96: A new beginning

Early the next morning, a Yamen Runner dressed in the uniform of the Constabulary arrived at Chen Linsheng's home in the west of the city and respectfully delivered a message: Special Envoy Ling, who had come from the prefecture, would grant an audience in the Second Hall of the County Yamen during the Hour of the Snake.

Chen Linsheng had expected this.

Martial Uncle Chen Chuan had already sent someone to inform him yesterday. The primary purpose of this visit by Envoy Ling Feng from the Army Breaker Manor was to inspect the outstanding talents from this incident. As the one who had achieved the "Top Merit," he was naturally the main focus.

He changed into a clean set of Water Patrol Division Youjiao attire. Although it was only the lowest-grade martial official's robe, it was starched stiff and straight. On his increasingly tall and upright frame, it naturally exuded a steady and capable aura.

He did not deliberately restrain his aura, but his Hunyuan True Body Foundation was solid, and his Blood Qi was harmonious and restrained. Without careful inspection, one would only feel that he was calmer than an ordinary Flesh Refining Realm Martial Artist, like deep pool water—seemingly still on the surface but hiding a surging undercurrent.

Stepping into the Second Hall of the County Yamen on time, he saw Martial Uncle Chen Chuan and Master Zhao Zheng sitting on either side. In the main seat was Envoy Ling Feng, who had entered the city yesterday.

Ling Feng was not wearing his official overcoat today, but instead a set of dark green Martial Attire, which made him look even more sharp and agile.

His gaze was like lightning, falling upon Chen Linsheng the moment he entered the door, calmly scrutinizing him.

"Your humble subordinate, Youjiao Chen Linsheng of the Water Patrol Division, greets Special Envoy Ling, Commander Chen, and Hall Master Zhao." Chen Linsheng cupped his fists in salute, neither humble nor arrogant, his voice clear and his posture composed.

"No need for formalities." Ling Feng nodded slightly, his voice calm yet carrying an unquestionable authority. "Patrol Runner Chen, you performed exceptionally during this upheaval in Qinghe County, and your achievements are recorded in detail in the merit book. I have called you here today to verify some details in person."

"Please ask, Special Envoy. I will tell you everything I know," Chen Linsheng replied with his head bowed.

Ling Feng's questioning began. His tone remained gentle throughout, but his questions were sharp, striking directly at the key points.

He first asked in detail how Chen Linsheng had initially discovered the Water Bandits' kidnapping of people and how he had connected them to the Black Mountain Gang.

Chen Linsheng had already prepared his answers. He attributed his Tracking Perfection ability to his meticulous observation and reasonable deductions as a Herb Gatherer and a soldier of the Water Patrol Division. His words were organized, logical, and flawless.

Next, Ling Feng asked about the crucial clue of the "Purple Silk Thread."

Chen Linsheng truthfully stated the discovery process and the subsequent assassination attempt he encountered. However, he omitted the specific details of how he had sensed the danger in advance with his powerful perception and how he had killed his attackers, merely saying he had escaped by luck.

Ling Feng listened carefully, his fingers lightly tapping the table. From time to time, he would interject with a question or two, all hitting the mark, attempting to find any inconsistencies.

But Chen Linsheng responded steadily, and everything he said could be cross-referenced with the Water Patrol Division's records and other testimonies.

Finally, Ling Feng's questions turned to the day of the siege on the Black Mountain Gang's headquarters, specifically the battle where Chen Linsheng collaborated with his Senior Brother and Senior Sisters to kill Zhang Zhifeng.

"I heard that although Zhang Zhifeng was not in peak condition, he was still a Jiaojin Realm Martial Artist after all." Ling Feng's gaze was as sharp as an eagle's as he looked directly at Chen Linsheng. "With your Flesh Refining Realm cultivation, you played a decisive role. Can you tell me in detail how you dealt with his Black Fiend Claw and ultimately landed the finishing blow with your spear?"

This question was extremely critical, as it directly related to the assessment of Chen Linsheng's true combat strength.

Chen Linsheng's mind raced. He knew that excessive concealment would only arouse suspicion, so he answered after careful consideration:

"To answer the Special Envoy, Gang Leader Zhang's mind was already in disarray at that time. Although his attacks were fierce, they lacked cohesion. The Cultivation Technique I practice emphasizes Foundation and defense, so I was fortunate enough to withstand the aftershocks of his claw force. Most importantly, Eldest Senior Brother's frontal assault drew most of his attention, while Second Senior Brother, Third Martial Sister, and Fourth Martial Sister restrained him from the sides. Only then was I able to find a flaw using my Movement Technique, risk a sudden advance, and condense my entire body's Blood Qi into a single spear strike using my family's 'Layered Waves' force-exertion technique. It was not my effort alone, but the result of the combined efforts of my Senior Brother and Senior Sisters."

His words highlighted his solid Foundation and extraordinary strength while attributing the main credit to teamwork, making it seem humble and reasonable.

After listening, Ling Feng was silent for a moment. The scrutinizing look in his eyes gradually softened, replaced by a flash of undisguised admiration.

