My Monster-Derived Skills Are the True Power
Chapter 37: Taking a Shot in the Dark

Li Ye was a man of action. Without hesitation, he learned the Vein Sealing Hand technique from Xu Chuan and immediately used it on Murong Kaixin.

The Vein Sealing Hand was similar in method to the Life and Death Talisman from Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, but its effects were completely different.

The Life and Death Talisman made life worse than death.

The Vein Sealing Hand merely sealed a person’s inner energy.

Of course, the process of applying it was painful. Attempting to break the seal forcefully would cause even greater agony—and might not even succeed.

That’s because no one except the caster knew which meridian points were sealed or what method was used to do it.

Normally, only an expert in this technique could undo it.

To those who cultivated inner energy, this was an extremely vicious technique.

Even in his unconscious state, Murong Kaixin trembled uncontrollably when Li Ye applied the seal—before sinking into an even deeper coma.

Leaving Wang Zhenghui to haul Murong Kaixin away for public display, Li Ye led the group back to the meeting hall to continue discussions about the league.

Strength was the only truth that mattered.

Now that Li Ye had single-handedly taken down Murong Kaixin, everything else became much smoother.

Whether it was Azure Castle Sect, the Heavenly Dao Alliance, or the Scarlet Flame Sect, none of them had any objections about the league anymore. They even agreed to help promote it.

Wei Mingze, the governor of Weining City, even took the initiative to introduce football betting—a move that might enrage the Chu Emperor, but he no longer cared.

If he didn’t do something for the Chu Kingdom now, he feared there soon wouldn’t be a Chu Kingdom.

Losing a Grandmaster was one thing. Gaining a fallen divine rogue like Li Ye? That was only a net positive.

To give Xuanguang Sect time to recover and to keep the audience interested, the next match was scheduled eight days later—Fun Seekers Club vs. Azure Castle Sect.

This gave Azure Castle Sect enough time to prepare and travel.

As for the Heavenly Dao Alliance and Scarlet Flame Sect, the representatives present weren’t decision-makers, so their matches couldn’t be scheduled yet.

Knowing how ruthless Li Ye was, both Xu Chuan and Shen Tu Hong came clean—admitting that they had sent messengers back to report everything.

They urged Li Ye to prepare accordingly.

Both men regretted it.

Had they known Li Ye would take down Murong Kaixin so quickly, they should have waited before sending their reports. That way, they could have presented a clearer picture to their sect leaders.

"Li Ye, my disciple is reckless. If he messes up the report, it could cause unnecessary trouble. I’m faster—I might still catch up to him," Xu Chuan said after some thought, requesting permission to return.

"Li Ye, the Heavenly Dao Alliance is full of internal factions. If the league is to proceed smoothly, I should return and explain things myself—maybe even start forming a team early." Shen Tu Hong added.

Li Ye glanced at them and nodded.

"Fine. Go back. Finalizing your teams now will help Governor Wei promote the league early."

The best strategy is to win without fighting.

The second-best is diplomacy.

The third is direct battle.

And the worst is siege warfare.

Fighting Grandmasters was still too dangerous for him at this stage. If he had to face them as enemies, it would be on his terms—when he had overwhelming power.

After all, now that Murong Kaixin had served as a warning, the next time Grandmasters came for him, it wouldn’t just be one.

They had spent decades building their influence. If they decided to team up against him, he was in trouble.

Military strategy is about attacking when you have the advantage.

Fighting against stronger opponents with fewer forces? That was a last resort, not a tactic of choice.

Li Ye hated fighting uphill battles.

He preferred crushing his enemies with absolute superiority.

Besides, he was just a passerby in this world. Why go out of his way to make so many enemies?

Murong Kaixin was enough of a deterrent. There was no need to challenge every Grandmaster in the land.

Wouldn’t cooperation be a better path?

Xu Chuan and Shen Tu Hong hadn’t expected Li Ye to be this agreeable.

After a brief moment of surprise, they quickly bid farewell and rushed off.

