76: Chapter 76. Mastery of Swordsmanship! Another Advancement!

Several mid-to-high-ranking Imperial Guards, dressed in formal flying fish robes or light clothing, surrounded Lin Tian. Their gazes were sharp as blades, their auras dense and heavy, and invisible pressure permeated the air.

At the forefront was Instructor Gao, who was responsible for rookie affairs.

His face was livid, staring fixedly at the blood-stained long saber in Lin Tian's hand and Lie Yun, who was howling in agony on the ground with a severed arm and bleeding profusely. He shouted sternly:

"Lin Tian! You have some nerve! How dare you commit such a vicious act against a colleague inside the Centurion Office in broad daylight?! Do you have no regard for the rules of the office?! Do you know what kind of serious crime this is?!"

Facing the surrounding and reprimanding of several superiors, Lin Tian's expression remained calm; he didn't even glance at the wailing Lie Yun on the ground.

He flicked his wrist, sheathing his long saber with a crisp "click" sound, then cupped his fists and said loudly and unyieldingly:

"Instructor Gao, officers. I did not act without reason, nor did I show contempt for the rules. In truth, this scoundrel—Lie Yun—has committed the grave crime of betraying a colleague and framing a superior! I severed one of his arms to serve as a warning to others. Not taking his life on the spot was already an act of mercy, considering we are colleagues!"

"Betraying a colleague? Framing a superior?" Instructor Gao paused, his brows furrowed tightly, and he said sternly, "What does this mean? You need to explain clearly! If there is even half a lie, both crimes will be punished together!"

"I have no lies." Lin Tian's voice was clear, echoing in the silent training ground, allowing everyone to hear clearly, "I luckily made a Breakthrough the day before yesterday, advancing to the Second Grade Middle Stage, and was promoted by my superiors to Acting Minor Flag Officer. This is an internal matter of our Imperial Guard. However, this scoundrel Lie Yun, not knowing where he heard the name 'red blood vermilion fruit', actually suspected without cause that my Breakthrough was because I privately embezzled this item. Not only did he not report to his superiors for verification, but he instead privately revealed this baseless suspicion to Magistrate Zhou Wenhai of the West City County Yamen!"

His gaze was like lightning as he swept over Lie Yun, who was pale-faced and avoiding eye contact on the ground, and continued: "Just a moment ago, Magistrate Zhou used this as an excuse to set a trap, luring me to his residence. He questioned me in every way, threatened me with words, and even personally took action to test me, wanting to force the crime of 'embezzling treasures and stealing from the county yamen' onto me! If I didn't still have some ability to protect myself, and if my saber technique hadn't reached Minor Achievement, barely allowing me to prove my innocence, I would likely be trapped in prison by now, or have become a prisoner of Magistrate Zhou! How is this behavior different from colluding with outsiders and framing a colleague? How is it different from betraying the reputation of the Imperial Guard and destroying its own Foundation?!"

At these words, the whole field was in an uproar!

"What? This actually happened?!"

"Lie Yun... actually reported to the county yamen?"

"This... this is simply biting the hand that feeds!"

"No wonder Captain Lin is so furious! If it were me, I would probably draw my saber too!"

The surrounding Imperial Guards, whether rookies or veterans, looked at Lie Yun on the ground, their gazes instantly changing from astonishment and sympathy to contempt, anger, and even a hint of chill.

The Imperial Guard has its own system, monitoring all officials, and has both cooperation and checks and balances with local governments. Internal affairs are most taboo for outsiders to interfere in, let alone reporting to local officials and framing colleagues! This is the biggest taboo of all!

"No... it's not like that! I didn't betray anyone! I just... just had a reasonable suspicion!"

Lie Yun felt the cold gazes around him, as if he had been stripped naked and thrown into the snow. Intense fear and the desire to survive made him struggle and scream in defense, "He broke through so fast, it was simply not normal! I just... just stated my suspicion! I didn't ask him to arrest anyone! It was Magistrate Zhou himself..."

"Shut up!" An even more majestic and cold reprimand sounded, not from Instructor Gao, but from a middle-aged man with a cold face behind the crowd, wearing a uniform of a Squad Leader with silver flying fish patterns embroidered on it.

He pushed through the crowd, his gaze sweeping over Lie Yun like a cold pool, without a trace of emotion, "Lie Yun, even if you had suspicions, according to the rules of the office, you should have first reported to your direct superior, or to me, and let the office investigate internally! How can you bypass levels and boundaries, and privately reveal unverified suspicions to the local magistrate? By doing this, where do you put the office's rules? Where do you put the trust of your colleagues? This behavior must never be allowed to grow!"

