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

Chapter 59 Liquidation!

With Zhang Yue and Li Cong executed, the remaining people on the high platform completely lost the will and ability to resist.

After just a few volleys of arrows, they could only fall in terror and resentment, their thick blood pooling into streams on the high platform and slowly flowing down the steps.

The entire training ground fell into a deathly silence.

After Chen Sheng established his authority by taking dozens of lives, everyone looked at the figure on the high platform with awe in their eyes.

The soldiers of the Southeast Second Battalion felt a mixture of awe and fear. Many of them lowered their heads, afraid that they would be the next to be called out, since nearly half of those who had just been executed came from the Southeast Second Battalion.

“Zhang Yue, Li Cong and their ilk have colluded with local powerful figures for many years, committing all sorts of evil deeds, which has led to the increasingly rampant banditry in Changshan.”

Chen Sheng’s voice broke the silence, clear in the morning breeze: “If they don’t die, it will be an injustice to Heaven. But you need not panic. I always keep my word. Since I have said that today I will only punish the ringleaders and not question the coerced accomplices, I will not pursue you any further.”

These words brought a sigh of relief to many, but some remained skeptical, secretly observing Chen Sheng's expression.

"Those who distinguished themselves in yesterday's bandit suppression have already been compiled into a list," Chen Sheng said, raising his voice slightly. "Within three days, they will be rewarded according to their merits, without delay!"

"Cheng Yanhua".

"Your subordinate is here." Deputy Commander Cheng stepped forward quickly and bowed to receive the order.

"From this day forward, you will serve as the acting commander of the North City."

"Thank you for the promotion, Commander-in-Chief!"

Cheng Yanhua's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement.

“Sun Yuanliang will serve as acting commander of the South City, Yan Ming will serve as acting commander of the East City, and Wang Yue will remain commander of the West City.” Chen Sheng’s gaze swept over the crowd, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Although Yan Ming has not yet returned, Chen Sheng had already reserved this position for him.

Sun Yuanliang was recommended by County Magistrate Wu. It was clear that although Wu Kuang trusted Chen Sheng, he did not forget to place his own people in key positions. Chen Sheng was not surprised by this. It would be abnormal if Wu Kuang was completely unprepared.

Wang Yue was able to remain in office for two reasons: first, he was pragmatic and took the initiative to show goodwill and support last night; second, he was a confidant of County Magistrate Lin Shou, and it was not advisable to move him lightly at the moment.

However, Chen Sheng has his own methods. If Wang Yue performs poorly in the future, he can sideline him at any time, or even make him follow in Chu Yueshan's footsteps.

Sun Yuanliang was overjoyed to hear of the appointment, while Wang Yue secretly rejoiced, as the result was much better than he had expected.

Chen Sheng's gaze swept over the soldiers on the drill ground, and his voice suddenly turned stern:
"The Gao family of Changshan is guilty of heinous crimes! They oppress the people, plant spies in the government, and have deep ties with the river bandits outside the city. The death of Commander Chu was caused by the Gao family's interference, which was an attempt to rebel."

He paused, allowing his words to settle in everyone's hearts, before continuing:
"Now that we have both witnesses and physical evidence, I have been ordered by the county magistrate to suppress the Gao family. Those who have rendered meritorious service will be rewarded double according to their military merits! Are you all willing to join me in annihilating the rebels?"

"I am willing to obey the Commander-in-Chief's orders and annihilate the rebels!" Cheng Yanhua was the first to respond.

"We are willing to obey the Commander-in-Chief's command!" Wang Yue, Sun Yuanliang, and others echoed in unison.

Inspired by this, the soldiers on the drill ground also raised their arms and shouted:

"I am willing to obey the Commander-in-Chief's command!"

"Suppress the traitors!"

The deafening shouts echoed across the training ground, filled with murderous intent.

Hearing the thunderous response, a cold glint flashed in Chen Sheng's eyes.

So what if it has been entrenched for a century and is deeply rooted?

Faced with absolute power, everything will crumble.

"Let's go!" Chen Sheng drew his long sword, pointing it straight east.

The soldiers on the drill ground quickly formed ranks and marched in a grand procession toward the Gao family mansion.

……

Meanwhile, a peaceful scene unfolded inside the Gao family mansion in the east of the city.

Inside the main hall, several elders of the Gao family were all smiles, whispering among themselves as if they had encountered a great joy.

"That treasure is indeed extraordinary. Both Qi Cheng and Qinian have successfully broken through to the Bone Forging Realm."

"Excellent! The revitalization of the Gao family is just around the corner!"

"Given time, the Gao family will surely regain its prestige in Changshan!"

The crowd chattered amongst themselves, as if they could already foresee the day when the Gao family would dominate Changshan.

"Fourth Grand Uncle has arrived!" someone called out, and the elders quickly rose to greet him.

An elderly man with white hair, leaning on an ebony cane, slowly entered the hall. Although he was advanced in years, his eyes were still sharp. After slowly taking his seat at the head of the lower table, he gently tapped his cane.

What's making you so happy?

"Grand Uncle, this is a great joy."

Gao Yuanhe excitedly said, "After refining the Golden Jade Ointment, Qi Cheng and Qinian have successfully broken through to the Bone Forging Realm. Given time, they will soon break through to the Marrow Transformation Realm. My Gao family is truly going to prosper."

The other elders echoed their sentiments, their faces beaming with excitement.

"How old are Qinian and Qicheng this year?" Fourth Uncle asked, stroking his beard.

"They are all under twenty, especially Qicheng, who is only nineteen this year."

"Okay, okay."

Fourth Uncle laughed heartily: "It wasn't in vain that our Gao family worked for that evil monk."

In order to obtain the "Golden Jade Ointment" promised by the evil monk, the Gao family has gone to great lengths over the past six months, not only searching for rare medicinal herbs to help him heal, but also carefully concealing his whereabouts.

To this end, they even went so far as to silence Chen Xingzhou, who accidentally learned of the matter.

Indeed, the Gao family killed Chen Xingzhou for no other reason than that he accidentally learned the identity of the evil monk, and to prevent the risk of the information being leaked, the Gao family decisively took measures to silence him.

However, fortune and misfortune are intertwined. It was precisely because of killing Chen Xingzhou that the Gao family and Chen Sheng became irreconcilable enemies. Now, this remnant of the Chen family has become a major threat to the Gao family.

"Grand Uncle, the Patriarch intends to send Qicheng and Qinian to the Upper Sect in the prefectural city for cultivation. What do you think..."

"The patriarch is truly farsighted."

The fourth great-uncle immediately noticed the elders' hesitation and frowned: "I know you want these two children to stay in the clan to cultivate and strengthen the family in the future, but have you ever thought about why my Gao family prospered?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present:
"If it weren't for Gao Yuanzhao joining the Upper Sect in the prefectural city more than 30 years ago, where would the prosperity of my Gao family be today? Now Yuanzhao is nearly 60 years old, and the few disciples we have sent over the years have all been unsuccessful. If something happens to Yuanzhao, and the Gao family loses the protection of the Upper Sect, can it still stand in Changshan County?"

The fourth great-uncle's voice gradually deepened: "The so-called family succession not only requires descendants to flourish, but also requires a powerful backer and resources. Qinian and Qicheng are both under twenty years old, which fully meets the standards for the upper sect to recruit disciples. With Yuanzhao's support, as long as one of them can stand out, the Gao family can be guaranteed to prosper for decades to come."

He slammed his cane down hard:
"There is no need to discuss this matter further. I fully support the patriarch's decision."

(End of this chapter)