Chapter 4: What is Home

She does not understand why her son chose to give up the grand competition at the martial arts academy

Control the muscles, relax the mind, and sleep deeply for one hour, that is sufficient

On weekdays, she feels at ease with her son and does not inquire much about the situation at the martial arts academy

As night deepens, my younger sister has already fallen asleep

Although I do not know why I have come to this world, I will do my utmost to fulfill your wishes

In the entire Wu family outside the city, there is not a single fifth-rank martial artist. As long as one is born, not only will the status of the small family rise significantly, but the entire family's power and influence will also increase greatly

Once one reaches the age of thirty without achieving the level of "refining the marrow and extending life through acupoint activation," even if bodily functions have not yet declined, the potential for life will rapidly diminish, making breakthroughs increasingly difficult

Mother Wanqin's health is not good; she has fallen ill due to overwork. She fainted twice at the fabric store, the most recent incident occurring last year

As time passes, and with the blending of past memories and perceptions, there are moments when Wu Yuan experiences a sensation akin to "Zhuang Zhou dreaming of a butterfly"

This is also the reason why Wu Yuan did not take out the one thousand taels all at once

Mother

Only by inviting the alchemist can one feel at ease

After just a few dozen breaths, Wu Yuan arrived at the riverbank two miles away, a place of utmost seclusion

"Mother, if the child can enter the Cloud Martial Hall, he will at least become a fifth-grade martial artist, and may even aspire to a higher rank. When the time comes, father will surely be greatly comforted in the afterlife." Wu Yuan stated directly, "If that doesn't work out, I can still enter the Southern Dream Martial Academy next year; it is not too late to go a year later."

"Xiao Yi, what have you done today?" Wu Yuan casually asked

Too much

The blade swung to one side with a whoosh, then suddenly came to a halt

Wu Yuan did not disclose the details

It is not that the knife has become lighter

but merely a body of fourteen years

In the blink of an eye, it vanished into the darkness

This is the game that the siblings play most often

... ...

Wu Yuan's mother is indeed a skilled dyer

In his previous life, he owned a villa covering over 1,000 square meters, but after his sister got married, it became merely a house

The child understands. Wu Yuan felt a warmth in his heart; as a parent, one often only wishes for the safety of their children

She works hard every day for a month, yet earns less than two taels of silver; her annual wages amount to no more than twenty or thirty taels.

In the main hall, listening to the sound of water continuously pouring into the tub, along with the laughter and chatter of the siblings, Mother Wanqin couldn't help but reveal a faint smile

"I followed my mother to the fabric store! Today, I learned flower tying from Sister Xing," the girl replied excitedly

Moreover, although the predecessor's innate talent was not outstanding, their diligence in cultivation was sufficient, and their physical foundation was also exceptionally solid

The 'Nanlong River' runs through the entire area outside the city, with a wide expanse and gentle currents. Not far away, there are large boats coming and going, and the docks are brightly lit.

At a loss for words for a moment, she knew that the ability of powerful warriors to earn silver was remarkable, yet Wu Yuan was only fourteen years old after all

Uncertain whether I have traversed through time myself or if I have experienced a marvelous technological federation from a great dream

The long knife weighing 230 pounds is somewhat insufficient; could it be that I need to replace it again? Wu Yuan shook his head slightly, feeling that the battle knife in his hand was even lighter than the last time.

But now, I have arrived! Wu Yuan had many thoughts in his heart

Despite being as weak as a person who cannot even tie up a chicken, one still has the hope of becoming a prominent official, such as a county governor, who can make many fourth-rank martial artists bow their heads

One hundred taels? Wan Qin found it hard to believe

"Yuan'er, since the clan leader supports you, I won't say much more." Wanqin said, "However, in any situation, never act impulsively; always prioritize your own safety first."

This is Wu Yuan's mother, Wan Qin

"Yuan'er, please take a seat," Wanqin said

Brother, hold me

Fabric store

Master Dan

"You speak," Wanqin said with a smile, yet her hands did not cease their movements

What is somewhat difficult for an ordinary person is effortless for Wu Yuan. With a single leap, he covers more than two zhang, as agile as a cheetah, eliciting bursts of laughter from his sister, who keeps urging, 'Brother, go faster!'

This is the reward issued by the Martial Arts Academy. Wu Yuan turned his palm and handed over a banknote, which was delivered to Wan Qin's side.

