I Only Know How to Bully Noobs

Chapter 246: Sect Master

Several hours later, everyone had already left, and the cave fell into a deathly silence. Only the dried corpse in the pool remained, its hollow eye sockets staring fixedly at a certain point.

Suddenly, a figure silently emerged from the tunnel. It was Deng Ziyang, who had successfully broken through to Second Grade. His foundation had long been sufficient, but to ascend to Second Grade, one needed to devour another Second Grade martial artist.

In truth, fellow disciples who also cultivated the Blood Demon Grand Art were the best material for cultivation—barely any digestion was required.

For this reason, internal killings among disciples in the Blood Demon Sect had long become a tradition.

Fortunately, the sect had produced a Divine Repository Realm envoy who had issued a strict order forbidding disciples from slaughtering one another—violators would be severely punished.

That was how Deng Ziyang had managed to survive in the Blood Demon Sect until now. No one knew his secret: he carried the Blood God Bead. No one had ever suspected him either.

After all, who would believe that someone possessing the Blood God Bead would progress so slowly?

Deng Ziyang entered the cave and closed his eyes, carefully sensing the surroundings. Suddenly, a hint of joy flickered across his face.

He walked to a stone wall, took out a dagger, and began to dig. After digging about a foot deep, he uncovered a jade box buried underground.

Opening the lid, a blood-red bead lay silently inside—it was the Blood God Bead.

“I knew you wouldn’t die that easily…”

Deng Ziyang muttered to himself.

In fact, he had already recognized Chen Ming earlier—not because he had any ability to see through disguises, but simply due to the Blood Demon Grand Art he cultivated.

Once the Blood Demon Grand Art reached a certain level, it became extremely sensitive to a martial artist’s true essence. In the eyes of Blood Demon Sect disciples, each person’s true essence was unique.

Deng Ziyang had grown accustomed to identifying people by their true essence. After all, one could disguise their face, voice, height, and aura…

But only one thing could never be faked—the nature of one’s true essence.

Among all those he had ever encountered, the true essence within Chen Ming’s body was the most unique—containing three entirely different attributes that could be switched at will, utterly overturning his understanding.

So the moment that black-clad woman made her move, Deng Ziyang had been shocked. Yet externally, he could find no flaws.

Now, having found the Blood God Bead, he no longer had any doubts—that black-clad woman was indeed Chen Ming.

This had been left specifically for him.

Deng Ziyang could clearly sense the massive essence stored within this Blood God Bead.

It contained the refined cultivation essence of his Second Senior Brother. Once absorbed, he would immediately ascend to First Grade.

Chen Ming leaving this Blood God Bead for him—what immense trust that was.

Moreover, there was still a Divine Repository Realm expert’s corpse nearby.

“Chen Ming, you better not die. When I emerge from seclusion, I’ll come find you for a drink.”

Deng Ziyang sat cross-legged. A Blood God Bead, nearly twice its normal size, flew from his brow and enveloped the bead on the ground, beginning to refine it…

…

Chen Ming returned once more to that courtyard. As he opened his eyes, he found many people standing there, all looking toward him—several with clear wariness in their eyes.

It was obvious that news of him slaying a First Grade expert from the Blood Demon Sect had already spread, likely from those who exited before him.

And now, only he had returned. There was no sign of Yu Haitang. Whether she had yet to exit or had been transported elsewhere remained unknown.

“Hahaha! Little Friend Yuan is indeed one who hides deep. To slay a First Grade with the sword—truly remarkable!” A hearty laugh rang out as Jiang Jinan walked toward him, his face beaming with pride.

Nine had entered in total. Ultimately, it was the Jiang Family’s chosen candidate who had inherited the legacy—a grand success. This rare opportunity to shine naturally filled him with glee.

At that moment, a group stepped forward and solemnly bowed. “Greetings to the new Sect Master.”

Seeing this scene, Chen Ming hurriedly declined, “Everyone flatters me. I am of little status and already have a sect—how could I possibly be your Sect Master? Moreover, regarding what happened within the secret realm, I believe you’ve all heard. Strictly speaking, I did not receive Senior Jin’s inheritance. Please, all of you, rise.”

The white-haired elder leading the group remained unmoved. “The old Sect Master’s token is in your hand. Naturally, you are our new Sect Master.”

“What token—”

Chen Ming followed their gaze to the Taiyue Sword in his hand and was momentarily speechless. Using a Peerless Divine Weapon as a symbol of succession—there was indeed no arguing that.

At this point, he truly had no way to refuse. If he didn’t accept the position, they could just take back the Taiyue Sword, and that would be entirely reasonable.

At this moment, Jiang Jinan came to his aid. “Little Friend Yuan needn’t decline further. Since you have received Senior Jin’s Taiyue Sword, you are naturally his successor. Becoming the next Sect Master of Jin Yutang is only proper. The Jiang Family supports this. What about the rest of you—any objections?”

Jiang Jinan’s gaze swept over the others present.

