The tenth day of the fifth month: favorable for travel, gatherings, forming alliances, and moving into a new home.
That day, the sky was clear and cloudless for miles—a rare stretch of fine weather.
Chen Ming wore a brand-new blue martial outfit, a long saber hanging at his waist, and looked every inch the valiant warrior. After stepping out the front gate, he waved inside, signaling for his eldest brother and elder sister-in-law not to see him off, then boarded the carriage that had come to fetch him.
Zhang Mingyu was seated inside the carriage.
"Senior Brother."
He greeted him and sat opposite him.
Zhang Mingyu looked him over and praised, "Junior Brother, you're looking more and more heroic."
"Senior Brother has grown more imposing as well."
Chen Ming returned the compliment politely.
Mutual flattery in business—such was social etiquette.
Zhang Mingyu said, "Junior Brother, did you know that Little Junior Sister returned a few days ago?"
"I heard. Is she now a disciple of the Xiao River Sect?"
"That's right. Master's wife was originally from the Xiao River Sect, and through that connection, Little Junior Sister naturally entered the Xiao River Sect. She is now the sect master's personal disciple." There was no lack of envy in Zhang Mingyu's tone.
Chen Ming asked curiously, "I heard the Xiao River Sect is primarily made up of women. Is that true?"
Zhang Mingyu nodded. "That's right. It is said that the Xiao River Sect's founding ancestor was a woman. Their cultivation methods lean toward the yin and the gentle, making them suited to women's practice, and they have always accepted only female disciples. However, the Xiao River Sect does not forbid marriage. Didn't Master's wife marry Master?"
"How strong is the Xiao River Sect?"
"It is a first-rate sect."
Chen Ming's