Chapter 3, People are grouped by their associations

Xia Qing comes from a wealthy family. Although Zhou Ze's family background is not good, he possesses considerable talent in martial arts. He has caught the attention of a martial arts school, and in this chaotic world, he is likely to make a name for himself, which makes it a suitable match.

Zhao Xuanqi knew that the young girl was named Xia Qing, the daughter of a wealthy family in Tianhai Prefecture. Her family was well-off, and she possessed considerable talent, reportedly already able to achieve the level of three sounds

However, later on, Zhao Qi's qualifications were mediocre, and his progress was consistently poor, while Zhou Ze, with his naturally strong physique and excellent bone structure, advanced rapidly in the practice of the Tiger Form Nine Techniques. He received significant attention from the martial arts school, and during each major class demonstration, he was able to take a front-row position to closely observe the movements of the senior disciples, making him one of the top few students in this cohort.

That is good

Zhou Ze still thought that Zhao Xuanqi was just putting on a brave face, so he did not say much, seemingly unwilling to hurt his pride

Xia Qing furrowed her brows and said, looking somewhat displeased

Since then, the communication between the two has diminished, and the camaraderie of not forgetting each other in times of wealth and prosperity, as depicted in novels, no longer exists.

Zhao Qi, what brings you here? I heard that you were seriously injured while practicing? Aren't you resting at home? I must say, you shouldn't push yourself so hard; otherwise, it could lead to significant health issues, and that would be counterproductive.

At that moment, a voice came from behind. Zhao Xuanqi turned around and saw a tall and sturdy young man with a square face looking at him in surprise as he slowly walked in from outside the door

Circles exist everywhere

Time flies swiftly; as the hour arrives, accompanied by the dull sound of the courtyard gate closing, the assessment of the martial arts school officially begins

Female warriors may be somewhat lacking in strength, but in terms of delicate techniques, their innate talent generally surpasses that of male warriors significantly

Why are you still bothering with Zhao Qi? He can practice martial arts to the point of collapsing, and he will definitely fail the assessment. If he passes, you probably won't even see him tomorrow. Moreover, I have heard that he has quite a few troubles on him, so don't be foolish enough to help him

At this time, nearly one hundred boys and girls aged between fourteen and seventeen had gathered in the courtyard

During this period, the relationship between the two of them has grown very close. Both are young at heart, experiencing the stirrings of love for the first time. They train together every day, sweating and shedding tears, which easily leads to the development of feelings.

After all, this is growth, is it not

In front of Zhao Xuanqi stood a large residence with at least three courtyards, featuring intricately carved eaves and bracket sets. The main entrance displayed a plaque inscribed with the bold characters "Xiaolin Martial Arts School" in iron painting and silver hooks. Flanking the entrance were two imposing stone lions, each over two meters tall, and two guards dressed in gray martial arts uniforms, their robust figures standing watch at the door

Now and in the future, those who accompany us are all individuals of significant wealth and status within the Tianhai Mansion. There are certain things you may not care about, but they will. Each of them holds themselves in high regard, and they excel at distinguishing differences among people through subtle details. You always interact with individuals like Zhao Qi, and they may perceive you as not belonging to their circle. I do not wish for them to look down on you, nor do I want them to speak ill of you. Could you please adjust some of your habits?

Moreover, it is said that some affluent students at home will privately "offer tribute" to the transmission masters, allowing the masters to provide more guidance. In contrast, individuals like Zhao Qi are generally not given much attention by the transmission masters, and they can only rely on themselves for everything

Looking into Xia Qing's watery eyes, after a moment, Zhou Ze nodded and said, "I understand, I will change."

At that moment, a crisp call echoed, and a young girl dressed in martial arts attire, with a delicate appearance and a ponytail, added a touch of vigor and vitality as she waved to Zhou Ze from a distance

The appearance of Zhao Xuanqi immediately attracted the attention of the young boys and girls

Xia Qing's voice rose slightly, and then she seemed to realize that her attitude was not quite right. Her expression softened as she said: "Zhou Ze, you are no longer on the same path as them. In the future, you have a bright future ahead, while they can only continue to struggle in the dirty alleys. Although it is very cruel, this is the reality. I understand that due to your previous environment, there are many things you have not been exposed to and do not fully understand, so there are some habits I would like to help you correct. Associating with such people will lead to a loss of status." I understand that due to your previous environment, there are many things you have not been exposed to and do not fully understand, so there are some habits I would like to help you correct. Associating with such people will lead to a loss of status.

It is merely a greeting

I will go ahead first, take care of yourself. Practicing martial arts is not the only path; as long as you are alive, there is much you can achieve. Do not push yourself too hard.

Zhou Ze, also among this group of students, comes from a family background similar to that of Zhao Qi, with his family nearly exhausting their resources to send him to learn martial arts

Greeting is not allowed

"Xiao Qing, why are you calling me so urgently?"

Zhou Ze! Here!

Someone cast a glance at him, but soon returned to demonstrating their moves or conversing with those nearby; a portion of the onlookers were whispering and exchanging glances at him, seemingly discussing something.

Zhou Ze was somewhat taken aback, slightly furrowing his brow

Zhao Xuanqi stepped forward, presented his named disciple token, and entered the martial arts hall

Zhao Xuanqi nodded with a smile

Things of a kind come together, and people are grouped by their affinities

Subsequently, Zhou Ze walked towards the group of young girls.

Therefore, those standing beside Zhao Xuanqi are basically in the same situation as him, coming from less fortunate families, with average progress, and facing imminent assessments. These disciples are all anxious and restless, feeling urgent and irritable, leaving them with no mood for light-hearted conversation.

Zhao Xuanqi could guess the topic of their discussion. The martial arts school has classes every day, and it has been at least four days since Zhao Qi last attended class after he overexerted himself during training. At that time, it was Zhao Qin who helped him request leave, so it is likely that all the registered disciples are now aware of his condition of being bedridden due to excessive training.

The entrance leads to a very spacious courtyard, where training equipment such as wooden stakes, stone locks, and sandbag formations are arranged.

The corresponding memories of this youth surfaced in Zhao Xuanqi's mind

Among that group of people, not only was Xia Qing present, but the other young men and women were either from affluent and well-off families, possessing power and influence, or they had considerable talent, generally ensuring their success in the assessments

Zhao Xuanqi shook his head and said to the illustrated book.

It is nothing significant; in fact, I have gained some insights, which is why I did not come

The surrounding disciples cast curious glances at Zhao Xuanqi, but soon withdrew their gaze, and there was little conversation during this time

Zhou Ze spoke to Zhao Xuanqi

When they first entered the martial arts school, the two stood in adjacent lines while practicing and found themselves in similar circumstances, which led to a good rapport and considerable exchanges between them

Beside the young girl, there were several other boys and girls, all of whom appeared to come from well-off families based on their attire and demeanor

Zhou Ze whispered to Xia Qing

That is the right of others

Indeed, after tomorrow, my identity will be completely different. I will no longer be the impoverished youth who once had nothing and struggled in the lower echelons of society. Some things truly need to be changed.

On the other side, Zhao Xuanqi was unaware of the conversation between Zhou Ze and Xia Qing, and naturally did not care about such trivial matters. He arrived at his designated position, stood properly, and then observed with his eyes focused, waiting for the assessment to begin

It is unknown how many among the onlookers at this moment are laughing at his expense

The Xiaolin Martial Arts School arranges the positions of its disciples in class based on their strength; those with better qualifications and abilities stand closer to the front, allowing them to observe the details of the demonstrations by the senior disciples more closely