Unwilling to Provoke

You defeated an enemy of Lv28, gaining 300 experience points.

Chen Ming saw the notification and felt a surge of joy.

He hadn't expected that bearded man to be level twenty-eight, netting him three hundred experience points in one go—equivalent to five days' worth of his usual total.

He looked at the Martial Hall Guild members seated before him, his eyes gleaming. These were all walking experience points.

Seeing that the previous fight had cowed them all, he shifted his tone. "Actually, I have no plans to open a martial hall for now. The students I've taken in are just kids from my old neighborhood—the oldest is eleven, the youngest eight or nine. I only wanted to keep them from making the same mistakes I did when I started learning martial arts, so I'm giving them a foundation."

This caught the Martial Hall Guild members completely off guard.

Lei Zhenguang was moved. "Is that so? Could there be some misunderstanding here?"

"If Hall Master Lei doesn't believe me, feel free to ask my senior brothers. They saw my students when I moved a few days ago."

Zhang Mingyu, now the head of the Huo Sect, stepped forward. "That's right. There are thirty-two children in total, the oldest no more than thirteen."

Lei Zhenguang reproached himself. "It's my fault for not sending someone to investigate beforehand. To cause such a misunderstanding... ah. Young Master Chen, if things are truly as you say, I will make it right."

Hall Master Fang of Longteng Martial Hall added, "Young Master Chen should have explained earlier. Then there wouldn't have been this misunderstanding, and it wouldn't have nearly gotten out of hand."

Would you have listened if I had explained?

It's the same in any world—only those with strength have a voice.

Chen Ming smiled. "That was my own selfishness. I've been training behind closed doors and always wanted to spar with fellow practitioners, but never had the chance. So I used this opportunity to exchange a few moves with you all. I've finally gotten my wish."

The Martial Hall Guild members couldn't help but grumble inwardly. For that reason, he stirred up such a big mess?

Was he just playing them for fools?

Still, none of them dared say it to his face.

He truly had the capital to be willful.

Everyone knew Li Ankun's strength, and even those who thought they could beat him doubted they could do it so cleanly.

What's more, he was still so young. In a few years, his strength would only grow more terrifying.

Who would want to provoke someone like that?

Hadn't they seen even Lei Zhenguang yielding at every turn? When someone offers a way out, you take it.

Chen Ming said, "I respect the Martial Hall Guild's rules. How about this: I guarantee that for the next two years, I'll only take in children under twelve for basic martial arts instruction. What do you all think?"

Lei Zhenguang exchanged quick glances with the other three, then spoke. "Alright, let the twelve martial halls vote. If more than half agree, it passes."

With that, he raised his hand first.

Almost without hesitation, the remaining eleven all raised theirs.

Unanimous approval.

And so, a conflict dissolved into nothing. Both sides shook hands and made peace.

The tense, sword-drawn atmosphere eased in an instant.

Deng Ziyang watched Chen Ming chatting and laughing with Lei Zhenguang and the other old hall masters, and couldn't help but remark to Zhuang Xiaotian, "Did you catch Senior Brother Chen's tactics? First he shows the blade, then he talks friendship. Arrogant at first, humble later—soft and hard in turns. Turning enemies into allies like that is breathtaking. Take notes."

Zhuang Xiaotian nodded in agreement, then shook his head. "I could never pull that off."

Next, at Lei Zhenguang's earnest invitation as host, Chen Ming and his group stayed as guests.

By noon, Fenglei Martial Hall had set out over a dozen tables of food and drink. After a few cups of wine, everyone was calling each other brothers, the atmosphere lively and warm.

No one would have guessed that just that morning, they were at each other's throats.

That was the martial world. For profit, people fought to the death. Once the conflict was resolved, it was all goodwill and mutual praise, everyone lifting each other up.

The only one hurt was Li Ankun, who'd taken a slap from Chen Ming's blade flat.

But by then, no one even remembered him.

The drinking went on for two full hours before everyone dispersed, satisfied.

On the way back, Zhang Mingyu sighed. "In just one year, Junior Brother has already reached the intermediate level with the Five Elements Saber Technique. If Master knew from the underworld, he'd surely be pleased."

He didn't ask where Chen Ming had learned the saber technique, simply attributing it to their master's teaching, effectively backing him up.

Chen Ming was a bit surprised. In his memory, this Third Senior Brother wasn't known for being broad-minded. He hadn't expected such magnanimity this time.

It seemed that after Huo Chengkun and the other senior brothers died, shouldering the burden alone had taught him something.

He really couldn't judge people by old impressions.

He said humbly, "I've just been practicing on my own. I don't even know if I'm doing it right. I'd appreciate your guidance, Senior Brother."

Zhang Mingyu gave a wry smile. "I'm no match for you now. I'm hardly qualified to guide you."

"Don't say that. You studied under Master for so many years and inherited his true teachings. I still have a lot to learn from you."

Zhang Mingyu felt a warmth rise in his chest at Chen Ming's sincere tone. "Alright. Whatever you want to learn, just come to me. I'll tell you everything I know."

"Then how about we start now?"

"Ah?"

Ever since Huo Chengkun passed away, the Huo Manor seemed to have its vitality slowly drain away, visibly decaying day by day.

This was Chen Ming's third visit in ten months; the previous two had been to see Zhang Mingyu.

After entering the main gate, everywhere was empty and desolate, devoid of any human presence.

Chen Ming asked, "Senior Brother, living here alone must be far too empty. Why not move somewhere else?"

Zhang Mingyu said softly, "If I didn't live here, the Huo Manor would truly cease to exist."

Chen Ming was surprised to hear him say that.

Before, he had been eager to escape this place and roam the martial world. Now, he willingly stayed to hold up the last shred of the Huo Sect's dignity.

The two walked in silence for a while.

Suddenly, Zhang Mingyu said, "A few days ago, Little Junior Sister sent a letter."

"Oh."

"She's already broken through to the Ninth Rank. Speaking of which, she made a pact with Master—if she could reach the Ninth Rank within a year, he would no longer force her to marry. Now she's done it. Master must be very gratified, wherever he is."

"Mm."

Chen Ming only grunted in response. He wasn't very close to Huo Qianqian, having only sparred with her a dozen or so times.

As they spoke, they arrived at the training ground.

Chen Ming said, "Senior Brother, I'd like to learn from you in the 'Five Elements Saber Technique.' Please grant me this."

Zhang Mingyu fetched two wooden sabers and said, "Blades and swords have no eyes, so let's use these. Just a spar."

"Of course. As fellow disciples sparring privately, we won't compete for superiority, only to refine our saber techniques."

"Good."

"Senior Brother, please."

Chen Ming felt a surge of joy, having successfully tricked him into a bout.

The two held their wooden sabers, took their stances, and prepared to begin.

PS: One hundred thousand words now, asking for monthly votes.