From a chaotic world of folk customs to becoming a god through extreme methods.

The next day, at Chen Shi (7-9 AM).

As dawn broke, the thin mist lingered.

Lin Che, the eldest brother, hurriedly left early in the morning and rushed back a short while later, walking towards Lin Yuan, who had just gotten up and washed up.

"Brother, what's wrong?" Lin Yuan asked.

Lin Che stepped forward, his face grim, and said in a deep voice.

"Last night, someone died at the Li family's house next door."

"I heard it was the work of a water ghost again, who sneaked in through the dog hole and killed Master Li's son and daughter."

As he spoke, he handed over a letter.

"I've already made arrangements for the martial arts school for you."

"After you finish breakfast, take the child you mentioned yesterday to become his apprentice."

"This incident happened too close to our home. Master Li is on good terms with Father. I have to go and check on it first."

That's a simple explanation.

Lin Che said no more, packed some gifts, and went out again.

Lin Yuan was still a little stunned as he watched his older brother's departing figure.

The Li family was also a well-off family in the town, and their residence was just one alley away from the Lin family's.

Unexpectedly, it turned out...

Lin Yuan remembered the commotion from last night, that monstrous thing.

A chill gradually crept into my heart.

If their own martial arts instructor hadn't discovered it in time, the Lin family would probably have been the ones in trouble.

Lin Yuan put aside his thoughts and looked at the letter in his hand, his eyes gradually becoming serious.

Danger is getting closer and closer.

The only way to protect oneself now is to quickly improve one's martial arts skills.

After breakfast.

A boy named Wang Gou Dan also arrived at the Lin family mansion.

The boy was sallow and thin, dressed in coarse cloth and short brown clothes, but he had a broad frame, bright eyes, and arms that were longer than average.

As soon as he entered the courtyard and saw Lin Yuan, he knelt down with a thud and said respectfully.

"This humble servant, Wang Gou Dan, greets the young master!"

Lin Yuan nodded and asked.

"So you're Wang Gou Dan, and Wang Wu is your father?"

"Yes!" Upon hearing the question, Wang Gou Dan nodded vigorously. "My father told me to follow the young master from now on, and I'll do whatever the young master tells me to do."

"Okay, come with me."

Lin Yuan didn't say much, just waved his hand, signaling him to follow.

The two boarded the carriage and soon arrived at a large courtyard located on the east side of the town.

This is where he will learn martial arts; it is called: Hanjiang Sword Hall.

Two stone lions stood before the gate, exuding an air of majesty.

Faintly, one could hear the shouts of disciples inside the sect and the sound of swords cutting through the air, presumably the disciples were doing their morning exercises.

This martial arts school was carefully selected by my elder brother.

Hanjiang Sword Academy primarily teaches the Hanjiang Sword Technique.

This is a sword technique that emphasizes sharp, swift, and agile swordplay.

It is excellent for both killing enemies and escaping.

Of course, the eldest brother's main concern was escaping; being fast would always be a better way to save his life.

Lin Yuan led Wang Gou Dan into the courtyard.

Inside, it was a completely different scene. The courtyard was spacious, with bluestone bricks paving the ground, and wooden stakes and weapon racks placed in the corners.

In the courtyard, more than twenty disciples were practicing swordsmanship, their movements agile and their swords flashing.

Beyond the disciples, under the innermost pavilion.

He was a middle-aged man, sitting in a recliner, watching his disciple practice.

He was about forty years old, with a well-proportioned figure and sharp eyes. Although he was just sitting there, he still exuded a sharp and intimidating aura.

This man is Shen Jianhe, the owner of Hanjiang Martial Arts School.

Lin Yuan stepped forward and handed over the letter.

After Shen Jianhe finished reading the document, his gaze fell on Lin Yuan, and his brows furrowed slightly.

"How old is Young Master Lin this year?"

"eighteen."

Shen Jianhe shook his head and spoke frankly.

