Ch. 99
Chapter 99: Not in Line with My Temperament
Throughout the entire day, Chen Ming had no idea how many martial artists he had "defeated".
He had become numb.
Whether it was a Ninth Grade, Eighth Grade, or even a Seventh Grade, none of them could withstand a single palm strike from him.
By the end, he couldn’t even be bothered to look at the pop-up prompts anymore, directly ignoring them.
Finally, by dusk, the sky was growing dark, and outside, there were still many people in line.
Many came carrying luggage, afraid they’d miss the registration.
Gu Junrong and Wang Mingkai had to repeatedly reassure them that registration would continue tomorrow before finally managing to send them away.
Today's registration work had finally come to an end.
"Thank you all for your hard work."
Chen Ming spoke to all the staff present.
"It wasn’t hard."
"Second Young Master is too polite."
"This is our duty..."
"......"
The dozen or so people present all spoke sincerely.
This Second Young Master was genuinely generous.
He hadn’t mistreated them in the slightest.
Not only was there hot tea, but also exquisite pastries.
For lunch, they even ordered directly from Drunken Immortal Tower—it was lavish.
It was just guarding the entrance and maintaining order.
Not exactly laborious work.
At some point, everyone began calling Chen Ming "Second Young Master". Once someone started, the rest followed.
It felt more familiar that way.
...
On the way back, Chen Ming opened the panel and saw that his point total had increased by over thirty thousand.
This meant that today alone, there were seven to eight hundred registrants.
However, only about a hundred obtained qualifications.
The elimination rate was even higher than in the previous days.
"Didn’t expect Jiangzhou alone to have so many martial practitioners. And all who came were martial artists—at least of Ninth Grade cultivation."
Outside, came Gu Junrong’s sigh.
Wang Mingkai said, "Heh, really an eye-opener. I’m afraid every Ninth Grade Martial Artist in Jiangzhou showed up."
"I recognized some faces—they definitely came a few days ago. They didn’t qualify, were unwilling to give up, and returned to register again."
"More than just a few. There were more than ten who came every single day. Couldn’t drive them away—shameless."
Gu Junrong said, "It’s understandable, really. This is a Third Grade Expert accepting disciples. How could anyone be willing to give up?"
"And what good does being unwilling do? The requirements were personally set by the two seniors. It’s not up to Senior Brother to decide. Coming again won’t change anything."
Listening to their conversation, Chen Ming suddenly recalled the uproar back when the news first broke in Qingfeng City.
The area outside his home was nearly trampled flat.
Almost every disciple from the Huo Residence came to him, wanting to register.
Regardless of whether they knew him or not—even Seventh Grade Martial Artists whom he had offended and beaten up not long ago came thick-skinned, seeking registration slots for their children or disciples.
Chen Ming became the most sought-after figure in Qingfeng City overnight.
The appeal of a Third Grade Expert accepting disciples to low-level martial artists was even more exaggerated than he had imagined.
The whole Qingfeng City was set ablaze.
Inside Qingfeng City, nearly every martial artist under forty came to register.
These people clearly did not meet the requirements.
Their visit was in vain.
As soon as he saw someone over thirty, Chen Ming eliminated them on the spot.
The next day, they’d shave their beards and come back with fake names, thinking he wouldn’t recognize them—leaving Chen Ming speechless.
Such people weren’t rare. He encountered them daily.
Chen Ming shook his head and stopped listening to the two's conversation. He thought, it was time to enhance his strength.
So, he opened the panel.
【Level: 40】
【Current Points: 117564】
【Cultivation Techniques: 《Iron Horse Stance》 (Fifth Level - Perfected), 《Three Suns Body Tempering》 (Ninth Level - Perfected), 《Six Suns Qi Nurturing》 (First Level 6999/100000)】
【Martial Skills: 《Three Talents Fist》 (Mastered), Eight Trigrams Saber Technique (Mastered), Zhuang’s Flying Knife (Mastered), Swallow Returns Sword Technique (Mastered), 《Vermilion Bird Sword Technique》 (Beginner 50032/100000)】
Looking at the 110,000+ experience points, Chen Ming felt slightly excited.
With this much experience, his strength would leap ahead.
He finally had enough confidence to face other Sixth Grade Martial Artists.
"Add to sword technique first!"
Previously, Chen Ming’s invincibility within his realm and rarity of rivals was due to his extremely high mastery of martial skills.
Naturally, his priority now remained upgrading martial skills.
He directly allocated fifty thousand points into 《Vermilion Bird Sword Technique》.
In an instant, a boom erupted in his mind, and countless insights surged forward.
After a long while—
When Chen Ming reopened his eyes, he saw the 《Vermilion Bird Sword Technique》 entry had changed to Proficient 32/200000.
As expected, reaching Adept required two hundred thousand experience points.
Without hesitation, he used another thirty thousand points on 《Six Suns Qi Nurturing》.
Suddenly, a terrifying wave of heat surged within his body...
...
By the time Chen Ming returned home, he had fully digested the increase in strength.
At that moment, his family was waiting to dine with him.
His carriage arrived at the doorstep just as the food was served.
Once he sat down, the dishes were already laid out, still steaming hot.
Eldest brother Chen Rui’s moustache had thickened, making him look more mature. His entire demeanor had changed—his spirit, presence, and aura now carried greater depth and authority.
Sister-in-law Madam Wei was different as well—radiant, as if a few years younger.
Thanks to Chen Ming, she had become a rising star among the women of Xiushui Street.
Many came to her daily.
For the first time, she felt like the center of attention in a social circle.
Back when she married into the Chen Family, she never imagined such a heavenly life, not even in her dreams.
