I can only beat noobs.

Chapter 81 My Hands Are Itching

The Gu family's house was severely damaged in the battle that day and has never been rebuilt; only the collapsed bricks and wood have been cleared away.

The once vast Gu family estate is now reduced to just a few scattered buildings, empty and desolate, devoid of any human presence.

As the saying goes, even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. Even though the Gu family had been plundered by pirates, the wealth accumulated over hundreds of years was still enormous, and they could still afford to rebuild the Gu family.

Gu Yuantao had sworn that day that he would never rebuild the Gu family before it was restored.

Every morning when he wakes up, he is faced with the ruins of the old house, which reminds him of the shame of the Gu family and motivates him.

He lived in one of the small courtyards, with only two servants: a female servant who was responsible for washing clothes and cooking, and an old servant who was responsible for sweeping and cleaning.

Both of these servants were born into the Gu family and had spent their entire lives working here. Their families had all perished in that calamity, leaving them with nowhere to go.

However, recently, the old house has become much more lively due to the arrival of the young master Zhou Weihao.

Zhou Weihao was a spoiled young master who couldn't endure any hardship. He brought a lot of servants with him, and they often started working before dawn.

Another morning.

Zhou Weihao got up early to practice his skills. Even as a young master, he never slacked off in his training.

When he got up, he heard a noise coming from the next courtyard; it was Gu Yuantao practicing his sword.

An hour later.

When he finished his morning practice and was about to have breakfast, the people in the next yard were still practicing.

This is true every day.

After washing his hands, Zhou Weihao ate his breakfast while listening to the sound of the longsword cutting through the air. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. He and this cousin used to be very close; they often enjoyed fine dining together and went hunting in the mountains with a few friends. He was secretly going to brothels without telling his family…

But ever since the incident involving the Gu family, Gu Yuantao has changed. Every day, besides practicing martial arts, he reads books. He has never slacked off for a moment.

What a boring life.

……

After Zhou Weihao finished breakfast, Gu Yuantao was still practicing his sword. He went to the neighboring courtyard, stood at the door for a while, and his expression suddenly changed, a look of shock flashing in his eyes.

After not seeing him for two decades, my cousin's swordsmanship had actually improved significantly.

The last time I saw him make a move was at the Chen family, when he was sparring with Chen Ming.

At that time, his swordsmanship was at best on par with his own.

now……

After watching for a while, Zhou Weihao realized that he was no match for his cousin.

In less than a month, his swordsmanship has improved so much!

This greatly shocked Zhou Weihao.

At this moment, Gu Yuantao finished his swordplay and finally stopped, standing there with his eyes closed, seemingly deep in thought.

Zhou Weihao walked over, his voice trembling with excitement, "How did your swordsmanship improve so quickly?"

Gu Yuantao seemed not to hear him, his brows furrowed, muttering, "Not enough... far from enough."

Then, he opened his eyes again, his gaze filled with intense resentment and anger, and brandished his longsword as he began practicing once more.

Zhou Weihao was stunned. He had made such great progress, yet he was still not satisfied?

Not enough... What does that mean?
He had a vague suspicion in his mind, but he didn't want to think about it too much.

He stood there for a while, but seeing that Gu Yuantao ignored him, he gradually got bored and walked away on his own.

……

Zhou Weihao had a carriage prepared and headed straight for the gambling den.

Upon reaching the gambling den, he suddenly lost interest and didn't even go inside. He told the driver to change course. Instead, they went to several other places: a cockfighting ring, a restaurant, and a teahouse full of beautiful women…

However, once he arrived at a place, he didn't want to go inside anymore.

And so, the carriage traveled almost around the city for the entire morning.

Before they knew it, the carriage had arrived at Xiushui Street.

"Stop."

Zhou Weihao looked out the car window and saw one of the houses. As if possessed, he called out.

Above the gate of that house were the words "Chen Residence".

His expression shifted, he let out a long breath, his eyes hardened, he got out of the car, straightened his clothes, and went to knock on the door.

"Zhou Weihai of the Zhou family requests an audience with the second young master of your esteemed household."

……

In the backyard, Chen Ming was sitting in a wicker chair, holding a book in his hand, looking sullen and unhappy.

After turning a page, I suddenly threw the book down in frustration, cursing, "What kind of garbage is this?" It was a novel, and I had only picked it up to read to pass the time. I had patiently read seven or eight pages, but I just couldn't take it anymore.

