Chen Ming was taken aback for a moment, seeing Sun Shicai’s gaze sharp as a blade, he realized that he was serious.

Could it be that he suspects Huo Chengkun gave him the so-called Sword Manual?

Such wild imagination!

Before he could speak, he suddenly heard someone loudly announce, "Lord Admiral has arrived."

Immediately, everyone in the garden fell silent and collectively looked towards the direction of the voice.

A middle-aged man with an elegant demeanor walked out, sporting three strands of beard and dressed in a blue long robe, giving the impression of a scholarly gentleman.

It was Zhao Shouchang, the highest-ranking officer in Qingfeng City and the Golden Robe Admiral of the Six Gates, a Third Grade expert.

Following him were three others, all dressed in casual attire, exuding an extraordinary air.

Among them was Yu Xiuming, the former highest-rank officer in Qingfeng City from Six Gates. With Zhao Shouchang’s arrival, he naturally got demoted by a rank.

Rumors say the court was very dissatisfied with his inability to protect Qingfeng City, but due to his strong backing, he wasn’t demoted further. He just lost his position as chief officer and was left in Qingfeng City as a form of punishment.

The two standing with Yu Xiuming should be the newly appointed Blue Robe Captains.

Under the configuration of Six Gates, one Golden Robe Admiral oversees three Captains.

Now Qingfeng City has one Third Grade along with three Fourth Grade experts, no longer needing to worry about pirate attacks.

...

"Greetings to Lord Admiral."

Everyone stepped forward to pay respects to this head of Qingfeng City.

Zhao Shouchang raised his hand, indicating that they need not be overly courteous, and sat at the main seat in the center, stroking his beard and smiling, "All of you are young talents from various places in Jiangzhou, don’t be constrained, have a seat."

The seating arrangement in the garden was already set, and those participating in the martial arts gathering had seats.

As for those young girls who were there for the excitement, they watched from the nearby pavilion and corridor edges.

Chen Ming and Zhang Mingyu were placed at the farthest corner positions.

This was normal, among these people present, their family backgrounds were the poorest. Even if Huo Chengkun were alive, he wouldn’t compare to the others here.

Either from a renowned family or from a top-tier sect.

At the very least, they came from a second-rate sect.

Sitting with them was He Da from the Four Seas Trading Company, a man with dark skin and ordinary looks.

Needless to say, being part of Four Seas Trading Company, his family background is probably quite normal too.

Chen Ming exchanged a glance with He Da, nodding slightly in acknowledgment.

At the main seat, Zhao Shouchang said, "Today’s martial arts gathering is for meeting friends through martial arts. I hope everyone holds back and doesn’t damage the harmony. I believe everyone is eager to start, so let’s begin. Who wants to go first?"

As soon as he finished speaking, someone immediately stood up and proclaimed loudly, "My lord, this junior Tian Qiming from Dai Commandery is willing to go first."

This person was the one who had earlier mocked Chen Ming at the entrance, dressed in blue.

This man was indeed clever, making a strong impression by being the first to step forward, leaving an impression on Zhao Shouchang.

Indeed, Zhao Shouchang smiled and said, "Tian Family from Dai Commandery, a family that has produced First Grade experts. I’m curious to see how well you’ve mastered Fuyao Swordsmanship?"

Tian Qiming, seeing the Lord Admiral had heard of his family, was almost overflowing with pride, "I’ve practiced swordsmanship for ten years and have some talent."

Zhao Shouchang said, "Good, have you decided whom you want as your opponent?"

"Him, then."

Tian Qiming pointed into the crowd.

...

Chen Ming had heard of Admiral Zhao’s rule for the martial arts gathering, whoever stands up first can choose their opponent. Of course, the chosen one can refuse.

But in such a setting, very few would actually refuse.

"Him, then."

He was deep in thought when he suddenly felt something off, noticing multiple gazes fixed on him.

He raised his head to find Tian Qiming seemingly pointing at him.

Chen Ming was slightly startled, then realized this must be the act of picking the weakest fruit.

