Chapter 46

Chapter 46: I Call You Ming, You Call Me CiCi

　　【You have entered the Refining Qi Realm.】

　　【You have entered the Mercury Realm.】

　　In the Xiao Chun Courtyard, feeling the changes within his body, Ming exhaled a long breath.

　　After Martial True Qi and Spiritual Energy coursed through his entire body, Ming opened his eyes and loosely clenched his fists.

　　Since returning from the banquet, Ming had felt an urge to break through realms.

　　Thus, Ming continued practicing the “Heaven Opening Fist” and “Ice Yang Sword Technique” in the courtyard.

　　”Mother, Miss Zhu.” Ming greeted as he approached.

　　Not long after, a middle-aged man leading three dogs walked towards Ming and Zhu CiCi.

　　”.” Ming’s eyebrows twitched slightly, “What I meant was, next to the Hundred Flowers Building is a shop called Chenxiang Pavilion, where they sell pretty good rouge.”

　　Zhu CiCi: “.”

　　Ming couldn’t figure it out either.

　　Ming didn’t know how strong his current combat power was, but judging solely by the realm of Qi refiners, since he hadn’t even made it onto the Azurecloud List, it probably meant he wasn’t that strong.

　　The Heavenly Black Goose kept panting heavily.

　　Now, everyone in Wudu knew that storms were brewing in the Imperial Court, and the reformists held the upper hand; the imperial examination system might indeed be revised.

　　The trio paid no attention to this man.

　　The bigger storm was yet to come.

　　Ming paused for a moment, then smiled and nodded, “Alright.”

　　By Mother’s side stood a beautifully carved little girl.

　　”This is the largest bookshop in Wudu, with books from all schools of thought, and even some simple magical techniques and boxing methods.”

　　Ming took Zhu CiCi out of the Xu Mansion and wandered around Wudu under the protection of her maidservant.

　　Especially those scholars who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to a certain belief—these people were truly terrifying.

　　”Come on, let’s fight.”

　　”This tavern is called Zui Xian Tower, its brewed alcohol is said to be excellent, and the dishes are also delicious, just the price is quite shocking.”

　　Listening to everything happening in the court, recalling how the scholars of the Wu Kingdom were continuously suppressed at the banquet, Ming began to realize he must have been pulled into someone’s scheme.

　　The Heavenly Black Goose Xiao Bai gave a proper “goose” call, charging directly at Ming.

　　As the man passed by Ming and the others, a faint smile curved at the corner of his mouth.

　　”This place is…”

　　Hating Mochi? It hadn’t reached that level yet.

　　Ming and Zhu CiCi strolled down the street.

　　”I know.” Zhu CiCi eagerly raised her hand to answer, “This place is called Hundred Flowers Building, the largest Qinglou in Wudu.”

　　”Hmm, Mother, rest assured, I will take good care of CiCi.” Ming solemnly promised.

　　Why can this kid advance so quickly?

　　How long has it been? I’m already powerless against him!

　　Perhaps because CiCi read too many books, being born with Literary Courage, she attained enlightenment earlier than others.

　　Fifteen minutes later, after exchanging punches and wing strikes with the Heavenly Black Goose, Ming stepped back again, resulting in a tie.

　　Always feel like this young lady carries a kind of mature air beyond her age while still retaining the innocence typical of her age.

　　And the old lady of the Xu family could send something appropriate like “Hundred Flowers Ointment,” possibly because the old lady asked Phoenix what would be suitable, and Phoenix suggested it.

　　Although Hundred Flowers Ointment sounds rather feminine, it actually benefits the physical refinement of low-realm martial artists.

　　Even though Ming was a secondary son, not a single servant in the Xu family dared to look down on him.

　　But revising the imperial examination system was merely the beginning.

　　Then today, both broke through their realms simultaneously.

　　Now, Ming had become a major celebrity in Wudu.

　　”Or should I take Miss CiCi on a tour of the Xu Mansion?” Ming asked.

　　Both my Martial Artist realm and Qi refiner realm have improved, but I still can’t beat this goose-dog?

　　Just as the Heavenly Black Goose wanted to charge forward again to compete with Ming and maintain its status as the big sister, it sensed Suyan’s scent returning and immediately retracted its wings, “whoosh” flying straight into its nest.

　　Ming turned around facing the courtyard entrance, seeing his mother smiling as she walked in.

　　A bit familiar, but not much.

　　Zhu CiCi’s eyes blinked rapidly, full of anticipation.

　　Meanwhile, in the capital’s Imperial Court, the reformists used Ming as leverage, citing the wishes of the common people, requesting the revision of the imperial examination system, demanding that all disciples of the Wu Kingdom, regardless of noble or humble status, may participate!

　　And they further requested that the status of secondary sons be restored to what it was one hundred fifty years ago, allowing them certain inheritance rights.

　　The first thing Ming did after breaking through realms was to spar with the dog-goose in the yard.

　　Many officials who attended the banquet came to give gifts to Ming, but all were politely declined by Suyan.

　　Besides, there were also some Spirit Stones and brocades rewarded by the Emperor of Wu in the Xiao Chun Courtyard.

　　”Of course, you can.” Ming nodded.

　　Ming had already become famous throughout the capital.

　　His mother preferred a peaceful life.

　　Only after he became famous did many people come to visit or invite his mother to attend various ladies’ tea parties, which kept her busy these days.

　　After Suyan left, only Zhu CiCi, Ming, and CiCi’s maidservant remained in the courtyard.

　　Listening to his mother’s words, Ming looked at CiCi.

　　Suyan smiled and said, “Ming’er, CiCi specially came to play with you. Do you have time today to accompany CiCi for a bit?”

　　Though Ming often practiced cultivation in the courtyard, guiding someone around Wudu, his native land, posed no problem.

　　Before reaching the fourth realm of Martial Artists, Ming needed to undergo a body purification process, and he had to prepare himself.

　　”Ming removed his clothes, applied the Hundred Flowers Ointment sent by the old lady of the Xu family, and washed with well water.

　　Even their eyes carried a look of admiration when looking at Ming.

　　I’m puzzled.

　　When a wolf breaks through the armor of a pangolin, it won’t just eat a piece of meat.

　　”Miss CiCi came unexpectedly, please forgive me.” Zhu CiCi bowed slightly, observing impeccable etiquette.

　　Looking at his mother’s somewhat weary face, Ming felt quite guilty.

　　”Little CiCi is entrusted to you.” Suyan rubbed her son’s head, “A lady from the Ning family invited Mother over, so Mother needs to go once.”

　　”Each mansion of the nobles and princes is basically similar. How about we take a stroll around Wudu instead?” Zhu CiCi shook her head and smiled, “Also, call me CiCi without adding ‘young lady,’ alright?”

　　”Miss!”

　　Maidservant Xiaoye suddenly focused her mind and lunged toward Zhu CiCi.