Not getting married?
Chen Ming was taken aback, his mind full of questions, and looked at Zhang Mingyu. Seeing that he wasn't joking—after all, this wasn't something you'd make a joke about.
Then he looked at Hong Mingquan, who appeared serious, confirming that this matter was indeed true.
Chen Ming couldn't help but gasp. This young lady is indeed willful; she suddenly says she's not getting married, and only decided to inform them on the day they came to arrange the betrothal.
He felt a bit sorry for Wen Zehao.
For a moment, he didn't know how to react. After a while, he whispered a comment, "How did it come to this?"
Hong Mingquan said with a bitter face, "Who knows what Junior Sister is thinking? Just saying she won't marry nearly made Master faint from anger. It's the first time I've seen Master so angry; he almost slapped down..."
Zhang Mingyu said, "I think Junior Sister probably has someone she likes."
Hong Mingquan jumped in shock, looked around to see if anyone was watching, and complained, "Third Senior Brother, you shouldn't talk carelessly."
"Whatever, we all know the truth. Junior Sister never opposed this marriage. Sometimes we tease her about it, and she becomes shy. Why suddenly unwilling to marry? She must have someone else she likes."
"You can't say that. Junior Sister has been quarreling with Seventh Senior Brother recently and is being capricious."
Zhang Mingyu shook his head, "Although Junior Sister is a bit willful, she wouldn't be so childish as to gamble over marriage."
Hong Mingquan still didn't believe it, "How is that possible? In terms of looks and character, few in Qingfeng City can compare with Seventh Senior Brother. Why wouldn't Junior Sister fancy him?"
"Why not? Chen Ming isn't bad. Maybe Junior Sister likes him."
Chen Ming was startled by his words, "You can't talk like that. It'll cause trouble."
Zhang Mingyu laughed, "Just kidding. See how scared you are."
"You can't joke like that. If Senior Brother Wen hears, he'll hate me."
"True, if Seventh Senior Brother finds out who Junior Sister likes, he'll surely kill someone."
"Fifth Senior Brother, keep your voice down..."
...
"Qian'er, be honest with Grandpa—did you fall for someone?"
In Huo Qianqian's boudoir, Huo Chengkun sat outside and finally asked this question.
"No."
Huo Qianqian lay on the bed, responding stiffly.
"Then why suddenly unwilling to marry Lao Qi?"
"I just won't marry him. If you force me, I'll die to show you. If my parents were still here, they wouldn't force me... Boohoo..."
Huo Chengkun felt a headache hearing his granddaughter's cries.
Knowing she's feigning, he still couldn't harden his heart. The problem was he spoiled her too much when she was young, letting her grow into this personality.
Ever since she was little, she'd cry about being an orphan. His heart would soften, agreeing to anything.
But this time, he wouldn't give in so easily.
She's now even being capricious over marriage; what would become of her in the future?
While he was still around, he could shield his granddaughter.
But what if he was no longer in this world?
So, he decided to be resolute and said, "Qian'er, you can choose not to marry, but you must agree to one condition."
The crying stopped abruptly, "What condition?"
"If you attain a rank within a year, you can decide about marriage as you wish. If you fail, you must follow Grandfather's arrangement and obediently marry."
The curtain lifted, revealing disheveled Huo Qianqian coming out, "I agree."
Huo Chengkun extended his hand, "Make a vow with a handshake."
"No regrets."
Huo Qianqian solemnly stepped forward to shake hands with her grandfather.
...
......
Chen Ming spent the entire morning surrounded by drama, adding a touch of gossip to his otherwise monotonous life.
At noon, he went to the Deng Family, as usual.
Upon reaching the backyard, he saw Deng Ziyang's figure.
He exclaimed joyfully, "Deng Brother, you're back?"
Deng Ziyang smiled, "The martial exam is over, so I naturally came back. Let me introduce you to two newly met friends."
He pointed to two young men nearby, "This is Guan Peng from Guan Family Castle, skilled with broadsword."
"This is Zhuang Xiaotian from Guangtong, an expert in flying knives."
"I met them in the State City."
"This is Chen Ming, my senior brother. We studied martial arts together under Master Huo."
Deng Ziyang introduced the three to each other.
"Nice to meet you."
Guan Peng and Zhuang Xiaotian exchanged pleasantries, clearly disregarding Chen Ming.
They discerned from Deng Ziyang's introduction that he wasn't a martial artist, naturally underestimating him. Only out of respect to Deng Ziyang did they engage in small talk.
Deng Ziyang and the other two began discussing what they'd seen on their trip to the State City.
Chen Ming sat quietly beside them, unable to interject, just listening.
"Journeying to the State City, I realized how small-minded I've been; so many talented people out there. The Jiangzhou Five Horses, about our age, are already at the sixth rank."
Guan Peng said, "Brother Deng, don't belittle yourself. Those five are direct descendants of major sects, members of influential families. If we had such backgrounds, we wouldn't lose to them."
Zhuang Xiaotian echoed, "They just started a bit earlier. Once we join Six Gates, who knows what the future holds."
...
After listening for a while, Chen Ming understood that the "Jiangzhou Five Horses" are outstanding young martial artists from Jiangzhou, under twenty years old and at the sixth rank.
No wonder Deng Ziyang felt discouraged.
Comparisons could drive one to despair or discard lesser goods.
Listening to Guan Peng and Zhuang Xiaotian, he realized how Deng Ziyang befriended them. They're ambitious young men.
Deng Ziyang added, "Luckily, those family disciples and sect members seldom take the martial exam, or we'd have no chance."
Guan Peng laughed, "The government established Six Gates to confront families and sects, so naturally there're restrictions. Besides, those rich heirs wouldn't endure the hardships of Six Gates, would they?"
Zhuang Xiaotian lamented, "For us from humble backgrounds, breaking through is immensely challenging. Though perilous, Six Gates is our only path."
Deng Ziyang abruptly slapped the table, excitedly saying, "That's right. Because it's hard, we need to band together. Why not become sworn brothers today? It'll be beneficial once we're in Six Gates."
"Agreed."
"I'm in!"
The three were clearly pumped up.
Deng Ziyang suddenly looked at Chen Ming, seemingly wanting to include him.
Chen Ming hastily said, "That sounds great. I'll be a witness for the three of you, how about that?"
"Great!"
"Alright."
Guan Peng and Zhuang Xiaotian immediately accepted, not allowing Deng Ziyang to speak.
Thus, under the witness of Chen Ming and Deng Ziyang's men, the three swore an oath of brotherhood.
They ranked themselves: Deng Ziyang the eldest, Guan Peng second, Zhuang Xiaotian last.
Immediately, they changed how they addressed each other.
Feeling joyous, Deng Ziyang sent someone to buy wine for a celebratory drink.
...
This unexpected event delayed Chen Ming's practice with them.
When the liquor was flowing, Qi Jun suddenly stood, his face flushed, "Chen Senior Brother, I admire your combat skills. Today, I'd like to spar with you in saber technique. Do you accept?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone cheered.
"Let's do it then."
Chen Ming naturally wouldn't refuse, accepting the challenge. With a thought, he opened his panel.
[Level: 10]
[Current Points: 964]
[Cultivation Technique: "Iron Horse Stance" (Fifth Level Perfection), "Three Yang Body Refining Skill" (First Level 2/1000)]
[Martial Skill: "Three Talents Fist" (Proficient 27/500+), Eight Trigrams Saber Technique (Beginner 55/100+)]
He began allocating points to "Eight Trigrams Saber Technique".