Hidden Weapon Technique

This teaching session lasted an entire afternoon.

Chen Ming hadn't expected Zhuang Xiaotian's Flying Dagger Art to contain so many techniques. No wonder Deng Ziyang couldn't stop praising it.

He'd previously assumed it was just mutual flattery.

From the basic One Stone Two Birds, to the advanced versions Meteor Chasing the Moon and Parting Swallows, and then to the high-level Celestial Maiden Scattering Flowers and Linked Mother and Child, Zhuang Xiaotian knew the methods behind them all.

It was only limited by his strength—many high-level techniques had a low success rate, not even succeeding once in ten tries.

In one afternoon, Chen Ming only grasped the gist; learning it all at once was impossible.

Zhuang Xiaotian also left him a few pages—the very secret manual he'd stumbled upon by chance—which recorded the methods for some high-level techniques.

Among them were many techniques for channeling qi, meaning these hidden weapon arts could only be mastered at least at the Sixth Rank or above.

The Sixth Rank in martial arts, also known as the True Qi Realm, meant one had already cultivated true qi.

Chen Ming felt like he'd found a treasure. Mastering these hidden weapon techniques could serve as a trump card.

So, after returning home, he spent the whole time studying the contents of those pages, constantly practicing the techniques Zhuang Xiaotian had taught him.

The next morning, after finishing the martial arts initiation for the group of little boys, Chen Ming gained another 50 experience points.

"It seems I could consider opening a martial arts school, specializing in initiation for younger children," he thought.

With the upheaval at Huo Manor, it was uncertain whether he could continue working there as a Sparring Partner. He needed to plan ahead.

There were several martial arts schools in Qingfeng City, but he had no reputation, and his martial arts were learned from Huo Chengkun. Without Huo Chengkun's consent, he certainly couldn't teach them to others freely.

What Chen Ming was currently teaching those kids was the most common "Tiger Form Stake," a widely circulated, basic stance.

So, he chose this new path.

Moreover, he could charge no tuition, even covering room and board, and accept anyone. He believed he'd quickly fill the roster.

As Chen Ming pondered his "entrepreneurial" plan, he sat down at the dining table and noticed his Eldest Brother, Chen Rui, was still absent. "Eldest Brother didn't come back last night either?"

"No," Wei Shi said, a hint of worry on her face. "Yesterday, when I went to deliver his meal, I saw him looking troubled. It must be a serious problem. But he wouldn't tell me, so I secretly asked the shop assistant."

"Did you find out anything?"

"Only that there's an issue with a batch of medicinal herbs at the pharmacy. They're due for delivery in a few days, and if it's delayed, they'll have to pay a huge penalty."

Chen Ming immediately relaxed. This wasn't a big deal.

He comforted Wei Shi, "Sister-in-law, don't worry too much. If Eldest Brother didn't tell me, it means he can handle it himself. You need to trust him."

Hearing this, Wei Shi felt reassured and calmed down considerably.

Chen Ming didn't plan to get involved.

He trusted his brother's abilities.

Besides, even if things went wrong, it wouldn't matter much—at most, they'd lose some money, which he'd consider tuition for a lesson.

After breakfast, Chen Ming didn't go to Huo Manor but headed to the Deng Family instead, intending to see Zhuang Xiaotian and Guan Peng off.

When he arrived at the Deng residence, he learned they'd already left.

He hurried as fast as he could, passed through the city gate, and reached Ten Mile Pavilion, where he found Deng Ziyang and the two others in a reluctant farewell.

"Brother Chen, didn't I say you didn't need to see us off?" Zhuang Xiaotian complained, though his face showed delight.

Guan Peng also spoke up, "Brother Chen, you came just in time. I was going to ask Eldest Brother to pass this on. Now I can give it to you directly."

With that, he pressed a white porcelain bottle into Chen Ming's hand.

"What's this?"

"These past days, thanks to your guidance, my blade technique has improved greatly. I have nothing of value, only two Essence Solidifying Pills, as a small token of my gratitude."

"This... it's too valuable. I can't accept it." Chen Ming quickly tried to return it.

Essence Solidifying Pills were highly beneficial for Ninth Rank martial artists, enhancing cultivation. Each pill cost several hundred silver taels on the market, and without connections, it was hard to buy even with money.

Guan Peng naturally refused to take it back, insisting that a gift given couldn't be reclaimed.

After some back-and-forth, Chen Ming finally accepted it.

After a few more words, Guan Peng and Zhuang Xiaotian departed.

Chen Ming looked reluctant, and Deng Ziyang found it amusing. "Why are you more upset than I am, his sworn brother?"

What do you know? Chen Ming sighed.

After all, those two experience packs were gone just like that.

He had to admit, those two had been giving him a steady 50 experience points every day—20 from one, 30 from the other.

The Huo Family was off-limits for now.

And now both of them had left.

His only remaining source of experience income was those twenty-odd little boys who came to learn martial arts.

By the time Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang returned to the city, it was nearly noon. The two decided to find a big restaurant and treat themselves to a good meal.

They had just downed a cup of wine and were chatting idly when they heard a voice from the next table: "...Who would've thought a Sixth Rank expert could die just like that, without any warning at all."

Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang exchanged a glance, both startled.

A Sixth Rank expert—there were fewer than ten in all of Qingfeng City, each with a name and reputation. Who could have died?

They pricked up their ears to listen.

"No way? How could a Sixth Rank expert die so easily? Don't talk nonsense."

"If you don't believe me, go check the Huo Manor—they've already hung up white lanterns..."

"..."

The Huo Manor?

Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang found it hard to believe when they heard that word.

Among Qingfeng City's Sixth Rank experts, only one was surnamed Huo.

Deng Ziyang shot to his feet, rushed over to the next table, and demanded, "You said Huo Chengkun is dead? How did he die?"

"Let go... how would I know..."

Chen Ming quickly grabbed Deng Ziyang and told him to calm down, then asked the table, "When did this happen?"

"Just this morning... the white lanterns are already up, and the servants are all in mourning clothes... I saw it with my own eyes..."

Deng Ziyang glared at him. "If you're lying, I'll come back and twist your head off."

With that, he turned and left.

He walked out of the restaurant, didn't even bother with a carriage, and sprinted straight toward the Huo Manor.

Chen Ming followed behind him, his mind a little scattered.

How did Huo Chengkun die so suddenly?

Could it be that his junior sister had actually struck him down yesterday?

Before long, Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang arrived outside the Huo Manor.

He looked at the white lanterns hanging by the gate, and his heart grew heavy.

Deng Ziyang stood at the entrance for a long time, but hesitated to knock.

Chen Ming stood behind him, unable to see his expression, and wondered what would become of the Huo Manor now that Huo Chengkun was dead.

After a long while.

Deng Ziyang turned around, muttering under his breath, "You old bastard, how could you just die like that?"

"How could you die like this?"

"I haven't surpassed you yet, haven't seen the regret on your face—how could you just die like this?"

As he spoke, tears began to well up in his eyes.