I attained sainthood through alchemy on the cliff.

Chapter 48 Test Post

Over the next few days, Black Mountain Pass remained outwardly calm, but a subtle, unspoken atmosphere permeated the space between the blacksmith shop and the neighboring wooden house.

Shen Qingyun no longer spied on the martial arts from the wall, nor did she come to the shop to "instruct" the blacksmiths, as if the intense sparring that day was just a fleeting moment.

He spent most of his time in the wooden house, occasionally going out with Qingluan, usually heading towards the area near the mines in the back mountains, but never going deep inside. It was more like they were surveying the terrain, or... waiting for something.

Yang Jin, however, focused all his energy on digesting what he had learned from that day's sparring session.

He repeatedly pondered and verified Qingluan's icy and refined finger strength, exquisite and unpredictable footwork, and control over the battle situation.

Combining Shen Qingyun's previous guidance on "Mountain Collapse," his understanding of "Three Strikes to Sever Mountains" progressed rapidly. "Stone Splitting" became more penetrating, and the accumulation and explosion of "Mountain Collapse" became smoother. He even began to faintly touch the threshold of the artistic conception required for the third strike, "Mountain Severing," which required the ultimate condensation of essence, energy, spirit, and power.

He understood that Shen Qingyun was observing and waiting.

Waiting for the right opportunity, or waiting for Yang Jin to reveal more of his "value".

It was early morning on this day.

Yang Jin was practicing the preparation and transition of "Mountain Collapse" in the backyard, striving to condense the oppressive feeling of "a storm brewing" into a smaller area and a shorter time, so as to achieve the effect of sudden burst in actual combat.

At that moment, the door to the wooden house next door opened.

Shen Qingyun was dressed in a moon-white casual outfit and did not wear the Silver Knife Guard insignia that indicated her identity, making her appear even more relaxed.

He strolled over, holding a dark brown, blank hardcover postcard in his hand, his face bearing his usual gentle smile.

"Good morning, young brother Yang," he greeted, his gaze falling on Yang Jin with scrutiny and a hint of barely perceptible satisfaction.

In just a few days, Yang Jin's aura became noticeably more concentrated, and the sense of power hidden in his every move was also stronger, clearly showing the significant effect of that day's "sparring".

"Good morning, sir." Yang Jin stopped his stance, clasped his hands in greeting, but felt a chill run down his spine.

He knew that Shen Qingyun's initiative to come to him was not just for small talk.

"No need for formalities." Shen Qingyun waved her hand, walked to the stone bench in the courtyard, sat down casually, and placed the invitation in her hand on the stone table. "I've seen you practice diligently these past few days and make quite rapid progress. It's clear you're a truly hardworking talent. It's a pity you're stuck here in this Black Mountain Valley forging iron."

Yang Jin remained silent, waiting for what would happen next.

Shen Qingyun lightly tapped the invitation with her fingertip and slowly said, "I observe that you have a resolute character and a solid foundation. Although your moves are simple, they subtly embody the path of courage and diligence. You are a promising candidate for a government post. Our Jing'an Division needs young people like you."

He raised his eyes, his gaze meeting Yang Jin's directly: "Yang Jin, would you be willing to join my Jing'an Division?"

finally come!

Yang Jin was shocked, but he tried his best to remain calm.

The Jing'an Division is a powerful agency of the Great Yan Dynasty responsible for supervising military affairs, apprehending criminals, and handling incidents involving strange beasts. It wields immense power.

For ordinary martial artists, being able to enter the Jing'an Division is like ascending to heaven in one step, signifying resources, status, and powerful backers.

But it also means constraints, dangers, and a deep connection with a boss like Shen Qingyun, whose intentions are unpredictable.

"I am deeply humbled by your kindness, sir." Yang Jin carefully chose his words, "but I come from humble origins and have little ability. I am afraid I am not up to the task and will fail to live up to your expectations."

"Skills can be developed, and background is not a problem." Shen Qingyun smiled, seemingly having anticipated Yang Jin's refusal. "When our Jing'an Division employs people, we prioritize character and potential. You stepped forward in the time of crisis at Heishan'ao to save the people from dire straits; this is courage and righteousness. You fought to the death against the powerful enemy Han Li to protect your fellow villagers; this is responsibility. In sparring, you were not discouraged by defeat, learned from your shame and became even stronger, and diligently practiced; this is perseverance. With these three qualities, you are better than many who are merely famous in name only."

