Chapter 212: Chapter 200: Peerless Young Master
Chen Ming watched as the young man in black clothes taught a lesson to the Six Gates patrol envoy who was bullying others, earning himself a hero’s reception. He couldn’t help but sympathize with the constables of Xiazhou’s Six Gates.
Compared to his counterparts in Jiangzhou, their situation was indeed too miserable.
However, he could understand, because, just within Ten Thousand Thunder City, there were three First Grade martial artists, and over a dozen were above Third Grade.
When he heard about this number, he was stunned.
The Qingfeng Commandery, in comparison to here, was far weaker.
Moreover, Six Gates in Ten Thousand Thunder City only had one First Grade and three Third Grades. Each Third Grade had five Fifth Grade patrol envoys under them, with a significant disparity in strength.
Additionally, the Money Gang was recently holding a martial arts tournament to recruit a spouse, attracting many experts.
This was even more lively than the "Cyan Cloud Ranking" competition he attended a few months ago.
...
After Chen Ming finished eating, he waited for most of the people in the tavern to leave, found an opportunity, and approached the middle-aged merchant, "Brother, you must have just come from Jiangzhou?"
The middle-aged merchant noticed that although he was young, he dressed luxuriously, possessed an extraordinary aura, and traveled with a beautiful maid, so he did not dare to be negligent, "Indeed, I wonder what business you have with me, young sir?"
Chen Ming smiled, "I’m quite interested in the Longevity Mysterious Tomb, and I’ve come to inquire about it. Might you have some information?"
The middle-aged merchant replied, "Certainly."
At this moment, a voice chimed in from the side, "I’m also quite interested. May I join and listen as well?"
Chen Ming turned to see an extraordinarily handsome young man approaching.
A true noble in a troubled world!
He silently praised in his heart. This appearance ranked as the most attractive among the men he had seen. He was just a bit too handsome, appearing somewhat feminine.
In the eyes of those with a preference for men’s beauty, he might be as attractive as those stunning beauties.
Chen Ming merely glanced and confirmed the person was male.
The middle-aged merchant also stared dumbfounded, only responded after a brief pause, "Of course, that’s convenient."
Thus, the three of them, along with several followers, found a quiet tea house, requested an elegant tea room, and chatted while drinking tea.
The middle-aged merchant was surnamed Jia, primarily engaged in the herbal business, with certain herbs unique to Xiazhou, gaining more profit when transported to Jiangzhou for sale.
Several unique herbs grew near Ten Thousand Thunder City, serving as the primary material for antiseptic medicine. Hence, every year he visited to stock up and sell them in Jiangzhou.
Jia the merchant had just arrived from Jiangzhou City to Ten Thousand Thunder City, and he had heard discussions about the Longevity Mysterious Tomb over meals.
"...Actually, whether the Longevity Mysterious Tomb exists is still a question mark, yet it has already caused chaos in Jiangzhou. Originally, I planned to stay longer in Jiangzhou City. I heard that several major forces besieged the Ji Family, erasing it overnight...
"That was a great family with hundreds of years of heritage, guarded by a peak expert above First Grade, wiped out just like that."
Jia the merchant mentioned this with some lingering fear.
Chen Ming was not surprised by this, as Ji Hongxin had become the puppet of the Immortal Demon Venerable. Who knew how many within the Ji Family were under control?
Naturally, exterminating them was preferable to ensure safety.
He asked, "Were all the Ji Family members killed?"
Jia the merchant shook his head, "No, from what I’ve heard, the Ji Family is now an empty shell; the core members received news and fled beforehand, their whereabouts currently unknown."
The handsome young man asked, "With such a major incident, does the Six Gates not intervene?"
"It was the Six Gates who led the assault to eliminate the Ji Family."
"What were the charges?"
"Colluding with the demon followers of the Longevity Evil Cult. On my way here by ship, I saw many wanted posters for the Ji Family in various places in Xiazhou. They should soon be arriving in Ten Thousand Thunder City."
The handsome young man asked with a serious expression, "Did the Immortal Demon Venerable truly escape suppression?"
Jia the merchant said, "Anyway, that’s what others are saying."
The handsome young man’s eyes glinted with a hint of gloom and asked again, "Do you know who the Immortal Demon Venerable possessed last?"
"It was a young man named Chen Ming, reportedly just twenty-five, already at Third Grade cultivation, the most dazzling figure among Jiangzhou’s younger generation, an exceptional genius, sadly perished in the Fire Vein."
Chen Ming never expected to hear his name mentioned here; the feeling was quite peculiar. He seized the chance to ask, "Then what happened? Who gained the most from this affair?"
Jia the merchant shook his head, "Every family suffered heavy losses; even the legendary key rumored to open the Longevity Mysterious Tomb fell into the deep abyss along with Chen Ming. Everyone ended up worse off."
Judging from his expression, Chen Ming surmised he didn’t know more details, so he refrained from further inquiries.
After wrapping up matters here, he planned to devise a way to visit Jiangzhou on official duty.
The handsome young man had no more questions to ask and soon took his leave.
...
After departing the tea house, Chen Ming asked, "Xiao He, do you know who this exceedingly beautiful man is?"
