"Your fist techniques are quite good."
The heroic young man commented without emotion and left with his entourage.
As soon as these intermediate students left, the new recruits cheered and surrounded Chen Ming, as if celebrating a victory.
Chen Ming felt a bit regretful in his heart that they just left like that. He thought they might send someone to challenge him again for their dignity.
What a pity.
He knew this heroic young man, named Deng Ziyang, the strongest in the intermediate class. Rumor has it that he's the illegitimate son of the Giant Tiger Gang's leader, with the demeanor of a big brother, earning a lot of respect.
He has been learning martial arts here for four years and has already mastered the fifth level of the Iron Horse Stance. His talent is no less than Wen Zehao's. Yet, he remains in the intermediate class.
When Chen Ming heard about this, he found it strange. Hong Mingquan told him that this means the master never intended to take this person as a disciple.
Thinking a bit, he understood it was due to Deng Ziyang's background.
The reputation of the Giant Tiger Gang isn't good, running casinos and brothels, lending money with interest, committing many heinous acts.
Someone as cautious as Huo Chengkun would definitely not want to be deeply involved with the Giant Tiger Gang, obviously not taking Deng Ziyang as a disciple.
In the advanced class, one becomes a registered disciple and can learn more advanced Pile Skill and Martial Skill. In the future, when they roam the martial world, they can be considered a disciple of Huo Chengkun.
...
"Thanks for the good wine, senior brother..."
On the other side, Hong Mingquan came over with Zhang Mingyu, laughing and chatting, from the backyard. Suddenly hearing a burst of cheering, he frowned and cursed, "These little brats can't behave for even a moment. Are they trying to turn the world upside down?"
After understanding the situation, he realized the reason behind it.
He looked at Chen Ming with some surprise, knowing Qi Jun's strength. Qi Jun had practiced the Iron Horse Stance to the third level and had practiced the Three Talents Fist for several years.
Logically, Qi Jun's strength should be far above Chen Ming's.
Yet, Chen Ming defeated him without a scratch.
This was really beyond his expectations.
"No wonder Third Senior Brother didn't look pleased when he left just now."
Hong Mingquan thought to himself.
As for Third Senior Brother luring him away to give his underlings a chance to challenge Chen Ming, he wasn't surprised at all.
Seventh Junior Brother has always been on good terms with Third Senior Brother, so asking him for help is very normal.
"Be quiet, do you know where you are? This isn't a place for giggling and laughing like that."
At Hong Mingquan's shout, the excited teenagers immediately quieted down.
Sparring started.
He asked, "Who wants to go first?"
Everyone looked towards Li Jinchuan in unison.
Li Jinchuan walked forward expressionlessly and said with a rough voice, "Please give me your guidance."
The match between Chen Ming and Qi Jun earlier made him understand that defeating this person today was no easy task.
Indeed, after making his move, he used the killer move taught by Uncle Rui but still gained no advantage. Chen Ming handled it with ease.
After thirty-six moves, he was hit on the chest with a palm and had to admit defeat.
...
"Useless!"
On the other side, Zhang Mingyu looked quite upset, thinking about the big words he boasted in front of Seventh Junior Brother, only to end up getting slapped in the face. Naturally, he was furious.
Unable to find Qi Jun, he could only sulk alone.
After pondering, he realized that among his subordinates, only Deng Ziyang could surely defeat Chen Ming.
However...
If he went to see Deng Ziyang, Deng would surely ask for something he couldn't fulfill.
After a while, Zhang Mingyu calmed down and thought, "Forget it, it's not really my problem. Let Lao Qi figure it out himself."
After all, this was Lao Qi's own issue.
...
After completing today's sparring duty and earning 35 experience points, Chen Ming left the Huo Mansion in high spirits, ready to go home.
As he stepped out, he saw a carriage waiting by the roadside.
The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and Deng Ziyang stepped out with a smile, "Senior Brother Chen, would you care to join me for a meal?"
Chen Ming was a bit surprised and also smiled, "With Brother Deng's invitation, I am honored."
"Please."
With that, he boarded the carriage.
Inside the carriage, there was only Deng Ziyang, who said, "I heard everything about you, Senior Brother Chen. Jin Yuansheng's actions were really disgraceful."
Chen Ming replied indifferently, "The matter is past, no need to bring it up again."
Deng Ziyang praised, "Senior Brother Chen, your magnanimity is admirable. But with Jin Yuansheng treating you like that, don't you harbor any resentment in your heart?"
He smiled wryly, "The world is such. A small figure like me shouldn't get involved in such disputes. The outcome was entirely my own doing."
Deng Ziyang laughed heartily, "Senior Brother Chen, you do have some pent-up anger inside."
"Might I ask if you have any instructions for me, Brother Deng?"
"No rush, let me introduce you to some brothers first."
Soon, they arrived at a restaurant named the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.
This is a renowned restaurant in Qingfeng City, a high-end place with considerable expenses. The original owner had never been here before.
Deng Ziyang took him to a private room where several people were already seated, all young men in their twenties.
Qi Jun was among them.
As the two entered the private room, everyone stood up to greet them.
Qi Jun, a bit reluctant, was still pulled up by the person next to him.
Deng Ziyang introduced, "Let me introduce you, this is Senior Brother Chen Ming.
In unison, everyone said, "Hello, Senior Brother Chen."
Only Qi Jun kept silent, looking sideways with an awkward expression.
Chen Ming quickly replied, "I dare not accept such a title from all you senior brothers."
Deng Ziyang tried to make him sit at the main seat.
Chen Ming declined, eventually letting Deng Ziyang take the main seat while he sat beside him.
"These are my brothers, let me introduce them one by one..."
Deng Ziyang introduced them one by one, until it was Qi Jun's turn, when he scolded, "A real man should own up to his defeats in sparring. If you're unconvinced, win next time. Don't make people think we can't take a loss."
Qi Jun lowered his head in shame.
"Raise your head and drink a glass with Senior Brother Chen. Don't act like a sissy."
So, Qi Jun clinked glasses with Chen Ming and said, "Senior Brother Chen, let's have another match next time."
Chen Ming replied, "Sure."
The two downed their drinks, putting their grudges behind them.
Clearing up misunderstandings, the atmosphere at the banquet warmed up even more. When young people drink together, they start to talk about life and discuss lofty topics.
After a round of drinks, Chen Ming and these people began to wrap arms around each other, calling each other brothers.
The gang members are all carefree in nature.
Having nearly had enough to drink, Deng Ziyang had matters to attend to and left first. Before leaving, he held onto Chen Ming's hand, promising to drink together next time.
He even arranged for a carriage to take him home.
"Is this an attempt to recruit me?"
Sitting in the carriage, though initially drunken, a hint of clarity flashed in Chen Ming's eyes as he understood Deng Ziyang's ploy.
For a young man like the original owner to receive this kind of respect, he would surely want to swear brotherhood with Deng Ziyang on the spot and pursue a grand venture together.
"Unfortunately, you've got the wrong person."
Chen Ming just wants to peacefully be a sparring partner, accumulate his experience points, and has no interest in any grand ambitions.
Deng Ziyang's scheme here is like casting pearls before swine.
At the banquet earlier, he didn't respond to Deng Ziyang's hints. If this guy is smart enough, he would understand his stance.
Nonetheless, there's no need to fall out with Deng Ziyang; maintaining a friendly relationship is quite nice.