He paused, his voice colder: "Considering this is your first offense, and your severed arm is already punishment enough, I will not expel you from the Imperial Guard this time. However, while the death penalty is avoided, the living penalty is inevitable! From today on, your status as an Acting Minor Flag Officer is stripped, you are demoted to a common soldier, and your salary is fined for three months, to observe your future performance! If you dare to overstep again, you will be executed without mercy!"

"What?! Demoted to a soldier? Fined salary?" Lie Yun felt as if he had been struck by lightning, and he was completely stunned.

He had paid the painful price of a severed arm, but in the end, not only did he fail to take down Lin Tian, but he was demoted and severely punished himself! And Lin Tian, the "perpetrator", seemed... completely unscathed?

The huge gap and sense of injustice made his Qi surge, his vision darken, and he almost fainted.

"It's... it's not fair! He cut off my arm, doesn't he have to pay anything?!" Lie Yun was like a madman, screaming hoarsely.

The Squad Leader glanced at him coldly, ignored him, and turned to look at Lin Tian, his tone softening slightly: "Lin Tian, come with me. Explain the ins and outs of today's events in detail."

After speaking, he turned and walked towards an office inside the Centurion Office.

Lin Tian ignored the complex, awe-struck, or sympathetic gazes around him and followed calmly.

Inside the office, the doors and windows were closed, and only the Squad Leader and Lin Tian were present.

"Sit down and talk." The Squad Leader motioned for Lin Tian to sit down, while he himself sat in the main seat, his expression serious, "Just now on the training ground, you only spoke in generalities. Now, tell me the whole process of your banquet today and your confrontation with Magistrate Zhou Wenhai, from beginning to end. Do not hide anything."

"Yes, Squad Leader." Lin Tian cupped his fists, then described in detail how Magistrate Zhou Wenhai invited him under the guise of "celebration", how the secretary at the banquet probed and led the topic to the "red blood vermilion fruit" and his Breakthrough, how he denied it, and finally how Magistrate Zhou Wenhai personally tested him, and how he responded with the Xiuchun Saber Technique, and finally showed the "Major Achievement" Realm of his saber technique, making Magistrate Zhou Wenhai dispel his doubts and take the initiative to ease the relationship.

His tone was plain, without adding fuel to the fire, but the danger and Magistrate Zhou Wenhai's sinister calculations were fully revealed.

The Squad Leader listened quietly, his face solemn. When he heard Lin Tian say that Magistrate Zhou Wenhai personally took action and used the "Throat-Locking Eagle Claw Hand", his brows twitched slightly.

And when he heard Lin Tian say that he used the "Major Achievement" Realm of the Xiuchun Saber Technique to block more than a dozen fierce grappling moves from Magistrate Zhou Wenhai and finally shook him back, he suddenly raised his head, his face full of disbelief!

"You just said... you used the Xiuchun Saber Technique to block Magistrate Zhou Wenhai's eagle claw grappling, and shook him back?" The Squad Leader's voice carried a hint of imperceptible trembling, "Are you sure... your saber technique has reached the 'Major Achievement' Realm?!"

"I dare not deceive you." Lin Tian nodded, his expression calm, "Whether it is Major Achievement, you will know at a glance, sir."

"Good! You demonstrate it now! Right here!" The Squad Leader stood up suddenly, his eyes full of excitement and anticipation.

Practicing the Xiuchun Saber Technique to Major Achievement in two or three months? This is simply a fantasy! But if it's true...

Lin Tian didn't say much, stood up, took a few steps back, and slowly drew the long saber from his waist.

He did not infuse too much Qi, just purely demonstrating the seven basic forms of the Xiuchun Saber Technique. Splitting, lifting, chopping, stabbing, sweeping, blocking, parrying. The movements were simple and not flashy, but every form used carried a kind of flowing, rounded perfection, a sense of control over force, angle, and timing that was perfect.

The saber followed the body, the intent merged with the saber; the seven basic movements seemed to come alive in his hands, deriving infinite changes, impregnable when defending, and peerlessly fierce when attacking. Although he didn't use his full strength, the unique charm and atmosphere of the "Major Achievement" Realm were already fully revealed!

The Squad Leader watched intently, his breathing becoming heavy unknowingly. He was a veteran Imperial Guard, and his own saber technique had long entered "Proficient" for many years, only one line away from "Major Achievement", so his judgment was naturally sharp.

He could see that Lin Tian's saber technique had by no means just touched the threshold of "Major Achievement", but had already entered the hall and reached a deep level! This is definitely not a Realm that can be achieved by hard practice for two or three months! Unless... this child is truly a one-in-a-million saber genius!

"Stop!" The Squad Leader suddenly raised his hand, his voice somewhat dry from excitement.

He took a few deep breaths, forcibly calming his emotions, and looked at Lin Tian with eyes that had turned from initial scrutiny to undisguised amazement and burning heat.

"Good! Good! Good 'Major Achievement' saber technique! Lin Tian, you... you really have opened my eyes!"

