Chapter 134: Wanted

About one incense stick's time later, in the courtyard, the woman in red had already left. Sitting in that seat now was Zhuang Xiaotian.

He was dressed in a black uniform, his face full of excitement. Just earlier, while on duty, he had heard someone say that Luo Hao from the Red Sea Gang was going to cause trouble for Chen Ming, and he had rushed over immediately.

On the way, he had seen the Red Sea Gang members fleeing in disarray. Then he heard that Chen Ming had not only defeated Luo Hao but had even broken through to Fifth Grade.

"You actually reached Fifth Grade!"

Even now, Zhuang Xiaotian felt like he was dreaming. Looking at Chen Ming sitting in front of him, there was a strong sense of unreality.

He still remembered a few years ago, when he and Guan Peng visited Deng Ziyang’s Residence as guests and saw Chen Ming for the first time. At that time, Chen Ming had just broken through to Ninth Grade.

The scene of them sparring together remained vivid in his memory, as if it were yesterday.

In the blink of an eye, Chen Ming had reached Fifth Grade.

This was Fifth Grade!

In the whole of Qingfeng City, the number of martial artists at this level could be counted on two hands—of course, that was a few years ago.

Now, with the arrival of martial powerhouses like the Dragon Tiger Sect and the Red Sea Gang, many experts had emerged in Qingfeng City. Even so, a Fifth Grade expert still held a significant position in the city.

The key was that Chen Ming was still so young—twenty-four years old and already Fifth Grade. Who would dare underestimate him?

Speaking of which, the last time Zhuang Xiaotian got into trouble because of Deng Ziyang, he had nearly been dismissed. In the end, he had benefited from his connection with Chen Ming, which allowed him to stay and even earn the favor of his direct superior. His status now was incomparable to before.

This was because it was rumored in the Six Doors Authority that Chen Ming had an extraordinary relationship with Lord Du.

And since he was close to Chen Ming, his superior naturally valued that connection and viewed him differently.

Now that Chen Ming had advanced further and reached Fifth Grade, his status in the Six Doors Authority would surely rise as well.

Zhuang Xiaotian suddenly realized that befriending Chen Ming might be the greatest opportunity of his life.

He also recalled that afternoon four years ago, when he had sworn brotherhood with Deng Ziyang and Guan Peng. At the time, Chen Ming had also been present.

If they had included Chen Ming in their oath that day, perhaps many things would have turned out differently...

At this moment, Chen Ming’s voice sounded beside his ear."Is Guan Peng coming back soon?"

Zhuang Xiaotian snapped out of his thoughts and nodded."Judging by the time, it should be within these few days."

Ever since Guan Peng joined the Four Seas Trading Company, he went out to sea at fixed times each year. Zhuang could estimate his return fairly accurately.

Chen Ming asked again,"What about Brother Deng? Any news of him?"

"I heard something a few days ago."

Zhuang Xiaotian instinctively lowered his voice."Supposedly, half a month ago, Big Brother showed up in Yujie County, and with him was a Demon Heir from the Blood Demon Sect. They clashed with several experts from the Six Doors Authority in a fierce battle that ended in mutual injuries. In the end, a man called Mad Saber intercepted them. Big Brother and that Demon Heir both fell into his hands and have been missing ever since."

The Six Doors Authority's intelligence channels were impressively efficient—barely over ten days had passed, yet even someone of Zhuang Xiaotian's level had already heard of it.

Chen Ming asked,"Who is this Mad Saber?"

Zhuang Xiaotian shook his head."This person appeared a few months ago and started challenging experts everywhere. He seems to be a martial arts fanatic. To this day, no one knows his background or sect—only that his surname is Wang. He's a wild and arrogant man who injured a constable from the Six Doors Authority. Now he's been issued a wanted order with a six-star bounty. Countless bounty hunters are stirred into action."

A six-star wanted order—that was quite a recognition.

Chen Ming knew for sure that it must have been that blue-clad constable named Duan who raised the bounty. It seemed he had really offended him badly last time.

The Six Doors Authority had two kinds of wanted orders. One offered only a cash reward, like the four pirates Chen Ming had killed. Usually, low-grade martial artists were only worth cash rewards.

The other type offered merit points, measured in "stars." These merit points could be exchanged within the Six Doors Authority for cultivation methods, martial techniques, pills, weapons, and many other things that money couldn't buy.

Ordinary silver and gold held little appeal for martial artists above Sixth Grade. Bounty hunters of that level took action only to gain merit points.

One had to admit, whoever had designed the merit point system back then was truly a genius. With this system, they could mobilize the vast martial artist community in the civilian world.

Normally, a Sixth Grade martial artist would warrant a four-star bounty. Fifth Grade would be five stars, and Fourth Grade six stars.

Mad Saber was only of Sixth Grade cultivation, yet his bounty reached six stars. That would certainly attract many Fifth and Sixth Grade, even Fourth Grade bounty hunters.

The moment Mad Saber showed his face, he would fall into an endless cycle of pursuit.

"From now on, this alias can’t be used anymore."

