I Only Know How to Bully Noobs

Chapter 211: Reunion with an Old Acquaintance

Ruan Caihong naturally knew why Madam Ruan had come, his expression froze in place, looking somewhat awkward.

Chen Ming hurriedly stood up, cupped his hands toward Madam Ruan, and said, “I am Gu Xianyu, I have seen Sister-in-law. Just now I heard Big Brother Ruan praise you as beautiful as a flower, virtuous and gentle. Now that I see you, it truly is so. Big Brother Ruan is truly blessed.”

Madam Ruan covered her mouth and laughed softly, appearing quite pleased. “I’ve heard of you. You’re the one who defeated the Peerless Young Master during the Qian Money Gang’s martial contest for marriage, and in the end embraced the beauty, aren’t you?”

“That’s me.”

“No need to stand, sit down.”

Madam Ruan naturally sat beside Ruan Caihong, beckoning him to sit as well, personally pouring wine for her husband, and casting him a glance.

Such gestures and looks were nothing short of an apology.

Ruan Caihong’s expression softened somewhat. He lifted that cup of wine and drank it down, which counted as accepting her apology.

Chen Ming observed the interaction between this couple, married for over a decade, and sighed inwardly. Ah, men after marriage—even a First Grade Expert had to swallow grievances and yield before his wife. Truly pitiful.

After this small episode passed, the three of them began to converse with laughter.

Madam Ruan accompanied them at the side, occasionally saying a few words, sometimes gazing gently at her husband. Whoever saw it would have to praise them as a loving couple.

If Chen Ming hadn’t witnessed her storming in so aggressively just now, he really might have believed it.

Chen Ming drank enough and so rose to take his leave.

Madam Ruan said, “Little Gu, next time bring your wife to my residence.”

“If there’s an opportunity, certainly.”

Chen Ming picked up the two swords set aside, fastened them to his waist, and turned to leave.

Madam Ruan’s eyes fell upon the swords at his waist, her gaze narrowing slightly, a trace of suspicion flashing across.

Ruan Caihong noticed his wife’s unusual look and asked, “What’s wrong?” ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by NoveI[F]ire.net

“Sigh—”

Madam Ruan dabbed at the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief to mask her expression, her tone sorrowful. “Just thinking that because of me, husband has been unable to return to the capital for more than ten years… it makes me so sad.”

Ruan Caihong hurriedly said, “Wife, don’t say that. I just feel more of a connection with this new subordinate…”

…

When Chen Ming returned to his lodging, he asked Xia He, “Brother Jiang’s injuries haven’t had any setbacks, right?”

Although Xia He had also seen Jiang Wushuang in women’s attire, with her cleverness, she had likely already guessed the truth. Still, he was accustomed to addressing him as Brother Jiang.

Xia He replied, “None at all. Only, after nightfall, he sent someone to ask a few times. Young Master, perhaps you should go see him.”

Chen Ming looked at this maid sent by the Gu Family to serve Gu Xianyu, and asked, “Xia He, during that wedding with Miss Xia, do you think… she was serious?”

Xia He lowered her head. “This, the maidservant isn’t sure.”

“You know.”

“What does Young Master mean?”

Seeing her still feigning ignorance, Chen Ming exposed it directly. “The matter of Miss Su.”

Xia He lowered her head even further. “Young Master means…”

“Brother Jiang’s maids must have asked you about me, right? You can reveal a little to them.”

“The maidservant understands.”

“Come, let’s go see Brother Jiang.”

Chen Ming changed his clothes before going to Xia Mudan’s place. As usual, he took her pulse, then chatted casually with her.

She leaned against the bed, eyes brimming with tenderness, gazing at him in a way that made Chen Ming’s heart itch. And then, he recalled Madam Ruan he had just seen.

Back then, she must have also gazed at Ruan Caihong with the same gentle affection. But after more than a decade of marriage, hadn’t she turned into what she was now?

To call her a shrew was a bit excessive, but she was certainly not an easy woman, and she had Ruan Caihong tightly under her thumb.

This Xia Mudan, at only thirteen years old, could already play two roles by herself, deceiving the entire world, making the Peerless Young Master’s name resound throughout Xia Prefecture.

She was definitely not a delicate woman. One must not be deceived by her current tenderness. A woman like her had both strength and methods. Once entangled in her affection, there would be no freedom for the rest of one’s life.

Thinking of this, Chen Ming shivered, made an excuse, and slipped away.

Back in his small courtyard, he took out the Visualization Diagram and devoted himself to cultivation.

In this world, only cultivation was real!

…

The next morning.

Chen Ming arrived at the Six Doors Authority. Zhang Dingce was waiting there again. “Sir, Lord Ruan summons you.”

“All right.”

He went to the same pavilion as yesterday, not even needing to be announced, and went straight inside.

Ruan Caihong looked stern and said, “Come with me, Lord Zhong wants to see you.”

“Lord Zhong wants to see me?”

Chen Ming’s heart tensed.

