MTLNOVEL Ch. 68
Chapter 68: Thunderclap Saber Technique
Following that, two more talented young men bearing the prefix “of a certain family in Jiangzhou” stepped forward, each selecting an opponent, and both displayed strength far surpassing the others.
Zhao Shouchang also addressed these two as “virtuous nephews” and exchanged some pleasantries with them.
With the stunning performances of these three, the ones who followed seemed far less impressive by comparison.
Sitting at a corner, Chen Ming understood by now that this Martial Gathering was actually a stage designed for the elite scions of prestigious families to show off their abilities.
Just by watching the reactions of the young ladies observing from the side, it was clear—they would spread word of those three young masters’ impressive performances through their own circles.
To put it bluntly, this was a showcase.
The stars were those three.
Jumping in to steal the spotlight would only make oneself appear ignorant.
“So this is the Great Jin Dynasty… not much different from the ancient Jin dynasty. The class hierarchy is just too rigid,” Chen Ming thought.
Even someone like Zhao Shouchang, many praised him for supporting the younger generation.
As for the others—well, one could only imagine.
...
Unknowingly, the Martial Gathering came to an end.
Chen Ming didn’t get a fourth chance to step onto the stage.
These noble scions weren’t fools—knowing they couldn’t win, of course they wouldn’t challenge him.
They chose opponents they had better odds against.
Even those quite confident in their strength wouldn’t risk it in a setting like this.
Even someone as arrogant as Tian Qiming—if given another chance—would never have provoked this saber-wielding country bumpkin.
Among everyone present, nearly all had a chance to go on stage.
Only one exception: Gu Yuantao.
He refused others’ challenges and never stepped forward to challenge anyone.
He simply sat there in silence until the gathering ended.
Then, the three young masters from noble families were kept behind by Zhao Shouchang.
Everyone else left on their own.
Chen Ming had already expected this outcome and wasn’t particularly disappointed.
He left with the rest.
Once they got onto the carriage, Zhang Mingyu voiced his indignation on Chen Ming’s behalf. “I didn’t expect Governor Zhao to also be one who judges based on family status. I truly misjudged him. Junior Brother, your strength is by no means inferior to those three. They just happened to be born into the right families.”
Being born into the right family was a skill of its own.
Chen Ming thought to himself, then instead comforted him, “To have witnessed so many martial skills today—I’m already very satisfied. If Lord Zhao deems me worthy, it’s my good fortune. If not, then it only means I’ve yet to meet his standards…”
Just as he was speaking, a gentle girl’s voice came from outside. “Is this Chen Ming’s carriage?”
The voice was unfamiliar—one he’d never heard before.
“It is,” he replied.
Chen Ming and Zhang Mingyu exchanged a glance.
Chen Ming answered, opened the carriage door, and was taken aback.
From the window of a neighboring carriage, a delicate face peeked out. It was none other than Zhao Shouchang’s daughter—that girl who’d scored an eight out of ten.
“Miss Zhao?”
Zhao Xiyan looked him over. Her dark eyes held a trace of satisfaction. “You’re not bad. If you had dared to utter even a single word of complaint just now, you would’ve missed out on an opportunity.”
As she spoke, she took out something and tossed it over. “My father sees that you have considerable talent in the saber and specially asked me to deliver this saber manual to you. You must train diligently and not disappoint his good intentions.”
Chen Ming received it with both hands and gratefully said, “A gift from an elder—I dare not refuse. I’ll shamelessly accept it.”
“Mm.”
Zhao Xiyan nodded slightly, then cast a glance at Zhang Mingyu. “My father didn’t keep you behind for good reason. Do you understand?”
“When a tree stands out in the forest, the wind will surely break it. I deeply appreciate the lord’s protective intent.”
“As long as you understand.”
Only then did Zhao Xiyan let down the curtain with satisfaction.
The coachman quickly drove the carriage away.
...
