I can only beat noobs.

Chapter 111 Secret Technique
The room was dimly lit. The old man took out his dagger, adjusted the bulb wick, and the room became much brighter.

Chen Ming stood opposite him, looking around at the furnishings in the room.

There were only the two of them in the house; no one else was there. Aunt Wen had run away while the two of them were fighting. He couldn't be bothered to chase after her.

The old man still had a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth; he had taken a sword strike and suffered some internal injuries.

Actually, Chen Ming didn't use his full strength in that sword strike just now.

Judging from the notification that popped up after he conceded defeat, he was level 49, which shouldn't be so bad. So it's clear that when he said he was done for, he wasn't lying.

The old man smiled apologetically, "Please wait a moment, sir, I'll go get a sample."

Then, he jumped onto the beam and took down a wooden box.

He opened the wooden box, took out a thick book, and said, “I’m old and can’t teach anymore. This is my summary of disguise techniques over the past few years, which I originally intended to take to my grave. Now, I’m giving it to you, sir. If there’s anything you don’t understand, feel free to ask.”

Chen Ming took it and flipped through it. He saw that it was written in plain language, which was easy to understand, and there were also many pictures, so it looked quite detailed.

However, he didn't believe he could learn the art of disguise just by reading this book. Back on Earth, he had watched many makeup tutorial videos with his ex-girlfriend, but they all seemed too complicated.

This art of disguise is far more complex than makeup. Do you really think you can learn it just by reading books and teaching yourself?
He lacked confidence in his self-learning ability.

He placed his hand on the thick book and said, "I heard that you are also proficient in a secret technique that allows you to change your height, muscle shape, and appearance at will."

This matter was mentioned by Zhuang Xiaotian as a lighthearted remark during a casual conversation. Though the speaker meant no harm, the listener took it to heart; Chen Ming remembered it and kept this secret technique in mind ever since.

The old man looked troubled. "This is a secret technique passed down within our sect. I swore an oath never to reveal it to anyone—"

As he spoke, he met the other's cold gaze and quickly changed his words, "Of course, if you wish to learn, sir, I am happy to teach you. However—this secret technique must be practiced from childhood. At your age, even if you were to learn it, you would not be able to master it..."

Chen Ming said calmly, "You just need to teach me. Whether I can master it or not is my business."

"OK then."

The old man had no choice but to reveal the incantation of this secret technique and the method of gathering energy.

He soon discovered that this person was meticulous and would ask about every single incantation, and would even suddenly turn around and ask him what a certain incantation from before was.

Under these circumstances, he naturally dared not play any tricks and honestly revealed all the contents of the secret method without daring to change a single word.

As dawn approached, the other party repeated the incantation and its contents several times before finally leaving satisfied.

Before leaving, he left behind two gold ingots, saying they were tuition fees.

He certainly wasn't short of money, but seeing the two ingots of gold reassured him somewhat, at least proving that this person didn't intend to kill him to silence him for the time being.

"We can't stay here anymore."

The old man thought to himself with some frustration.

I originally thought Qingfeng City was a good place to live in seclusion because its martial arts were declining, there were few masters, and it was a bustling commercial center. But a few months ago, I was discovered by an old acquaintance from the Six Doors and was ripped off.

Now, an unknown expert has come knocking on my door.

This place is no longer safe.

……

When Chen Ming got home, it was already dawn.

He had already given prior notice that the students would practice for a day.

"Young Master, what's wrong—"

The two maids had already gotten up to work. Xia Xiang was surprised to see Chen Ming come in from outside. It was Chun Xiang beside her who pulled her back, and she swallowed her words.

Chen Ming casually said, "When I woke up this morning, I saw that the snow was falling beautifully, so on a whim, I went outside to see the snow."

"Oh."

The two maids were somewhat skeptical. Did they really need to wear all black to go out and see the snow?

However, they naturally wouldn't question the young master's words, and went to the water boiler room to bring him hot water to wash up.

Chen Ming washed his face while opening the control panel to take a look.

【Level: 43】

Current points: 106000

[Techniques: Iron Horse Stake (Fifth Level Perfection), Two Elements True Skill (Fourth Level 120652/600000)]

Martial Arts: Three Talents Fist (Mastery), Eight Trigrams Saber Technique (Mastery), Zhuang Family Flying Knife (Mastery), Swallow Return Sword Technique (Mastery), Vermilion Bird Sword Technique (Mastery 21/500000)

[Secret Technique: Disguise (Beginner 0/10000)]

A new column appeared on the panel, a completely new type called Arcane Arts. For him, it was like opening a door to a whole new world.