It is just that Wu Yuan's strength has increased

It is indeed marvelous

An inconspicuous shadow slipped out from the west wing, leaping lightly to a height of several meters, landing on the eaves.

To be able to enter the Southern Dream Martial Arts Academy in the realm of Wanqin cognition is already a remarkable achievement

However, if one is merely a low-ranking warrior, at most they can serve as a house servant, guard, or escort, and if they join the military, they will only become an ordinary soldier, serving as cannon fodder

Fifth-rank warrior? Wanqin seemed somewhat moved.

In theory, the compensation for Wu Yuan's father who died in battle, along with the family pension and his mother's wages, should be sufficient for the three members of the family to live without worry

If it were not for the patriarch's resolute support over the years, relying solely on Wu Yuan's mother, the family would have long since been unable to sustain itself

Within the "Wu Street Alley," it is common for more than ten households to share a single water well, which is considered quite good living conditions for an area outside the city

Her face was smudged with a trace of coal dust, and the sickly pallor on both sides of her cheeks was evident, while the wrinkles on her forehead could not conceal the once vibrant beauty of her youth, which was now filled with joy

Wealthy families, even if their children lack talent in martial arts, will mostly send them to school, followed by the imperial examination

The Southern Dream Martial Academy is far inferior to the Cloud Martial Hall. After all, one recruits hundreds of disciples in a single prefecture each year, while the other enrolls only dozens of disciples across three prefectures annually. The overall talent of the disciples and the resources of the martial academy are worlds apart

One hundred taels of silver is sufficient to cover the living expenses of an ordinary family of three for several years

If there were the peak strength of a previous life, Wu Yuan could investigate his mother's condition to some extent, but now? He is at a loss!

If this body is already eighteen years old, even Wu Yuan would encounter numerous difficulties in achieving success in cultivation

Because she always remembered her husband's wish, which was for their family to produce a fifth-rank martial artist

Landing silently, resembling a ghostly apparition

Mother, I am preparing to participate in the grand competition again next year, and I have a great hope of entering the Cloud Martial Hall! Wu Yuan added, "Both the clan leader and the dean fully support me."

"Yuan'er." Wanqin looked at Wu Yuan

With a shout, Wu Yuan's fingers were strong and swift as lightning, and in an instant, his five fingers converged to grasp the handle of the knife.

In Wu Yuan's memory, it was during his childhood when his father was still alive and the family was at its most prosperous, that they moved in together.

Whoosh

For many years, he single-handedly raised his siblings.

In the past, it was very difficult to become a seventh-grade martial artist before the age of sixteen

If one cannot reach the seventh rank before the age of sixteen, it is nearly impossible to achieve the status of a martial artist in their twenties under normal circumstances

A hand supports my younger sister, Wu Yijun

It is indeed the golden age for martial arts cultivation

The hardships of life are her hope and happiness for her children!

"Mother, there is no need to prepare hot food for me. I have just returned from the general's residence with the clan leader and have already eaten," Wu Yuan said repeatedly.

I will forgo this year's martial arts academy competition" Wu Yuan stated directly

The other hand draws water

Wu Yuanshun casually set down the fire tongs from his mother's hand, then picked up the wooden bucket next to the water tank and walked out to the courtyard: "Mother, you go wash up first, I will take Xiao Yi to fetch water."

"Mother, the martial arts academy is focusing on my training, and I will receive a monthly stipend in the future," Wu Yuan said with a smile. "You can take this for now."

The transition from a Seventh-Rank Warrior to a Sixth-Rank Martial Master is a significant milestone in the martial arts of the Central Plains

I was still contemplating what excuse to make, one that would allow me to receive the rewards from the grand competition while avoiding going to the Cloud Martial Hall. Wu Yuan smiled slightly: "I never expected that even Heaven is looking out for me"

Later, after my father died in battle, the family fell into hardship. We had to support Wu Yuan's training at the martial arts academy, and we were on the verge of selling our residence; how could we afford to make repairs

Alright. Wu Yuan smiled

"Hmm, send it to the school," Wanqin nodded

Yet, in Wu Yuan's heart, there was a slight twinge of pain

The white couplets on both sides of the central hall are faintly visible, appearing quite dilapidated

One must at least become a martial artist to have the hope of changing one's destiny

Integrating the memories of his former self, for Wu Yuan, this felt as if he had truly lived in this home for over ten years

Mother, from now on, you should not overexert yourself too much. " Wu Yuan suddenly said seriously, " Go buy some more tonics and take good care of your health. After a while, I will invite a 'Dan Master' to properly examine you.

