Chapter 103: Chapter 91: In My Observation, a Surpassing Beauty...

The confrontation between Chen Sheng and Xu Shenzhi looked like a complex exchange of techniques, but it was over in a flash, lasting no more than a few dozen breaths from start to finish.

By the time the dust settled, Han Ling’Er, standing to the side, hadn’t even fully registered what had happened.

She had originally believed that with Xu Shenzhi’s status as both the Young Master of the Xu Family and an Inner Sect Disciple of the Iron Sword Sect, he was truly exceptional. Possessing exquisite swordsmanship and wielding a Treasure Soldier, his strength was among the best of his peers—more than enough to dominate the Changshan County Region.

Even if he couldn’t win, he should never have been defeated so easily.

But reality dealt her a crushing blow.

Chen Sheng’s arrogance was built on such a horrifying foundation of strength. He had utterly crushed Xu Shenzhi with a mere turn of his hand. ’Such methods are simply terrifying!’

Seeing Xu Shenzhi spit blood and crumple to the ground, Han Ling’Er’s pupils contracted as she cried out in shock:

"Senior Brother Xu!"

Her concern overrode her rational judgment, and she moved to rush forward, intending to check on Xu Shenzhi’s injuries and stop Chen Sheng from delivering a killing blow.

Though she held no romantic feelings for Xu Shenzhi, they had been fellow disciples for years and had known each other since childhood. ’How could I just stand by and watch him die on the spot?’

"Junior Sister... don’t come over!"

Sprawled on the ground, Xu Shenzhi saw Han Ling’Er rush over, heedless of her own safety. A flicker of warmth passed through his heart, but it was quickly replaced by utter horror.

He had already seen through Chen Sheng’s scheme. Given their status as Iron Sword Sect disciples, Chen Sheng wouldn’t attack them without provocation. But if they involved themselves in this ’government crackdown on rebels,’ they would be handing him the perfect excuse.

After experiencing Chen Sheng’s power firsthand, he had only one assessment:

Unfathomable!

’To think such a hidden dragon was lurking in this small county.’

His Sword Skill had achieved a state of profound simplicity, bordering on the Transformation Realm. His physical strength far surpassed that of an ordinary Marrow Transformation Martial Master. Even within the Iron Sword Sect, you could count on one hand the number of disciples at his level who could match him.

He knew his junior sister’s strength was no match for Chen Sheng’s.

She might even meet a grim fate.

But his warning came a moment too late.

The moment Han Ling’Er moved, Chen Sheng moved with her like a phantom, instantly blocking her path.

Seeing Chen Sheng block her path, Han Ling’Er mistakenly believed he was about to attack. Terrified, she acted without thinking. With a clear SHING, the sword at her waist was unsheathed, becoming a swift glint of cold light as she thrust it straight at Chen Sheng.

A sharp glint flashed in Chen Sheng’s eyes. He neither dodged nor evaded. The Shehan Treasure Saber in his hand let out a low hum. Its chilling light, though launched second, arrived first. Carrying an incredibly condensed and domineering Force, it met her attack head-on.

"CLANG—!"

An ear-piercing clash of metal rang out.

Han Ling’Er felt an irresistible force travel up her sword. The web of her thumb split open instantly, and the fine longsword in her hand snapped in two.

’Not good!’

Thoroughly horrified, Han Ling’Er finally understood the immense gulf in power between her and Chen Sheng. She tried to retreat without a second thought, hoping to create some distance.

But now that Chen Sheng had made his move, how could he possibly let her escape so easily?

’After all, this was part of his plan.’

He instantly stuck to her like a shadow. With a single step, he closed the distance, moving so fast he left only an afterimage behind.

"Commander Chen... I..."

Han Ling’Er’s face was deathly pale. As she tried to explain, she subconsciously gathered Force in her palms, raising them in a defensive gesture.

Unfortunately, her resistance was as fragile as paper before Chen Sheng.

Chen Sheng struck with a single palm. The move seemed casual, but the moment it made contact, the immense Force within his palm exploded outward.

"BAM!"

Han Ling’Er’s Protective Fierce Qi shattered like a soap bubble. Her entire body felt like it had taken a heavy blow, and her qi and blood churned within her.

The next moment, a large, powerful hand glowing with a faint golden light clamped around her slender neck like an iron vise, lifting her clean off the ground.

"Urk... ghk..."

Suffocation washed over her instantly. Han Ling’Er’s face turned from pale to red as her legs kicked reflexively, trying to break free.

"Dare to move again, and I’ll end you."

Chen Sheng’s low, ice-cold voice sounded, without a trace of emotion.

The raw killing intent that flashed in his eyes was like an icicle piercing Han Ling’Er’s soul. She froze instantly, daring not to move, her face a mask of terror as she stared at Chen Sheng.

Chen Sheng’s heart was as hard as iron; he had no inclination to be tender with beautiful women. He spared Han Ling’Er’s life not because of her beauty, but because she was an important bargaining chip to force Xu Shenzhi’s submission.

"Com... Commander Chen... I... I didn’t mean to attack..."

Feeling the pressure on her neck loosen ever so slightly, Han Ling’Er seized the chance to explain, her voice hoarse and her eyes filled with terror.

"If you had no intention of attacking, why did you come forward?"

Chen Sheng snorted, his tone detached. "Out of respect for the Iron Sword Sect, I was going to let you leave. But you chose to walk into your own graves, daring to obstruct a government investigation and attack an official of the court!"

"Han Ling’Er, do you have any idea what crime you have committed?!"

...

Meanwhile, the slaughter inside the Huang Family Mansion continued.

No, to be more precise, it was a one-sided massacre.

The Huang Family’s foundations were indeed profound, perhaps even a step above the Gao Family’s.

But faced with the grinding formations of several hundred elite soldiers from the Military Preparation Camp, combined with the all-out assault of the besieging Yang Family, the Huang Family’s so-called "profound foundations" crumbled instantly.

Aside from Chen Sheng’s location, the most noteworthy battles were the fierce struggle between Huang Ke and Yang Yi, and the grim spectacle of the Huang Family’s grand-uncle fighting alone against Li Huai Sheng and another Marrow Transformation elder from the Yang Family.