About the time it takes to burn an incense stick later, in the courtyard, the woman in red had already left, and Zhuang Xiaotian had taken her place in the seat.

He was dressed in a black uniform, his face full of excitement. He had been on duty and heard that Luo Hao of the Red Sea Gang was causing trouble for Chen Ming, so he rushed over immediately.

On the way, he saw members of the Red Sea Gang fleeing in disarray. He then heard that Chen Ming not only defeated Luo Hao but had also broken through to the Fifth Grade.

"You’ve actually reached the Fifth Grade!"

Up to now, Zhuang Xiaotian still felt like he was dreaming. Looking at Chen Ming sitting in front of him, there was a strong sense of unreality.

He still remembered a few years ago, when he and Guan Peng visited Deng Ziyang’s home and met Chen Ming for the first time. Back then, Chen Ming had just broken through to the Ninth Grade.

The scenes of them sparring together were still vivid, as if it were only yesterday.

In the blink of an eye, Chen Ming had reached the Fifth Grade.

This was the Fifth Grade!

In the entire Qingfeng City, Martial Artists of this level could be counted on two hands—of course, that was several years ago.

Now, with the arrival of powerful groups like the Dragon Tiger Sect and the Red Sea Gang, Qingfeng City had seen the emergence of many experts. Even so, a Fifth Grade expert still holds a significant position in Qingfeng City.

The key is, Chen Ming is still so young, a twenty-four-year-old Fifth Grade, who would dare to underestimate him?

Speaking of which, last time Zhuang Xiaotian was almost implicated by Deng Ziyang and nearly expelled. In the end, it was because of his link to Chen Ming that he could stay, gain his direct superior’s favor, and his status became incomparable to before.

Because it was rumored in the Six Gates that Chen Ming had an unusual relationship with Captain Du.

And his good relationship with Chen Ming was precisely why his superiors viewed him differently.

Now that Chen Ming’s cultivation has advanced further, breaking through to the Fifth Grade, his status in the Six Gates is also likely to rise.

Zhuang Xiaotian suddenly realized that knowing Chen Ming as a friend might be the greatest opportunity of his life.

He recalled the scene from four years ago, the afternoon when he, Deng Ziyang, and Guan Peng became sworn brothers, and Chen Ming was also present.

If only they had included Chen Ming in their oath, perhaps many things would have been different...

At this moment, Chen Ming’s voice rang in his ears, "Isn’t Guan Peng coming back soon?"

Zhuang Xiaotian collected his thoughts and nodded, "According to the schedule, it should be these few days."

After joining the Four Seas Trading Company, Guan Peng set out to sea at regular intervals every year, and Zhuang Xiaotian could roughly calculate when they would return to port.

Chen Ming asked again, "What about Brother Deng, is there any news about him?"

"I heard some news a few days ago."

Zhuang Xiaotian instinctively lowered his voice, "It’s said that about half a month ago, Big Brother appeared in Yujie Commandery, along with a demon from the Blood Demon Sect. They confronted several experts from the Six Gates in a great battle, both sides ended up heavily wounded. In the end, a man named Mad Saber intercepted them. Big Brother and the demon both fell into his hands, and their whereabouts have since been unknown."

The Six Gates’ information channels are indeed efficient; it’s only been ten days, and even someone of Zhuang Xiaotian’s level has heard about this.

Chen Ming asked, "Who is this Mad Saber?"

Zhuang Xiaotian shook his head, "He appeared suddenly a few months ago, challenging experts everywhere. He seems to be a martial arts fanatic. No one knows his origin or school, only that his surname is Wang. His actions are wild; he injured a Captain from the Six Gates. He’s now on the wanted list, with a bounty of six stars. Many bounty swordsmen are moving in response."

A six-star wanted order certainly indicates high regard for him.

Chen Ming also knew it must be the blue-uniformed Captain with the surname Duan who raised the bounty; it seems he really offended him last time.

The Six Gates has two types of wanted orders: one is only a bounty, like for the four pirates he killed. Normally, lower-level martial artists have only monetary bounties.

The other type of wanted order offers merits, measured in "stars". These merits can be exchanged in the Six Gates for cultivation techniques, martial skills, elixirs, weapons, and other items money can’t buy.

Ordinary gold and silver hold little attraction for martial artists of the Sixth Grade or above. Bounty swordsmen of this level make a move to earn merits.

One must admit, the person who devised this "merit" system was truly a genius. With this, they could mobilize the vast martial artist community.

Generally, apprehending a Sixth Grade martial artist requires only four stars. Fifth Grade is five stars, and Fourth Grade is six stars.

Mad Saber is only at the Sixth Grade cultivation, yet his bounty is as high as six stars. This will certainly attract many bounty swordsmen of the Sixth, Fifth, and even Fourth Grades.

As soon as Mad Saber shows himself, he’ll be caught in endless pursuit.

"From now on, I can’t use this alias anymore."

