"Young Master Zhao... please allow me to inform them first..."

The trio was discussing matters concerning the Celestial Dao Alliance, when suddenly Chunxiang’s voice came from outside.

Then, Zhao Xiyan’s voice followed, "No need, I’ll go in by myself."

As she spoke, she had already entered the room, glanced inside, and smiled, "So, Brother Chen has guests, I apologize for my intrusion."

She was still dressed in men’s clothing, waving a folding fan in her hand, looking suave and charming. However, the heavy scent of makeup on her body made it obvious to the keen eye that she was a woman.

Zhao Xiyan clasped her hands together gracefully and said, "You must be Brother Chen’s friends, Zhao extends greetings."

Zhou Weihao was startled to see her, instinctively glancing at Chen Ming.

He recognized her at once as Admiral Zhao’s daughter; they had met once at the martial arts gathering.

Could their relationship really be this close?

Furthermore, she used the intimate term "Brother Chen."

Although the atmosphere in the Great Jin was relatively open, especially among martial artists, with fewer taboos on male-female interactions.

But Zhao Xiyan was an admiral’s daughter; although Chen Ming was exceptionally talented, he came from a humble background with an unremarkable sect. Their statuses were worlds apart.

Deng Ziyang, who hadn’t met Zhao Xiyan, naturally didn’t recognize her. He assumed she was Chen Ming’s confidante and didn’t take another look, saying with a smile, "Since Brother Chen has guests, I won’t disturb you further. Farewell."

With that, he simply left.

As he left, he wondered from which family such an outstanding beauty in Qingfeng City could be.

Zhou Weihao, understanding the situation, also bade farewell and, before leaving, couldn’t help but look back, seeing Zhao Xiyan’s eyes fixed on Chen Ming without moving away.

He frowned slightly and soon lost sight of the two, quickening his pace to leave.

...

In the courtyard, Chen Ming washed the tea set.

This tea set was new and quite expensive; the cups were as thin as eggshells, nearly transparent, made from fine porcelain.

The tea leaves were also a rare gift, invaluable.

The emerald tea was poured into cups, presenting a delightful scene.

Zhao Xiyan took a sip from her cup, then drank it all, smiling as she asked, "Didn’t interrupt you, did I?"

Chen Ming smiled, "No, we had finished our conversation."

If he were to rank his future guests, this Miss Zhao would certainly top the list. After all, she had once helped him out immensely, and he owed her a significant favor.

"I overheard you were discussing the Celestial Dao Alliance?"

"Yes. I’ve heard the evildoers from the Longevity Sect have resurfaced."

Upon hearing the term "Longevity Sect," Zhao Xiyan’s smile faded as she said, "This Zhou fellow is well-informed indeed."

She pouted slightly, a hint of displeasure in her expression.

Chen Ming smiled, "Did you come to tell me about this too?"

"That’s one thing, but there’s another matter," Zhao Xiyan said, examining him from top to bottom, a glint of surprise flashing in her eyes. "If I’m not mistaken, you’re not far from achieving Qi Blood Mastery."

Chen Ming was taken aback; she could discern his true cultivation level?

Typically, even experienced individuals can only roughly gauge a martial artist’s cultivation, since the power of Qi-Blood resides within and isn’t apparent unless fully exerted.

Only through combat can one truly gauge the opponent’s level.

Seeing his surprised expression, Zhao Xiyan slyly blinked and said, "Surprised you, didn’t I? Didn’t you know there are people who specialize in Pupil Techniques in this world?"

Pupil Techniques?

This was indeed the first time Chen Ming had heard of it, so he admitted openly, "I was ignorant of that."

This admission essentially confirmed her earlier observation.

Zhao Xiyan was internally shocked, as her Pupil Technique was still lacking and could only discern a rough idea.

Every few days when she visited Chen Ming, she could sense his Qi-Blood strength increasing significantly each time. The pace of his progress was unheard of.

At times, she suspected her own eyes were faulty. The earlier comment was in part a test.

She didn’t expect it to be true!

If she remembered correctly, he broke through to the seventh grade just over three months ago?

Such rapid progress was truly astonishing.

