Nie Xuanfeng listened to Chen Sheng’s report, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. His tone betrayed no emotion. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Immediately after being promoted to Deputy Captain, he had decisively quelled internal strife, then immediately turned around and acted against an external party, even wiping out the Han Family’s lifeline.

Such audacity and drive truly made Nie Xuanfeng see him in a new light.

It also made him understand completely.

Chen Sheng was no pushover.

’It’s a good thing it’s me,’ he thought. ’Anyone else would find it hard to tolerate such a subordinate.’

"My actions this time may have been somewhat hasty. If I have acted inappropriately in any way, I ask for your guidance, my lord."

Chen Sheng adopted a humble posture, presenting the Cold Jade Treasure Box with both hands. He had kept the Earth Core Lotus Seed for himself, but this Spirit Medicine—the main plant, which was even more valuable—had to be offered to Nie Xuanfeng. This was to show that he knew the rules and understood how to conduct himself.

Nie Xuanfeng’s gaze swept over the jade box, but he did not take it. Instead, he said faintly:

"There is no need for such empty formalities before me. If you truly wish to accomplish something, then go and win the title of one of the ’Ning’an Ten Heroes’ for me."

"As you command, my lord, I will do my utmost. It’s just... that will likely take some time."

Chen Sheng’s expression turned serious as he answered solemnly.

He had already learned all about the "Ning’an Ten Heroes" from Xu Shenzhi and Zhao Changqiu.

It was a title for Martial Dao geniuses in Ning’an Prefecture who were under thirty years old and at the Earth Fiend Realm or above. It wasn’t just about personal honor or disgrace; it also affected the distribution of benefits and the prestige ranking of the factions behind them within the prefecture.

The Government Office had always been weak on this list. Currently, only one of their own was on it, and he wasn’t particularly outstanding, ranked merely sixth.

"Good. As long as you can join the ranks of the Ning’an Ten Heroes within two years, I will grant you an unexpected opportunity."

A glint flashed in Nie Xuanfeng’s eyes. He then picked up a document and pushed it, along with the Cold Jade Treasure Box, toward Chen Sheng.

"Take a look at this first."

Chen Sheng picked up the document, a bit puzzled, and unfolded it to read.

As he read the contents clearly, his gaze suddenly sharpened.

The document stated, to his surprise, that the Iron Sword Sect had publicly announced that their deacon, Gao Yuanzhao, had left the sect.

And a note in small print below sent a chill through his heart—’Gao Yuanzhao has successfully advanced to the Earth Fiend Realm. His departure from the sect is suspected to be in order to seek out Chen Sheng, Deputy Captain of the Jingwu Bureau, to avenge the annihilation of his clan.’

’Gao Yuanzhao actually succeeded in Condensing Evil?!’

This news was quite unexpected for Chen Sheng. After all, even his [Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil] ability hadn’t given him a warning yet.

’But on second thought,’ he mused, ’he either isn’t fully prepared yet, or he’s lying in ambush, waiting for the right moment to deliver a fatal blow.’

"This is intelligence from the Jingwu Bureau’s undercover agents."

Nie Xuanfeng’s tone was steady. "The Iron Sword Sect did this to wash their hands of the matter. From now on, you must be extremely careful. Although Gao Yuanzhao’s foundation is ordinary, he is still an Earth Fiend Realm Martial Master. He is absolutely not someone you can currently face head-on.

"Furthermore, the bureau has heard whispers. Because you killed Yu Qiantong of the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance, you have drawn their fury. It is very likely they will also seek revenge when the opportunity arises."

At this point, Nie Xuanfeng paused and gave a clear directive: "Since you have obtained the Earth Core Lotus Seed, you should stay in G Camp for the near future and focus on closed-door training. Put all your effort into raising your cultivation. The bureau will not assign you any field missions for the time being."

"I understand."

Chen Sheng replied in a low voice.

He knew there was a tiger on the mountain, so of course he wouldn’t go charging up Tiger Mountain.

Right now, increasing his own cultivation was the best way to handle any crisis.

Especially with the resources now in his hands, his first priority was naturally to use them to improve his cultivation.

"You may go."

Nie Xuanfeng waved his hand.

"Governor, what about the Iron Sword Sect... regarding the Han Family matter?"

Chen Sheng still asked before he left.

Nie Xuanfeng’s expression remained unchanged as he said indifferently:

"We will see what move the Iron Sword Sect makes next. You need not concern yourself with this matter. I will handle it."

"Yes. I will take my leave."

Seeing this, Chen Sheng said no more. He bowed deeply and exited the Government Office.

...

「At almost the same time, inside the Sect Master Hall of the Iron Sword Sect.」

Sect Leader Lu Qingsong had also received an urgent report from the Han Family. When he learned that Chen Sheng had used such tyrannical methods to forcibly seize the Han Family’s Hundred-Year Earth Heart Lotus, a trace of anger flashed in his eyes.

