Chapter 12

When Hall Master Zhang gave his instructions, Qin Fengming had a puzzled look on his face. After exchanging a glance with Duan Meng, he did not dare to delay and followed Hall Master Zhang into the main hall.

As another young man walked out, Qin Fengming realized that the person named Yuan Kejian was the first one to climb up the Green Bamboo Peak.

Looking at the three young men who followed, Hall Master Zhang smiled and said in a much gentler tone, "In this selection, your performances have been outstanding. According to tradition, the three of you will be personally guided by me in martial arts from now on. I hope you won't disappoint me."

Hearing this, the three of them were momentarily stunned, then their faces lit up with surprise.

Being personally guided by the Hall Master was certainly much better than competing with nearly thirty people for the six masters. Overwhelmed with emotion, the three of them bowed and said, "Please rest assured, Hall Master Zhang. We will train hard and not let you down."

Looking at the three young men in front of him, Hall Master Zhang's face showed a hint of a smile. He nodded slowly and said, "Do any of you have a preference for a particular martial art?"

After a moment, Duan Meng was the first to speak, "Hall Master, at home, I learned some spear techniques from my father. If possible, I would like to practice spear techniques."

Yuan Kejian thought for a moment and then bowed, saying, "I learned some saber techniques from the guards at home and found them very interesting. I hope to continue learning saber techniques in the future."

At this moment, Qin Fengming was not very familiar with various martial arts and weapons. Even with Hall Master Zhang's nod of approval, he found it difficult to decide. Blushing slightly, he said nervously, "Hall Master, since childhood, I have accompanied my father on hunting trips in the mountains. However, I know nothing about weapons and martial arts. I used a small fork for hunting, which was suitable for hunting but seemed a bit cumbersome for fighting."

After hearing their responses, Hall Master Zhang pondered for a moment and then said slowly, "Duan Meng, I will teach you the Overlord Spear technique. This spear technique is said to have been created by an ancient Overlord and is very powerful, fitting your personality well."

"Yuan Kejian, I have a Lightning Saber technique. If you practice it well, it will produce a sound like thunder when used, and the momentum alone can make your opponent feel intimidated."

"Qin Fengming, since you don't have a preferred weapon, you can think about it. When you have made a decision, let me know, but don't take too long to avoid delaying your training."

Qin Fengming did not expect the usually stern Hall Master to speak so kindly. Feeling happy, his anxiety after leaving home gradually eased.

"You will study literature and characters with the teacher in the right side hall every afternoon and evening, learning about the human skeleton, the eight extraordinary meridians, and other basic martial arts knowledge. After half a year, when you have a solid foundation, you can start practicing martial arts with me."

"During these six months, you need to practice arm strength every morning. Each day, you must lift a 20-pound stone lock 200 times with each hand. You must not slack off. If I find out that you have not met the required number, you will be severely punished. Go back and organize your belongings, then move into the easternmost courtyard behind the main hall."

When Qin Fengming and the others bowed and left the main hall, they found that the other disciples had already dispersed.

There were ten rooms in the courtyard to the east of the main hall, each with four beds. Seven of the rooms were already full, leaving exactly three empty. Qin Fengming and the others did not hesitate and each chose a room to stay in.

The other disciples who saw this were all indignant, and some even showed signs of不服 (discontent). However, Qin Fengming and the others ignored them.

At noon, a young man in a blue robe came to the courtyard, called out, and led Qin Fengming and the others to a dense forest to the west of the main hall.

In this forest, there were several houses, which turned out to be where they would eat their meals in the future.

After lunch, Qin Fengming and the others returned to their living quarters. Qin Fengming wanted to talk to Yuan Kejian, but seeing his cold expression, he went to Duan Meng's room instead. They both sighed about the others who had not been selected.

"New disciples, come out quickly. We will take you to collect your clothes." Just as they were chatting, a voice suddenly called out from the courtyard.

In the courtyard, they saw a young man in his twenties in a blue robe. After confirming that everyone was present, he nodded and did not say much, leading them directly to the main hall.

"These are the newly selected disciples. They are here to collect their personal items," the young man said to another youth inside the hall.

He then pointed to Duan Meng, Yuan Kejian, and Qin Fengming, saying, "These three are personally designated by Hall Master Zhang. Please give them their items as well."

The youth named Wei Ming immediately jumped up from his seat and looked at Qin Fengming and the others with envy, "You three are truly lucky. To be recognized by the Hall Master on your first day, you will surely achieve great things in the future."

He then handed each of them a bulging bundle and gave Duan Meng and Yuan Kejian a weapon each.

Receiving the items, Qin Fengming and the others respectfully thanked him, "Thank you, Senior Brother."

After collecting their items and returning to their living quarters, Qin Fengming eagerly opened his bundle. Inside, there were two sets of gray robes, a few silver coins, and an iron plaque with two characters he did not recognize.

He changed into the robes and hung the plaque on his waist, noticing that everyone in Luoxia Valley wore a similar plaque, which he assumed was a form of identification.

The next morning, after breakfast, Qin Fengming went to the courtyard on his own. He picked up one of the dozens of stone locks piled in the courtyard and began his first day of arm strength training in Luoxia Valley.

Soon, Duan Meng and Yuan Kejian also appeared in the courtyard. The other children went to the dense forest outside the courtyard.

Although the stone lock weighed only 20 pounds, it was not light for a child of ten or so years old. Qin Fengming had to rest for a moment after lifting it 20 to 30 times.

What surprised him was that his strength would immediately recover after a short rest. This puzzled him, but at his young age, he did not pay too much attention to it.

After an hour, Qin Fengming completed his first day's quota of lifts.

Back in his room, he took out the silver coins and began to think: In half a year, he would have nearly 20 taels of silver. He could then find a way to have someone bring it home to his parents, so they would not have to worry about food and clothing.

With this thought, he carefully put away the silver coins.