Zhang Mingyu patted his chest with lingering fear. “That daughter of Lord Zhao is really something. Sigh… it’s my fault. I almost made you miss an opportunity. My big mouth…”
“You were standing up for me, Senior Brother. How could I blame you?”
As Chen Ming spoke, he looked at the saber manual in his hands, which still carried a faint fragrance.
On the cover were the four characters: Thunderclap Saber Technique.
He felt a bit regretful.
What a pity—it wasn’t a cultivation method.
What he needed now was a cultivation method capable of reaching the Sixth Grade, not a saber technique.
But he couldn’t exactly go find Zhao Shouchang and ask to exchange it for a different manual.
Zhang Mingyu looked at the saber manual in his hand and said enviously, “That Lord Zhao truly lives up to his reputation—always known for supporting the younger generation. This saber technique must be a second-rate technique.”
In the martial world, people habitually categorized martial arts techniques.
Third-rate saber techniques were suited for third-rate martial artists.
Naturally, second-rate saber techniques were designed for second-rate experts—those of Sixth Grade and above.
That was because martial artists in these three tiers had fundamental differences.
The distinction between second-rate and third-rate martial artists lay in—true qi.
The Five Elements Saber Technique belonged to the third-rate category. Once a martial artist reached the Sixth Grade, this technique became inadequate, unable to unleash the true power of qi.
Chen Ming said, “If Senior Brother wishes to learn it, we can study it together.”
“No, that won’t do. This was gifted to you by Lord Zhao. Without his permission, how could I possibly learn it?”
Clearly, Zhang Mingyu was tempted but still declined rationally.
Chen Ming then put the saber manual away and solemnly said, “This favor from Lord Zhao—I shall repay it one day.”
Once he reached the Second Grade, or even First Grade, he would return the gesture with a top-tier saber manual.
...
“Chen Ming!”
The carriage had not gone far before someone stopped them again—this time, it was a man’s voice.
Chen Ming once more opened the carriage door, quite surprised to see that the one who halted them was Gu Yuantao.
He asked, “Brother Gu, what guidance do you have in stopping my carriage?”
Gu Yuantao’s stern face showed no expression as he said calmly, “I regret not being able to witness your saber technique today. I would like to visit and spar with you another day—would that be agreeable?”
Such a good thing?
Chen Ming’s eyes lit up. “It would be my honor.”
Gu Yuantao gave him a deep look and said, “How about tomorrow?”
Chen Ming replied, “Then I shall await your esteemed visit at home tomorrow.”
...
Inside the Gu Family’s carriage.
Zhou Weihao curiously looked at his cousin Gu Yuantao, who remained unmoved, and finally couldn’t help asking, “Why are you interested in this man? His saber skills are rather seasoned—you might not be his match.”
Gu Yuantao replied calmly, “He can serve as a whetstone for me, to help refine my sword technique.”
“So that’s your plan. Makes sense. At your current pace, it’ll take at least two years before you reach the Sixth Grade. Perfect time to polish your swordsmanship. When the time comes, I’ll go with you to assist.”
Gu Yuantao did not refuse.
He knew his cousin meant well.
After all, that man named Chen Ming—who knew whether he could be trusted?
...
By the time Chen Ming returned home, it was already afternoon.
Gatekeeper Old Li reported, “Second Young Master, two men came by today asking to see you. They said they’re from Wu’s Martial School. Their master is an acquaintance of yours. Would you like to see them?”
What are Old Liu’s two disciples looking for me for?
A sense of unease rose in his heart. “Take me to them.”
Old Liu’s two disciples were both about fourteen or fifteen years old—one chubby, one skinny—wearing coarse linen garments, sitting properly in the side hall awaiting him.
“Young Master Chen.”
When they saw Chen Ming, the two quickly stood up and saluted.
Chen Ming asked, “Why have you come looking for me? Where’s your master?”
“A few days ago, Master said he had to travel far. He told us to come see you today and deliver this letter.”
The chubby disciple took a letter from his chest.