Zhao Xiyan, upon hearing the good news, seemed to have forgotten about her tiff with Chen Ming and excitedly celebrated by drinking with him.

After a few drinks, Zhao Xiyan’s fair and delicate cheeks blushed lightly, her eyes sparkling like stars, "Brother Chen, what are your plans after breaking through to the Sixth Grade?"

Chen Ming saw her question and responded boldly, "I’ve already decided to challenge the masters in Qingfeng City to sharpen my saber technique."

"This—"

Zhao Xiyan hesitated and gently suggested, "You just broke through to the Sixth Grade and your cultivation is still shallow. Maybe you should consolidate it first."

The implication was that challenging fellow elites with such shallow skills would only invite humiliation.

Chen Ming said enthusiastically, "Time waits for no one. You know I wasn’t born into a renowned sect; to progress, I must learn from various masters to climb to greater heights."

Zhao Xiyan put down her wine glass, biting her lip, "Actually, if you want to join a sect..."

"Xiyan!"

Chen Ming interrupted her, calling her by name for the first time, with a serious expression, "If you still consider me a friend, don’t bring it up again."

Zhao Xiyan’s heart trembled slightly, she bowed her head and said softly, "I understand."

Chen Ming’s expression softened, his tone gentler, "I know you mean to help me, but..." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

I have my pride!

He didn’t say this out loud.

Suddenly, he thought of Shang Jianfei back in the day, who must have been proud, yet ultimately accepted Miss Jiang’s kindness and joined Qinghe Sword Sect. Probably not without taking a hit from reality, he eventually compromised.

Zhao Xiyan stared at him, at a loss.

Before, Chen Ming was always polite, a person of kindness, repaying favors and avenging grievances, with a tough exterior.

This was the first time she saw him so domineering and assertive.

She suddenly recalled her mother’s words: the most important things for a man are strength and power. These can completely transform a man.

"When do you plan to start?"

"No day like today, let’s start now."

"Huh?"

...

Afternoon, around the Hour of Shen.

A few people arrived suddenly at the gates of Chaoyang Martial Arts Hall, both men and women, led by Chen Ming. They attempted to enter but were stopped.

The blockers were two young men dressed in martial arts training uniforms, one of whom politely said, "Young Master Chen Er, please halt. The Hall Master isn’t here; you’d best return."

Everyone at the martial arts hall knew that this Chen Er had tried several times to spar with the Hall Master, who refused. Eventually, he ordered disciples not to let him enter.

After several attempts, Chen Ming learned to stop coming.

Unexpectedly, after all this time, the second son returned again.

Chen Ming smiled faintly and said, "Send word to Lu Chaofeng that I’m here for a challenge, and if he hides away like a turtle, I won’t hesitate to ruin your reputation."

The people present were dumbfounded.

"What... what did you say?"

Chen Ming disdainfully refrained from repeating himself. With a gesture, Chunxiang and Xiaxiang simultaneously sprang forward, kicking the two blockers in the chest and sending them flying.

Chunxiang yelled fiercely, "My second lord gives you half a stick of incense’s time."

Xiaxiang followed, "If Lu Chaofeng doesn’t come out to fight, we’ll smash your sign!"

At this, the people from Chaoyang Martial Arts Hall erupted, shouting, "Someone’s here to challenge us." "Quick, inform the Hall Master."

...

Standing by Chen Ming’s side, Zhao Xiyan glanced at the two shadowy maids and noticed they were already Ninth Grade, thinking Brother Chen must have trained them as Martial Maids, though they’re not very pretty and lacking in class.

She said, "Chaoyang Martial Arts Hall doesn’t seem to have any Sixth Grade martial artists?"

Chen Ming laughed, "Who said I’m challenging Sixth Grade?"

"Huh?"

Zhao Xiyan’s mind momentarily scrambled, nearly failing to grasp his meaning.

Just then, a roar sounded from within, "Chen Ming, you dare act recklessly here? Do you think I’m afraid of you?"

A tall, elderly man wearing black brocade rushed out aggressively. It was none other than Lu Chaofeng, Hall Master of Chaoyang Martial Arts Hall.

