Chapter 42: A Strong Backer
Chen Ming’s breakthrough to the Eighth Grade was a small matter for Qingfeng City—only causing a slight ripple within certain factions.
But for the Chen family, it was a major event.
In the following days, well-wishers came in an endless stream.
There were acquaintances of Chen Rui from the business world, as well as Chen Ming’s own friends, mostly including Master Huo Chengkun’s registered disciples.
Even Zhang Mingyu came personally to offer congratulations.
Moreover, numerous people from Sun Shicai’s circle arrived as well.
They were of the same sect; Chen Ming reaching Eighth Grade was a good omen for them too.
After all, within the Huo School lineage, apart from Seventh Grade Sun Shicai, there were only two Eighth Graders: Zhang Mingyu and another registered disciple. Gaining one more Eighth Grader strengthened the prestige of the Huo School.
These past few days had been livelier than even when the Chen residence had moved house.
Chen Ming only met with Zhang Mingyu and the other sect members, alongside close friends like Deng Ziyang; the rest were received by his older brother, Chen Rui.
Everyone knew Chen Ming was about to participate in the martial school guild’s three duels and needed to focus, so they were all understanding—after all, the gifts had been delivered.
…
On the afternoon of the third day, in the same courtyard.
The sun was setting, and the late-autumn evening had turned a bit chilly.
Chen Ming was sharing his experience of breaking into Eighth Grade with Deng Ziyang and Zhuang Xiaotian. “…Ninth Grade is the Tendons-and-Bones Realm; there’s no shortcut—only by continuously tempering the body. Once the tendons and bones reach maturity, the breakthrough comes naturally…
“The Eighth Grade is called the Internal Stalwart Realm, and it trains the internal organs—the Five Viscera and Six Bowels. You absolutely need the corresponding zhuang gong…”
Speaking of zhuang gong, he had to thank Old Ghost Xiao, who had gifted him a copy of the Three Yang Body Tempering Technique.
As he had advanced to the fourth level of this technique, he increasingly appreciated its sophistication.
“Three Yang” refers to the harmonious rise of yin and yang and the awakening of all things. It was truly a brilliant skill.
He had specifically tried to research its origins but found nothing substantial.
Many had been taken in by Old Ghost Xiao before, but he had no suitable contacts to investigate further—so the matter was shelved for the time being.
Deng Ziyang and Zhuang Xiaotian listened intently, each absorbing insights.
Without noticing, it had already become dark.
Chen Ming had lanterns lit, and the three of them sat in the pavilion to eat.
“I wonder when Second Brother will be back,” Deng Ziyang began, a hint of melancholy in his expression.
Yesterday, Guan Peng, their sworn brother, had set off—boarding a merchant vessel bound for foreign lands.
It was Ziyang and Xiaotian who had gone to send him off, as Guan Peng hadn’t come to see Chen Ming before departing.
Zhuang Xiaotian said, “Heading out to sea now, he must be bound for the southern seas. The ship is laden with porcelain and raw silk. He’ll definitely return in two or three months at most.”
Chen Ming was curious: “Brother Zhuang, you’re really familiar with sea voyages?”
Xiaotian replied, “My father went to sea in his youth. Since childhood, he taught us brothers about these matters.”
“I see.”
Qingfeng City was a port city, bustling and prosperous—only second to the provincial seat in Jiangzhou.
Many, like Zhuang’s father, had gone to sea in their youth, saved up money, then retired ashore to buy land and build homes.
Wanlong Trading Company was one of the top merchant firms in Qingfeng City—an ocean-shipping powerhouse with a massive fleet and huge demand for manpower.
To attract martial artists into their crew, they even offered martial arts techniques as incentives.
Each year, many martial artists like Guan Peng would join the Wanlong trading fleet in pursuit of techniques.
Though dangerous, it was a viable path forward.
For impoverished youths like Guan Peng and Zhuang Xiaotian, without any martial lineage, pursuing martial arts was an extremely arduous road—every step forward had to be paid with their lives.
In truth, Chen Ming was just like them, perhaps even less gifted.
The difference was that he had a plug.