The matter with Gao Yuanzhao was the Gao Family’s own doing; they had crossed the Government Office’s bottom line. The Iron Sword Sect could not conveniently intervene, lest they invite unnecessary trouble.

But the Han Family affair was completely different.

The Jingwu Bureau’s actions were tantamount to daylight robbery. They showed a complete lack of regard for the Iron Sword Sect. If the sect did nothing in response, what would their many subordinate factions think?

Where would the Iron Sword Sect’s prestige be?

This matter could absolutely not be let go so easily!

After a moment of contemplation, Lu Qingsong ordered in a low voice:

"Someone, summon True Disciple Xiong Lie. Order him to come to the hall at once."

"As you command!"

...

Before long, a figure as burly as a mountain stepped into the hall.

The newcomer was powerfully built, with a tiger’s back and a bear’s waist, and a steady gait. His body teemed with vital energy, and he exuded a ferocious aura like that of a wild bear or wolf. It was none other than Xiong Lie, one of the True Disciples the Iron Sword Sect was heavily investing in.

"Disciple Xiong Lie pays his respects to the Sect Leader."

Xiong Lie’s voice was like a great bell as he cupped his fist in a salute.

Lu Qingsong looked at the disciple in whom he had placed such high hopes, a smile gracing his face and his tone becoming much kinder. "How is your cultivation progressing? When do you plan to enter seclusion for Condensing Evil?"

Lu Qingsong’s attitude toward Xiong Lie was a world apart from how he had treated Gao Yuanzhao that day.

In the end, it all came down to their difference in value.

Gao Yuanzhao was nearly sixty when he finally succeeded in Condensing Evil. His potential was basically exhausted, and it was almost impossible for him to ever have a chance to break through to the Profound Gang Realm, let alone higher realms.

Within the sect, while he had some use, it wasn’t much.

But Xiong Lie was different.

He possessed a natural bear-and-tiger-like physique, with excellent bone structure and aptitude. Among those of the same rank, his strength was incomparably tyrannical. He could even be called one of the Iron Sword Sect’s most promising True Disciples.

In fact, he could be called the number one person in the Iron Sword Sect below the Earth Fiend Realm.

The entire Iron Sword Sect had placed their hopes on him.

Many of the sect’s elders, and even Lu Qingsong himself, believed that as long as Xiong Lie succeeded in Condensing Evil, he would be able to challenge for a spot among the Ning’an Ten Heroes in short order. At that time, the Iron Sword Sect would hold two seats on the Ten Heroes list, equaling the other major sects.

If he truly succeeded, the Iron Sword Sect’s power and prestige would soar, and he could even help the sect compete for more benefits.

"Replying to the Sect Leader, this disciple’s True Qi has reached completion, and my foundation is stable. I plan to enter seclusion in one month to break through to the Earth Fiend Realm."

Xiong Lie’s voice was sonorous and filled with confidence.

"Mm, very good."

Lu Qingsong nodded in satisfaction, then changed the subject. "However, postpone your seclusion for a while. I have an important matter that requires your immediate attention."

"Please instruct me, Sect Leader." Xiong Lie’s expression grew solemn as he bowed to receive his orders.

"I want you to go to the Jingwu Bureau and challenge all Martial Masters within their ranks who are below the Earth Fiend Realm."

Lu Qingsong’s gaze was sharp. "Remember, in this battle, you are only allowed to win, not lose. You must spread the might of our Iron Sword Sect."

Then, he paused slightly before continuing:

"After you return victorious, I will personally open the sect’s treasury and bestow upon you a ’Jiao Blood Treasure Pill’ to help you temper your physique and solidify your foundation."

In the Jianghu, both the martial world and the Government Office would exercise restraint when it came to large-scale conflicts. However, public challenges between members of the younger generation were a common method to probe each other’s strength and suppress the other’s arrogance.

The Jingwu Bureau had shamed the Iron Sword Sect this time, so the Iron Sword Sect had to retaliate in kind. They would, under the watchful eyes of all, stomp the dignity of the Jingwu Bureau’s younger generation into the dust.

And as far as he knew, there was no one in the Jingwu Bureau below the Earth Fiend Realm who was a match for Xiong Lie. The odds of victory in this battle were extremely high.

If the Jingwu Bureau shied away from the fight and refused to send anyone out, that was fine too—in fact, it would suit his intentions even better, as it would only prove that the Jingwu Bureau had no one of worth.

Xiong Lie’s expression had been calm, but when he heard the four words ’Jiao Blood Treasure Pill’, his breathing instantly grew heavier and a fervent light erupted in his eyes. That was a Body Refining Treasure Medicine containing a trace of Flood Dragon Blood!

If he could obtain it, the strength of his physical body would certainly rise to another level, which would be of immense benefit for his future Condensing Evil and breaking through to even higher realms.

He immediately grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, and bowed to accept the order with immense confidence.

"This disciple accepts the order and will not fail to live up to your expectations, Sect Leader."