From now on, he will be able to learn more than just "kung fu techniques" and "martial arts skills".

This was truly an unexpected delight.

Moreover, this secret technique only requires 10,000 points to learn, which is not much for him now.

"Add some points."

Chen Ming immediately added 10,000, changing the skill level of "Disguise Technique" to (Proficient 0/20000). Instantly, he felt as if his bones were slightly shifting, and his facial skin and muscles felt sore and itchy.

Soon, the strange feeling disappeared.

He naturally knew what he could do now: his height could be adjusted by three to five centimeters, the duration could not exceed three hours, and his face could be slightly adjusted.

"This level is not enough. Add more."

With a thought, Chen Ming added another 20,000 points, bringing his "Disguise Technique" skill to (Mastery 0/30000).

The bones made a crisp sound, and the muscles on my face felt even more sore, numb, and itchy, which lasted for several tens of seconds.

"It can only last for ten hours, which is still not enough."

He simply added another 30,000 points, bringing the "Disguise Technique" to (Mastery) in one fell swoop.

Instantly, his whole body crackled and popped like popping beans. The skin and muscles on his face were burning hot. This continued for about ten minutes.

Finally, Chen Ming's body adapted to all the changes.

“Try it and see the effect.”

At this moment, Chunxiang and Xiaxiang had already left the courtyard. He returned to the house, closed the door, sat in front of the bronze mirror, and began to use his disguise technique.

Suddenly, his bones cracked, and he appeared nearly ten centimeters shorter, looking much more robust.

He moved around a bit, then circulated his inner energy again. "This level has absolutely no effect on me. It's just a little uncomfortable."

He could do it even if he were shorter, but that would affect his movements and power generation.

Then, he used his secret technique again to adjust the muscles in his face.

This adjustment took nearly half an hour, and the face in the mirror had transformed.

For him, that face was so familiar.

"It's been a long time, me from another world."

Chen Ming saw that once-familiar face again, and his feelings were complicated. He was suddenly overwhelmed with memories of the past: cell phones, computers, sugary drinks, and those novels he hadn't finished reading...

As his thoughts raced, he suddenly realized how awesome it would be if he could travel back to Earth with all his cultivation now.

……

During dinner that evening, Chen Ming took advantage of everyone's presence to solemnly announce something: he planned to go into seclusion and cultivate asceticism for a period of time.

During his seclusion, no one should disturb him.

His elder brother Chen Rui and sister-in-law Wei had no objection to his decision. During this period, he locked himself in the courtyard every day.

They must have been provoked by what happened last time.

They felt they couldn't help Chen Ming with his martial arts training, so all they could do was try not to hold him back. Whatever he wanted to do, they would cooperate.

As usual, the innocent Chen Lide asked, "Second Uncle, are you about to break through to the fifth rank?"

These words drew everyone's attention to Chen Ming.

He patted his nephew's head and laughed, "It won't be that fast. This seclusion is mainly for practicing swordsmanship."

"Oh."

The little guy couldn't hide his disappointment.

In his young mind, he naturally thought his second uncle was the most powerful. But when people broke into his house last time, and his second uncle didn't kill them, he realized that his second uncle wasn't as powerful as he had imagined.

So, from now on, protecting our parents and this family will depend on him!

……

The next day, Chen Ming informed Zhang Mingyu and Zhou Weihao that he would be going into seclusion for several months. After informing everyone, he began his seclusion.

Before going into seclusion, he summoned Chunxiang and Xiaxiang, stared at them for a while, and then solemnly asked, "Can I trust you?"

This question startled them, and they knelt down with a thud. "Young...Young Master, what do you mean by that?"

Chen Ming said, "Actually, my seclusion is a pretense. I have something very important to do, and I can't let anyone know. So, can I trust you?"

Chunxiang and Xiaxiang quickly said, "Young Master, don't worry, even if we die, we will never let anyone know that you are not here."

Chen Ming added, "Including my eldest brother and sister-in-law. Remember, you need to create the illusion that I've been in seclusion all along, without letting anyone see through the deception. Understand?"

"Understood!"

The two nodded solemnly.

Chen Ming said, "Relax a bit, don't be so tense. Okay, let's go all the way. After I go inside, board up the doors and windows. I have my own way of leaving."

"Yes."

After giving his instructions, Chen Ming asked them to call their families over. In front of them, he walked into the house, beginning his "seclusion."

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(End of this chapter)