Chapter 111: Secret Technique
The room was somewhat dim.
The old man took the dagger, adjusted the lamp wick, and the room immediately became much brighter.
Chen Ming stood across from him, sizing up the furnishings in the room.
There were only the two of them in the room.
No one else was present.
Madam Wen had already run off while the two of them were exchanging blows. He couldn’t be bothered to chase after her.
The old man still had a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth—he had taken one of Chen Ming’s sword strikes head-on earlier and suffered a slight internal injury.
In fact, that strike from Chen Ming hadn’t been at full strength.
And judging from the prompt that appeared after the old man admitted defeat, he was at Level 49.
By rights, he shouldn’t have been so fragile. It showed that when he said he had been crippled, he hadn’t been lying.
The old man forced a smile. “Please wait a moment, sir. I’ll go fetch something.”
Then he leapt onto a beam and brought down a wooden box.
He opened the box and took out a thick book, saying, “I’m too old to teach anymore. This is the summary of my insights into disguise techniques that I’ve compiled over the years. I originally intended to take it to the grave. Now, I’m giving it to you, sir. If there’s anything you don’t understand, feel free to ask.”
Chen Ming accepted it and flipped through a few pages.
The contents were written in plain language, easy to understand, and included many diagrams.
It seemed quite comprehensive.
However, he didn’t believe that simply relying on this book would allow someone to master disguise techniques.
Back when he was on Earth, he had watched a lot of makeup tutorials with his ex-girlfriend, and even those felt too complicated.
Disguise techniques were far more complex than makeup.
Learn them just by reading a book?
He had little confidence in his ability to self-study.
Placing his hand on the thick book, he asked, “I heard that senior is also well-versed in a secret technique—one that allows you to freely alter your height, muscle structure, and facial features.”
This was something Zhuang Xiaotian had mentioned in passing once during a casual conversation. Though it had been said offhandedly, Chen Ming had remembered it and had been thinking about that secret technique ever since.
The old man looked troubled. “This is a sect secret. I once swore an oath that it must not be passed on—”
As he spoke, he caught sight of the other’s icy gaze and quickly changed his tune. “Of course, if sir wishes to learn it, I suppose there’s no harm in teaching you. It’s just that—this secret technique must be practiced from childhood. With your current age, even if you learn it, you won’t be able to master it...”
Chen Ming said coolly, “Just teach it. Whether or not I can master it is my concern.”
“Very well then.”
The old man had no choice but to recite the incantations and explain the method of circulating qi for the secret technique.
He quickly realized that this man was very meticulous—every line of the incantation would be questioned in detail, and he would even suddenly turn around and ask what a certain line earlier had been.
In such circumstances, he naturally dared not play any tricks.
He obediently disclosed every word of the secret method without altering a single syllable.
By the time dawn approached, the other party had reviewed the incantations and content multiple times before finally leaving in satisfaction.
Before leaving, he even left behind two gold ingots, saying it was tuition.
Naturally, Chen Ming wasn’t lacking in money, but seeing those two ingots did reassure the old man a bit—it at least proved that this person wasn’t planning to kill him to silence him for now.
“This place can’t be stayed in any longer.”
The old man thought gloomily.
He had thought that Qingfeng City’s martial arts had withered and that there were no real experts.
Coupled with its flourishing commerce, it seemed like a perfect place to retire. But a few months ago, an old acquaintance from the Six Doors Authority had found him and extorted him.
Now another unknown expert had come knocking.
This place was no longer safe.
…
When Chen Ming returned home, it was already morning.
He had already given prior instructions for the students to train on their own for the day.
“Young Master, you—”
The two maids had been up and working for a while.
Upon seeing Chen Ming come in from outside, Xiaxiang looked shocked.
It wasn’t until Chunxiang tugged on her sleeve that she swallowed the rest of her words.
Chen Ming casually said, “I woke up early and saw the snow falling beautifully, so I went out to enjoy it for a bit.”
“Oh.”
The two maids seemed half-believing. Did one really need to wear black clothes just to go see snow?
But of course, they wouldn’t question the Young Master’s words.
They brought hot water from the boiling room for him to wash up.
While washing his face, Chen Ming opened the panel to take a look.
[Level: 43]
[Current Points: 106000]
[Martial Arts: 《Iron Horse Stance》 (Fifth Level – Perfected), 《True Art of Two Principles》 (Fourth Level 120652/600000)]
[Combat Techniques: 《Three Talents Fist》 (Mastered), Eight Trigrams Saber Technique (Mastered), Zhuang’s Flying Knife (Mastered), Swallow Returns Sword Technique (Mastered), 《Vermilion Bird Sword Technique》 (Proficient 21/500000)]
[Secret Technique: 《Disguise Technique》 (Entry 0/10000)]
A new category appeared on the panel—a brand new type—called Secret Technique. To him, it was like a door had been opened.
