6: Chapter 6 Hidden Dragon List

As the first hint of white belly appeared on the horizon, Lin Qing had already opened his eyes.

Although there was no bedding, it was already June; spreading his knapsack full of miscellaneous items over his body, he had managed to get a good night's sleep, completely dispelling yesterday's fatigue.

He stretched lazily, his bones emitting a series of crisp cracks. He felt full of vitality and spirit, exuding a sense of vigorous youthful energy.

After a simple wash, Lin Qing stood in the courtyard, facing the first rays of the morning sun. He adjusted his breathing and began practicing the Clear Mind Health Cultivation Art once more.

This set of Cultivation Techniques emphasized a peaceful state of mind, long breaths, and slow, rhythmic movements.

With a mind free of distractions, Lin Qing followed the memories in his head and slowly stretched his limbs. After finishing one round of the art, he felt his blood and Qi flowing smoothly throughout his body, leaving him refreshed.

Without needing to regulate his breath, he immediately began a second round. Fifteen minutes later, he slowly finished his practice and stood still.

After practicing twice upon waking, the progress of the Clear Mind Health Cultivation Art on his panel had reached: 7/100.

By now, it was fully daylight. Pedestrians gradually began to come and go on the streets, and street vendors set up their stalls one after another, as the bustle of everyday life slowly filled the air.

Lin Qing straightened his clothes. Today he needed to go out and purchase some daily necessities, as well as two sets of fresh clothes; it was time to retire the patched garment he was currently wearing.

But first, he would go get some breakfast.

Following the aroma of food wafting from the street, he walked to a breakfast shop. Two large meat buns and a bowl of clear soup noodles cost him fifteen copper coins.

After filling his stomach, he began preparing for his shopping trip.

The county town wasn't small, with streets and alleys crisscrossing one another. Lin Qing was unfamiliar with the place and had to rely on asking passersby to slowly find his way to the fabric stores and general stores.

First, he went to a fabric store to pick out thick bedding and soft cotton cloth, then chose two sets of casual clothes suitable for martial arts practice and spare laundry. Next, he went to a general store to buy toiletries, pots, pans, and other small items. He also bought some salt and soy sauce, as stewing simple things for himself wouldn't take up too much time.

Between asking for directions, choosing items, and haggling, it took him most of the morning to purchase everything he needed.

Carrying large and small bags, Lin Qing threaded through the streets and alleys, occasionally stopping to get his bearings. By the time he returned to the small courtyard and put his things away, the sun had already climbed to the center of the sky. The dazzling sunlight indicated it was already noon.

After a busy morning, Lin Qing was truly hungry. He hadn't treated himself properly since arriving in the county town, and he didn't want to settle for another simple meal, so he found a popular restaurant.

The restaurant was three stories high. Although the decor wasn't grand, people were constantly coming and going through the entrance; one could tell at a glance it was a good place to eat.

As soon as he stepped into the restaurant, a wave of noisy voices hit him. The first-floor lobby was packed. Looking around, most were Jianghu travelers dressed in martial attire with weapons at their waists. Some were drinking heavily and eating large chunks of meat, while others conversed in low voices—a lively scene of the Jianghu. Clearly, this was a preferred spot for passing Martial Artists to rest and eat.

Lin Qing finally managed to find an empty table, almost tucked under the stairs, and quickly sat down.

He called over a waiter and ordered twice-cooked pork, braised crucian carp, Mapo tofu, and a bowl of rice. Since he had to continue practicing his health cultivation art in the afternoon, he wouldn't drink at noon. He waited quietly for his food, while discreetly observing the Jianghu travelers around him.

Not long after he sat down, the conversation of several Jianghu men at the neighboring table drifted clearly into his ears.

"Have you heard? Ye Lingchuan from the Qingyun Martial Arts Academy has made it onto the hidden dragon list." A man with a thick beard lowered his voice, his tone full of amazement as he spoke to his companions.

"Oh? How come I've never heard of such a person at the Qingyun Martial Arts Academy? To get on the hidden dragon list, one must be nearly the fourth rank, right? Even Centurion Xiao, the strongest person in the county on the surface, is only at the Peak of the third rank."

A clean-cut young man nearby joined in, his face full of skepticism as if he thought the other was bragging.

"You're young, so of course you wouldn't know! Ye Lingchuan was the number one Genius in the county back then. He became a formal Martial Artist before he was seventeen, and not long after, he was recruited by a great Sect in the prefecture. He's only around twenty-five now; his future is simply limitless."

The bearded man emphasized his words, his expression saying 'believe it or not'.

Upon hearing the words 'hidden dragon list', Lin Qing had already guessed most of it; it was likely some kind of Genius ranking for powerful individuals under a certain age.

Another large man, about thirty-five years old, chimed in upon hearing this:

"I knew back then that Ye Lingchuan was someone special! I also heard that Academy Head Ye of the Qingyun Martial Arts Academy has booked the Hongyun Tower to throw a grand banquet tonight, inviting guests from all over."

"Hongyun Tower? That's the top restaurant in our county. Academy Head Ye is really spending a fortune; he's certainly willing to part with his money."

The young man's disbelief had already turned into deep envy.

The bearded man continued:

"Can't you tell? They both have the surname Ye; that Ye Lingchuan is Academy Head Ye's own son. Back then, it was his personal guidance, combined with Ye Lingchuan's own high talent, that allowed him to train the Azure Cloud Pile Style to the Realm of Perfection in just six months. Then, relying on the Perfection of his Stance Training, along with expensive blood-Qi potions and Medicinal Baths, Ye Lingchuan became a formal Martial Artist before he was seventeen."

The group chatted excitedly, discussing news of the Qingyun Martial Arts Academy and the hidden dragon list, their words filled with admiration for Ye Lingchuan.

Sitting to the side, Lin Qing silently noted down information like "Qingyun Martial Arts Academy," "Ye Lingchuan," "hidden dragon list," and the "Hongyun Tower banquet."

Having just entered the Jianghu, he knew nothing of the local powers or martial world news. This idle chatter was exactly what he needed to understand the world of martial arts.

Just as he was lost in thought, the waiter arrived with the steaming dishes, interrupting his reflections.

Lin Qing temporarily set his thoughts aside, picked up his chopsticks, and while slowly eating his meal, continued to listen to the conversations of the surrounding Jianghu travelers, silently gathering information.