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

Chapter 68: Winning Over the Lady...

Inside the military camp's office, candlelight flickered.

Chen Sheng sat cross-legged, his bare upper body showing clearly defined muscles that gleamed faintly in the candlelight.

The light was not from candlelight, but from the gold and jade ointment applied to his skin, which was now slowly seeping into his body with his breath.

Although the Heavenly Book of Good Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune had previously indicated that the Golden Jade Ointment was extremely compatible with Buddhist body-refining techniques, Chen Sheng had not expected the effects to be so astonishing.

He originally thought he would be satisfied with achieving the effects of the Earth Spirit Milk, but after actually using it to cultivate, he realized that he had underestimated the wonder of this Buddhist treasure.

Whether it was the remarkable efficacy of the Golden Jade Cream itself, or the power of the Toad-Catching Technique which had reached a minor level of mastery, the cultivation speed was several times faster than when using the Earth Spirit Milk.

In just half a day of practice, his cultivation level improved by leaps and bounds.

[Basic knife skills perfected (698/2000)]

[Golden Bell Body Tempering Method Completed (153/2000)]

[Mastering the Secret Techniques of Toad Fishing (130/1000)]

[Mastery of the Three Ultimate Demon-Slaying Sword Techniques (249/1000)]

At this rate, Chen Sheng estimated that he could reach the peak of the Marrow Transformation stage in just over a month. Such rapid progress made him feel an unprecedented sense of exhilaration even while he was diligently cultivating.

Of course, this sense of exhilaration also largely stemmed from the satisfaction derived from annihilating the Gao family.

The hatred for his father's murder and the malice of the Gao family had been building up in his heart for a long time. Now that he had finally gotten his revenge, he felt incredibly satisfied from head to toe.

The only regret is that Gao Yuanfeng was not at home at the time, and was unable to completely eliminate the threat.

However, Chen Sheng reconsidered. With his current strength, if Gao Yuanfeng dared to come seeking revenge, it would be tantamount to walking into a trap. He actually hoped that Gao Yuanfeng would be blinded by hatred and come to him willingly.

Aside from the satisfaction of revenge, the actual gains from annihilating the Gao family were also extremely substantial.

The cash alone exceeded ten thousand taels, filling an entire warehouse.

In addition, there are a large number of antiques, paintings and calligraphy, land deeds and various cultivation resources, which have not yet been fully inventoried. Their value is ten times that of what was obtained when the Seven Star Gang was wiped out.

Even if a portion needs to be given to Wu Kuang and used to reward his soldiers, the remainder would still be enough for him to make a fortune. Truly, a horse won't get fat without night grazing, and a man won't get rich without windfall gains.

However, despite his wealth and status, Chen Sheng was also keenly aware of the crises he faced. Gao Yuanfeng's revenge, the hostility of the Huang and Yang families, the obstruction of County Magistrate Lin Shou, and the threat from the Qingjiao Alliance—these were all swords hanging over his head.

That's why, immediately after wiping out the Gao family, he returned to the military camp to cultivate in seclusion, unwilling to waste a single moment.

However, Chen Sheng is not the same person he was back then.

Having broken through to the Marrow Transformation Realm and gained the protection of the Blood Fiend Demon Talisman, ordinary Marrow Transformation Realm martial artists could hardly pose a threat to him. Therefore, although he remained vigilant towards the Gao Yuanfeng and Huang Yang families, he was not afraid.

As for Lin Shou, all he has to rely on is an official position. At most, he can cause some trouble in the formal appointment of the commander of the military camp, but Wu Kuang has promised to resolve the matter.

The Azure Dragon Alliance was the only one he was wary of.

Only after wiping out the Gao family did he truly understand the power of this force.

Most of the bandits in the surrounding counties are led by the Azure Dragon Alliance. Their base is not in the county seat, but in the prefectural city. It is said that there are even innate experts in the alliance, which is why the government has repeatedly failed to completely suppress the bandits.