Zhao Shouchang asked him, "Are you willing to accept the challenge?"

Which young person could refuse when questioned by a Third Grade expert in this manner?

Especially for someone from an ordinary background, this was a rare opportunity. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Tian Qiming was certain of this and thus chose this rural bumpkin who probably doesn’t even understand "intent" as his opponent, someone who likely has no proper inheritance and whose master’s cultivation is not very high.

How could such a person be his opponent?

This was his first step into the martial world, he couldn’t afford to lose, so he naturally selected the most assured opponent.

"This junior is willing."

That young man indeed agreed.

Tian Qiming was already in position waiting, drawing out the treasure sword embedded with blue gemstones, a gift from his grandfather when he broke through to the Seventh Grade, a sword that could cut a hair in two.

"Chen Ming from Qingfeng City, please guide me."

Chen Ming stepped into the arena, saluted with clasped hands, then drew his blade, an ordinary Hundred-refined Steel Blade.

Tian Qiming internally held a bit of contempt; indeed, a rural bumpkin who couldn’t even afford a decent weapon.

He drew his sword and its blade shimmered like autumn water.

Someone commented, "This is the best sword crafted this year by Jiangzhou’s Qiu Family, named Hongying."

"It’s indeed a good sword produced by the Qiu Family!"

...

Over in the pavilion, a female disciple from the Xiaoshui Sect noticed the worry on Huo Qianqian’s face and deliberately asked her, "Young junior sister, whom do you think will win this match?"

Huo Qianqian respectfully said, "Fifth senior sister, this junior is of limited cultivation and can’t tell."

Fifth senior sister said, "This Chen Ming, isn’t he a disciple of your grandfather? I see that you have some concern for him."

"In response to senior sister, he indeed learned martial arts from my grandfather."

But he wasn’t actually her grandfather’s disciple.

She didn’t say this.

Fifth senior sister nodded and said, "So young, yet already Seventh Grade. He must have remarkable talent. It’s just a pity he is up against someone from the Tian Family. The Tian Family is a prestigious family and Fuyao Swordsmanship is quite extraordinary. Your family’s Five Elements Saber Technique pales in comparison."

Huo Qianqian, hearing this, gripped the short sword in her hand tightly.

Fifth senior sister continued, "It’s a pity that he joined your grandfather. If he had joined a sect, he might have achieved something noteworthy. Now, it will likely be quite difficult for him to reach Sixth Grade in the future."

As she spoke, the two in the arena had already begun exchanging moves.

Fifth senior sister stopped speaking and focused on watching.

Such sparring between Seventh Grade martial artists is a rare sight.

...

Tian Qiming wanted to make a name for himself, so as soon as he made a move, it was a killing stroke from Fuyao Swordsmanship.

Soaring—

Nine thousand miles!

Hmm?

Midway through the sword technique, the tip of a blade unexpectedly jabbed in from the side, straight at his face.

Not good!

He was greatly shocked, attempting to change techniques at the last moment, but his movements were a beat too slow.

With a loud clang.

The opponent’s blade back took advantage of his transition, heavily striking at the weakest part of his sword spine, the blade edge swiping towards his wrist.

Seeing his wrist about to be in peril, Tian Qiming panicked and hastily let go.

Clank!

The treasure sword worth a fortune fell to the ground.

For a moment, Tian Qiming’s face turned completely pale, stunned on the spot.

The scene was also so quiet a pin drop could be heard.

No one expected that Tian Qiming, from a renowned family, would be defeated in just one move.

Not far from the pavilion, Fifth senior sister’s confident and composed smile froze at once, having just firmly claimed that Chen Ming was no match for Tian Qiming.

Yet Tian Qiming didn’t even withstand a single move.

"Thank you for letting me win!"

Chen Ming clasped his hands, saying indifferently.

"No!"

Tian Qiming finally reacted, shouting, "That doesn’t count just now..."

He couldn’t accept the reality of losing like this.

He hadn’t yet displayed his full strength.

That guy cheated!