect stewards are almost all inner sect disciples who are not doing well in the inner sect or whose cultivation has reached its limit.

But even the worst-performing inner disciple is still an inner disciple!

Their strength is at least at the Gang Jin level!

Kou Tie took in everyone's expressions and nodded in satisfaction.

Not bad!

At least there aren't those arrogant fools who think they're the chosen ones just because they stood out in the martial arts examination!

Such a person wouldn't last more than half a year in the Xuan Yang Sect!

"Those whose names are called, go in."

Upon arriving at a pavilion, Kou Tie immediately opened the roster and began reading out names.

According to the ranking of the military examination.

Everyone who went in came out carrying a pile of things in their hands.

The five-piece beginner's kit consists of: an iron plaque, a set of clothes, a porcelain vase, a booklet, and a money bag.

The iron badge serves as identification, the clothing is the attire of an outer disciple of the Xuan Yang Sect, and the booklet contains a general overview of the Xuan Yang Sect, as well as some sect rules and precautions.

As for the other two, no one understood.

"The porcelain bottle contains Lesser Qi Cultivation Pills. Outer sect disciples can receive three pills per month. If you want more, you'll have to buy them with contribution points. Of course, you can also buy them with money, but that's not very cost-effective."

"As for what's in this money pouch, it contains contribution points, which are the currency used within the sect. They can be used to exchange for cultivation techniques, precious medicines, weapons, and so on. The booklet has all the details, so you can look it up yourselves. Each disciple receives 50 contribution points upon joining the sect."

Kou Tie explained briefly.

Everyone nodded.

These are not difficult to understand.

After everyone had registered, Kou Tie led them to an open, flat area with houses scattered about. Although not grand, the houses were well-organized.

"This is Yunxi Plain! All the outer disciples live here. A courtyard costs ten contribution points per month to rent, or you can pay with cash. If you think it's too expensive, several people can share a place," Kou Tie said.

"Huh? I have to pay more?"

Someone couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"Nonsense!" Kou Tie retorted irritably, "You live outside, do you think you don't spend money?!"

The person who was speaking immediately shut up.

That makes so much sense!

Someone glanced at the booklet and couldn't help but gasp in amazement.

Contribution points from the Xuan Yang Sect can be exchanged for money.

Ten taels of gold can be exchanged for one contribution point, which is equivalent to one hundred taels of silver!

If you want to live in a courtyard by yourself here, the monthly rent is — one thousand taels!

"So expensive!"

Everyone gasped in shock.

A thousand taels of silver could buy a three-courtyard house in the inner city of Qingshan!

Chu Xuan also flipped through the booklet and finally came to a conclusion: This outer sect only cares about money! No, it cares about contribution points!

Not only do you need contribution points to rent a house, but you also need contribution points to buy cultivation techniques, pills, weapons, exotic beast meat, and so on. If you use money, it's ridiculously expensive! Moreover, there are restrictions.

Fortunately, meals and the purchase of daily necessities can be paid for with silver.

In addition, each outer disciple must complete a task that yields at least 10 contribution points per month. Of course, this is an average.

If a task is completed within six months and the required contribution points are less than 60, the person will be expelled from the sect!

These aren't outer disciples, they're clearly cattle and horses!

"You think it's too expensive? Why would you learn martial arts if you don't have the money?!"

Kou Tie curled his lip and said, "In short, the Xuan Yang Sect doesn't support idlers! Alright, everything you want to know is written in the sect manual. If you don't understand anything, just read the manual yourself—"

After saying that, Kou Tie patted his behind and left.

Without further ado, the others immediately began searching for suitable courtyards, or gathered in groups of three or five to discuss sharing a rental.

"Junior Brother Chu, how about we rent a courtyard together? We all know each other, and it'll be more lively with more people—"

At this moment, Lin Chong came to Chu Xuan's side and said.

Chu Xuan was speechless, unable to understand why this guy had latched onto him.

"Sorry, I prefer peace and quiet."

Chu Xuan said tactfully.

The monthly rent of one thousand taels of silver really stung him.

However, sharing a courtyard with others would inevitably require constant vigilance, making cultivation inconvenient. Therefore, Chu Xuan ultimately decided to rent a separate courtyard.

"Um... okay then."

Lin Chong left somewhat awkwardly, and went to find the courtyard with Lu Xiaoshuang and Sun Nianxi.

Chu Xuan didn't have much time to choose and quickly found a relatively secluded courtyard, gritting his teeth and paying three thousand taels of silver as three months' rent.

As for contribution points, save them for now!

In the Xuan Yang Sect, anything that can be bought with money can also be bought with contribution points. However, something that can be bought with contribution points may not be available with money.

Silver can be exchanged for contribution points, but there is a limit!

The courtyard wasn't big, about the same size as the front yard of his house in Qingshan City.

The room was furnished very simply: a bed, a table, a stool, and a worn-out wooden box in the corner. There was nothing else.

I have to buy all the daily necessities myself.

Fortunately, the Xuan Yang Sect is such a large sect that a complete commercial system has long been established around it, with various markets even in the outer sect.

After buying all sorts of daily necessities, they spent another thousand taels of silver!

Chu Xuan couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.

I thought that with tens of thousands of taels of silver in my pocket, I wouldn't have to worry about money during my three years in the outer sect of the Xuan Yang Sect. Now it seems I was too naive.

When he returned, the two courtyards next door had also been rented out.

To his dismay, both sides turned out to be "acquaintances"!

The courtyard on the left was rented by Lin Chong and his two companions. The courtyard on the right was rented by Jiang Yunfei!