The Squad Leader said the word "Good" three times in a row, his face flushing red with excitement. "This matter... this matter is of great importance! Wait here; I must report this to the Centurion immediately!"

After saying this, he didn't even have time to tell Lin Tian to sheath his blade before rushing out the door, striding quickly toward the most solemn pavilion deep within the Jinyiwei Company Office.

Centurion Office, back hall quiet room.

Centurion Shen Lian of the Heishan City Imperial Guard sat upright behind a large rosewood desk, reviewing documents.

His face was cold and stern, and his aura was as deep and heavy as an abyss. Even without intentionally exerting pressure, he possessed a heart-palpitating majesty.

"Bang!"

The door was pushed open rather hastily. The Squad Leader walked in quickly, not even having time to complete a full salute before saying urgently, "My Lord! I have an important matter to report! It concerns the newly promoted Acting Minor Flag Officer, Lin Tian!"

Shen Lian looked up, his brows slightly furrowed. He recognized this Squad Leader as someone who was always steady and composed; why was he so uncharacteristic today? "What is it? Is it related to the private fight at the training grounds today?"

"It is! But there are other hidden circumstances!" The Squad Leader took a deep breath and quickly reported what Lin Tian had said about Magistrate Zhou Wenhai setting up a banquet to test him, as well as Lin Tian's claim that his blade technique had reached "Major Achievement." Finally, he added, "My Lord, I have verified it with my own eyes. Lin Tian's Xiuchun Saber Technique... has indeed entered the 'Major Achievement' Realm! This is no falsehood!"

"Major Achievement?" Shen Lian's hand holding the brush paused slightly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

He put down his brush and leaned forward slightly. "Two or three months, and he reached Major Achievement? Did you see it clearly?"

"I stake my head on it, there is no mistake!" the Squad Leader said decisively. "The charm of his blade technique and the ingenuity of its execution are undoubtedly at the Major Achievement level! Moreover, observing his proficiency, it seems... he is no longer just at the initial stage!"

Shen Lian was silent for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. Two or three months to practice an introductory blade technique to Major Achievement... this could no longer be described simply as "good Comprehension Ability."

Even within the Imperial Guard system, which was full of hidden talents, such Comprehension Ability was exceptionally rare.

"Bring him to see me," Shen Lian said slowly.

"Yes!"

Before long, Lin Tian was brought into the quiet room.

"Subordinate Lin Tian pays respects to the Centurion," Lin Tian said, bowing.

Shen Lian did not speak; he simply observed Lin Tian quietly with eyes as deep as a cold pool.

An invisible pressure permeated the room, as if it could see right through a person. Lin Tian's expression was calm, his gaze frank and steady, neither dodging nor avoiding the look.

"I heard you have practiced the Xiuchun Saber Technique to Major Achievement?" Shen Lian finally spoke, his voice flat, revealing neither joy nor anger.

"Yes, My Lord," Lin Tian replied.

"Demonstrate it for me," Shen Lian said, pointing to the open space in the center of the quiet room.

"Yes."

Lin Tian drew his blade again.

This time, knowing the Centurion was testing him personally, he held nothing back and unleashed the Xiuchun Saber Technique at the Major Achievement Realm with full force.

Blade light flashed, and powerful winds surged. The simple seven forms of the Basic Blade Technique, in his hands, were at times like a violent storm, and at other times like continuous light rain. The transitions between offense and defense were smooth and fluid, and that sharp, precise, and heavy Saber Intent filled the entire quiet room.

Shen Lian's gaze remained locked on Lin Tian's blade from beginning to end.

His eyes, calm at first, gradually became focused, and finally, a trace of unmistakable shock and... appreciation flashed through them.

The blade light faded, and Lin Tian sheathed his blade and stood still, his breathing steady.

The quiet room was completely silent.

There was only the sound of the Squad Leader's slightly heavy breathing.

After a long while, Shen Lian slowly stood up from behind the desk, walked over to Lin Tian, and patted his shoulder. A rare smile appeared on his face; though faint, it carried the gratification of discovering an unpolished gem.

"Good! Very good!" Shen Lian's voice carried a hint of imperceptible emotion. "Two or three months, and a Major Achievement blade technique... Lin Tian, you have given me a tremendous surprise. Who would have thought that my Heishan City Centurion Office could produce a Prodigy like you!"

He paused, looking at Lin Tian with burning eyes: "From today on, you are an officially registered Minor Flag Officer of my Heishan City Imperial Guard Centurion Office! You are no longer 'Acting'! Your monthly salary will be increased to fifty taels, and your monthly 'qi-blood soup' allowance will be increased to four portions! I hope you will guard against arrogance and rashness, continue to Cultivate diligently, and do not let down this talent of yours, nor the name of the Imperial Guard!"

An official Minor Flag Officer! A salary of fifty taels! Four portions of qi-blood soup!

