Chapter Seven, A Step Away

Since arriving in Donghe County, my elder brother has been busy making money at the dock, while most of the education and care for Yunhong has been handled by my sister-in-law

The door is not locked, push it open

Instructor Yang? Duan Qing was taken aback; she had great faith in Instructor Yang

Oh, by the way, remember to come out in the evening, today is the thirtieth of the month, we need to pay our respects to Master Xu.

The triple and quadruple refinement of the body is a common level of strength among adults

"Hehe, I'm happy," the little one said with a smile

"No rush," Yun Hong said with a smile, his gaze falling on his sister-in-law's disheveled hair, and he couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart... He remembered that when his sister-in-law first got married, her beautiful hair was adorned with many accessories, and she was indeed very beautiful

Yun Hong finished watering, leading two small bundles of flesh into the house, when suddenly he noticed the pile of unwashed clothes stacked nearby

"A Hong, go read a book first. I remember that the written exam is the day after tomorrow. Although it is not important, one should still be able to pass." Duan Qing said: "The steaming time for glutinous rice is longer than that for regular rice. I will call you when it is ready."

The elder brother often spends the New Year working at the dock, wearing the same coat for three to four years without being willing to replace it. The sister-in-law cannot buy new clothes throughout the year, let alone add any decorations. Many of Xiao Hao's clothes are those that were altered from the clothes I wore when I was eleven or twelve years old

Father and mother have long since passed away

Yunhong holds great respect for his sister-in-law

Subsequently

The siheyuan, a common residential style in county towns, is highly efficient in land use. Notably, each siheyuan typically has only one or two entrances, which facilitates defense against beast attacks during critical moments and also aids the county office in counting households

Xiao Hong has returned

Here is the northeast of Donghe County

However, for ordinary people like Liu Ge, who had poor talent in their youth and only reached the first and second levels of body tempering, as long as they put in the effort to train, they will naturally be able to reach the third and fourth levels of body tempering as they gradually grow up

Yun Hong walked towards his home

In the kitchen, three large pots were placed on the earthen kang, and the aroma of steamed rice hung in the air. A young woman, who was cooking soup, looked up at the sound and, seeing Yun Hong, smiled and said: "Ah Hong, the rice will be ready soon, just wait a little longer"

In order to cultivate, apart from handling some necessary matters, Yun Hong spends most of his time at the martial arts academy every day, unwilling to waste even a moment and cherishing every bit of food.

Yun Hong saw his sister-in-law cooking from a distance

Yun Hong smiled and said, "Brother Liu is back, come, I will help you"

"Good." Yun Hong listened.

Suddenly, a loud noise erupted from the clouds. He casually set down his nephew and niece, took out a bag from his pocket, and placed it on the stove: "Sister-in-law, this is the subsidy from the martial arts academy for this month"

The young woman is Duan Qing, the sister-in-law of Yun Hong

Liu Ge did not refuse and smiled, saying: "Xiao Hong, your strength is indeed great"

As he spoke, Yun Hong reached out and grabbed two bundles of firewood from Brother Liu's shoulder, one in each hand. Each bundle weighed over a hundred pounds, but for Yun Hong, whose physical fitness was comparable to that of a Condensing Vein martial artist, it was quite easy

It is said to be a siheyuan, but in reality, the entire courtyard accommodates more than ten households, with nearly one hundred residents.

One must gain admission to the county academy, become a powerful martial artist, and earn a great deal of silver

At this age, they are all still in the stage of growth

A robust man greeted Yun Hong with a smile, carrying four large bundles of firewood, straining as he walked towards the alley from the side

Liu Ge," Yun Hong then put down the firewood and asked, "Has my elder brother not returned yet?"

Eat rice, not a single grain left

The competition among the six counties is the key factor in determining whether one can be admitted to the county academy

In the years following the age of sixteen, physical fitness will experience a rapid enhancement. Many disciples who were relatively mediocre during their time at the martial arts academy, after leaving the academy, will, with the natural growth of their bodies, ultimately reach the fifth or even sixth level of body tempering, and some may even have a glimmer of hope to become martial artists

It is to save money, so that you can buy me pork, chicken, and duck every day to supplement my body's nutrition

Sister-in-law suffers more

The inner room is where my elder brother and sister-in-law live, while the kitchen is the place for cooking.

Xiao Hong's strength is naturally much greater than ours. Among the dozens of large courtyards in our area, only Xiao Hong has been able to gain admission to the martial arts academy, and in the future, he will definitely be even more formidable than his brother. Another strong man approached from behind.

Mother, it is Uncle

tired

Uncle

"Brother Yang," Yun Hong said with a smile

Saying this, Yun Hong picked up the water bucket and walked outside the house

Alright. Although Brother Liu is not as formidable as Yun Hong, he actually possesses the strength of the fourth level of body tempering, easily carrying two to three hundred pounds as he strides forward.

In Duan Qing's view, this is the most important thing for Yun Hong at present

However, during these years of being married to my elder brother, my sister-in-law has not had a good life. She is busy all day long and also has to take care of two young children, leaving her no time to attend to her personal appearance

Younger brother, go and watch uncle draw water

Nowadays, it is all about the cloud flood.

