I can only beat noobs.

Chapter 211 Seeing Old Friends Again
Ruan Caixiong naturally knew why his wife had come, and his expression froze, somewhat embarrassed.

Chen Ming quickly stood up and bowed to Madam Ruan. "My name is Gu Xianyu. I greet you, Madam. I just heard Brother Ruan praise you for your beauty and virtue. Now that I see you, it is indeed true. Brother Ruan is truly blessed."

Madam Ruan covered her mouth and chuckled, appearing quite pleased. "I've heard of you. You're the one who defeated Young Master Wushuang in the Money Gang's martial arts contest to win the heart of the beauty, right?"

"it is me."

"Don't stand, sit down."

Madam Ruan sat down next to Ruan Caixiong, invited him to sit down as well, poured wine for her husband herself, and looked at him with her eyes.

Such actions and glances are tantamount to an apology.

Ruan Caixiong's expression softened somewhat. He picked up the glass of wine and drank it down, which was considered an acceptance of her apology.

Chen Ming observed the interaction between the couple who had been married for over a decade and sighed inwardly. He thought to himself, "Married men, even top-tier experts, have to humble themselves before their wives. It's truly pitiful."

After this little incident, the three of them started chatting and laughing together again.

Mrs. Ruan stayed by her side, occasionally saying a word or two, and looking at her husband with tender eyes from time to time. Anyone who saw them would have to say that they were truly a loving couple.

If Chen Ming hadn't seen how aggressively she barged in, he might have actually believed it.

Chen Ming had drunk enough, so he got up to say goodbye.

Madam Ruan said, "Young Gu, bring your wife to my residence next time."

"If I have the chance, definitely."

Chen Ming picked up the two swords that were placed to the side, hung them on his waist, and turned to leave.

Madam Ruan's gaze fell on the sword at his waist, her eyes narrowed slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed across her face.

Ruan Caixiong noticed his wife's unusual behavior and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Ugh--"

Madam Ruan wiped her eyes with a handkerchief to conceal her expression, her tone sorrowful, "The thought that my husband has been unable to return to the capital for over a decade because of me fills me with grief..."

Ruan Caixiong quickly said, "Madam, please don't say that. I just feel a connection with this new subordinate..."

……

Chen Ming returned to his residence and asked Xiao He, "Is Brother Jiang's injury alright, or has it relapsed?"

Although Xiao He had seen Jiang Wushuang dressed as a woman before, and with her quick wit, she had probably already guessed it, she still habitually addressed him as Brother Jiang.

Xiaohe said, "No, that's not true. However, he has sent people to inquire several times since nightfall. Why don't you go and check on him, young master?"

Chen Ming looked at the maid sent by the Gu family to serve Gu Xianyu and asked, "Xiao He, do you think Miss Xia took my wedding ceremony seriously?"

Xiaohe lowered her head. "This servant doesn't know either."

"You know it."

"What does 'young master' refer to?"

Seeing that she was still pretending to be ignorant, Chen Ming directly pointed out, "It's about Miss Su."

Xiao He lowered her head even further, "Young Master means..."

"Brother Jiang's maids must have asked you about me, right? You can reveal some information to them."

"This servant understands."

"Let's go see Brother Jiang."

Chen Ming changed his clothes before going to Xia Mudan's side. As usual, he took her pulse and chatted with her for a few minutes.

She leaned back on the bed, her eyes filled with tenderness, which made Chen Ming's heart itch. Then, he thought of Madam Ruan, whom he had just met.

Back then, she must have been just as tender and affectionate in front of Ruan Caixiong. But after more than a decade of marriage, she's become like this.

Calling her a shrew would be an exaggeration, but she was definitely not someone to be trifled with; she had Ruan Caixiong completely under her thumb.

At the age of thirteen, Xia Mudan was able to play two roles at the same time, deceiving everyone in the world, and her name as the peerless young master resounded throughout Xia Prefecture.

She's not the delicate type; don't be fooled by her current tenderness. A woman like her has plenty of strength and cunning. Once you're ensnared by her affections, you'll never have freedom for the rest of your life.

Thinking of this, Chen Ming shuddered and made an excuse to slip away.

Back in his courtyard, he took out the visualization diagram and began to cultivate diligently.

In this world, only cultivation is real!
……

next morning.

Chen Ming arrived at the Six Doors, where Zhang Dingce was waiting for him. "My lord, Lord Ruan summons you."

"it is good."

He went to the pavilion from yesterday and went straight in without even having to announce his arrival.

Ruan Caixiong said with a serious expression, "Come with me, Lord Zhong wants to see you."

"Lord Zhong wants to see me?"

Chen Ming felt a chill run down his spine.

There is only one person in the entire Six Doors who can be addressed as "Lord Zhong" by Ruan Caixiong, and that is the highest-ranking official in Xia Prefecture, the one in the red robe of the highest rank.