His words were sincere, each sentence hitting the nail on the head regarding Yang Jin's public "deeds," making it difficult for anyone to refute them.

"Besides," Shen Qingyun changed the subject, pointing to the invitation on the table, "I'm not offering you a direct position. The Jing'an Division has its own rules. Even if I recommend you, you still need to pass an assessment to become the lowest-ranking 'Iron Blade Guard.' This is the assessment spot I secured for you."

He picked up the note and handed it to Yang Jin: "Open it and take a look."

Yang Jin took it; it felt slightly heavy in his hand.

Opening the hard cover reveals several pages of sturdy paper. The first page bears the five large, vermilion characters "Jing'an Division Iron Knife Test," written in bold, powerful strokes, exuding a palpable sense of menace.

He quickly browsed through it.

The content is roughly as follows:

With this letter and the recommender's (Shen Qingyun's) seal, report to the "Examination and Training Office" of the Jing'an Division of Qingzhou Prefecture to verify your identity and merits.

At the Jing'an Division's training ground, they underwent a closed-door examination consisting of three tests: "testing strength," "testing skills," and "testing intention."

Then, an internal civil service examiner will conduct an interview to assess their character, aspirations, and adaptability.

Those who pass the test will be assigned to a temporary squad to carry out a designated combat mission, and will be evaluated comprehensively.

Those who pass the final selection will be awarded the title of "Iron Blade Guard" and will be directly under the command of the recommender (namely Shen Qingyun).

The schedule and location are also provided below, along with regulations such as "Accommodation and meals will be arranged by the company during the assessment period."

At the end of the post were Shen Qingyun's personal seal as a Silver Knife Guard and an address—the location of the Jing'an Division Office in Qingzhou Prefecture.

Yang Jin closed the post, his heart filled with turbulent emotions.

The pros and cons were rapidly weighed in his mind:

Staying in Heishan'ao:

Advantages: Safety and familiarity.

With Chen Shan's support and Atu's ability to continuously mine the scattered essence of the earth veins, the resources seem stable in the short term.

Shan Ding's growth seems to be proceeding in an orderly manner.

Disadvantages: The Fire Lotus of the Earth's Core has been harvested, and there may still be secrets deep within the mine, but the risks are unknown and it is unlikely that there will be a similar experience in the short term.

Black Mountain Pass is too small, and martial arts experience, knowledge, and real combat opportunities are extremely scarce.

Most importantly... Shen Qingyun has already set her sights on him.

Staying here may seem safe, but in reality, it's like going around in circles in the circle drawn by Shen Qingyun, passively waiting for his next move.

How long can the secret be kept hidden? Will Chen Shan be implicated? Beneath this "stability" lies a crisis, like a frog being slowly boiled in water.

Heading to Qingzhou Prefecture:

Advantage: Leaving the Black Mountain Pass and stepping into a wider world.

The Jing'an Division signifies systematic martial arts resources (techniques, elixirs, guidance), a higher platform, stronger opponents, and... more opportunities to secure opportunities for the Mountain Cauldron and oneself.

As long as one obtains an identity through formal examinations, it is, to some extent, a "protective shield," allowing Shen Qingyun's "care" to transform from covert surveillance into overt recognition and cultivation under explicit rules.

Moreover, the post states that he is "directly under the recommender's command," which is both a form of binding and means that Shen Qingyun is his biggest backer and source of resources in the short term.

Disadvantages: Dangerous, unknown.

The assessment itself is risky, the Jing'an Division is bound to be a complex web of factions, and Shen Qingyun's intentions are hard to fathom.

The risk of one's secrets being exposed to higher-level figures and institutions is greater.

Far from the familiar Heishan'ao and Chenshan, we lost our geographical advantage.

Comparing the two, the "advantage" of staying in Black Mountain Pass is the security with a clear end in sight, while the "disadvantage" is a sword hanging over one's head, ready to fall at any moment.

The "disadvantages" of going to Qingzhou Prefecture are the obvious challenges and risks, but the "advantages" are the only ladder to a higher level and to break free from the current passive situation!

The mountain cauldron needs to devour the essence of the earth's veins. The Black Mountain mineral vein seems to have stable resources, but its quality is scattered, its improvement is slow, and it will eventually run out.

