151: Aftermath

Three days later, Jiuqu Prefecture City.

Outside the vermilion gates of the Prefectural Governors Mansion and the Educational Administration Office, two notices stamped with bright red official seals were posted side-by-side; the ink was fresh, making them particularly eye-catching in the morning light.

The notice on the left detailed the White Lotus Sect rebels' surprise attack and the horrific "Drill Ground Bloodbath" that occurred on the day of the Martial Examination in a solemn tone, denouncing the evil cult's crimes of harming the country and its people and slaughtering talented individuals, and announced the preliminary casualty count: over three hundred dead or injured, including twenty-seven candidates and over two hundred spectators, servants, and army guards. The imperial court had ordered a province-wide manhunt for the involved rebels and allocated funds for compensation.

The notice on the right shifted its tone, using stirring words to commend the outstanding young Martial Artists who remained calm in the face of danger, fought bravely against the enemy, protected their comrades, and broke the evil Formation during this sudden disaster. Names were solemnly listed one by one:

"Yangwei Martial Arts Hall Disciple Chen Linsheng, amidst the shroud of the evil Formation and the rampage of Blood Puppets, perceived the Formation's weakness. Joining forces with Mu Qingxue and Han Tie, he resolutely destroyed the northeastern Formation base and dismantled the evil Formation, performing a great service. He is specially granted the title of 'gallant protector,' enjoying the honor of not needing to bow before officials, and the right to choose any Low Grade Spirit Rank Martial Skill or equivalent resources from the prefecture treasury."

"Mu Qingxue of the Qiushui Sword Sect and Han Tie of the Northern Border Army assisted in breaking the Formation with courage and determination. Each is awarded a refined weapon and a hundred Spirit Stones."

"Yan Chen of the Blazing Sun Martial Arts Hall, despite being heavily injured, fought back with all his might and incinerated the Blood Puppets. He is awarded a portion of the sacred healing medicine, 'Jade Marrow Flesh-Regenerating Ointment'."

"Lei Hao and Shi Poyue of the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall... Yu Linfeng of the Prefectural Governors Mansion, Lin Yueru of the Lin Family, Xu Wangshu of Tingtao Academy, Nangong Lie of the Nangong Family, Liu Suifeng of the Tianfeng Sect... a total of twenty-three people formed a Formation to protect themselves and rescue their comrades amidst the chaos, showing extraordinary performance. Each is credited with one merit, awarded a hundred taels of silver, and will be given priority in the final round of the Martial Examination."

The area in front of the notices was crowded with commoners and Martial Artists, their discussions buzzing.

"Chen Linsheng! It's him again! He tied with Yan Chen at the Hidden Dragon Banquet, excelled in the literary portion of the Martial Examination, and now he's the primary contributor to breaking the Formation!"

"The 'gallant protector' title! Although it carries no real power, it's an immense honor. He doesn't have to bow to officials, and ordinary Yamen Runners wouldn't dare provoke him lightly."

"Choosing any Low Grade Spirit Rank Martial Skill or resource from the prefecture treasury... This reward is too generous! How many families have sought this in vain!"

"A pity for the Martial Examination, so many people died... But the court is fair enough, rewarding those who deserve it and compensating those who suffered."

"A simplified practical combat in ten days, limited to the top eight? Well, there must be a result."

...The small courtyard in Yuqian Lane.

Chen Linsheng's right palm was wrapped in clean gauze, and his face was still somewhat pale, but his eyes were clear. He quietly listened to the contents of the notice that Shi Poyue had brought back. He didn't feel much joy; instead, his brow furrowed slightly.

"Junior Brother Chen, are you not happy?" Shi Poyue scratched his head.

"Too many people died." Chen Linsheng sighed softly. "This merit is stained with blood. The White Lotus Sect... their intentions are truly damnable."

Su Wan brought over the medicinal soup and said softly, "A Sheng, it's already a great blessing that you survived and even saved many people. The imperial court's rewards are what you deserve; you don't need to be too troubled by it."

