Gu Family, after the battle that day, suffered serious damage and has not been rebuilt. Only the collapsed bricks and wood have been cleared away.

The once vast Gu Family now has only a few buildings left, empty and desolate.

As the saying goes, a skinny camel is bigger than a horse. Even though it was looted by pirates, the wealth accumulated by the Gu Family over hundreds of years is enormous, and the money to rebuild is still available.

Gu Yuantao swore that he would not rebuild until the Gu Family was revitalized.

Every day when he wakes up, he faces the ruins of the ancient house, reminding himself of the Gu Family’s humiliation to spur himself on.

He lives in a small courtyard within the ruins, with only two servants: a maid responsible for laundry and cooking, and an old servant who handles sweeping.

These two were born in the Gu Family, and have been servants here their entire lives. Their families all perished in that disaster, leaving them nowhere else to go.

However, recently, with the arrival of Cousin Zhou Weihao, the ancient house has become much livelier.

Zhou Weihao is a young master who cannot endure any hardship. He brought many servants with him and often starts bustling with activity before dawn.

Another early morning.

Zhou Weihao woke up early to practice martial arts. Even for a young master like him, there is no slack in training.

When he got up, he heard movements from the neighboring courtyard where Gu Yuantao was practicing swordsmanship.

An hour later.

After finishing his morning exercises and preparing to eat breakfast, he found that the training in the neighboring courtyard was still ongoing.

It was like this every day.

After washing his hands, Zhou Weihao ate his breakfast, listening to the sound of the sword slicing through the air. He couldn’t help feeling some sympathy; previously, he was closest to this cousin, often tasting gourmet food together, taking three to five friends to hunt in the mountains, or secretly visiting brothels without their families knowing...

But since the Gu Family incident, Gu Yuantao had changed. Apart from training, he spent all his time reading. He never allowed himself a moment of slack.

Such a life is so dull.

...

After breakfast, while Gu Yuantao was still practicing swordsmanship, Zhou Weihao went over to the neighboring courtyard, watched for a moment from the doorway, when his expression suddenly changed, a look of shock flashed in his eyes.

In just two weeks, his cousin’s skill in swordsmanship had improved remarkably.

The last time he saw him in action was at the Chen Family, where he sparred with Chen Ming.

At that time, his swordsmanship was only on par with his own.

Now...

After just a brief observation, Zhou Weihao knew he was no longer a match for his cousin.

In less than a month, his swordsmanship had improved to such an extent!

This greatly shocked Zhou Weihao.

At that moment, Gu Yuantao completed a series of sword movements, stopped, and stood there with eyes closed, seemingly pondering something.

Zhou Weihao walked over and spoke excitedly, "Your swordsmanship has improved so quickly. How did you achieve this?"

But Gu Yuantao seemed not to hear him, frowning and muttering to himself, "Not enough... still far from enough."

Then, he reopened his eyes, and with a strong sense of dissatisfaction and anger in his eyes, he wielded his sword again, resuming his training.

Zhou Weihao was dumbstruck. Despite such great progress, he was still not satisfied?

Not enough... what does that mean?

He had a vague suspicion but was unwilling to think deeper about it.

After standing around for a while and seeing that Gu Yuantao paid him no heed, he gradually found it boring and left on his own.

...

Zhou Weihao ordered someone to prepare a carriage and went straight to a gambling house.

When he arrived at the gambling house entrance, he suddenly lost interest and did not even go in. He asked the driver to change directions. He visited several other places, like cockfighting pits, restaurants, and a teahouse full of beauties...

But at each place, he didn’t feel like going in.

Thus, for the entire morning, the carriage almost made a full tour of the city.

Somehow, the carriage ended up at Xiushui Street.

"Stop."

Through the carriage window, Zhou Weihao saw a particular household and called out as if by some strange compulsion.

Above the gate of that house, "Chen Mansion" was written in two characters.

His expression changed slightly, and he took a deep breath, his eyes becoming resolute. He opened the door, straightened his clothes, and stepped forward to knock on the gate.

"Zhou Family’s Zhou Weihao requests to see the second young master of your esteemed residence."

...

In the backyard, Chen Ming was sitting on a rattan chair, holding a book, looking rather discontented.

After turning a page, he suddenly grew irritable and threw the book aside, cursing, "What a pile of rubbish is this?"

It was a novel he was trying to read to kill time, but after forcing himself through seven or eight pages, he couldn’t take it anymore.

The writing was good, but the story was terrible and cliched. He simply couldn’t get into it.