Though inwardly shaken, Zhao Xiyan remained outwardly calm, saying, "Ever since that incident thirty years ago, Qingfeng City has indeed fallen into decline. Pupil Techniques aren’t all that rare; they merely require a certain talent and daily application of Spirit Liquid during childhood."

"For descendants of prominent families, eyesight is essential. Thus, most practice Pupil Techniques, though to varying degrees. Those less advanced can only discern a person’s general cultivation level, while those more adept can see through many disguises."

Chen Ming nodded frequently; chatting with these people indeed widened his knowledge.

Suddenly, he recalled Fu Zhengyang in the Six Gates prison, asking, "There should be Secret Techniques in the world for disguising one’s cultivation, right?"

"Of course there are. However, such techniques must be coupled with unique cultivation techniques to be effective. Your cultivation technique is Supremely Yang and Firm; similar Secret Techniques might not be useful to you."

Even the nature of my cultivation technique can be discerned?

Chen Ming increasingly found this Miss Zhao extraordinary.

Zhao Xiyan said, "Given your current progress, it won’t be long before you achieve Qi Blood Mastery. As far as I know, there are two cultivation techniques that would suit you."

Chen Ming initially wanted to decline, but upon hearing her mention, he felt a sudden impulse, changing his words, "I would appreciate your guidance, Miss Zhao."

Zhao Xiyan elaborated, "One is at the Six Gates, called the ’Qianyuan Technique,’ a Supreme Divine Skill aimed above the first grade. It’s not taught to anyone outside the Six Gates. Even a sixth-grade technique requires a great deal of merit."

After hearing that, he shook his head, considering he wasn’t planning to join the Six Gates for now. "What about the other one?"

Zhao Xiyan said, "The other is the ’Nine Dragon Fire Divine Skill’ from the Four Seas Trading Company, a Divine Skill that can reach first grade. However, the first part is said to be missing, and no one has mastered it yet. It might be suitable for you. I can call in a favor from the Four Seas Trading Company."

’Nine Dragon Fire Divine Skill’?

Missing the first part?

Could it be such a coincidence?

Chen Ming had a strong intuition that this so-called ’Nine Dragon Fire Divine Skill’ might be the third part of the ’Fiery Sun Divine Skill.’

Just by asking, he had acquired critical information.

He shook his head and said, "There’s no rush on this. I still have some time before achieving Qi Blood Mastery. We’ll discuss it when the time comes."

Better not to alert anyone prematurely.

Zhao Xiyan nodded, "Alright, as you say."

...

The next day, Xiao Zhuyun arrived with Huo Qianqian.

Interestingly, over the past month or so, Xiao Zhuyun had also visited Chen Ming periodically to spar, yet had never run into Zhao Xiyan. They always just missed each other.

One has to admit; these two seemed to have a remarkable tacit understanding.

"Brother Chen, my junior sister and I came specially to bid farewell. We depart tomorrow; during this period, many thanks to Brother Chen for your care."

They’re leaving?

Chen Ming felt a bit disappointed; with her leaving, he would lose a sparring partner willing to train with him.

With concern, he asked, "I’ve heard that the attackers this time are the evildoers from the Longevity Sect. Isn’t it a bit risky to leave now?"

Xiao Zhuyun smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Brother Chen. Yesterday, the seniors from our sect arrived and will escort us back."

"That’s good. I wish Junior Sister Xiao and her sister a safe journey."

"In the future, should Brother Chen visit our sect, please inform me so I may properly extend my hospitality."

"Of course."

Chen Ming escorted them out to the gate.

...

In the carriage, Xiao Zhuyun took out a finely crafted dagger, playing with it in her hand, a hint of melancholy in her expression.

Sitting opposite her, Huo Qianqian suddenly asked, "Senior Sister intended to give it to Senior Brother Chen just now, right? Why didn’t you in the end?"

Looking down at the dagger in her hand, Xiao Zhuyun said softly, "It’s like this, I find him hard to understand. People say he’s obsessed with martial arts, yet observing his actions and words, he’s worldly and tactful, managing relationships astutely. Such people aren’t within my ability to control."

There was one thing she didn’t voice, especially considering he had someone like Zhao Xiyan by his side.

So, she decided to let it go.