My talent in martial arts is exceptionally high; in terms of talent, looking across the entire martial arts academy, it is likely that no disciple can match me. I also train very diligently

Without money, what can one use to cultivate oneself

The elder brother possesses the strength of the fifth level of body tempering, is willing to endure hardships, and is a small leader at the dock, managing over a hundred people under his command. In fact, he earns a considerable amount of money. Logically speaking, after all these years, it should not be difficult for the family to move into a more spacious courtyard. However, the current living conditions of the family are even worse than those of ordinary dock workers. Yun Hong lifted two buckets of water

Duan Qing seemed to want to say something, but ultimately did not speak again

Well, I have gained some experience in the martial arts academy this month, which has resulted in additional rewards," Yun Hong explained

Yun Hong poured water into the water tank

Why

Many disciples of the martial arts academy find training tedious and uninteresting, but Yun Hong has never complained of hardship or fatigue

Because of me

Yun Hong held his nephew Yun Hao in one arm and his niece Yun Meng in the other, striding towards the kitchen while calling out: "Sister-in-law, I am back"

Uncle is back

At that time, Sanqiu Town was well-known, with matchmakers frequently crossing the thresholds of every household.

The house is divided into the outer room, the inner room, and the kitchen. The outer room is used for storing various items and daily necessities, as well as for placing Yunhong's bed and books, among other things

... ...

Brother Yang nodded with a smile as a response and shouted, "Old Liu, hurry up, we still have to cross the road"

Yun Hong replied with a smile: "Alright"

Liu Ge's physical strength is above average among ordinary adults

Water must be drawn from a distant well and then poured into the large water tank outside the door. When full, the tank can last for several days. In the past, it was my elder brother Yun Yuan who did this.

Since witnessing the hardships my elder brother endured at the dock in Donghe County at the age of twelve, and understanding the sacrifices made by my brother and sister-in-law, Yun Hong has truly grown up.

Because these are all earned through the hard work of the elder brother

Your brother encountered a manager from a restaurant at the dock today. He might be able to secure a big order and has gone to discuss it with the manager. He will return later. Liu Ge smiled and said: "He asked me to tell you and your sister-in-law to eat first and not to wait for him."

However, in reality, the total area of the entire house is even smaller than the training room that Yun Hong has at the Martial Arts Academy, making it quite cramped for a family of five to live here

I eat meat, let me eat freely, nowadays I can consume ten jin in one meal

It is complicated to say

Elder brother is more tired

Fortunately, he possessed extraordinary talent from a young age, and coupled with his intense dedication to training, after several years of cultivation in the martial arts academy, he successfully entered the Hall of Fiery Flames, even ranking among the top disciples among the thirteen in the Hall of Fiery Flames

A large amount of silver

Two small heads peeked out from the door frame of the kitchen. Upon seeing Yun Hong, they immediately cheered, one shouting into the kitchen while the other crossed the threshold and ran towards Yun Hong

My relatives, only my brother and sister-in-law remain, and..." Yun Hong lowered his head to look at the two lively little ones: "Xiao Hao and Xiao Meng

Hehe, good

Duan Qing's smile faded as she looked up at Yun Hong, revealing a hint of anger as she said, "Ah Hong, didn't I tell you? At home, there are me and your elder brother, we can manage. The most important thing for you right now is to focus on your martial arts training, as the Grand Competition of the Six Counties is approaching."

Two little meatballs waddle after Yun Hong as they run out

Upon seeing this, Yun Hong could not help but open his arms to embrace the little bundle of flesh that had run up to him, laughing as he said, "Ha, Xiao Hao, are you happy that your uncle is back"

He is only one step away from the county office

Hmm. Duan Qingxian merely responded and picked up the bag, feeling something was amiss. Upon opening it, he exclaimed in astonishment: "So much? Now I can buy you more spirit rice."

Nowadays

However, in martial arts training, mere talent and hard work are not sufficient; one must also have money

As for reaching the higher levels of the Tempering Body, the Ninth and Tenth Layers, it can no longer be described merely as difficult

Alright, everything is ready, let's go.

When consuming meat, one should strive to chew it thoroughly, including the bones.

one of the main residential areas for civilians within the city

This is the reason why Yun Hong has never doubted his ability to become a martial artist. Now, at not yet sixteen, he has reached the pinnacle of the Easy Muscle Transformation, and it will not be difficult for him to achieve the Eighth Layer of Body Refinement after reaching adulthood

bitter

Along the way, there were occasional greetings exchanged between people and Yun Hong

It is rare for a young person with a weak constitution to reach the fourth level of body tempering at the age of twelve or thirteen, as they are truly exceptional. Therefore, gaining admission to the martial arts academy is extremely difficult. In reality, by the time of graduation, half of the disciples will still remain at the fourth level of body tempering, and those who can achieve the sixth level are few and far between.

The clothes are all very old

Yun Hong followed Brother Liu to the rain shelter in the courtyard

Some wealthy nobles not only indulge in consuming spiritual rice but also purchase the flesh and blood of powerful demon beasts as well as spiritual herbs

By then, elder brother will no longer have to work so hard, sister-in-law can rest, and Xiao Hao and Xiao Meng will be able to receive the best education and enjoy the best environment for growth

Sister-in-law, I understand. Yun Hong noticed that his sister-in-law was somewhat angry, and quickly said: This time, the training task was assigned to me by Master Yang

Therefore

"Refining the body essentially means tempering it. If the nutrition is insufficient, the harder one trains, the greater the loss to the body. This is why, despite the majority of the population being commoners, there are so few martial artists who emerge from their ranks."

At that moment, another little fellow ran out and shouted, "Uncle, I want a hug too"

Certainly

I will go get some water first," Yun Hong said, seemingly afraid that his sister-in-law would be upset, and added, "It will be quick.

Consuming meat is merely the simplest means of supplementing nutrition

Upon my entry into the Hall of Flames, my sister-in-law began to frequently purchase spiritual rice. The price of one pound of spiritual rice is equivalent to that of one hundred pounds of ordinary rice, all in the hopes of facilitating my progress and enabling me to refine my body more swiftly