Chapter 96 - 79: Such a Fine Assignment

But you must not grow arrogant over such strength. You must understand that there is always someone better out there. Compared to the direct lineage disciples of the Four Great Clans of the Inner City, your Martial Arts Power is truly insignificant.

Never mind the direct lineage disciples—even some of the more outstanding branch family disciples are far stronger than you."

Chen Cheng couldn’t quite agree with that. After all, his current Martial Arts Power was no weaker than a Martial Artist at Skin Grinding Realm Perfection with Perfect Level Skills.

’With another two or three months of Cultivation, I could even put up a fight against a Great Success Martial Artist of the Muscle Strengthening Realm. No matter how amazing the disciples of the Four Great Clans of the Inner City are, surely they can’t all be Great Success Martial Artists of the Muscle Strengthening Realm?’

Chen Cheng was neither self-deprecating nor arrogant. He clasped his hands and said, "I would not dare to be arrogant."

’That was the truth. Until he grew powerful enough, it was best to keep a low profile.’

"Mm. You’ve always been humble, which I appreciate. Still, you ought to see for yourself just what a truly powerful Martial Artist can do."

As Shen Qingshuang spoke, she suddenly drew her longsword and walked to the center of the courtyard. The aura around her transformed, becoming cold, sharp, and deadly, suffused with a tyrannical power.

"Chen Cheng, watch closely. I am at Muscle Strengthening Realm Perfection and have already cultivated Sword Momentum. I can contend with a Bone Forging Realm Martial Artist!"

With that, she began to move, her longsword dancing in the courtyard. Each and every technique was incomparably exquisite—this was a Perfect Level Sword Skill.

As her swordsmanship unfolded, her movements grew faster and her Sword Techniques more ferocious and swift. Her three-foot longsword faintly emanated a momentum that seemed capable of shattering anything.

The air around her was suddenly stirred by this momentum, erupting with a sharp, tearing sound as it churned in a chaotic frenzy.

Standing several yards away, Chen Cheng could clearly feel the prickling sensation and faint pressure on his skin from the surging air. He hastily retreated a few steps, finally escaping the oppressive feeling.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that the maidservant, Xiaoxing, had already retreated a good distance away. She gave him a playful wink.

Chen Cheng paid her no mind, his attention fixed on Shen Qingshuang’s Sword Techniques.

Her movements were as graceful as a startled swan, as supple as a swimming dragon. Her figure was elegant, her sword like biting frost!

As sword-shadows flickered, the scorching summer air turned chillingly cold. A fine layer of white frost coated the blade, slowly gathering at the very tip. Its momentum was profound and heavy, bone-chillingly sharp, and carried an aura of invincibility.

Shen Qingshuang’s longsword struck out as fast as lightning, piercing a tall, hard boulder in the center of the garden. With a loud CRACK, the great stone shattered into dust.

Chen Cheng’s brows furrowed slightly, his expression growing grave.

’Shen Qingshuang’s Sword Momentum gathers energy to form ice, adding weight to her longsword and multiplying its power and speed. It’s truly indestructible and extraordinary!’

’However, the might of her Sword Momentum seems more than a few cuts below Gongsun Rou’s, which I’ve seen before.’

’Gongsun Rou’s Sword Momentum was swift and agile, illusory and ethereal. I couldn’t even perceive it clearly.’

’But I can see Shen Qingshuang’s Sword Momentum plain as day.’

’Both are forms of Sword Momentum. Gongsun Rou’s is subtle and intricate, while Shen Qingshuang’s is fierce and domineering. It’s hard to say which one is truly more powerful.’

’It must be due to the difference in their Martial Arts Realm. Gongsun Rou is at Bone Forging Realm Perfection, while Shen Qingshuang is merely at Muscle Strengthening Realm Perfection.’

Chen Cheng concluded after a moment of reflection.

Shen Qingshuang sheathed her longsword. Seeing Chen Cheng staring blankly, a hint of shock still in his eyes, a radiant smile bloomed on her beautiful face.

’Just as I thought. What Martial Artists respect most is Martial Arts Power. I’ve displayed the strength of a Perfect Martial Artist of the Muscle Strengthening Realm and demonstrated my Frost Snow Sword Stance right in front of him. How could he possibly have an ounce of pride left?’

’Right now, he must be just like Yan Jian, completely and utterly won over!’

’Sigh... what is wrong with me? Chen Cheng is just a Junior Constable, not even on par with the talented branch disciples of the Shen Family. Why am I so happy to have put him in his place?’

’I wasn’t this pleased when I earned Yan Jian’s admiration!’

’Perhaps it’s because, in my eyes, Chen Cheng is far prouder than Yan Jian. Making him submit is naturally more satisfying.’

’They say drinking the strongest wine and taming the wildest horse brings the greatest pleasure. To think that even I, who is wholly devoted to cultivating the Martial Dao, am no exception.’

’Oh, well. Chen Cheng’s talent in the Martial Dao is exceptional. If he sees me as his goal and is inspired to work hard and cultivate diligently, it will be a good thing for both the Shen Family and me in the future.’

Chen Cheng snapped out of his daze and saw Shen Qingshuang watching him with a smile, the unconcealed pride glittering in her beautiful eyes.

’This Chief Constable wouldn’t display her Martial Arts Power for no reason. She must be waiting for praise.’ Thinking this, Chen Cheng quickly clasped his hands and said, "Lord Shen, your skill is peerless. It was truly an eye-opening experience for me."

"When did you learn to flatter people like Yan Jian? Flattery is one thing, but ’peerless skill’? I can’t accept such high praise!"

Shen Qingshuang deliberately feigned a stern expression, and her tone was chiding, but her voice was gentle. There wasn’t the slightest hint of actual blame in it; she was clearly pleased beyond words.

Chen Cheng smiled and said in earnest, "Lord Shen, your swordsmanship is truly exquisite. I’m afraid I couldn’t withstand a single one of your techniques."

This was no flattery. Chen Cheng knew his own limits when faced with an expert like Shen Qingshuang. After all, she had started Cultivating Martial Dao at fourteen and had been at it for seven or eight years. He had only been cultivating for about half a year. How could he possibly compare?

’As for the future... well, that was another story.’

"Expecting you to match me is asking a bit much." Shen Qingshuang was in high spirits, her smile as bright as a blooming flower. "It would be quite an achievement if you can just cultivate diligently and catch up to Xiaoxing.

"Don’t look down on Xiaoxing just because she’s my maidservant. She has been with me since she was a child, diligently Cultivating Martial Dao. She reached Skin Grinding Realm Perfection and Sword Technique Perfection long ago.