Chen Ming thought to himself. He also wondered whether Deng Ziyang had improved his strength after acquiring that divine art. And whether his marriage snatching in Yujie City had gone smoothly.

……

The news of Chen Ming breaking through to Fifth Grade quickly spread throughout the city, overshadowing the death of Qi Yanhong and becoming the hottest topic of the moment.

Everywhere in the streets and alleys, people were discussing this matter.

Soon, Feng Siyuan, Zhang Mingyu, Gu Yuantao, and the newly emerged Zhou Weihao all arrived at the Chen Residence to offer their congratulations to Chen Ming.

Not just them—many others, whether acquaintances or strangers, also flocked to the Chen Family.

For a time, the entrance of the Chen Residence was bustling with visitors.

The stream of people bringing gifts was endless. Even among the Seven Great Maritime Traders, some who had never had any dealings with the Chen Family also sent gifts to express their congratulations.

This signified that the Chen Family had truly stepped into the ranks of the upper class in Qingfeng City, gaining the recognition of the Seven Great Maritime Traders.

The house servants of the Chen Residence were busy running in circles—entertaining guests, receiving gifts, and registering all these gift lists into the ledger...

Naturally, the busiest of all was the steward. He had never seen such a grand occasion before. He was both excited and nervous, to the point his throat became hoarse from shouting.

Even so, every servant wore a joyful expression. Not only did they not feel tired, each of them had glowing faces, sharing in the honor.

It was only by evening that the last of the visiting guests finally left.

"Master, these are the invitations delivered today by the Four Seas Trading Company and Guanglong Trading Company, among others. Shall we attend the banquets? Please let Second Master decide..."

"Master, too many gifts were delivered today. The storeroom can't hold them all..."

"Master..."

Chen Rui listened as the steward reported matter after matter in a hoarse voice, falling into a kind of blissful dilemma.

At last, after the steward had finished reporting everything, he reminded,"Master, this courtyard is getting a bit small now. If we want to host a banquet, I’m afraid there won’t be enough space."

Those who brought gifts today would definitely expect a return gift in the future.

If the Chen Residence were to host a banquet or any similar event, they would have to return the favor. With so many people, there wouldn't be enough room to set all the tables.

Holding a stack of invitations in his hand, Chen Rui couldn’t help but smile bitterly. This new home had been moved into less than two years ago, and it was already too small.

He had thought they would live here for many years.

He could only blame Ah Ming for progressing too quickly.

If they had to move, they would need to purchase a bigger residence. Regardless of the cost, such a residence would not be easy to find...

Chen Rui felt that the burden on his shoulders had grown significantly heavier.

These trivial matters, of course, should not trouble Ah Ming. He would handle them himself.

……

Holding the invitations, Chen Rui went to find Chen Ming and saw that in the courtyard, Feng Siyuan and the others were still there, drinking.

"Big Brother, come have a drink with us."

Seeing it was him, Feng Siyuan greeted him joyfully.

Zhang Mingyu and Zhou Weihao also called out"Big Brother".

Chen Rui knew that these individuals were not ordinary people. They respected him because he was Chen Ming's elder brother. He smiled and said,"You all go ahead and drink. I need to speak with Ah Ming. These are the invitations that arrived today. Ah Ming, take a look and see which ones we need to attend."

"You didn’t have to come yourself, Big Brother. Just send someone with them next time."

Chen Ming said while casually flipping through them, and was surprised to find that not only were there invitations from the Seven Great Maritime Traders, but even the Dragon Tiger Sect had sent one.

A bit curious, he opened it and saw that the sender was Zhu Tianquan, the chief disciple of the Dragon Tiger Sect.

Feng Siyuan glanced at it and his expression turned a little strange."Brother Chen, I advise you not to go."

Chen Ming asked curiously,"Why not?"

"Brother Chen might not know this, but this Zhu Tianquan has a younger sister, nearly thirty, who still hasn’t married. As her elder brother, he’s naturally very anxious. Ever since he came to Qingfeng City, he’s been searching for young talents everywhere, hoping to find a suitable husband for his sister. But he hasn’t found anyone to his liking yet."

Feng Siyuan said teasingly,"With your character and aptitude, Brother Chen, if he sets his eyes on you, you won’t be able to run. You might be forced into the bridal chamber that very night and become the groom."

"Surely it wouldn’t go that far?"Chen Ming suspected he had a grudge against the Dragon Tiger Sect and was slandering their chief disciple.

Zhang Mingyu said,"Young Master Feng speaks the truth. Junior Brother, you’d best be cautious."

Feng Siyuan couldn’t help but laugh at that."Then Zhu Tianquan must’ve approached you as well?"

Zhang Mingyu smiled bitterly and nodded.

That day, Zhu Tianquan had suddenly visited his residence. Upon seeing him, he simply shook his head, said not a word, and left. It left Zhang Mingyu baffled.

Later, he found out that the man had been seeking a husband for his sister, but had such high standards that no one had met his expectations to this day.

The group laughed and chatted until late into the night before they parted in satisfaction.

……

Late at night, Chen Ming, dressed in night attire and holding a spare longsword in his hand, vaulted over the courtyard wall and quickly vanished into the night.

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