As Chen Xing's adopted son, he had heard many tales about Yihai's Hidden Dragon Golden Black Plaque.

It was forged together by the Seventeenth Lineage, representing their formidable might over the seventeen families!

Every time he brought up Tongwen Hall, his peers would invariably regard him with great esteem!

"Yi, Hai, Hidden, Dragon... It's a pity it can't be hung in the house."

Chen Zhao thought.

Tongwen Hall no longer bore the "Chen" surname, but rather "Ning."

This displeased him somewhat; under the heavens, how could a disciple expel a master by breaking the rules?

Ninghai Zen could be the Sect Leader of Tongwen Hall, but how could he take away all three True Skill Root Diagrams and the Five Superior Grand Captures?

If it weren't for this, he would also have the title of "Young Sect Leader," and with such profound martial arts foundation, he might hope to pass the Fourth Qi Cultivation Barrier.

"It's said that Ninghai Zen is eccentric, with unpredictable moods. Five years ago, my brother spoke a few ill-considered words and ended up with his legs broken, confined to a wheelchair."

Following Bai Qi's pace, Chen Zhao stepped through the threshold into the front courtyard, where the much-yearned-for Golden Black Plaque prominently came into view.

However, he felt a vague sense of dread in his heart, as if sensing immense pressure; his steps felt as precarious as walking on thin ice, and his pace grew slower.

"Junior Martial Uncle, please wait while I summon Master."

Bai Qi maintained his gentle demeanor; the master had recently taken to self-cultivation, appearing much friendlier, unlikely to kill Chen Zhao on the spot.

The prerequisite was that this adopted son of the Master understood propriety.

"Hopefully so, otherwise Uncle Dao will have to laboriously sprinkle water to clean up the place, which is quite troublesome."

He thought this to himself.

"Bai Qilang is indeed worth befriending; once Ninghai Zen passes away, perhaps Tongwen Hall can return to the Chen Family!"

Chen Zhao lowered his head in contemplation, with a sidelong glance catching sight of a regal-looking elder with a mink hat, kindly in appearance, holding a bucket of water along with a mop.

"The old servant of Tongwen Hall looks full of spirit."

After about a third of a stick of incense's time, Ninghai Zen appeared in the main hall dressed in his Celestial Cyan Robe.

Just as Mother had described, sharp-eyed and cold-eyed, with broad shoulders, exuding the reckless and untamed nature of a Jianghu wanderer.

Chen Zhao's heart skipped a beat, his body trembling as he inexplicably felt weak in the knees.

"Are you Chen Zhao? Chen Ye's brother?"

Ninghai Zen sat grandly.

"I am Chen Zhao, greetings to Sect Leader Ning."

Chen Zhao concealed his outward arrogance, responded respectfully.

"Why hasn't Chen Ye come?"

Ninghai Zen asked casually.

My brother's legs were both crushed by you; how could he dare to step into Tongwen Hall!

Chen Zhao's mouth twitched, his smile stiff:

"My brother is incapacitated, bedridden for years now, and seldom ventures outside."

Ninghai Zen responded with an "oh":

"That's good. Walking in the Jianghu inevitably brings trouble; better to stay and cultivate oneself."

Chen Zhao remained silent. Bai Qi timely brought hot tea, one cup for the master, and one placed on the table below.

This was an invitation to sit.

"The courtesy wasn't in vain."

Chen Zhao couldn't help but be grateful, and taking the opportunity, settled with only half his seat on the chair, began to speak the main issue:

"If I may, Sect Leader Ning, I have come seeking a favor.

I have practiced martial arts with my father, often hearing him say that Tongwen Hall's Sect Leader's Seal is a Dragon Elephant Jade. I admire Sect Leader Ning's lofty conduct from back then, only taking the dragon form, leaving the elephant form, truly commendable."

As he spoke, he took out that lustrously beautiful, seemingly small white elephant raising its head, a fragment of jade.

"My visit this time is firstly to return the Pictorial Jade so that Sect Leader Ning may ascend to the rightful position;

secondly, to request a True Skill Root Diagram to enhance my martial arts knowledge."

Chen Zhao was extremely anxious, yet heard an unexpectedly simple and direct word:

"Fine."

Ninghai Zen placed his right hand on the seat, gently raising two fingers, decisively agreeing.

Bai Qi, perceptive as always, accepted the Pictorial Jade on behalf of the master.

"...Sect Leader Ning is truly magnanimous, please accept my bow."

Chen Zhao was astonished, not expecting it to be so easy; he quickly rose to bow and offer his respects.

Could it be that Ninghai Zen still remembered the grace of my father's teaching?

Reflecting on this, his eyes flickered and he gathered courage again to say:

"I have one more presumptuous request; I've long heard of Tongwen Hall's Combat Technique Wine, reputedly effective for treating internal and external injuries. I can't bear to see fellow soldiers suffer while serving in the army and on the battlefield, and would like to request this secret recipe."

Ninghai Zen nodded again:

"Fine!"

Then, he raised a third finger.

"The True Skill Root Diagram and Combat Technique Wine recipe will be sent together shortly."