Xiao He remained close behind him, inseparable. When he did not need her, she was barely noticeable. Whenever he required assistance, she reacted instinctively, showing a high level of professional expertise.
Because of this, Chen Ming felt even more wary, always observing her secretly. Presently, it still remained uncertain whether she harbored any suspicions.
Xiao He said, "To the young master, this one should be the most renowned young master in Xiazhou, the heir of the Jiang Family, the youngest with Third Grade Cultivation in Xiazhou. This young master has always been low key, and I didn’t expect him to come to participate in the Money Gang’s martial arts contest for marriage."
"So it’s him."
Chen Ming had been hearing quite a lot of news these days. According to rumors, this young master is one of the hottest candidates. The odds at the gambling house were almost even, nearly one to one.
Because many people believe that the young master and the "Rich and Noble Flower" are a match made in heaven.
Some even think that even if the young master loses, he will most likely still win the beauty’s heart.
"Brother Gu!"
Suddenly, Qiu Chundong ran over hastily. Seeing him, he let out a sigh of relief, "I just heard that a colleague from out of town got beaten up, and in worry, I hurried over to find you."
It seems he was worried that the one beaten was him.
Chen Ming said, "I happened to be on the scene and witnessed it with my own eyes. They say the people of Xiazhou are fierce, and today I have indeed learned that."
Qiu Chundong smiled bitterly, "Xiazhou has always been like this, not like the Capital City. These high-powered martial artists have always been lawless, not putting us Six Gates in their eyes."
"Is it the same in Xiazhou City?"
"Pretty much, don’t forget, the Eight Righteous Sect is in Xiazhou City."
Eight Righteous Sect!
One of the nine major sects is on par with the Celestial Dao Alliance, so one can imagine how strong this sect is. Facing such a giant, even Six Gates is powerless.
Even if the highest official of Six Gates in Xiazhou City is a super powerful cultivator, they can only maintain a surface level of appearance.
In this world, strength is what speaks.
Gu Xianyu chose to come to Xiazhou precisely because Six Gates here is weaker, martial artists run rampant, and there are more opportunities to make a name.
Chen Ming asked, "By the way, what is the background of the attacker?"
Qiu Chundong said, "He is a disciple of the Eight Righteous Sect, from the Bitter Righteous Lineage, named He Zhixing. This person’s parents both died under the blades of Six Gates constables, so he is especially hostile to us. You must be careful if you encounter him in the future."
Chen Ming asked again, "I heard that Brother Liang’s strength is also among the top in the younger generation. Why doesn’t Lord Governor let him participate in the martial arts contest for marriage?"
Qiu Chundong said, "The eldest master is already married and has deep feelings. Naturally, it’s inconvenient to participate."
"I see."
Chen Ming said this, but he knew it was an excuse. In reality, in this world of strong individuals, having three or four wives is the norm.
Of course, there are also powerful women who ignore societal norms and find several husbands. This is not unheard of.
In fact, many who come to participate in the martial arts contest have already married. To them, marrying another is nothing.
No one would think there is anything inappropriate about it.
As for that eldest master Liang having deep feelings with his wife, that’s nonsense.
These days, Chen Ming has heard gossip everywhere and knows it’s an arranged marriage. It’s said that on the wedding day, eldest master Liang did not even spend the night in the bridal chamber, clearly not very satisfied with the marriage.
He also heard another piece of gossip that eldest master Liang once pursued the "Rich and Noble Flower" on the Absolute Beauty List but was brutally rejected.
It’s probably because of this that he doesn’t have the face to participate in the martial arts contest.
...
A few more days passed, and the martial arts contest for marriage was about to begin. Chen Ming learned from Xiao He that Gu Yuyin had returned again.
He found it a bit strange, "Why did she come back again?"
Xiao He answered, "Miss Six came back to accompany a cousin to participate in the martial arts contest."
Really have nothing better to do.
Chen Ming couldn’t help but shake his head.
"The young master from the Wu Family has sent an invitation post, saying he wants to invite you to a banquet. Do you want to go?"
"No."
He refused without thinking; this is the persona of Gu Xianyu, who always declines such invitations if possible. It actually stems from an inferiority complex.
Because Gu Xianyu is an illegitimate child, his mother’s family background was quite ordinary. She was only beautiful and caught the eye of passing Gu Father, leading to a night of romance, resulting in her pregnancy.
Because of his background, Gu Xianyu was often ridiculed when he was in the Gu Family, especially at banquets. As soon as the elders weren’t around, his background would be brought up. He didn’t dare to act in such situations, only to endure the humiliation.
After that, he basically stopped attending such banquets.
Honestly, with such a weak personality, no matter how high his talent is, it’s difficult to compete with his decisive and ruthless brothers.
See how ruthless others are; once they find that he might become a threat, they immediately send two Third Grade cultivators to kill him.
If he could be a bit tougher, his father would look at him with more respect and wouldn’t end up like this.
This was just a minor episode. Two days later, the day of the martial arts contest for marriage finally arrived.
Early in the morning, Chen Ming took the maid Xiao He and set off for the Money Gang.
PS: Asking for monthly tickets.
