Chapter 178: Chapter 169: I’ll Make Arrangements

Qiuxiang and Dongxiang were previously Yu Haitang’s maids, they shouldn’t be lying to her.

But she still didn’t believe it; it was a judgment based on common sense. She had some assessment of Chen Ming’s abilities in her heart.

Perhaps there are geniuses in this world who can fight across ranks, but she had never seen it. Even if it appeared in Jiangzhou, it couldn’t be Chen Ming.

She said coldly, "Impossible."

At this moment, Ji Qianxing behind her stepped forward, holding the knife grip, his indifferent gaze became slightly more intense. In a somewhat hoarse voice, he said, "Let me see how you cut off Lai Xiangran’s arm!"

Chen Ming felt a bit helpless, saying the truth and no one believed it. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

He reminded, "Be careful, Ji brother."

Then he grasped the sword hilt, drew the sword out, and gently swung it.

Yu Haitang’s eyes narrowed, sensing an unusual ripple coming from that once familiar "Mingfeng Sword."

"How is this possible?"

In the next instant, a visible red light flew out.

It’s Sword Gang!

Yu Haitang was greatly surprised, her emotions fluctuated intensely, causing the True Qi within her body to lose control and blow off the veil on her head, revealing her alluring, city-toppling appearance, somewhat dazed in shock.

Facing that Sword Gang, Ji Qianxing’s pupils shrank; he only managed to lift his longsword an inch before it clanged, being forced back four or five steps by the tremendous force.

He stopped his hand, his hand holding the sword trembled slightly, the tiger’s mouth cracked, blood flowing out. Yet he felt nothing, staring intently at Chen Ming opposite him, his gaze somewhat dazed.

Moments later, Ji Qianxing cupped one hand in thanks, "Thank you, Brother Chen, for showing mercy!"

His tone was extremely complex.

This was also the first time he called Chen Ming "Brother Chen."

Chen Ming sincerely said, "Sorry for the offense. To prove it to the lady, I went a bit hard. Ji brother, don’t take it to heart."

Ji Qianxing said nothing, silently retreating to one side, hiding his right hand behind him.

Yu Haitang looked at the "Mingfeng Sword" in his hand in a daze, murmuring, "How is this possible? How did you do it?"

She realized that Chen Ming was able to unleash a Sword Gang comparable to Fourth Grade by using the power of this Divine Weapon.

But, how is this possible?

Once "Mingfeng Sword" was her favorite sword, she couldn’t bear to part with it. The Primordial Spirit within the sword had dissipated, unable to manifest the might of an Unparalleled Divine Weapon.

Yet that sword just now clearly restored the might of the Divine Weapon. Though faint, it was undoubtedly different in his hands.

Chen Ming explained, "By chance, it absorbed a Sword Intent, resulting in some peculiar changes. It became like this."

Sword Intent?

Yu Haitang fell silent.

Even a Fifth Grade cultivator, being able to perform Sword Gang is one thing, but harboring an Unmatched Sword Intent? That’s even more far-fetched.

Even a First Grade expert’s Sword Intent would be useless for the "Mingfeng Sword." It needs to be the Sword Intent of a Divine Treasure Realm expert.

This kid has more secrets than she imagined.

Yu Haitang suddenly shook her head, "Just relying on Sword Gang, you couldn’t have defeated Lai Xiangran."

Chen Ming thought to himself, how is she so familiar with Lai Xiangran’s strength? He said aloud, "Roaming Jianghu naturally involves some ace up your sleeve."

Yu Haitang gave him a deep look but didn’t pursue further, instead sitting gracefully in the chair prepared for her, "So, you called me over. Are you worried that the Celestial Extreme Sect Leader might seek revenge?"

"Miss, you are truly clever as ice and smart as snow, guessing correctly at once."

"This you can rest assured. Though Sect Leader Liao is extremely protective, he wouldn’t dare step into Jiangzhou City. As long as you don’t leave Jiangzhou City, he can’t do anything to you."

The implication is that if he dares to leave Jiangzhou City, he will face the wrath of a Second Grade expert.

Chen Ming said, "I can’t stay in Jiangzhou City forever, can I?"

Yu Haitang retorted, "Why not?"

"I’ve been away from home for two months now, my family must be worried."

"Are you worried Sect Leader Liao will harm your family? You can rest assured; no matter what, he is also a Sect Leader. Unless you kill both his sect members, otherwise, he wouldn’t be that malicious."

Chen Ming thought skeptically, who can guarantee such a thing?

Yu Haitang seemed to read his thoughts and said, "When you someday breakthrough to Fourth Grade, I can help settle this matter. Prevent Sect Leader Liao from bothering you anymore."

Such confidence, truly not ordinary.

A Second Grade expert, just settle when they say they will?

Chen Ming naturally didn’t question further, merely nodded and suddenly asked, "I have one more impolite request, hoping the lady can assist."

If it were before, Yu Haitang might have dismissed him with a remark knowing it’s impolite, don’t mention it. But now she patiently asked, "What is it?"

"I enjoy sparring with martial artists of similar strength, to learn various sects’ Martial Arts. Miss, surely you know many Fourth Grade martial artists in Jiangzhou City. Could you introduce a few to spar with me a bit?"

Yu Haitang hearing this thought it was just a trivial matter, nodded and said, "Sure, I’ll make arrangements."

"Thank you very much, Miss." Chen Ming looked at her with a different gaze.

Yu Haitang thought this guy truly is a martial enthusiasm, even when she gifted him the Divine Weapon "Mingfeng Sword," he wasn’t this pleased.

At this moment, two maids, seeing their conversation was mostly over, came in to offer tea.

She sipped the tea and suddenly waved her hand.

Ji Qianxing, standing behind her, hesitated but then silently exited the courtyard.