"Li Ye, when’s our next match?"

Though Xuanguang Sect had lost, the fight had been so spectacular that Gongsun Jie had gained a significant amount of Demonic Energy.

Having tasted its benefits, he was itching to play again.

"No rush," Li Ye chuckled. "Once the league is up and running, you’ll have plenty of matches to play."

"Right now, Gongsun Sect Leader, your priority should be building a football field at your sect—just like Wolf Valley’s."

"Otherwise, where will away games be played?"

"Where will the audience sit?"

"Spiritual Energy cultivation relies on influence. Without spectators, what’s the point of playing?"

"You also need a Publicity Department. You can’t rely solely on your opponents to promote you.

A football player’s fame isn’t just about skill—post-game publicity matters just as much.

If the audience doesn’t even know who you are, why would they idolize you?"

Gongsun Jie had an epiphany.

He immediately stood up and bowed deeply.

"Thank you for your wisdom, Li Ye! I’ll begin preparations at once!"

"Don’t rush," Li Ye waved him off. "First, consult Tong Yi on how to promote your team.

With your current understanding, if you go back now, you’ll just waste your efforts."

"If we’re going to do this, we’ll do it right.

We need to establish a complete, lasting system—something beneficial for everyone."

"Understood." Gongsun Jie bowed again, fully convinced.

When it came to Spiritual Energy, he was a complete novice. Naturally, whatever Li Ye said—he would follow.

However, he didn’t leave right away.

Instead, he looked at Li Ye with determination, cupped his hands, and declared—

"Li Ye, you have guided me onto the path of Spiritual Energy cultivation. You are like a second father to me.

If you do not mind, I would like to formally acknowledge you as my master—to serve you wholeheartedly."

A hush fell over the hall.

Bowing to him as a master?

Everyone turned to look at Gongsun Jie.

Shi Xiang was furious. That old bastard!

We haven’t even had the chance to call him master yet—why should you get to first?!

Wen Renchuan shook his head. Idiot. Utter fool.

What “Interstellar Bandit”? That was clearly just an exaggeration.

Learning Spiritual Energy was fine.

But actually becoming his disciple?

Did you really expect Li Ye to take you flying into space?

And if he did—do you even know what’s up there?

You’d be dead in seconds!

Li Ye’s mind started racing.

Did football team badges have a master-disciple function?

Clubs had coaches.

And coaches were technically teachers…

But coaches didn’t train players from rival clubs.

Still, his Derived Skills had no limit…

Smirking, Li Ye shook his head.

"Gongsun Jie, Spiritual Energy thrives on fame, faith, and influence.

You calling me ‘Master’ won’t actually teach you anything."

"I do not care!" Gongsun Jie was unwavering.

"I do not seek teachings—only a title.

Otherwise, I would feel unworthy of cultivating Spiritual Energy!"

He’s really stubborn.

Li Ye pondered for a moment—then grinned.

If the Demon Hunting Bureau classified anything abnormal as a demon…

Then wasn’t Strike My Teammates also abnormal?

Who said football coaches couldn’t have disciples?

Might as well test it out.

"If you’re that determined… I’ll take you as my disciple."

"A ‘Master vs. Disciple’ match could even be a great publicity stunt."

"But remember—on the field, I show no mercy."

"Thank you, Master!"

Overjoyed, Gongsun Jie dropped to his knees and knocked his head against the floor several times.

"Since this was sudden, I will prepare a proper offering for you later!"

No system notification.

No Demonic Energy boost.

But Li Ye wasn’t one to suffer losses.

Smirking, he sighed, shaking his head.

"Forget the offering.

If you’re truly sincere—bring me Xuanguang Sect’s secret techniques.

They might help heal my injuries."

"When I regain my powers, I’ll take you to the Galactic Federation.

You won’t regret it."

"Yes, Master! I will copy down Xuanguang Technique for you immediately!"

Gongsun Jie was ecstatic.

Let others laugh all they wanted.

If it got him closer to ascension, what did he care?