Chapter 86 Request

However, despite his surprise, Old Master Chen Jinsong did not show it on his face. He looked somewhat pleased. The stronger Lin Xiao was, the more at ease he felt.

“The reason you lost so quickly,” Old Master Chen said evenly, “was because you were overwhelmed by Lin Xiao’s aura. It unsettled your spirit and threw your mind into disarray.”

While Chen Jinsong shared his observations, Chen Tianxing took the opportunity to offer a sharper lesson.

“The gap in cultivation between you and Lin Xiao played a big part, too. You need to stop being so complacent and arrogant every day. This loss is good for you, it should open your eyes to how deep and vast this world really is.”

Even though Chen Tianli had lost to Lin Xiao, his strict upbringing had shaped him into a bright and straightforward person. He harbored no resentment or jealousy towards Lin Xiao. On the contrary, he thanked Lin Xiao with a fist salute.

“Brother Lin, thank you for your guidance. But I won’t admit defeat so easily. I will challenge you again sometime.”

Lin Xiao felt a certain admiration for him. He laughed and said, “Haha, very well. If you wish to spar with me again in the future, I’m always ready.”

After the two of them sat back down and chatted for a while, Chen Jinsong turned to Lin Xiao. “You must be curious why my body has suddenly become so weak.”

“Yes, Master Chen,” Lin Xiao said, not bothering to hide his curiosity. “The last time I saw you, you were strong and healthy.”

From his last encounter with Old Master Chen, he knew the elder man should not be so frail. In fact, Lin Xiao noticed that Chen Jinsong seemed to have sustained some internal injuries in the past few days.

“A few days ago, something went wrong during my practice,” Chen Jinsong said with a sigh. “Combined with an old injury I took during a fight years back, my body just couldn’t take it anymore.”

Lin Xiao nodded in understanding.

Martial arts practitioners generally have much stronger bodies than ordinary people, which slows down their aging process and extends their lifespan. For example, Chen Tianxing, Chen Jinsong’s son, was already in his fifties, but he looked no older than forty.

However, the practice of ancient martial arts came with significant risks. Those who pursued it were often hot-blooded, and when combined with disputes over interests or territory, conflicts were inevitable. If one wasn’t careful, a hidden injury could become a lifelong burden.

Moreover, even if one were to isolate oneself from the world, caution must be taken during practice to prevent Qi deviation, which could cause instant death in severe cases.

Old Master Chen already had underlying injuries, compounded with his Qi deviation, it was hardly surprising that he aged so drastically in just a few days. One might even say he was fortunate.

If his martial arts were not so profound and his foundation not so deep, he could have died during the Qi deviation.

“Lin Xiao, I have a rather forward request. I hope you won’t be offended,” Chen Jinsong said.

“Please proceed, Mr. Chen,” replied Lin Xiao.

“Very well, I’ll be direct. I wonder if our Chen’s Martial Arts Hall could have the privilege of inviting you to be our headmaster, to instruct our rather hopeless disciples,” Chen Jinsong asked, his gaze on Lin Xiao filled with anticipation.

Lin Xiao was momentarily taken aback. He hadn’t expected that Chen Jinsong would suddenly ask him, an outsider, to be the headmaster of his school.

“I’m sorry, Master Chen—this is all very sudden,” Lin Xiao replied. “Besides, my strength lies in combat. I’ve never taught anyone before. Even if I were to take on the role of headmaster, I wouldn’t know how to guide others.”

He added quickly, “And I already have other obligations. I simply don’t have the time. So I must respectfully decline your offer, but I truly appreciate your trust.”

“Don’t be so quick to turn it down,” Chen Jinsong said with a quiet sigh. He paused, then continued slowly, “You’ve probably already noticed I’ve lost all my martial strength. At this point, even an ordinary man could defeat me.”

His gaze grew heavier.

“Chen’s Martial Arts Hall has been passed down for generations. We’ve always stood for righteousness, but that’s made us many enemies over the years. My son’s his cultivation isn’t enough. He lacks the strength to carry the school forward.”

Chen Tianxing looked somewhat embarrassed, but Chen Jinsong ignored him and carried on.

“In the world of ancient martial arts, strength is everything,” Chen Jinsong said. “Our Chen’s Martial Arts Hall may not be a dominant force, but we have a certain standing in Jiangnan Province. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t be too concerned.”

He paused, his expression growing serious.

“But in a few days, we’re hosting the annual exchange meeting. Ancient martial artists from across the province will attend. While our school has its allies, we’ve also made enemies. Some with long-held grudges. I fear they may use the gathering as an opportunity to challenge us.”

Chen Jinsong looked directly at Lin Xiao, his voice steady but earnest.

“That’s why I hope you’ll accept the position of honorary headmaster. You wouldn’t need to teach or manage the school on a daily basis. All I ask is that when the time comes. if our school is in danger, you’ll stand with us.”

Chen Tianxing was visibly taken aback. Though he remained silent, his puzzled gaze shifted toward his father.

Noticing his son’s expression, Chen Jinsong said nothing.

Traditionally, Chen’s Martial Arts Hall had never appointed an outsider to any leadership role, not even as an honorary headmaster. His original plan had simply been to invite Lin Xiao to serve as a premier coach.

But after witnessing Lin Xiao’s sparring session with Tianli, he was left genuinely astonished. Lin Xiao’s skill far exceeded expectations. Given the current precarious state of the school, Chen Jinsong felt he had no choice but to extend a more substantial offer—one that might just preserve the legacy of their hall.

Lin Xiao found Chen Jinsong’s proposal quite enticing. The prospect of fighting other martial arts practitioners was quite entrancing to him.

He was no stranger to combat, even finding a certain thrill in it. Only through constant challenges and combat with stronger opponents could one break through their limits and become stronger.

“Don’t worry,” Chen Jinsong said reassuringly. “While our school might be modest in the broader world of ancient martial arts, it still carries some weight here in Jiangnan Province.”

Seeing Lin Xiao’s hesitation, a flicker of hope sparked in his eyes. He leaned in slightly, seizing the moment.

“I know it may sound crass to bring up money,” he continued, “but if you agree to serve as honorary headmaster, you’ll receive this amount each month.” As he spoke, Chen Jinsong lifted his hands and formed a cross shape with his fingers—indicating the character for ten.

Lin Xiao nodded. “Alright, Mr. Chen. I accept your offer. I’ll take on the role of honorary headmaster at Chen’s Martial Arts Hall.”

He paused briefly, then added with calm clarity, “That said, I should make it clear I may not be able to visit the school often, unless there’s a specific issue that requires my presence.”

“That’s more than enough,” Chen Jinsong said with a hearty laugh, relieving a great weight from his shoulders.

With this major concern resolved, Chen Jinsong was in high spirits and promptly guided Lin Xiao on a tour of the school.

While the school had an exterior resembling a classic, ancient manor, its interior was thoroughly modern, equipped with computers, televisions, and a multitude of other contemporary amenities.

This was hardly surprising, as ancient martial artists were not necessarily stuck in their ways, often keen to embrace modern advancements.

At the heart of the martial arts school was a vast training hall, spanning hundreds of square meters.

On the front wall of the hall hung a vibrant, elegant piece of calligraphy, bearing the inscription: Understand the Mind, See the Nature.