The next day, dawn was just beginning to break.
Princess Changle arrived early at the private courtyard where Chen Qing was staying, carrying a purple sandalwood box in her hands.
A young man in a tight-fitting outfit accompanied her. He was Yue Qianfeng, Marquis Pinding, the foremost disciple of the Martial Arts Academy.
"Peak Master Chen."
Princess Changle gave a graceful curtsy and presented the wooden box. "This is the spear technique manual Father instructed me to deliver to you."
"Thank you for your trouble, Princess." Chen Qing accepted the box.
Yue Qianfeng, Marquis Pinding, stepped forward and solemnly clasped his hands toward Chen Qing. "Peak Master Chen, I am Yue Qianfeng. Greetings."
"Brother Yue." Chen Qing returned the gesture.
This foremost disciple of the Martial Arts Academy could be called one of the few exceptional geniuses of the Imperial Court's two paths. He was also Marquis Jingnan's son-in-law.
"At the training ground that day, Yue was inferior in skill. I have nothing to say about it."
Yue Qianfeng spoke sincerely. "But after witnessing Peak Master Chen's battle with Shang Yuming, I learned that there was always a higher heaven beyond the heavens. Peak Master Chen's strength in particular has earned Yue's admiration."
He paused. "I presume the refinement method Peak Master Chen received from Brother Nan means you will soon challenge the Grandmaster realm? If the opportunity arises, Yue would shamelessly like to exchange pointers with Peak Master Chen. I hope you will not begrudge me your guidance."
The matter of Chen Qing's Eleventh Refinement had long spread throughout Jade Capital, known to all.
Naturally, the outside world believed he had inherited Nan Zhuoran's method of eleven refinements and would next begin condensing a Martial Dao Golden Core to advance to Grandmaster.
Chen Qing smiled faintly and offered no