Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Wind God
"The Wind God, who roams the world..."
He opened the manual, the first words leaping into view.
Flipping through page after page, Fang Xing became completely absorbed.
A long time passed before he returned to his senses.
The Wind God Step was divided into six forms!
The first form, "Chasing Shadows," was primarily a Lightweight Body Technique and the essential introduction to the Wind God Stepping Skill. One who mastered it would move with untraceable speed, as fast as a meteor.
Even the introductory level far surpassed Gale Step at the Peak of Perfection.
’Superior Martial Arts... truly on another level. This is leagues beyond Gale Step.’
Looking at the Martial Arts Manual, Fang Xing was extremely pleased.
’Those 150 Enhancement Points were well spent.’
In addition to its supreme Body Technique, the Wind God Step also contained powerful attack methods!
Aside from the introductory first form, the other five all contained immense offensive power.
It was not only a top-tier Lightweight Body Technique, but also an Attack-Defense Unity, making it even more outstanding than the Demon Suppression Skill.
Putting the manual away, Fang Xing left his room.
’There’s no rush to cultivate the Wind God Step. I have to take it slow. Cultivating Superior Martial Arts is never easy.’
Reaching the level of Great Success was extremely difficult, but for him, that wasn’t an issue.
’With my Comprehension, grasping this Martial Art won’t be difficult. It will just take some time.’
His powerful Comprehension gave him a massive advantage in understanding Martial Arts. His Root Bone only meant that the advancement of his own Cultivation would be slow.
However, the impact on him wasn’t significant!
’Comprehension and resources, combined, are enough to make up for a poor Root Bone.’
’If my Root Bone is lacking, I’ll just pile on resources!’
’With Treasure Elixirs, even with a mere Lower Grade Root Bone, I can surpass Martial Artists who have Top-Grade Root Bones.’
—
「County Yamen, North Guard Room.」
When Fang Xing arrived, everyone else was already present, including Xu Zhengxiong.
All eyes fell upon Fang Xing, their expressions transformed.
News of Fang Xing’s breakthrough to Dark Force Cultivation had spread quickly throughout the County Yamen.
In all of Qingshan County, a Dark Force Cultivation made one a master in their own right.
Even without any official status, the strength of a Dark Force Cultivation alone was enough to make someone a target of recruitment for various influential groups.
"Boss!"
"Morning, Boss!"
Everyone greeted him enthusiastically. Fang Xing nodded slightly, not putting on any arrogant airs.
’Breaking through to Dark Force was, for me, just crossing a single threshold.’
’There are plenty of Martial Artists above the Dark Force realm in Qingshan County.’
’The three great families, the four major gangs!’
’Their leaders all possess Neutralizing Force.’
Seeing Fang Xing, Xu Zhengxiong rose from his chair with a wide smile. "So, did you rest well?"
Fang Xing nodded. "Well enough. Is everything finished at Lingyuan Temple?"
"Yes." Xu Zhengxiong nodded. "It’s all over. Lingyuan Temple has been sealed, and the rest of them have been taken to the main prison."
"You earned the highest honor this time!" Xu Zhengxiong added with a sigh.
Fang Xing chuckled. "Not at all. I was just following orders. I couldn’t possibly claim the highest honor."
"You’re still as humble as ever, kid." Xu Zhengxiong chuckled, though his gaze was complicated as he looked at Fang Xing.
He still found it hard to believe that Fang Xing had reached Dark Force Cultivation. But the facts were undeniable.
He had surpassed him in cultivation, and with the credit he’d earned last night... Xu Zhengxiong had a strong feeling that Fang Xing’s career was about to soar.
At the very least, he had caught the eye of the Observatory.
His future prospects were boundless. It wasn’t even out of the question that he might join the Observatory one day.
"Well now, it’s quite lively in here!"
Just then, a voice called out, and everyone simultaneously looked toward the entrance of the guard room.
Seeing the visitor, everyone immediately fell silent and spoke in unison.
"Greetings, Lord Lin."
The voices rang out in perfect unison, and Fang Xing bowed as well.
The visitor was none other than County Magistrate Lin Zheng.
Lin Zheng entered the guard room’s main hall, swept his gaze over the crowd, gave a slight nod, and then walked over to Fang Xing.
"My lord, please have some tea." Fang Xing smiled, pouring a cup of hot tea.
Lin Zheng looked at him, patting his shoulder with an approving expression. "You did well on yesterday’s mission. Lord Shen praised you highly."
Fang Xing smiled faintly. "You flatter me, Lord Lin. I simply followed orders well."
