Starting from the pharmacy, he grew into a martial saint among men.

The head of the Zhao family was sweating profusely and bowed first:

"My Zhao family should naturally stand with the county magistrate and Young Master Chu."

"Just now... I had no choice, please understand..."

As soon as he opened his mouth, numerous factions echoed him and desperately tried to defend him.

Some even shouted that they were irreconcilable enemies with the Wuyou Sect.

Chu Hong withdrew his gaze and turned to the county magistrate, Song Qingshan, and others:

"Magistrate Huang, Uncle Song, the matter of handling this is left to the government and everyone to decide."

Chu Hong understood perfectly.

These people fear Xiang Wuchen, not him.

Moreover, although these people had chosen the wrong side, they did not insult their master.

He cannot overstep his authority, nor does he have the power to do so.

Furthermore, given the chaotic situation involving all forces in Yunxi County, it would be more appropriate to hand it over to the county government for handling.

Given his status, he can't control these things.

But he believed that the county government and Uncle Song would not treat him unfairly and would definitely seek some benefits for him as well.

While the county magistrate and various factions were discussing the solution, Chu Hong was surrounded by the younger generation from various families.

His eyes held a mixture of awe and curiosity.

Someone tentatively spoke up:

"Brother Chu, are you really a disciple in name only? I feel like you should be the successor of your senior."

Chu Hong replied with a smile, "Of course I'm a disciple by name. The Song family witnessed this firsthand; how could it be false?"

"But I heard that disciples who are registered in name don't enter the sect, and the master doesn't care about their lives at all. Why would the senior save you?"

"Yes, yes, Brother Chu, don't lie to us, you are the successor, right?"

Chu Hong shook his head and patiently explained:

"As you have seen, my master bestowed upon me a jade tablet that can save my life."

"Brother Chu, do you still have any jade tokens? Could you show them to us?"

Chu Hong remained silent for two breaths, then turned to look at the innocent girl who had asked the question.

He stared for a moment before smiling and speaking:

"This thing cannot be taken out casually. If you accidentally crush it again, you will be dead."

Chu Hong realized that the other party was testing him with ulterior motives.

Therefore, their explanations are vague and confusing, leaving people unable to grasp the true situation.

Whether he still has the jade tablet or not, only he himself knows.

Someone else asked, "Brother Chu, did the senior teach you any unparalleled martial arts?"

"That giant handprint from earlier was so powerful, stronger than all the martial arts in Yunxi. Could you teach me how to practice it? I will remember your kindness."

That's rather shameless.

Chu Hong looked closely and saw that the one who spoke was a lean young man who looked very shrewd.

That's a brilliant plan.

Chu Hong shook his head again and sighed:

"As everyone knows, I am only a disciple in name only. How could my master have passed on such unparalleled martial arts?"

"If I really do have it, I will definitely share it with you all."

As soon as the words were spoken, the crowd's enthusiasm visibly cooled, regardless of whether they believed it or not.

Many people's eyes flickered, and they quietly retreated.

Clearly, after discovering that Chu Hong was indeed only a nominal disciple, they realized that the empty title no longer had any real effect and that there was no benefit to be gained from Chu Hong.

Therefore, there is no point in offering any more insincere flattery.

Such is the fickleness of human nature.

Chu Hong understood their probing, so he simply smiled and didn't take their departure to heart.

Instead of seeking external assistance, it's better to work hard to hone your skills and enhance your own abilities.

This is the real source of confidence.

-----------------

The news that Chu Hong had been accepted as a disciple quickly spread throughout Yunxi County.

Some people have noticed that it has been seven or eight years since someone from Yunxi was chosen to become an apprentice.

For a time, although Chu Hong was only a nominal disciple, he still aroused heated discussions among the crowd.

Even the neighbors around the Chu family's pharmacy in Wutong Lane felt a sense of pride.

He would boast to everyone he met about how good his family's relationship was with the Chu family, and how he had always thought Chu Hong would amount to something.

The strongest reactions came from the disciples of various families and martial arts schools.

