"What do you mean by this?"

"This place isn’t suitable for a long stay. Let’s talk as we walk."

"Alright."

...

"Brother Gu, do you know why Gang Master Xia is holding this martial arts competition for marriage? And why is he so urgently arranging for you to marry Miss Xia?"

Jiang Wushuang walked side by side with Chen Ming, asking as they proceeded.

Chen Ming said, "I think Gang Master Xia must have his reasons."

"Brother Gu, you are truly wise." Jiang Wushuang praised, "Not lost to beauty, facing such temptation, yet remaining calm, Brother Gu is truly extraordinary."

"Brother Jiang, don’t flatter me."

"Brother Gu, have you noticed that Madam Xia has not made an appearance?"

"This matter is indeed strange. At a daughter’s wedding, how could the mother not be present? Could it be that Gang Master Xia plans to act first and report later?"

Jiang Wushuang said, "Not only that, Madam Xia is completely unaware. She is currently in seclusion, trying to break through to the First Grade Realm."

"Ah? Why would Gang Master Xia do such a thing?"

"Because Madam Xia wants to marry Mudan into the palace. Gang Master Xia disagrees, so he hurriedly arranged the marriage while she is in seclusion. Once Madam Xia finishes, the matter will be settled, and no matter how displeased she may be, it will be to no avail."

"Is there really such a matter?"

Chen Ming was really stupefied.

So, Xia Shaowen wants to use him as a shield?

And a shield against the royal family no less.

Me, a mere Third Grade, what merit or virtue do I have?

He swallowed and quietly asked, "Madam Xia intends to marry her daughter to whom in the palace?"

Jiang Wushuang said, "The current emperor!"

Well, now it’s completely over.

Turns out, I put a green hat on the emperor?

This is a hatred of stealing a wife. Wouldn’t the emperor want him dead?

He smiled wryly, "Brother Jiang, do you think I can still keep my life?"

Jiang Wushuang saw his bitter expression and couldn’t help but laugh, "Don’t worry, it’s just Madam Xia’s idea, not yet put into action. Originally, she planned to present her daughter to the palace during the selection half a year later."

Hearing this, Chen Ming finally let out a sigh of relief and said thankfully, "In that case, it’s not so bad."

After a while, Jiang Wushuang added, "Actually, Madam Xia’s notion came from the World’s First Pavilion’s list of beauties, which described her daughter as ’Rich and Noble Flower.’ Mudan is the king of flowers. Madam Xia had listened to some magician’s words, firmly believing her daughter could become the noblest woman in the world. Thus, she wanted to send her into the palace, despite whether her daughter was willing or not."

Chen Ming looked at him and said, "It seems, Brother Jiang, that you do have deep affection for Miss Xia. Rest assured, in the room earlier, I didn’t touch a single finger of hers, nor did I lift the veil. You know the wedding was fake. I hope Brother Jiang doesn’t mind."

Jiang Wushuang’s expression became somewhat peculiar, "Brother Gu, do you have no interest in Miss Xia at all? Still, she appears in the list of beauties, she must be stunning."

Chen Ming smiled and said, "To be honest, I have a bias in my heart— the prettier the woman, the less lovable. Growing up showered by praises and admiration, one cannot be normal. I can’t stand Princess syndrome."

Jiang Wushuang said seriously, "Brother Gu’s words might be somewhat biased."

"That’s why I said it’s my bias. To imagine, Miss Xia must be perfect in Brother Jiang’s heart."

Chen Ming thought, once you’re married, after a period you’ll understand.

After a while, he noticed Jiang Wushuang fell silent and seemed angry. He thought, why so petty?

Then suddenly realized, given Jiang Wushuang’s looks, he probably grew up in a similar situation.

"He wouldn’t think I’m mocking him, would he?"

Chen Ming immediately apologized, "I spoke improperly, please forgive me, Brother Jiang."

Jiang Wushuang said indifferently, "You’re not wrong, why apologize?"

Chen Ming changed the subject, "Where does Brother Jiang plan to go next?"