The resources, secret realms, and even higher-level ley line treasures that the Jing'an Division can access far surpass those of Black Mountain Pass!

The path of martial arts is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind.

Confining oneself to a corner may bring temporary peace, but it inevitably leads to missing out on the true potential of the mountain and the ultimate martial arts pursuit one desires.

Thinking of this, a resolute glint flashed in Yang Jin's eyes.

He gently placed the invitation back on the stone table, looked up to meet Shen Qingyun's gaze, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a deep voice, "Your Excellency is kind enough to bestow this opportunity upon me. Although Black Mountain Pass is safe, it is not a place to stay for long. Yang Jin is willing to go to Qingzhou Prefecture to participate in the examination and strive for a future! I will certainly not fail to live up to Your Excellency's recommendation!"

Shen Qingyun's smile deepened, and a knowing look flashed in her eyes, clearly indicating that she had already anticipated this choice.

"Good! Knowing when to advance and retreat is the mark of a hero. A true dragon cannot be raised in a pond in Black Mountain Valley."

He put away the invitation and said, "I will send a message back to the prefecture to arrange your reporting. Take this invitation and go to the Jing'an Division office in Qingzhou Prefecture on the date it is on. I still have other matters to attend to here and cannot accompany you. There may be some twists and turns on the way, but consider it a small experience for you."

"Go on your own?" Yang Jin was slightly surprised, but then realized that this was probably part of the assessment—to observe his ability to handle matters independently and deal with risks along the way.

"Exactly." Shen Qingyun nodded. "I'll give you five days to prepare and say goodbye to Master Chen properly. You'll depart in five days."

"Yes, sir!" Yang Jin replied.

Shen Qingyun said no more and turned back to the wooden house.

Yang Jin, holding the seemingly light yet incredibly heavy invitation, walked into the blacksmith's shop.

Chen Shan was sitting by the stove, his pipe glowing dimly, as if he had been waiting for a long time.

"Uncle Chen, Shen Qingyun has given me a special recommendation for the Jing'an Division's assessment, and wants me to go to Qingzhou Prefecture." Yang Jin handed the invitation to Chen Shan, briefly explaining the situation and his decision after weighing the options.

Chen Shan took the invitation, examined it carefully with his cloudy eyes, and after a long while, exhaled a long puff of smoke and slowly said, "Go. It's time to go."

He put down his pipe, looked at Yang Jin, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "Black Mountain Pass can't keep you here. Your path lies outside. Shen Qingyun is... unfathomable, but since he's willing to give you this spot, at least in the short term, he will be your greatest help, and also a hurdle you must overcome. Remember, in the Jing'an Division, strength is paramount, but you must also understand the rules and see through people's hearts. Speak less, observe more, and do more."

"Yes, Uncle Chen, I've got it." Yang Jin said solemnly.

"Take this knife with you." Chen Shan took out the thick-backed woodcutter's knife from the corner of the wall. It had been re-tempered and polished, and now gleamed with a faint firelight. "I added that beast's carapace, making it even tougher and sharper. It also carries a bit of yang energy, which can ward off some yin cold. And take some medicine for wounds too."

"Thank you, Uncle Chen!" Yang Jin accepted the knife and medicine packet, feeling a warmth in his heart.

"As for that earth vein jade marrow..." Chen Shan lowered his voice, "Since you've decided to go, keeping it on you will only bring trouble."

"I know! I've been sparring with Miss Qingluan these past few days and learned that she needs this Earth Vein Jade Marrow to refine a Breakthrough Pill... I'll keep some for myself, and please give the rest to Miss Qingluan on my behalf." Yang Jin's actions were also a way of thanking Qingluan for her guidance.

After listening, Chen Shan nodded. "In this way, you will not only repay the favor, but also avoid the greatest crime of possessing a treasure on your journey. Go ahead and explore with peace of mind. I'll take care of things here in Black Mountain Pass."

Yang Jin's eyes welled up with tears, and he bowed deeply: "Uncle Chen's kindness is something I will never forget!"

Five days later, at dawn.

With a simple bag on his back, a wood-chopping knife at his waist, Ah Huo hidden in his arms, and Ah Tu following on the ground, Yang Jin bid farewell to Chen Shan and set off on the dirt road to Qingzhou Prefecture.

His back stood tall in the morning light, without any further hesitation.