The two maids followed suit.

In the courtyard, only Chen Ming and Yu Haitang were left.

Yu Haitang put down the cup and said, "Your skill has greatly improved, have you mastered the ’Profound Wood True Skill’?"

Even with a Divine Weapon, an average Fifth Grade martial artist cannot perform Sword Gang. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so surprised.

At least, she who practiced ’Profound Wood True Skill,’ even at the pinnacle of Fifth Grade, couldn’t achieve this.

Chen Ming’s "Profound Fire True Skill" and her "Profound Wood True Skill" are cultivation techniques of the same level.

If I cannot do it, there is no reason he could.

So, there’s only one answer: he has successfully cultivated both the "Profound Wood True Skill" and the two complement each other, which greatly enhanced his power. He has already surpassed the vast majority of top Fifth Grade cultivators in the world.

Such quality of True Qi is enough to rival the most supreme divine skills passed down by top forces.

Chen Ming nodded and said, "During this month of seclusion, I indeed made some gains."

Upon receiving the confirmation, Yu Haitang couldn’t help but twitch her eyelids.

She always had absolute confidence in her own aptitude.

If it weren’t for Pan Zhiyuan holding her back, she had the confidence to advance to the Third Grade Realm last year. Across the world, there were only a few who could compare to her.

Over the past month, she had been comprehending the "Profound Fire True Skill," but was a bit anxious, resulting in some errors during cultivation, leading to a clash of True Qi. If she hadn’t reacted in time, she would have gone mad and become crippled.

This made her aware of how dangerous it is to cultivate an additional "Profound Fire True Skill."

In the same month, Chen Ming not only comprehended but also mastered it, thus significantly enhancing his power, even being able to defeat Fourth Grade while being at the Fifth Grade.

What kind of monstrous talent is this?

In comparison, her proud aptitude and comprehension appeared much inferior.

Yu Haitang suppressed the irritating sense of defeat in her chest and said, "Just in time, I have some doubts in merging True Qi, could you help clear them for me?"

She openly admitted her doubts and directly sought his guidance, a spirit of inquiry that he quite appreciated.

At least she wasn’t hesitant, caring both about face and outcome.

"Naturally."

He also generously agreed.

No one knows better than him how difficult it is to merge these two cultivation techniques. Theory is one thing, practicing it is another.

He even doubted if the Emperor of Eternal Life ever managed to merge these five skills, otherwise, they wouldn’t have been passed separately to five people.

...

It wasn’t until nightfall that Yu Haitang reluctantly left, clearly having gained a lot from the day.

In the following days, she came to Chen Ming’s home daily, discussing with him how to merge these two techniques of the same origin.

Chen Ming taught her everything he knew without reservation.

After all, she gave him a divine weapon and promised to introduce him to Fourth Grade experts for sparring. He owed her a favor, and this was a great opportunity to repay it.

In a blink, half a month passed.

In the small courtyard where Chen Ming lived, the two were chatting freely again, not realizing that night had fallen.

"So that’s how it is!"

Yu Haitang suddenly exclaimed in admiration, her eyes reflecting a joyful glow. She looked at Chen Ming and smiled, "Chen Ming, thank you."

It was the first time Chen Ming saw such a genuine smile on her face, momentarily swaying his heart. He swallowed before saying, "Miss, you gave me a divine weapon and promised to help me. This is but a gesture of reciprocity."

"Tomorrow, I’ll send someone to guide you to meet a few Fourth Grade martial artists."

"Alright."

Chen Ming had been waiting for this day for half a month, feeling naturally delighted.

Yu Haitang noticed his joyful expression, a strange feeling arising in her heart, as if this man preferred sparring with other Fourth Grade martial artists rather than staying with her.

"I’m leaving."

For some reason, the joy in her heart diminished significantly, and she stood up to bid farewell, putting on her veiled hat.

Chen Ming saw her off to the door.

...

Outside the door, Ji Qianxing was already waiting there. After Yu Haitang boarded the carriage, he cupped his hand to Chen Ming and then sat by the coachman, slowly departing.

After the carriage traveled a good distance, Yu Haitang’s voice suddenly came from inside, "Starting tomorrow, I’ll be in seclusion for a while."

"Yes."

After a moment, she continued, "Have someone keep an eye on this place."

"Yes."

"How is things with Qin Changyuan?"

Ji Qianxing was about to answer when suddenly, a carriage rushed out from an alley on the side, blocking their way. He was about to act but stopped after recognizing the carriage.

It was the Qin Family’s carriage!

The coachman pulled the galloping horses to a stop just in time, avoiding a collision with the carriage in front.

The door of the opposite carriage opened, and Qin Changyuan stepped out, like an angry bull, with eyes full of deep disappointment and hatred, shouting fiercely, "E-Rang, why?"

Inside her carriage, Yu Haitang calmly said, "What madness is Third Young Master up to?"

Qin Changyuan gritted his teeth and said, "What is your relationship with that little bastard? Why do you go to his house every day? Tell me!"

The more he spoke, the angrier he became, to the point of seeming madness. "When others first told me, I didn’t believe it. But today, I saw it with my own eyes... you—are you being fair to me?"

At this moment, he seemed like a husband, powerless and enraged, discovering his wife had cuckolded him.

His answer was Yu Haitang’s icy reply, "Who I associate with is none of your business. Uncle Wan, go."

The coachman whipped the horses. The carriage blocking the way seemed to be pushed aside by an invisible force, clearing the road.

The carriage started moving again.

Behind them, Qin Changyuan’s frenzied shout rang out, "I’ll kill him... I’ll definitely kill him..."

Ji Qianli hesitated for a moment and asked, "Should we send someone to protect him?"

"No need."