In this chaotic world of martial arts, I'll become a god by adding skill points!

When the reinforcements set off, it was already dawn, and the thousand-strong force marched forward in the morning light.

The deafening sound of horses' hooves and the billowing dust drew crowds of city dwellers who stopped to watch and discuss the spectacle.

Lin Wenxuan stood on the city wall, gazing in the direction the reinforcements had gone, his expression solemn as he secretly pondered.

As long as the reinforcements arrive in Zhenyuan County smoothly, with a thousand soldiers from the prefecture, plus the local forces, they should be able to eliminate the rebels.

But he never expected that an even greater crisis was quietly brewing in the city.

Wang Huaifeng, the prefectural magistrate, had long been secretly colluding with the Fei family of the prefectural city.

Wang Huaifeng learned of the news immediately after Chen Jinghua's document was delivered to the prefectural city yesterday.

While secretly instructing the Fei family to conceal evidence and delay the government's arrest, he waited for the best opportunity to strike.

He knew that after Lin Wenxuan sent reinforcements to Zhenyuan County, the city's military strength would be left sparse.

With the city's military forces depleted, this was the perfect opportunity for him and the Fei family to rebel and seize control of the city.

Within half a day of the reinforcements' departure, the city had been completely transformed.

At noon, thousands of servants and private soldiers secretly trained by the Fei family, armed with weapons, suddenly rushed out of the Fei residence.

They launched a fierce attack on key locations such as the government office, city gates, and the imperial guards' garrison.

At the same time, Wang Huaifeng, dressed in official robes, led his trusted yamen runners.

They seized control of the government office gates and detained the government officials.

He publicly read a fabricated charge against Lin Wenxuan for colluding with traitors and plotting a rebellion, calling on the people and soldiers of the prefecture to submit to him.

Most of the elite troops of the prefectural army have been dispatched to Zhenyuan County.

With very few troops remaining, they were simply unable to withstand the fierce attack from Fei's private army and Wang Huaifeng's confidants.

The city gate guards were caught off guard and were quickly brought under control.

The Fei family's private soldiers guarded all the city gates, strictly prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving, and blocking all news from the prefectural city.

The garrison was attacked, and the soldiers left behind fought back fiercely.

However, outnumbered, they suffered repeated defeats and heavy casualties.

When Lin Wenxuan learned of the rebellion, he was already surrounded by Wang Huaifeng's men in the prefect's back hall.

Enraged, he personally took action to resist. Despite his fierce fighting as a master of the Great Perfection of Internal Energy, he was ultimately no match for the combined attack of Wang Huaifeng and Fei Zhenhai, the head of the Fei family, both masters of the Great Perfection of Internal Energy.

It seems that the other families and martial arts schools in the prefectural city were also secretly colluding with these two, and when the situation changed, no one came to the aid of the prefect.

Not only that, these people would kill anyone who tried to help them.

Before long, Lin Wenxuan was seriously injured and subdued by Wang Huaifeng's men.

Overnight, Yizhou Prefecture underwent a complete transformation.

Wang Huaifeng declared himself the provisional prefect and joined forces with the Fei family, giving the family control over all power in the prefecture's martial arts schools.

A massive manhunt was launched against officials and soldiers loyal to Lin Wenxuan, and the city was engulfed in flames.

The sounds of fighting and screams filled the air, and the people were displaced and filled with fear.

Fei's private soldiers and Wang Huaifeng's confidants patrolled the area, blocking information and strictly prohibiting anyone from passing on news of the rebellion in the prefectural city.

At the same time, they dispatched men on horseback to intercept the reinforcements heading to Zhenyuan County.

The intention was to wipe out all the reinforcements and cut off Zhenyuan County's external support.

Meanwhile, the reinforcements heading to Zhenyuan County had already covered most of the distance.

They encountered many evil spirits and bandits along the way, which delayed them considerably; otherwise, they would have arrived much sooner.

They were still a day's journey from Zhenyuan County and were completely unaware of the changes taking place in the prefectural city.

They continued speeding towards Zhenyuan County, completely unaware that they had already fallen into a desperate situation, surrounded by enemies on all sides.

In Zhenyuan County, Chen Jinghua was still busy preparing for the arrest plan at the Chen Family Martial Arts School wedding banquet in three days. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of reinforcements from the prefectural city.