When he came to report, this Lord Zhong did not even see him, which was enough to show his attitude and treat this scion of a prominent family with the cold shoulder.

Ruan Caixiong laughed and said, "That's a good thing. Since you're at the third rank, according to custom, your rank should be raised. I'll definitely help you get this admiral position!"

"...Thank you, sir."

Chen Ming smiled bitterly to himself. All he wanted to do now was stay in the prison and grind experience points; he didn't want to do anything else.

He didn't want this third-rank admiral position at all.

It should be understood that officials of the third rank or above must report to the capital for evaluation by the central government. They must then personally travel to the capital to report on their duties and meet with the emperor before being formally granted their official positions.

How could a fraud like him dare to go to the capital to meet the emperor?

However, Nguyen Thai Hung meant well, and he had no reason to refuse.

……

"I heard you've been sparring with those third-rank prisoners in jail these past few days?"

On the way, Ruan Caixiong brought up something.

Chen Ming explained, "When I was in the capital, what I lacked most was experience in fighting, so I used them as practice. Don't worry, I'll be careful and won't kill anyone."

"Actual combat is indeed an excellent way to improve one's strength. However, those prisoners were all injured and their cultivation was sealed by the Dragon Sealing Needles, so their strength was less than 50%. It wouldn't serve as much training for you."

"I had no choice; I'm new here. I had to turn to them."

"I can introduce you to a few people of similar strength to you, so you can spar with each other."

"That's wonderful. Thank you, sir."

"I've already told you, you don't need to be so polite with me."

Before long, the two arrived at the most magnificent hall in the Six Doors government office. Two guards stood outside the door. After they went in to announce their arrival, they were led inside.

After passing through the main hall and arriving at the courtyard at the back, a guard reported, "Lord Zhong, Lord Ruan Caixiong and Gu Xianyu have arrived."

A warm voice came from inside, "Let them in."

Chen Ming followed Ruan Caixiong into the courtyard.

The first thing he saw was a huge banyan tree, with a trunk so thick that it would take at least ten people to encircle it, and lush foliage that it covered the entire courtyard like a giant umbrella.

At his second glance, he saw a familiar white figure and almost couldn't control his expression. "What's she doing here?"

Chen Ming tried hard to keep his face straight so as not to lose his composure.

At this moment, Ruan Caixiong bowed respectfully and said, "This subordinate greets Lord Zhong."

He quickly followed suit and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Lord Zhong."

Then, that warm voice rang out again, "This is Miss Su from the Heavenly Dao Alliance."

This Miss Su from the Heavenly Dao Alliance is none other than Su Zhining.

She was still dressed in white, still wearing a veil, and her temperament remained ethereal and otherworldly. The only difference was that there was a faint trace of sadness between her brows.

Chen Ming never expected to run into her here.

What kind of twist of fate is this?

Ruan Caixiong asked in confusion, "Did you summon us here because of Miss Su?"

Lord Zhong, dressed in a red robe, said, "Miss Su has come here on the orders of her sect to examine the demonic artifact that is suppressing our Xiazhou City. You will personally take her there."

Ruan Caixiong said unhappily, "Why do you need to examine that demonic artifact out of the blue? I just went to see it ten days ago. Does the Heavenly Alliance not trust me?"

At this moment, Su Zhining spoke, her cold voice now tinged with indifference, "Recently, the Longevity Sect has resurfaced. My sect's senior uncle has learned that disciples of the Nine Nether Sect have been spotted in Xia Prefecture. He specifically sent me here to investigate that demonic artifact. I would appreciate your assistance."

Lord Zhong also said, "This is our duty as the Six Doors. You take him there."

Ruan Caixiong had no choice but to agree, "Yes."

Lord Zhong called out by name, "Gu Xianyu, you stay."

"Yes."

Chen Ming could only watch Su Zhining and Ruan Caixiong leave, standing aside waiting for Lord Zhong's instructions, feeling somewhat uneasy.

Lord Zhong scrutinized him for a while before asking a pointed question, "With your qualifications, reaching the first rank would be a piece of cake. Why did you choose to join the Six Doors?"

"To be honest, sir, I came here seeking refuge."

"Haha, you're quite honest, kid. Xiazhou City is indeed a good place to take refuge. Well, it's fate that you've come here, so I'll give you a hand and help you advance another level. Once you become a third-rank governor, you can focus on your cultivation."

Chen Ming felt helpless but could only express his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, sir. I will remember it forever."

These people are all more trouble than help. And yet, he has no choice but to thank them.

"Okay, you go down."

……

Chen Ming returned to his office and went to find Old Man Zhang first. "Where is Lord Ruan?"

Old Zhang looked around and whispered, "They went to the third level of the prison?"

"A third level?" he asked doubtfully. "The prison only has two levels, where did the third level come from?"

Old Zhang said mysteriously, "Not many people know about this third level, not even within the entire Six Doors. Only Lord Zhong and Lord Ruan can enter the third level. It is said that a demonic artifact is suppressed there."

