Promise!

Chapter 148, The Operation
The situation in the south of the city is special. This time, Zhuang Jin left Chen Yun and her two maids, Yu Xiaoxiao and Song Lan, at the Shen family headquarters for the time being, and went to take up her post alone.

Of course, it wouldn't be accurate to say he went to his post alone; he still brought his personal guard squad. Now that he is openly at the Tenth Scripture Realm, his personal guard squad has also been upgraded to three squads, with the squad leaders now being martial artists at the Fourth to Sixth Scripture Realm. The three personal guard squad leaders are Xue Yandao, Duan Tao, and Lin Hong, and below them are Bi Kai, Wu Hao, Du Yunqi, Pan Zimo, and other core members.

Upon arriving at the main base of the Medicine King Gang's operations in the southern part of the city, Zhuang Jin met Sun Mingbi, the chief commander who was dressed in white robes, looked to be in his forties, and was at the Twelve Meridians Realm.

Sun Mingbi explained to him, "The situation in the south of the city is different from that in the north. This front line, which borders the Medicine King Gang in the west of the city, is divided into four sections: Feng, Tai, Guang, and Hong, with a total of twelve streets... Each street is staffed with two ward-level martial artists, and three streets make up one section, with one garrison-level martial artist stationed in each section..."

The west side of the city is the territory of the Medicine King Gang, while the south side is the territory of the Shen family. There is no situation like the territorial disputes in the north of the city. The battle here is being fought along the line where the two families meet in the west and south of the city, and the martial artists are concentrated in one area.

Zhuang Jin listened and nodded to indicate that she understood.

He knew that most of the area behind the four districts of Feng, Tai, Guang, and Hong in the south of the city was still very peaceful, similar to the situation in the east of the city. The real fierce battles were concentrated along the line bordering the Medicine King Gang—this steel defense line with an extremely high density of martial artists!

It can be said that the four districts of Feng, Tai, Guang, and Hong, and the twelve streets there, were the front line of the battle; the neighborhoods behind these four districts were the second line, the reserve force; and then there was the third line, where all was peaceful and the wounded warriors from the front line recuperated.

Initially, when Zhao Bin was transferred from the Enforcement Division to the south of the city, he was only assigned to a second-line ward as a reserve officer. It was only after he schemed against Chen Yun and escaped that he was transferred to the front line, where he truly faced life and death.

Sun Mingbi looked at Zhuang Jin with a friendly smile and said, "As the commander-in-chief, I have the responsibility to answer questions from my subordinates. Commander Zhuang, please feel free to ask me any questions you may have."

"May I ask, sir, how many of our Shen family and Medicine King Gang's Twelve Meridians and Eleven Meridians warriors are there along the southern part of the city?" Zhuang Jin didn't stand on ceremony and went straight to ask the question that concerned him most.

"Our Shen family's four commanders are all at the garrison level. Two of them are at the eleventh level, and the other is at the tenth level, the same as Garrison Commander Zhuang. We'll see him at the meeting later. The Medicine King Gang is about the same as us... at the twelfth level. For now, our Shen family only has me as a member, and so does the Medicine King Gang. Shi Yin, who used to be in charge of the south of the city, has broken through. Now, Fu Honggang, the former commander of the Medicine King Gang in the north of the city, is in charge..."

Zhuang Jin thought there wouldn't be many Twelve Meridian Martial Artists here, but he didn't expect that on the front line in the south of the city, on this important battle line, the Shen family and the Medicine King Gang each only had one person at the Twelve Meridian level.

Sun Mingbi noticed Zhuang Jin's confusion and smiled, "My Shen family naturally has more than one Twelve Meridians Martial Artist. There's a reason why I'm the only one in the southern part of the city."

"Firstly, martial artists with twelve meridians are indeed rare. The bottleneck from the eleventh to the twelfth meridian is the last bottleneck in the Qi Condensation Twelve Meridians Realm. Every time the meridians are opened before, impurities in the body are driven out and all accumulate and block here... The last mile is the hardest. Saying that the difficulty of this last bottleneck is equivalent to the sum of the difficulties of all the previous bottlenecks is a bit of an exaggeration, but it is still about 40% to 50% of the sum."

"I'll give you some data, and you'll understand. According to statistics, the probability of breaking through the bottleneck from the ninth to the tenth meridian after taking the Meridian-Clearing Pill is 70%, but the bottleneck from the eleventh to the twelfth meridian? It's less than 20%!"

"Is this final bottleneck in the Qi Condensation Realm really this difficult?!"

Zhuang Jin was surprised and amazed, but of course, it was just a slight exclamation, and it had nothing to do with him—whether the bottleneck was difficult or easy, he didn't have it!

