Chapter 173: Chapter 173: Shock
News of Chen Ping’an breaking into the Inner Qi Realm and preparing for his transfer to White Stone City as the Deputy Commander spread with incredible speed to the ears of the Mu Family’s upper echelon.
"The Inner Qi Realm? He broke through so quickly!?"
"He was in the Qi Blood Realm just a few days ago, and now he’s already at the Inner Qi Realm! How did he do it!?"
"Does he not have any bottlenecks when Breaking Realm?!"
"Perhaps we truly need to re-evaluate his talent!"
"..."
The upper echelon of the Mu Family no longer held any of their previous doubts or uncertainties about Chen Ping’an’s talent. To be able to step into the Inner Qi Realm in his early twenties—such aptitude was enough to be called genius!
"He’s only in his early twenties and already at the Inner Qi Realm! He still has more than nine years until he’s thirty!"
"Maybe... Wan Jun was right. He really might have a chance to get on the Rising Star Chart!"
"..."
The Mu Family’s leaders all had to revise their perception of Chen Ping’an.
"Should we send someone to recruit him?"
A Clan Elder cautiously suggested, looking as if he were about to eat his own words.
"We can try. But let’s have Wan Jun talk to him first! If it’s appropriate, the matter of a marriage alliance can be put back on the table. What do you all think?"
"That makes sense. I agree."
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
"..."
「...」
The Mu Family was highly efficient. They quickly found Mu Wanjun, hoping she would represent the family in making a formal offer to recruit him and revisit the previous matter of a marriage alliance.
Mu Wanjun was disheartened by her family’s fickleness.
But they were her family, after all. In the end, Mu Wanjun went to see Chen Ping’an and conveyed the Mu Family’s intention to recruit him.
"Wan Jun, I’m still young. For now, I have no intention of aligning myself with any Noble Family."
Chen Ping’an replied earnestly.
"Yes, I understand."
Mu Wanjun completely understood Chen Ping’an’s choice. Considering everything he had been through and the Mu Family’s reactions, if she were in his shoes, she would probably be disappointed in the Mu Family as well.
"If you change your mind later, you can let me know."
After all, blood is thicker than water. For the sake of her family, Mu Wanjun still left him with that parting remark.
When Mu Wanjun reported Chen Ping’an’s response back to the Clan Elders, their reactions were varied.
Just as the Mujia Elders were discussing whether to intensify their efforts to recruit Chen Ping’an, a major event occurred within the Mu Family.
The moment this news broke, all of Weishui was shaken!
Mu Feiyu of the Mu Family had successfully achieved a Breaking Realm, advancing in one fell swoop to the Third Stage of Inner Qi, the Celestial Rain Falling Realm!
For Mu Feiyu to enter the Celestial Rain Falling Realm at his age meant he had an excellent chance of making it onto the Rising Star Chart.
It seemed that Weishui County City might finally produce another prodigy for the Rising Star Chart, the first since Liu Ziming.
Mu Feiyu’s breakthrough swept away the Mu Family’s recent decline, and their prestige was now approaching that of the Liu Family.
In Canglong Province, the Rising Star Chart was updated every three months.
There were less than two months until the next edition of the Rising Star Chart was released.
Whether Mu Feiyu could accumulate enough battle records and notable achievements before the new list was published was the Mu Family’s greatest concern at the moment.
The Mu Family’s attention on Chen Ping’an rapidly faded, and the matter of recruiting him was no longer mentioned.
Geniuses appeared from time to time. Although rare, it wasn’t impossible for the Mu Family to recruit one if they invested heavily. But a prodigy like Mu Feiyu, who could make it onto the Rising Star Chart, was a rare opportunity that couldn’t be sought out.
Besides, he was one of their own blood.
The difference in importance between the two was clear at a glance.
「...」
"Celestial Rain Falling on the Crown! Mu Feiyu has broken through? That’s quite something for the Mu Family."
Chen Ping’an, enjoying a rare moment of leisure, sat on the second floor of a tavern, gazing out the window at the street scene below.
