Chapter 270 143: More Than Enough

He was originally the Chief Director of the South Inner City District's Martial Guard Department and had also held an important position at the Martial Guard Headquarters.

Later, as he got older, and perhaps because he was constrained by his Martial Arts limits, his strength declined, so he retired from his official post. Today, he was likely attending as an honored guest.

Chen Cheng didn't recognize the two men in the middle and on the left, so he could only look to Zhuang Zhen.

"The one on the left is the General Thousand Guard of our Evil Extermination Bureau, Li Zhenyue."

Zhuang Zhen gestured with her eyes for Chen Cheng to look at the middle-aged man sitting there, then continued,

"He's not a native of Zhao City and has no backing from a great family, yet he has managed to firmly establish himself. Everyone in the Zhao City Evil Extermination Bureau, from top to bottom, follows his lead."

"He relied on his Secret Inheritance Entry Level to advance with divine speed. He's only in his forties now. As long as his own Martial Arts limit is high enough, his future accomplishments will surely place him among the absolute elite of Zhao City."

Chen Cheng nodded, silently committing this to memory.

Zhuang Zhen continued,

"The old man in the middle is the Inspector General of Zhao City's Martial Guard Headquarters, Hong Jinhai. He comes from the Hong Family, one of the Seven Great Races. His strength surpasses even that of the Cloud Platform Hall Master."

"If nothing unexpected happens, Lord Hong will be the one overseeing the entire Zhao City Martial Selection two months from now."

Zhuang Zhen paused, then added,

"Given his status, he usually doesn't attend the Young Qilin Association. His breaking tradition to come today is clearly because the three young geniuses who have emerged this year are far more dazzling than those of previous years."

As she spoke, her gaze couldn't help but sweep over Zhu Qian, Huang Tao, and Qin Zhao.

Chen Cheng's gaze also turned towards the three of them.

He had no intention of going on stage today, but he was very curious to see just how big the gap was between himself and these three exceptionally brilliant young geniuses. 'If I run into them during the Martial Selection, what are my chances of winning?'

Afterward, a middle-aged Military Officer went on stage and gave a very official speech.

Chen Cheng had little interest in it, so he lowered his voice and asked again,

"Senior Sister, why hasn't Master Cao said a single word today? I can see his complexion is also extremely poor."

"Master Cao..."

Zhuang Zhen glanced at Cao Miao, who was still meditating with his eyes closed, and whispered,

"He was seriously injured three days ago during the annihilation of Cangying Hunting Manor. He should have been at home resting..."

"But today, both our Dragon Mountain Hall Master and the other Skills-Transmission Master... were unwilling to come."

"Master Cao didn't want you to be looked down upon by the various powers, so he insisted on coming to show his support."

Hearing this, Chen Cheng stood up immediately, cupped his fists, and bowed to Cao Miao.

"I thank you for your great kindness, Master Cao. I don't care whether others look down on me or not. Please, return home and rest."

Cao Miao didn't respond, but his closed eyelids twitched slightly.

"Junior Brother, you should sit down for now."

Zhuang Zhen said,

"Master Cao must be at a critical point in his meditation. It wouldn't be good for him to stop and respond to you."

Upon hearing this, Chen Cheng could only sit back down in silence.

Chen Cheng was, of course, truly grateful for Cao Miao's immense support.

As for why the Dragon Mountain Hall Master and the other Skills-Transmission Master from the Upper Courtyard were unwilling to come, Chen Cheng had a good idea.

It was simply because they believed that Chen Cheng, having just condensed his Sixth Pillar of Blood Qi, was far inferior to the other young geniuses—especially this year, with Qin Zhao emerging from their arch-rival, Cloud Platform Hall.

If they came to support Chen Cheng, it would most likely just be a case of them asking for humiliation.

Not coming was perfectly normal.

But when compared to them, Cao Miao's support seemed all the more precious.

"Junior Brother."

Zhuang Zhen leaned in close. The press of her lapels made the already impressive curves of her chest even more distinct, threatening to burst free.

Seeing her caution, Chen Cheng also leaned closer to her.

Her lips were almost touching Chen Cheng's ear as she said in an extremely low voice,

"Three days ago, the Hall Master was actually injured too... This is a huge deal. Just know it, and don't you dare spread it to anyone..."

"How could that be!?"

Hearing this, Chen Cheng's brow furrowed involuntarily.

"I don't know the specifics..."

Zhuang Zhen said in a low voice,

"I was there that day, but I was only on the perimeter chasing down fugitives. I didn't follow the main force that stormed Cangying Hunting Manor."

"However, on the way back to the city, I heard my uncle mention something. It seems to be related to some Evil Technique from the Immortal Bone Sect... My uncle was very secretive and didn't elaborate."

"But there was one thing he told me plainly: many of the experts in the main force that stormed the Hunting Manor were seriously injured... And what's more, ordinary medicine can't heal them..."

"Evil Technique?"

Chen Cheng's expression changed slightly.

'The thought that flashed through my mind three days ago really came true... The Bai Family, pushed into a corner, actually pulled out a hidden trump card.'

'Of course, there might be other reasons behind this...'

"The good news is, Cangying Hunting Manor has been completely taken."

Zhuang Zhen continued,

"Right now, the Captain's Mansion has dispatched troops to garrison the manor. It will soon be converted into a Garrison Fortress controlled by the official family, with soldiers permanently stationed there to deter the surrounding bandits..."

As they spoke, the two participants for the first match had already stepped onto the stage.

"The rules have just been stated... but I will reiterate them once more!"

Hong Jinhai, who was seated in the most central, main seat of the entire venue, spoke slowly. His voice was deep and heavy, carrying an oppressive authority that commanded respect without any show of anger.

"All the young geniuses who take the stage today are the future hope of Zhao City's Martial Arts! Therefore, in today's matches, you must pull your punches!"

"Anyone who injures another person, whether intentionally or not, will have their eligibility for the Martial Selection two months from now immediately revoked!"

As he finished speaking, Hong Jinhai's deep and placid eyes slowly swept across the crowd.