Upon hearing that Chu Hong, who was only of inferior talent, had managed to become a disciple of a renowned master, they all became eager to practice martial arts and began to train like madmen.

He aspired to be like Chu Hong, mastering the hidden strength and seeking out a renowned master at the Azure Dragon Mansion.

In contrast, the atmosphere at the Qin family's residence was extremely somber.

Qin Ruhai looked worried and distressed after hearing the news.

Qin Lin, who used to be arrogant and looked down on Chu Hong, now lowered her head and remained silent.

If Chu Hong was only at the Ming Jin level, she wouldn't think it was anything special.

She could easily manipulate her own lover.

But Chu Hong has not only reached the level of Dark Force, but has also boarded a higher route, and his status and position have suddenly risen.

Even Pang Hai, who possessed the hidden strength technique, was defeated and killed by Chu Hong.

Such strength is probably something even his own father would find difficult to contend with.

She deeply regretted it, regretting that she had been too decisive in announcing the engagement.

If she hadn't broken off the engagement back then, would she be standing beside Chu Hong now, enjoying that honor?

As she imagined that scene, her eyes gradually became hazy.

But then she thought about the situation where she would be ridiculed or even looked down upon when she went out and met people.

The more I think about it, the more frustrated and upset I feel.

"Dad...actually, I think Chu Hong is quite good. What if we..."

"Sigh~ Lin'er, don't bother thinking about it anymore, we've already missed our chance."

"But... I'm not reconciled. I could have had a better life."

"Rufei is doing well now, isn't he? He's also reached the hidden strength stage, so you're not at a disadvantage following him."

"Father, I want to..."

"Alright, stop thinking about it! If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have ended up like this with the Chu family. I told you not to act impulsively, what's the use of regretting it now?!"

Qin Ruhai was instantly enraged and slammed his hand on the desk.

"Uncle Qin, don't be angry." Xiang Rufei walked slowly in from outside the door.

"Chu Hong is just a nominal disciple. He may never see that senior again in his lifetime. In the end, he can only rot in Yunxi with this useless title."

"Why should we worry so much? Status is just an empty title; strength is what truly matters."

He patted Qin Lin's back and said, "Lin'er, I will defeat him fairly and squarely in the martial arts competition, so that everyone will know that you made the right choice."

"Rufei, you..." Qin Lin wiped away her tears and asked in surprise, "You've mastered it?"

"It'll be soon! Don't worry! This time, I'll definitely beat him!"

Inside a certain attic.

The woman in green sat cross-legged on a futon, brewing tea and drinking it by herself.

If Chu Hong's father, Chu Jianghe, were here, he would surely recognize him as the major customer he used to serve every so often.

A short while later, there was a soft knock on the door.

With a woman in green saying "Come in," a graceful figure slipped into the room.

"Sect Master, Chu Hong has become that person's disciple. The Venerable Haoyue of the Wuyou Sect has died, and the Wuyou Sect has suffered heavy casualties."

The woman in green took a sip of tea, a look of curiosity on her face, as she twirled the crystal teacup in her jade-like hands.

"Chu Hong? A disciple in name only? Not bad."

"Master," Qianying continued, "Should we also recruit Chu Hong? He is a native of Yunxi with a clean background."

"If we involve him in that matter, perhaps no one will notice."

The woman in green frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then parted her red lips slightly:

"There's no rush to recruit him. We can wait until he comes to us and needs our help before we lend a hand."

"yes!"

-----------------

When Chu Hong returned to the martial arts school, it was already evening.

Although he has become Xiang Wuchen's nominal disciple, it does not affect his status as an inner disciple of the martial arts school.

If he wants to come back, Zhuang Chengfeng won't stop him.

Not long after, Zhuang Chengfeng returned to the martial arts school. After hesitating for a moment at the gate, he went straight to Chu Hong's door.

"Knock knock knock!"

"They're here."

Chu Hong opened the door and was surprised to see Zhuang Chengfeng standing outside.

"master?"

Zhuang Chengfeng looked at Chu Hong, his expression even more complicated:

"Chu Hong, I didn't mean to treat you that way back then. My mind was entirely on Pang..."