I can only beat noobs.

Chapter 168 What a terrible name!
You have defeated a level 65 enemy and gained 33000 experience points.

Chen Ming stood there, his vision blurring in waves.

That sword strike not only drained the remaining true energy in his body but also greatly depleted his mental strength. Now the aftereffects are kicking in; just as he tried to think, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head.

"Thank goodness he escaped..."

He thought with some relief that if Lai Xiangran had been bolder and hadn't run away, he would probably be the one who died.

Just then, a somewhat familiar voice rang in my ears, "You're going to suffer a great loss because you're so soft-hearted."

Chen Ming took a deep breath, and finally a wisp of true energy was generated in his parched dantian. When he opened his eyes, he saw "Sister Hong" in a red dress standing in front of him in the night.

The stinging sensation in my brain has also been relieved a lot.

He said excitedly, "Sister Hong, what are you doing here?"

Princess Hongyu's gaze was somewhat complicated. "If I hadn't been there, how could I have witnessed that scene just now? With a fifth-rank cultivation level, you almost killed a fourth-rank cultivator. Chen Ming, your progress in the past two months has truly exceeded my expectations!"

In just a few breaths, the true energy within Chen Ming's body grew considerably stronger, and he recovered somewhat. He said, "Sister Hong, you flatter me. I was just relying on the advantage of the divine weapon."

"There are many who wield divine weapons, but how many in the world can defeat enemies of higher ranks? You don't need to be modest."

"Sister Hong came to Jiangzhou City on business?" Chen Ming changed the subject.

"The matter is settled, and I was just about to head back. I was planning to come over tonight to say hello, but I didn't expect to witness such a spectacular battle. You were too soft-hearted just now, and almost got yourself killed. Remember this lesson: never be soft-hearted when dealing with the enemy."

"I will always remember Sister Hong's teachings." After thanking her, Chen Ming invited her, "Why don't you come to my house for a visit, Sister Hong?"

"No, I have to go." Princess Hongyu paused for a moment, then said, "If you put more effort into the 'Phoenix Dance in the Nine Heavens' movement technique, you could defeat this person today without even having to activate your sword intent."

After saying that, she drifted away.

Chen Ming watched the woman in red fly away like a fairy under the moon and fell into deep thought.

In fact, he had already noticed during his fierce battle with Lai Xiangran that the other party's movement skills were far superior to his own. Several times he had caught the other party's flaws, but the other party was always able to dodge his sword at the most impossible moments.

Now that the woman in red had pointed it out, he understood what was going on.

The difference lies in body skills!
Previously, he had only encountered opponents of the fifth rank, and almost no one put any pressure on him. With the mastery of the Vermilion Bird Sword Technique, he could always easily defeat his opponents.

Lai Xiangran was the most formidable enemy he had ever encountered. This battle also taught him how to enhance the power of the Vermilion Bird Sword Technique.

That's body movement.

"Master——"

Just then, Chen Ming heard Qiu Xiang and Dong Xiang's voices. He turned around and saw two maids running towards him, surrounding him and anxiously asking, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Pick up that severed hand and the black knife."

He gave the order. Then, he took them home.

The woman in red was right about one thing. He had severed Lai Xiangran's arm, thus solidifying his enmity with the Tianji Sect.

This is not much different from killing someone and creating a deep-seated grudge.

Of course, if we don't kill Lai Xiangran, we can keep him alive and maybe harvest experience points again.

The problem now is the sect leader of the Heavenly Extreme Sect, who is a second-rank expert. Killing him would probably be no different from killing a chicken.

"We still need to find Yu Haitang and see if she has any solutions."

Yu Haitang even gave him the "Mingfeng Sword," clearly showing her high regard for him. Now, his sword strike against a fourth-rank official—such a performance should be enough to make her increase her investment, right?

……

The location of the Tianji Sect.

Han Xiangcheng had already woken up and, upon learning that his senior brother had gone to find Chen Ming to seek justice for him, almost fainted again.

I was angry.

He knew his senior brother's temperament all too well; he was certain he would fight Chen Ming. And in that case, he might even severely injure him.

This time, the Tianji Sect lost both face and morale.

What will others say about them?
The disciples of the Heavenly Pole Sect went to challenge others, and when they couldn't win, they called their masters back to get revenge. That's shameless.

If the Heavenly Gate treats others this way, then others will naturally have the same reason to deal with the Heavenly Gate.

Senior brother is so foolish!
Han Xiangcheng was extremely worried, but there was nothing he could do. Given his senior brother's speed, it was probably already a fait accompli...

Just then, a figure flew in.

"Senior brother, where is your hand?"

Just as Han Xiangcheng was about to complain, he quickly noticed that something was wrong with his senior brother. Upon closer inspection, he was shocked to find that his senior brother's right hand was missing.

Lai Xiangran, pale-faced, grabbed his junior brother's collar with his only remaining hand and said in a weak voice, "Immediately spread the word that I'm going to attempt to break through to the third rank and then go into seclusion..."

As he spoke, he took a breath, "Remember... don't... provoke that... Chen Ming again..."

