Chapter 60

"Lin Sha, you're really something!"

On this day, the chubby Hu Dashao hurriedly rushed to the supply camp outside Kunming where Lin Sha was stationed. As soon as they met, he started praising him, "Your name is really making waves, it's spread throughout the entire Kunming!"

Before Lin Sha could respond modestly, Hu Dashao continued with a smile, "I didn't realize you had such skills. You've defeated nearly ten martial arts schools and gang halls without a single loss. Your martial prowess is really formidable!"

"Winning nearly ten matches, there's nothing to be happy about!"

Lin Sha waved his hand nonchalantly, his face showing a faint smile as if it was no big deal.

"You're amazing, this time you've really made a name for yourself. Even the Pacifying Western King has heard of you!"

The chubby Hu Dashao, with a smile, ignored Lin Sha's modesty, took a sip of tea, and then dropped a bombshell.

"What? The Pacifying Western King knows about it?"

Lin Sha was taken aback, his face full of disbelief.

"Of course, a fierce warrior like you suddenly appearing in the Yunnan army, even if the King didn't know, someone would have reminded him!" the chubby Hu Dashao teased with a smile.

"Did the King say anything?"

Lin Sha tried to hide his excitement and asked in a feigned surprised tone.

"The King is busy with state affairs, how would he have the time and energy to pay attention to a mere battalion commander?"

The chubby Hu Dashao pouted in disdain, then grinned and winked, "The King only said one word: 'Good.' You've really hit the jackpot this time!"

Lin Sha suppressed his joy and asked curiously, "What do you mean?"

"After my 'arduous efforts,' my uncle finally agreed to transfer you to the main battalion to continue as a battalion commander!" The chubby Hu Dashao rubbed his hands with an exaggerated expression, "You should thank me. Once you're in the main battalion, you'll have more opportunities to interact with my uncle!"

"East City Jingrun Building, Hu Dashao, eat to your heart's content!"

Lin Sha's heart finally settled, and he generously offered.

"You're only this much of a success, when did you become so stingy?"

The chubby Hu Dashao was clearly dissatisfied with the offer, rolling his eyes and sneering.

"Even I, a subordinate of Hu Dashao, have my limits!"

Lin Sha smiled bitterly and patiently explained, "I may seem to be doing well, winning one match after another, but who sees the effort I put in behind the scenes?"

"Daily training is tough, and you should know the amount of meat and eggs needed to replenish the energy. That alone is a significant expense!"

"To improve so quickly, I've used a lot of medicinal baths, which, although not expensive in Yunnan, still add up with constant use!"

"Also, fighting with martial arts instructors and gang hall experts, a slight misstep can result in injuries, and treating them costs money!"

"..."

He listed a series of expenses, and it was only then that he realized the saying 'poor scholars, rich warriors' was true. Without a substantial amount of money, it's impossible to become a skilled martial artist.

"Are you serious?"

The chubby Hu Dashao widened his eyes in disbelief, exclaiming, "Are you crazy? You're actually spending your own money to cover the costs, and you're in the supply camp!"

Lin Sha smiled bitterly and waved his hand, "Don't mention it. I can't do such a despicable thing, and not everyone in the camp is obedient. Why give them a handle to use against me?"

"I don't want to argue with you!"

The chubby Hu Dashao rolled his eyes and shrugged, but didn't forget to remind him, "You need to step up your game. The more you make a name for yourself, the easier it will be for me to speak on your behalf to my uncle!"

"Thank you, Hu Dashao!"

...

With the good news from the chubby Hu Dashao, Lin Sha's enthusiasm for challenging the various experts in Kunming grew even more.

For a time, the martial world in the city was in turmoil, and the most prominent star was undoubtedly Lin Sha, the young rising martial artist!

He had seen various martial arts techniques, from mantis fist, mountain-opening fist, and hero king fist, to different schools of saber, staff, and sword techniques. He had experienced both easy victories and close calls, and even some awkward draws. His martial skills had become more refined, and his practice with the guandao and qinglong saber had greatly improved.

With a white wax pole in hand, he was invincible, like a dragon emerging from the sea, majestic and imposing, and like a venomous snake, cold and unpredictable. His qi was fierce, and his spear techniques were powerful, fully converting his peak mingjing (manifest strength) boxing skills into spear techniques!

At this point, he was extremely formidable, a top-notch martial artist in the martial world and a fierce general in the military. His spear techniques were fierce and powerful, making him an excellent choice for leading the charge in battle!

Another month passed, and Lin Sha had visited almost half of the martial arts schools and gang halls in Kunming. Although he encountered some dangerous situations, he managed to resolve them all, and his reputation and strength continued to rise rapidly.

Unfortunately, despite reaching the dark strength level in his previous life, he didn't have the time to fully experience it. Now, his strength was stuck at the peak of mingjing, and although he had touched the threshold of dark strength, he didn't know when he would truly cross it.

One day, after 'visiting' the main hall of the Kunshui Gang in the city, he encountered a ground saber expert. The ground saber techniques were bizarre and hard to defend against, with every strike aimed at the lower body.

Lin Sha had to exert considerable effort to defeat him, and he was quite exhausted. Fortunately, the Kunshui Gang still respected his status as a military officer and knew that Lin Sha was just challenging for practice, not to cause trouble, so they let him leave, albeit tired and worn out.

At this point, the news of General Hu's plan to transfer him to the main battalion had spread, but the official order had not yet arrived. Lin Sha was still the battalion commander of the supply camp and had to handle important camp affairs daily, resting in the camp. Therefore, after challenging a martial arts school or gang hall each day, he would return to the camp outside the city.

Today was no exception. As he left the city, the sun was already setting.

Riding on a small Yunnan horse, he swayed along the official road for a few miles, then turned onto a country path. The green trees and flowers on both sides, and the cool evening breeze, made him feel incredibly comfortable.

"Dog official, prepare to die!"

The small Yunnan horse snorted and moved leisurely. As he turned past a small forest, a sudden shout rang out, and a nimble figure shot out from the forest, a cold blade flashing as it aimed for Lin Sha's chest!

"Hmm, I've encountered a 'righteous' martial artist!"

Lin Sha's lips curled into a mocking smile. He calmly drew the cast-iron double-section staff from the saddle, swung it with a whoosh, and struck the incoming sword with a powerful blow.

Bang!

Without a doubt, the incoming sword was deflected to the right, and the figure that shot out from the forest was hit by the double-section staff, screaming in pain as he spat blood and flew away.