Chapter 144: Chapter 108: Drifting for Half a Lifetime
Time trickled by in the silence.
After about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, Nie Xuanfeng finally set down the Vermilion Pen in his hand, closed the reviewed file, and placed it to the side.
The moment he looked up, an invisible yet majestic pressure, as immense as a mountain, suddenly filled the entire inner hall, weighing down heavily on Chen Sheng, who stood respectfully to the side.
At the same time, Nie Xuanfeng’s deep and imposing gaze swept over like a flash of cold lightning, followed by a question devoid of any discernible emotion, which boomed in Chen Sheng’s ears like a thunderclap:
"Chen Sheng..."
"Sir!"
"The traitor monk from Golden Spring Temple, Shanxin. According to our investigation, he carried an Exotic Treasure. The last place he was seen was in the direction of your Changshan County."
Nie Xuanfeng’s tone was placid, but every word carried immense weight. "You’ve been stationed in Changshan for a long time. Are you... aware of this matter?"
’It’s happening. Just as the Celestial Book predicted.’
Chen Sheng’s heart went cold, but he let a perfectly timed, "thoughtful" expression appear on his face. He remained silent for a moment as if steeling his resolve, then finally raised his head to meet Nie Xuanfeng’s gaze, his voice clear and firm:
"Reporting to the Governor, not only am I aware of this matter, but I also know where the traitor monk, Shanxin... is right now."
"Oh?"
A flicker of surprise, faint and fleeting, passed through the depths of Nie Xuanfeng’s eyes. He had expected the young man to instinctively try to cover up or shift blame. He never thought he would admit it so readily, and even seem to possess key information.
This was somewhat beyond his expectations.
"And where is that?"
"Over a month ago, I led my men to surround and eliminate him. He was killed within the borders of Changshan. His body... was not recovered," Chen Sheng said, his tone steady as if he were reporting a routine matter.
"Since you already killed him, why didn’t you try to conceal it? Could it be... that you’re not afraid of me demanding that so-called ’Treasure’ from you?"
Nie Xuanfeng’s tone suddenly sharpened, his oppressive aura intensifying, crashing toward Chen Sheng like a monstrous wave.
Chen Sheng stood ramrod straight, not wavering in the slightest under the immense pressure. He declared in a steady voice:
"Before the Governor, I would not dare to conceal anything. The item Shanxin carried, according to my investigation, was a wisp of rather sinister ’Red Lotus Evil Qi.’"
"If you require it, Sir, I am willing to retrieve it at once and present it to you."
"’Dare not’?"
Upon hearing this, the corner of Nie Xuanfeng’s mouth curled into a half-smile, his gaze turning analytical.
"But from what I know, you, Grand Commander Chen, have a rather domineering way of doing things in Changshan County. You’ve even earned the name ’Changshan Evil God.’ How is it that before me, you’ve become so quick to claim you ’dare not’?"
"Sir, please understand!"
Chen Sheng’s expression remained unchanged, his tone sincere. "My methods in Changshan may seem harsh, but I was forced by circumstance. Anything less would have been insufficient to deter the local powers, eliminate the scourge of the water bandits, and restore peace to the region."
"However, before the Governor, I am deeply aware of the hierarchy between superior and subordinate. I am even more grateful for your patronage, Sir. How could I dare show the slightest disrespect or deceit?"
Chen Sheng paused briefly, looking at Nie Xuanfeng with sincere eyes, and continued:
"To be honest with you, Sir, I once had the honor of receiving a sword from Captain Nie Yuanliu. Later, he did not forsake me and recommended me to you. Though I may be slow-witted, I know that Captain Nie and you, Sir, are close kinsmen."
"Given the kindness that both you and Captain Nie have shown me, if I were to still harbor deceit, would that not make me a thankless and treacherous person?"
Chen Sheng delivered this speech with heartfelt sincerity and sound reasoning. He both explained his methods in Changshan and cleverly brought up his connection to Nie Yuanliu, expressing his desire to repay their kindness.
After hearing this, Nie Xuanfeng’s eyebrow twitched, an almost imperceptible movement. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.