Even with Lin Tian's firm will, a wave of emotion surged in his heart at this moment.

Injuring Lie Yun had not only resulted in no punishment but had instead turned into a blessing in disguise, leading to another promotion!

He knew that all of this was not because he was in the right, nor because Lie Yun was in the wrong. Ultimately, it was because he had demonstrated a terrifying martial arts talent and potential that moved even the Centurion!

In this world where strength is respected, strength is the ultimate truth and the most powerful passport!

"This subordinate thanks you for the promotion, My Lord! I will certainly do my utmost to live up to your expectations!" Lin Tian said, cupping his fists solemnly.

"Rise," Shen Lian said, personally helping Lin Tian up, the look of expectation in his eyes growing even stronger. "Your potential far exceeds that of ordinary people. The Centurion Office will prioritize allocating the necessary Cultivation resources to you. That 'qi-blood soup' is of great benefit for tempering the bones and solidifying the Foundation; you must use it well. Go now, and Cultivate diligently. If you have any questions, you may come to find me, or look for Squad Leader Zhao."

"Yes! This subordinate takes his leave!" Lin Tian bowed again and exited the quiet room.

Walking out of the core area of the Centurion Office, Lin Tian's heart was still surging with excitement.

An official Minor Flag Officer, and his benefits had increased again!

He could receive four portions of 'qi-blood soup' from the Imperial Guard every month, and with the qi-blood powder from the martial arts hall, he would have five precious medicinal soups every month!

The abundance of Cultivation resources far exceeded any period in the past!

With such resource support, combined with the remaining red blood vermilion fruit spirit liquid, his Cultivation speed would surely skyrocket once again!

Meanwhile, at the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall.

After Lie Yun's wounds were simply bandaged to stop the bleeding, he was carried by two laborers and sent back to the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall in a wretched state.

Although the bleeding from his severed arm had been stopped, the intense pain and the weakness caused by blood loss made his face as pale as paper. His spirit was listless, and his eyes were filled with resentment, fear, and deep confusion.

The Disciples in the hall were shocked to see his miserable appearance; they hurriedly settled him in and sent someone to find the Hall Master.

However, Liehuo Hall Master Lie Fentian was not at the martial arts hall at this moment. He was in a secret room in the back hall of the West City County Yamen, listening with a gloomy face as Magistrate Zhou Wenhai recounted the events with displeasure.

"Hall Master Lie, the information you gave me this time has really put me in an awkward position!" Magistrate Zhou Wenhai sipped his tea, his tone carrying a hint of reproach.

"How is that Lin Tian some lucky fellow who relied on external objects? His blade technique Cultivation has already reached the 'Major Achievement' Realm!"

"He lasted over ten moves against my 'Throat-Locking Eagle Claw Hand' without showing signs of defeat, and in the end, he even forced me back!"

"With such talent and such strength, it would not be an exaggeration to call him a martial arts genius rarely seen in a hundred years!"

"Yet you told me he only had a Breakthrough after stealing the 'red blood vermilion fruit'? Hmph, you almost made me offend a future big shot of the Imperial Guard!"

"Major Achievement blade technique? Forced you back, Magistrate Zhou?" Lie Fentian's pupils shrank, and the muscles on his flushed face twitched slightly. His eyes were filled with disbelief. "This... how is this possible? How long has he even been practicing?!"

"That is the fact!" Magistrate Zhou Wenhai put down his teacup, his tone turning cold. "Old friend, for the sake of our many years of friendship, I will not pursue this further this time. But if next time you bring me such false information to mislead me... don't blame me for being heartless!"

Lie Fentian's heart tightened; he knew that Magistrate Zhou Wenhai had become wary of Lin Tian's talent and even had the intention to befriend him, so at least in the short term, he would no longer target Lin Tian.

He forced a smile. "Magistrate Zhou, please calm your anger. It was my intelligence that was wrong; I did not consider things thoroughly. This matter... let it be dropped."

Leaving the county yamen, Lie Fentian held back a breath of frustration, his face gloomier than ever.

Returning to the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall, just as he stepped through the gate, he heard a Disciple report in a panic that Senior Brother Lie Yun had returned with serious injuries.

"What?" Lie Fentian furrowed his brows and strode to the room where Lie Yun was being kept. When he saw Lie Yun lying on the couch, missing an arm, his face pale and his aura listless, even with his iron-hard heart, he could not help but gasp, a terrifying gleam shooting from his eyes!

"What happened?! Who did this?!" Lie Fentian roared, his voice containing an uncontrollable fury.

Lie Yun was one of his most valued Disciples and a pillar of the martial arts hall's future. Now, he had actually had an arm severed by someone and had become a cripple! This was not just slapping Lie Yun in the face; it was trampling the dignity of his Liehuo Martial Arts Hall underfoot!