Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor

Since Dugu Yan was the main reason behind the day's events, by the time Chen Ming left the mimicry training grounds in the evening, the group of scheming noble scions outside had already disappeared.

Niu Dali was lying on the grass, chewing on a piece of Blue Silver Grass, staring blankly at the sky. Hearing Chen Ming's approaching footsteps, he didn't speak, merely waved his hand lazily.

Seeing this exhausted demeanor, Chen Ming quickly understood why Niu Dali had looked so frustrated earlier in the day when he and Qin Ming had arrived.

After all, being harassed daily by a bunch of troublemakers would wear anyone down. Add to that having precious downtime interrupted by others, and anyone would lose their temper.

Chen Ming waved goodbye to Niu Dali and followed the path Qin Ming had pointed out, heading to the cafeteria. There, he bought some food to store in his soul storage. Just as he was about to leave, he paused, thought for a moment, and went back to buy some fried chicken and watermelon.

When Chen Ming returned to the entrance of the mimicry training grounds, Niu Dali was still lying on the grass. But as soon as Chen Ming took out the fried chicken and watermelon from his soul storage, Niu Dali immediately perked up, his eyes lighting up as if he'd caught the scent of a rare delicacy. He sat up straight, staring intently at Chen Ming.

"Teacher Niu, I know it's hard work. As a new student, I'll likely need your help in the future. This is just a small token of my appreciation."

"Well, I won't say no to this!" Niu Dali didn't hesitate. He stood up, took the fried chicken and watermelon, and patted Chen Ming on the shoulder.

After a brief exchange, Chen Ming left Niu Dali to enjoy his meal and headed back to his courtyard.

As he was approaching his courtyard, Chen Ming noticed a group of people waiting for him outside.

Qin Ming had mentioned that no one had lived in this courtyard before, and Chen Ming was its only resident. If any new students were to move in, he would be informed in advance.

These people weren't his roommates or anything similar.

Although it was already late, Chen Ming channeled his soul power to enhance his vision. Upon closer inspection, he recognized a few faces from the group that he had seen earlier in the day.

It didn't take much thought to figure out their intentions—they were here to use him as a bridge to get to Dugu Yan.

As Chen Ming observed them, a few students who looked like lackeys noticed him as well. They immediately began shouting and gesturing toward him, causing the group to swarm toward Chen Ming like a black cloud.

Chen Ming, however, didn't flinch. Ignoring the commotion, he walked straight ahead without sparing them a glance.

"Junior, hello! I'm from the Yun family…"

"I'm from the Zhang family…"

"And I'm from the Tang family…"

The crowd was as chaotic as it was useless. Though they had gathered outside Chen Ming's courtyard, it was clear they weren't united. Each person tried to push others aside, eager to introduce themselves while preventing anyone else from speaking. The result was a noisy mess, with no one managing to complete a single sentence.

"Please step aside. I need to return to my room and train. Whatever it is, we can talk about it later."

Chen Ming couldn't be bothered to deal with the rabble. Channeling a hint of soul power, he moved forward like an unyielding tower, effortlessly parting the noble scions blocking his way. Without looking back, he left them with a single sentence and walked straight into his courtyard.

Seeing Chen Ming's arrogant demeanor, a few self-proclaimed noble individuals couldn't hold back and started cursing at him.

"Who do you think you are? A little noble from the borderlands trying to act wild in Heaven Dou City? How dare you ignore me? Do you know who I am? I am—"

Slap, slap—

Chen Ming didn't hesitate. For someone who wouldn't speak reasonably, he stopped in his tracks and delivered two solid slaps. The blows left the speaker dizzy and wobbling on his feet.

"In the world of soul masters, strength reigns supreme. I'm a Grand Soul Master. If any of you can beat me in the arena, then you're welcome to make demands of me. Otherwise, stop buzzing like flies in front of me. Wouldn't your time be better spent training?"

"You dare hit me—"

Slap, slap, slap—

For those asking for trouble, Chen Ming had no patience. He turned and delivered three more slaps, knocking the offender to the ground.

The other noble scions, who had been noisily chattering among themselves, froze at the sight of their companion sprawled unconscious. They hadn't expected Chen Ming to act so decisively and ruthlessly.

A few hot-headed individuals instinctively opened their mouths to speak but were quickly silenced by others pulling them back.

"I came to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to learn," Chen Ming said calmly. "Whatever nonsense you all are involved in, leave me out of it. If any of you Grand Soul Masters can defeat me, I'll do whatever you ask. Otherwise, stop wasting my time."

Casually brushing aside a few individuals blocking his path, Chen Ming used his key to unlock his courtyard door. Without a second thought, he shut the gate, leaving the confused group of nobles standing outside.

At this point, one of the braver individuals, finally coming to his senses, shouted at Chen Ming through the wooden door.

"Hey! You said you wanted a fight, so why don't you come out and face us in the arena? Running back home—what kind of hero are you? Afraid to back up your words?"

"Go to the Academy Board Members and sign a life-and-death waiver. Get approval for me to use poison in the academy. Once the Board Members agree, I'll fight all of you in the arena at once. Killing a few people doesn't bother me."

Chen Ming's voice came from behind the door. It wasn't particularly cold, yet it sent a chill down the spines of those who had been eager to challenge him.

Since Chen Ming had only just enrolled, the group didn't know much about him. They only knew he was a Grand Soul Master from a minor noble family. Beyond that, they hadn't had time to dig up any more information. Chen Ming's words left them unsure if he was overconfident or genuinely capable.

The nobles exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to respond. Used to resolving disputes within the norms of aristocratic etiquette, they found themselves completely unprepared for Chen Ming's blunt and almost barbaric approach.

After lingering at the door for a while, the group eventually dispersed, deciding to gather more information about Chen Ming. A few more stubborn individuals, confident in their abilities, began plotting ways to defeat him in hopes of forcing him to assist in their pursuit of Dugu Yan.

But none of this concerned Chen Ming. Back in his house, he drew water from the backyard well and used the kitchen to prepare medicinal herbs he had brought from home. In his meditation room, he filled a wooden tub with the medicinal concoction and began his therapeutic bath, focusing on his cultivation.