He fantasized about becoming the local tyrant of Zhenyuan County after eliminating Chen Chaoming and Fei Hong.

But they never imagined that the prefectural city had already rebelled, and that the reinforcements might not only fail to arrive on time, but might even be completely wiped out.

Wang Anping went to the courtyard of the Yihe Gang as usual to practice martial arts while waiting for Zhou Hu to prepare the supplies.

Inside the Chen Family Martial Arts School, Chen Chaoming and Fei Hong were also secretly preparing for their wedding banquet.

They had already sensed something was wrong with Chen Jinghua and secretly arranged for people to strike first at the wedding banquet.

They were also unaware that the Fei family of the prefectural city and Wang Huaifeng, the prefectural magistrate, had already rebelled. They were still plotting how to deal with Chen Jinghua's arrest and how to take control of Zhenyuan County.

-----------------

The timeline returns to the day after the Liu family's demise.

at dusk

As usual, Wang Anping practiced martial arts in the courtyard of the Yihe Gang.

[Xingyiquan 213/5000 Neutralizing Force]

"Phew, it still feels like it's a long way off."

After glancing at the proficiency panel, Wang Anping shook his head.

He put away his moves, walked out of the small courtyard where he practiced martial arts, and casually put on the straw hat next to him.

He pulled down his hat brim and walked toward the sword-practice area on the other side of the courtyard.

From afar, one could hear the sound of synchronized sword swings.

The shouts of "Drink! Hah!" echoed throughout the courtyard.

Zhang Cheng was seen holding a gleaming iron knife.

He was leading a group of core members of the Yihe Gang, focusing intently on practicing the Breaking Edge Knife Technique.

Although it was the dead of winter and the wind was biting cold, everyone had taken off their shirts.

His strong arms were exposed, with bulging veins on them.

Sweat slid down his cheeks, dripping onto the ground and spreading into small damp patches.

Every slash was powerful and imposing.

The blade flashed with a fierce light, clearly showing the hard work and skill required.

Upon hearing footsteps, Zhang Cheng was the first to stop.

Turning around, he saw it was Wang Anping, immediately sheathed his iron knife, and quickly stepped forward to greet him.

"Brother Linghu, have you finished practicing your boxing?" To this day, no one in the Yihe Gang knows Wang Anping's true identity.

Therefore, within the gang, Zhang Cheng always called him Brother Linghu.

The other gang members also stopped swinging their swords and bowed in unison, saying, "Great Hero Linghu!"

Wang Anping waved his hand, signaling everyone to stand up.

His gaze swept over the gang members present, a hint of approval appearing on his face:

"Good, you've all put in a lot of effort. Keep practicing and don't slack off."

The situation is turbulent right now; the more skills you hone, the better your chances of survival in the future.

"Yes, I will obey Brother Ping's orders!"

The gang members responded in unison, immediately turned around, and resumed practicing the Breaking Edge Blade Technique.

The sounds of wielding knives and shouting echoed through the courtyard once again.

Zhang Cheng remained where he was and asked in a low voice:

"Anping, did you call me here because you need something?"

Wang Anping nodded and pulled Zhang Cheng to a quiet corner.

Lowering his voice and speaking in a serious tone:

"Zhou Hu has found a hidden cave in the deep mountains, twenty miles from the county town."

It's a safe and secluded place, unlikely to be discovered.

A look of understanding flashed in Zhang Cheng's eyes, and he quickly nodded:

"Anping, I understand. When will the arrangements be made?"

Wang Anping spoke firmly, his gaze serious:

"Tomorrow morning, you should take your family and quietly set off for the cave that Zhou Hu has found."

Remember, you must be completely silent and avoid all eyes and ears.

Don't alert anyone, and be extra careful on the road.

Upon arriving at the cave, follow Zhou Hu's instructions: guard the cave and take care of your family.

"Without my order, no one is allowed to leave the mountain or contact the outside world."

Zhang Cheng nodded and quickly said:

"Brother Ping, what about you? If I leave, you won't even have a capable person by your side."

What if we encounter danger? How about I stay with you while my wife takes the children and goes ahead?"

He was worried about Wang Anping, given the current dangerous situation.

Without any trusted confidants by his side, he found it difficult to feel at ease.

Wang Anping patted Zhang Cheng on the shoulder, his tone softening slightly, but still firm:

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

I need to stay in the county town to handle some things, so I can't leave for the time being.

