I Only Stomp on Weaklings

On the way, Ruan Caixiong mentioned something.

Chen Ming explained, "When I was in the Capital City, what I lacked most was experience in combat, so I practiced with them. Rest assured, I know my limits and won’t kill anyone."

"Actual combat is indeed an excellent way to enhance one’s strength. However, those prisoners are all injured, and their cultivation has been sealed by the Dragon Sealing Needle, leaving them with less than half of their power. It won’t serve much as a challenge for you."

"I have no other choice; I’m new here and can only find them."

"I could introduce you to a few people who are at a similar level to you so you can spar with each other."

"That would be wonderful. Thank you, Master."

"I’ve told you, no need to be so formal with me."

Before long, the two of them arrived at the most grand hall in the Six Gates Government Office, guarded by two guards outside. After reporting, they were led inside.

After passing through the hall, they arrived outside a courtyard. The guard reported, "Master Zhong, Ruan Caixiong and Gu Xianyu have arrived."

A warm voice came, "Let them in."

Chen Ming followed Ruan Caixiong into the courtyard.

The first thing he saw was a massive banyan tree with a wide trunk that took at least ten people to embrace, its lush branches and leaves creating a canopy over the entire courtyard.

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

"Why is she here?"

Chen Ming strained to keep a straight face, barely maintaining his composure.

At this moment, Ruan Caixiong respectfully greeted, "Greetings, Master Zhong."

Chen Ming hurriedly followed suit, "Greetings, Master Zhong."

Then, the warm voice spoke again, "This is Miss Su from the Celestial Dao Alliance."

This Miss Su from the Celestial Dao Alliance was none other than Su Zhining.

She was still dressed in snow-white clothes, still wearing a veil, with a graceful and ethereal demeanor. The only difference was a faint trace of melancholy between her brows.

Chen Ming never expected to encounter her here.

What kind of strange fate is this?

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

Master Zhong, clad in a red robe, said, "Miss Su is here on orders from her sect to inspect a demon artifact suppressed in Xiazhou City. You will escort her."

Ruan Caixiong said displeasedly, "Why check the demon artifact for no reason? I just inspected it ten days ago. Is the Celestial Dao Alliance distrusting me?"

At this, Su Zhining spoke, her cold voice carrying a hint of aloofness, "Recently, the Longevity Sect has resurfaced. My sect’s elder received news that there are disciples of the Nine Nether Sect appearing within Xiazhou. I was specifically sent to inspect the demon artifact. Please cooperate."

Master Zhong also said, "This matter indeed falls under the responsibility of our Six Gates. Take her there."

Ruan Caixiong had to comply, "Yes."

Master Zhong called out, "Gu Xianyu, stay behind."

"Yes."

Chen Ming could only watch as Su Zhining and Ruan Caixiong left. Standing off to the side, he waited for Master Zhong’s instructions, feeling somewhat anxious.

Master Zhong scrutinized him for a while, then asked a sharp question, "With your talent, attaining First Grade is easy. Why did you join the Six Gates?"

"To be honest, Master, I came here to seek refuge."

"Haha, you’re quite honest. Xiazhou City indeed is a good refuge. Very well, since you are here, it is fate. I will assist you, helping you rise another rank. Once you reach Third Grade as a governor, you can cultivate in peace."

Chen Ming felt helpless but could only express gratitude, "Thank you, Master, for your assistance. I will remember this."

These people are really creating trouble for him, yet he still has to be grateful.

"Alright, you may leave."

...

Chen Ming returned to the office area and first went to find Old Zhang, "Where is Master Ruan?"

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

"Third level?" He asked, puzzled, "The prison only has two levels. Where is this third level?"

Old Zhang said mysteriously, "Not many know about the third level. In the entire Six Gates, only Master Zhong and Master Ruan can access it. It is said that a demon artifact is suppressed there."

"Demon artifact? What is that?"

Chen Ming pulled Old Zhang to sit down.

Old Zhang said, "Speaking of this demon artifact, it has a significant background. It’s the treasure of the Nine Nether Sect from the Longevity Evil Cult. Legend says it can enchant people’s hearts, leading those with insufficient cultivation to be enchanted upon seeing it and fall into the Demonic Dao. Extremely terrifying.