"A solid Foundation far exceeding those of the same level; resourceful in battle, bold yet meticulous; and even more rare is your lack of arrogance and your deep understanding of when to advance or retreat." Ling Feng spoke slowly, his tone filled with affirmation. "Patrol Runner Chen, you are very good. For a Flesh Refining Realm to confront a Jiaojin Realm head-on, even if only for a brief entanglement, is a rarity even among the younger generation of Jiuqu Prefecture. Commander Chen and Hall Master Zhao have cultivated a fine talent."

Hearing this, both Chen Chuan and Zhao Zheng smiled.

The public inquiry ended there. Ling Feng encouraged Chen Linsheng with a few more words and then let him withdraw.

Chen Linsheng thought the audience was over and was about to salute and leave when Ling Feng suddenly said casually, as if remembering something, "Patrol Runner Chen, wait a moment. I have just arrived in Qinghe and am quite interested in the local scenery. I heard there is a 'Qingyuan Teahouse' in the east of the city with a nice view. After noon, if you are free, would you be willing to accompany me for a sit-down and talk about the local water veins and customs?"

Chen Linsheng's heart stirred, knowing that this was the real main event. Without showing any emotion on his face, he respectfully replied, "It would be my honor."

Just after noon, Chen Linsheng arrived at the Qingyuan Teahouse in the east of the city as agreed.

The teahouse was built by the water, with a quiet and elegant environment. Ling Feng had already reserved a secluded private room on the second floor. Seeing Chen Linsheng's arrival, he waved his hand to dismiss his attendants.

Only the two of them remained in the private room. Outside the window was the gurgling stream, with occasional birdsong, making it even more tranquil.

Ling Feng personally held the pot and poured a cup of clear tea for Chen Linsheng. His movements were slow and relaxed, a far cry from his sharp demeanor at the County Yamen.

"No need for formalities. We are not in a court of law right now; you may call me Brother Ling." Ling Feng smiled slightly, his temperament becoming much more approachable. "Brother Linsheng, I observe that your Blood Qi is concentrated and flows harmoniously, with a faint sense of 'Hunyuan as one.' Furthermore, your skin, membranes, muscles, and bones are exceptionally firm... Is it the long-lost 'Hunyuan True Body'?"

Chen Linsheng's heart shook violently. The hand holding the teacup was as steady as a rock, but the shock in his eyes could not be completely hidden.

Seeing his reaction, Ling Feng confirmed it. He took a sip of tea and said leisurely, "No need to be surprised. One of the basic Stance Training techniques of our Army Breaker Manor is the Hunyuan Pile Posture Technique. When combined with the Hunyuan Palm, if one can obtain a wisp of true intent from heaven and earth, they can develop an Acquired Physique. More importantly, it is said that this Physique possesses unfathomable power when breaking through to higher Realms, especially when transitioning from mortal to spiritual and condensing 'True Gang.' It can lay the Foundation for incredible potential. To be able to obtain this Acquired Physique is a tremendous Opportunity."

Chen Linsheng took a deep breath, suppressed the turmoil in his heart, and said in a low voice, "Special Envoy Ling... Brother Ling has a Wisdom Eye; I am impressed. It is indeed as you say."

Ling Feng waved his hand, his expression turning solemn as he looked at him with burning eyes. "Linsheng, with your Foundation, Heart-Nature, and combat power, staying in this Qinghe County is like a dragon trapped in a shallow pond, wasting time. Jiuqu Prefecture, and even the wider world beyond, is where you belong."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowered but carrying an unquestionable power:

"Half a year from now, the Jiuqu Prefecture City will hold the 'Martial Scholar' examination. This is no ordinary provincial exam; it is jointly hosted by the Prefectural Governor's Mansion and the Army Breaker Manor, aimed at selecting true talents. I wish to recommend you to participate."

Martial Scholar!

Chen Linsheng's heart skipped a beat.

This was not only a shortcut to obtaining official fame and status but also a stepping stone to entering higher martial arts circles.

Ling Feng continued, "With your abilities, passing the Martial Scholar exam won't be much of a problem. What I want to tell you is that if you perform exceptionally well in the exam and show remarkable potential..." He paused and said word by word, "I can directly recommend you to join the Inner Gate of the Army Breaker Manor!"

Inner Gate of the Army Breaker Manor!

Chen Linsheng's breathing suddenly became rapid.

He suddenly remembered the complex expression Master Zhao Zheng often showed. It was the deep regret he mentioned about stopping at the Outer Gate of the Army Breaker Manor back then and failing to glimpse the Inner Gate's ultimate techniques.

His Master's greatest wish was for his Disciple to fulfill his long-held desire and truly step into the core of that path-governing power!

Now, this direct path to the heavens was laid out so clearly before him!

His heart surged like the river flowing outside the window. But he quickly calmed down, stood up, and gave a deep bow to Ling Feng, his tone solemn and respectful. "I will never forget Brother Ling's kindness in recognizing my talent! I will not disappoint you. I will go all out to prepare and strive to stand out in the Martial Scholar examination!"

Seeing him quickly calm down from his excitement, the admiration in Ling Feng's eyes grew even stronger. He laughed and helped him up.

"Good! I look forward to your performance in the prefecture city. Remember, these six months are a critical period for you to solidify your Foundation and make rapid progress. Do not be slack!"