Becoming a god by following the natural order and seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune.

Chapter 20 Chen's Official Prestige
The air around Chen Sheng seemed to freeze the moment he said that.

All eyes were focused on him and Gao Qiheng. Everyone held their breath, no one expected that the newly appointed young commander would be so tough, showing no mercy and publicly humiliating Gao Qiheng.

Gao Qiheng's fake smile froze abruptly. Realizing what had happened, a flash of shock and anger crossed his face. He took a deep breath, suppressing his surging rage, and gave a cold laugh:
"Commander Chen really does have... quite the imposing manner of an official!"

"What?" Chen Sheng glanced at him indifferently, as if he were looking at rotten wood. "You have a problem with that?"

"With Commander Chen's imposing presence, how dare I, a mere deputy commander, have any objections?"

Gao Qiheng spoke with sarcasm, then changed the subject: "However, although I am but a humble person, I would like to remind the commander that in this military camp, strength ultimately prevails."

"Since there are no objections, you may leave."

Chen Sheng seemed not to have heard the second half of his sentence. His tone remained calm, yet carried an unquestionable air: "Didn't you claim to have caught a cold and was feeling unwell? I am considerate of my subordinates and have granted you permission to go home and recuperate for a period of time. Your position as deputy commander will be temporarily managed by Yan Ming."

With just a few casual words, Gao Qiheng was about to be stripped of his authority!

How could Gao Qiheng accept this?
He had come today to undermine Chen Sheng's authority; if he were to be so easily manipulated on his own turf, how could he maintain his footing in the future? He immediately responded with a forced smile:
"Hehe, it's quite a concern of Commander Chen. However, I am in good health and have already recovered. There is nothing to worry about, Commander."

He stepped forward, his eyes sharply fixed on Chen Sheng:

"If Commander Chen doesn't believe me... he can try it himself."

"Oh?" Chen Sheng raised an eyebrow, as if he had expected this: "How do we test it?"

"I've heard from the brothers below that Commander Chen is a fierce general in the army, with unfathomable strength and extraordinary methods."

Gao Qiheng's eyes held a hint of provocation in his smile: "I am not very talented, but I have practiced martial arts for many years. Today, I am eager to learn and would like to ask Commander Chen for some pointers and a friendly exchange. In this way, the brothers in the camp can truly witness the commander's prestige. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

"presumptuous!"

Chen Sheng's expression suddenly turned cold, his voice like ice: "Gao Qiheng, do you intend to commit insubordination?!"

"I wouldn't dare!"

Gao Qiheng said he dared not, but his attitude became more and more forceful: "I have only heard of the Commander's reputation for a long time and am itching to learn a few moves. Of course, if Commander Chen is not feeling well today, or if he finds it inconvenient... then just pretend that I did not say anything, and you may return to your office and sit down."

On the surface, he seemed to be offering Chen Sheng a way out, but in reality, he had cornered Chen Sheng.

Whether he accepts the challenge or not, Chen Sheng considers himself to have saved face today.

Sure enough, as soon as he said this, the soldiers around him looked at Chen Sheng with a somewhat subtle expression.

The Armed Forces Camp is different from other places. Here, strength is valued. Only those with strong fists can truly earn respect. If Chen Sheng backs down or is defeated, even if he holds the title of commander, he will probably have little real say in the Northern City Armed Forces Camp in the future.

Chen Sheng did not respond immediately, but his fingers unconsciously stroked the cold hilt of the "Shehan" knife at his waist, his gaze deep.

“Military camps are not places for private fights. Unauthorized armed combat is a serious crime.”

He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but clearly drowning out the whispers in the room: "It's not that I'm unwilling to 'try,' but rather it's my habit... I never compete with others."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across Gao Qiheng's face like a sharp blade.

"When I take action, I only kill."

"If you have the guts, you can make your move now; if you don't..." Chen Sheng's tone suddenly turned fierce, "then get back to your place and rest, and stop getting in my way!"

After saying that, he made a move to turn around and leave, as if Gao Qiheng was not worth mentioning at all.

These words not only returned Gao Qiheng's provocation in kind, but also completely cornered him—either fight back and face the consequences, or back down and lose face.

Gao Qiheng's face instantly turned bright red, his blood rushed to his head, and in a fit of shame and anger, he was about to attack without any regard for the consequences!
"Brother Gao! You mustn't!"

Upon seeing this, Deputy Commander Cheng was shocked and quickly stepped forward to grab his arm tightly, giving him a sharp look. Chen Sheng's words were clear: if they took the initiative to fight here, regardless of the outcome, they would be charged with "treason"!
However, Gao Qiheng was no longer willing to listen to advice at this point.

Behind him stood the Gao family, who had been entrenched in Changshan for many years. Even if a fight broke out, he believed that as long as he didn't kill Chen Sheng on the spot and cause a complete breakdown, he would at most be reprimanded and have his salary reduced.

Conversely, if he is so frightened by Chen Sheng's few words that he dares not move today, he will never be able to hold his head high again in Beicheng or even the entire Changshan.

Moreover, in his view, Chen Sheng's evasive behavior was clearly a sign of being all bark and no bite, and lacking in strength!