Ah, he missed the second day in the Six Gates’ prison.

Chunxiang, who was serving him from the side, had never seen him lose his temper before and didn’t understand why he was unhappy, standing there worrying futilely, "Would you like to switch to another book?"

"Forget it."

Chen Ming waved his hand.

At that moment, Xiaxiang hurried over, "Second Master, that Zhao... gentleman has come again."

Zhao Xiyan came?

Chen Ming immediately stood up, "Quick, take me to greet him."

This Miss Zhao was indeed his benefactor, for she brought him such a great gift; he ought to be diligent in his courtesy.

As soon as he stepped out of the courtyard, he saw Zhao Xiyan dressed in men’s clothing, holding a folding fan, walking towards him.

"I did not know Young Master Zhao was coming, forgive me for not welcoming you from afar."

"I came unannounced."

Zhao Xiyan entered the courtyard directly, without any formalities, as if she were returning to her own home.

After sitting down, she said, "I did not expect Yu Xiuming to be so narrow-minded and still bear a grudge against you. He actually blocked your entry into the prison."

Chen Ming merely smiled.

It’s no surprise Yu Xiuming hates him; the relationship between Sun Shicai and Yu Xiuming was so deeply hidden that there must be a deep calculation and intrigue involved.

He had ruined Yu Xiuming’s plans, so it was already fortunate enough that Yu Xiuming hadn’t retaliated against him.

Zhao Xiyan continued, "After all, Yu Xiuming comes from an extraordinary background. Once he makes up his mind to obstruct, not even my father can easily intervene."

Chen Ming said, "Being able to spend half a month there, I am already satisfied. The young master’s earnest concern for my affairs is something for which I am deeply thankful."

"Once Yu Xiuming is transferred, you will be free to enter and exit that prison."

But by then, it would be unnecessary.

Chen Ming thought to himself that he was not far from reaching the Peak of Seventh Grade, and it was possible that by then, he would already be at the Sixth Grade.

In Qingfeng City, the number of martial artists at the Sixth Grade sharply decreases. Not counting those from the Sea Merchant’s side, there are only about a dozen.

In the Six Gates’ prison, none are at that level. No, there is only one, the concealed cultivation Fu Zhengyang locked in the ’B’ cell.

Reaching Sixth Grade, finding someone to spar with becomes even more difficult.

Chen Ming did not continue this topic, instead asked, "Have those murderers been caught?"

He was referring to the attackers who had targeted the young masters leaving Qingfeng City some time ago.

A shadow flickered in Zhao Xiyan’s eyes as she shook her head, "These people seem to have vanished into thin air. Almost all of the Six Gates’ people have been mobilized, leaving no stone unturned, yet no useful clue has been found."

Her father had just taken office and this incident had occurred. The ones attacked were specifically there to attend the martial arts gathering hosted by her father.

It was hard not to suspect that this incident was aimed at her father.

Instead, it made the matter even more perplexing.

...

"Young master, the second young master is currently entertaining important guests. Please wait a moment."

After leading Zhou Weihao inside, a servant politely said.

After the previous blundering incident where Xiao Zhuyun and Zhao Xiyan ran into each other, Chen Ming had given specific instructions not to lead guests directly to him.

Although Zhou Weihao felt he was being neglected, unexpectedly he didn’t feel angry and waited patiently.

The last time he felt so calm while waiting was for the newly appointed courtesan at Jiangzhou’s Yixiang Pavilion.

This wait took half an hour.

The tea on his table was changed six times before Chen Ming finally arrived leisurely. Seeing him, Chen Ming said in surprise, "Young Master Zhou, truly a rare guest."

Zhou Weihao, maintaining the composure befitting a noble young master, said flatly, "I’ve been lingering in Qingfeng City recently, having toured all over, and found it rather dull. Happening to pass by your residence, I suddenly remembered your previous proposal to spar with me. Feeling a bit itchy-handed, I came in. I didn’t expect you to be quite busy."

Chen Ming’s eyes lit up slightly, and his tone grew more enthusiastic, "Apologies, I indeed had an important guest earlier. Had I known it was Young Master Zhou visiting, I would have come earlier. I must apologize for keeping you waiting."

Hearing this, Zhou Weihao felt much more comfortable.

"In that case, let’s not waste any more time and begin."

"Sure, please follow me."

The two proceeded to the martial arts training ground in the backyard and officially began sparring.

PS: Hoping to hit the new book monthly ticket ranking, seeking support with monthly tickets.