Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Backer
Chen Ming’s breakthrough to the Eighth Grade was only a minor event for Qingfeng City, causing just a small ripple within certain factions.
However, it was a major event for the Chen Family.
In the following days, a steady stream of visitors ca to offer their congratulations. So were business acquaintances of Chen Rui, while others were friends of Chen Ming, primarily Huo Chengkun’s registered disciples.
Even Zhang Mingyu ca in person.
Several people from Sun Shicai’s side also ca. Everyone was from the sa sect, and Chen Ming’s breakthrough to the Eighth Grade was also good news for them.
After all, in Huo Sect’s lineage, besides the Seventh Grade Sun Shicai, there were only two Eighth Grades—Zhang Mingyu and another registered disciple. Adding another Eighth Grade significantly strengthened Huo Sect’s reputation.
These days, it was even more lively than when the Chen Mansion moved.
Chen Ming only t with his fellow disciples like Zhang Mingyu, and friends like Deng Ziyang. The rest were entertained by his elder brother Chen Rui. Everyone understood that he was soon to participate in the Martial Arts Hall Association’s three matches and could not be distracted, so they were considerate, as long as the gifts were delivered.
...
On the afternoon of the third day, in the sa courtyard.
As the sun was setting, the late autumn evening already had a slight chill.
Chen Ming was sharing his experience of breaking through to the Eighth Grade with Deng Ziyang and Zhuang Xiaotian. "...The Ninth Grade is the Tendon and Bone Realm, and there is no shortcut except to constantly temper the body. Once the tendons and bones are fully developed, the breakthrough happens naturally...
"The Eighth Grade is called the Inner Strength Realm, focusing on training the internal organs. It must be accompanied by the appropriate Pile Skill..."
Speaking of the Pile Skill, he had to thank Old Ghost Xiao for contributing a book, "Three Yang Body Refining Skill".
As he elevated this cultivation technique to the fourth level, he increasingly felt its complexity.
Three Yang symbolizes the harmony of Yin and Yang and the revival of all things. It is a very sophisticated cultivation technique.
He had specifically investigated its origins, but hadn’t discovered much. Many had been fooled by Old Ghost Xiao, but he had no suitable person to investigate this matter, so he put it aside for the ti being.
Deng Ziyang and Zhuang Xiaotian were listening attentively, each gaining sothing.
Unknowingly, it had turned dark.
Chen Ming had soone light the lanterns, and the three sat in the pavilion to eat.
"I wonder when Second Brother will return from this journey."
Deng Ziyang thought of his sworn brother Guan Peng again, with a bit of lancholy on his face.
Yesterday, Guan Peng had already departed, boarding a rchant ship bound for a foreign country. Before leaving, he did not co to see Chen Ming—Deng Ziyang and Zhuang Xiaotian sent him off.
Zhuang Xiaotian said, "Leaving at this ti, he should be going to the Southern Ocean Countries. The cargo on the ship is mostly porcelain and raw silk. He will certainly return within two or three months."
Chen Ming was curious, "Brother Zhuang, you seem to know ships quite well?"
"My father sailed the seas in his youth; he taught us brothers these things since we were little."
"I see."
Qingfeng City is a port city, exceptionally prosperous, second only to the State City in Jiangzhou.
Many, like Zhuang Xiaotian’s father, having sailed the seas in their youth, retire after accumulating wealth, returning to their hotowns to buy land and houses.
Wanlong Trading Company is one of the top trading companies in Qingfeng City, a mariti giant with a large fleet, creating a great demand for manpower.
To attract martial artists to join the fleet, they even offer so cultivation techniques as incentives.
Every year, nurous martial artists like Guan Peng join the Wanlong rchant fleet for the sake of cultivation techniques. Though risky, it is also a viable path.
For those like Guan Peng and Zhuang Xiaotian from poor families without Martial Dao inheritance, the martial arts path is too hard, requiring life-and-death struggles with every step.
In fact, Chen Ming was just like them, with even worse aptitude. The difference was that he had a hook.