Your most important task now is to protect your family and get them safely into the cave.

"Take all the core members of the Yihe Gang into the cave."

He paused, then added:

"Also, once you get to the cave, cooperate well with Zhou Hu."

Guard the hidden markings at the cave entrance to prevent outsiders from entering.

If an emergency occurs, do not act rashly. Guard the cave and wait for me to come and meet you.

Remember, your family's safety is more important than anything else.

Looking into Wang Anping's determined eyes, Zhang Cheng knew that Wang Anping had made up his mind.

No amount of persuasion could change anything, so I could only nod deeply.

In a solemn tone: "Don't worry, I will definitely take care of it!"

I'll set off with my family first thing tomorrow morning.

Even if you're in the county town, you must be extra careful.

Don't take any risks, we'll be waiting for you in the cave.

"Okay, I will."

Wang Anping nodded.

After giving Zhang Cheng his instructions, Wang Anping glanced at the sky.

The sun has set, night is falling, and scattered lights are gradually lighting up the streets and alleys in the distance.

Chen Zhiyang had specifically instructed him last night to make sure he went to the Chen Family Martial Arts School tonight.

It must be Chen Chaoming who called him over; he probably had something to tell him.

"Alright, go and prepare now. Remember, be extremely careful and don't make any mistakes."

Wang Anping gave another word of advice, then turned around and straightened his outfit.

He pulled down the brim of his straw hat. "I have something to do. I need to go to the Chen Family Martial Arts School."

If anything happens, please try to contact me.

"Yes, be careful on the road!"

Zhang Cheng bowed in response, his heart filled with worry as he watched Wang Anping's figure disappear.

But he could only turn around and make arrangements for his family's departure the next day.

Wang Anping walked out of the Yihe Gang's courtyard and disappeared into the gradually descending night.

He moved swiftly and stealthily, constantly keeping an eye on the movements behind him.

As night deepened, the streets and alleys of the county town became increasingly quiet, with only the occasional bark of a dog.

He secretly pondered: the Chen family martial arts school had probably called him over tonight because it was related to the wedding banquet in two days.

Perhaps he was involved in the setup, or perhaps there were other arrangements.

No matter what it is, he has to deal with it carefully, pretending to be honest, simple, and obedient.

Conceal your true thoughts and never reveal that you killed Liu Wanshan.

We must also prevent Chen Chaoming and Fei Hong from realizing our strength.

He must improve his strength as soon as possible, once his family, Zhang Cheng, and Zhou Hu are all safe.

He immediately withdrew and observed the situation.

We must not be drawn into this rebellion and lose our lives in vain.

Before long, the outline of Chen's Martial Arts School came into view.

In stark contrast to the quiet streets, the martial arts school was bustling with activity, filled with the joy and excitement of a wedding banquet.

Two large red lanterns hung on either side of the main gate, each adorned with a gilded "囍" (double happiness) character. They swayed gently in the wind, casting a warm red glow on the entrance.

A large red silk cloth hangs above the main gate, and a festive couplet is pasted on both sides, with vigorous strokes that highlight the grandeur of the martial arts school.

Two martial arts school disciples, dressed in light blue outfits, stood upright with smiles on their faces on either side of the entrance.

While welcoming the arriving guests, they kept an eye on their surroundings.

The martial arts school courtyard was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, with red ribbons and lanterns hanging everywhere.

The ground was covered with clean bluestone slabs, and several disciples were busy wiping tables and chairs and setting out tableware.

Others carried tea and snacks, moving back and forth in a hurry yet in an orderly manner.

Many out-of-town guests dressed in various costumes had already arrived in advance. Most of them were Chen's business partners, Chen Chaoming's relatives and friends, or people who colluded with the rebels.

These people gathered in twos and threes in the courtyard, chatting warmly.

Some were talking about the extravagance of the wedding banquet, while others were whispering about the recent favorable situation, their faces full of anticipation and curiosity.

As soon as Wang Anping reached the door, the two disciples guarding the door immediately bowed and paid their respects.

In a respectful tone: "Senior Brother Wang, you've arrived!"

Upon hearing the sound, several disciples who were busy inside the courtyard also stopped what they were doing.

Turning around, they greeted in unison, "Greetings, Senior Brother Wang!"

Wang Anping nodded slightly, his face displaying an honest and simple expression.

