Chapter 173: Chapter 164: Didn’t Expect Him to Be a Passionate Lover

Buzz——

Chen Ming was contemplating his next plan when the Mingfeng Sword in his hand began to vibrate on its own again.

"Is someone spying again? Has the person outside not left yet?"

Quickly, he noticed that this time the sword’s resonance was different from before, with significant differences in frequency and sound.

It didn’t seem to be a warning.

Rather, it seemed like... longing?

Chen Ming carefully felt it, vaguely sensing the faint emotions transmitted by the Mingfeng Sword, but they were so weak that he doubted if it was his illusion.

"What is it longing for?"

Suddenly, he felt another emotion, a lingering attachment, an enduring, sorrowful love.

Could it be...

Chen Ming took out the "Sword Jade" from his chest, held it in his hand, and felt the Sword Intent within more clearly.

Buzz buzz——

Suddenly, the Mingfeng Sword vibrated more intensely, and the sense of longing became clearer.

"It really is because of this Sword Intent."

He thought to himself, suddenly feeling a pang of sorrow in his heart, overwhelmed by a strong sense of longing for his former girlfriends, recalling the sweetness of being together, the heart-wrenching pain of separation...

This tidal wave of memories engulfed him, making it hard to extricate himself.

At the same time, the Mingfeng Sword in his hand vibrated more violently, and the resonant sword hum echoed throughout the small courtyard.

This commotion quickly alarmed others.

Chunxiang and Xiaxiang, who lived closest, were the first to rush over, hearing the sword hum inside the house growing louder and feeling their hearts race, as if needles were piercing their brows, with a sense of impending disaster.

"Young Master——"

The two women exclaimed, about to dash into the house, but suddenly found themselves unable to move.

"Do not enter."

An old man appeared in the courtyard unexpectedly, his hair and beard black, though his face was deeply wrinkled, indicating his age. He was the one who had followed Feng Siyuan to Jiangzhou City back then.

The two maids realized they had encountered a formidable expert and excitedly shouted, "Senior, the young master is still inside, please save him..."

The old man did not move, instead he gazed solemnly at the small house, saying, "Don’t worry, he won’t be harmed."

Yet in his heart, he was somewhat surprised: The Primordial Spirit of that Divine Weapon had clearly perished, how could it awaken again?

"No—" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"This is the Sword Intent of a Divine Treasure Realm master..."

So that’s it!

After a while, the shocked old man had some guesses; the Primordial Spirit of that Divine Weapon hadn’t been completely extinguished because Chen Ming’s True Qi was extremely compatible with this sword, nourishing it, and causing its revival.

It happened to have a Sword Intent from a Divine Treasure Realm master on him, which actively absorbed and merged the Sword Intent.

"Good lad!"

Having figured out the connection, the old man felt an overwhelming shock, realizing he had underestimated this young man.

To accomplish all this requires one condition: Chen Ming must have comprehended the true essence of that Sword Intent, allowing the Divine Weapon to use him as a medium to draw that Sword Intent into the sword, thus merging them together.

Only when held by its master does the Divine Weapon and master become one, unaffected by the Sword Intent’s backlash.

Otherwise, forcibly absorbing that Sword Intent would only obliterate the last trace of Primordial Spirit.

A Martial Artist of the fifth grade, able to comprehend the Sword Intent of a Divine Treasure Realm master, is incredibly astonishing!

If word spreads about this, it’s hard to believe anyone would take it seriously.

"Old Huang, what’s going on?"

At this moment, Feng Siyuan also heard the commotion, rushed over, and asked urgently, "Did that bastard from the Qin Family send someone to assassinate Chen Ming?"

Old Huang shook his head, saying, "No. He caused this commotion himself."

He did not explain further; this young master was not adept at martial arts, and wouldn’t understand if he told him.

"Could it be—" Feng Siyuan thought of a possibility, exclaimed in shock, "Did he break through to the fourth grade?"

"Not at all."

Feng Siyuan was greatly surprised, "Could it be the third grade?"

"..."

Old Huang was speechless, such a preposterous thought, third grade? How could he think of that?

After a while, the sword hum finally died down.

Everyone present felt a wave of sorrow rising from their hearts, all with a sense of desolation.

Those relatively young and unexperienced didn’t have much feeling.

Feng Siyuan, however, was already in tears, reminiscing about past romances, former vows under the moonlit flowers, leaving his heart in pieces.

Old Huang’s eyes also showed deep nostalgia, and after a moment, he sighed, saying, "I never expected this young man to be a true romantic."

One who can comprehend the Sword Intent of lingering emotions must be a true romantic.

Just then, the door creaked open.

Chen Ming walked out, "Sorry for disturbing your peaceful dreams. I had a revelation while practicing my sword, there aren’t any enemies."

Old Huang glanced deeply at him and the Divine Weapon in his hand, saying, "As long as you’re okay, young master, rest early." Then he left.

Feng Siyuan initially wanted to say something, but feeling desolate, he simply left.

The other Protectors and people who came also dispersed.

Only the pair of maids remained in the courtyard, their eyes slightly red.

Seeing their show of genuine emotion, Chen Ming felt touched, saying, "I’m fine, go back and continue sleeping."

