Hidden Weapon Technique

This lesson lasted an entire afternoon.

Chen Ming had never expected Zhuang Xiaotian's Flying Dagger Art to contain so many techniques. No wonder Deng Ziyang had praised it to the skies.

He had thought they were merely trading commercial compliments before.

From the ordinary one stone, two birds, to the advanced Meteor Chasing the Moon and lovers flying apart, then to high-level techniques such as Celestial Maiden Scattering Flowers and Linked Mother and Child, Zhuang Xiaotian knew all their methods.

It was only that his strength was limited. The success rate of many advanced techniques was low; out of ten attempts, he might not succeed even once.

Over the course of the afternoon, Chen Ming only gained a rough understanding. Learning them all at once was impossible.

Zhuang Xiaotian also left him several pages of paper—the few pages of secret manual he had stumbled upon by chance back then. What they recorded were precisely the methods for several high-level techniques.

Quite a few of them involved methods of circulating one's qi, meaning these hidden weapon techniques could only be mastered at Sixth Rank or above.

The Sixth Rank of martial arts was also called the True Qi Realm, where one had already cultivated true qi.

Chen Ming treated them like priceless treasure. Once he mastered these hidden weapon techniques, they could serve as one of his trump cards.

Thus, after returning home, he kept studying the contents of those pages and practicing the several techniques Zhuang Xiaotian had taught him.

The next morning, after Chen Ming finished giving martial arts introductory lessons to that group of little boys, he gained another 50 experience points.

"Looks like I can consider opening a martial arts school specifically to teach introductory lessons to younger children."

He thought to himself.

After such an incident at Huo Manor, whether he could continue working there as a sparring partner was uncertain. He had to make plans early.

There were several martial arts schools in Qingfeng City. For one, he had no reputation. For another, he had learned his martial arts from Huo Chengkun. Without Huo Chengkun's consent, he certainly could not casually teach them to others.

What Chen Ming taught those children now was the most common Tiger Form Stake, a widely circulated, commonplace stance art.

That was why he chose this entirely new path.

Moreover, he could waive tuition entirely, even provide food and lodging, and accept everyone who came. He believed he would fill the places before long.

Thinking about his "startup" plan, Chen Ming came to the dining table. Seeing that his elder brother Chen Rui was still absent, he asked curiously, "Big Brother didn't come home again last night?"

"Yes."

Worry showed on Wei Shi's face. "When I went to bring food to Eldest Brother yesterday, I saw him frowning deeply. I'm afraid the trouble isn't small. He wouldn't tell me, so I secretly asked one of the shop assistants."

"Did you find anything out?"

"I only learned that there was a problem with a batch of medicinal ingredients at the pharmacy. Delivery is due in just a few days. If it is delayed, they will have to pay a huge sum in compensation."

Chen Ming was immediately relieved. This was not a major matter.

He comforted Wei Shi. "Sister-in-law, you don't need to worry too much. Since Big Brother didn't tell me, it proves he can resolve it himself. You should have faith in him."

Hearing him say that, Wei Shi felt as though she had swallowed a reassurance pill and relaxed considerably.

Chen Ming had no intention of interfering in the matter.

He trusted his elder brother's ability.

Besides, even if things went wrong, it would not matter. At worst, they would lose some money—consider it tuition paid for a lesson.

After breakfast, Chen Ming did not go to Huo Manor. Instead, he went to the Deng Family residence, intending to see Zhuang Xiaotian and Guan Peng off.

The moment he arrived at the Deng Family residence, he learned that they had already departed.

He hurried after them. After leaving the city gates and reaching Ten Mile Pavilion, he found Deng Ziyang and the pair from Zhuang and Guan saying their lingering goodbyes.

"Brother Chen, didn't we agree you didn't need to see us off?"

Though Zhuang Xiaotian complained with his mouth, his face was full of happiness.

Guan Peng also said, "Brother Chen, your timing is perfect. I originally planned to have Big Brother pass this on to you. Now I can give it to you directly."

As he spoke, he stuffed a white porcelain bottle into Chen Ming's hand.

"What is this?"

"These past few days, thanks to Brother Chen's guidance, my saber art has improved greatly. I possess no valuables, only two Essence Solidifying Pills to express my small token of gratitude."

"This... is far too valuable. I can't accept it."

Chen Ming hurriedly tried to return it.

These Essence Solidifying Pills were greatly beneficial to Ninth Rank martial artists and could advance one's cultivation. A single pill sold for several hundred taels of silver. Without the proper channels, they were difficult to buy even with money.

Naturally, Guan Peng refused to take it back, saying bluntly that there was no reason to take back a gift once given.

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

After chatting for a few moments, Guan Peng and Zhuang Xiaotian still departed.

Chen Ming looked reluctant to part with them. Deng Ziyang found it rather amusing and said, "Why are you more upset than I am, their sworn elder brother?"

What do you know?

Chen Ming sighed.

After all, two experience packs had just walked away.

Those two could provide him with a fixed 50 experience points every day—20 from one and 30 from the other.

He could not go to the Huo Family for the time being.

And the two of them had left as well.

His only source of experience points now was the twenty-odd little boys who had come to learn martial arts.

By the time Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang returned to the city, it was nearly noon. The two simply found a large restaurant, intending to enjoy a good meal.

They had only drunk one cup of wine and were chatting idly when they suddenly heard a voice from next door. "...I never expected a Sixth Rank master to die just like that, without the slightest warning."

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

There were fewer than ten Sixth Rank masters in all of Qingfeng City, and every one of them was known by name. Who had died?

They pricked up their ears and listened.

"No way, right? How could a Sixth Rank master die so easily? Don't spout nonsense."

"If you don't believe me, go look at Huo Manor. They've already hung up white lanterns..."

"..."

Huo Manor?

Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang found the words hard to believe.

Among Qingfeng City's Sixth Rank masters, there was only one with the surname Huo.

Deng Ziyang abruptly rose to his feet, rushed into the next room, and demanded, "You just said Huo Chengkun died? How did he die?"

"Let go... How would I know..."

Chen Ming hurriedly pulled Deng Ziyang back, telling him not to get worked up, then asked the people at that table, "When did it happen?"

"This morning... The white lanterns are already hanging up, and the servants are all dressed in mourning clothes... I saw it with my own eyes..."

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

With that, he turned and left.

The moment he left the restaurant, he did not even take a carriage, instead sprinting madly toward Huo Manor.

Chen Ming followed behind him, his thoughts in turmoil as well.

How had Huo Chengkun suddenly died?

Could it be that his junior sister had still struck against him with poison yesterday?

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

Looking at the white lanterns hanging by the entrance, Chen Ming felt his heart grow heavy.

Deng Ziyang stood at the gate for a long time, yet could not bring himself to step forward and knock.

Standing behind him, Chen Ming could not see his expression. He wondered what Huo Manor would become after Huo Chengkun's death.

After quite some time.

Deng Ziyang turned around and muttered, "You old bastard, how could you just die?"

"How could you die just like this?"

"I haven't surpassed you yet. I haven't seen the look of regret on your face yet. How could you die just like this?"

As he spoke, tears had already welled up in his eyes.