For him, breaking through the bottleneck of a formal martial artist, breaking through the bottleneck of the eleventh to twelfth meridian, and breaking through the bottleneck of the Meridian Opening Realm are all the same difficulty, all of them are zero... No matter how many times you increase it from zero, it is still zero, right?

"Secondly, once a martial artist breaks through to a certain realm, their combat strength cannot remain at that level indefinitely. The other twelve martial artists of our Shen family are mostly in their seventies or eighties; they are neither willing nor able to come..."

Sun Mingbi then joked, "When Zhuang Zhenshou first started learning martial arts, he must have heard the saying 'First realm, then martial arts skills.' Let me put it this way, this kind of elderly martial artist with white hair and declining vitality is the only one who has the potential to cross realms and fight against the odds!"

Zhuang Jin nodded in understanding, realizing the unspoken meaning in the other party's words: The Shen family has twelve other martial artists, but they are in their seventies or eighties, and their combat strength is no longer at its peak. At the same time, they are senior and have old connections, so they are unwilling to come—just like those rats in the east of the city. Unless the Shen family is in a critical moment of life and death, they will hide as much as possible and are still busy eating in the rear!
'This is good for me too. The Medicine King Gang on the other side only has Fu Honggang, the commander of the southern front, who is at the Twelfth Meridian Realm. Such a figure usually sits in the center to oversee and coordinate; he can't possibly attack me personally, can he?'

"Even if they attack me directly, I'm currently at the Eleventh Meridian Realm, my movement technique is the Swift Wind Step, and I have that newly acquired trump card... As long as I'm not surrounded by two Twelfth Meridian Realm warriors, I'm confident I can escape!"

As for the twelve classics, what about the eleven or ten classics? To be frank, it's not him who should be afraid, but the other side!

Thinking of this, Zhuang Jin felt a great sense of security. However, he still asked with some unease, "As far as I know, the only ways to test someone's cultivation level are by taking their pulse, using the 'Glassy Realm Testing Puppet,' or by observing their reaction, strength, and speed... Lord Sun, if the Medicine King Gang is pushed to the limit, is it possible for a martial artist at the Meridian Opening Realm to... conceal their true intentions and make a move?"

"Ha ha!"

Upon hearing this question, Sun Mingbi laughed and said, "That's impossible. As for the specific reason, Zhuang Zhenshou should know that ordinary people can sometimes sense someone's gaze without even looking at them, right?"

Zhuang Jin nodded upon hearing this. The sixth sense, huh? People in this world might not know this term, but they are aware of this phenomenon.

"Martial arts practitioners undergo a comprehensive enhancement of all bodily functions, possessing exceptional hearing and vision far exceeding that of ordinary people. This sense will also be amplified, leading to a transformation towards a higher level... Zhuang Zhenshou should have noticed that he has become increasingly perceptive, easily distinguishing martial artists from a crowd and roughly assessing their strength..."

"That's right." Zhuang Jin nodded upon hearing this, as if he had thought of something: "Lord Sun is saying that after a martial artist reaches the Meridian Opening Realm, this ability..."

"Not bad!"

Sun Mingbi said solemnly, "Upon reaching the Qi Condensation Realm and entering the Meridian Opening Realm, the internal energy undergoes a complete qualitative change. The Ming Jin and An Jin merge into Hua Jin, which can be both hard and soft, and is perfectly balanced. That strange perception will also truly form a completely new sense, which we call 'Martial Arts Intuition,' which can detect danger and sense enemies."

"To give you an example, we Qi Condensation Realm martial artists, whether we have four, seven, ten, or twelve meridians, are like sesame seeds in our martial arts intuition. They are just different sizes, and it may not be so clear to distinguish them... But in the Meridian Opening Realm, the presence of martial artists in this realm is extremely strong. In our martial arts intuition, they are like a mung bean, which can be seen at a glance."

"The battlefield in the south of the city is being overseen by the higher-ups who are connected to the network, so the situation that Governor Zhuang described will not occur."

"I see!"

After understanding, Zhuang Jin was relieved: 'According to this theory, in martial arts intuition, those with open meridians have a strong presence, while those with weaker Qi Condensation realms cannot be clearly distinguished. This is also a good thing for me.'

"Speaking of this, the rule that those at the Meridian Opening Realm cannot make a move is actually a constraint on both sides. If Zhuang Zhenshou breaks through to the Meridian Opening Realm, even if it's just past the first or second day of the month, and he hasn't registered to advance to the rank of Enshrined, he absolutely cannot make a move again..."

As Sun Mingbi spoke, he sighed, but a look of longing appeared on his face: "The Meridian Opening Realm, the level of a revered elder, is something that my Shen family has only a dozen or so people in total, less than twenty. The Medicine King Gang has only eight or nine people, and those are already the truly high-ranking members... They can stay out of the war and watch the storm unfold... Given a choice, why hide your realm and suffer here when there is no way to win?"