After a moment of silence, he said, "Xiazhou City."

"Just right, I’m also going to Xiazhou City. Let’s travel together."

...

At daybreak, Chen Ming and his companion arrived at a small town, more than fifty miles away, and found a restaurant to eat.

Jiang Wushuang might be entering such a small restaurant for the first time, and clearly felt uncomfortable with its environment, probably has a cleanliness obsession.

"Waiter."

Chen Ming called the waiter, handed him a piece of silver, and instructed him to clean the bowls and chopsticks thoroughly.

Then, with a flick of his sleeve, he wiped the table and chair clean of a layer of grease, then sat down, "Brother Jiang, sit."

Jiang Wushuang glanced at him, but said nothing, and sat opposite him.

Chen Ming asked, "Where are your attendants?"

"I instructed them last night, should join us here before noon."

"Good."

"I also sent word to notify Brother Gu’s younger sister; they should accompany us."

Chen Ming praised, "Brother Jiang thinks thoroughly, truly considerate."

This saved him some trouble.

Otherwise, he would have to think about how to pass the token to Wu Zhenhang.

...

Before noon, members of the Jiang Family, as well as Gu Yuyin, Wu Zhenhang, and others arrived.

"Seventh Brother, here’s your sword."

As soon as Gu Yuyin met him, she returned the two swords to their owner.

Chen Ming took the Breaking Army Sword and Mingfeng Sword, finally felt at ease, and said happily, "How did they end up with you?"

Originally, he thought these two swords would be lost to the Money Gang, temporarily beyond retrieval.

It was truly an unexpected joy.

Gu Yuyin said, "They were sent back by Gang Master Xia’s people. Congratulations to Seventh Brother on yesterday’s new marriage."

Chen Ming knocked her on the head, "Don’t talk nonsense, it’s not valid. Without parental consent, where comes the marriage matter?"

Gu Yuyin saw his seriousness and dared not joke about it anymore.

Jiang Wushuang didn’t disturb them and went outside with his people.

Chen Ming looked at Wu Zhenhang, took out the token, and said, "Brother Wu, fortunately, I obtained a spot. In two days, a First Grade expert must carry it and go to the Money Gang to find Gang Master Xia. Then, you’ll be able to enter that Secret Realm."

Wu Zhenhang looked at the golden token, his expression very complex, "We did nothing for it, truly unworthy of such a spot."

"Just take it."

Chen Ming said freely, "This spot has a time limit. Miss it, and it becomes useless. If you don’t want it, then I can only discard it."

Wu Zhenhang finally took the token solemnly and said, "Brother Gu’s kindness, my Wu Family will remember it deeply. In the future, if you have any commands, I, Wu Zhenhang, will do anything without hesitation."

"Hang’er’s words are my words."

Suddenly, a woman’s voice sounded.

Chen Ming found himself facing a stunning woman, appearing very young at first glance, just over twenty.

Looking again, she seemed like a woman in her late twenties or thirties.

"Aunt!"

"Aunt!"

Chen Ming heard the Wu siblings and Gu Yuyin’s address and also saluted, "Greetings, Aunt."

The newcomer was Wu Qiuyue, the youngest sister of Gu Yuyin’s mother, a Peak of First Grade expert.

Wu Qiuyue was pleased with Chen Ming’s address and said, "If this time I successfully open the Divine Treasure, later when you reach First Grade, I’ll surely return you a spot."

Chen Ming said, "Then I thank Aunt first."

...

In the afternoon, Chen Ming bid farewell to Wu Qiuyue and her group.

Wu Qiuyue and the Wu siblings were heading back to Ten Thousand Thunder City.

Chen Ming and Jiang Wushuang were going to Xiazhou City.

To save time, they did not take a carriage but rode horses, each riding two.

Chen Ming asked, "Brother Jiang, what business do you have in Xiazhou City? Is there anything I can assist with?"

Jiang Wushuang said indifferently, "I am going to kill someone."

"Who?"

"An enemy."

"If you need my help, just let me know."

"Alright!"