Inwardly, however, a sense of appreciation began to grow. ’No wonder Wu Kuang praised this young man so highly in his recommendation letter. Judging by his words and actions, he is indeed exceptional.’
’To remain composed under the pressure I deliberately applied, to answer so fluently, and to be so meticulous and grateful—these few points alone already place him above many so-called young prodigies.’
Outwardly, however, he showed none of this, merely stating flatly:
"You seem to be a perceptive man. However, your transfer to the Jingwu Bureau is indeed largely due to Yuanliu’s recommendation. As for your actual abilities and whether you can handle this responsibility, I... have yet to see."
Then, Nie Xuanfeng changed the subject, his tone becoming somewhat inscrutable:
"The Military Preparation Army is currently in great need of personnel, especially skilled Innate experts like yourself. If you feel you won’t have a chance to shine in the Jingwu Bureau, I can write a letter recommending you to General Li. I’m sure he would make great use of you."
"What... do you think?"
Chen Sheng chuckled inwardly. ’If it weren’t for the Celestial Book’s warning, I might have actually been fooled by that speech.’
’He clearly went to great lengths to snatch me from the Military Preparation Army, but now he’s acting as if he’s barely taking me in as a favor to Nie Yuanliu.’
He immediately took a deep breath, his face showing the perfect blend of "determination" and "sincerity," and replied in a heavy voice:
"Governor, if I may be so bold. I am well aware that my Cultivation is shallow and my experience is lacking. This is a time when I need to settle down and gain experience. If you would not cast me aside, Sir, I humbly request to remain in the Jingwu Bureau, to follow you."
"However, if you feel my presence in the Bureau is truly inappropriate, I will have no complaints about being transferred to serve in the Military Preparation Army. I would still be endlessly grateful to you, Sir."
Nie Xuanfeng narrowed his eyes, studying Chen Sheng carefully. That strange feeling returned.
This young man’s responses were far too calm and seasoned. Every sentence seemed to strike the perfect chord with him, leaving him with nothing to criticize. On the contrary, he felt increasingly satisfied.
"Fine..."
Nie Xuanfeng sighed as if in resignation and waved his hand.
"Since your mind is made up, it would seem ungracious of me to force you elsewhere. Very well... you may stay in the Jingwu Bureau."
"Thank you for granting my request, Sir."
A look of "great relief" and "overwhelming gratitude" instantly appeared on Chen Sheng’s face. He quickly bowed deeply, playing his part to perfection.
Nie Xuanfeng nodded slightly, then rose and began to pace slowly before his desk. With one hand behind his back and the other stroking his short beard, his brow furrowed as if he were lost in some difficult decision.
He would glance at Chen Sheng, who stood respectfully aside, then shake his head, then fall into thought. After a long moment, as if he had finally made up his mind, he stopped pacing, faced Chen Sheng, and spoke in a flat but undeniable tone:
"Hmm... Since you insist on staying, and you are the one Yuanliu so strongly recommended, I will give you an opportunity."
Nie Xuanfeng paused, his gaze as sharp as a torch, and looked at Chen Sheng.
"I had originally intended to place you as a Seventh-Grade Peacekeeper Envoy to allow you to focus on your Cultivation for a time. However, a position for Deputy Captain has just opened up. This is a Junior Sixth Grade post, but competition within the Jingwu Bureau is fierce. With your Cultivation and experience, you might struggle to win everyone over. There could be some... friction. It all depends on whether you dare to take on this great responsibility."
At these words, Chen Sheng’s head shot up. His eyes flashed with a perfectly measured "surprise" and "disbelief." He immediately bowed deeply again, his voice rising with feigned "excitement":
"I have drifted for half my life. I come from a humble background and have wasted my years, never before having met an enlightened master. Today, you have not cast me aside, Sir. You have looked past my low Cultivation and entrusted me with such a great responsibility."
"This grace, this virtue, is like being given a new life. I will do everything in my power, fulfill my duties to the utmost, to repay you for recognizing my worth."
——————
A 10,000-word update for you all. Please support me with your monthly tickets.
