Chen Ming naturally wouldn’t refuse to chat with a girl from a prestigious family, who spoke nicely and looked at him with starry eyes like a "green tea girl".

To be honest, the women he encountered after traveling through time were all quite serious, which made communication less interesting. Only Xiao Zhuyun was a bit intriguing, but she still maintained her composure.

This was also determined by the customs of this era. Once a woman was labeled as frivolous, it would be difficult for her to find a good husband for life.

Of course, there were also those from wealthy families who didn’t care about these things due to their parents’ indulgence, living recklessly and secretly keeping paramours. He hadn’t met such a person yet.

Though the Jiang family’s daughter seemed a bit flirtatious, she handled it well, not making anyone feel she was frivolous. The emotional value she provided was abundant, and her tea art could be said to be outstanding.

"Yu Haitang is the legitimate daughter of the Yu family, and at birth, she caused the death of her parents. Later, the Yu family asked a Demi Immortal to fate-read for her and received the Seven-star Begonia prophecy.

"According to ancient records, the Seven-star Begonia is a poisonous plant that can bloom with the most beautiful flowers in the world but is extremely toxic. In the area it grows, within a hundred miles, no grass grows, and all living things are poisoned to death.

"Originally, the Yu family wanted to kill her, but her aunt couldn’t bear it, so she took the baby and fled the Yu family, hiding in Jiangzhou City."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ming couldn’t help but say, "Since they were in hiding, how did you find out?"

Jiang Yingxue said, "Her aunt later married the Sect Leader of the Cangyue Sect. At that time, many people in the Cangyue Sect opposed him marrying an unknown woman with a child. On the wedding day, they suddenly accused this woman of being a witch from the Longevity Demon Sect.

"With no choice, she had to publicly reveal her identity. The event caused quite a stir, and my father was at the wedding feast at that time."

Chen Ming listened with great interest. So there was such a story involved.

The Cangyue Sect is one of the four major sects in Jiangzhou, and its Sect Leader Ling Qiyang is a prominent figure at the top of Jiangzhou.

Bam!

Suddenly, a slightly heavy sound came from the direction of the main door.

Chen Ming and Jiang Yingxue instinctively looked back and saw a man in black just entering the hall. This man’s brows were filled with wild unruliness, and his wanton gaze swept over the hall.

He was clearly a person not easily provoked.

This person intentionally created noise, attracting a lot of dissatisfied gazes, which he promptly stared back until those gazes averted. Only then was he satisfied.

"Congratulations, Young Master, come back in five days with this token to participate in the martial arts evaluation."

The gray-clothed elder handed over a token.

The arrogant man casually took it without acknowledging the old man, as his eyes surveyed the hall and suddenly brightening as he fixed on one direction.

It was as if he had spotted a delicious prey.

...

"Brother Chen!"

Jiang Yingxue, intimidated by the brazen look of the man in black, lowered her head and hid behind Chen Ming, grabbing his sleeve as if seeking his protection.

Chen Ming didn’t believe her courage was that small; she was just pretending to be weak.

He noticed the gaze of the man in black fall on him, filled with a palpable malice, giving him a prickly sensation.

A few seconds later, the man in black withdrew his gaze. Though arrogant, he wasn’t stupid; making a move here would be courting death.

Chen Ming felt the pressure vanish and was somewhat puzzled. This man was at most a fourth rank, yet just with a single glance, Chen Ming felt pressured.

Not an ordinary person.

"Thank you, Brother Chen."

At this moment, Jiang Yingxue patted her chest with lingering fear, her eyes grateful, "The look from that man just now was terrifying."

Chen Ming couldn’t detect a hint of acting from her face, as if it were real.

As expected, all "green tea girls" are consummate performers.

At such times, as the man, he should say, "Don’t worry, I’m here." However, he didn’t plan to play this game with her, so he wouldn’t say it.

Just then, the man in black made another move, walking up the stairs.

When he stepped on the first step, his body visibly wobbled, paused for several seconds, and then continued upward.

With each step he ascended, his body would wobble, pause for a while, then proceed.

When the man in black reached the fifth step, he drew the attention of many; no one spoke, merely observing him climb step by step, each with a different look.

When he was about two-thirds of the way up, the man in black appeared to struggle, his body’s wobble more pronounced, with longer pauses.

Finally, only five steps from the second floor, the man in black took another step and couldn’t stabilize, tumbling down the stairs.

He landed on the ground, stubbornly steadied himself, and with a loud "wah," spat out a mouthful of blood.

Afterward, he quietly went to a corner, sat cross-legged, and began circulating his energy to heal.

...

The hall remained silent.

Everyone looked at the man in black healing his injuries with wary eyes. Even though he didn’t make it to the second floor, the strength he displayed was too formidable.

The majority of those present couldn’t even step onto the first step.

Even Jiang Yingxue was taken aback, a touch of worry in her eyes.

This person’s strength might surpass that of Brother Qi. The competition for the Cyan Cloud Ranking posed yet another formidable opponent.

With only ten positions available, the Jiangzhou Five Horses occupied half, and now one less. Does Brother Qi have a solid claim on the four remaining spots?

Jiang Yingxue, burdened with concerns, no longer lingered to chat with Chen Ming.

...

Finally, as evening approached, the gray-clothed elder announced that they could leave.

At this moment, there were a total of forty-three people in the hall.

