[Six Extremes Golden Bell Technique: Minor Achievement (112/500)]

[Basic Saber Skill: Perfection (1500/2000)]

[Fishing Toad Force Secret Technique: Perfection (158/2000)]

[Demon-Slaying Triple Extremes Saber: Perfection (270/2000)]

Deep within the Jingwu Bureau, in a quiet, secluded subterranean chamber.

Chen Sheng slowly opened his eyes. The sharp glint within them receded as the surging aura around his body gradually calmed. He then turned his focus inward, inspecting the changes to his progress on the technique panel. Nodding slightly, a hint of satisfaction appeared on his face.

Three days had passed quietly since his return from the Han Family’s estate.

During these three days, he had barely taken a step out of the chamber, immersing himself completely in his training, using the immense Spiritual Power of the Earth Core Lotus Seeds to advance his Cultivation.

By now, he had finished refining two of the seeds. They had transformed into pure Spiritual Qi that fused into his limbs and bones, propelling his Cultivation forward by a large, steady step.

He estimated that if he could refine all sixteen seeds, reaching the peak of the Chaoyuan Realm would not be a major issue.

During this time, Xu Shenzhi had returned to the Xu Family estate. He not only handled family matters but also brought back a considerable amount of the Xu Family’s treasured Cultivation Resources for Chen Sheng.

The most valuable among them were five Spirit Marrow Fruits, brimming with Spiritual Qi.

This fruit was highly beneficial for Chen Sheng’s practice of the Fishing Toad Force Secret Technique, significantly boosting his progress in it.

And after undergoing multiple rounds of marrow washing and body tempering, his Martial Dao foundation was now solidly in the upper-middle tier throughout Ning’an Prefecture, even if he couldn’t claim to have the absolute best aptitude.

Unfortunately, the effects of the Spirit Marrow Fruit diminished sharply when consumed consecutively. The second fruit had very little effect. Chen Sheng then gifted the remaining Spirit Fruits to loyal subordinates like Li Huai Sheng and Yan Ming as a sign of favor.

Xu Shenzhi’s return this time was a true moment of vindication for him.

This was his first time returning to the Xu Family since the humiliating betrothal cancellation incident in Changshan County.

Although there were still dissenting voices within the Xu Family, the news of Chen Sheng overwhelming the Han Family with thunderous force and seizing the Earth Core Lotus had already spread. As a direct participant, Xu Shenzhi had not only washed away his past shame but also demonstrated the powerful backer he had.

His mentality had now transformed. He had little interest in the position of family heir and wanted only to follow Chen Sheng, climbing to greater heights on the magnificent path of the Martial Dao.

In particular, the time Chen Sheng had stood up to Li Xuanche for his sake—that display of protectiveness and dominance—had completely won his unwavering loyalty.

His only lingering obsession was the hope that one day, he would see that arrogant legitimate daughter of the Wang Family, Wang Zilan, bow her proud head before Commander Chen.

Composing himself, Chen Sheng took out another Earth Core Lotus Seed, as warm and smooth as jade, and placed it in his mouth. He then closed his eyes and began to circulate the Six Extremes Golden Bell Technique with all his might.

In that instant, a dim golden light began to flow around his body, rippling like water. It was as if a golden liquid flowed beneath his skin, exuding a faint aura that was indestructible and as profound as a mountain.

...

Meanwhile, outside the gates of the Jingwu Bureau.

A figure as burly as a mountain strode through the air, his vitality and blood-qi as vigorous as a blazing furnace. It was none other than an Iron Sword Sect True Disciple—Xiong Lie.

He hovered in midair before the main gates of the Government Office. Sinking his breath to his Dantian, his voice boomed like a great bell, rolling outward infused with pure True Qi and instantly alarming the entire Jingwu Bureau:

"Xiong Lie of the Iron Sword Sect has come to pay a visit today! I wish to challenge the heroes of the Jingwu Bureau!"

The moment his voice fell, powerful auras erupted from all over the Jingwu Bureau, followed by a series of whooshing sounds as figures cut through the air.

In the blink of an eye, more than ten figures were standing on the eaves and pavilions of the Government Office buildings, their sharp gazes all focused intently on Xiong Lie.

"Xiong Lie, you have some nerve, daring to cause a scene at the gates of our Jingwu Bureau!"

"Insolent! This is an important government office! How dare you make a scene and issue challenges here!"

Angry shouts rang out one after another like claps of thunder, revealing everyone’s displeasure.

Facing the encirclement of numerous experts, Xiong Lie showed no fear. Instead, he cupped his fist in his other hand, his tone seemingly polite but laced with an undisguised, sharp edge:

"My lords, please calm your anger. I have long heard that the Jingwu Bureau is full of hidden masters and produces many young talents. Recently, my Cultivation has hit a bottleneck that I have been unable to resolve. I feel that only a satisfying, all-out battle can lead to a breakthrough.

"Therefore, I have taken the liberty of coming here today. I only wish to find a few peers to exchange pointers and test our skills, to verify what I have learned. I hope you will not be stingy with your guidance."

His words were high-sounding and noble, but who among those present wasn’t shrewd and perceptive?

Everyone knew his true purpose for coming.

Deputy Captain Chen of G Camp had just "taken" the Hundred-Year Earth Heart Lotus from the Han Family with an iron fist, and now a key True Inheritor from the Iron Sword Sect shows up to "exchange pointers"?

This was clearly the Iron Sword Sect standing up for its vassal and trying to get even through a contest between the younger generation.

Such challenges were not uncommon among the various powers in Ning’an Prefecture and were a tacitly approved method for resolving disputes. But right now, the Jingwu Bureau was in a difficult position. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Xiong Lie had specifically challenged the ’young heroes’, and his own Cultivation was still in the Chaoyuan Realm.

If the Jingwu Bureau sent out an Earth Fiend Realm expert to fight, they would earn a reputation for bullying the weak even if they won. It would be an dishonorable victory.

And if they were to lose, or even just manage a draw, the loss of face would be immense.

But if they sent a Chaoyuan Realm cultivator to fight... this Xiong Lie was a top True Inheritor that the Iron Sword Sect had poured all its resources into cultivating. He was known as the number one expert below the Earth Fiend Realm in the sect. His strength was ferocious. Who among the same realm within the Jingwu Bureau could guarantee a victory against him?

"Chen Sheng was the one who caused this trouble. He should be the one to deal with it!"

"That’s right. Xiong Lie has a fearsome reputation. I’m afraid it’s hard to find anyone in the Chaoyuan Realm within our Jingwu Bureau who is his match."