There was only one person in the entire Six Doors Authority that Ruan Caihong would address as “Lord Zhong”—the highest official in Xia Prefecture, the Super-Grade Red-Robed Lord himself.

When he had reported in, even that Lord Zhong hadn’t granted him an audience, which already showed his attitude—cold treatment for him, a scion of an aristocratic family.

Ruan Caihong smiled and said, “It’s a good thing. Since you’re at the Third Grade cultivation, by convention your rank should be raised as well. As for this Inspector’s post, I will certainly secure it for you!”

“…Many thanks, my lord.”

Chen Ming could only smile bitterly in his heart. All he wanted now was to stay safely in the prison, farming experience. He wanted nothing else.

This position of Third Grade Inspector—he did not want it at all.

After all, official positions above Third Grade had to be reported to the capital and reviewed by the Central Authority. By then, he would have to personally go to the capital to give his report and meet the Emperor before the position was officially conferred.

For a fraud like him, how could he dare face the Emperor?

Still, Ruan Caihong meant well, and he had no reason to refuse.

…

“I heard you’ve been sparring with those Third Grade prisoners these past two days?”

On the way, Ruan Caihong brought up another matter.

Chen Ming explained, “Back in the capital, what I lacked most was experience in actual combat. I just use them for practice. Rest assured, I control my strength—I won’t kill them.”

“Actual combat truly was an excellent way to improve strength. However, those prisoners were all injured, and their cultivation was sealed by the Dragon-Locking Needle. Their strength was less than half. For you, it wouldn’t provide much tempering.”

“I had no choice. Being new here, I could only spar with them.”

“I could introduce you to a few people of similar strength to yours, so you could spar with each other.”

“That would be great. Many thanks, my lord.”

“I told you, there’s no need to be so polite with me.”

Before long, the two of them arrived at the most magnificent hall of the Six Doors Authority. Two guards stood watch outside. After going in to report, they were led inside.

They passed through the hall, arriving outside a courtyard at the rear. A guard reported, “Lord Zhong, Lord Ruan Caihong and Gu Xianyu have been brought.”

A warm voice responded, “Let them in.”

Chen Ming followed behind Ruan Caihong into the courtyard.

The first thing he saw was a giant banyan tree. Its trunk was massive, at least ten men to encircle it, with flourishing branches and leaves, like a giant umbrella covering the entire courtyard.

The second thing he saw was a familiar figure in white, and he nearly lost control of his expression.

“Why is she here?”

Chen Ming strained to keep his face composed so as not to lose his composure.

At this time, Ruan Caihong bowed respectfully. “Subordinate greets Lord Zhong.”

He quickly followed suit. “Greetings, Lord Zhong.”

Then that warm voice sounded again. “This is Miss Su of the Heaven’s Path Alliance.”

This Miss Su of the Heaven’s Path Alliance was precisely Su Zhi Ning.

She was still clad in snow-white robes, still wore a veil, her bearing still ethereal and transcendent. The only difference was a faint trace of sorrow between her brows.

Chen Ming never expected to encounter her here.

What kind of cursed fate was this?

Ruan Caihong asked in puzzlement, “My lord summoned us here, is it for Miss Su?”

Lord Zhong, in red robes, said, “Miss Su came under the orders of her sect, to inspect the demonic artifact suppressed in our Xia Prefecture City. You will personally escort her there.”

Ruan Caihong said in displeasure, “Why suddenly inspect that demonic artifact? I just went ten days ago. Does the Heaven’s Path Alliance distrust me?”

At this time, Su Zhi Ning spoke, her cold voice carrying a hint of aloofness. “Recently, the Cult of Eternal Life has resurfaced. My Martial Uncle discovered that disciples of the Nine Nether Sect appeared within Xia Prefecture. I was sent specifically to inspect the demonic artifact. I ask that you grant me this convenience.”

Lord Zhong added, “This matter is indeed within our Six Doors Authority’s responsibility. Escort her.”

Ruan Caihong could only comply. “Yes.”

Lord Zhong then called by name. “Gu Xianyu, you stay.”

“Yes.”

Chen Ming could only watch as Su Zhi Ning and Ruan Caihong left, standing aside, waiting for Lord Zhong’s instructions, feeling somewhat uneasy.

Lord Zhong studied him for a moment, then asked a sharp question. “With your talent, stepping into First Grade would be easy. Why join the Six Doors Authority?”

“To be honest, my lord, I came here seeking refuge.”

“Haha, at least you are honest. This Xia Prefecture City is indeed a fine place to seek refuge. Very well. Since you came, it can be considered fate. I shall help you ascend another rank. When you become a Third Grade Commander, you can cultivate in peace.”

Chen Ming was helpless in his heart, but could only say gratefully, “Many thanks for your grace, my lord. I will remember it always.”

These people kept giving him unwanted “help,” yet he had no choice but to thank them.

“Enough, you may go.”

…

Chen Ming returned to his office and first went to Old Zhang. “Where is Lord Ruan?”

