The General Said She Would Not Take a Wife

Chapter 11: Hundred-Step Mounted Archery

After leaving the Misty Rain Tower, the violent aura around Lin Aoxue gradually dissipated.

On their way back, Beichen Ji was still lost in the shock from earlier. It took him a long time to snap out of it, and when he did, he leaned toward Lin Aoxue with surprise and admiration, saying:

"Wow, I never imagined... not only is our Brother Lin skilled in martial arts, but he also understands music! Such a versatile talent—ah, I'm really impressed!"

Lin Aoxue simply shot him a cold glance in response to his flattery, but it was Shang Wu, who was following behind, that asked:

"Brother Lin, it's rare enough for someone to be proficient in martial arts, but how do you also find time to learn other arts?"

Lin Aoxue didn't avoid the question. Instead, he answered with a straightforward tone:

"Ever since my parents passed away, I've been restless, consumed by the desire for revenge, and deeply obsessed with it. My master taught me how to play the qin to help calm my mind, but I'm quite slow and never grasped the essence of it, only learning a bit of the surface."

Beichen Ji knew that Lin Aoxue's master was Monk Hongming. He had heard his father, Beichen Long, mention that before renouncing the secular world, Monk Hongming was indeed a well-rounded scholar and warrior. So, it was not surprising that Lin Aoxue had both martial skills and the ability to play the qin.

Shang Wu listened with envy. He was, after all, a rough man, uninterested in music, chess, books, or painting, so he didn't press the matter further.

The trio slowly made their way back to the military camp, and by the time they arrived, the sky was already starting to darken. After parting ways with Beichen Ji and Shang Wu, Lin Aoxue went to the training ground, where, just as expected, he found Lu Sheng practicing diligently on his own.

Lu Sheng was riding a chestnut horse, holding a bow and arrow, pulling the bowstring taut. With a whoosh, an arrow flew through the air and struck the edge of the target a hundred steps away.

Though the accuracy was still a little off, it was already a huge improvement compared to just a few months ago when he couldn't even draw the bow.

"Shilang!"

When he saw Lin Aoxue arrive, Lu Sheng dismounted, hung the bow on the saddle, and led the horse toward Lin Aoxue.

"Are you planning to participate in the hundred-step mounted archery competition?"

As Lu Sheng got closer, Lin Aoxue's face was still serious, but his tone was less cold than before.

Next month, there would be a grand competition in the military camp. The competition would feature several events, including the hundred-step mounted archery, which was open to the positions of Shilang and Wuchang. The top three in this event would receive a battle merit record, and the first-place winner would also receive a fine spear as a reward from the General.

Hearing Lin Aoxue's question, Lu Sheng scratched his head awkwardly.

"I don't expect to make it into the top three, but I still want to see what level I'm at compared to others in the camp."

Lin Aoxue nodded. If his accuracy was off, he could continue practicing. This competition would be a great opportunity to spar with others and improve. It shouldn't be missed.

"By the way, how are you doing with the military strategy book I gave you?"

Lin Aoxue took the bow and arrow from the saddle, testing the strength of the bow while asking.