Chapter 57: Contrast
“Finally, our Huo Sect has produced another Seventh‑Rank—it’s been so hard…”
On the carriage, Gu Junrong spoke with tear‑bright eyes, revealing how moved he was.
Since Huo Chengkun’s death, registered disciples like him had truly felt the chill of human relationships.
Even the Old Master treated him differently now.
While Master was alive, the Old Master was always polite, never saying an extra word.
Now, he demanded this and that—if something wasn’t done well, one would face icy contempt.
That kind of sudden change made him feel deeply dejected.
Not just him—Wang Mingkai and Li Mingchang had similar experiences.
Only after losing something does one realize how precious it was to have had it.
So when Zhang Mingyu broke through to Seventh‑Rank, it meant everything to registered disciples of the Huo Sect.
Naturally, Chen Ming couldn’t fully grasp their feelings. He only nodded and agreed, “Yes—now Brother Sun won’t hold the upper hand anymore.”
As they spoke, they arrived at the Huo Residence.
Chen Ming stepped down from the carriage. Upon entering the gate, he noticed even the gatekeeper wore a cheerful expression, no longer dreary as before.
The whole Huo Residence was filled with celebratory atmosphere.
Many guests had come today—many who had once followed Sun Shicai shamelessly showed up to congratulate.
Only a few die‑hard critics were absent.
They were all fellow disciples.
Even someone like Zhang Mingkai—who had a sharp tongue—would only make a few sarcastic remarks, not actually drive anyone away.
The Huo Residence hadn’t been this lively for a long time.
“Junior Brother Chen is here! Hurry—Third Senior Brother’s been waiting for you.”
As soon as Chen Ming arrived, someone called out.
All others made way.
Among the Huo Residence, he was something of an oddity. Everyone called him Junior Brother, yet no one dared treat him poorly—there was warmth in their eagerness to please.
…
“Junior Brother—you’ve finally arrived.”
In the main hall, Zhang Mingyu rose from the seat of honor as Chen Ming entered, stepping forward to greet him.
Chen Ming smiled and congratulated him, “Congratulations, Senior Brother, on breaking through to Seventh‑Rank.”
“That’s thanks to you.”
Zhang Mingyu looked vastly different from usual—his eyes gleamed with restrained brilliance, his brows carried confident composure; his whole aura renewed, full of vigor.
He held Chen Ming’s hand and led him to a seat beside him, sighing, “I advanced so quickly thanks to your help, Junior Brother.”
Chen Ming hurriedly replied, “Senior Brother, you flatter me—”
Zhang Mingyu waved his hand and said, “Master once said I wouldn’t reach Seventh‑Rank until at least thirty years old. This past year plus, we frequently discussed martial theory, and I found new inspiration. Finally, I comprehended enough to break through. I surpassed Master’s estimate by two years.”
At that, Chen Ming no longer denied it but responded modestly, “I dare not accept the credit—couldn’t have without Senior Brother’s own insight.”
This was great news.
Once word spread, he’d never lack sparring partners again, right?
…
At noon, after the banquet, Zhang Mingyu took Chen Ming and Yang Zhidong to his small courtyard for a private conversation.
Yang Zhidong was also a registered disciple of Huo Chengkun—the only one among them to break through to Eighth‑Rank.
However, unlike Chen Ming, after leaving Huo Residence he became a disciple of another master. His Eighth‑Rank breakthrough had nothing to do with Huo Chengkun, so naturally his ties with the Residence were more distant.
Today, Zhang Mingyu had specially sent for him to come.
The three sat around a small table in the courtyard.
Water in the brazier bubbled.
Zhang Mingyu brewed a pot of tea, the fragrance quickly perfuming the air.
He suddenly sighed, “Junior Brothers, since Master passed away, Fourth Junior Brother has focused entirely on his official career, paying no mind to other matters. I watched as all our younger brothers’ situations worsened and our sect’s influence waned day by day. It burns me up inside.”
As he spoke, he clenched his fist and slammed it on the table, “Before he died, Senior Brother entrusted the Huo Sect into my hands. I absolutely cannot let Master’s lifetime of efforts collapse under me.”
Chen Ming felt a surge of emotion and said, “Senior Brother, with your resolve, Master would be comforted to see it, even from the grave.”
Zhang Mingyu looked at the two of them and said, “If we want to revitalize the sect, I alone won’t be enough. I still need both of you Junior Brothers to be of one heart and mind with me, to bring glory to our sect together.”
At that moment, Yang Zhidong expressed his stance. “Of course. Master Huo taught me, and I owe him that. If Senior Brother ever needs anything, just say the word.”
Chen Ming also nodded. “It goes without saying. I won’t shirk it.”
Zhang Mingyu was delighted. “With your words, I’m at ease. Actually, the reason I invited you both over today was to share my experience in breaking through to Seventh‑Rank. I hope both Junior Brothers can also break through soon.”
What?
Yang Zhidong was visibly moved and exclaimed in shock, “Third Senior Brother, this... how can I accept this?”
What he had just said was merely courtesy.
Now Zhang Mingyu was actually willing to share his Seventh‑Rank breakthrough experience with him—completely beyond expectation. Typically, only direct disciples received such guidance.
This was a huge favor!
And one he couldn’t refuse.
Yang Zhidong had been stuck at a bottleneck for five years.
The master he later took under wasn’t any better—only Eighth‑Rank—and had little advice to offer.
After taking another master, Huo Chengkun naturally no longer taught him.
He could only fumble his way forward, struggling in agony without progress—the torment was hard to imagine.
Zhang Mingyu placed his hand over Yang Zhidong’s and said, “We are fellow disciples—we should support each other.”
Yang Zhidong suddenly stood, speaking excitedly, “Third Senior Brother, if I really do break through to Seventh‑Rank thanks to you, then whatever you ask of me in the future, even going through fire or water, I will not refuse.”
What he said earlier was mere formality. This was now a show of loyalty!
Zhang Mingyu saw how well he understood the situation and was very pleased. “Among fellow disciples, there’s no need for such distant talk.”
Then, he turned to look at the calm‑faced Chen Ming and asked curiously, “Junior Brother, why aren’t you saying anything?”
What could he say to that?
Chen Ming felt the urge to scratch his head but held back.
After thinking for a moment, he decided to be honest. “To tell you the truth, Senior Brother, I’ve also broken through to Seventh‑Rank.”
What?!
Zhang Mingyu froze, stunned. His face showed shock, disbelief, and confusion…
Suddenly, he launched a palm strike at Chen Ming.
The strike didn’t appear fast, but it carried tremendous force.
Chen Ming also raised his palm in response.
Their palms collided in midair.
A loud pa!
The ground seemed to tremble slightly.
Zhang Mingyu withdrew his hand, visibly moved. “It really is Seventh‑Rank… Junior Brother, you… you really…” He stuttered, too shocked to form words.
Sitting nearby, Yang Zhidong was also dumbfounded.
He wasn’t very familiar with this Junior Brother Chen—he had only seen him a few times.
Because of their respective positions, he had always harbored a natural wariness toward Chen Ming.
His own master was affiliated with Jinyuan Prosperity Trading, while Chen Ming had a past grudge with them.
Once, Chen Ming even asked to spar with him.
That left a worse impression, making him keep his distance.
He had assumed Chen Ming merely wanted to probe his martial arts to prepare against his master.
Now this Junior Brother, nearly ten years younger than him, had actually reached Seventh‑Rank.
He was only twenty‑two!
What would the Qi Family say if they found out about this?