I can only beat noobs.

Chapter 29 The Art of Hidden Weapons
This lesson lasted for an entire afternoon.

Chen Ming hadn't expected that Zhuang Xiaotian's throwing knife technique contained so many skills. No wonder Deng Ziyang praised it so highly.

He initially thought it was just mutual flattery.

From the simple "killing two birds with one stone" to the more advanced "shooting star chasing the moon" and "parting birds flying apart," and then to the high-level "celestial maiden scattering flowers" and "mother and child linked together," Zhuang Xiaotian knew all the techniques involved.

However, due to limited skill, the success rate of many advanced techniques is not high; one might not succeed even once out of ten attempts.

In just one afternoon, Chen Ming only got a general idea; it was impossible for him to learn it all at once.

Zhuang Xiaotian also left him a few pages of paper, which were the pages of the secret manual that he had obtained by chance. They contained some advanced techniques.

Many of these techniques rely on luck, meaning that one must be at least at the sixth rank to master them.

The sixth rank of martial arts, also known as the True Qi Realm, signifies that one has cultivated true qi.

Chen Ming was overjoyed, having mastered these hidden weapon techniques, which he could use as a trump card.

So, after he got home, he studied the contents of those few pages of paper and practiced the techniques that Zhuang Xiaotian had taught him.

……

The next morning, after giving the group of boys their introductory martial arts lesson, Chen Ming earned another 50 experience points.

"It seems I can consider opening a martial arts school to provide introductory training for younger children."

He thought to himself.

With such a change in the Huo family, it's uncertain whether he can continue to work there as a sparring partner; he needs to make plans as soon as possible.

There are several martial arts schools in Qingfeng City, but he wasn't well-known, and besides, he learned his martial arts from Huo Chengkun. Without Huo Chengkun's permission, he certainly couldn't just teach it to anyone else.

What Chen Ming is teaching the children now is the most common "Tiger Stance," a very common and widely practiced stance exercise.

Therefore, he chose this entirely new track.

Moreover, he can waive tuition fees and even provide room and board, welcoming all applicants. I believe he can fill the quota very quickly.

Chen Ming, pondering his "entrepreneurial" plans, arrived at the dinner table. Seeing that his elder brother Chen Rui was still not there, he asked in surprise, "Didn't you come back last night, brother?"

"Yes."

Madam Wei looked worried. "When I delivered food to my eldest son yesterday, he looked very troubled. I'm afraid he's in a lot of trouble. But he wouldn't tell me, so I secretly asked the shop assistant."

"Did you ask anything?"

All I know is that there's a problem with a batch of medicinal herbs at the pharmacy. The goods are due to be delivered in a few days, and if there's a delay, we'll have to pay a lot of money.

Chen Ming was immediately relieved; it wasn't a big deal.

He comforted Wei, "Sister-in-law, you don't need to worry too much. Since my brother didn't tell me, it proves that he can handle it himself. You have to trust him."

Hearing him say that, Lady Wei felt reassured and much more at ease.

Chen Ming did not intend to get involved in this matter.

He believed in his older brother's abilities.

Besides, even if things go wrong, it's okay. At most, we'll lose some money; consider it tuition.

……

After having breakfast, Chen Ming did not go to the Huo residence, but instead went to the Deng family's residence, intending to see Zhuang Xiaotian and Guan Peng off.

Upon arriving at the Deng family's house, I learned that they had already set off.

He hurried out of the city gate and arrived at Shili Pavilion, where he met Deng Ziyang and Zhuang Guan, who were reluctantly saying goodbye.

"Brother Chen, didn't we agree that you didn't need to come and deliver it?"

Zhuang Xiaotian complained, but his face showed that he was very happy.

Guan Peng also said, "Brother Chen, you've come at the right time. I was originally going to have my elder brother pass this on to you. Now I'm giving it to you directly."

As he spoke, he placed a white porcelain bottle into Chen Ming's hand.

"This is?"

"These past few days, thanks to Brother Chen's guidance, my swordsmanship has greatly improved. I have nothing of value but two Qi-strengthening pills to express my gratitude."

"This... is too valuable. I cannot accept it."

Chen Ming quickly returned it. This Qi-Strengthening Pill is very beneficial to ninth-rank martial artists, as it can enhance their cultivation. One pill is worth several hundred taels of silver on the market. Without connections, it's very difficult to buy even if you have the money.

Guan Peng naturally refused to take it back, saying bluntly that there was no reason to take back something that had been given away.
After some initial hesitation, Chen Ming accepted it.

After chatting for a few minutes, Guan Peng and Zhuang Xiaotian left.

Chen Ming looked reluctant to part, while Deng Ziyang found it somewhat amusing and said, "How can you be more heartbroken than your sworn brother?"

What do you know?
Chen Ming sighed.

After all, those two experience packs were gone just like that.

It's worth noting that these two people can provide him with a fixed 50 experience points every day, one for 20 points and the other for 30 points.

I can't go to the Huo family's place for the time being.

They both left again.

His only source of experience points right now is those twenty-odd little boys who come to learn martial arts.

……

When Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang returned to the city, it was almost noon. The two decided to find a large restaurant and have a good meal.

The two had just finished a drink and were chatting idly when they suddenly heard a voice from next door, "...I never expected that a sixth-rank expert would die so suddenly, without any warning."

Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised.

There are fewer than ten sixth-rank masters in the entire Qingfeng City, and they are all well-known. So who is dead?
They listened intently.

"No way? How could a sixth-rank expert die so easily? Don't talk nonsense."

"If you don't believe me, go to the Huo residence and see, they've already hung up white lanterns..."

"..."

The Huo residence?

Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang were both incredulous when they heard this word.

Among the sixth-rank experts in Qingfeng City, there is only one surnamed Huo.

Deng Ziyang suddenly stood up, rushed to the next room, and demanded, "You just said Huo Chengkun is dead? How did he die?"

"Let go...how should I know..."

Chen Ming quickly pulled Deng Ziyang back, telling him to calm down, and asked the people at that table, "When did this happen?"

"Just this morning... white lanterns were all hung up, and the servants were all dressed in mourning clothes... I saw it with my own eyes..."

Deng Ziyang glared at him, "If you dare to talk nonsense, I'll come back and twist your head off."

After saying that, he turned around and left.

He left the restaurant, not even taking a carriage, and sped off towards the Huo residence.

Chen Ming followed behind him, his mind also a bit of a mess.

How did Huo Chengkun suddenly die?
Did his junior sister poison him again yesterday?
……

Before long, Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang arrived at the gate of the Huo residence.

He looked at the white lanterns hanging at the door, feeling a little heavy-hearted.

Deng Ziyang stood at the door for a long time, but did not knock on the door.

Chen Ming stood behind him, unable to see his expression, wondering what would happen to the Huo family after Huo Chengkun's death.

After a while.

Deng Ziyang turned around and muttered, "You old bastard, how did you die?"

How could you just die like that?

"I haven't surpassed you yet, I haven't seen the look of regret on your face, how can you just die like this?"

As he spoke, tears welled up in his eyes.

(End of this chapter)