No one among the various great powers said a word. Things had reached this point, and they had no choice but to accept. Who told them to pick such incompetent representatives?

Thus, before everyone’s eyes, Chen Ming was all but shoved into the position. Jin Yutang’s three remaining First Grade experts, along with its high-ranking members, officially pushed him into the seat of Sect Master.

To outsiders, it was beyond legendary—a woman not yet thirty becoming the head of Jin Yutang, one of Jiangzhou’s four great sects, just like the protagonist in some fantastical tale.

And her feat of slaying a First Grade expert with a Second Grade cultivation only added to the legend.

…

Finally, after night fell, the representatives of the major powers departed.

Inside the most opulent estate of Jin Yutang—it could hardly be called a residence; it was more akin to a miniature palace in grandeur and extravagance—lay the Sect Master’s quarters.

Once, the old Sect Master had resided here. After entering the secret realm for seclusion, this place had remained empty. Yet, no one dared touch a single item inside.

Everything here still remained as it was during the old Sect Master’s time.

In the council hall, Chen Ming sat upon the Sect Master’s throne. Below stood Jin Yutang’s only three remaining First Grade experts, about to begin a conversation that would determine the sect’s future.

At its peak, Jin Yutang had seven elders, all First Grade.

Now, only three remained—proof of their deep attachment to the sect, or perhaps their inability to sever ties, their honor and disgrace intertwined.

These three were the true powers behind Jin Yutang.

Senior Jin had been in seclusion for two to three decades. In that time, all major and minor affairs had been handled by these three.

The white-haired elder at the front cautiously asked, “I wonder what instructions the Sect Master has regarding sect matters?”

This man was Grand Elder Sun Chuxian, Jin Yutang’s de facto leader.

Chen Ming replied, “All sect matters are to proceed as before. The three elders may handle decisions as they see fit.”

The other two elders visibly relaxed, clearly satisfied with such a stance. After all, who wanted a new Sect Master constantly meddling from above?

But Sun Chuxian quickly urged, “That would not do. You are the Sect Master. All matters should be decided by you—”

Chen Ming waved him off. “No need for further discussion. My heart lies in the martial path. I have no interest in mundane affairs.”

Elder Huang abruptly interjected, “Does the Sect Master know how much profit Jin Yutang earns annually? Are you not even slightly interested in such matters?”

Seeing they were still probing, Chen Ming grew irritated. “What Elder Huang speaks of—wealth, profit, power—do any of these benefit my cultivation in the slightest? Will they help me ascend to First Grade? Or improve my swordsmanship?”

Elder Huang froze. Her expression didn’t seem faked, yet for some reason, his heart felt a bit unsettled.

Sun Chuxian spoke again, “The Sect Master’s unwavering heart for the Dao is admirable. However, Jin Yutang now faces turbulent times. We still need you to steer the ship.”

Chen Ming no longer beat around the bush. “Elder Sun, let me ask you: does Jin Yutang need a managing Sect Master right now—or one who can reach the pinnacle of martial arts?”

Sun Chuxian appeared moved by this question.

Chen Ming continued, “You don’t need to keep testing me. What I want is simple—a quiet environment free of disturbances. And later, when I reach First Grade, a slot to enter the secret realm. Would the elders refuse me that?”

“If the Sect Master desires a slot, it is naturally yours at any time.”

“Then that’s settled. I already have what I want. The rest holds no interest for me. It’s late—elders, you may retire for the night.”

After sending them off, Chen Ming returned to his bedroom alone.

Those three elders had eyes only for power and profit—utterly vulgar. They assumed everyone was the same.

If not for the Taiyue Sword, he wouldn’t even want to be Sect Master. There were no benefits, and if anything went wrong, he’d be the first to take the fall.

So, he’d play along for a few days. It was merely a nominal title anyway.

Once he comprehended the Mysterious Earth True Art, he could leave whenever he pleased, and no one could stop him.

At that point, he’d be confident enough to fight Du Rusong. If he could find a way to lure him out—ideally with a helper—they could kill him and end the threat for good.

As for a helper, the most suitable candidate was naturally Yu Haitang. But persuading her wouldn’t be easy.

“Perhaps I could blackmail her over her dealings with the Cult of Eternal Life?”

Chen Ming stroked his chin and muttered to himself.

During the secret realm expedition, right up until the end, Yu Haitang never mentioned Deng Ziyang escaping into the cave. That alone revealed a tacit understanding between the two.

Her behavior today suggested she had anticipated the ambush. Yet, unlike him, she didn’t possess a divine artifact like the tortoiseshell that could foresee danger.

The only possibility was—she had an insider!

But if he truly used that to threaten her, she likely wouldn’t give in. She might even sever ties immediately.

Forget it.

“Better to focus on the cultivation manual first.”

Chen Ming laid the Taiyue Sword across his knees and began studying the Mysterious Earth True Art.

He still had no idea where Yu Haitang had acquired the first three layers, but she had truly completed the technique—something that even the Divine Repository Realm expert of Jin Yutang had failed to do in a lifetime.