The writing was good, but the story was terrible and clichéd. He really couldn't get into it.

Sigh, I miss the second day of the Six Doors prison.

Chunxiang, who was serving him, had never seen him angry before, and she didn't know why he was unhappy, so she could only anxiously ask, "Would you like to change the book?"

"Don't look at it."

Chen Ming waved his hand.

Just then, Xia Xiang ran over quickly, "Second Master, that Young Master Zhao from last time is here again."

Zhao Xiyan is here?
Chen Ming immediately stood up. "Quick, take me to greet them."

This Miss Zhao is his benefactor; she gave him such a generous gift, so he should naturally be more attentive.

As soon as he stepped out of the courtyard, he saw Zhao Xiyan, dressed in men's clothing, holding a folding fan and walking towards him.

"I was unaware of Young Master Zhao's arrival. I apologize for not welcoming you properly."

"I came over without saying hello."

Zhao Xiyan went straight into the courtyard, showing no restraint whatsoever, as if she were back in her own home.

After sitting down, she said, "I didn't expect Yu Xiuming to be so narrow-minded and still hold a grudge against you. He actually tried to stop you from going to jail."

Chen Ming simply smiled.

It would be strange if Yu Xiuming didn't hate him. The relationship between Sun Shicai and Yu Xiuming was hidden so deeply that it was probably the result of a very deep scheme and conspiracy.

He ruined his plans; it's already a miracle that the other party didn't retaliate.

Zhao Xiyan continued, "Yu Xiuming comes from an extraordinary background. If he's determined to obstruct us, even my father can't force him."

Chen Ming said, "I am already very satisfied with having half a month. I am deeply grateful for your concern for me.

"Once Yu Xiuming is transferred, you will be able to freely enter and leave the prison."

By then, it will no longer be necessary.

Chen Ming thought to himself that he was not far from the peak of the seventh rank, and that he might even be at the sixth rank by then.

Within Qingfeng City, the number of sixth-rank martial artists has decreased drastically. Excluding those from the maritime merchants, there are only about ten left.

There wasn't a single one in the Six Doors' prison. No, there was only one: Fu Zhengyang, who had concealed his cultivation level and was imprisoned in a Class B cell.

Once you reach the sixth rank, it becomes even more difficult to find someone to spar with.

Chen Ming didn't continue the topic, but instead asked, "Have those thugs been caught?"

He was referring to the murderer who attacked the young masters who had left Qingfeng City some time ago.

Mentioning this matter, a shadow crossed Zhao Xiyan's eyes. She shook her head and said, "These people seem to have vanished into thin air. Almost all the people from the Six Doors were mobilized, searching high and low, but they couldn't find any useful clues."

Her father had just taken office when this incident occurred. The victims were people who had come specifically to attend the martial arts tournament organized by her father.

This makes one suspect that this incident was aimed at her father.

This only makes the incident more perplexing.

……

"Young master, my second master is entertaining distinguished guests. Please wait a moment."

After a servant led Zhou Weihao inside, he spoke politely.

After the previous mix-up where Xiao Zhuyun and Zhao Xiyan bumped into each other, Chen Ming specifically instructed that when guests arrived, they should not be led directly to him.

Although Zhou Weihao felt slighted, to his surprise, he was not angry and waited patiently.

The last time he could wait with a calm mind was when the new courtesan of Yixiang Pavilion in Jiangzhou was appointed.

This wait lasted for half an hour.

The tea on his table had been changed six times before Chen Ming finally arrived. Upon seeing his hand, he said with some surprise, "Young Master Zhou, you are truly a rare guest."

Zhou Weihao, maintaining the airs of a young master from a prominent family, said casually, "I've been stuck in Qingfeng City lately, traveling around everywhere, but I'm not really interested. I just happened to pass by your house and suddenly remembered your suggestion to spar with me last time. I suddenly felt a bit itchy to fight, so I came in. I didn't expect you to be so busy."

Chen Ming's eyes lit up slightly, and his tone became much warmer, "I'm sorry, there was indeed an important guest just now. If I had known it was Young Master Zhou coming, I should have come earlier. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

Hearing him say that made Zhou Weihao feel much better.

"In that case, let's not waste any more time and get started."

"Okay, please follow me."

The two went to the training ground in the backyard and officially began their sparring.

P.S.: I'd like to try and get on the new book monthly ticket ranking list, please support me with your monthly tickets.

(End of this chapter)