In a luxurious mansion in the east of the city, an extremely furious shout suddenly rang out, "How dare the little thief do this?"

The voice was so loud that half of the household heard it, and for a moment, the bustling servants became extremely cautious, not daring to make a sound.

It was the third young master’s voice. No one knew what had made him so angry. The servants of the Qi Mansion could only pray that they wouldn’t run into the third young master later...

In the study room.

Qi Xingdong’s face was ashen, glaring at Zheng Shi standing in front of him, his gaze was like he wanted to devour someone, "A destitute man, lucky enough to break through to Sixth Grade, becomes so arrogant? This little bastard even wants my head? Go tell him, this young master is right here at Jin Yuansheng, let’s see what he’s capable of, if he can take my life."

Zheng Shi stood there hunched over, head lowered, silently enduring Qi Xingdong’s anger.

"Enough!"

At this time, an elder sitting in the grandmaster chair slapped the armrest, silencing his son.

This elder was the head of Jin Yuansheng, Qi Yanxiong. He had just turned sixty this year, well-maintained and still robust; he had taken a concubine just half a year ago.

"Father!"

Qi Xingdong was still fuming, "I told you long ago, we should have slaughtered that boy when he wasn’t strong yet. Now look, rearing a tiger invites trouble, and he actually wants your son’s life. If you always act kindly towards others, what does it lead to in the end?"

The more he spoke, the angrier he became.

In his heart, Chen Ming was merely a clerk in his family’s business. Now, having achieved a little fame in martial arts, he actually wants to bite the hand that feeds him.

As for having thrown Chen Ming in jail at that time, he thought it was nothing, didn’t he spare the boy’s life?

His concubine’s brother was also punished.

He even lowered his stance, trying to reconcile and offered compensation, only for the boy to be so ungrateful. Two attempts sending Elder Shopkeeper Zheng to negotiate were both rebuffed.

Now, he even wants his life.

Qi Xingdong saw it last time, that boy is rebellious, he should have been killed earlier to settle the matter.

Qi Yanxiong’s face darkened, angrily rebuking, "Didn’t you bring this trouble upon yourself? Now you want me to clean up your mess. Kill, kill, kill... what are you going to do about Admiral Zhao’s daughter’s interest in him? Do you want to drag our whole Qi Family to the grave with you?"

Qi Xingdong was scolded into silence, not daring to retort.

The old man was clearly genuinely angry when he scolded.

After a while, seeing his father had calmed a bit, he timidly asked, "Father, how should we handle this matter? It really can’t be delayed any longer, otherwise, if that boy breaks through to Fifth Grade, or even Fourth Grade, he will become a great threat to us."

Qi Yanxiong said, "I have my own plans for this, wait for the news. Elder Zheng, you’ve worked hard this time, you may go back first."

Zheng Shi immediately took his leave, and after leaving the Qi Family, his expression became unusually grave.

Clearly, the Qi Family and the Chen Family can’t be reconciled this time, I should also start making plans...

...

...

After Zheng Shi got off the carriage, a while later, Su Zhining got on, sitting opposite Chen Ming.

Before she could speak, Chen Ming preemptively said, "You’re not going to get involved in my feud with the Qi Family, are you?"

Su Zhining calmly looked at him, "The Celestial Dao Alliance never gets involved in the grudges of people in the martial world."

Chen Ming said, "Let me guess, you’ve already inquired about my issues with the Qi Family, haven’t you?"

Su Zhining’s voice remained cold, "The Qi Family was indeed in the wrong, they deserve to die."

"That’s the most agreeable thing you’ve ever said."

Chen Ming laughed.

He suddenly thought, Su Zhining must have thoroughly investigated his past, understanding his character.

If it weren’t for his diligent cultivation of virtues after transmigrating, never oppressing the good, building a commendable reputation, she probably wouldn’t be so agreeable.

It seems that in ancient societies, reputation is extremely important.

If his reputation were slightly worse, someone like Su Zhining from a prestigious background wouldn’t even spare him a glance.

He continued, "If the Qi Family sends experts to kill me, I kindly ask miss Su to protect my family, make sure they aren’t harmed."

Su Zhining’s calm and clear gaze finally showed a hint of change, "Did you deliberately choose this time to fall out with the Qi Family? In doing so, if you encounter danger, I would have no choice but to intervene."

Chen Ming laughed, "Miss, you are astoundingly clever, how could I hide my little intentions from you?"

Su Zhining curiously asked, "You’re so honest, outright saying you want to use me, aren’t you worried I won’t help you?"

Chen Ming candidly said, "I’ve already considered you a friend in my heart. Naturally, with friends, I must be honest."

Friend?

Su Zhining stared at him for a moment, then said lightly, "Master specially warned me to be wary of men who say they want to be friends with me. The more honest they sound, the grander their words, the more scheming they are."

"..."

