Chapter 62: Martial Arts Institute Convenes, Two Major Announcements

Chapter 62: Martial Arts Institute Convenes, Two Major Announcements

A gentle breeze brushed across the stunned faces of the three men. Dead leaves rustled on the ground, their whispering sound echoing the turbulent emotions in their hearts—shock, helplessness, and disbelief.

Suddenly, Hong Ming sprang forward like a gust of wind, seizing Su Chen’s arm as he demanded, “Let me see it.”

Su Chen, prepared for this, revealed the crimson Iron Line on his arm.

As Hong Ming’s eyes locked onto the vivid mark, Su Chen felt his master’s trembling hand tighten.

Hong Ming inhaled sharply, his face suddenly lighting up with joy. “Excellent! You’ve truly had a cultivation breakthrough!”

At these words, Qin Hao—who had been tense beside them—froze. The satisfaction he’d felt from his earlier triumph instantly soured into frustration, as though something precious was slipping away.

Li Mo halted mid-step, stunned into silence by Su Chen’s revelation. Only when Hong Ming confirmed the breakthrough did he snap back to reality. A bitter smile tugged at his lips as he opened his mouth, yet no words came.

After a long pause, the trio finally calmed. Hong Ming beamed at Su Chen, teasing, “You brat, keeping such a huge secret from me!”

His sharp eyes had already noted Su Chen’s breakthrough occurred days ago, but his tone held no reproach.

Su Chen chuckled. “It was purely by chance. I’ve been adjusting to the changes and missed the martial arts exchange. Please don’t take offense, Master.”

“Oh?” Hong Ming arched a brow, waving a hand dismissively. “Forget it. Let’s move on.”

Qin Hao, still smarting from his earlier glory, muttered, “…”

Su Chen nodded, saying nothing more.

“Good thing you broke through. I’ll gather your seniors tomorrow for a reunion,” Hong Ming resumed his usual authoritative stance.

“Have the senior apprentices returned?” Su Chen asked.

Hong Ming nodded. “Not only your eldest senior, but even your third senior sister are back. Meet them now so you won’t be strangers later.”

“As you wish, Master,” Su Chen agreed readily.

Hong Ming then grilled Su Chen about his cultivation progress, though Su Chen claimed no issues.

To let Hong Ming feel involved, Su Chen feigned asking a few trivial questions, allowing his master to play the role of a wise mentor.

After chatting for half an hour, Su Chen excused himself. Hong Ming didn’t stop him, only reminding him of the reunion.

Watching Su Chen depart, Qin Hao’s face still bore traces of shock.

Then Hong Ming’s voice cut through, “Don’t rush. When the time comes, you’ll break through too. Your talent isn’t inferior to Xiao Chen’s.”

“Yes, Master!”

This time, without prompting, Qin Hao resumed cultivation with unprecedented focus.

As Li Mo walked Su Chen out of the institute, Su Chen glanced at his gloomy companion and grinned, “Senior Brother Li Mo, drinks?”

“Huh? Sure.” Li Mo’s face brightened. “I’ll make sure to take you for every coin!”

Su Chen shrugged, unfazed, leading Li Mo to his usual tavern for a casual meal.

Since Li Mo had afternoon duties, he drank sparingly and finished quickly.

After parting ways, Su Chen visited several clinics. Receiving the same diagnosis each time, he returned home, burying himself in medical studies.

The next day, dressed in slightly formal attire, Su Chen grabbed breakfast from a street stall before heading to the institute.

As he entered, outer courtyard disciples greeted him warmly, their gazes brimming with envy.

Li Mo waved him inside, where the inner courtyard was quiet. Fang Rou brightened at the sight of Su Chen, calling out a greeting.

Before Su Chen could respond, his attention snagged on a stranger. The man’s ordinary face carried an air of quiet intensity, his every step exuding a scholarly martial artist’s grace.

“This is your eldest senior, Wei Ping,” Li Mo introduced as the man approached.

“Eldest Senior,” Su Chen bowed.

“So you’re the little junior my master raves about!” Wei Ping grinned. “You’ve got my looks beat by a mile!”

“Hah! Senior Brother, your looks only impressed the locals. Little Junior here’s a Marriageable Top Scholar material!” A sharp-voiced woman strode over, adding, “Junior, I know many wealthy misses. Need an introduction?”

The group erupted in laughter, except Su Chen, who flushed.

Hong Ming emerged, dressed formally, his entrance drawing respectful greetings. Spotting latecomers, he beckoned Wei Ping over.

Liu Fang soon engaged Fang Rou in chatter, her outgoing nature quickly bridging the gap.

“Little Junior, consider Third Senior Sister’s offer,” Li Mo nudged, winking.

Su Chen rolled his eyes. “Not my style.”

Li Mo sighed theatrically, then explained the seniors’ backgrounds.

Though Hong Ming’s adopted son, Wei Ping declined succession, fearing his lack of talent for Momentum Attunement. Instead, he founded the Weiyuan Escort Agency, leveraging the institute’s reputation in White Stone City.

Fourth Senior Wu Hai, another orphan taken in by Wei Ping, joined the agency after training.

Third Senior Sister Liu Fang hailed from a wealthy tea merchant family, rivaling the Fang Clan’s status.

As Zhou Tao and others arrived, Hong Ming stood. “I’ve gathered you for two announcements.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end