Chapter 113: Chapter 95: Foundation Establishment Perfection
After the surrendered water bandit leaders departed, each with their own thoughts, only Yu Qiantong and Li Qianlang remained in the main hall.
The look of reverence on Li Qianlang’s face hadn’t faded, but it was now mixed with a hint of a knowing smile, and his posture became more relaxed.
Those leaders, who had been intimidated into submission, didn’t know that Li Qianlang had actually caught wind of the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance’s intention to consolidate the Changshan Waters long ago. He had secretly surrendered and pledged his allegiance much earlier.
It was precisely for this reason that he was able to secure the position of Vice Squad Leader in the newly established Changshan Sub-Branch.
The reason he had been able to seize the initiative was simple—over a month ago, he had learned through secret channels that the waterway forces of several neighboring counties had already been covertly consolidated by the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance using similar methods.
He had long anticipated and prepared for this.
"From what you said before, the one calling the shots in the Changshan County Government Office now is a Military Preparation Camp commander named Chen Sheng?"
Yu Qiantong leaned back lazily in the Taishi Chair, his fingertips tapping lightly on the armrest. His tone was casual, as if discussing a slightly larger ant.
"Replying to the Upper Envoy, it’s hard to say if he’s officially in complete control, but he is without a doubt the one who has been most prominent and ruthless lately."
Li Qianlang quickly composed himself and reported in detail, "This man first annihilated the Black Snake Stronghold, then swept away the two great Noble Clans, the Gao and Huang Families, with lightning speed and suppressed the Yang Family. He is ruthlessly decisive.
At this point, he has already consolidated most of the various factions within Changshan County. By my estimation, if nothing unexpected happens, his next target will undoubtedly be us water bandits who are entrenched nearby."
As Chen Sheng’s reputation and power grew, all sorts of intelligence about him naturally became a primary focus for the various factions. Li Qianlang didn’t dare to be negligent, relaying all the information he had gathered.
"To be in his early twenties and already possess such methods and cunning, with strength far exceeding his peers... Not bad, not bad. He’s quite the figure."
Yu Qiantong narrowed his small eyes, his tone appraising. But then his words took a sharp turn, laced with a chilling coldness: "It’s just a pity that Changshan County... cannot allow such a formidable person to exist!"
The section of the Qinglin River that flows through Changshan is crucial for the transport of many important resources and the secret dealings of the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance.
In the last half-month, due to the government’s forceful crackdown, the activities of the water bandits have sharply decreased, which has already drawn the dissatisfaction of the Alliance’s upper echelon.
If not for this, an Innate Expert like him would not have had to personally come to this county town. After all, an Innate Powerhouse is too high-profile a target and could easily attract the attention of Ning’an Prefecture City.
Although the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance was powerful, it had not yet reached the point where it could openly disregard the Government Office.
"The Upper Envoy’s words are insightful."
Li Qianlang hurriedly agreed, "Exactly. Changshan County absolutely cannot allow such a person, who doesn’t know their own limits, to exist!"
"Charging directly into the county seat would cause too much of a commotion and could attract unnecessary trouble."
Yu Qiantong mused for a moment before saying, "Find a way to lure this person out of the city for a ’talk’. If he’s sensible and knows when to advance and when to retreat, it’s not impossible to offer him some benefits. We could all live in peace.
But if he insists on making an enemy of my Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance and is dead set on clearing the waterways..."
A murderous glint flashed through his eyes, and his voice became bone-chillingly cold. "Then I... will personally send him on his way!"
"That... I’m afraid that won’t be easy."
Upon hearing this, Li Qianlang’s face immediately showed his difficulty. "Upper Envoy, there is something you don’t know. Although this man is young, he’s a careful planner who never acts rashly. He is extremely cautious and never takes unnecessary risks.
He spends most of his time cultivating inside the Military Preparation Camp and barely takes a single step outside the city gates. Luring him out will be as difficult as climbing to heaven."
"Idiot!"
Yu Qiantong scolded impatiently, "Can’t you threaten him with the people or things he cares about?"
"Well... according to my investigation, this man seems to be an orphan, all alone in the world. He acts ruthlessly and decisively. For now... for now, we really can’t find any obvious weakness," Li Qianlang explained with a pained expression.
"Then is there nothing that can tempt him? Nothing that would make him willingly risk leaving the city?"
Yu Qiantong snorted coldly, clearly dissatisfied with Li Qianlang’s helplessness.
Li Qianlang lowered his head in silence, thinking:
’That Chen Sheng confiscated the wealth of the Gao and Huang Families one after another. The fortune he obtained is probably greater than the total accumulated by all of us water bandits over many years. How could ordinary gold and treasures possibly tempt him?’
"Useless."
Yu Qiantong shot him a look, a trace of contempt flashing in his eyes, then said sinisterly:
"For a Martial Master at the Foundation Establishment Realm, what is the most precious and irresistible thing? It’s Innate Spiritual Qi! Just send people to spread a rumor. Say that signs of ’Innate Spiritual Qi’ appearing have been spotted somewhere outside the city. The news must be made to sound convincing and then be delivered to his ears. With this as bait, there’s no way he won’t take the hook."
Innate Spiritual Qi was a rare commodity even in the Prefecture City. Here in a county town, it was a treasure sufficient to drive any Foundation Establishment Martial Master to madness. Yu Qiantong was certain that Chen Sheng would be absolutely unable to resist such a temptation.
When Li Qianlang heard this, his eyes lit up as if he had been suddenly enlightened. He quickly bowed and replied:
"The Upper Envoy is brilliant! I will go and make the arrangements at once. We will definitely make that Chen Sheng walk right into our trap!"
.....
[Basic Saber Skill Perfection (1025/2000)]
[Golden Bell Body Refining Technique Perfection (1999/2000)]
[Great Success of the Fishing Toad Force Secret Technique (390/1000)]
[Great Success of Demon-Slaying Triple Extremes Blade (670/1000)]
Military Preparation Camp. A quiet Cultivation Quiet Chamber.
Chen Sheng sat cross-legged, performing a profound Pile Skill from the Golden Bell Body Refining Technique. The qi and blood in his body flowed slowly like mercury, and a faint golden sheen circulated just beneath his skin.
More than ten days had passed in the blink of an eye since the fall of the Huang Family.