As the three chatted, Deng Ziyang suddenly asked, “Senior Brother, do you know who is the backer behind Jinyuan Prosperity Trading?”
Chen Ming was intrigued: “The Qi family has a backer too?”
“Of course. Otherwise, how could the Qi family manage such large businesses on their own?”
“Please enlighten me.”
“In Qinghe City, the vast profits from maritime trade are monopolized by seven major sea merchants. The Qi family rose to prominence too late and couldn’t claim a share. So they took another path: acting as suppliers. They have almost monopolized porcelain from Yunzhou and Lanzhou. Even the seven major sea merchants are forced to buy porcelain from them.
“Imagine the strength and connections required to secure deals with so many porcelain factories across two prefectures.”
Chen Ming was momentarily stunned.
Until now, he had never really thought about that question.
Zhuang Xiaotian also became curious and asked, “So, who exactly is backing the Qi family?”
Deng Ziyang didn’t keep them in suspense. “It’s the Wang family from Yunzhou.”
“The Wang family?”
Chen Ming glanced at Zhuang Xiaotian and saw that he, too, looked confused—clearly unfamiliar with the name.
Deng Ziyang explained, “This Wang family isn’t a martial clan, but an imperial merchant family. They supervise major porcelain kilns on behalf of the royal court.”
“Oh.”
With that explanation, Chen Ming and Zhuang Xiaotian immediately understood.
It was because of the Wang family’s authority that all the porcelain kilns supplied exclusively to Jinyuan Prosperity Trading. With this relationship, Jinyuan Prosperity was raking in profits.
Deng Ziyang added, “Don’t underestimate the Wang family. Though not widely known, in terms of true power, they are far above the likes of the Gu family.”
The Gu family was Qingfeng City’s number one noble house, its patriarch a Fourth Grade expert.
If someone was more powerful than the Gu family, they would have to have at least a Third Grade master overseeing them.
“Thanks,” Chen Ming said solemnly.
He understood that Deng Ziyang had come specifically to warn him.
Most likely, Deng feared that in his desire for revenge, Chen Ming might try to retaliate against Jinyuan Prosperity and suffer great loss as a result.
Let Jinyuan Prosperity enjoy their time a little longer.
There was no rush for revenge.
Deng Ziyang then changed the subject. “The city’s various martial schools each have their own specialty. They’ll surely come up with harsh trial challenges to drive you off. Are you confident?”
Chen Ming replied, “I’ll only know after I’ve competed.”
“Tomorrow, Third Brother and I will accompany you and cheer you on.”
“In that case, thank you both.”
…
The next morning.
Not long after Chen Ming got up, Zhang Mingyu arrived with several others to support him.
Soon after, more people came—it was a lively scene, all of them disciples of the Huo School.
When they set off, over a dozen people moved together toward the Wind and Thunder Martial School in an imposing group. To an outsider, it might’ve looked like they were going to start a fight.
Inside Wind and Thunder Martial School, the Martial Arts Guild had already prepared meticulously.
All twelve martial schools were present, each represented by someone seated on a chair—men and women, young and old.
Behind each representative stood many disciples, altogether numbering in the dozens, creating tremendous pressure on the newcomer.
Seated in the center was none other than Lei Zhenguang, the president of the Martial Arts Guild and a Seventh Grade expert.
When Chen Ming entered the school and faced more than a dozen scrutinizing gazes, he remained calm and composed. He cupped his fists and said, “I am Chen Ming, a junior and latecomer. Greetings to all present. I’ve come today to seek instruction. Please, set the terms.”
Lei Zhenguang called out, “Good courage! Since that’s the case, I won’t waste words. If you pass three trials, you may open a martial school in Qingfeng City. If not, you must disband your disciples and never open a school again.”
“Agreed.”
“For the first trial, let Elder Fang take the lead.”
Lei Zhenguang looked to an elderly man beside him, his hair and beard completely white.
“Alright,” the elder replied. He turned to someone behind him and said, “Yu’er, you go. Don’t disgrace our Tenglong Martial School.”
“Yes.”
A man in his thirties stepped forward and said, “Chen Ming, is it? You and I shall compete in hidden weapons.”
Chen Ming didn’t waste words. He simply said, “Please.”