"A magical artifact? What's that?"

Chen Ming pulled Old Zhang down to sit.

Old Zhang said, "Speaking of this demonic artifact, it has a very impressive background. It is the supreme treasure of the Nine Nether Sect, a heretical cult of immortality. It is said that this demonic artifact has the power to bewitch people's hearts. Those whose cultivation is insufficient will be bewitched and fall into the demonic path as soon as they see it. It is extremely terrifying."

"Until several hundred years ago, when the previous dynasty was on the verge of collapse and the world was in chaos, the Heavenly Dao Alliance exterminated all the disciples of the Nine Nether Sect. One of their demonic artifacts was suppressed by the Heavenly Dao Alliance in Xiazhou City. This place was originally the prison of the Demon Suppression Division of the previous dynasty. Later, after the establishment of the Great Jin Dynasty, it was taken over by the Six Doors. And it has been there ever since."

After Old Zhang finished speaking, seeing that Chen Ming was somewhat unconvinced, he said, "The most terrifying thing about the Nine Nether Sect's demonic artifacts is that even someone who has never practiced martial arts can immediately possess the strength of the Divine Treasure Realm once they obtain the demonic artifact."

"How can this be?"

Chen Ming was highly skeptical. Even a peerless divine weapon could at most boost the strength of a third-grade martial artist by one level, and might not even make them invincible among their peers, let alone allow them to challenge opponents of higher ranks.

That demonic artifact could actually grant an ordinary person the combat power of a Divine Realm expert?

You're just bragging.

“This is absolutely true!” Old Zhang said when he saw that he didn’t believe him. “Back then, the Nine Nether Sect ravaged Xia Prefecture. As soon as they killed a powerful expert, another one would appear. Even the Eight Righteousness Sect couldn’t do anything to them. In the end, they could only ask the Heavenly Dao Alliance to join forces to eradicate the Nine Nether Sect and successfully suppress the demonic artifact.”

Chen Ming felt that he had probably exaggerated the power of the demonic artifact. However, the fact that the Heavenly Dao Alliance took it so seriously, sending Su Zhining to inspect the artifact, suggested that it must be something extraordinary.

He became somewhat worried.

First there was the Blood Demon Sect, then the Undying Demon Sect, and now another sect, the Nine Nether Sect, has emerged.

The Longevity Cult is really making a comeback, and there are three of them at once. I'm afraid the world is truly in chaos.

……

Jiang Zhai.

In her boudoir, Xia Mudan got up, drank some porridge, put down her bowl and chopsticks, wiped her mouth with a silk handkerchief, and suddenly asked, "Zhiqin, is something wrong?"

Upon hearing this, a maid standing nearby changed her expression slightly, but forced a smile and said, "Miss, I'm fine."

Xia Mudan sighed softly, "Ah, Zhiqin, you've been with me for ten years, how could you keep it from me? Tell me, is it related to Brother Gu?"

"Miss—I..."

Zhiqin's eyes reddened; she wanted to speak but dared not.

Xia Mudan lowered her head, "It's Brother Gu...he...is he...engaged?"

Her voice trembled slightly.

Zhiqin said urgently, "No."

Xia Mudan said softly, "You don't need to lie to me..."

"Really, no. I swear, if I'm lying to you, Miss, may I die a horrible death." Zhiqin was sweating profusely. "But, Xiaohe said that Young Master Gu seems to have someone he likes."

Xia Mudan looked up and asked, "Who is his sweetheart...?"

Zhiqin lowered her head, not daring to look into her eyes, and said in a weak voice, "It's...it's Su Zhining from the Heavenly Dao Alliance."

Xia Mudan smiled sadly, "No wonder—"

No wonder Brother Gu kept running away.

She naturally knew Su Zhining; she was also on the list of beauties, and ranked even higher than her. She wondered what kind of stunning beauty she possessed that could make Brother Gu so infatuated with her.

Seeing her face grow increasingly pale, Zhiqin was so frightened that she knelt on the ground. "Miss, I really didn't mean to hide it from you... I was just worried that you would have given your heart to the wrong person... The wedding ceremony before was a sham..."

"Yes, it's fake from the start—"

Xia Mudan murmured to herself, then suddenly her head lolled to the side, and she collapsed, powerless. Before losing consciousness, she heard her maid's heart-wrenching scream, "Miss—!"

……

When Xia Mudan woke up again, she saw Brother Gu standing in front of her and said in a reproachful tone, "You should rest and recuperate properly, don't overthink things."

"Brother Gu, I'm sorry."

"Okay, have a good rest."

"Brother Gu."

Xia Mudan tugged at his sleeve and said, "Why don't we become sworn siblings?"

Zhiqin, who was standing to the side, could no longer hold back. She covered her mouth tightly, turned around, and ran out of the room.

PS: First update of the day, 4,000 words, please vote for me with monthly tickets.

(End of this chapter)