Chapter 490: Chapter 43: Ten Thousand Hidden Books, Sixth Transformation Breakthrough (Part 2)

"Loving flowers is my personal hobby. However, once it becomes known, there will always be people who cater to my taste. If I encounter a precious flower, I can’t guarantee I won’t be tempted."

"Thus, it is best not to reveal this hobby to others. In the entire Raozhou Prefecture, only your teacher’s wife and a few people know I love flowers."

My future mother-in-law is aware of this.

"In the future, when my nephew encounters some pretty flowers, I will collect seeds for you, Aunt."

"You don’t need to do that."

Zhuang Min chided, "Did you not listen to what I just said? People would want to cater to your interests because of my identity. If the matter of you collecting seeds gets out, would they not also cater to yours?"

"I am just a woman who can’t make big decisions, but you are the first on the Hidden Dragon List’s Human List, and there will be more people eager to curry favor with you."

"Haha, Aunt, don’t worry. I only collect them when I happen to come across them. No one will know. Can’t I, as the younger generation, show some filial piety?"

Lin Chen laughed cheekily, and upon hearing these words, Zhuang Min’s expression turned contemplative. After a moment, she said, "Wait here for Aunt."

"Sure."

Zhuang Min left the rear garden and returned after a brief period.

"This is the Flower Appreciation Jade. It records every flower variety I’ve collected. If you encounter any rare flowers, take out this jade; it will emit a glow if the flower is within ten feet, indicating that Aunt hasn’t collected it yet."

Lin Chen accepted the jade pendant, his eyes filled with curiosity. The center of the pendant was hollow with a carved petal shape. He wasn’t interested in the pendant’s form but rather in its function.

Recording flower types and automatically glowing when detecting a new type?

However, thinking of the jade pendant given by Murong Yan, Lin Chen was not surprised.

The Nine Kingdoms must have some secret technique that can act on jade pendants, a special artifact refining method.

He didn’t know this since his current realm was still low.

"I’ve already taken a lot of your time. You’ve just returned to Raozhou Prefecture and surely have many things to attend to, so I won’t keep you for a meal."

Regarding his family’s understanding and thoughtful mother-in-law, Lin Chen had nothing to say.

Too considerate!

Lin Chen bid farewell and left the rear garden. After he left, an old woman appeared behind Zhuang Min.

"Princess, you just gave our clan’s token to Lin Chen. Lin Chen and the Commandery Princess haven’t even set a marriage contract yet."

"The Hidden Dragon List released by the Martial Arts Garden is recognized by the Nine Kingdoms. You still don’t understand the message behind it?"

Zhuang Min’s expression turned cold, exuding an icy aura. If Lin Chen were here, he would be amazed.

In his heart, his mother-in-law was the image of innocent beauty, definitely not what he imagined to be cold and stern.

"Princess, you mean the Flame Dynasty’s forces are coming in?"

Zhuang Min did not respond, and the old woman understood: "If the Flame Dynasty is really entering, what about the Prince Consort?"

In the old woman’s mind, the Flower Suppression Order should be given to the Prince Consort.

"The Prince Consort doesn’t need it."

Her daughter must not be widowed. With this Flower Suppression Order, Lin Chen can encounter herbal spirits without fearing for his life.

...

...

Leaving the Jiang Mansion, Lin Chen went to the Military Affairs Department to visit Lord Bo Wenbin, who had taken good care of him during the special training ground.

Then he returned to Poyang County and Linhu Village.

While cultivating, he awaited Elder Zhao’s news.

Jia Nanzhu had also collected another box of secret manuals for Lin Chen, all Grade-Entering Techniques, encompassing various weapons.

Grade-Entering Martial Artists rarely engage in barehanded combat, especially against opponents of the same level.

Normally, martial artists at Lin Chen’s realm don’t need to study so many Martial Arts Techniques. Even if they cultivate weapons, they choose one type.

However, Lin Chen didn’t conceal his situation from his teacher, explaining that he practiced archery and familiarity with other techniques helps predict the opponent’s movements.

"Unfortunately, there are no techniques from other countries."

Jia Nanzhu regretted, as his status only allowed access to techniques available domestically in the Liang Kingdom, ones that could be exchanged at the Military Affairs Department or Imperial Court, but not special ones like the Mountain Suppressing Chart.

Lin Chen didn’t mind; those family-unique techniques would never be leaked.

"Or we could consider doors open from the Martial Arts Garden."

Jia Nanzhu squinted slightly. Even if the Liang Kingdom doesn’t have foreign martial techniques, the Martial Arts Garden, having a presence across the Nine Kingdoms, must be deeply knowledgeable.

"Even if the Martial Arts Garden possesses them, they definitely won’t be accessible to disciples."

Upon hearing this, Jia Nanzhu nodded in agreement. It’s true if the Martial Arts Garden provides foreign techniques, once disclosed, the countries will act warily against its presence.

In essence, the Martial Arts Garden’s welcome in various nations hinges on its neutral stance and willingness to use resources to nurture each nation’s talents.

"Take it step by step; your realm’s progress has already exceeded your teacher’s expectations. Even if it’s slow, ensuring successful Nine Revolutions is more critical."

"Yes."

...

...

Seven days later, Lin Chen received a message from the Martial Arts Garden and bid farewell to his teacher, heading there.

"Senior Yan."

"Young Master Lin."

In the Martial Arts Garden, Yan He’an met Lin Chen, a smile on his face mingled with nostalgia and sentiment.