The weather grew colder day by day, and the fallen leaves on the ground increased day by day.

Until one day, Chunxiang brought a basin of coal into the room, and Chen Ming realized that winter had arrived.

After reaching the Seventh Grade, the Qi-Blood is vigorous, not invaded by cold or heat, and becomes insensitive to temperature changes.

However, Chen Ming did not refuse this charcoal basin. He didn’t need it, but Chunxiang and Xiaxiang were still afraid of the cold. It could keep them warm.

It was early morning, still dark.

Chen Ming got up early and sat under the eaves, looking at the branches of the osmanthus tree in the yard, its leaves already fallen, hanging with clusters of ice crystals.

"Sir, all the students have arrived, expected fifty-three, actual fifty-three. Please address them, sir."

At this time, Hong Zilin reported loudly after counting the numbers.

Only then did Chen Ming look at the students standing before him, lined up in rows, all with heads held high. Despite the cold weather, the vitality characteristic of youth was undeniable.

"Begin."

With his command, the fifty-three students promptly stood in position and began practicing martial arts.

He remained seated in the wicker chair, occasionally glancing at a particular student.

The longest duration any of these students had been with him was over a year, and some showed excellent fundamentals, clearly indicating additional practice at home.

From their progress, it was also possible to discern who possessed high potential and who had average talent.

Among these fifty-three people, if he did not intervene, only three would become martial artists before turning twenty. This included Hong Zilin, who had a family background.

"No wonder there are so few martial artists in this world; the ratio of innate talent is indeed small, compounded by the monopoly of the Martial Arts families and sects..."

While Chen Ming was pondering, he noticed Li Jinchuan enter through the Moon Gate.

Since Li Jinchuan broke through to Ninth Grade, he no longer trained with the regular students and usually practiced in his own courtyard.

Li Jinchuan approached Chen Ming respectfully and saluted, "Senior Brother."

Seeing his somewhat unnatural expression, Chen Ming said, "Speak your mind?"

"I’m here to bid farewell to Senior Brother. Thank you for taking me in."

"Your Uncle Rui has returned?"

"No, he had someone send a letter asking me to go to Jiangzhou."

Chen Ming asked, "Is that person reliable?"

Li Jinchuan said, "Very reliable. Uncle Rui helped me connect with a trade convoy, departing early tomorrow."

Chen Ming nodded and said, "Once you reach Jiangzhou, send someone back to report your safe arrival. If faced with difficult situations in the future, feel free to return. The small courtyard will always be reserved for you."

"Senior Brother—"

Li Jinchuan’s eyes reddened quickly.

"Remember to say goodbye to my sister-in-law before you leave."

"Hmm."

Li Jinchuan saluted again before retreating.

Watching the youth’s slightly thin figure, Chen Ming felt a bit sentimental. He could see that Li Jinchuan also had a story, but he never proactively asked.

As a modern person who has navigated the workplace, he always respects boundaries and doesn’t randomly pry into others’ privacy. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Like with Old Liu, who contacted him willingly; that’s different. It shows their friendship is well-established.

...

After morning practice, the students left the Chen Mansion in groups of three or five.

Chen Ming joined his family for breakfast, where Mrs. Wei mentioned Li Jinchuan’s forthcoming departure, looking quite reluctant.

In her eyes, Li Jinchuan was like someone else’s child, good-looking, quiet, yet very courteous, diligent in practice, and already a martial artist at a young age.

She hoped her own son could learn from him.

Now that he suddenly said he was leaving, naturally, she was unwilling.

...

At noon, after having his meal, Chen Ming rode out in a carriage.

As his pharmacy business grew, his carriage was changed to a larger, more luxurious one with two horses pulling it.

According to his brother Chen Rui, he now had status, so his carriage should not be shabby.

Chunxiang had thoughtfully prepared a hand warmer in the carriage for him.

Exiting the gate, the carriage sped northward.

Not far from the exit, it suddenly stopped.

Hearing the commotion outside, Chen Ming grew curious. In the dead of winter, why was there such a gathering? He asked the driver, "What’s happening ahead?"

The driver said, "It seems today is the autumn sentencing and execution day; many are waiting to see the beheadings."

Execution for public spectacle?

Chen Ming’s heart moved at this. The profession of executioner wasn’t bad. Killing a martial artist garnered more Experience Points than defeating one.

Still, it was merely a thought. Given Six Gates’ style, they often killed on site, rarely capturing criminals, and even fewer were sentenced to death each year.

Not worth it.

The road being clogged, he had no choice but to wait there.

After a while, the time was up.

The executioner read the names and crimes of the condemned, his voice carrying over the distance.

Suddenly, Chen Ming heard a name—"Ding Guangnan." He immediately remembered this person from Six Gates’ prison, a brave soul sentenced to death for killing the illegitimate son of the Four Seas Trading Company’s owner.

This person had a backbone, leaving a significant impression on him.

Unfortunately, he still had to die.

Amidst waves of cheers, the prisoners’ heads likely fell.

Once the crowd dispersed, the carriage could finally move on.

"Old Wang."

Chen Ming suddenly stopped the driver, gave a few instructions, and then jumped off the carriage, leaving on foot.

He instructed the driver to find someone to bury Ding Guangnan’s body, sparing him from exposure in the wilderness.

That was the only thing he could do for Ding Guangnan.

...

Chen Ming arrived alone at the entrance of the former Prince Zhenhai’s Mansion and announced loudly, "Junior Chen Ming, here to see Elder."

He stood waiting for a moment, then said, "Junior is entering."

Only then did he push the door open and enter.

For the past two months, he visited once every ten days. Initially, he came with Zhou Weihao, but after Zhou returned home, he came alone.

Inside was a First Grade expert.

It’s worth noting that Zhao Shouchang, the leading expert in Qingfeng City, was merely Third Grade.

The invincible pirate king at sea, the Red Sea Monarch, was only Second Grade.

Such a hefty support must be embraced by all means.

Just tending the grass every ten days—what’s there to refuse?

Chen Ming walked to the courtyard of Elder Shang and saw the old man still wearing his gray cloth robe, barefoot and limping as he watered the bonsai.

He saluted, "Elder, junior Chen Ming has come to see you."

The old man ignored him until he finished watering, then entered the room and threw out a small hoe.

Chen Ming picked up the hoe and went outside to busy himself.

After entering winter, even the weeds had withered considerably. The previously cleared area did not sprout new weeds, so he walked to a farther location.

This work lasted for more than an hour.

"Shang Jianfei!"

Suddenly, a shrill voice erupted, shattering the calm in the deserted mansion.

Startled, Chen Ming wondered if trouble was looming for Elder Shang.

But why did this voice sound familiar? He felt he’d heard it somewhere before.

He hesitated.

Someone daring to trouble Elder Shang surely wasn’t ordinary.

If a real fight broke out, he might easily be caught up in it.

The destructive power of a First Grade expert was no joke.

Maybe, he should flee?

"You’re hiding here..."

The voice grew closer, dripping with resentment, anger, and sorrow... like a cold wind from hell, each word tainted with hate and grievance.

It’s her!

Chen Ming finally recalled the owner of this voice.

Huo Chengkun’s junior sister, that old woman!

What was going on? Did she actually know Elder Shang? They seemed to have an unusual relationship.

But wait, the old woman’s cultivation didn’t seem high, probably not reaching Third Grade, so how could she be involved with Elder Shang?

Furthermore, their relationship seemed fraught with deep enmity.

"I should have thought of it... hahaha..."

The maniacal laughter sent chills down Chen Ming’s spine.

PS: Ask for monthly tickets.