The two beautiful maids silently bowed, turned around, and returned to their place.

Chen Ming returned to his room, closed the door, and looked at the "Mingfeng Sword" in his hand, his expression somewhat complicated.

The good news is that the Primordial Spirit of this Divine Weapon has begun to revive, enhancing its power. Now facing a Fourth Grade, he has great confidence.

The bad news is that the Sword Jade is damaged, and the Sword Intent within was actually absorbed by the "Mingfeng Sword."

It’s hard to say whether it’s a loss or gain.

Chen Ming thought of the Peony girl from the Celestial Fragrance Pavilion before, and he didn’t even get a chance to take out the Sword Jade. So, even that Sword Jade wouldn’t be very useful against a Third Grade or higher expert.

Now the Sword Jade is gone, but his combat prowess has skyrocketed, so it’s definitely a gain.

"I wonder if I can defeat a Fourth Grade now."

His heart itched, wanting to find a Fourth Grade expert to test it.

The first person he thought of was Su Zhining.

"Better forget it,"

He immediately dismissed the idea. Su Zhining’s strength is top-tier among the Fourth Grade, and fighting her, the odds aren’t good.

Better to borrow a Fourth Grade from Feng Siyuan.

Thinking this way, he sat crossed-legged on the bed, recovering his depleted True Qi.

Earlier, when the "Mingfeng Sword" fused with the Sword Intent, it almost drained his True Qi.

The power of this Divine Weapon is indeed extraordinary. But it consumes a lot too, he feels like a ten-degree battery trying to drive a thousand-watt motor of the "Mingfeng Sword." The power was drained in an instant.

...

As dawn approached.

Chen Ming opened his eyes, feeling that his True Qi had recovered enough, and thought, "Luckily, the charging speed isn’t too slow."

He had meditated for over two hours, equivalent to about five hours. Compared to others, it’s already quite fast.

"Next time, it’s best to prepare some elixirs that can help restore Qi."

In this world, elixirs that directly enhance power are rare and precious, but there are some that help restore Qi.

At that moment, Qiuxiang and Dongxiang came in carrying basins to assist him in washing.

He suddenly thought of Chunxiang and Xiaxiang at home, then his elder brother and sister-in-law. He’s been out for nearly two months now, he wonders how they’re doing?

"Young master, are you worried about Qin Changyuan?"

Suddenly, Dongxiang asked softly.

"Oh?"

Chen Ming’s thoughts were pulled back, and he asked in confusion, "What happened to him?"

Dongxiang realized her misunderstanding, lowered her head, looking guilty, "The maid misspoke. Please punish me, young master."

Seeing her panicked look, Chen Ming scolded, "Extend your hands."

Dongxiang timidly extended both hands.

With two light pats.

Chen Ming gently tapped her palms twice and said, "Alright, tell me what Qin Changyuan has been doing while I was in seclusion."

Dongxiang froze, instinctively looking up at him, seeing his unchanged expression, no intention to pursue the matter further. She lowered her head, hiding her hands behind her.

Qiuxiang also paused momentarily, seeing Dongxiang like that, quickly explained, "It’s said that for the past month, Qin Changyuan has been going to the Celestial Fragrance Pavilion every day to see the Peony girl, but hasn’t even caught a glimpse of her. Later, rumors spread that Peony’s heart is now tied to the young master, and she no longer entertains others..."

What?

Chen Ming was stunned momentarily, then gasped, realizing the seriousness of the situation.

Peony, a courtesan with such beauty and charm, is hard to find another like her in the world. She is a disciple of the Celestial Dao Alliance, a Third Grade or higher expert.

One can imagine how many in Jiangzhou City are infatuated with her.

Previously, everyone had a chance.

Now, she’s closed her doors, and others believe her heart belongs solely to Chen Ming. Doesn’t that incur public rage?

Damn.

Does she know this could cause someone’s death?

In his heart, Chen Ming cursed Peony furiously. If he truly benefited, he would accept it. But he hasn’t.

Unfairly carrying a big burden.

The account for the earlier ambush isn’t settled yet, and now he’s been schemed against again.

Just you wait!

Chen Ming, gritting his teeth, asked, "Then what?"

Qiuxiang whispered, "Then, Qin Changyuan released word that he’s going to deal with you, young master."

"Then why hasn’t he come to confront me?"

"Rumor has it that the Qin Family has shares in the Guanglong Trading Company, so Qin Changyuan wants to give some face to the Feng Family. He’s intentionally spreading word to apply pressure on the Feng Family."

Chen Ming looked at her in surprise, for she seemed to know too much, "How do you know all this?"

At this moment, Dongxiang explained, "Zhu... Qiuxiang from a young age has an eidetic memory. Previously, she saw many reports while there and remembered them."

Chen Ming laughed, "I really found a treasure."

Dongxiang worriedly said, "Young master, Qin Changyuan is narrow-minded, and grudges fiercely. Even if you stay at the Feng Family, he absolutely won’t let it go."

Chen Ming said, "In that case, let’s leave."

"Leave? Where to?"

"Naturally, move away."

PS: Completing yesterday’s Chapter.