The crowd reluctantly left.

Chen Ming and Jiang Yingxue were among the last to leave. By the time they stepped outside, most of the onlookers outside the main door had dispersed, leaving only the relatives and friends of those present.

"Brother Chen, over here."

Brother Chen soon saw Feng Siyuan, waving at him, and turned to Jiang Yingxue, asking, "Young Master Jiang, where is your carriage?"

She bit her lip lightly, dared not meet his gaze, and said softly, "I sneaked out, and no one came to pick me up."

Here we go again.

Chen Ming felt like her tea skills had become ingrained in her very being.

He said, "I’ll have my friend arrange a carriage to take you back."

Jiang Yingxue looked grateful, "Brother Chen, thank you."

At this moment, Feng Siyuan came over, looked at Jiang Yingxue beside him, eyes showing a hint of amazement, "Brother Chen, who is this?"

Chen Ming was about to introduce, but suddenly felt his sleeve being tugged, and understood that she didn’t want Feng Siyuan to know her identity. He changed his words, "This is Young Master Jiang, a friend I just met inside."

"Hello, I am Feng Siyuan, greetings to the young master."

"Hello."

Jiang Yingxue was somewhat aloof, exuding a cold indifference that kept people at a distance.

Chen Ming noticed her entire demeanor had shifted, high and cold, pure and noble, making him momentarily mistake her for the icy Su Zhining standing in front of him.

He said, "Young Master Jiang doesn’t have a carriage; let the driver take her back."

"Okay." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Feng Siyuan hurried off, as he never had much resistance to beautiful women.

"You—"

Chen Ming was about to speak when he suddenly felt a chill creeping up his back. Turning around, he saw a man in black standing behind him, his complexion slightly pale, which made his eyes appear even more sinister.

"Brother Chen!"

Jiang Yingxue hid behind him again, with a trace of fear in her voice. It was unclear whether she was truly afraid or just pretending.

At this moment, Feng Siyuan brought the carriage over, immediately noticing that the man in black was staring maliciously at "Young Master Jiang," his expression changing, and he promptly said, "Young Master Jiang, we’ll take you back. Get in."

Jiang Yingxue heard this but didn’t move, instead, she looked at Chen Ming, waiting for him to speak.

He said, "Get in the carriage."

Jiang Yingxue obediently nodded and boarded the carriage.

Chen Ming and Feng Siyuan also got on the carriage.

After traveling a certain distance, Feng Siyuan peeked out the window, breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "That person didn’t follow."

Then he asked Jiang Yingxue, "How did you provoke him? That person is clearly not good."

Before Jiang Yingxue could speak, the carriage suddenly stopped.

The driver said, "Young Master, someone is blocking the road."

The three people inside the carriage couldn’t help but wonder, was it the man in black?

At this moment, a voice came from outside, "Second Young Master Chen, my master invites you over for a chat."

It wasn’t the man in black.

However, the voice sounded somewhat familiar, as if heard somewhere before.

Chen Ming pushed open the carriage door, and saw a man outside holding a long sword.

Oh, it’s him.

He was the swordsman Chen Ming met a few days ago at Evergreen Hall, a memorable impression.

His master, should be that woman wearing the veil hat. Why is she looking for him?

...

Jiang Yingxue also saw the swordsman outside and was shocked; how could it be him?

That woman has also set her eyes on Chen Ming?

She not only recognized this swordsman but also knew who his master was. That’s why she was so surprised.

She approached Chen Ming merely out of curiosity, curious about what kind of person her cousin Zhao Xiyan had chosen.

After all, Zhao Xiyan rejected marriage with her seventh brother Jiang Shihua because of this man.

Having interacted with him, there was nothing particularly noteworthy.

She couldn’t understand why cousin Zhao Xiyan chose him.

Now, even that mysterious woman sought him out!

Jiang Yingxue couldn’t help but look at Chen Ming, her mind filled with various thoughts.

...

"Alright."

Chen Ming did not refuse, then said to Feng Siyuan and Jiang Yingxue, "I’ll be right back."

Feng Siyuan reminded him, "Be careful."

He instinctively felt that the master behind the swordsman was not someone with good intentions.

Jiang Yingxue said nothing, only watched him follow the swordsman into the tavern across the street.

Feng Siyuan murmured to himself, "I feel this person looks somewhat familiar."

Jiang Yingxue said indifferently, "His name is Ji Qianxing."

"What?"

Feng Siyuan was shocked, "He’s Ji Baichuan’s brother?"

No wonder he felt this person looked familiar, he had seen Ji Baichuan a few times, and the two brothers looked quite similar.

"Then who is the master he mentioned?"

He felt confused; the legitimate son of the Ji Family acknowledging a master was unthinkable unless heard personally.

Jiang Yingxue did not answer his question, watching the tavern without knowing what she was thinking.

...

Chen Ming followed the swordsman into the tavern, noticing it was completely empty. It seemed to have been booked out.

Ascending to the second floor, and arriving at the door of a private room, the swordsman reported, "Master, the person is here."

"Enter."

A young woman’s voice came from inside, pleasant to hear, making Chen Ming unable to help but wonder about the appearance of the voice’s owner.

"Go in."

The swordsman opened the door and said to him.

PS: Last day of June, those who invested in this book are in luck. Lastly, asking for monthly votes.