Lin Zheng chuckled. "You know, kid, I never would have guessed. You reached Dark Force without anyone noticing."
"Just a stroke of luck," Fang Xing replied.
"’Luck’..." Lin Zheng sighed. "Reaching Dark Force at your age means you have a great chance of reaching Neutralizing Force in the future."
"You praise me too highly, my lord. I wouldn’t dare dream of Neutralizing Force yet," Fang Xing said humbly.
From the side, Xu Zhengxiong asked, "My lord, is there a reason for your visit?"
Lin Zheng nodded. "Yes, there is. Lord Zhang wants to see Fang Xing. There might be a reassignment."
"Is he getting promoted?!"
Xu Zhengxiong was stunned, and the others were dumbfounded. All eyes snapped to Fang Xing.
Fang Xing remained calm under their stares. ’A change in my position doesn’t mean much to me, but of course, a step up is always better.’
"Fang Xing, come with me. The two lords are waiting," Lin Zheng said.
Fang Xing nodded and followed Lin Zheng out of the main hall of the guard room.
As they watched the pair’s departing backs, the guard room exploded into chaos.
’He’s ascending to the heavens in a single step... The gap between us is growing wider and wider...’ Xu Le sighed inwardly.
He had never imagined Fang Xing could progress so quickly.
It had only been a few months. Such an astonishing transformation was something he wouldn’t have dared to dream of!
It wasn’t just the career change. Fang Xing’s strength had suddenly made him the third most powerful person in the County Yamen, even stronger than the four Constables.
Listening to the others’ discussions, Xu Le was momentarily lost in a daze.
For him, Dark Force was a realm he could only dream of reaching!
But now, Fang Xing had already taken that step.
Even though he already knew it, his heart was still filled with profound shock.
—
「County Yamen, Rear Courtyard.」
Following Lin Zheng, Fang Xing arrived in front of the main hall.
Upon entering the main hall, he immediately saw County Magistrate Zhang Chen and Shen Ye.
"Greetings, Lord Shen, Lord Zhang!"
Fang Xing bowed with clasped hands.
County Magistrate Zhang Chen looked at Fang Xing and smiled. "You’re here. No need for formalities. Please, sit."
Fang Xing nodded and then sat on a nearby chair.
The two lords’ eyes fell on him, sizing him up. Shen Ye smiled. "Fang Xing, I have you to thank this time. Otherwise, I’m afraid that Cult Leader would have gotten away."
"You’re too kind, my lord. I only did what little I could."
"Credit where it’s due. And I will remember you," Shen Ye said, looking at him meaningfully.
Hearing this, Fang Xing looked back at him and said, "If you ever need my assistance in the future, Lord Shen, you have only to command."
Shen Ye laughed heartily and stood. "Good. If the need arises, I certainly will. Time is short, so I must take my leave. I’ll visit again when I have the chance."
Fang Xing stood and bowed with clasped hands. "I will see you off, Lord Shen."
Shen Ye nodded lightly and then left.
After watching Shen Ye depart, Fang Xing looked away. Lin Zheng and Zhang Chen did the same, turning their attention back to Fang Xing.
"You summoned me, my lord. May I ask for what reason?" Fang Xing asked, looking toward County Magistrate Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen sat down and looked at him. "Fang Xing, you are a man of talent. You’ve earned great merit by assisting the Observatory, and I intend to help you advance. What are your thoughts?"
’Advance...’
’Could he be planning to promote me to Constable?!’
’But all four Constable positions are filled. If I get promoted, someone has to be demoted.’
’Among the Constables, I’m on the best terms with Xu Zhengxiong. The worst is definitely Yang Bo from the East City District.’
The thoughts flashed through Fang Xing’s mind. He looked at Zhang Chen and said, "This humble subordinate has no plans of his own. I will follow your arrangements, my lord."
Hearing this, Zhang Chen smiled. "What are your thoughts on the current state of Qingshan County?"
??
Fang Xing was taken aback. He looked at Zhang Chen. "Which aspect are you referring to, my lord?"
Zhang Chen looked at him. "Public order."
’Public order...’
Fang Xing pondered for a moment before replying, "I think the public order in Qingshan County is acceptable."
Zhang Chen stared at him, his expression serious. "If I were to put you in charge of Qingshan County’s public order, would you be confident?"
’Me, in charge?!’
Stunned, Fang Xing looked at him in disbelief. "My lord, I’m afraid I don’t understand."
Zhang Chen took a sip of tea. "What I mean is, do you want the position of Chief Constable?"
’Chief Constable!’