The fame of Chaoyang Martial Arts Hall is only slightly inferior to Wind and Thunder Martial Arts Hall, and Lu Chaofeng also possesses Seventh Grade cultivation.

This old man loved to act smug and stubborn, unpersuadable no matter what.

So, he became Chen Ming’s primary target for a challenge.

If someone is disrespectful, then don’t bother being polite.

...

Previously, Chen Ming lacked strength, fearing he couldn’t protect his family, so he pursued a soft approach, befriending before sparring.

Today was different; his strength grew, plus he had Zhao Xiyan’s backing and prestige from the Huo Sect. Protecting his family was no longer a concern.

Additionally, he needed a significant amount of Experience Points, so he ruthlessly dropped the facade. Those who previously refused him, he directly challenged them.

Chen Ming walked forward with hands behind his back, disdainfully requesting, "Enough talk, strike."

Beside him, Zhao Xiyan was astounded, dumbfounded.

Earlier at Drunken Immortal Pavilion, he spoke so passionately. She presumed he intended to challenge Sixth Grade masters.

However, he aimed to challenge Seventh Grade martial artists.

With Sixth Grade cultivation, challenging Seventh Grade, wasn’t that pure bullying?

While she was pondering, she heard a crash; Lu Chaofeng had flown backward, knocking down disciples, causing chaos in the martial arts hall.

"No more than that."

Chen Ming snorted coldly and saw a notification appear, [You defeated an LV35 opponent, gaining 400 Experience Points]

Four hundred points, quite satisfactory.

Feeling elated, he grabbed Zhao Xiyan and said, "Let’s go to the next one."

"Six... Sixth Grade? You’re actually Sixth Grade?"

From behind came Lu Chaofeng’s incredulous voice.

...

Thus, Chen Ming took Zhao Xiyan and challenged each Seventh Grade opponent who previously refused him.

With just one move, he efficiently resolved each battle, focusing on effectiveness.

As the news spread, a handful followed him, eager for excitement.

How exciting it is to witness lofty martial artist masters getting defeated—it’s utterly satisfying.

Missing such a spectacle would be regrettable.

Dragged by Chen Ming, Zhao Xiyan transformed from astonished confusion, to awkwardness, then numbness.

Chen Ming’s challenge against one Seventh Grade is deemed dishonorable.

Challenging three to five is viewed as retaliation.

After challenging over ten, a single intent is perceived: establishing dominance!

Those observers, initially whispering, became quieter, observing Chen Ming with awe.

Almost overnight, Chen Ming’s image shifted from warm and righteous to a vindictive tiger with a smile.

Suddenly many realized, this second son was known for irrepressible rage—provoking him meant potential death.

Chen Ming cared little about others’ views, even when the challenge tour ended, feeling Zhao Xiyan’s odd gaze, he was unconcerned.

Sometimes a bad reputation helps, causing others to weigh consequences before provoking you.

Twenty-seven Seventh Grades provided a total of 10,800 Experience Points, averaging 400 each—exceeding expectations.

"We’ll continue tomorrow."

Sending Zhao Xiyan back to Admiral’s Mansion, he said this.

Zhao Xiyan’s mouth moved a bit, ultimately saying nothing, entering her home with her maid.

After watching her go inside, Chen Ming took Chunxiang and Xiaxiang home.

Chunxiang whispered, "Young master, I think Zhao... won’t come tomorrow."

Chen Ming said, "Whether she comes or not, it’s okay."

After today’s events, everyone knows his deep connection with Admiral Zhao’s daughter. He’s simply riding the tide.

When necessary, use what you must; those driven by moral purity won’t succeed.

It’s also a test to see how far Zhao Xiyan will go for him.

Her interest: mere alliance?

Or just a beauty trap?

Or does she truly favor him enough to cross small boundaries...

Judging from today’s actions, she clearly values him, although dragged along, she accompanied him throughout.

We’ll see tomorrow.

What will she do?

Chen Ming is rather expectant.

PS: Third update requests monthly votes.