Chapter 23: Participation in the Martial Arts Examination

Words : 1414 Updated : Sep 18th, 2025

Chapter 23 of "I am a Late Bloomer in the Immortal World" opens presenting key developments: In the courtyard, Shan Fang's expression darkened as she stepped out of the living quarters.... Read on!

In the courtyard, Shan Fang's expression darkened as she stepped out of the living quarters. In frustration, she kicked the snow piled up by the wall several times with her embroidered shoes and loudly scolded the maid who was cleaning the snow from the courtyard. Her harsh words were deliberately sharp, and Shan Fang knew that Shan Wuju and his wife inside the house would certainly hear them. Following this, Shan Fang led her son, Shan Yi Wu, and turned to leave, not even sparing a glance at her skirt, which had been soiled by the snow. The richly dressed man followed closely behind. From the moment they entered to when they exited, Shan Fang's husband had not spoken again after offering a few auspicious words while bowing. ……. "It's unfortunate for the family." As Shan Fang departed, a rare look of despondency appeared on Shan Wuju's face. He stared blankly at the entrance. Over the decades, the once newly-built residence had become yellowed and dilapidated. The courtyard walls, less exposed to sunlight, were covered with moss and green vines. On the dried vines were a few patches of yellowed weeds... Shan Wuju's gaze shifted slightly, and he saw several sections of peeling corridor railings, with the wood inside turning black and decaying beyond recognition. This old residence was meant to be a testament to the family's prosperity lasting nearly a hundred years, something to boast about to ancestors after death, and an object of envy among local families. Yet at this moment, Shan Wuju felt no joy in his heart. "Master, I will take my leave now." Seeing this scene, Wei Tu realized he should not stay any longer and bowed to bid farewell. Shan Wuju nodded in agreement. On New Year's Day, when the family reunites, it is indeed inappropriate for an outsider like Wei Tu to stay any longer. An adopted disciple is not the same as a biological child. ……. Leaving the living quarters, Wei Tu took a few breaths of the cold air outside. The chill seeping into his chest from his nostrils cleared his mind. Just now, he had been troubled, as he was currently dependent on others and felt uncomfortable refusing the offer. However, he truly did not want to remain as someone else’s servant—on the day he redeemed himself, he considered two paths: taking part in the martial arts examination or becoming a swordsman. The slave contract he had with the Li family had been redeemed with the money he and Xinghua had saved. In the Shan family, he did not want to sign another invisible contract that would bind him here permanently. "There's still over a month." Wei Tu looked up at the snowflakes dancing in the wind and headed towards his own room. Today's events were just a minor episode; he would not let them derail his future. He would continue practicing his health cultivation skills and The Tiger-Crane Dual Form Fist. ……. Several days later, Shan Fang made an excuse to leave the Shan family with her son, Shan Yi Wu, and her husband. As agreed earlier, she took a fine horse from the Shan family stables. A few days later, Shan Yan Gong and Shan Min also left the Shan residence. Unlike Shan Fang, Shan Yan Gong greeted Wei Tu and invited him to stay at his house in the prefectural city during the provincial examination, without any need for formality. Wei Tu agreed to this. He disliked Shan Fang, but he did not hold any ill will towards Shan Yan Gong. If possible, he would also like to reconcile with the Shan family. He had never forgotten Shan Wuju's kindness in teaching him. ... Time passed and finally. In February of the 24th year of Qing'an, as the martial arts examination approached. Wei Tu bid farewell to Shan Wuju, preparing to leave the Shan residence to attend the examination. However, just as Wei Tu was about to leave the Shan family courtyard with his belongings, Shan Wuju rode out on horseback and stopped him. “For the martial arts examination, you need a trained horse for archery. How can you achieve a good result without a suitable horse?” Shan Wuju dismounted and handed the reins of his green horse to Wei Tu. "I know you don’t want to take advantage of the Shan family's wealth. I am lending you this green horse. After the exam, you can return it." "But by then, if you have gained distinction, you might even be able to purchase this horse." Shan Wuju smiled as he spoke. Upon hearing this, Wei Tu hesitated for a moment, then nodded, gripping the reins tightly, as a sign of his agreement to Shan Wuju’s offer. While he was not entirely distant at the Shan family residence and did not deliberately refuse the daily necessities provided by the maids, the warhorse was indeed a significant matter. He had only redeemed himself with eight taels of silver. This green horse was worth as much as ten or more skilled servants like him. Such a valuable item was not something he could easily accept, but the martial arts examination was too critical. Without a familiar horse, his performance might be adversely affected, leading to a significant loss over a small matter. “I understand that, due to my daughter’s words, there has been some tension between us,” Shan Wuju said, walking up to Wei Tu and patting him on the shoulder. Then he chided, “But as martial artists, how can we be so petty and narrow-minded? Let’s not be so small-minded.” "When you achieve success, I’ll host a banquet for you. We’ll drink and eat heartily, putting aside all trivial concerns." His words were coarse and vigorous, his voice resonant and thunderous, almost causing Wei Tu to experience temporary deafness. “Thank you, Master.” After a brief pause, Wei Tu recovered his composure, glanced at Shan Wuju, and responded with a smile. Half a year had passed, Shan Wuju seemed to have aged a decade, with more gray hair at his temples. Though still strong, he appeared considerably different from when Wei Tu first met him. After speaking, Wei Tu performed a deep bow to Shan Wuju, then mounted the green horse and left the Shan family estate, heading towards the river. After riding for about seven or eight miles, Wei Tu gradually slowed his pace. He sighed softly, reflecting on Shan Wuju’s words. He wasn’t merely a martial artist; practicing and participating in the examination were efforts to cross social classes. However, if a hearty drink with Shan Wuju could help him forget past grievances, he would be willing. “I wonder if my future children with Xinghua will be like Shan Fang. If so, I might have no choice but to accept it.” Wei Tu shook his head, pushing away the distracting thoughts, and flicked the reins to urge the horse forward. ……. Returning to Qingmu County, Wei Tu planned to first find an inn, rent a room, and then board the green horse in the inn’s stable, waiting for the upcoming martial arts examination. Now, he was no longer the Li family’s stableman, and it seemed inappropriate to stay there. However, as soon as Wei Tu entered an inn, he was taken aback by the high room rates. The prices were several times higher than usual. Even the price for a storage room was several times more than the usual cost of a room. Hearing the innkeeper’s explanation, Wei Tu recalled that the county examination for the scholars had just occurred a few days ago. Many scholars from the countryside of Qingmu County had come to the county town for the examination. At this time, it was a struggle to find a room at the inn. “The county examination is divided into the main examination and three supplementary examinations. Yesterday, the county office posted the list of successful candidates. In three days, the supplementary examination will take place, and many candidates will be eliminated. The prices will drop a bit then.” “Would you like to rent a room now?” The innkeeper continued. Upon hearing this, Wei Tu shook his head, left the inn, and led his horse toward the Li family’s residence, intending to stay there temporarily. He already owed Li Yaozu a favor, so owing another minor favor was not a big deal.

Chapter 23: Participation in the Martial Arts Examination

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