Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 256 Terrifying Professional Talent
At midnight, the main hall of the Pingyang Prefectural Government Office was once again brightly lit.

This time, however, those standing below the hall were not the officials who had been silenced, but representatives of all the prominent merchants, gentry, and powerful families in Pingyang City.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall was somewhat oppressive. People were whispering and discussing among themselves, their faces full of anxiety.

"Why has this newly arrived imperial envoy suddenly summoned us all in the middle of the night? What does he want?" someone asked with a look of fear.

"Who knows? Hopefully it's nothing serious," someone said, trembling with fear.

After all, these wealthy households had witnessed the changes in Pingyang City in the past few days, and naturally they were filled with fear of the imperial envoy sent down by the court.

Just then, footsteps sounded from the back room, and everyone immediately fell silent, turning to look at the doorway.

Chen Ye, dressed in a black official robe, walked out slowly, surrounded by a group of guards.

His steps were slow, his face calm, his eyes deep and unreadable. He walked step by step behind the table amidst the awe-inspiring gazes of the crowd.

At the same time, Chen Ye fully activated his talent, the Throne of Desire.

In an instant, the whole world in his eyes transformed into a painting composed of endless desires.

Greedy dark gold, fearful deep blue, jealous dark green, lewd pink... Beneath each hypocritical face lies the dirtiest and ugliest soul.

Chen Ye's gaze slowly swept over everyone. Everyone he looked at felt as if they had been stripped naked and seen through from the inside out.

Immediately, the hall fell silent.

Just then, Chen Ye gently stirred their desires.

Once the flames of desire, representing fear, were ignited, these wealthy households were almost powerless to resist and all knelt down with a thud.

"My lord, please understand! I have grain! I am willing to donate it!"

"Please, Your Honor, have mercy! I am willing to offer half of my family fortune!"

"I'm willing to donate 70%!"

Cries, pleas for mercy, and declarations of loyalty rose and fell, echoing throughout the entire government office.

Feng Xiao, Hou En, Qian Yi, and the others stood aside, staring at the surreal scene before them, speechless for a long time.

They simply couldn't understand how Chen Ye had managed to do it.

After all, it was truly unbelievable that he could subdue these powerful and wealthy people who wouldn't admit defeat until they were faced with a death sentence simply by his aura.

Faced with this scene, Chen Ye simply smiled and then said to Feng Xiao beside him, "Since everyone is so enthusiastic, let's start setting up porridge shops and do our best to provide disaster relief."

"Yes!" Feng Xiao immediately bowed and replied, his voice filled with fear.

The next day, just as dawn broke, cart after cart of grain was transported from the homes of these wealthy merchants who were usually extremely frugal with food, and gathered in a grand procession at the official granary in the west of the city.

The sheer number of items was so large that the clerk in charge of counting them had his hands sore from writing so many.

Once the food supplies were gathered, dozens of huge soup kitchens were erected in the previously lifeless refugee camp outside the city in a very short time.

Large iron pots, each over a meter in diameter, were set up, with firewood burning fiercely at the bottom.

When the clear well water was filled and bags of snow-white rice were poured into it, the rising white steam was like auspicious clouds in paradise to the disaster victims who had been starving for too long.

"They've opened...opened the granaries to distribute grain?"

"Thank God! There really is porridge!"

"Quick! Get in line!"

Tens of thousands of disaster victims struggling on the brink of death saw the large pots of thick white porridge and their eyes lit up with a strong desire to survive. They then rushed toward the porridge stalls like madmen, and the scene almost got out of control.

Just then, Hou En, riding a tall horse, led a group of menacing elite soldiers from the Beijing garrison to block the way for the crowd.

"Everyone stop right now! If you don't want to die, line up!"

Behind him, dozens of soldiers held long swords, their blades gleaming coldly in the morning light.

"By order of the Imperial Envoy!" Hou En's voice resounded throughout the camp, "From today onwards, soup kitchens will be set up at all four gates, with meals served twice a day, morning and evening, ensuring everyone receives a share! But there are three rules!"

