Early in the morning, as the sky was just slightly lit, Chen Ming stood under the eaves, watching the snowflakes falling from the sky. It was the first snowfall of winter this year.

He reached out his hand, and a miraculous scene unfolded. The snowflakes falling above disappeared into thin air about thirty or forty centimeters from his palm.

This wasn’t the direct effect of True Qi, but rather a result of his Qi-Blood being excessively vigorous.

At this moment, the True Qi within his body was flowing gently along a meridian. Each time it circulated, the True Qi became more active.

After reaching the Sixth Grade, the improvement in strength became tangible and perceptible.

According to the "Six Yang Qi Cultivation Skill," the Sixth Grade of Martial Dao requires unblocking the twelve primary meridians in the body. Once all are unblocked, True Qi is perfected.

This is a gradual process that relies on accumulation.

For him, the way to accumulate is by earning Experience Points.

The first level requires a hundred thousand points.

Chen Ming felt a bit pressured. He counted with his fingers, and the Sixth Grade Martial Artists residing in Qingfeng City could be counted on two hands.

A Sixth Grade Martial Artist is not the same as a Seventh Grade one. They can be considered true elders. Just like Huo Chengkun in the past, who was a prominent figure in Qingfeng City.

Moreover, these people often have numerous disciples or serve as the banner of their family. They have fame and benefits and are absolutely unlikely to spar with others lightly because they cannot afford to lose. It’s no longer about individual honor or disgrace.

They represent the face of a faction.

Although there is only a one-level difference between the Sixth and Seventh Grades, their social statuses are different, and naturally, their mindsets differ as well.

The most crucial part is, he might not even be able to defeat them.

The Sixth Grade is a watershed, transitioning from third-rate to second-rate, and the logic of techniques changes. If he spars with those veteran Sixth Grade experts using the perfected "Swallow Returning Sword Technique," he’s more likely to lose.

After all, the "Swallow Returning Sword Technique" is merely third-rate.

True second-rate Martial Skills are wielded with True Qi. Their power is incomparable.

"I still need to find a way to learn a second-rate Martial Skill."

Chen Ming felt that his Experience Points were completely insufficient.

He hesitated for a moment but dismissed the idea of asking Zhao Xiyan for help. He already owed her a big favor. If he owed another, it wouldn’t be easy to repay.

He thought to himself, "It seems, I can only turn to him!"

...

After having breakfast, Chen Ming took a carriage and went out, heading north amidst the wind and snow, arriving at the gates of Prince Zhenhai’s Mansion.

As usual, he stepped forward and knocked on the door, "Elder, this junior has come to see you."

After waiting a while, he said, "Junior is coming in," and then pushed open the door and walked in.

A thin layer of snow covered the ground, which melted and turned to ice, making it somewhat slippery.

Chen Ming made his way to the small courtyard, only to find it empty. The potted plants had been moved indoors, leaving only a bare old tree standing forlornly.

The elder was not in the courtyard.

He entered the courtyard, respectfully bowed toward the house, and began speaking, "Elder, this junior has a request."

After speaking, he paused. Seeing no response from inside, he gritted his teeth and continued, "Half a month ago, an old woman offended you, Elder. I wonder where she is now. I hope Elder can inform me."

He waited a while longer.

Finally, a slightly hoarse voice came from inside the house, "What...is your...relationship with...her?"

It was as if someone who hadn’t spoken for a long time had suddenly started to talk, their speech faltering.

Chen Ming calmed himself and replied, "Based on seniority, I should refer to her as my senior aunt."

At this moment, the door of the house opened, and the elder hobbled out. His withered face was expressionless, but a cold glint shone in his murky old eyes, "Whose disciple...are you?"

"I once learned under Elder Huo’s tutelage for several years."

"What...did you...learn?"

"The ’Iron Horse Stance,’ ’Three Talents Saber Technique,’ ’Five Elements Saber Technique,’ and actually the ’Swallow Returning Sword Technique.’ A disciple of my senior aunt helped me correct it back to swordsmanship."

After Chen Ming finished speaking, a few seconds passed with no response from the elder, and he couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat.

Suddenly, with a swish, a sword flew out from inside the house and landed at his feet.

He was startled. The elder hadn’t moved, yet the sword flew out on its own. Was this the art of "Controlling the Sword with Qi"?

