Chapter 213: Chapter 137: Iron-Fisted Domination, Sparing No Face
Inside the Song Mansion, the festive and noisy atmosphere from moments ago had vanished completely. In its place was an oppressive silence and a spreading tension.
The guests wore varied expressions, whispering to one another as their gazes darted between the entrance and the ceremonial platform.
If only a few officials from the Jingwu Bureau had shown up, it might have been explained away as them stopping by to offer congratulations while off duty.
But judging by the commotion outside, there were at least a hundred of them. It was obvious they were here for trouble.
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
Just as everyone was reeling in shock and suspicion, a series of sharp whooshes from clothes cutting through the air shattered the silence.
Agile figures in Profound Armor shot out from behind the surrounding walls and rooftops. Their movements were swift and precise. Within moments, over a hundred Jingwu Guards, armed with powerful crossbows and sharp blades at their waists, had taken up positions on the walls, roofs, and even the branches of the tall trees around the Song Mansion.
In an instant, a silent, murderous aura, one born from countless battlefields and a familiarity with death, filled the air.
Even more alarmingly, several figures whose auras were clearly far more powerful appeared silently in key locations. They wore the distinctive uniforms of Peacekeeper Envoys and had sealed off all possible escape routes.
These men were not from Chen Sheng’s G Camp. Instead, he had temporarily requisitioned them from other camps.
Given his current prestige, most people in the Jingwu Bureau respected him and were willing to follow his orders.
This scene only solidified what many were thinking.
The Jingwu Bureau was definitely here to make trouble.
But even knowing this, the vast majority of guests were in the mood to watch a show. They were eager to see just how the Song Family’s engagement party would end.
「Outside the Song Family’s main gate.」
Dozens of Song Family disciples retreated continuously, their faces tense. Before them, squad after squad of Jingwu Guards surged forward, each holding a weapon with a grim expression.
At their center was a young man dressed in the embroidered official robes of the Jingwu Bureau.
He had a stern expression, a powerful build with a narrow waist, and a long, ink-black saber at his side. He exuded an intimidating, unapproachable aura. It was none other than Chen Sheng of the Jingwu Bureau.
With every step Chen Sheng took, the Song Family members took a step back. They exchanged glances, but no one dared to draw their weapon or even shout a reprimand. They could only keep retreating.
At the head table, Wang Zilan watched the scene, her gaze fixed on Chen Sheng. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she sighed inwardly.
’Compared to when we met at the Changshan County Government Office, the Chen Sheng of today has undergone an earth-shattering transformation. Back then, even though he had reached the Innate realm, I didn’t think much of it.’
’I merely maintained the proper etiquette when we met.’
’After all, a mere Chaoyuan realm Martial Master wasn’t important enough for me to go out of my way to befriend him.’
’But I never expected that just a few months later, he would shoot up the ranks, getting promoted to a position in the Prefecture City’s Jingwu Bureau. He even suppressed the entire younger generation of the Iron Sword Sect all by himself,’
’earning him the title of the number one expert below the Earth Fiend realm.’
’Now, while he isn’t entirely out of my league, the difficulty of getting close to him has increased tenfold.’
Whenever she thought about it, Wang Zilan felt a pang of regret.
Her fiancé, Lu Maozhi, noticed the strange look in her eyes. His gaze shifted slightly.
"Zhilan, you know this man?"
"We’ve met once. We’re not close."
Wang Zilan shook her head slightly, unwilling to explain further.
Lu Maozhi nodded. He didn’t press the matter, instead watching Chen Sheng with great interest. He wanted to see for himself what was so special about this man known as the strongest below the Earth Fiend realm.
On the platform, the moment Gao Qilin saw Chen Sheng, hatred surged in his heart. ’After all, if it weren’t for this man, how could the Gao Family have been wiped out?’
’If it weren’t for him, how could my father have died?’
’If my father hadn’t died, with his Earth Fiend realm Cultivation, he would have provided me with countless resources for my own training.’
But after the hatred came a deep, pervading fear that filled Gao Qilin’s heart.
He knew all too well that Chen Sheng was undoubtedly here for him. And it seemed he had no room to negotiate.
"So, it is Deputy Captain Chen of G Camp, here in person to offer congratulations! This is truly an honor for my Song Family. I have long heard of Deputy Captain Chen’s great name but never had the chance to meet you. Seeing you today, you are truly as imposing and impressive as the rumors say."
Patriarch Song, Song Renyi, descended from the platform to greet him, a warm smile on his face.
Although he knew their intentions were hostile, he couldn’t say so before they spoke. Instead, he positioned himself as the weaker party, treating them with courtesy.
"Clan Leader Song, you’re too kind."
Chen Sheng smiled, then flicked a piece of Broken Silver. It embedded itself in the lintel of the Song Family’s gate.
"This is my congratulatory gift. I hope Clan Leader Song doesn’t find it too paltry."
Song Renyi’s face stiffened. He suppressed the anger in his heart and forced a smile.
"Of course not. The fact that Deputy Captain Chen could come is a great honor for the Song Family. Please, take a seat at the head table."
"There’s no need for that. Now that the gift has been delivered, I have official business to attend to."
Chen Sheng smiled and waved his hand.
At his side, Xu Shenzhi immediately stepped forward. His gaze locked onto Gao Qilin on the platform as he spoke in a cold voice:
"Gao Qilin! Your father, Gao Yuanzhao, colluded with the water bandits of the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance with the intent to rebel! We have both witnesses and evidence. Surrender without a fight and come with us to the Jingwu Bureau to confess your crimes!"
Gao Qilin’s face went pale. He hadn’t expected them to be so direct. He hurriedly tried to defend himself:
"My father went missing several months ago! Whatever he did has nothing to do with me."
"Whether it has anything to do with you isn’t for you to decide."