After dinner, Chen Rui called Chen Ming to the study—clearly, something needed to be discussed.
After both brothers sat down, Chen Rui said, "Today, an old regular invited me for a meal. When I arrived, I saw Chief Steward Qian from Four Seas Trading Company was also there. He said all future medicinal purchases of the Four Seas Trading Company would go through Spring Harmony Hall. He didn’t ask for any conditions, but it was obvious he wants to build ties with you. So, whether to accept this business or not depends on your decision."
Chen Ming chuckled and said,"Go ahead, why wouldn’t I earn money if it’s there to be made?"
Chen Rui immediately replied,"Alright."
"However, don’t get too close to the Four Seas Trading Company."
"Mm, I understand."
With that said, Chen Rui knew exactly where the boundaries lay.
Chen Ming thought the conversation was over and was about to leave when he noticed his elder brother seemed to have more to say. He asked curiously,"Is there something else?"
Chen Rui hesitated for a moment but still decided to ask clearly,"Ah Ming, others say that Senior Gold Saber has already decided to take you as his disciple. Is that true?"
Chen Ming replied,"That’s just a rumor, nothing of the sort has happened."
He had naturally heard others talk about this rumor before. It was quite normal. In Qingfeng City, among the younger generation, he was the undisputed number one. Only Gu Yuantao could compare with him.
Gu Yuantao had also broken through to Sixth Grade just over a month ago and was currently in seclusion.
To others, since he had no official master, joining the tutelage of Gold Saber Li Donglin was practically a nailed-down certainty.
Chen Rui asked with confusion,"With your talent, Ah Ming, if you wished to become his disciple, Senior Gold Saber certainly wouldn’t refuse. Why are you unwilling to take him as your master?"
This was something he simply could not understand.
Gold Saber Li Donglin was a Third Grade Expert, and within the entire Jiangzhou region, he was a renowned figure. Becoming his disciple would not only provide a strong backing but also the guidance of a famous master, allowing one to cultivate even faster.
It was clearly an advantageous matter, so why was Ah Ming unwilling?
Chen Ming couldn’t outright say the man wasn’t qualified to be his master, so he found an excuse instead."His saber path does not align with mine."
Bringing out such a lofty-sounding reason, Chen Rui naturally couldn’t push the issue any further.
More importantly, he trusted that his younger brother must have his own reasoning behind his actions.
……
As Chen Ming stepped into the courtyard, he suddenly sensed something and looked up. He saw an old man step out from the corner of the wall, clasping his hands in greeting and politely saying,"Brother Chen, I hope you’ve been well."
"Senior Gao?"
He instantly recognized the man—it was Gao Mingchuan, a Sixth Grade Martial Artist who had been well-known in the city for many years.
This man used to be an escort guard, roaming the lands in his youth. He had lived in Qingfeng City for over twenty years.
Previously, Chen Ming had visited him a few times.
Apart from the first meeting, the man had claimed illness and refused to see him on the next three visits.
It was obvious he had been avoiding him.
Looking at the man now, he seemed full of energy and had a sharp gaze—he didn’t look sick at all.
Gao Mingchuan said with a cheerful smile,"I dare not accept the title of senior. I’m only a few years older than you, Brother Chen. If you don’t mind, you can call me Elder Brother, or just Old Gao."
He was putting himself in a very humble position.
It was truly difficult for him.
He was well into his eighties, yet he still had to lower himself before a younger man.
Chen Ming asked him,"It’s quite late, Elder Gao. What brings you to me at this hour?"
"I wouldn’t presume to offer instruction. I just heard that Brother Chen came to look for me a few times. Unfortunately, my old injuries flared up recently, and some juniors in my household turned you away at the door. I only just found out, so I came over specifically to apologize."
"You flatter me, Elder Gao."
Chen Ming replied indifferently.
Seeing that Chen Ming was unmoved, Gao Mingchuan gritted his teeth and said,"I heard that Brother Chen enjoys sparring with others. If you don’t mind this old set of bones, I would be honored to exchange a few moves."
Upon hearing that, Chen Ming exclaimed with delight,"Is that true? Elder Brother, you’re really willing to spar with me?"
Seeing how fast he changed his expression, faster than flipping a page, Gao Mingchuan immediately realized Chen Ming had been waiting for that sentence. He cursed inwardly but, for the sake of his beloved grandson, could only thicken his skin and say,"I’ve long heard that Brother Chen’s saber technique is superb. I’ve been eager to witness it myself."
After saying that, he quickly added,"By the way, I actually came here today with a request."
Chen Ming said with a beaming smile,"Please, go ahead."
"I have a grandson with quite decent talent. He’s twenty-five this year and already at the Peak of Seventh Grade. He greatly admires Senior Li of the Gold Saber and wishes to become his disciple. However, for some reason, he’s been unable to obtain the registration qualification. I hope Brother Chen can lend a hand."
This was the real reason why Gao Mingchuan had come to soften up.
Chen Ming patted his chest and said,"Is that so? Don’t worry, Elder Brother. Your matters are my matters. Your grandson is my… junior, of course. As long as he meets the requirements, I’ll definitely help him secure the qualification."
"In that case, thank you very much, Brother Chen."
Now that the terms were settled, Gao Mingchuan said,"No time like the present. How about we spar right here and now?"
"Perfect timing."
As Chen Ming spoke, he went inside the house and retrieved a refined steel sword.
Seeing him bring out a sword, Gao Mingchuan was a bit puzzled.
This man was known for his saber technique—what was the meaning of pulling out a sword today?
Noticing his confusion, Chen Ming smiled faintly and explained,"I suddenly feel that saber techniques don’t suit my temperament, so I’ve abandoned the saber to study the sword."
"……"