Next, two more talented individuals with the prefix "Jiangzhou Family" came forward, each choosing an opponent, both displaying strength far beyond the others.

Zhao Shouchang addressed these two as dear nephews and chatted with them for a while.

With the stunning performances of these three, the subsequent participants seemed much inferior.

Sitting in the corner, Chen Ming realized that this Martial Arts Gathering was actually a stage for these top family scions to showcase themselves.

Just by watching the reactions of the young ladies observing from the side, it’s clear that they will spread the excellent performances of those three noble young men through their circles.

To put it bluntly, this is a showcase. The protagonists are those three. I ran over here to steal the spotlight, which is somewhat naive.

"Indeed, it’s the Great Jin Dynasty—just like the ancient Jin Dynasty—where class is too rigid."

Chen Ming thought to himself.

Even someone like Zhao Shouchang has many people saying he loves to support newcomers. As for the others, it is imaginable.

...

Unknowingly, the Martial Arts Gathering came to an end.

Chen Ming did not have the opportunity to make a fourth move; these scions are not foolish, knowing they can’t win, naturally, they’re unwilling to challenge him. They would choose opponents they have more confidence against.

Even those who are quite confident in their abilities are unwilling to take risks in such a setting.

Even someone as arrogant as Tian Qiming, if given another chance, he would never provoke this outstanding saber-wielding country bumpkin.

Among all present, almost everyone had a chance to appear. Only one exception was Gu Yuantao, who refused others’ challenges and did not proactively challenge anyone, just sat silent until the end of the gathering. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Then, Zhao Shouchang kept those three noble young men behind, while the others left on their own.

Chen Ming had anticipated this outcome, so he wasn’t too disappointed and left with the group.

After getting on the carriage, Zhang Mingyu spoke out for him, "I didn’t expect Admiral Zhao to be someone who only sees status, I truly misunderstood him. Younger brother, your skills are not inferior to those three. They just happened to have a good birth."

Being born is quite a technical skill.

Thought Chen Ming, and instead comforted him, "Being able to witness the Martial Skill of so many people today, I am already quite satisfied. That someone like Lord Zhao noticed me is my fortune. Not noticing me means I haven’t caught his eye yet..."

As they were talking, suddenly a gentle girl’s voice came from outside, "Is this Chen Ming’s carriage?"

This voice was unfamiliar, never heard it before.

"Indeed."

Chen Ming and Zhang Mingyu exchanged a glance, responded, and opened the carriage door to check, surprised.

From a nearby carriage, a bright face peeked out the window, it was Zhao Shouchang’s daughter, the eight-grade maiden.

"Miss Zhao?"

Zhao Xiyan scrutinized him, with a hint of satisfaction in her shiny eyes, "You’re quite good. If you had dared utter a word of complaint earlier, you would have missed an opportunity."

As she spoke, she took out something and tossed it over, saying, "My father thinks you have some talent in the Sword Dao, so he specially asked me to give you a Sword Manual. Practice well and do not let my father down."

Chen Ming caught it with both hands, gratefully saying, "Receiving this from an elder, I dare not decline. I shamelessly accept it."

"Hmm."

Zhao Xiyan nodded slightly, glanced at Zhang Mingyu, and said, "My father didn’t keep you here because he has your best interests at heart, do you understand?"

"The tree standing out in the forest is sure to be destroyed by the wind. I deeply appreciate Lord Zhao’s protective intentions."

"As long as you understand."

Zhao Xiyan finally let the curtain fall, and the coachman soon drove the carriage away.

...

Zhang Mingyu fearfully patted his chest, "That Zhao Lord’s daughter is truly formidable. Sigh, it was my fault, almost made you miss a good opportunity, my mouth..."

"Elder brother was speaking out for me, how could I blame you?"

Chen Ming said as he looked at the Sword Manual in his hands, which still had a faint fragrance, the cover bore the words "Thunderbolt Saber Technique".

He felt somewhat regretful, if only it was a Cultivation Technique.

What he needs now is a Cultivation Technique that can be cultivated to Second Grade, not a Saber Technique.

But then, he couldn’t go find Zhao Shouchang and ask for an exchange for a Cultivation Technique.

Zhang Mingyu looked at the Sword Manual in his hands, enviously saying, "This Lord Zhao, just as the rumors say, loves to support newcomers. This Saber Technique is probably a Second Grade Saber Technique."

In the martial world, practitioners habitually divide Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills, Third Grade Saber Techniques are those suitable for Third Grade Martial Artists.

Second Grade Saber Techniques, naturally, are suitable for Second Grade experts, above Sixth Grade.

This is because there is a fundamental difference between the three stages of Martial Artists.

The difference between Second Grade Martial Artists and Third Grade Martial Artists lies in True Qi!

The "Five Elements Saber Technique" belongs to the Third Grade Saber Technique, but after reaching Sixth Grade, this Saber Technique is not quite enough, unable to unleash the true power of True Qi.

Chen Ming said, "If elder brother wants to learn, we can learn it together."

"That won’t do, this is something Lord Zhao bestowed upon you. Without his permission, how could I learn it?"

It was clear that Zhang Mingyu was tempted but still rationally refused.

Chen Ming then put away the Sword Manual, solemnly saying, "Lord Zhao’s kindness today, I will definitely repay in the future."

Once he advances to Second Grade or even First Grade, he will repay with a First Grade Sword Manual.

...

"Chen Ming!"

The carriage hadn’t gone far when someone stopped it again, this time it was a man’s voice.

Chen Ming opened the carriage door again, surprised to find it was Gu Yuantao stopping the carriage.

He asked, "Brother Gu, stopping my carriage, what advice do you have?"

Gu Yuantao’s cold face showed no expression, calmly saying, "Regrettably, I couldn’t experience your Saber Technique today. I would like to visit your place for a spar sometime, what do you think?"

Such a good thing?

Chen Ming’s eyes lit up, "I wouldn’t ask for anything more."

Gu Yuantao looked at him deeply, saying, "How about tomorrow?"

Chen Ming replied, "Tomorrow I shall await you at home."

...

In the Gu Family’s carriage.

Zhou Weihao looked curiously at his cousin Gu Yuantao, seeing him unmoved, he couldn’t contain his curiosity, "Why did you become interested in this person? His Saber Technique is quite skilled, you might not be his match."

Gu Yuantao calmly said, "This person can be my whetstone, helping me sharpen my Swordsmanship."

"That’s the idea you have. It makes sense, with your progress, it will take at least two years to have a chance to reach Sixth Grade. It’s a good time to hone your Swordsmanship. At that time, I will go with you, backing you up."

Gu Yuantao did not refuse.

He knew his cousin also meant well.

After all, that person named Chen Ming might not necessarily be trustworthy.

...

When Chen Ming returned home, it was already afternoon.

Gatekeeper Old Li reported, "Second young master, two people came today wanting to see you, claiming they came from Wu Martial Arts Hall. Their master is acquainted with you. Would you like to meet them?"

Why are Old Liu’s two disciples looking for me?

He felt a premonition of unease, saying, "Take me to see them."

Old Liu’s two disciples were both fourteen or fifteen, one fat and one thin, wearing coarse linen clothes, obediently sitting in the side hall waiting.

"Young Master Chen."

Seeing Chen Ming, the two quickly stood up to salute.

Chen Ming asked, "What brings you here? Where is your master?"

"Two days ago, Master said he needed to go on a trip far away, instructed us to come find you today and deliver this letter to your hands."

The chubby disciple took out a letter from his coat.