I Only Know How to Bully Noobs

Chapter 147: Jade Begonia

Chen Ming naturally would not refuse to chat with a green tea girl who came from a renowned family, spoke pleasantly, and gazed at him with starry eyes.

To be honest, the women he had encountered since transmigrating were all proper and serious, making conversations rather dull. Only Xiao Zhuyun was somewhat interesting, but she still maintained a reserved demeanor.

This was also due to the ethos of this era. Once a woman was labeled as frivolous, it would be difficult for her to find a good marriage for the rest of her life.

Of course, there were some who came from powerful clans, and relying on their parents’ favor, paid no heed to such things, acting unrestrained and even keeping male companions in secret. However, he had yet to encounter one.

Although the young lady of the Jiang Family did come off a bit flirtatious, she had an excellent grasp of boundaries, never appearing frivolous. Her emotional appeal was strong, and her tea art could be said to be outstanding.

“Yu Haitang is the direct daughter of the Yu Family. She caused the death of her parents the moment she was born. Later, the Yu Family invited a half-immortal to read her fate and received the prophecy of the Seven-Star Begonia.

“According to ancient records, this Seven-Star Begonia is a poisonous plant. It can bloom with the most beautiful flowers in the world but is extremely toxic. Nothing can grow within a hundred li of where it thrives; all living things perish from its poison.

“Originally, the Yu Family intended to kill her. Her aunt, however, could not bear it and fled from the Yu Family with the infant in her arms, hiding in Jiangzhou City.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Ming could not help but ask, “Since it was a hidden retreat, how did you come to know about it?”

Jiang Yingxue replied, “Her aunt later married the sect master of Cangyue Sect. At the time, many in Cangyue Sect opposed the idea of him marrying a woman of unknown origin who even brought along a child. On the wedding day, some people suddenly stirred up trouble, accusing her of being a witch of the Cult of Eternal Life.

“Left with no choice, she had to reveal her identity publicly. The incident caused quite a stir, and my father was present at the wedding banquet.”

Chen Ming listened with great interest. So there was such a story behind it.

Cangyue Sect was one of the four major sects of Jiangzhou. Its sect master, Ling Qiyang, was a top figure in Jiangzhou.

Bang!

Suddenly, a somewhat heavy sound came from the direction of the main gate.

Chen Ming and Jiang Yingxue instinctively turned to look and saw a black-clad man just entering the main hall. The man had an unruly and defiant look between his brows, and his unrestrained gaze swept across the hall.

He was clearly the type of person not to be trifled with.

The man deliberately made a scene, drawing many dissatisfied glances. He glared back at them directly, only withdrawing his gaze when those people averted theirs, seemingly satisfied.

“Congratulations, young master. Present this token in five days to participate in the martial assessment.”

The gray-robed elder handed over a token.

That arrogant man took it casually without acknowledging the old man. His gaze continued to scan the hall, and suddenly his eyes lit up, fixed in a certain direction.

As if he had seen a delicious prey.

……

“Brother Chen!”

Jiang Yingxue, intimidated by the brazen gaze of the black-clad man, lowered her head and hid behind Chen Ming, tugging at the corner of his robe like she was seeking his protection.

Chen Ming did not believe she was truly scared—just pretending to be weak.

He noticed the black-clad man’s gaze had landed on him, laced with malice, almost tangible, making him feel as if needles were pricking his back.

A few seconds later, the black-clad man withdrew his gaze. Though arrogant, he was not stupid. Making a move in a place like this was no different from courting death.

Chen Ming felt the pressure lift and was slightly puzzled. That man was, at most, a Fourth Grade expert, yet his mere gaze could exert such pressure on him.

Not simple.

“Brother Chen, thank you.”

At that moment, Jiang Yingxue patted her chest with a lingering sense of fear in her expression, looking at him with gratitude in her eyes. “That man’s gaze just now was terrifying.”

Chen Ming could not see the slightest trace of performance on her face—it looked completely genuine.

Indeed, green tea girls were all born actresses.

At times like this, the man should say something like “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.” However, he had no intention of playing such games with her and thus said nothing of the sort.

At this moment, the black-clad man made another move. He walked toward the staircase and stepped up.

As his foot touched the first step, his body clearly swayed, pausing for several seconds before continuing upward.

With each step, his body would sway slightly, pause, then proceed.

When the black-clad man reached the fifth step, he drew the attention of many. No one spoke—they just silently watched him ascend, each with different expressions in their eyes.

Two-thirds of the way up, the black-clad man was clearly struggling. His body swayed more violently, and his pauses grew longer.

Finally, only five steps remained before reaching the second floor.

The black-clad man took one more step but could no longer steady himself. He was thrown off the stairs.

He landed on the ground, stubbornly stabilizing his stance, then let out a “Wah!” and spat a mouthful of blood.

After that, he silently walked to a corner, sat cross-legged, and began circulating his qi to recover.

……

The main hall remained silent.

Everyone looked at the black-clad man who was healing with a wary gaze. Although he hadn’t reached the second floor, the strength he displayed was far too overwhelming.

Most of the people present couldn’t even step onto the first stair.

Even Jiang Yingxue was stunned, a hint of worry showing in her eyes.

This man’s strength likely surpassed Seventh Bro. The battle for the Azure Cloud Ranking now had one more powerful contender.

There were only ten spots total. The Five Talents of Jiangzhou already occupied half. Now one less remained. Of the remaining four spots, did Seventh Bro still have full confidence?

With thoughts in her mind, Jiang Yingxue no longer lingered around Chen Ming to chat.

……

At last, by dusk, the gray-robed elder finally announced they could leave.