He raised his hand slightly in acknowledgment and stepped into the courtyard of the martial arts school.

"Junior Brother Wang An, you've finally arrived."

A steady voice came from ahead, and Wang Anping looked up.

Chen Zhiyang, dressed in a dark blue outfit, was standing under the corridor leading to the backyard of the martial arts school, waiting.

His expression was calm, but there was a hint of seriousness hidden in his eyes.

Two disciples were standing beside him, and when they saw Wang Anping looking at them, they both stepped aside and bowed.

Wang Anping quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said respectfully, "Senior Brother, thank you for waiting."

He deliberately acted somewhat reserved, lowering his eyes, perfectly matching his facade of being honest and simple.

Chen Zhiyang waved his hand, signaling his disciples to step back.

He then patted Wang Anping on the shoulder and said in a low voice:

"It's alright. My master just finished his work and specifically asked me to wait for you here. Come with me, my master has something important to tell you."

His tone was somewhat solemn, clearly indicating that what Chen Chaoming wanted to tell him was no ordinary trivial matter.

Wang Anping nodded respectfully, "I will follow Senior Brother's arrangements."

As he spoke, he followed closely behind Chen Zhiyang, walking along the corridor towards the back hall.

Outside the corridor, guests chattered and laughed, while disciples busied themselves.

The corridor was unusually quiet, with only the sound of their footsteps audible.

Before long, the two arrived at the backyard gate.

Upon seeing this, the disciple guarding the door immediately bowed and gently pushed open the door.

The interior was dimly lit, a stark contrast to the brightly lit front yard.

An oil lamp sat on the table, its flickering light making Chen Chaoming, who sat behind the table, appear even more profound.

He was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, and his aura was well-contained, yet he still exuded an air of authority befitting someone who had long held a high position.

"Master, Junior Brother Wang An has arrived," Chen Zhiyang bowed and reported respectfully.

"Disciple Wang An greets Master." He deliberately lowered his posture, his body slightly hunched, making him appear even more honest and simple.

Chen Chaoming nodded slightly, raised his hand, and spoke in a calm tone:

"Zhiyang, you can go down now."

Guard the doorway and don't allow anyone to come in and disturb us.

"Yes, Master." Chen Zhiyang bowed and replied, then turned and left the room, gently closing the door behind him.

He drove away the other disciples and stood guard under the corridor, strictly forbidding anyone from approaching.

The room was instantly empty except for Wang Anping and Chen Chaoming; it was so quiet that the crackling of the oil lamp could be heard.

Chen Chaoming picked up the tea on the table, took a sip, and his gaze lingered on Wang Anping for a long time.

Wang Anping kept his head down, pretending to be reserved and uneasy.

But in his mind, he was rapidly calculating: Chen Chaoming was looking for him.

What was the reason? Could it be that they sensed something?

After a long silence, Chen Chaoming finally spoke, his tone heavy and tinged with emotion.

"The Great Shun Dynasty is now utterly corrupt."

In the imperial court, treacherous officials held power, while local officials levied exorbitant taxes and levies.

In addition, evil spirits proliferated and bandits ran rampant.

The people are displaced and living in misery; such a court has long lost the hearts of the people.

Wang Anping was startled, not expecting Chen Chaoming to discuss the corruption of the court so frankly.

Didn't we agree last time that we weren't allowed to participate? Are we being prepared to participate in a rebellion this time?

Helpless, he could only pretend to be stupid: "Master is right, but this disciple is dull and does not know what these things have to do with this disciple."

"You're not stupid, you just hide it well."

Chen Chaoming turned to look at him, his tone carrying a hint of approval, but also a deeper meaning.

"I know that your talent is far greater than it appears on the surface, even surpassing that of Tianyang."

Although Fei Tianyang is the eldest son of the Fei family and has decent talent, he lacks composure and tenacity.

You may seem simple and honest, but you are actually very shrewd.

He also possesses exceptional aptitude for martial arts, making him the most promising student among my martial arts school's disciples.

Wang Anping's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed:

"Master, you flatter me. I am just a slow bird that tries to fly early."

Compared to Senior Brother Fei, he's still far behind.

Chen Chaoming waved his hand, his expression becoming increasingly solemn:

"No need to be so modest. I've come to you today to tell you these things."

There is one more very important matter I need to entrust to you.