I Am A Prodigy
chapter-43

Chapter 43: Martial Training Begins

Joining the Warrior’s Department?

“Not at all,” Ye Lingchen answered firmly, shaking his head.

“Why not?” Lin Ao asked in a loud voice, “You’re young, and this is the best time to join the Warrior’s Department. Moreover, being such a good fighter, you will be able to build your career with a promising future!”

“I just want to live my life in peace and accompany those close to me,” Ye Lingchen gave a composed reply.

“Heh!” Lin Ao sneered, obviously unsatisfied with the answer.

He was a martial artist. Mincing words was not his forte. “If the country is not stable, how would you live peacefully?”

“You think that the world is very peaceful now?” Lin Ao spoke from experience. “Our country’s border is stretched far and wide, filled with resources. Who wouldn’t be jealous of such abundance? In recent years, Rice Country had continuously played up issues in food, technology, and tariffs. Yet many people are claiming that times are good!”

Ye Lingchen remained silent. He was not stupid. There were many issues, but he just chose to ignore them subconsciously.

“After I joined the Warrior’s Department at 17, I had not returned home for a total of three years. Now I’m 25, and this is my fifth trip home!” Lin Ao replied in a calm tone. “Once my grandfather’s condition has improved, I’ll be returning to the Warrior’s Department.”

Ye Lingchen locked gazes with Lin Ao. Originally he thought that Lin Ao made his way to Upper-Class Warrior due to his family’s influence. By now, that assumption was completely snuffed out.

Those born in the Lin family were destined to shoulder a heavier burden compared to the average people.

“My grandfather once told me that if your mannerisms were beyond the average people, that you would rise above the crowd.” Lin Ao recollected, “My grandfather also taught me that those with great power will have a greater responsibility. I hope you can reconsider what I’ve said.”

Ye Lingchen rubbed his nose, smiling bitterly, “Big Brother Lin, it’s too early for you to discuss such matters with me. I have to focus on my studies as my foundation for now. I still have to go through martial training tomorrow.”

“Huh? Martial training?”

Lin Ao slammed the brakes, as though he had just heard something unbelievable. He glued his eyes on Ye Lingchen for a moment, then laughed out loud in a boisterous manner.

“Hahahaha! Brother Ye, are you kidding me? Are you going to martial training? Isn’t that like asking Ultraman to hold a toy gun?”

Having said that, he continued laughing uncontrollably. Rocking back and forth, he was laughing so hard that he teared up.

The way they addressed each other changed in a moment. From Grandmaster Ye to Brother Ye and Big Brother Lin, much closer than before.

“I really need to attend the martial training,” said Ye Lingchen innocently.

“You need to go through martial training?”

Lin Ao stopped his outburst, then took a deep breath, “Brother Ye, it’s a waste of your capabilities to have you go through martial training. If you need to do it, you should at least come to my team!”

“Big Brother Lin, I’m fine with that, but I don’t have any say in this.” Martial training was arranged by the university and it involved their credits.

“Hahaha, this I have a say!” Lin Ao laughed happily, “Capital University’s martial training is under the jurisdiction of the third branch of the Warrior Department. I just need a word with them to settle this!”

“Brother Ye, just wait until you join my team, then we’ll be comrades! Nowadays the youngsters are all wussies. They’re even weaker than women, especially those trending “little fresh meat” type. I feel like throwing up just looking at them. How could these people even talk about protecting our country? You’re the only one has my respect!”

Martial artists are bold people. If they did not like you then that was it. Once they have taken a liking to you, then you will be a comrade for life.

Very soon, they arrived at the Lin family mansion.

Grandmaster Jiang came out immediately to greet Ye Lingchen.

Ye Lingchen nodded in acknowledgment, then entered the mansion. Lin Tianhua was waiting in the living room. After receiving Ye Lingchen’s treatment, he was already able to walk.