At this moment, there were forty-three people in the main hall.

The crowd left somewhat reluctantly.

Chen Ming and Jiang Yingxue were among the last to exit. By now, most of the onlookers outside the gate had dispersed. Those who remained were all relatives and friends of the participants.

“Brother Chen, this way.”

Chen Ming soon spotted Feng Siyuan and waved at him. He turned to Jiang Yingxue and asked, “Young Master Jiang, where’s your carriage?”

She bit her lip lightly and didn’t dare look at him. In a soft voice, she said, “I sneaked out. No one came to pick me up.”

Here we go again.

Chen Ming felt her tea artistry had seeped into her very bones.

He said, “I’ll ask my friend to arrange a carriage to send you back.”

Jiang Yingxue looked sincerely grateful. “Brother Chen, thank you.”

Just then, Feng Siyuan approached. When he saw Jiang Yingxue beside Chen Ming, a look of amazement appeared in his eyes. “Brother Chen, who is this?”

Chen Ming was about to introduce her, when he felt a tug at his sleeve. A thought stirred in his mind—she didn’t want Feng Siyuan to know her identity—so he changed his words. “This is Young Master Jiang, a friend I just met inside.”

“Greetings, I am Feng Siyuan. Pleased to meet you.”

“Hello.”

Jiang Yingxue’s response was rather cold, exuding a chill that kept people at a distance.

Chen Ming noticed her entire demeanor had changed—aloof, proud, pure as jade. For a moment, he almost mistook her for the cool and composed Su Zhi Ning.

He said, “Well, Young Master Jiang doesn’t have a carriage. Could you have your coachman give her a ride back?”

“Sure.”

Feng Siyuan scurried off eagerly—he never had much resistance to beauty.

“You—”

Chen Ming was about to speak when a chill suddenly swept over his back. Turning around, he saw that black-clad man standing right behind him. His face was a bit pale, making his eyes appear even more sinister.

“Brother Chen!”

Jiang Yingxue again hid behind him, her voice tinged with fear. Whether that fear was genuine or feigned, he couldn’t be sure.

At that moment, Feng Siyuan returned with the carriage and instantly noticed the black-clad man staring maliciously at “Young Master Jiang.” His expression changed at once as he said urgently, “Young Master Jiang, we’ll escort you back. Get in.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yingxue did not move but looked to Chen Ming, awaiting his instruction.

He said, “Get in.”

Jiang Yingxue obediently nodded and boarded the carriage as told.

Chen Ming and Feng Siyuan also got in.

After they had traveled some distance, Feng Siyuan poked his head out the window and looked back, then exhaled in relief. “That guy didn’t follow us.”

He then asked Jiang Yingxue, “How did you get tangled with him? That man clearly isn’t a decent sort.”

Jiang Yingxue had yet to speak when the carriage suddenly came to a halt.

The coachman said, “Young Master, someone is blocking the road.”

All three inside the carriage couldn’t help but wonder—could it be that black-clad man?

At that moment, a voice came from outside. “Second Young Master Chen, my master invites you for a talk.”

It wasn’t the black-clad man.

However, the voice did sound familiar, as if heard somewhere before.

Chen Ming pushed open the carriage door and saw a man standing outside, holding a long sword in his arms.

So it was him.

The swordsman he had met a few days ago at Changqing Hall—Chen Ming had a strong impression of him.

His master should be that woman wearing the veiled hat. What could she want with him?

……

Jiang Yingxue also saw the swordsman outside and was shocked. Why was it him?

That woman actually set her sights on Chen Ming too?

She not only recognized the swordsman but also knew who his master was, which was why she was so astonished.

She had approached Chen Ming purely out of curiosity. She was curious what kind of man could catch the eye of her cousin, Zhao Xiyan.

After all, Zhao Xiyan had rejected marriage to her Seventh Bro, Jiang Shihua, because of this man.

But after spending some time with him, there didn’t seem to be anything particularly special.

She couldn’t understand what Zhao Xiyan saw in him.

And now, even that woman was seeking him!

Jiang Yingxue couldn’t help but glance at Chen Ming, her heart in turmoil.

……

“Alright.”

Chen Ming did not refuse. He then said to Feng Siyuan and Jiang Yingxue, “I’ll be back soon.”

Feng Siyuan gave a word of caution. “Be careful.”

He instinctively felt that the master behind this swordsman wasn’t someone to be trifled with.

Jiang Yingxue didn’t say anything, simply watched as he followed the swordsman into the tavern across the street.

Feng Siyuan muttered, “This person… looks familiar.”

Jiang Yingxue responded calmly, “His name is Ji Qianxing.” Fresh chapters posted on Nov3lFɪre.ɴet

“What?”

Feng Siyuan was stunned. “He’s Ji Baichuan’s younger brother?”

No wonder the man looked familiar. He had seen Ji Baichuan a few times before—these two brothers did look quite alike.

“Then who’s the master he mentioned?”

He felt confused. A legitimate son of the Ji Family acknowledging a master? If he hadn’t heard it with his own ears, he wouldn’t have believed it.

Jiang Yingxue didn’t answer. She kept her eyes on the tavern, her thoughts unknown.

……

Chen Ming followed the swordsman into the tavern and discovered there wasn’t a single person inside. It had likely been reserved.

They went up to the second floor and stopped at the door of a private room. The swordsman reported, “Master, the person has been brought.”

“Enter.”

A young woman’s voice came from within. It was a pleasant voice—just hearing it stirred Chen Ming’s imagination, making him wonder what the owner of such a voice looked like.

“Go in.”

The swordsman pushed open the door and said to him.