Gao Qiheng shoved Deputy Commander Cheng aside, his eyes flashing with a fierce light as he stared intently at Chen Sheng's back. He roared, "Commander Chen, since that's the case, I'll have to offend you. Please enlighten me, Commander!"

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly snatched a long spear from his trusted confidant, exerted force with his arm, and with a flick of his wrist, the spear flashed with a cold light, like a poisonous dragon emerging from its cave, carrying a sharp whistling sound as it pierced straight into Chen Sheng's back!
This shot was fast and ruthless, clearly fired with all its might and without holding back!
"Commander, be careful!"

Yan Ming's pupils contracted sharply, and in his shock, he was about to draw his sword and step forward.

But how could his movements be faster than that premeditated shot, and... Chen Sheng's long-awaited thunderous counterattack! Just as Gao Qiheng drew his gun, Chen Sheng, with his back to everyone, curled up a cold and almost imperceptible smile at the corner of his mouth.

His pent-up energy and blood erupted from his dantian, flowing through his limbs and bones! His hand holding the knife appeared motionless, but in reality, he had already unleashed his power to its peak!
"Zheng——!"

A clear, resonant sound, like a dragon's roar, suddenly rang out!
The "Hehan" treasured sword was unsheathed with fierce force!

In an instant, a chilling, bone-deep glint of light illuminated the eyes of everyone around, a light that seemed to freeze sight!

next moment!
"Crack——!"

A piercing sound of metal snapping rang out! The spear that had come charging into Gao Qiheng's hand was cut in half as easily as cutting through rotten wood by this counter-attack!

The blade didn't stop, and the cold light of the blade advanced rapidly, precisely reflecting Gao Qiheng's pupils, which suddenly contracted in shock, at a speed that was difficult for the naked eye to perceive!

"Tear-!"

A dull thud echoed as a tooth-grinding blade sliced ​​through flesh and bone!

Blood, like a fountain that had been suppressed for a long time, suddenly gushed out from a huge wound, splashing up several feet high!
The ferocity and astonishment on Gao Qiheng's face froze instantly. His body swayed, and then slowly split in two along a straight diagonal line, falling heavily into the dust.

"Oh!"

"Oh!"

The two severed bodies hit the ground with a thud that sent chills down the spine. Internal organs and blood instantly stained a large area of ​​the ground, and a heavy stench of blood filled the air.

The entire training ground fell into a deathly silence.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment.

Everyone stared wide-eyed in disbelief at the bloody and horrifying scene in the arena, and at the new commander who stood with a knife in hand, his face eerily calm.

Chen Sheng's gaze was calm and unwavering, as if he had merely swatted a fly. With a slight flick of his wrist, all the bloodstains on the "Shehan" blade slid off, leaving the blade still gleaming and unstained.

"Shh-"

The precious sword was precisely sheathed.

The crisp sound of the sheath being drawn shattered the deathly silence in everyone's hearts like a thunderclap.

In an instant, over a hundred gazes focused on Chen Sheng, their eyes filled with extreme horror, fear, and an indescribable, instinctive awe.

They even subconsciously held their breath, afraid of attracting the attention of that killing god.

Deputy Commander Cheng stood frozen in place, his face ashen, his mind reeling with shock. He never imagined that Chen Sheng's strength was so terrifying!
That seemingly casual slash possessed such devastating power, capable of cutting through everything!

He never imagined that Chen Sheng would be so audacious and ruthless! He dared to kill Gao Qiheng on the spot with a single stroke in front of everyone in the military camp!

Keep in mind that this is a military camp. And keep in mind that Gao Qiheng is not only the deputy commander of the Beicheng Martial Camp, but also a direct descendant highly valued by the Changshan Gao clan!

How dare Chen Sheng?!

Isn't he afraid of the Gao family's furious retaliation? Aren't he afraid of being court-martialed?
Or was this something Chen Sheng did intentionally?

Deputy Commander Cheng couldn't understand it. He only felt a chill run from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, and his neck felt cold. He didn't even dare to look directly into Chen Sheng's unfathomable, indifferent eyes.

In contrast, Chen Sheng's old subordinates, after the initial shock, now felt a sense of triumph and excitement. They may not be fully aware of the enormous consequences of killing Gao Qiheng, but they had witnessed firsthand how decisive and powerful their commander was.

All the ostracism, contempt, and humiliation I had endured over the past few days vanished completely with that one strike! A surge of pride welled up in my heart.

Chen Sheng's icy gaze slowly swept across the entire room, finally landing on Vice Commander Cheng, whose face was ashen.

He spoke, his voice not loud, but each word was like iron, clearly striking everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable authority:
"Gao Qiheng, deputy commander of the Beicheng Military Camp, openly rebelled and attacked his superior. The evidence against him is conclusive, and he has been executed on the spot in accordance with military law!"

"Effective immediately, Squad Leader Yan Ming will temporarily assume the position of Deputy Commander."

“Deputy Commander Cheng,” he said, turning his gaze to his now terrified deputy.
"Immediately collect Gao Qiheng's body and send it, along with my order, to the military camp for the commander-in-chief to handle. Also, report today's events in detail to County Lieutenant Wu!"

"The rest of you, return to your posts and maintain discipline in the camp. Anyone who again shows contempt for their superiors or causes trouble will suffer the same fate as this scoundrel!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

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