From now on, what he could learn would no longer be limited to "Martial Arts" and "Combat Techniques".
It truly was an unexpected delight.
Moreover, the entry-level for this secret technique only required ten thousand points, which wasn’t much to him now.
“Add points.”
Chen Ming directly added ten thousand, changing 《Disguise Technique》 to (Proficient 0/20000).
At once, he felt his whole skeletal structure subtly shifting, and the skin and muscles on his face itched and felt slightly sore.
Very soon, this unusual sensation faded.
He naturally understood what he could now do—his height could be adjusted by three to five centimeters, the duration could not exceed three hours, and his facial features could be slightly altered.
“This level still isn’t enough. Add more.”
Chen Ming moved with intent and added another twenty thousand points, upgrading 《Disguise Technique》 to (Well-Versed 0/30000).
This time, his bones emitted crisp cracking sounds, and the muscles on his face felt even more sore and itchy.
The sensation lasted for dozens of seconds.
“It can only be maintained for ten hours. Still not enough.”
He decisively added another thirty thousand points, raising 《Disguise Technique》 to (Mastered).
Immediately, his entire body let out snapping sounds, like beans being stir-fried.
The skin and muscles on his face felt like they were burning. It lasted for about ten minutes.
Finally, Chen Ming’s body adapted to all the changes.
“Let’s test the effect.”
At this time, Chunxiang and Xiaxiang had already exited the courtyard.
He returned to his room, closed the door, sat before the bronze mirror, and activated the disguise secret technique.
Immediately, the bones in his body crackled, and his height shrank by nearly ten centimeters, making him appear more robust.
He moved slightly and circulated his true qi. “This level poses no issues for me. It’s just a bit unfamiliar.”
He could go even shorter, but that would affect his movements and exertion.
Next, he activated the secret technique again and began adjusting the muscles on his face.
This adjustment took nearly half an hour. In the mirror, the face staring back at him had become someone entirely different.
To him, that face was all too familiar.
“It’s been a while… the me from the other world.”
Chen Ming once again saw that face he had once known so well. His mood turned complicated, and he was suddenly flooded with memories—phones, computers, soda, and those unfinished novels...
As his thoughts surged, he suddenly wondered—if he could now return to Earth with his current cultivation, that would be pure bliss.
…
During dinner that night, Chen Ming took the opportunity, while everyone was present, to solemnly announce a decision: he planned to enter seclusion for a period of intense cultivation.
During this period, no one was to disturb him.
Regarding this decision, Chen Rui and Madam Wei had no objections.
These days, he had been locking himself in the courtyard every day.
In their minds, he must have been shaken by that recent incident.
They knew they couldn’t help Chen Ming in martial training.
The best they could do was not to drag him down. Whatever he wanted to do, they would support it.
Only the little fellow Chen Lide, speaking without a filter, asked, “Second Uncle, are you going to break through to Fifth Grade?”
That question drew everyone's attention to Chen Ming.
He patted his nephew’s head and smiled, “How could it be that fast? This seclusion is mainly to practice sword techniques.”
“Oh.”
The little guy couldn’t hide the disappointment on his face.
In his young heart, Second Uncle had always been the strongest.
When someone had broken into their home and Second Uncle hadn’t killed them, he realized Second Uncle wasn’t as powerful as he’d imagined.
So from now on, protecting his parents and their family would fall to him!
…
The next day, Chen Ming informed Zhang Mingyu and Zhou Weihao about his plan to go into seclusion for a few months.
After making a full round of notices, he began his seclusion.
Before starting, he summoned Chunxiang and Xiaxiang, stared at them for a while, then solemnly asked, “Can I trust you?”
The question startled them.
They dropped to their knees with a thud, “Yo…Young Master, what do you mean by that?”
Chen Ming said, “Actually, the seclusion is a cover. I have something very important to take care of, and no one can know. So, can I trust you?”
Chunxiang and Xiaxiang quickly replied, “Young Master, please rest assured. Even if we die, we won’t let anyone know you’re gone.”
Chen Ming added, “That includes my elder brother and sister-in-law. Remember, you must create the illusion that I’ve been in seclusion all along. No one must see through it. Understand?”
“Understood!”
The two nodded earnestly.
Chen Ming said, “Relax a bit. Don’t be so tense. All right, we have to act thoroughly. Once I’m inside, board up the windows and doors with wooden planks. I have my own way of leaving.”
“Yes.”
After giving his instructions, Chen Ming had them gather the family.
In front of them, he entered the room, officially beginning his “seclusion” period.