93: Jiuqu County

The Evil Daoist was executed, Zhang Zhifeng, the leader of the Black Mountain Gang, was killed, and its headquarters was breached. The core members who resisted stubbornly were either killed or captured. The dark clouds that had hung over Qinghe County for months seemed to suddenly dissipate with that heaven-shaking arrow that purged the evil.

Three days later, at the entrance of the County Magistrate's office and various major thoroughfares within the city, public notices bearing bright red official seals were posted to reassure the people.

The text of the notice was rigorous and the phrasing grand.

It attributed all the guilt for the previous serial blood cases, Gang conflicts, and even the final battle at the headquarters to the Black Mountain Gang, who had "colluded with the Northern Ancient Devil, the Evil Daoist, and harbored ill intentions." It specifically named the Gang leader, Zhang Zhifeng, as "insane and guilty of the most heinous crimes."

Regarding the matter of the White Lotus Sect, the notice only brushed over it with a vague mention of "suspected bewitchment by foreign evil arts."

The Evil Daoist was described as having "fled to this county and, fortunately through Heaven's might, was pursued and executed by imperial experts."

In short, the root of all turmoil was pointed at the now-defunct Black Mountain Gang and the deceased Devil Head. The Government's image of "discerning the truth," "acting decisively," and "protecting the region" was heavily emphasized.

As for the undercurrents within, the shadow of the White Lotus Sect, and the fleeting appearance of the hidden dragon ranking Prodigy, they became topics for commoners to speculate over during tea and meals, rather than the officially recognized truth.

The people's hearts needed stability, and order needed to be restored; this notice was the best reassurance.

Another day passed, and in the second hall of the County Magistrate's office, the atmosphere was solemn and slightly austere.

The County Magistrate personally presided over the merit evaluation for the eradication of the Black Mountain Gang and the removal of the Evil Daoist.

Inside the hall, County Commandant Wang was absent due to unhealed injuries, and Li Xunya had died in battle, leaving his seat empty, which brought about many sighs of lamentation.

Yangwei Martial Arts Hall Museum Master Zhao Zheng and Jiuqu Prefecture Constabulary Commandant Chen pass were prominently present. Water Patrol Division Head Constable Wang, as well as representatives from forces like Hundred Herbs Hall and Fumen Escort Agency—who had suffered significant losses but also contributed in this campaign—were also invited to participate.

There was not much controversy during the evaluation process.

Chen pass's status was transcendent, Zhao Zheng's strength and influence were evident, and with the records from the Water Patrol Division and corroboration from all parties, the merit ledger was quickly settled.

When the name Chen Linsheng was read, everyone in the hall involuntarily turned their gaze toward the youth standing behind Zhao Zheng, whose face still bore a hint of youthfulness but whose eyes were as calm as still water.

"Water Patrol Division Youjiao Chen Linsheng," the clerk responsible for announcing merits spoke clearly. "First, during the bandit suppression at Black Water Ravine, he was the first to break the enemy, capturing and killing the bandit leader. More critically, he perceived the crime of the Water Bandits kidnapping people and initially linked it to the Black Mountain Gang. This is the merit of first observation!"

"Second, he discovered and reported the clue of the purple silk threads early on. Despite being attacked to silence him, he persisted in the investigation, providing an important direction for the subsequent link to the White Lotus Sect's 'Jade Sowing Plan' and Zhang Yuchen. This is the merit of investigation!"

"Third, during the final campaign to encircle the Black Mountain Gang's headquarters, he led a team to hold the waterway, blocking the enemy's breakout, and slew three Flesh Refining Realm bandit leaders in a row before the lines, stabilizing the battle. Later, coordinating with his Senior Brother and Senior Sister, he successfully intercepted and killed the chief culprit, the Jiaojin Realm Zhang Zhifeng, who was attempting to flee outside the headquarters. This is the merit of defeating the enemy!"

"In summary, he is brave, resolute, keenly perceptive, and has achieved outstanding military merits. After evaluation, he is designated as the... top merit of this campaign!"

As the words "top merit" fell, a faint sound of gasping echoed in the hall.

Despite having some expectations, hearing a Disciple so young being awarded the top merit still caused waves in many people's hearts.

This meant that in this major event affecting the landscape of Qinghe County, this youth's contribution was officially recognized as the highest.

Zhao Zheng stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes full of pride.

Shi Poyue, Di Moyu, and the others also wore smiles, sharing in the honor.

Chen pass's expression was serious as he slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping across the room before landing on Chen Linsheng. His voice was steady and powerful:

"I have already reported Chen Linsheng's achievements in writing to the Prefectural Governors Mansion and the or Immortal Hunting Division for the record, under my title as the Jiuqu Prefecture Constabulary Commandant. This is not merely a merit for Qinghe County, but also a vital matter concerning the imperial Government's efforts to purge local areas and strike against evil cults. The Prefectural Governors Mansion will soon issue a commendation document."

As soon as these words were spoken, they further solidified the weight of Chen Linsheng's merit.

This was no longer just recognition from the county, but a record reaching the prefectural-level Government. For Chen Linsheng's future prospects, the benefits were immeasurable.

Next was the distribution of rewards based on merit.

The County Magistrate personally announced the reward for Chen Linsheng: one thousand taels of official silver as a mark of commendation.