If he can break through to the next level of the Meridian Opening Realm, to put it bluntly, this damn position of the General Garrison Commander of the South City Line will be something anyone can take!

"That's the truth."

As Zhuang Jin spoke, a glimmer of hope arose in his heart: "Now that I am truly at the eleventh meridian realm, I can break through to the Meridian Opening realm and advance to the level of a Venerable in three to five months at the fastest, or half a year at the slowest!"

The seventh to twelfth meridians represent the guard level. Although the name is derived from the idea of ​​'protecting the family and clan's foundation,' the word 'guard' itself clearly indicates the hierarchy. The meridian opening realm and the offering level are different.

What is offering? It refers to those who make offerings and worship.

Do you understand now? At this level, the roles of master and servant are reversed, and the Shen family will treat you with utmost respect and deference, fully respecting your opinions... It can be said that only at this point can you truly enter the upper echelons of the Shen family!

Zhuang Jin shook his head slightly, suppressing the burning desire in his heart for that realm, and looked at the list of the six town guards under his command this month. Surprisingly, half of them were acquaintances: Zhao Bin, Huang Tianjun, Liu Licheng... In addition, there were three people with the eighth level of cultivation, three with the seventh level of cultivation, and none with the ninth level of cultivation.

"Lord Sun, I wonder if it would be possible to send one or two more Nine Classics Warriors over? As you know, I was just promoted to Four-Pattern Guard a few days ago, and I am afraid that my strength is insufficient..." He wanted to improve the strength of his subordinates and enhance his sense of security, so he did not hesitate to lie through his teeth and belittle himself to play the victim.

“I know about the situation and difficulties of Commander Zhuang… I agree with Commander Zhuang’s request in principle, but…” Sun Mingbi dodged the question. It wasn’t that he couldn’t do it, but he was unwilling to pay the price for it.

To replace the Nine Classic Warriors under Zhuang Jin's command, one would either have to transfer them from other commanders at the same level or transfer them from the rear... This would require using connections or offending people.

Zhuang Jin understood. It was true that the other party was willing to befriend them and do favors, but they were only willing to do things that were beneficial without cost. They were unwilling to do anything that was truly significant or required a certain price.

However, this is already quite good. We are not related by blood or marriage, so it is unrealistic to ask more of people. We were just taking a chance before. Afterwards, we had a meeting and met with three colleagues from the 10th and 11th tiers of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Then we left the headquarters and went to our own posts.

……

Fengzihao area, Fengdu Street, is located in the middle of the three streets, and this is where the Fengzihao area is located.

Zhuang Jin came over, summoned his six ward-guarding subordinates, and scanned them.

The six people had different expressions and different feelings.

Looking at Zhuang Jin sitting at the head of the table, Liu Licheng felt a sense of disorientation. He recalled that half a year ago when they parted ways in the north of the city, Zhuang Jin was only at the eighth level of cultivation, but now he had reached the tenth level and was already at the level of a garrison commander, while he himself had become Zhuang Jin's subordinate...

He sighed and lamented his bad luck—the war in the north of the city had ended, and he had drawn lots to be assigned to the front line in the south of the city. To make matters worse, he was assigned to the command of Zhuang Jin, with whom he had a past conflict and who didn't know if he still held a grudge.

Huang Tianjun was cursing inwardly as well. Ever since he came to the south of the city, he was first injured, then his colleague died, and this month he was assigned to the subordinate of Zhuang Jin, the person who brought him to the south of the city and with whom he had a grudge... Why did they have to treat him like this!
However, there's always someone worse off. The one in the worst mood right now was Zhao Bin, whose face looked like he'd lost his parents. For the past six months, he'd been under constant surveillance in the south of the city, and any movement would have meant certain death... He could only feign injury and retreat to recuperate... But now, just as his injuries had healed, he had to go back to the front lines, only to find himself under Zhuang Jin's command!
'This is meant to kill me, leaving me no way out!' A boundless gloom rose in his heart, knowing that under Zhuang Jin's command, he would probably not be able to eke out a living like before.

The other three ward-guarding levels don't reveal much.

The three are:
Pu Yingyuan, a master of the Seven Classics, had a rugged, angular face, a straight back, and rolled-up sleeves, making him appear to be an open, honest, and forthright man.
Luo You, of the Eight Realms, has a small round face, slightly upturned lips, and eyebrows and eyes that appear somewhat effeminate;
Shi Shouyu, a middle-aged man with a slightly dark complexion, was at the Eighth Level of the Buddhist Path. He chuckled and looked very honest and simple.

Zhuang Jin sat in the seat of honor, looking around indifferently, and asked everyone to introduce themselves first.