Chen Ming thought, and then he thought of Deng Ziyang. He wondered if Deng Ziyang’s strength improved after obtaining that Divine Skill and whether his venture to Yujie City to abduct a bride went smoothly.

...

The news of Chen Ming breaking through to the Fifth Grade quickly spread throughout the city, overshadowing the death of Qi Yanxiong, becoming the hottest news at the moment.

The streets and alleys were abuzz with discussions about this matter.

Very soon, Feng Siyuan, Zhang Mingyu, Gu Yuantao, and the newly out of seclusion Zhou Weihao all hurried to the Chen Mansion to congratulate Chen Ming.

Not only them, but also many acquaintances and strangers alike were flocking to the Chen Family.

For a time, the entrance of the Chen Mansion was bustling with activity.

People coming to present gifts were in a continuous stream. Even within the Seven Great Sea Merchants, those who had never associated with the Chen Family also sent gifts to congratulate them.

This signifies that the Chen Family has truly entered the ranks of the upper class in Qingfeng City, receiving recognition from the Seven Great Sea Merchants.

The servants of the Chen Mansion were spinning in circles with work, having to entertain guests, receive gifts, and register these gift lists...

The busiest was naturally the steward. He had never seen such a scene before, feeling both excited and nervous, his voice hoarse from shouting.

Even so, every servant’s face was beaming with joy. None felt tired; each wore a rosy glow, feeling honored and proud.

Finally, by evening, the visiting guests had all left.

"Master, these are invitations sent by Four Seas Trading Company and Guanglong Trading Company and others. Should we attend the banquets? Awaiting your decision..."

"Master, the gifts delivered today are too many, the storeroom cannot contain them all..."

"Master..."

Chen Rui, listening to the steward report one matter after another with a hoarse voice, found himself in a blissful dilemma.

After the steward finished reporting everything, he reminded, "Master, now this courtyard is a bit small, perhaps not enough space for hosting a banquet." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

The people who delivered gifts today will certainly expect a return gift in the future.

If the Chen Mansion were to hold some kind of banquet, they must reciprocate these guests, but there are so many people that even setting up tables would be difficult.

Holding a pile of invitations in his hands, Chen Rui couldn’t help but smile wryly; this new home was moved into less than two years ago, and already it’s not big enough.

He had initially thought he would live here for many years.

To blame anyone, it would be the Second Brother’s rapid progress.

If moving, they’d have to buy a house bigger than this, not to mention the cost, but such a house isn’t easy to find...

Chen Rui felt the weight on his shoulders had grown much heavier.

Such trivial matters shouldn’t bother the Second Brother; he would take care of it.

...

Chen Rui took the invitations to Chen Ming, seeing that Feng Siyuan and the others were still in the courtyard, drinking wine.

"Big Brother, come over and have a drink."

Seeing him, Feng Siyuan said happily.

Zhang Mingyu and Zhou Weihao both called out, "Big Brother."

Chen Rui knew these fellows were no ordinary people; they respected him because he was Chen Ming’s elder brother. He smiled, "You guys drink on; I’m here to discuss something with the Second Brother. Here’s the invitations that came today. Second Brother, take a look and see which ones we need to attend."

"No need for Big Brother to come; just have someone send them over."

Chen Ming said, flipping through them casually. He was surprised to find invitations not only from the Seven Great Sea Merchants but also from the Dragon Tiger Sect.

Curious, he opened it and saw the signature from Zhu Tianquan, the senior disciple of the Dragon Tiger Sect.

Feng Siyuan peered over for a look, his expression turning a bit peculiar, "Chen Brother, I advise you not to go."

Chen Ming was puzzled, "Why?"

"You might not know this, but Zhu Tianquan has a sister, nearly thirty, who remains unmarried. Naturally, as her brother, he’s quite anxious. Since coming to Qingfeng City, he’s been searching all over for a young and promising gentleman to be her ideal match. But he hasn’t found anyone suitable yet."

Feng Siyuan said a bit mischievously, "With your character and talents, Chen Brother, if you catch his eye, there’s no escaping it. You might find yourself forced into the bridal chamber as the groom that very night."

"It can’t be, right?" Chen Ming doubted whether Feng Siyuan had some grudge against the Dragon Tiger Sect, leading him to speak this way about their senior disciple.

Zhang Mingyu said, "Young Master Feng is right; Junior Brother, you’d better be cautious."

Hearing that, Feng Siyuan couldn’t help but laugh, "So, Zhu Tianquan did approach you as well?"

Zhang Mingyu, wearing a wry smile, nodded.

That day, Zhu Tianquan suddenly visited, but upon seeing Zhang Mingyu, he just shook his head and left without a word, leaving him utterly confused.

Later, he found out Zhu was seeking a husband for his sister, but had standards so high, he hadn’t selected anyone yet.

The few chatted and joked until late into the night, leaving satisfied.

...

Late at night, Chen Ming, dressed in dark nightwear, holding a spare long sword, scaled the courtyard wall and quickly disappeared into the night.