At the same time, due to his top merit, he was granted the special privilege of being the first to select a portion of Cultivation resources from the confiscated assets of the Black Mountain Gang.

The silver reward was certainly generous, but the right to be the first to choose resources was what truly made the Martial Artists present feel envious.

The Black Mountain Gang had occupied Qinghe for many years, and the wealth they had extorted was staggering. Their treasury would surely contain some treasures rarely found on the market.

Chen Linsheng stepped forward, his expression calm and unruffled by either favor or humiliation. He bowed to thank the County Magistrate and the various officials.

Subsequently, led by a dedicated attendant, he arrived at the temporarily sealed treasury of the Black Mountain Gang.

Inside the storehouse, jewels glittered and gold and silver were piled high, but his gaze did not linger there. He walked directly toward the area where medicinal herbs and metallic Materials were stored.

He did not get greedy. After careful sensing and identification, he selected a few items: a piece of 'Deep Sea Cold Iron' the size of a fist but weighing over a hundred catties, which was a top-grade material for forging heavy weapons.

A section of 'Purple Thunder Wood Heart' that was entirely purple and translucent with faint thunder patterns, a rare item for tempering bones and tendons or refining certain special Medicinal Pills.

And three well-preserved 'Blood Pith Spirit Ganoderma' sealed in jade boxes, which were of great benefit for replenishing blood Qi and tempering bone marrow.

His choices were low-key and practical, all being things he currently needed for his Cultivate or preparations for forging more suitable weapons in the future. He did not touch those rare treasures that might be more conspicuous but not necessarily practical. This clarity and restraint caused the accompanying Chen pass and Zhao Zheng to nod inwardly.

The reward ceremony ended, and the crowd dispersed.

Chen Linsheng was about to return to the martial arts hall with his Master Zhao Zheng when he was called back by Chen pass.

"Linsheng, walk with me."

The two walked side by side along the quiet path in the back garden of the County Magistrate's office. The afterglow of the setting sun stretched their shadows very long.

Chen pass was silent for a moment before speaking, "You did very well this time, far exceeding my expectations. Both in terms of strength and Heart-Nature."

"Martial Uncle overpraises me; this Disciple was only doing his duty," Chen Linsheng replied respectfully.

Chen pass waved his hand and stopped, looking at him with deep eyes. "Duty? Hehe, this 'duty' of yours has put many old fellows in Qinghe County to shame."

His tone shifted, becoming grave. "Linsheng, do you know what it means to have gone through this battle?"

Chen Linsheng's eyes flickered slightly, but he did not respond.

Chen pass continued on his own, "The Black Mountain Gang is destroyed and Zhang Zhifeng is executed. On the surface, the dust has settled in Qinghe County. But the shadow of the White Lotus Sect hasn't completely dissipated, and the 'Jade Sowing Plan' is by no means limited to just Qinghe County. More importantly, you have already distinguished yourself; you are no longer a fish in a small pond."

He raised his finger and pointed around. "This Qinghe County's water is too shallow. You might be able to dominate here for a time, but in the long run, it will only limit your development. Your Foundation and your potential are things I have never seen before. To be able to face and even assist in killing a Jiaojin Realm while in the Flesh Refining Realm—this talent is top-tier even in Jiuqu Prefecture."

Chen Linsheng listened quietly, already understanding his Martial Uncle's meaning.

"Jiuqu Prefecture is your next stage," Chen pass's voice was low and powerful. "There, Sects are as numerous as trees in a forest, great families are entrenched, and Prodigies emerge in succession. The competition is a hundred times more intense than in this small county town. But there are also more Opportunities, more profound Cultivation Techniques, and a broader world. The gold standard of the prefecture's Martial Examination is also far beyond what the county-level exams can compare to."

He looked at Chen Linsheng, his eyes filled with expectation and warning. "Your merits have been reported to the Prefectural Governors Mansion; this is a very good starting point. But once you get there, everything will depend on strength. Start preparing early. The peace in Qinghe County is only temporary. The world outside has great winds and rains, but it is also as vast as the sea and sky."

Chen pass patted Chen Linsheng's shoulder and left one final sentence: "How can a true Dragon be trapped in a shallow shoal for long? Take care of yourself."

With that, he put his hands behind his back, turned, and slowly walked away, leaving Chen Linsheng standing alone under the setting sun.

Chen Linsheng watched his Martial Uncle's departing back, then looked up at the horizon dyed red by the evening glow, waves gradually rising in his heart.

The crisis in Qinghe County was temporarily resolved, Wan'er's safety was guaranteed, and his own strength had been verified and improved. But his Martial Uncle's words were like a morning bell and evening drum, waking him up.

Indeed, the stage here had already become somewhat narrow.

Zhang Yuchen, Wei Jingtong, and even Zhang Zhifeng had all become part of the past.

He needed stronger opponents and more difficult challenges to force out the true potential of the Hunyuan True Body, the Hundred Refinements Steel Body, and the newly acquired White Crane Wind and Cloud Song. Only then could he more quickly gather the prerequisites for the Golden Garment Skill and step toward a higher Martial Dao Realm.

Jiuqu Prefecture... the hidden dragon ranking... Shen Rushuang's stunning arrow... thoughts flashed through his mind one by one, finally transforming into a firm and sharp light in his eyes.

He clenched his fists, feeling the surging blood Qi and the increasingly solid tendons and bones within his body.

"Jiuqu Prefecture..."