Old Zhang looked around cautiously and whispered, “He went to the third level of the prison.”

“The third level?” he asked in confusion. “The prison only has two levels, where is there a third?”

Old Zhang wore a mysterious expression. “Not many know of this third level. In the entire Six Doors Authority, only Lord Zhong and Lord Ruan can enter. It is said that a demonic artifact is suppressed there.”

“A demonic artifact? What kind of thing is that?”

Chen Ming pulled Old Zhang to sit down.

Old Zhang explained, **“This demonic artifact has an extraordinary origin. It was the greatest treasure of the Nine Nether Sect of the Cult of Eternal Life. It is said to possess the power to bewitch hearts. Those lacking cultivation, upon seeing it, would be bewitched, fall into demonic ways. Extremely terrifying.

“A few hundred years ago, when the previous dynasty was collapsing and the world fell into chaos, the Heaven’s Path Alliance exterminated the Nine Nether Sect disciples. One such demonic artifact was suppressed here in Xia Prefecture City. This place used to be the Great Prison of the Demon Suppression Division of the previous dynasty. After the Great Jin was established, the Six Doors Authority took over. It has remained until now.”**

After finishing, Old Zhang saw Chen Ming’s skepticism and said, “The most frightening thing about this demonic artifact of the Nine Nether Sect is that even someone who has never practiced martial arts—once in possession of it—would immediately gain the strength of the Divine Repository Realm.”

“How could that be possible?”

Chen Ming was doubtful. Even a peerless divine weapon could at most boost a Third Grade expert slightly, but could not make one invincible in the same realm, much less leap ranks.

And this so-called artifact could let an ordinary person instantly have the power of the Divine Repository Realm?

That sounded like nonsense.

“It is absolutely true!” Old Zhang insisted. “Back then, when the Nine Nether Sect rampaged in Xia Prefecture, every time one strong expert was slain, another immediately appeared. Even the Eight Righteous Gates could do nothing against them, and finally had to invite the Heaven’s Path Alliance to join forces in order to eradicate the Nine Nether Sect and suppress the demonic artifact.”

Chen Ming felt that Old Zhang must be exaggerating its power. However, since the Heaven’s Path Alliance took it so seriously, sending Su Zhi Ning personally to inspect it, the artifact must indeed be extraordinary.

He grew uneasy.

First the Blood Demon Sect, then the Undying Demon Sect, and now the Nine Nether Sect had surfaced.

The Cult of Eternal Life truly seemed to be rising again, and not just one branch, but three at once. Surely, the world was heading toward chaos.

…

Jiang Residence.

Inside her boudoir, Xia Mudan rose to drink some porridge. After setting down the bowl and chopsticks, she wiped her mouth with a silk handkerchief, then suddenly asked, “Zhiqin, is there something troubling you?”

The maidservant standing nearby paled, then forced a smile. “Miss, nothing’s wrong.”

Xia Mudan sighed softly. “Sigh, Zhiqin, you’ve been with me for ten years. How could you possibly hide it from me? Tell me, is it about Brother Gu?”

“Miss—I…”

Zhiqin’s eyes reddened. She wanted to speak but dared not.

Xia Mudan lowered her head. “Is it Brother Gu… does he… have a marriage… an engagement already?”

Her voice trembled slightly.

Zhiqin quickly said, “No.”

Xia Mudan said softly, “You don’t have to lie to me…”

“Truly, no. The maidservant swears, if I lie to you, may I die a terrible death.” Zhiqin was sweating from anxiety. “Only, Xia He said that Young Master Gu seems to already have someone in his heart.”

Xia Mudan lifted her head. “The one in his heart… who is it?”

Zhiqin lowered her gaze, not daring to meet her eyes, and whispered faintly, “It… it is Su Zhi Ning of the Heaven’s Path Alliance.”

Xia Mudan gave a bitter smile. “No wonder—”

No wonder Brother Gu kept avoiding her again and again.

She naturally knew of Su Zhi Ning. On the Supreme Beauty List, her ranking was even higher than hers. Who knew what kind of peerless beauty she was, to capture Brother Gu’s heart so thoroughly.

Seeing Xia Mudan’s face grow paler, Zhiqin panicked and fell to her knees. “Miss, I truly did not mean to hide it from you… I was only afraid your true feelings would be wasted… that wedding before, it was all false…”

“Yes, it was all false—”

Xia Mudan murmured. Suddenly her head tilted, her body lost all strength, and she collapsed. Before she fainted, she heard her maidservant’s heart-wrenching cry: “Miss—”

…

When Xia Mudan awoke again, she saw Brother Gu right before her, his tone reproachful. “You should be resting properly, not letting your thoughts run wild.”

“Brother Gu, I’m sorry.”

“Enough, just rest well.”

“Brother Gu.”

Xia Mudan tugged at his sleeve. “Why don’t we become sworn siblings?”

At the side, Zhiqin could no longer hold back. Covering her mouth tightly, she turned and ran out of the room.