I Only Stomp on Weaklings

"In our Huo Sect, finally another seventh rank has emerged, it’s so difficult..."

On the carriage, as Gu Junrong spoke, his eyes glistened with tears, showing how stirred his emotions were.

Since Huo Chengkun’s death, registered disciples like him have understood what it means to experience the warmth and coldness of human relationships; the attitude of the household has changed for him.

While the master was alive, the household was always polite, never spoke a word too many.

Nowadays, they’re demanding this and that, and if something is not done well, he faces cold stares.

This contrast makes him feel deeply disappointed.

Not just him, but Wang Mingkai and Li Mingchang’s encounters are similar.

Only when you lose, do you realize how precious what you had was.

Therefore, Zhang Mingyu’s breakthrough to the seventh rank is of great significance to registered disciples like them in the Huo Sect.

Chen Ming naturally couldn’t understand their mindset, so he echoed, "Indeed, we won’t be overshadowed by Senior Brother Sun anymore."

As they spoke, Huo Mansion arrived.

Chen Ming got off the carriage, and upon entering, even the gatekeeper showed a face of joy, unlike the previous lifelessness.

The entire Huo Mansion was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Many people came today, including many who had always followed Sun Shicai, now shamelessly coming to congratulate. Only a few staunch supporters didn’t come.

They were all from the same sect, and someone like Zhang Mingkai, who was quite sharp-tongued, would only mock them a bit, but wouldn’t truly drive them away.

The Huo Mansion hadn’t been this lively for a long time.

"Junior Brother Chen is here, quick, Third Senior Brother is waiting for you."

As soon as Chen Ming arrived, someone called out. Consequently, everyone cleared a path.

In the Huo Mansion, he was something of an oddity; everyone called him junior brother, yet no one dared to slight him, showing enthusiasm mixed with flattery.

...

"Junior Brother, you’ve finally arrived."

In the main hall, seated in the main position, Zhang Mingyu rose to greet Chen Ming upon his arrival.

Chen Ming smiled and offered congratulations, "Congratulations, Senior Brother, on breaking through to the seventh rank."

"I have to thank you for that."

Zhang Mingyu appeared quite different from usual, with restrained brilliance in his eyes, a self-assuredness in his brow, and his entire aura was renewed, appearing full of zest.

He pulled Chen Ming’s hand to sit beside him, exclaiming, "I’ve broken through so quickly, thanks a lot to Junior Brother’s help."

Chen Ming quickly replied, "Senior Brother overpraises—"

Zhang Mingyu waved his hand, saying, "Master once said I might break through to the seventh rank after thirty at the earliest. Over the past year, it’s been through our frequent discussions on martial arts that I’ve gained insights, which led to my breakthrough. This is two years earlier than what Master predicted."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ming no longer denied it, but modestly said, "I dare not take credit for this; it’s all due to Senior Brother’s own insight."

This is indeed good news. Once this spreads, won’t there be plenty eager to spar with him?

...

In the afternoon, after the banquet, Zhang Mingyu brought Chen Ming and Yang Zhidong to his small courtyard for a private chat.

Yang Zhidong was a registered disciple of Huo Chengkun, the only one among them who had broken through to the eighth rank.

But unlike Chen Ming, after leaving Huo Mansion, he sought another master. His breakthrough to the eighth rank had little to do with Huo Chengkun.

Naturally, his relationship with Huo Mansion was somewhat distant.

Today, Zhang Mingyu specifically invited him over.

The three of them sat around a small table in the courtyard, watching the water in the furnace boil.

Zhang Mingyu brewed a pot of tea, soon filling the air with the fragrance.

He suddenly sighed, "Junior Brothers, since Master passed away, Fourth Junior Brother has been focusing entirely on his political career, ignoring other matters. I’ve watched the plight of fellow juniors worsen, the influence of the sect decline, and it’s been agonizing."

Saying this, he clenched his fist and slammed it on the table, "Before passing away, Eldest Brother entrusted Huo Sect to me. I must not let Master’s lifelong efforts fall apart in my hands."

Chen Ming felt some sentiment, saying, "With Senior Brother’s will, our ancestors would be comforted."

Zhang Mingyu looked at the two, saying, "Reviving the sect can’t rely on me alone. It requires both junior brothers to share my commitment. Together, let’s glorify our sect."

At this moment, Yang Zhidong expressed, "Naturally, Master Huo bestowed knowledge upon me. If Senior Brother requires anything of me, just say the word."

Chen Ming nodded, "It is indeed a duty that cannot be shirked."

Zhang Mingyu exclaimed joyfully, "With your words, I’m relieved. Actually, I invited you here to share my experience of breaking through to the seventh rank. I hope both junior brothers will soon break through to the seventh rank."

What?

Yang Zhidong couldn’t help but be moved, exclaiming, "Third Senior Brother, this... how could this be possible?"

What he said earlier was just pleasantries.

Now Zhang Mingyu was willing to share his seventh rank breakthrough experience, which completely surprised him. Generally, only disciples personally taught by the master would receive such guidance.

This favor was immense!

He couldn’t refuse it.

Yang Zhidong had reached a bottleneck five years ago, and the master he’d found afterward was only eighth rank, unable to provide any guidance.

After seeking another master, Huo Chengkun no longer taught him.

He could only explore on his own, struggling without a path forward, clearly feeling the torment.

Zhang Mingyu pressed his hand, saying, "As brothers, we should support each other."

Yang Zhidong suddenly stood up, excitedly saying, "Third Senior Brother, if I can really break through to the seventh rank, in the future, I’ll do whatever is required, even if it means facing extreme adversity."

His previous words were just formalities. Now, he’s showing loyalty!

Zhang Mingyu, seeing him so understanding, felt gratified, saying, "We’re brothers, don’t speak as an outsider."

Then, he turned to look at the calm-faced Chen Ming, curious, "Why isn’t Junior Brother saying anything?"

How should I reply?

Chen Ming felt a little like scratching his head but held back, thinking for a moment, he decided to speak candidly, "To be honest, Senior Brother, I’ve already broken through to the seventh rank."

What?

Zhang Mingyu froze suddenly, his face showing shock, disbelief, doubt...

Suddenly, he struck at Chen Ming with his palm.

This palm didn’t appear fast, yet it contained immense force.

Chen Ming likewise raised his hand to meet it.

Their palms collided in the air.

With a loud clap.

The ground seemed to tremble slightly.

Zhang Mingyu withdrew his hand, deeply moved, saying, "It truly is seventh rank... Junior Brother, you... truly are..." He stammered for words, unable to articulate due to the shock.

Sitting beside him, Yang Zhidong also looked stupefied. He wasn’t very familiar with this Junior Brother Chen, having only met him a few times.

Originally, due to his background, he was naturally wary of Chen Ming.

His master was associated with Jin Yuansheng, whereas Chen Ming had grievances with Jin Yuansheng.

Once, Chen Ming even suggested sparring with him, which worsened his impression of him, leading him to keep his distance thereafter.

He assumed Chen Ming aimed to probe his sect’s martial arts, to better confront his master.

Now, this junior brother who was ten years his junior, actually broke through to the seventh rank.

He’s only twenty-two years old!

If the Qi Family knew of this news, how would they react?