Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist-Chapter 310 - 95: Returning Home in Glory

Poyang County!

The county pier!

Nearly a hundred people gathered here.

The Martial Affairs Office of Poyang County and the Poyang County Government Office had already received the news that today Lin Chen would return to Poyang County by boat.

Though Lin Chen’s realm was only at the Opening the Acupoints stage, the Military Affairs Hall and Xingdao Prefecture issued documents simultaneously. Due to this honor, by law, at least one of the Directors of the Martial Affairs Office or the County Magistrate must come to greet him.

At the pier, Su Lingchuan and He Ruyun had both arrived.

Not only had they arrived, but half of the Hall Masters from the Eight Great Martial Arts Halls, including the students from various martial arts halls, were also present.

"Is some great person coming to our Poyang County?"

At a distant side of the pier, a few fishing boats approached as Poyang County’s main pier didn’t allow any fishing boats to dock today, and the fishermen delivering their catch to the city had to anchor their boats a mile away on the shore.

Fishermen watched the bustling crowds at the pier and the officials maintaining order, with curiosity in their eyes.

"It’s Young Master Lin returning to Poyang County."

"Young Master Lin, which family does he belong to? I’ve never heard of a prominent Lin family in our Poyang County."

"He’s Young Master Lin from Linhu Village. I heard it from the owner of our fish stall, just recently the Lord Prefect personally came to Poyang County, causing quite the commotion, delivering an epitaph for Young Master Lin."

"Linhu Village, isn’t that just a small village? The Lord Prefect personally came?"

"You know nothing, my owner said that Young Master Lin is exceptional, apparently leaving a name on some mountain, a truly remarkable feat."

"Leaving a name on a mountain is impressive? I’ve urinated on a mountain."

"Second Hu, if you have the guts, go say that at the pier and see if it lands you in jail."

The fishermen bickered among themselves. To them, the Martial Path was still too distant. Earning money from fishing to support their families consumed most of their time. The little free time they had was either spent in the embrace of their wives or seeking pleasure in a nearby alley.

"Uncle Hu, it’s Martial Arts Mountain, and Young Master Lin comes from Linhu Village."

While the fishermen quarreled, a skinny young boy sorting the catch suddenly spoke up.

"What’s Martial Arts Mountain? How do you know this, little Tong?"

"Yesterday, I saw an announcement at the Martial Affairs Office, so I went to take a look." Su Tong replied crisply.

"Went to the Martial Affairs Office to see? Little Tong, you don’t also want to learn martial arts, do you?" A nearby fisherman looked at the boy and quickly advised, "Little Tong, listen to Uncle, learning martial arts is not something people of our means can afford. You know your family’s situation, your mother’s ill, you have a sister... Follow Uncle and learn fishing well. When you grow older, Uncle Hu will recommend you to our boss, find you a stable job to save up for your mother’s treatment, and maybe you’ll marry someday."

Su Tong pursed his lips. He knew Uncle Hu meant well, and his family couldn’t afford the costs of learning martial arts.

Previously, he never considered learning martial arts, only wanting to earn money for his mother’s medicine and care for his sister as she grew up.

But some time ago, when he saw the County Government Office drumming up a crowd, he curiously joined in and learned from nearby townspeople that a martial arts prodigy had emerged from Linhu Village.

He knew Linhu Village; when his father was alive, they would visit relatives there. After his father passed away, they hadn’t visited since, and Linhu Village folks weren’t wealthy either.

Listening to townsfolk narrate Young Master Lin’s achievements in martial arts brought joy to Su Tong. After all, he was also a member of Poyang County, and Young Master Lin was bringing pride to their county.

But it was purely joy, without too many thoughts, just as Uncle Hu said, martial arts were too far for him.

Until the day before yesterday, passing by the Martial Affairs Office, he saw an announcement posted outside, with many people watching. Curiosity got the better of him, leading him to find out it was also about Young Master Lin. More importantly, at the end of the announcement, was the article written by Young Master Lin.

"Gift to Junior Brothers of the Jiangnan"

"In the humble abode, starlight shall always appear."

"The iron bones of a low-class family can shake heaven and earth."

These words were deeply etched in his mind.

Only then did he understand that Young Master Lin also came from a humble background, enduring much hardship in his martial arts journey.

For the first time, the idea of pursuing martial arts sprouted in his mind.

...

...

Poyang Lake, in its entirety.

Lin Chen traveled by boat, descending along the river from outside Hongdu Prefecture, finally entering the territory of Raozhou Prefecture, merging into Poyang Lake.

"Young Master Lin, there’s another two-hour before we reach Poyang County."

"Hmm."

Hearing the words of the rowing official, Lin Chen acknowledged softly and then stepped out of the cabin.

This boat trip was arranged by his teacher, and upon reaching Raozhou Prefecture, his teacher had disembarked to attend to some matters.

Originally, Lin Chen planned to take the boat directly back to Linhu Village, but his teacher instructed him to disembark at the Poyang County pier, where people would welcome him.

In September, Poyang Lake is blessed with clear skies; fishing boats anchored in the lake cast nets, and people leisurely paddle, enjoying the lake.

The boat sailed, stirring the water, rippling the waves.

"The floating light leaps gold, the quiet shadow sinks jade, in mutual response of fisher’s songs, what incomparable joy!" Standing aboard the deck, Lin Chen murmured softly.

The beauty of the lake was enchanting, refreshing the soul.

"Young Master Lin has a way with words; a simple man like me could never say such things."

The rowing official responded with a smile, and Lin Chen smiled gently back, "The credit belongs to the words passed down by sages."

...

...

Half an hour later, the outline of Poyang Lake came into view. Lin Chen scanned the surface of the lake and suddenly shouted, "Brother, watch out!"