Chen Ming almost couldn’t hold it in. Her master really knew a lot, definitely an old hand in the martial world. How could someone like this produce such a naive and sweet girl?

Of course, calling her naive and sweet wouldn’t be entirely accurate; at least she had a heavy guard and wouldn’t trust easily, and she listened to her master.

Someone like her, after undergoing several years of tempering in the martial world, would definitely become a formidable heroine. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Fortunately, the carriage stopped at this moment, the driver said, "Second Master, we’ve arrived."

Chen Ming strategically coughed and asked her, "Want to go together?"

Su Zhining shook her head and closed her eyes.

After he got off the carriage, a faint smile slowly appeared at the corner of her mouth.

...

After getting off the carriage, Chen Ming entered his home with a relaxed expression.

Although Su Zhining didn’t promise to protect his family just now, for someone like her, as long as she doesn’t refuse, it’s equivalent to agreeing.

With her there, he could proceed boldly and confidently.

During the meal, he reminded his elder brother, Chen Rui, to stay home these days and not go to the pharmacy for now.

As the Chen Family Pharmacy has expanded, it now has three storefronts, each with a shopkeeper. Chen Rui now has the demeanor of a big boss and no longer needs to handle day-to-day management tasks.

Hearing this, Chen Rui became slightly alarmed and nodded in agreement.

He knew there must be a reason for his younger brother to say so.

During the meal, the butler suddenly came over and said, "Master Zhang is here."

Chen Ming immediately put down his chopsticks and told them to continue eating while he went over to entertain the guest.

It was Zhang Mingyu waiting in the main hall.

Chen Ming greeted him, "Senior Brother, why didn’t you give me a heads-up about your visit?"

Zhang Mingyu sighed, "I was entrusted by someone to come as a persuader."

"The Qi Family?"

"Isn’t it just the Qi Family? They managed to get an elder from my family involved, so I had no choice but to make this trip." Zhang Mingyu gave a bitter smile, "As for your feud with the Qi Family, I firmly support you. If you want revenge, I’m behind you all the way."

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

Chen Ming was quite touched.

Zhang Mingyu added, "However, the Qi Family is deeply rooted. From what I know, that Jin Yuansheng has two embedded experts, both of Fourth Grade. Qi Yanxiong also has a nephew, a disciple of the Golden Jade Hall with Fifth Grade cultivation, not easy to deal with."

The two Fourth Grade experts are not difficult to handle. After all, the Qi Family is not the master of Jin Yuansheng.

The real trouble is that nephew.

The Golden Jade Hall, one of the four major sects in Jiangzhou, Qi Yanxiong’s nephew is closely tied to the Qi Family and will certainly not sit by if the Qi Family is jeopardized.

While Chen Ming was pondering, the butler hurriedly brought someone over. It was none other than Gu Yuantao.

Surprised, Chen Ming blurted out, "Are you also here as a persuader?"

"Persuader?"

Gu Yuantao was taken aback and asked in confusion, "What persuader? We agreed the other day to spar today."

Oh!

Only then did Chen Ming remember. Indeed, that was the case; he had forgotten due to the myriad of matters these past few days. So he explained, "I misunderstood. With Brother Gu’s personality, naturally, no one can persuade you."

Gu Yuantao looked at Chen Ming, then at Zhang Mingyu beside them, and his expression became serious. He asked, "Are you in trouble?"

"Just a small matter."

In his heart, Chen Ming was quite touched. For Gu Yuantao to ask such a question showed he truly considered him a friend.

However, this wasn’t something Gu Yuantao could help with, so he didn’t elaborate.

He changed the subject, "Brother Gu, with your family’s deep heritage, do you know anything about the Celestial Dao Alliance?"

The Gu Family, with a history of several hundred years, should know some secrets unknown to others.

"Celestial Dao Alliance?"

Gu Yuantao pondered, unsure of where to begin.

At this moment, the butler came over again, interrupting their conversation.

Chen Ming asked, "What’s going on now?"

The butler said, "Second Master, an esteemed guest is waiting outside."

Chen Ming took it seriously and asked, "Esteemed guest? Is there a name card?"

This butler was quite knowledgeable; anyone he referred to as an esteemed guest must have an extraordinary background.

The butler replied, "Second Master, you know him too. He is the disciple of Golden Saber Senior, surnamed Li."

Golden Saber Li Donglin’s disciple, surnamed Li, whom he also knew...

In a flash of inspiration, Chen Ming said, "Do you mean Li Qingchang?"

The butler nodded, "Yes."

Li Qingchang, a Huo Sect native, had strong connections with Gu Junrong and Wang Mingkai, frequently coming here for drinks. A few months ago, during the "Apprentice Assembly," he managed to make it to the end, becoming a disciple of Third Grade master Li Qinglin.

Chen Ming sighed, "Being a disciple of a Third Grade master indeed elevates your status."

He’s putting on airs now, evidently expecting Chen Ming to greet him at the door.