"At eighteen, one's physical constitution is already set; starting to practice martial arts at this point is a bit late."

"In the path of martial arts, one must begin at seven, enter the field at ten, and if one has not grasped the basics before fourteen, subsequent training will be much less efficient and one's achievements will be limited."

"Is Young Master Lin sure he still wants to practice martial arts?"

Lin Yuan had anticipated this, but that did not deter his determination.

"Sure."

Shen Jianhe didn't say anything more and turned to look at Wang Gou Dan beside him.

Who is this child?

"Wang Gou Dan," Lin Yuan replied, "I promised his father I'd give him a recommendation spot."

Shen Jianhe nodded and didn't ask any further questions.

The martial arts school's recommendation quota is guaranteed by prominent local families; it's just a basic entry qualification.

This included three months' worth of cultivation resources, provided by the Lin family on his behalf.

As for future cultivation resources, Wang Gou Dan will have to rely on himself.

"Since you're here, let's start by testing your physique."

Shen Jianhe looked at the two of them and explained.

"In the path of martial arts, the most important thing is one's innate talent. Those with poor innate talent will cultivate at a snail's pace, and may even never be able to enter the gate in their entire lives."

"Those with excellent innate talent can progress rapidly in their cultivation and often achieve greater success."

Lin Yuan and Wang Gou Dan listened carefully and took notes on this martial arts knowledge.

Shen Jianhe also stood up and first measured Lin Yuan's physique, pinching his shoulders, back, waist and hips a few times.

Finally, he shook his head, a hint of regret in his voice.

"His innate bone structure is above average, but unfortunately, he has not taken good care of himself and his physical features are already fixed, so he can only be considered below average."

These words were spoken without any mercy, and some disciples who were practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard heard them and curiously peeked over.

Some recognized Lin Yuan and even let out a few sneers.

Lin Yuan ignored him. Although he had expected it, he still couldn't help but feel down.

However, he quickly adjusted. As long as he had the panel, his physical constitution was not a problem at all.

Shen Jianhe then walked over to Wang Gou Dan and repeated the steps he had just taken.

Wang Gou Dan looked nervous, waiting for the result.

But Shen Jianhe frowned, touched it carefully a second time, his eyes lit up, and a rare smile appeared on his face.

"His innate bone structure is above average, with long arms and a wasp waist—a truly remarkable physique! Although his postnatal care is average, he is still young, which can be compensated for."

He looked at Wang Gou Dan with satisfaction.

I never expected to encounter such a promising talent.

If the other person is determined and hardworking, they may even have the opportunity to reach their own level.

It's rare; Hanjiang Sword Academy hasn't accepted a disciple with such talent for many years.

He patted Wang Gou Dan on the shoulder.

"Cultivate diligently. If you can complete your first body tempering within a month, I can waive your tuition fees and accept you as an inner court disciple."

Wang Gou Dan was stunned for a moment, then his expression lit up with surprise.

"Thank you, Master! Thank you, Young Master!"

"Alright, just focus on your cultivation."

Taking advantage of this agreement, Shen Jianhe also began to give a brief introduction to the martial arts system.

"In the path of martial arts, the major realms are divided into Body Tempering, Meridian Opening, Yuan Condensation, Acupoint Opening, and True Qi. Beyond that are just legends, and I've never heard of them."

"Each realm is further subdivided into different levels depending on the type of method used."

"My Cold Wind Sword Technique has four levels in the Body Tempering Realm: Ripples, Waves, Surges, and Tides."

"Each layer corresponds to a different tempering process."

He then looked at Wang Gou Dan.

"The first ripple requires perfecting the beginner's guide to swordsmanship to obtain the first body tempering."

Shen Jianhe led the two to the corridor and summoned a young disciple in his early twenties.

This person is named Xu Changfeng, Shen Jianhe's eldest disciple. He is tall and slender with a calm demeanor.

"Changfeng, take them to get wooden swords and teach them the basics of swordsmanship first."