As the three chatted, Deng Ziyang suddenly said, "Senior Brother, do you know who Jin Yuansheng’s backer is?"
Chen Ming curiously asked, "Does the Qi Family have a backer?"
"Of course, otherwise how could just the Qi Family manage such a large business?"
"I’m all ears."
"In Qinghe City, the enormous profits of sea transportation are monopolized by the Seven Great Sea rchants. The Qi Family rose too late to claim a share, so they found a different path, becoming a supplier and nearly monopolizing the porcelain from Yuzhou and Lanzhou. Even the Seven Great Sea rchants have to purchase porcelain from them.
"How great must the power and connections be to manage the nurous porcelain factories in the two states?"
Chen Ming was startled. He had never thought about this before.
Zhuang Xiaotian was also curious and asked, "So, who is the Qi Family’s backer?"
Deng Ziyang did not keep them in suspense, "It’s the Wang Family of Yuzhou."
"The Wang Family?"
Chen Ming glanced at Zhuang Xiaotian, seeing his confusion, clearly having not heard of them.
Deng Ziyang explained, "The Wang Family is not a martial clan but an imperial rchant, supervising various porcelain kilns for the royal family."
"Oh."
With this explanation, Chen Ming and Zhuang Xiaotian understood.
The Wang Family used its authority to ensure that various porcelain factories provided exclusive supply to Jin Yuansheng. With such connections, Jin Yuansheng profited trendously.
Deng Ziyang said, "Don’t underestimate the Wang Family; though not well-known, their true strength surpasses the likes of the Gu Family."
The Gu Family, the first family in Qingfeng City, with a Family Head who is a Fourth Grade expert.
Stronger than the Gu Family would be soone with a Third Grade or higher expert presiding.
"Thank you."
Chen Ming thanked him sincerely, knowing that Deng Ziyang was specifically reminding him.
He probably worried about him seeking revenge on Jin Yuansheng and suffering in vain.
He decided to let Jin Yuansheng be for a couple of years.
Revenge could wait.
Deng Ziyang changed the subject, "Each martial arts hall in the city has its own unique skills. They will surely propose difficult challenges to make you retreat. Are you confident?"
Chen Ming said, "That will be known only after trying."
"Tomorrow, Third Brother and I will accompany you to cheer you on."
"Thank you both very much."
...
The next morning.
Soon after Chen Ming woke up, Zhang Mingyu arrived with several people to support him. Then, more people ca one after another, all disciples of Huo Sect, making it quite lively.
As they left, a group of over a dozen people grandly headed to the Wind and Thunder Martial Arts Hall. To outsiders, it might seem like they were there to challenge the hall.
Inside the Wind and Thunder Martial Arts Hall, the Martial Arts Hall Association’s people were already fully prepared.
Representatives from all twelve martial arts halls were present, each seated on a chair, including n and won of all ages.
Behind them stood many disciples, totaling dozens, creating significant pressure for the visitors.
Sitting in the center was the President of the Martial Arts Hall Association, Seventh Grade expert Lei Zhenguang.
After Chen Ming entered the martial arts hall, he faced the more than ten pairs of watching eyes, calmly saluted, "Chen Ming, an inexperienced latecor, greets you all. I am here today specifically to seek guidance. Please, give your instructions."
Lei Zhenguang comnded, "Such courage! Since that’s the case, I won’t waste words. If you can pass three trials, you’ll be able to open a martial arts hall in Qingfeng City. If not, disband your disciples and never open a hall again."
"Very well."
"For the first match, let Brother Fang go."
Lei Zhenguang looked at an elder beside him, whose hair and beard were all white.
"Alright," the elder replied and told soone behind him, "Yu’Er, you go. Don’t disgrace our Soaring Dragon Martial Arts Hall’s na."
"Yes."
A man in his thirties stepped forward and said, "Chen Ming, right? Let’s compete with concealed weapons."
Without unnecessary words, Chen Ming replied, "Please."
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