“Hehe, Little Ye, you’re here,” Lin Tianhua smiled at Ye Lingchen.

“Grandfather Lin, I apologize for my tardiness.”

“Hahaha, what are you talking about little friend? It should be this old man here thanking you instead.”

“After the first treatment, your condition is showing signs of improvement. As you are conscious this time around, the pain would be more severe. I recommend we administer some anesthetic,” Ye Lingchen suggested.

“Little friend please be at ease, pain is the least of my concern in my career as military personnel,” Lin Tianhua said with a smile on his face. Both his eyes calm as still water, “We can forego the anesthetic. Just go ahead.”

Ye Lingchen hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Following that, the servants had brought over silver needles, alcohol, and a fire pit they prepared in advance.

These silver needles were different from the previous ones. All eight needles were of different lengths, and when held, carried significant weight with them. The material resembled metal, yet carried a jade-like gentleness. It was obvious that they were painstakingly made and were extraordinary in nature.

“Brother Ye, these silver needles are a gift from Grandmaster Jiang. It is rumored to have belonged to Yang Jizhou 1 from the Ming dynasty,” Lin Ao explained.

“Excellent needles!” Ye Lingchen praised.

Grandmaster Jiang instantly added, “Grandmaster Ye, these silver needles are just placed in our hospital without seeing any use. With your skills, these needles would be used to its full potential by your side, not to be left gathering dust in storage.”

Ye Lingchen took a glance at Grandmaster Jiang, “I’ll remember this favor!”

A good set of silver needles would increase the efficiency of the treatment.

Grandmaster Jiang’s face blushed immediately as he was filled with excitement. He was waiting for this response from Ye Lingchen all along.

Throughout the treatment, Lin Tianhua never frowned once. He even managed to carry a conversation with Ye Lingchen, his expression peaceful.

No wonder this old man could raise a grandchild with the likes of Lin Ao.

Grandmaster Jiang, however, kept his eyes peeled, unblinking, staring hungrily at Ye Lingchen as he applied the needles, his eyes filled with awe.

As the treatment ended, they had a few words, then the Lin family arranged for their servants to send him back to school.

At that time, within the Lin family mansion, Lin Tianhua’s complexion looked much better. His aged face carried an air of authority as he asked, “Before coming here, what sort of trouble did Grandmaster Ye encounter?”

“It was the Lu Group father and son duo,” Lin Ao reiterated the events from earlier once more.

“Grandmaster Ye held back was so that he would not owe our Lin family a favor!” Lin Tianhua sighed. With a wave of his hand, “Our Lin family must not let this slide so easily. Send someone over to give Lu Group a warning!”

…

By the time Ye Lingchen returned to the dorm, it was already almost 10 pm.

The three roommates had not retired to bed, but instead excitedly carrying out their battles in front of the computer.

Seeing Ye Lingchen returning home at such hours, their face showed a confusing expression, as though they completely understood what had happened.

Potato smiled creepily, “Lil’ Ye, you should hold out until 10:30 pm. That is when they lock the dormitory doors. That way you can legitimately book a room.”

Ye Lingchen laughed it off. If they knew that he had dinner with Xiao Feifei that night, they would probably go into a frenzy.

Xiao Feifei was a goddess of the screen after all, and these three are her die-hard fans.

The next morning, at 7 am, blinding sunlight shone upon them, signifying the beginning of their martial training.

Many of them had just got out of bed by that time, yet Ye Lingchen had already completed his morning exercise routine.

Finishing his breakfast at the canteen, he strolled towards the field.

At that time, there was a sizable crowd on the field. At a glance, everyone, regardless of gender, was all wearing camouflage uniforms given out specifically for martial training.

These teenagers only stayed together in the same dorm but were otherwise strangers to one another. Everyone was evaluating each other, occasionally exchanging few words, slowly getting acquainted.

However, all their eyes showed signs of nervousness towards martial training and their upcoming university life.