This time, he has mobilized troops to wipe out the Black Serpent Water Stronghold, and the Azure Dragon Alliance may not let it go easily.

Although there is no movement yet, he must remain vigilant.

Thinking of this, Chen Sheng couldn't help but sigh softly.

Their strength is still not enough.

He calmed his mind, resumed his stance training, and once again immersed himself in arduous practice.

Meanwhile, inside the study of the Lin family mansion.

County Magistrate Lin Shou was writing furiously at his desk, his face showing barely concealed anger.

He was drafting a memorial impeaching Wu Kuang, which he planned to submit to the prefectural city. In addition, he also planned to ask his powerful backer to prevent Chen Sheng from officially assuming the position of commander of the military camp.

Chen Sheng is only temporarily in charge; unless the prefectural government approves, he will remain the commander of the North City. For Lin Shou, the threat posed by Wu Kuang and Chen Sheng is already too great. While Chu Yueshan occasionally wavered during his tenure, he was generally obedient. If Chen Sheng were to officially assume the position, he would truly be powerless to stop him.

This is something Lin Shou absolutely cannot accept.

"Squeak-"

The study door was gently pushed open, and Madam Yang, dressed in an elegant long dress, gracefully entered.

Lin Shou glanced up at her, ignored her, and continued writing.

"Master." Madam Yang bowed slightly in greeting.

"What is it?" Lin Shou asked without looking up.

"I heard that something happened to the Gao family today?" Madam Yang cautiously observed Lin Shou's expression. When her gaze swept over the letter on the desk and she saw its contents, she felt a chill run down her spine, but she still forced a smile.

"Did Yang Yi send you?" Lin Shou sneered.

"Master is indeed very perceptive." Madam Yang stepped forward, wanting to massage Lin Shou's shoulders, but was stopped by a look from him.

"Speak up, but don't get so close."

Lin Shou spoke coldly, his eyes filled with undisguised disdain.

Madam Yang's smile froze, and she silently took half a step back.

"Go back and tell Yang Yi that Chen Sheng's position as commander of the military battalion is not secure, but the Yang family should also behave themselves and not have any wicked thoughts."

"Sir, you have misunderstood."

Madam Yang quickly explained, "I did meet with my brother before I came, but he hoped that you and Chen Sheng would temporarily cease hostilities, since there is still a marriage agreement between the Yang family and Chen Sheng that has not been finalized."

"engagement?"

Lin Shou snorted coldly: "Now you've remembered the marriage agreement? Too bad, they've already made a name for themselves, they might not even look at your Yang family anymore."

Thinking of this, Lin Shou felt annoyed.

If the Yang family hadn't been so reluctant, the marriage alliance might have already been arranged, and he might have been able to take Chen Sheng under his wing.

But now, it's too late.

“My brother had no choice but to do it before.”

Madam Yang said softly, "However, there may still be a chance now. Chen Sheng wants to officially take up the post of Grand Commander, which is inseparable from your recommendation, sir. If we can persuade him to submit, then you will have the power of a county magistrate, and with the support of Chen Sheng's military camp and the Yang family, who in Changshan County would dare to disobey your wishes?"

The obstruction of a county magistrate had a significant impact on Chen Sheng's career.

Moreover, Lin Shou has powerful backers in the prefectural city.

"What a joke! There might have been a possibility before, but what hope is there now?" Lin Shou said coldly.

Moreover, having lost face in public today, he simply couldn't bring himself to try and win him over.

"How about I go and persuade Chen Sheng, sir? What do you think?"

Madam Yang smiled and said, "I have observed that Chen Sheng is quite fond of Xueyao. If we explain the advantages and disadvantages to him, we might be able to persuade him to submit."

Lin Shou looked at Madam Yang suspiciously, his eyes filled with scrutiny: "You went to sleep with her?"

"We should at least give it a try."

Madam Yang answered calmly and with dignified bearing:
"If it works out, that would be great; if it doesn't, there's no loss, is there?"

……

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(End of this chapter)