In the Government Office Hall of the Jingwu Bureau’s G Camp.

Chen Sheng sat enthroned in the main seat. Fresh from seclusion, his aura had grown even more profound. A faint Evil Qi circulated around him, yet it was cleverly contained within his body. Only someone with exceptionally keen perception could ever hope to detect his true Cultivation.

His confidants, Zhao Changqiu, Lu Cheng, and Xu Shenzhi, stood in respectful silence, flanking him on either side.

"Congratulations on your recovery and emergence from seclusion, my lord."

The men greeted him in unison, their voices echoing through the hall.

Before entering seclusion, Chen Sheng had not told them he was attempting a breakthrough by Condensing Evil. Instead, he’d used the excuse of recuperating from injuries sustained in the battle with the Iron Sword Sect. As such, they did not know the true reason for his retreat.

They still believed Chen Sheng had been recuperating.

Chen Sheng’s gaze swept over them, and he gave a slight nod.

For now, only Sun Yuzhi and Nie Xuanfeng knew that he had succeeded in Condensing Evil.

This was both a hidden trump card and a surprise he had meticulously prepared for Gao Yuanzhao and the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance.

He had held back before because the time was not right; he hadn’t set a deadly trap. But now, not only had his Cultivation improved by leaps and bounds, but he also had Nie Xuanfeng’s explicit support. It was time to settle old scores.

He had said he would see the entire Gao Family annihilated, and he would not go back on his word.

"Have a seat."

Chen Sheng gestured with his hand. Once everyone was seated, he cut straight to the chase.

"While I was in seclusion, were there any important matters in the camp?"

Zhao Changqiu and Lu Cheng exchanged a glance, and the former spoke first.

"Reporting, Captain. Zhan Fusheng has nearly recovered from his injuries. He asked me to send his regards and express his hope to be transferred to an external post."

After their battle, Chen Sheng and Zhan Fusheng had made an agreement: the loser would have to bow his head in deference whenever they met. Feeling he had lost face, Zhan Fusheng had long wanted to leave. The only issue was that his transfer papers required the seal of his direct superior, Chen Sheng, to take effect.

Chen Sheng had no intention of making things difficult for him.

Although Zhan Fusheng had been at odds with him, he had gracefully accepted his defeat. His attitude had been proper; not only had he presented Elemental Crystals as an apology after the fight, but there was also the connection through Sun Yuzhi.

As long as the man didn’t keep courting death, Chen Sheng wouldn’t bother with him.

"Approved. Tell him to submit the papers, and I will affix my seal."

"Your magnanimity is admirable, my lord."

Zhao Changqiu offered a timely bit of flattery.

"Is there anything else?" Chen Sheng asked.

Xu Shenzhi, standing to the side, hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.

"Captain, while you were in seclusion, Wang Zilan sent an invitation for you. I took the liberty of declining on your behalf, explaining that you were still recuperating."

A hint of barely perceptible nervousness tinged Xu Shenzhi’s words; he was afraid of displeasing Chen Sheng.

The shame of the broken engagement had been Han Ling’Er’s fault, but Wang Zilan’s use of the Wang Family’s power had earned Xu Shenzhi’s deep resentment.

He was obsessed with the idea of getting revenge.

He longed to see the high-and-mighty legitimate daughter of the Wang Family brought to her knees, bowing her head in submission before Captain Chen.

But Chen Sheng was always decisive and clear in his actions. So, while Xu Shenzhi was tempted to offer his own suggestions, he wouldn’t dare speak up until Chen Sheng showed a clear inclination. Even so, he didn’t want his Captain getting too close to Wang Zilan.

Chen Sheng glanced at Xu Shenzhi, reading his thoughts as clear as day, but chose not to comment on them.

’Wang Zilan is showing goodwill now because she saw the astonishing potential I displayed in the battle with the Iron Sword Sect. She’s trying to ease tensions, maybe even befriend me.’

This was only human nature, and Chen Sheng didn’t hold it against her.

’In fact, if the opportunity arises, it might not be a bad idea to befriend her.’

’After all, her Profound Yin Body would be of great benefit to my Cultivation. Her help could save me years of arduous training, far surpassing any ordinary Spiritual Object.’

’However, now is not the time.’

’I’ll wait and see...’

"No matter. It’s not too late to meet her when I have time in the future."

Chen Sheng’s tone was neutral. He then turned to Zhao Changqiu. "Any other recent news in the prefecture?"

Zhao Changqiu and the others proceeded to report on the recent affairs, large and small, within Ning’an Prefecture.

There were two main points of interest. First, word of Chen Sheng’s victory over the Iron Sword Sect was still spreading through the Jianghu, sparking much discussion. His title as "the number one expert in Ning’an below the rank of Earth Fiend" was growing ever more renowned.

Second, the fiends of the Blood River Sect had been running rampant, recently ambushing and killing a Profound Gang Realm elder from the Danxia Sect. This sent shockwaves through the region, leading to talk that the Danxia Sect was in decline, targeted by the combined forces of the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance and the Blood River Sect.

Chen Sheng’s expression remained placid as he listened.

None of this concerned him for the moment. After a brief pause, he turned his gaze to Xu Shenzhi, a smile playing on his lips.

"Shen Zhi, I’ve been in Ning’an for a long time, yet I’ve never paid a visit to the Xu Family. Tomorrow, I intend to visit your esteemed home for a talk. What do you think?"

Xu Shenzhi was stunned for a moment, then his face flooded with delight. Barely able to contain his excitement, he hurriedly bowed.

"For you to deign to visit, Captain, is the greatest honor for my Xu Family! I will go and make preparations at once. I will ensure everything is handled perfectly and will not let you down!"

The Xu Family had long wanted to build a relationship with Chen Sheng, but they’d lacked a suitable opportunity.

Chen Sheng’s offer to visit was a golden opportunity for the Xu Family to align themselves with him. He had powerful backing, astonishing talent, and a limitless future. Befriending him offered the Xu Family a hundred benefits and no drawbacks.

"Mm, there’s no need to make a big fuss. A small, simple retinue will suffice."

Chen Sheng instructed casually, but an imperceptible glint of cold light flashed in his eyes.

"Yes, I understand! I will go and arrange it at once!" Xu Shenzhi agreed readily, eagerly exiting the Government Office Hall to make preparations.

Seeing this, the others in the hall couldn’t help the looks of envy that appeared in their eyes.

The Captain was sparing no effort in his support for Xu Shenzhi, and now he was personally lending his family prestige. It was a special honor that was truly enviable. What they didn’t know, however, was that Chen Sheng’s trip was no simple social call.

He intended to use the opportunity to fish—to lure out Gao Yuanzhao and the men of the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance.

...

Soon, news of Chen Sheng’s upcoming visit to the Xu Family was swiftly relayed to Gao Yuanzhao’s ears by a Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance mole planted within the Jingwu Bureau.