"Until a few hundred years ago, when the previous dynasty was about to collapse and the world was in chaos. The Celestial Dao Alliance eradicated the disciples of the Nine Nether Sect, and one such demon artifact was suppressed by the Celestial Dao Alliance in Xiazhou City. This place was the Great Prison of the Suppression Bureau in the previous dynasty. After the establishment of the Great Jin, the Six Gates took over, and it has been ever since."

After Old Zhang finished speaking, seeing Chen Ming’s indifference, he said, "The most terrifying aspect of the Nine Nether Sect’s demon artifact is that even someone who hasn’t practiced martial arts, once obtaining the artifact, can immediately possess the strength of the Divine Treasure Realm."

"How is this possible?"

Chen Ming was skeptical. Even an unparalleled divine weapon at most could slightly enhance a Third Grade Martial Artist’s strength, perhaps not even rendering them invincible in their level, let alone surpassing their level of challenge.

That a demon artifact could allow an ordinary person to possess the combat power of the Divine Treasure Realm?

That’s an exaggeration.

"This matter is absolutely true!" Old Zhang, seeing his disbelief, said, "Back then, the Nine Nether Sect ran rampant in Xiazhou, constantly producing new powerful figures. Even the Eight Righteous Sect couldn’t deal with them. They eventually had to invite the Celestial Dao Alliance to team up, successfully suppressing the demon artifact."

Chen Ming thought he might be exaggerating the demon artifact’s power. However, the fact that the Celestial Dao Alliance placed such importance, sending Su Zhining to check on it, indicated the artifact must indeed be extraordinary.

He began to feel worried.

First there was the Blood Demon Sect, then the Undying Demon Sect, now there’s the Nine Nether Sect.

Is the Longevity Sect really making a comeback, and all at once with the force of three sects? It seems like a major upheaval is indeed on the horizon.

...

Jiang Mansion.

In her boudoir, Xia Mudan drank some porridge, then put down the bowl and wiped her mouth with a silk handkerchief. Suddenly, she asked, "Zhiqin, is something the matter?"

The maid standing by heard this, her face changed slightly, and she forced a smile, "Miss, there’s nothing wrong."

Xia Mudan sighed softly, "Ah, Zhiqin, you’ve been with me for ten years. How could you hide things from me? Speak up, is it related to Brother Gu?"

"Miss— I..."

Zhiqin’s eyes reddened, wanting to speak but not daring to.

Xia Mudan lowered her head, "Is it Brother Gu... does he... have a marriage contract?"

Her voice trembled slightly.

Zhiqin hurriedly said, "No."

Xia Mudan said faintly, "You don’t have to lie to me..."

"Really, he doesn’t. I swear, if I lie to Miss, let me die a miserable death." Zhiqin was so anxious she broke into a sweat, "It’s just that Xiao He said, it seems Young Master Gu has someone in his heart."

Xia Mudan looked up and asked, "Who is it that he loves?"

Zhiqin lowered her head, not daring to meet her eyes, and whispered, "It is... Su Zhining of the Celestial Dao Alliance."

Xia Mudan smiled sadly, "No wonder—"

No wonder Brother Gu kept avoiding her again and again.

She naturally knew of Su Zhining, who ranked higher than her on the list of exceptional beauties. She couldn’t imagine what kind of stunning beauty could captivate Brother Gu so thoroughly.

Seeing Xia Mudan’s increasingly pale face, Zhiqin was so scared she knelt to the ground, "Miss, I truly didn’t mean to hide it from you... I was worried that your sincere feelings were misplaced... The previous wedding was just fake..."

"Indeed, it was fake—"

Xia Mudan muttered, and suddenly her head tilted, her body went limp, and as she fell unconscious, she heard her maid’s heart-wrenching cry, "Miss—"

...

When Xia Mudan woke again, she saw Brother Gu right in front of her, speaking in a reproachful tone, "You should rest properly and not overthink."

"Brother Gu, I’m sorry."

"Alright, you should rest well."

"Brother Gu."

Xia Mudan held his sleeve and said, "Why don’t we become sworn siblings instead."

The maid, Zhiqin, couldn’t hold back any longer, covered her mouth hard, and ran out of the room.

PS: First update of the month, four thousand words, asking for monthly votes.