"First, those who want to receive porridge must line up! Men, women, the elderly, and children should line up separately!"

"Second, those who cut in line, loot, or cause trouble will be executed without mercy!"

"Third, one bowl per person, take it and leave immediately, no lingering! Anyone who disobeys will be executed without mercy!"

The two consecutive "no mercy" orders instantly silenced the previously agitated crowd.

They looked at the expressionless, god-like soldiers, then at the pot of porridge that could save their lives. In the end, their instinct for survival overcame their chaotic impulses.

The crowd began to slowly move, forming a long queue under the soldiers' shouts and guidance.

Standing atop the city wall, Chen Ye took in the entire scene with his hands behind his back.

"My lord, your combination of kindness and severity is truly a stroke of genius," Feng Xiao said sincerely, standing behind him.

He is now completely convinced by Chen Ye.

This young imperial envoy may seem domineering and ruthless, but every step he takes is actually full of profound meaning.

First, use swift and decisive measures to intimidate those inside the city, forcing the gentry and wealthy merchants to hand over their grain. Then, use strict rules and life-saving white porridge to appease the tens of thousands of disaster victims outside the city.

With a combination of intervention and action, both internal and external, Pingyang City was revitalized overnight.

Chen Ye remained silent, his gaze still fixed on the long line below.

From the perspective of the Throne of Desire, the entire refugee camp was enveloped by a vast sea of ​​desire, representing hunger and the will to survive.

But at this moment, as bowls of hot porridge were distributed to the disaster victims, faint but pure golden light began to rise from that gray-white sea.

That was gratitude.

Chen Ye could even clearly see that when a little girl, who was so hungry she was skin and bones, took a bowl of porridge from a soldier and wolfed down the first mouthful, the golden light representing gratitude on her body instantly surged, even overshadowing the gray-white of hunger.

These golden rays of light, though still faint, brought Chen Ye a sense of unprecedented comfort.

His soul seemed to have been cleansed by warm spring water, becoming more refined and clear.

I see…….

Chen Ye seemed to understand something.

The power of the Lord of Desire originates from the desires of all beings, and desires are not limited to negative things such as greed, fear, and lust.

Gratitude, admiration, faith... these positive desires are also incredibly powerful forces.

They may not be able to unleash a powerful force of control in a short period of time like fear and greed.

But like a gentle stream, they can subtly nourish and strengthen the soul of the practitioner, making the foundation of the throne of desire even more solid.

This may be the true path to becoming a master of desire.

Not just a king of desire, but... a god of desire!

Just as Chen Ye was comprehending this new power, a small incident occurred among the crowd below.

An elderly woman with white hair tremblingly took a bowl of porridge from a soldier. She did not drink it immediately, but turned around and knelt down heavily in the direction of the city gate.

Cloudy tears welled up in her dry, sunken eyes.

"My Lord, the Great Lord..."

She held the bowl of porridge, which was more precious than her own life, high above her head, and then kowtowed deeply.

"This old woman kowtows to you! You are a living bodhisattva who saves us from suffering!"

This kneeling seemed to have turned on a switch.

thump! thump!
The people around the old woman were also moved and knelt down.

Next came the entire team.

After drinking that life-saving hot porridge, tens of thousands of disaster victims turned around and knelt down in the direction of the city gate.

They may not know who is standing on the city wall, but they know that this person gave them hope to live when they were in their most desperate moment.

"A living Bodhisattva!"

"Master Qingtian!"

"Thank you for saving me, sir!"

The sounds of worship and gratitude, like a thunderous roar, converged and resounded through the sky.

In Chen Ye's vision, that gray-white sea of ​​desire was completely ignited at this moment!

Endless golden light shot into the sky, converging into a visible golden torrent that rushed towards him!

