[You have defeated a level 28 enemy, gaining 300 Experience Points]

Chen Ming felt a burst of joy when he saw the notification. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

He didn’t expect that the bearded man was actually level twenty-eight, earning him a hefty 300 Experience Points—equivalent to his usual earnings over five days.

He looked at the members of the Martial Arts Hall Association sitting in front of him, his eyes gleaming. All these people were like walking Experience Points to him.

Seeing that the previous battle had intimidated these people, he shifted his tone, saying, "Actually, I have no plans to open a martial arts hall for the time being. The students I took in are just kids from neighboring streets. The oldest is no more than eleven, and the youngest are eight or nine. I just don’t want them to take the wrong path when they first learn martial arts, as I did, so I’m just helping them with their initial martial arts training."

This statement greatly surprised the members of the Martial Arts Hall Association.

Lei Zhenguang, moved, said, "Is that true? Could there be some misunderstanding here?"

"If Master Lei does not believe me, you can ask my senior brothers. They saw these students a few days ago when I was moving."

Zhang Mingyu, the current leader of the Huo Sect, stood up and said, "That’s correct. There are a total of thirty-two children, the oldest not more than thirteen."

Upon hearing this, Lei Zhenguang blamed himself, saying, "It’s all my fault for not sending someone to investigate beforehand, causing such a misunderstanding. Master Chen, if what you say is true, I will definitely give you a satisfactory explanation."

Master Fang of the Dragon Soaring Martial Arts Hall also said, "You should have explained earlier, Young Master Chen, then there wouldn’t have been such a misunderstanding, almost leading to an unpleasant ending."

Would you have listened, even if I explained?

No matter the world, only those with strength have a voice that counts.

Chen Ming smiled and said, "This was a bit of my selfishness. I’ve been working behind closed doors and have always wanted to exchange and learn from my peers, but never had the chance. So, I took this opportunity to spar with everyone. Finally, my wish has come true."

Upon hearing this, the Martial Arts Hall Association members couldn’t help but grumble internally. Just for that reason, he made such a big fuss?

Was he treating them like monkeys?

However, they dared not express these thoughts to his face.

After all, he had the privilege to act so recklessly.

Everyone knew Li Ankun’s strength, and even those who believed they could surpass him would struggle to win so decisively.

The crucial thing was, he was so young, only getting stronger with the years.

Who would want to provoke such a person?

Didn’t they see even Lei Zhenguang was conceding at every turn? Once given an out, better to take it graciously.

Chen Ming said, "I respect the rules of the Martial Arts Hall Association. How about this: I can assure you that for the next two years, I will only accept children under twelve for martial arts training. What do you think?"

After a quick exchange of glances with the other three, Lei Zhenguang said, "We can decide by voting among the twelve martial arts halls; if over half agree, then it’s settled."

Having said this, he was the first to raise his hand.

Almost without hesitation, the remaining eleven all raised their hands.

The decision was unanimously passed.

Just like that, a conflict was resolved without a trace. Both parties shook hands and made peace.

The once tense atmosphere relaxed instantly.

...

Deng Ziyang, watching Chen Ming and a few elder hall masters like Lei Zhenguang chatting and laughing, couldn’t help but sigh to Zhuang Xiaotian, "Did you see Senior Brother Chen’s methods? First show force, then speak about friendship; being arrogant first then respectful later, using both hard and soft approaches. This way of turning enemies into friends is truly admirable. You should learn from this."

Zhuang Xiaotian first nodded in agreement, then shook his head, "I can’t possibly learn this."

Afterward, under Lei Zhenguang’s earnest invitation, Chen Ming and his group stayed as guests.

By noon, Wind and Thunder Martial Arts Hall had already set up more than a dozen banquet tables. With a few drinks, everyone started to call each other brother, and the atmosphere became incredibly lively.

No one could see that in the morning, they were still at each other’s throats.

Such is the martial world, fighting fiercely for profit. After resolving the conflict, everyone benefits, supporting each other like a grand procession.

The only one who suffered was Li Ankun, who got slapped with the flat of Chen Ming’s saber.

But by this time, no one would remember him.

...

The banquet lasted for two hours before everyone left satisfied.

On the way back, Zhang Mingyu sighed, "In just one year, Junior Brother has managed to hone the ’Five Elements Saber Technique’ to such a level. If Master knew in the afterlife, he would surely be very pleased."

He didn’t ask where Chen Ming learned the saber technique from; he just assumed it was taught by their master, providing him some backing.

Chen Ming was unexpectedly surprised, as he recalled this third senior brother as not being very broad-minded. Little did he know he could act so generously this time.

It seemed that after Huo Chengkun and several fellow disciples’ deaths, carrying the responsibility alone had matured him somewhat.

You really can’t judge a person by old impressions.

He humbly said, "I’ve just been practicing blindly on my own, and I’m not sure whether it’s correct. I still need your guidance, Senior Brother."

Zhang Mingyu smiled wryly, "I’m no match for you now, how could I have the qualification to guide you?"

"You can’t say that, Senior Brother. You’ve learned martial arts from Master for so many years and are truly his disciple. I still have much to learn from you."

Seeing his sincere tone, a warm feeling surged in Zhang Mingyu’s heart, "Alright, if there’s anything you want to learn, just come find me. I will share everything I know."

"How about starting now?"

"Ah?"

...

The Huo Mansion, ever since Huo Chengkun’s passing, seemed to have its lifeforce slowly fade, visibly declining quite a bit.

This was Chen Ming’s third visit in ten months, the previous two times having been to visit Zhang Mingyu.

After entering the main gate, the place felt empty, devoid of any life.

Chen Ming asked, "Doesn’t living here alone seem a bit lonely, Senior Brother? Why not move somewhere else?"

Zhang Mingyu said wistfully, "If I don’t live here, the Huo Mansion will truly be gone."

Chen Ming was surprised to hear him say this.

He used to want to leave here and venture into the martial world. But now he willingly stayed, supporting the last bit of dignity of the Huo Sect.

The two walked in silence for a bit.

Zhang Mingyu suddenly said, "A few days ago, our junior sister sent a letter."

"Oh."

"She has successfully reached the Ninth Grade. Speaking of it, she had an agreement with Master that if she reached the Ninth Grade within a year, Master would not force her to marry. Now, she has finally succeeded. If Master knew in the afterlife, he would surely be pleased."

"Hmm."

Chen Ming responded with a nod. He wasn’t very familiar with Huo Qianqian, having only sparred a dozen times.

As they spoke, they arrived at the martial arts training ground.

Chen Ming said, "Senior Brother, I would like to learn the ’Five Elements Saber Technique’ from you, if you could kindly oblige."

Zhang Mingyu fetched two wooden sabers, saying, "Blades have no eyes. Let’s use these. It’s just sparring, after all."

"Of course, sparring among us senior brothers is not about winning or losing, just improving our saber techniques."

"Alright."

"Senior Brother, please."

Seeing he successfully coaxed him into sparring, Chen Ming was secretly delighted.

The two held their wooden sabers, assumed their stances, and prepared to begin.

PS: It’s reached a hundred thousand words, asking for monthly votes.