Middle-earth, where martial arts are revered

Suddenly, there was a long sword.

She has great trust in the clan leader Wu Qiming and also remembers that the dean of the martial arts academy is a kind old man, but this concerns her son's future

In my previous life, I trained diligently at the martial arts academy for many years, and only just managed to reach the rank of an Eighth-Rank Warrior. Wu Yuan sighed inwardly: "Following the established path, it is difficult to change one's fate"

"What?" Wanqin's expression changed suddenly, and her hands came to a halt. She looked at Wu Yuan with urgency and confusion: "Your rankings in the recent competitions have been improving, right? Entering the Southern Dream Martial Academy should be no problem. Why give up?"

Wu Yuan arrived at the east wing. Inside the room, an oil lamp was lit, casting a dim light, and his mother, Wan Qin, was weaving.

The door to the hall opened with a creak

Wan Qin could not help but exclaim: "It's too expensive! At most, I just want the doctor to take a look; I only need to rest well"

In grand mansions, there are usually wells.

Moreover, she is well aware of what it means to be a fifth-tier martial artist

Even Wanqin, upon seeing her mother, would likely be frightened

Mother, from now on, I will strive to support this family with you. Tomorrow, let us send "Xiao Yi" to school.

Wu Yuan nodded and sat beside his mother, softly saying: "Mother, I have some matters to discuss with you"

This courtyard is actually one of the larger ones in the entire street.

How could a mother not care?

In this lifetime, this small courtyard has given Wu Yuan a true sense of home

The small courtyard measures no more than ten square units in size, with low walls, some of which reveal fragments of stone embedded in the mud.

Speaking

Martial arts cultivation does not necessarily mean that the longer one practices, the higher one's skill level will be

Mother, brother is back. The sound of surprise, tender and crisp, floated up

This has led to considerable gossip among the various branches of the Wu family. After all, although Wu Yuan possesses some talent in martial arts, he is not considered top-tier. The substantial financial investments made within the clan may not necessarily yield returns in the future

It is merely due to the authority of the clan leader that the various branches do not dare to speak much

However, the courtyard is kept very clean

In this world, women can also participate in the imperial examination

With a single step forward, he smoothly caught the girl who jumped up with his right hand, applying a slight force, and effortlessly carried her into the courtyard with one hand

Five thousand taels of silver is exactly ten times more than I had previously anticipated

"Haha, Xiao Yi is truly impressive," Wu Yuan chuckled

Wan Qin hesitated for a moment, seeing her son’s enthusiastic demeanor, and chose not to speak further

Several pieces of clothing that have not yet dried are hanging on a bamboo pole on one side of the eaves, while the large water tank beneath the eaves is more than half empty

Mother, the child is aware of it in their heart" Wu Yuan said with a smile

However, Wu Yuan's martial arts cultivation can be regarded as a gold mine for a common family

Three buildings are located adjacent to each other within the premises, all of which are similarly aged

"Yuan'er, you have returned." A weary-looking woman emerged from the dimly lit room, holding a pair of fire tongs in one hand, seemingly preparing to start a fire

It is time to begin today's training. With a slight flick of his wrist, Wu Yuan felt his entire body’s muscles and bones tremble and move in unison, as the objects on his back suddenly soared into the air

If it were not for the dire circumstances at home, would Wanqin truly be willing for her daughter to learn weaving at such a young age

The Wu clan has established its foundation in Licheng, opening several fabric stores. Among them, the "Wuxing Fabric Store," managed by the clan leader Wu Qiming, ranks among the top ten out of hundreds of fabric stores in Licheng

Suddenly, a slender girl of about eight or nine years old, dressed in gray cloth, bounced out from the side room, her face flushed and quite excited

In this world, wealth is merely a derivative of power

Raise this long knife perfectly horizontal, without the slightest deviation

Wan Qin was taken aback upon hearing this, yet she hesitated somewhat

The Wu clan, comprising hundreds of families, largely relies on this industry; some are responsible for procurement and weaving, some for dyeing fabrics, and others for sales

In the late night, the entire street and alley fell completely silent

In youth, with abundant vitality and vigor, one is like the rising sun, full of infinite possibilities, and progress can be remarkably swift