"Pick up your trash before you leave!" His subsequent word made them hurriedly nod their heads.
Within moments, they were fleeing the courtyard like their lives depended on it, which, given Shi Jing's current expression, they very well might have.
As their panicked voices faded into the distance, Shi Jing shook his head with a slight sigh.
"Sword Cloud Manor... if these are the disciples they're producing, perhaps the Ming family's concerns about their decline aren't as bleak as I thought?"
"This is unless… there are more complicated matters that I have yet to grasp behind the scene."
For now, he had more important things to consider, how will Ming Feng react to this news?
This senior, he wouldn't be offended that I act in self-defense right? He thought, his gaze linger on a particular spot in the shadow.
The morning sun climbed higher, casting warm light over the now-peaceful courtyard, as if the brief but decisive battle had been nothing more than a passing cloud.
In the family hall, Li Yao knelt facing Ming Feng, his posture respectful but his eyes sharp with intelligence.
This Li Yao was uncle Yao, who had been "injured" during Ming Muwan's journey in the Forgotten Dark Forest.
His appearance was now clean and pristine, as though there had never been any injuries at all.
"That child, Shi Jing..." Ming Feng began, his fingers drumming a slow rhythm on the polished table. "His response was... eye catching."
There was a trace of disappointment in his voice.
Followed by a pause as Ming Feng's gaze drifted toward the window, as if he could still see the courtyard where the brief battle had unfolded.
Li Yao's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Brother, you speak as if this surprises you."
The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken understanding.
Seeing this, Li Yao chuckled, he can't help but whisper under his breath.
"Brother, you may be able to fool others, but how can you fool me?"
"You deliberately arrange the those group of children near that child in order to test the water, gauge his response, are you satisfied?"
Ming Feng knew that in front of Li Yao, one of the few people he trusted, his scheme would be difficult to hide.
Since he has been exposed, what's the use of hiding it?
"You are right," He sighed, then rap his fingers on the table," When you first told me that a child as young as my daughter is capable of killing a boar king with a single strike and might be a peak body tempering, I didn't believe it!"
This actually happened during the short moment that Li Yao was carried away by the guard.
Li Yao slipped away and relayed all that had happened during Ming Muwan's journey before Ming Feng met the two.
Although they were not blood related, they were sworn brother.
Being Ming Feng's sworn brother and trusted aid, how can Li Yao be ordinary?
Thus, the subsequent development, as well as his reaction to Shi Jing appearance was all an act!
When he extended his invitation to Shi Jing, he made it seem as if it was due to his daughter's mention of Shi Jing assistance in the forest that earn him this reward.
If Shi Jing could see through this, then he would be met with another layer of deception.
The second layer of deception is when he made it clear that this reward outweighs the risk, this was an open scheme!
It was to guide Shi Jing thought toward believing that Ming Feng was doing so for his own benefit and this thought would stop there.
In actuality, Ming Feng has gambled on Shi Jing much earlier, before they even met.
"Even though I am powerful, unless direct contact with a person, I cannot assess a body tempering stage accurately. This is because inner qi is inherently internal. But I can tell he is only thirteen year old!"
"Using these youth, I wanted to see what stance he would take facing the Sword Cloud Manor, if he has any background, and at the same time, if he is truly at the Peak of Body Tempering."
"And my guess was correct!"
Ming Feng commented his thoughts. As he speak, his breath became hoarse and weak, like a thorn was stuck in his throat.
His caution and careful planning earn Li Yao's admiration.
People believe that it was Ming Feng talent for cultivation which allows him to earn the Sword Cloud Manor favors.
And it is this favors which made the Ming Family rise to prominence. They were wrong!
Those close to him would understood the true reason, Li Yao was one of them.
It was his scheme and careful planning which allows him to nurture the family to be among the Two Great Family and Three Clan in the Cangwu Mountain range.
"His ability is clearly at the Peak of Body Tempering. A thirteen year old peak body tempering! Even among the entirety of Cangwu city, he is a monster!"
"Ming Ye, my son who I nurtured since youth is at the ninth-stage of body tempering. To think he would disappeared before the recruitment of the Sword Cloud Manor…"
Upon saying this, there was trace of pain in his voice. His expression grew dark, even Li Yao frowned.
What they didn't know is that Shi Jing is no longer a body tempering junior.
But a true cultivator of Qi-Refinement!
This was due to the effect of the Ghostly Concealment Art. Even if Ming Feng was in person, he wouldn't have been able to see through this concealment.
What would their reaction be if they learned of this?
"Brother, don't worry. We will find Ming Ye in time. Whoever took him has their purpose for keeping him alive, until then, we can only remain passive."
Li Yao said with a reluctant sigh, then continue with a deep voice.
"This is clearly their plan to weaken your influence in Cangwu for the upcoming three great sect competition."