Chapter 143: Chapter 108: Drifting for Half a Lifetime (Part 2)
With Chen Sheng’s current strength, he had a real chance of acquiring this item.
In addition, there was an old grudge to settle: Gao Yuanzhao, the last remnant of the Gao Family.
Chen Sheng had always believed in eliminating threats completely, leaving no loose ends. As long as this person lived, it would be a thorn in his side and a fishbone in his throat; there was no guarantee he wouldn’t cause trouble in the future.
Therefore, his goals for this trip to the Prefecture City were clear and simple:
The Han Family’s lotus, the Blood Spirit Jade Marrow, and the last of the Gao Family. He was determined to succeed in all three matters.
...
Changshan County was hundreds of miles from Ning’an Prefecture City. Even riding at a full gallop without stopping, Chen Sheng and his group didn’t see the outline of the majestic, imposing city walls until noon the next day.
「Outside the Jingwu Bureau Office in Ning’an Prefecture City」
After announcing their arrival, Chen Sheng had Li Huai Sheng and the others wait quietly with him outside the gate.
Li Huai Sheng, Yan Ming, and the others were all stunned by the sheer power the Jingwu Bureau displayed.
Flanking the imposing main gate were two guards with steady auras and sharp gazes. Judging by the fluctuations of their vital energy, they were both skilled fighters at the mid-Foundation Establishment, Bone Forging realm.
Yan Ming was particularly struck by this.
Back in Changshan County, a Bone Forging Martial Master was a prominent figure, qualified enough to serve as a commander in the Military Preparation Camp.
But here, they were merely relegated to guard duty.
’Any trace of complacency he had felt from breaking through to the Bone Forging realm vanished in an instant. He now keenly understood the vast difference between the Prefecture City and a mere county—it was like the difference between the clouds and the mud.’
’His meager cultivation was truly nothing in a place like this, teeming with hidden masters.’
Xu Shenzhi, on the other hand, remained composed.
He was from the Prefecture City, after all, and had long heard of the Jingwu Bureau’s power and influence.
This Government Office held immense authority, operating independently of the local military and political systems. It was exclusively responsible for monitoring, apprehending, and suppressing lawless martial artists and demonic practitioners. It wielded considerable deterrent power, even against the Major Sects in the Prefecture City with their long-standing legacies.
’What truly surprised him was that Chen Sheng had been directly transferred into the Jingwu Bureau.’
’Normally, when a commander from a local Military Preparation Camp performed great deeds, they were either laterally transferred or promoted into the ranks of the Ning’an Military Preparation Army. A cross-departmental transfer into the Jingwu Bureau, an organization with such special authority, was no simple matter.’
’This only strengthened his conviction that Chen Sheng must have a powerful backer.’
"Commander Chen, the Lord Governor has summoned you. Please follow me to the inner hall."
The guard who had announced them hurried back, bowing respectfully. He then looked at the people behind Chen Sheng and said, "The rest of you, please wait here."
"Thank you for your trouble," Chen Sheng said, returning the bow with cupped hands.
"Not at all."
The guard quickly stepped aside, his demeanor humble.
In front of a Foundation Establishment Martial Master, he could still maintain a semblance of dignity by relying on his status as a member of the Jingwu Bureau. But before an Innate Powerhouse, he wouldn’t dare show the slightest bit of arrogance.
Chen Sheng gave a slight nod and stepped through the main gate of the Jingwu Bureau.
The moment he entered, Chen Sheng keenly sensed how different this place was from the outside world, and even from the Changshan County Government Office.
From the outside, the Jingwu Bureau Office looked simple and understated, not even as grand as the Changshan County Government Office.
But the interior was another world entirely. The space was vast, paved with bluestone, and lined with imposing pillars. The layout exuded a cold, hard, and murderous aura.
Even more striking was the smell in the air.
It was a strange mixture: the faint scent of blood, the calming fragrance of sandalwood, and a biting, deadly intent forged from iron and fire. The three intertwined to create a unique atmosphere that unconsciously put one on edge.
Along the way, he saw Jingwu Guards dressed in uniform dark, patterned armor. Every one of them walked with purpose, their expressions cold and their gazes as sharp as eagles. They all emanated the honed aura of seasoned veterans.
As he walked, Chen Sheng’s thoughts stirred. He once again visualized the Celestial Book of [Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil] in his mind. The warning text that had appeared on it yesterday surfaced clearly:
[My name is Chen Sheng, and by the time you read this, I...]
’Looking at the prophetic content, the corners of Chen Sheng’s mouth lifted. He already had a clear countermeasure in mind.’
Before long, the guard led Chen Sheng to the outside of an even quieter and more solemn inner hall.
Above the hall hung a plaque with gold characters on a black background. On it were four large characters written in a magnificent, sweeping script that seemed to carry immense power: "Jingwu Over the World." Each stroke seemed to contain an invisible sharpness and a heavy pressure that inspired awe in all who looked upon it.
"Commander Chen, the Lord Governor is inside. Please, go in."
The escorting guard bowed, gestured for him to enter, and then quietly retreated to the side.
"Thank you."
Chen Sheng took a deep breath, quickly composed himself, and adjusted his aura to its optimal state. Only then did he walk with a steady gait over the high threshold and into the inner hall.
The light in the hall was somewhat dim, and the layout was simple yet stately and solemn. His gaze immediately fell upon the figure seated behind a large red sandalwood desk at the head of the room.
The middle-aged man was dressed in the standard martial robes of a high-ranking Jingwu Bureau official. Embroidered on his robes with dark gold thread was a lifelike, roaring bear, symbolizing his noble status as a Governor.
He had a square face, slightly dark skin, and thick eyebrows that gave him an air of natural authority. At that moment, he was focused on reviewing a scroll in his hand, seemingly unaware of Chen Sheng’s entrance.
Chen Sheng’s heart tightened. He instantly knew this man was the Standard Fifth-Grade Governor of the Ning’an Prefecture’s Jingwu Bureau—Nie Xuanfeng!
After entering the hall, Chen Sheng did not speak to disturb him. Instead, he followed official etiquette, silently walking to the side of the desk, where he stood respectfully with his hands at his sides, waiting quietly.
He knew very well that Governor Nie’s assessment of him had begun the moment he took his first step into this hall. Any trace of impatience or restlessness would not escape the man’s notice.