He had essentially finished handing over his duties at the South City Prison. After his transfer was confirmed, the South Town Garrison Command sent a Deputy Supervisor from the Task Room to take over his position. For that Deputy Supervisor, being promoted from a deputy to the head of an institution was an extremely rare opportunity.
The man was naturally diligent and thorough during the handover with Chen Ping’an. Furthermore, considering Chen Ping’an’s future rank, he was exceptionally polite throughout the process.
With his transfer imminent, Chen Ping’an had also taken the time to gather with some old friends over the past few days.
People like Shen Shikang and Tian Fuliang.
From temporary constable, to registered official constable, to Preparatory Constable, then Constable, Inspectorate, Candidate for Chief Constable, and now Deputy Commander...
"Shock" was no longer enough to describe how they felt about Chen Ping’an’s rocket-like promotion speed.
A Deputy Commander in his early twenties was simply unimaginable!
Who could have imagined that their former subordinate had already become a figure they had to look up to!
"Lord Chen, if you ever have time to return to Weishui County City in the future, you must call on me. We’ll have another proper get-together!"
Shen Shikang said deferentially, raising his wine cup with a humble tone.
Chen Ping’an didn’t put on any airs, smiling as he returned the toast.
When it came to Tian Fuliang, Chen Ping’an also smiled and chatted for a bit.
The man who was once addressed as "Lord Tian" now felt immensely honored just to be called "Fuliang."
"Lord Chen, I wish you a smooth journey! And a prosperous official career!"
Tian Fuliang congratulated him respectfully, his expression completely gentle.
"The same to you! Hahaha..."
Chen Ping’an laughed.
Besides Shen Shikang, Tian Fuliang, and the others, Chen Ping’an also had a gathering with some of the core management from the South City Prison. People like Constable Min were extremely deferential, spending the entire banquet offering congratulations and trying to curry favor.
People like them, who made their way in the Governor System, were all shrewd individuals. Although Chen Ping’an’s transfer meant he was leaving the South City Prison, he would still be under the direct jurisdiction of the Weishui Garrison. He was going to a small city to become one of its giants.
To have reached such a position at his current age, his future prospects were simply unimaginable.
Given enough time, they wouldn’t even be surprised if Chen Ping’an took the position of Vice Commander of the Outer City Garrison.
Since they had the good fortune to have once served under such a Prison Chief, how could they possibly pass up an opportunity to leave a good impression!
Perhaps... one day in the future, this connection could become their ticket to a promotion.
Chen Ping’an also made a special trip back to Nanquan Lane to see Monkey Head, Da Shan, Old Qin, and the others. He naturally had to take care of his old acquaintances.
As for Monkey Head and Da Shan, he had pulled some strings long ago to get them registered as official constables. Currently, they were both Squad Leaders of an official Stewardess unit.
However, their aptitude for the Martial Dao was limited. Even though they had been fortunate enough to begin their Martial Dao Cultivation with his help, their future achievements would be limited. Therefore, Chen Ping’an didn’t plan to take them with him to his post in White Stone City.
Perhaps staying here was the best arrangement for them!
Being registered constables was enough to bring honor to their families.
Regarding the two of them, Chen Ping’an also made a special request to Mu Wanjun, asking her to look after them. Mu Wanjun readily agreed to this.
Later, when the time was right, she would have them transferred to the South Town Garrison Command to be groomed for advancement.
Besides asking Mu Wanjun to look after them, Chen Ping’an also prepared a special farewell gift for Mr. Qin.
After an evaluation by the South Town Garrison Command, Mr. Qin was promoted to the position of Preparatory Constable!
This Preparatory Constable was not a substantive position, but a nominal one. It was a title that came with no actual authority.
But for Mr. Qin, it was perfect. He was getting old and was about to retire. The benefits of retiring from the position of a Preparatory Constable were worlds apart from retiring as an ordinary official constable.
Moreover, with the status of a Preparatory Constable, it would likely make Mr. Qin’s future days much smoother.
As a veteran constable of many years, Mr. Qin’s Martial Arts Realm and Merit had long been sufficient. Chen Ping’an had only given the matter a little push and hadn’t expended much effort.
But... sometimes, that final little push is all that’s needed. With that little push, the final outcome of one’s destiny can undergo an earth-shattering change.
