In Gavin Norton's eyes, the reason why scholars hold such a status mainly comes down to two aspects: one is the need to govern the country, and the other is the dynasty's need to balance various powers. Unchecked power is dangerous, and using power to check power is even more dangerous.

It is precisely these two reasons that have led to scholars possessing an exceptionally special status in the Great Qi Dynasty, and even throughout the entire world.

Of course, this is merely Gavin Norton's own understanding and viewpoint. The fact that scholars hold such an important position in this world is not something a single dynasty can decide, but rather the foundation and key that the entire human race has developed and grown to over tens of thousands of years. Naturally, Gavin Norton himself is not aware of this.

“This imperial examination system seems to be the same as in the Middle Ages. Could it be that this was also created by a transmigrator?!” As he pondered the imperial examination system of the Great Qi Dynasty in his mind, the more Gavin Norton thought about it, the more suspicious he became.

“You child, don’t just focus on studying, reading, and making a name for yourself. You need to take care of your health. If your body collapses, everything else is meaningless!”

“I know, Mom. I’m also practicing the Evergreen Technique. Although I can’t say I’m immune to heat and cold, I won’t get sick easily!” Gavin Norton patted his not-so-sturdy chest and chuckled.

“All you do is brag. Go on now, I’ve asked Grace to make some lotus seed porridge!”

“Yes, Mom!” Gavin Norton obediently followed behind the young woman.

Although he was a concubine’s son and his mother was of maidservant origin, he was, after all, the biological son of Henry Norton. His daily life was still quite good. Although not as privileged as the legitimate sons, he still lived in luxury, far better than ordinary people, and had many opportunities to learn martial arts. However, all this time, Gavin Norton had failed to take advantage of it.

As the son of Henry Norton, Gavin Norton had four maids and four servants. But he knew that, except for his mother’s personal maid Grace, the others all had backgrounds and served different purposes. Who knew which lady or young master they were actually reporting to?

“It’s just a small princely residence, yet it’s run like a harem. Even a concubine’s son like me, with no chance of inheriting the title, is watched so closely. Is that really necessary?” Thinking of his situation, Gavin Norton secretly complained in his heart.

The Henry Norton residence was one of the five great non-imperial princely households of the Great Qi Dynasty. Its status was somewhat similar to the Mu Prince’s residence in Yunnan during the Ming Dynasty of ancient China. It was located on the southwestern frontier of the Great Qi Dynasty and controlled three major provinces: Dian, Qian, and Li.

The territory of the Great Qi Dynasty was several times larger than China in his previous life. Each province was equivalent to a modern province, with a total of ninety-nine provinces, each as large as Tibet.

The Henry Norton residence ruled over the three provinces of Dian, Qian, and Miao, representing the local powerhouses of the Great Qi Dynasty.

The term “local powerhouses” usually only appeared in the middle or late stages of a dynasty. The Great Qi Dynasty had ruled for six hundred years and had prospered for six hundred years. Yet beneath this prosperity lay countless hidden crises. These crises were concealed by the dynasty’s powerful military, but once the dynasty’s military strength faltered, everything would come to the surface.

Gavin Norton firmly believed this, but he also believed that he was unlikely to witness that day in his lifetime.

This was a flourishing age. And what do people compete for in a flourishing age? Interests!

What do they rely on to compete? Strength!!

Strength is the foundation of everything. Gavin Norton often saw this phrase in novels, but now he understood that this was the reality of this world.

After scraping the last bite of rice from his bowl, Gavin Norton greeted his “cheap” mom and returned to his own room.

To be honest, he still felt a bit awkward facing his “cheap” mom. Mentally, he was a man in his thirties or forties, and suddenly he had a mother about his own age, maybe even a bit younger. What kind of feeling was that?

So, when it came to his current mother, Gavin Norton chose to keep a respectful distance.

He gently opened the hemp-colored book cover, and a faint herbal fragrance wafted into his nose. Inside the book was an illustration—a diagram of the human body’s meridians. Turning the page, there were various human figures in different poses.

This was a martial arts manual.

[Universal Fist Manual]

Of course, the [Universal Fist Manual] was not some profound secret manual, but merely an introductory book to martial arts in this world. The name implied “all-encompassing,” and it was equivalent to an elementary school textbook in Gavin Norton’s previous life.

Martial arts in this world had developed to such an extent that martial cultivation had long since formed a rigorous and complete system. If you wanted to take shortcuts, you’d need a powerful master. As for those stories where someone eats a magical herb and becomes a peerless expert overnight—those were absolutely impossible.

Martial cultivation, also known as Qi Refining, had strict stage divisions, with a total of nine levels.

Each level was further divided into early, middle, and late stages.

Among the nine levels, there were three realms: Qi Introduction, Qi Condensation, and Qi Manipulation.

Qi Refining levels one to three were the Qi Introduction stage, four to six were the Qi Condensation stage, and seven to nine were the Qi Manipulation stage.

Chapter Two: Failing to Hide