Han Xiangcheng fought back tears and choked out, "Senior brother, what... happened to your hand?"

"Don't ask anymore, remember my words! Don't be afraid, as long as our Uncle is still here, our Heavenly Pole Sect will not perish! Now, help...help me inside..."

……

Its daybreak.

In a quiet courtyard, Yu Haitang, dressed in a white dress, was sitting under the eaves reading a book. The morning sun shone on her, turning her face golden.

Suddenly, the maid Mei'er tiptoed over and whispered, "Master, Young Master Chen just sent someone with a message." Yu Haitang didn't even look up. "What does he want?"

“He said he wants the master to come over.” Mei’er said, glancing furtively at her expression. Seeing no joy or anger on her face, she simply commented, “He’s gotten bolder.”

After a while, she asked again, "Who came to deliver the letter?"

Mei lowered her head. "The maidservant beside Young Master Chen is named Qiu Xiang."

Yu Haitang frowned. "What a terrible name! What about the other one?"

"Dongxiang".

"..."

Yu Haitang closed the copy of "The Blazing Sun Divine Skill" that she had obtained from Chen Ming, stood up, and said, "Have someone prepare a carriage."

"Yes."

Before long, she got into the carriage and left. She traveled all the way to Tianyang Lane, got off the carriage at the intersection, and walked to the entrance of Changqing Hall.

Yu Haitang still wore a veil, the white veil concealing her stunning beauty. Escorted by Ji Qianxing, she entered the unassuming hospital.

Upon seeing the elderly man inside, she gave him a graceful bow, "Senior, I've come to see you again. Did the calming incense I gave you last time work?"

Old Sun said indifferently, "I told you, don't waste your time on an old man like me. I am a doctor, and there are at least three doctors in Jiangzhou City whose medical skills are better than mine."

Yu Haitang said, "I know you don't want your identity to be exposed, senior. Don't worry, I'm being careful and no one will notice."

"You've mistaken me for someone else. I am a doctor."

"Yes, yes, senior is a doctor. I just want to form a good relationship with you so that if I get injured or sick in the future, I hope you can save me once."

Old Master Sun's gaze swept over her, and he said calmly, "Right now, your internal energy is in trouble."

Yu Haitang was slightly surprised. "Senior saw through it?"

"If I'm not mistaken, you want to cultivate another martial art. However, you're too eager for quick results, and not long ago, you almost reversed your true energy. Your meridians suffered considerable damage."

Yu Haitang bowed again, "Senior, your insight is truly remarkable. I hope you can enlighten me."

"I only know medicine, so asking me won't help," Old Sun said, then changed the subject, "You should ask that person where your martial arts came from."

"Thank you for your guidance, senior."

"Alright, a patient has arrived. Don't disturb me while I'm treating patients."

"Junior, take your leave."

As Yu Haitang walked out of Changqing Hall, she suddenly stopped. Her dress fluttered without wind, and a scorching aura burst forth from her body.

After a few breaths, the strange phenomenon on her body disappeared.

At this moment, Ji Qianxing asked softly, "Master, are you alright?"

Yu Haitang shook her head and remained silent. They continued walking, coming from an alley to the back alley of Changqing Hall, in front of a small courtyard right next to Changqing Hall.

Ji Qianxing stepped forward and knocked on the door.

Soon, the door opened.

Chen Ming personally came out to greet her, saying, "It is an honor to have you grace our humble abode with your presence, young lady."

Yu Haitang and Ji Qianxing went inside together.

There was a table in the courtyard with a tea tray on it.

Two chairs were placed next to the table.

Yu Haitang's gaze swept over the two maids behind him, and she asked, "Speak, what is it?"

Chen Ming said, "I caused a huge disaster last night and I don't know what to do. I can only ask you for advice, young lady."

"Oh? Tell me, what kind of calamity is it?"

With a wave of his hand, Qiu Xiang and Dong Xiang turned around and brought over a tray, on which were an arm and a black knife, respectively.

Yu Haitang glanced at it, recognized the strangely shaped knife, and said dismissively, "You cut off Han Xiangcheng's hand from the Tianji Sect?"

The tone was as if to say, "Just for this?"
Chen Ming corrected, "It's not Han Xiangcheng, it's Lai Xiangran."

Yu Haitang paused slightly, then her tone became more serious, "Was it that Heavenly Dao Alliance disciple beside you who did it?"

Chen Ming smiled wryly, "If it were her, I wouldn't be so worried. I was the one who cut it."

"you?"

Yu Haitang's tone clearly indicated disbelief.

For Chen Ming to cut off Lai Xiangran's hand, a fourth-rank martial artist, would have to be knocked unconscious.

"It is indeed me. If you don't believe me, you can ask them."

Chen Ming pointed to the two maids behind him.

Qiu Xiang and Dong Xiang kept their heads down, not daring to look at their former master. Hearing Chen Ming's words, they became nervous. "It was indeed the young master who cut it down. We two servants... saw it with our own eyes. There is no doubt about it."

P.S.: Requesting monthly votes.

(End of this chapter)