I can only beat noobs.

Chapter 68 Thunderbolt Saber Technique

Next, two more talented individuals, each with the prefix "from a certain family in Jiangzhou," stepped forward and chose their opponents, both displaying strength far exceeding that of the others.

Zhao Shouchang addressed the two men as his nephews and chatted with them for a while.

With the amazing performances of these three, the performances of the next few were much less impressive.

Sitting in the corner, Chen Ming understood that this martial arts competition was actually a stage for these top family scions to showcase themselves.

Just by looking at the reactions of the young ladies watching from the sidelines, you can tell that they will spread the word about the outstanding performance of those three young noblemen through their own circles.

To put it bluntly, this is just a fashion show. The main characters are those three. For them to rush over and steal the spotlight is a bit inconsiderate.

"As expected of the Jin Dynasty, it's similar to the ancient Jin Dynasty, with a severe rigid class system."

Chen Ming thought to himself.

Even someone like Zhao Shouchang, despite his reputation for mentoring younger generations, is often praised by many. One can only imagine how others behave.

……

Before we knew it, the martial arts tournament was coming to an end.

Chen Ming didn't have a fourth chance to make a move, and these scions of prestigious families weren't stupid. Knowing they couldn't win, they naturally didn't want to challenge him. They would choose an opponent they were more confident they could defeat.

Even those who are quite confident in their abilities are unwilling to take risks in such situations.

Even someone as arrogant as Tian Qiming would never provoke this country bumpkin with his exceptional swordsmanship if given another chance.

Almost everyone present had a chance to participate. There was only one exception: Gu Yuantao. He refused all challenges and did not volunteer to challenge anyone. He simply sat there silently until the martial arts competition ended.

Then, Zhao Shouchang kept the three young masters from prominent families behind, while the others left on their own.

Chen Ming had anticipated this outcome, so he wasn't too disappointed. He left with the others.

After boarding the carriage, Zhang Mingyu spoke up for him, "I never expected that Admiral Zhao was also someone who only cared about family background. I really misjudged him. Junior brother, in how are you any less capable than those three? They were just born into a better family."

Reincarnation is a skill in itself.

Chen Ming thought to himself, then comforted him, "I'm already very satisfied to have witnessed the martial arts skills of so many people today. It's my blessing that Lord Zhao has taken a liking to me. If he doesn't, it's because I'm not good enough for him..."

Just then, a gentle girl's voice came from outside, "Is this Chen Ming's carriage?"

The voice was unfamiliar; I had never heard it before.

"Exactly."

Chen Ming and Zhang Mingyu exchanged a glance, responded, and opened the car door, only to be taken aback.

A pretty face leaned out of the window of a carriage next to them; it was Zhao Shouchang's daughter, the girl who scored 8 out of 10.

"Miss Zhao?"

Zhao Xiyan looked him over, a hint of satisfaction in her bright eyes. "You're not a bad person. If you had dared to utter a single complaint just now, you would have missed an opportunity."

As she spoke, she took out something and tossed it over, saying, "My father thinks you have a talent for the sword, so he specially asked me to give you a sword manual. You must practice diligently and not let my father's good intentions go to waste."

Chen Ming accepted the gift with both hands and said gratefully, "It is a gift from an elder, and I dare not refuse it. I will accept it with shame."

"Ah."

Zhao Xiyan nodded slightly, glanced at Zhang Mingyu, and said, "My father didn't keep you here because he had good intentions, do you know that?"

"A tree that stands out in the forest will surely be felled by the wind. I am deeply grateful for your kind and caring attitude."

"It's good to know."

Zhao Xiyan then lowered the curtain with satisfaction. The coachman quickly drove the carriage away.

……

Zhang Mingyu patted his chest, still somewhat shaken. "This Lady Zhao's daughter is truly remarkable. Alas, it's all my fault. I almost made you miss this opportunity. My mouth..."

"Senior brother is speaking up for me, how could I blame you?"

As Chen Ming spoke, he looked at the sword manual in his hand, which still carried a faint fragrance. The cover read "Thunderbolt Sword Technique".

He felt a little regretful; it was a pity it wasn't a cultivation technique.

What he needs now is a cultivation technique that can be practiced to the sixth rank, not a sword technique.

However, he couldn't very well go to Zhao Shouchang and ask to change his martial arts technique. Zhang Mingyu looked at the sword manual in his hand and said enviously, "This Lord Zhao is indeed as legendary as he is, fond of mentoring younger generations. This sword technique is probably only a second-rate one."

In the martial arts world, people habitually categorize martial arts techniques into different categories. Third-rate swordsmanship is a type of swordsmanship suitable for third-rate martial artists.

Second-rate sword techniques are naturally suitable for second-rate masters of the sixth rank or above.

This is because there are fundamental differences between the three stages of martial arts practitioners.

The difference between a second-rate martial artist and a third-rate martial artist lies in their true qi!
The Five Elements Sword Technique is a third-rate sword technique. Once you reach the sixth rank, this sword technique becomes insufficient and cannot unleash the true power of your true energy.

Chen Ming said, "If you want to learn, senior brother, let's learn together."

"No, this was a gift from Lord Zhao. How can I learn it without his permission?"

It was clear that Zhang Mingyu was somewhat tempted, but he still rationally declined.

Chen Ming then put away the sword manual and solemnly said, "I will repay Lord Zhao's kindness today in the future."

When he reaches the second or even first rank, I'll give him a top-notch sword manual.

……

"Chen Ming!"

The carriage hadn't gone far when it was stopped again, this time by a man's voice.

Chen Ming opened the car door again, and to his surprise, it was Gu Yuantao who stopped the car.

He asked, "Brother Gu, what brings you to my carriage?"

Gu Yuantao's cold face remained expressionless as he calmly said, "It's a pity I couldn't experience your swordsmanship today. I'd like to visit you another day for a friendly exchange. What do you say?"

Is there such a good thing?

Chen Ming's eyes lit up. "I couldn't be happier."

Gu Yuantao gave him a deep look and said, "How about tomorrow?"

Chen Ming said, "I will be waiting for you at home tomorrow."

……

On the Gu family's carriage.

Zhou Weihao looked at his cousin Gu Yuantao with curiosity. Seeing that he was unmoved, he finally couldn't help but ask, "Why are you interested in this person? His swordsmanship is quite skilled. You may not be his match."

Gu Yuantao calmly said, "This person can be my whetstone, helping me to improve my swordsmanship."

"So that's what you were planning. That makes sense. At your current pace, it will take at least two years to advance to the sixth rank. You can use this time to hone your swordsmanship. I'll go with you and support you."

Gu Yuantao did not refuse.

He knew his cousin meant well.

After all, it's uncertain whether that Chen Ming is a reliable person.

……

When Chen Ming got home, it was already afternoon.

Old Li, the gatekeeper, reported, "Second Master, two people came today wanting to see you. They said they are from the Wu Family Martial Arts School. Their master is acquainted with you. Would you like to see them?"

What do Lao Liu's two apprentices want from me?
A sense of foreboding washed over him, and he said, “Take me to see them.”

Old Liu's two apprentices were both fourteen or fifteen years old, one fat and one thin, dressed in coarse linen clothes, sitting properly in the side hall waiting.

"Mr. Chen."

Upon seeing Chen Ming, the two quickly stood up to greet him.

Chen Ming asked, "What do you want from me? Where is your master?"

"A couple of days ago, Master said he was going on a long trip and instructed us to come to you today to deliver this letter."

The fat apprentice took a letter out of his pocket.

(End of this chapter)