Pu Yingyuan, Luo You, and Shi Shouyu had no prior connection with Zhuang Jin, and their self-introductions were fairly standard, which was fine.
Liu Licheng casually mentioned that he and Zhuang Jin were colleagues and fought together when they were in the north of the city. As for Chen Yun's refusal to help, he acted as if it had never happened, giving others the impression that he had a very good relationship with Zhuang Jin and was Zhuang Jin's true confidant.
Huang Tianjun was no longer as arrogant as he was in the east of the city. He said that they became friends after a fight. Zhuang Jin fought well and skillfully, making him realize his mistake... He admitted the 'misunderstanding,' lowered his head, and admitted his mistake.

Only Zhao Bin seemed to know that his hatred for Zhuang Jin was irreconcilable. He simply said a name with a cold face and then gave up.

"Zhao, what kind of attitude is this?! Oh, I remember now, that's just how you are..."

Pu Yingyuan rebuked Zhao Bin, then looked at the others: "I'm a straightforward person, I speak my mind, and I never hide anything... I heard that at the beginning of this year, when Lord Zhuang was away on official business, Commander Zhao, in a fit of madness, plotted to harm Lord Zhuang's family... In the end, he escaped by denying everything to the death..."

"Looking at this person's character, he is petty, vindictive, and ruthless... I am deeply ashamed to be colleagues with such a person... Bah!"

He went from Zhao Bin's attitude to Zhao Bin's past actions, then to a critique of his character, and finally slapped a huge label on him: "Such a morally bankrupt and utterly depraved person has probably already betrayed the Shen family and secretly joined the Medicine King Gang, just waiting to stab them in the back at a crucial moment!"

"You..." Zhao Bin was so angry that his face turned ashen. He looked at Pu Yingyuan with eyes that seemed to be spitting fire.

On what grounds can they accuse him of betraying the Shen family and secretly joining the Medicine King Gang? He might have wanted to, but wasn't he constantly under close surveillance, with no opportunity whatsoever? To slander him based on something he only thought about and hadn't even done yet—is there any justice in this world? Is there no law? It's utterly outrageous!

“That’s too much! Commander Pu’s words are too much!” Luo You said at this moment. “Betrayal and defection to the enemy are things that cannot be said carelessly. Commander Zhao may have some grudges with Lord Zhuang, but that doesn’t justify such slander!”

“Yes, I do have some resentment towards Lord Zhuang, but it’s not to the point of…” Zhao Bin stopped midway through his sentence, glancing at Pu Yingyuan and Luo You with an unpleasant expression.

He realized what was going on. One of them kept questioning him, trying to provoke his desire to defend himself, while the other pretended to stand up for him but was actually trying to trick him into saying anything that he resented Zhuang Jin and handing Zhuang Jin a knife. They were using him as a raft to show goodwill and submission!

Liu Licheng and Huang Tianjun were both seasoned veterans who understood what was going on. They glanced at Pu Yingyuan and Luo You. Only Shi Shouyu seemed oblivious and continued to smile innocently.

'That's interesting!'

Zhuang Jin's gaze swept over the six subordinates one by one, finally settling on Zhao Bin's face with a cold look. He said indifferently, "Zhao Bin, the garrison commander, has brought his personal emotions into his work, which makes me very worried about his work ability... What Garrison Commander Pu said may not be impossible, but I can't very well force Garrison Commander Zhao to commit suicide to prove his innocence... After all, there is no evidence!"

"Therefore, for everyone's safety, for the overall situation of my 'Feng' district, and for the Shen family's strategy, I ask that Commander Zhao bear with this inconvenience... From today onwards, my personal guards will temporarily take charge of Commander Zhao's squads... Commander Zhao must submit an application before going out... Daily records and reports must be submitted..."

This is a blatant insult. Zhao Bin's military power was taken away with a single word, and he was then detained like a prisoner. To be treated like this by a town magistrate is worse than being treated like an ordinary martial artist.

Zhao Bin's face was gloomy. He lowered his head, his nails digging into his flesh, but he didn't dare to utter a single word. He knew that once he opened his mouth, no matter what he said, Zhuang Jin might use it as an excuse to put him in an even worse situation.

After all, it's incredibly easy for those in positions of power to find fault with or punish someone.

People like Pu Yingyuan and Luo You felt a chill run down their spines as they listened to Zhuang Jin's meaningful words. Knowing Zhuang Jin's shrewdness, they subconsciously became more respectful and obedient.

Afterwards, Zhuang Jin made the assignments: Zhao Bin and Huang Tianjun were left in Fengdu Street to keep a close watch on things; the martial artists assigned to Liu Licheng and Shi Shouyu's units were sent to Fenghua Street; and Pu Yingyuan and Luo You were to lead their men to guard Fengguang Street.

……

(End of this chapter)