Chen Ye's body shuddered violently, as if his soul had been thrown into a giant furnace, being frantically tempered and sublimated by a warm and powerful force!
...In a distant corner, Bai Yingluo stared blankly at the shocking scene before her, her usually playful face now filled with disbelief.

What did she see?
A group of starving disaster victims, who would risk their lives for even half a spoiled bun, are actually queuing up for porridge.
Those wealthy gentry and merchants who valued money above all else and would split a copper coin in half to spend it would actually open their granaries to distribute grain.
And then there's this thunderous, overwhelming worship...

So what kind of sorcery did Chen Ye use?
No, even sorcery couldn't achieve this!

Her Nine Nether Sect's bewitching arts, when cultivated to their peak, can turn the world upside down and manipulate people's hearts.

But what Chen Ye is doing now is simply turning the tide and rebuilding public opinion!
He was like a true deity, his words carrying divine power, easily transforming this city of death into a sanctuary.

Therefore, Bai Yingluo's curiosity reached its peak at this moment.

No, we can't keep watching from a distance like this.

Bai Yingluo decided to come to this man's side and see for herself how many secrets he was still hiding.

With that thought in mind, she quietly left the crowd and, using the Nine Nether Sect's movement techniques, silently infiltrated Pingyang City.

At the same time, Chen Ye was preparing to return to the government office, but he suddenly paused and looked in a certain direction.

Although Bai Yingluo hid it very well, for Chen Ye, who had already ascended to the position of master of desire, the flames of desire burning on Bai Yingluo were so intense that he could still see them at a glance from a great distance.

However, Chen Ye did not show it, and continued walking towards the government office as if nothing had happened.

One step, two steps...

When he reached a crossroads, Chen Ye paused almost imperceptibly.

Because in his perception, a familiar and alluring figure was quietly lurking in the shadows on the second floor of the Yuelai Teahouse, which had already closed down on the street corner.

She concealed her presence so well that she almost blended into the darkness.

But in Chen Ye's eyes, she was like a bonfire in the dark night, extremely conspicuous.

It was a dazzling yet dangerous sphere of light, woven from countless desires.

The outermost layer is a bright pink representing curiosity and exploration, while the middle layer is an eerie purple representing the desire to conquer and possess.

Deep inside, Chen Ye saw a color that surprised even him.

It was a delicate, fragile rose gold, like a rose in the morning light, with a touch of shyness.

That was the color of admiration and affection; though faint, it was undeniably present.

Seeing this, Chen Ye's lips curled into a playful smile.

It seems that the idea I planted deep in Bai Yingluo's heart before has indeed worked.

Bai Yingluo has developed feelings for him, but they are not strong yet.

However, for Chen Ye now, any desire can be controlled, so even if it is not that strong, he can make it strong.

Upon realizing this, Chen Ye's Throne of Desire talent activated instantly, and in a flash, the flame of desire representing liking in Bai Yingluo's heart was completely ignited.

……

In the shadows on the second floor of the teahouse.

Bai Yingluo squatted quietly by the window, her beautiful eyes fixed on the figure walking slowly down the street below.

She has been following Chen Ye all this way.

She witnessed firsthand how the patrolling soldiers would unconsciously reveal awe and admiration in their eyes when they saw Chen Ye.

She also overheard people whispering about the imperial envoy's kindness in some of the houses she passed that were still awake, their words filled with gratitude.

This man completely conquered the city in less than two days.

So how did he do it?
How many secrets is he still hiding?

Bai Yingluo's heart was filled with unprecedented curiosity.

Just then, she suddenly felt her heart skip a beat for no reason.

A strange, tingling sensation welled up from the depths of my heart and instantly spread throughout my entire body.

She saw Chen Ye below, tilting his head and talking to the guard beside him. The night breeze ruffled his hair, and the dim light of the lanterns cast soft shadows on his handsome profile.

It was just an ordinary scene.

But in Bai Yingluo's eyes at this moment, it seemed to be endowed with infinite magic.

She thought the man's profile was so perfect.