The elder spoke, "Let’s see how well you’ve mastered the ’Swallow Returning Sword Technique.’" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Yes."

Chen Ming drew the sword and demonstrated the sword technique in the courtyard.

In front of a First-Grade expert, he naturally showcased his best skills. As he executed the first sword, a faint change appeared on the elder’s withered face.

...

A moment later, the myriad sword shadows in the courtyard disappeared.

Chen Ming had displayed all Seventy-Two Sword Techniques, finally sheathing his sword and standing before the elder, saying, "Elder, I have made a fool of myself."

The elder’s eyes showed a trace of kindness, "You...are good."

Chen Ming asked, "Then, what about my senior aunt?"

"She’s fine. She—"

The elder paused for two seconds before continuing, "Come inside the house."

Though confused, Chen Ming obediently walked into the house.

The room was empty, with just one chair and a few hoes and shovels on the floor. Besides that, there was nothing else.

On the wall hung a sheath covered in dust, with only the sheath and no sword.

He looked at the sword in his hand, knowing it belonged in that sheath.

There was another door inside, leading to the back room.

However, he didn’t enter recklessly, for fear of offending the elder’s taboos.

"This was a gamble that paid off."

Chen Ming thought to himself.

Since he knew that Elder Shang and Huo Chengkun were fellow disciples, he naturally had to leverage this relationship. Using the pretext of pleading for his "senior aunt," he could demonstrate his connection with Huo Chengkun.

Ultimately, showcasing a swordsmanship talent that belied his age indeed moved Elder Shang. It was a preliminary success in gaining his favor.

...

"Junior greets Elder Shang."

Suddenly, a slightly familiar voice reached Chen Ming’s ears, and he was surprised: How could it be him?

This voice belonged to Zhao Shouchang, the Third-Grade Admiral and highest Chief Officer of the Six Gates in Qingfeng City.

He knew Elder Shang too?

Chen Ming was taken aback. Does this mean that the Six Gates have always known he was hiding here?

"What...are you here...for?" The elder’s voice was somewhat cold.

Zhao Shouchang’s voice remained respectful, "Junior has a question. At present, Elder once mentioned that no Third-Grade Martial Artist is allowed to step foot in Qingfeng City. Why, half a month ago, was a Third-Grade expert allowed into the city?"

The elder’s voice was hoarse, "You may... come, others... may also... come."

Damn!

Upon hearing this, Chen Ming felt a tingling on his scalp.

This means the court hadn’t sent a Third-Grade expert to Qingfeng City all these years because Elder Shang didn’t permit it?

But why was Zhao Shouchang an exception?

Zhao Shouchang’s voice was a bit bitter, "I thought Elder had disengaged from worldly affairs, but I didn’t expect..."

"Is there anything else?" The elder’s words clearly intended to dismiss him.

Zhao Shouchang said, "Please allow me to offer incense to my aunt."

Aunt...

It finally dawned on Chen Ming that Zhao Shouchang was the nephew of that Princess Consort. No wonder the court sent him over; they assumed Elder Shang wouldn’t harm him.

The rumors circulating on the market were indeed unreliable.

The elder coolly said, "That’s not necessary."

"Then I take my leave." Zhao Shouchang dared not say more and left straight away.

...

After Zhao Shouchang left, Chen Ming thought he could leave now.

The elder spoke again, "Why... not see... him?"

His step faltered, and he immediately withdrew his steps. This remark was undoubtedly not directed at him. In other words, another person was present.

A giggling sound rang out, "I just played him around in circles. If he saw me, wouldn’t he want a fight?"

The voice sounded youthful and the tone was quite intimate.

Chen Ming’s alarm bells were ringing in his heart. Oh no, this is a competitor!

Could this be Elder Shang’s disciple?

If he indeed had a disciple, his willingness to train talents would be greatly reduced.

Think about it: a lonely elder with no ties discovers a young person who bears a striking resemblance to himself in his youth and shares a deep connection. If they get along well, it would be no surprise to leave all heritage to him after a hundred years.

But if this elder had a biological granddaughter?

Then the situation would be completely different.

Forget it, one should not be too greedy.

Chen Ming thought that as long as he could learn a second-rate sword technique, this trip would be worthwhile.

After waiting for a while, he heard no more sound from outside, likely being cut off like last time.

He could only wait.

PS: First update asking for monthly votes.