His voice was so steady and pleasant to hear.

Even the way he walks exudes an indescribable, reassuring ease and grace.

Then, a strange feeling, making her feel flustered and uneasy, suddenly and unexpectedly sprouted from the bottom of her heart like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.

Bai Yingluo's breath hitched, and for the first time, a look of bewilderment and helplessness appeared on her pretty face, which was usually adorned with a playful smile.

Then, a faint blush, which she herself did not even notice, quietly crept up her snow-white neck.

Bai Yingluo was startled by her own unusual reaction.

You should know that you are a genius of the Nine Nether Sect, a once-in-a-century talent, a witch who walks in the mortal world and manipulates people's hearts, and a saint who regards the seven emotions and six desires as playthings in the palm of her hand!

She had cultivated the Nine Netherworld Secret Manual to an extremely high level, and every frown and smile could arouse the deepest desires in other people's hearts.

Therefore, she has seen countless men infatuated with her, crazy about her, obsessed with her, and even giving up everything for her.

But she herself never felt even the slightest bit moved.

It can be described that her Dao heart is like a piece of beautiful jade encased in ten thousand years of ice, crystal clear, yet cold and ruthless.

But now, a crack has appeared on this piece of ancient ice.

Just looking at the man's back and hearing his voice, Bai Yingluo felt her heart racing uncontrollably, and a strange, hot current surged through her body, making her blush and her heart pound.

"It must be an illusion!"

"It's because I've been lurking in this mortal body for too long, and I've been influenced by the instincts of this body!"

Bai Yingluo took a deep breath and forcibly activated the Nine Netherworld Secret Manual, attempting to suppress this sudden and strange emotion.

A captivating pink aura flowed through her meridians, attempting to cleanse the inappropriate stirrings of her heart.

However, this time, the mental technique that had always been invincible seemed to have failed.

Instead of being suppressed, that feeling burned even more fiercely, like a flame doused with oil!

The more she tried to calm herself down, the clearer the image of that man became in her mind.

His eyes, his smile, the tone of his voice, the decisiveness with which he executed the prefect of Pingyang, and the composure he displayed when facing hundreds of thousands of disaster victims...

Each scene was etched into her mind like a brand, and she could not shake it off.

On the street, Chen Ye was still walking at a leisurely pace.

His conversation with Hou Enqian could be heard intermittently.

"The epidemic prevention in the city must also keep up. With so many disaster victims pouring in, the consequences would be unimaginable if an epidemic broke out. Tomorrow, have Sun Mao organize people to brew the anti-epidemic medicine and distribute it for free."

"Brother Chen, you've really thought of everything!"

"Furthermore, those gentry who donated grain should not be left idle. They should be required to contribute manpower and money to repair the city walls and clean the streets. This will show them that if they want to live peacefully in Pingyang City, they must show some sincerity."

These words were perfectly normal official arrangements to Hou En and Qian Yi.

But to Bai Yingluo on the second floor, it sounded like the most beautiful love words in the world.

She felt that this man not only had ruthless methods, but also a kind heart.

How can there be such a perfect man in this world?
Bai Yingluo felt her cheeks getting hotter and hotter, and her heart was pounding like a drum.

The rose-gold erotic thread that Chen Ye had activated was no longer a thread, but had become a surging lava, burning and surging wildly deep within her soul.

Chen Ye felt the increasingly intense storm of desire in her soul and chuckled to himself. He then stopped and glanced up at the second floor of the teahouse, seemingly unintentionally. He then gave that direction a meaningful smile, one that was both knowing and indulgent.

boom!
This smile was like the last straw, completely breaking down Bai Yingluo's psychological defenses.

He found me!
He knew I'd been watching him all along!

That scoundrel!

In an instant, countless thoughts exploded in Bai Yingluo's mind.

Shyness, embarrassment, annoyance, and a hint of smug satisfaction at having her thoughts exposed... all these complex emotions intertwined, leaving her mind blank.

(End of this chapter)