Chen Linsheng took the bowl and drank it in one gulp. The bitterness spread across his tongue, but it cleared his mind.

He nodded. "I understand. I just feel that this 'gallant protector' title and the rewards will likely attract more attention. It's hard to say if it's a blessing or a curse."

"You're worried that..." Su Wan was clever and understood immediately.

"A tall tree catches the wind." Chen Linsheng looked out the window. "The White Lotus Sect suffered significant losses this time; they certainly won't let this go. And within the imperial court, various factions are intricately intertwined. As a 'Hunyuan Successor' who suddenly emerged and took the primary credit for breaking the Formation, I'm afraid I've already caught the eye of certain people."

He paused and asked, "Senior Brother, is there any news from Master? How are the Hall Master and the other senior and Junior Brothers and sisters?"

Shi Poyue hurriedly said, "The Hall Master suffered some internal injuries and is recuperating. Junior Brother Di and Junior Sister Liu's injuries are a bit more serious, but their lives are not in danger. The other Junior Brothers and sisters mostly have superficial wounds and have been properly settled. The Hall Master told me to tell you to recover well and to be careful during the Martial Examination in ten days. He feels... there's more to this matter."

Chen Linsheng's gaze narrowed slightly, and he nodded... Prefectural Governors Mansion, back hall secret room.

The candlelight flickered, casting two shadows onto the wall.

The Supervising Eunuch, Eunuch Cao, was slowly sipping fragrant tea. Opposite him, Ling Feng stood solemnly in dark blue martial attire.

"Ling Feng," Eunuch Cao put down his teacup, his voice high-pitched and flat. "In this White Lotus Sect uprising, you deployed the Pojun Guard and reacted quickly, cooperating with my people to finally crush the rebels. Your contribution cannot be overlooked. When I return to the capital, I will naturally report this to Your Majesty."

"It was my duty; I dare not take credit." Ling Feng bowed his head, his tone respectful but distant.

"Mhm." Eunuch Cao's finger lightly tapped the armrest of the red sandalwood chair. Suddenly, he changed the subject. "That Chen Linsheng... what do you think of him?"

Ling Feng's heart tightened slightly, but he remained calm on the surface. "This boy is exceptionally talented, has a steady temperament, and possesses a Foundation of rare strength. More impressively, he remains calm in danger, is both brave and resourceful, and was able to perceive the key points within the evil Formation to break it together with others. He is indeed a promising talent."

"Just a promising talent?" Eunuch Cao's narrow eyes glanced at Ling Feng. "I see him as more than that. To achieve such things at such a young age... Have you investigated his background? Is he really just a mountain herb gatherer?"

Ling Feng pondered for a moment and said, "I have conducted multiple investigations. Chen Linsheng is indeed from Qinghe County. His mother died early, and his father and brother died on the battlefield. He learned to identify herbs from a couple who gathered herbs since childhood and showed no extraordinary traits before the age of sixteen. Later, he joined the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall by chance to learn the Hunyuan Pile Posture Technique. Unexpectedly, he gained a bit of spiritual insight from it and comprehended the Hunyuan True Body. His background is clean, and he has no connection to the White Lotus Sect or other rebels. In this Martial Examination, he stood resolutely against the evil cult; his ambition is commendable."

He clearly stated the explanation he had prepared long ago, which was half-truth and half-lie, yet stood up to scrutiny.

Eunuch Cao listened quietly, his fingers fiddling with the black jade prayer beads in his sleeve, saying nothing.

In the secret room, there was only the occasional crackle of the candle wick.

After a long time, Eunuch Cao finally spoke slowly, "A clean background, exceptional talent, and loyal to the court... It sounds like he's a good seedling worth cultivating."

He looked up, his gaze seemingly deep with meaning. "However, the wind will break the tallest tree in the forest. He has gained too much prominence this time and possesses the secrets of the Hunyuan Legacy. I'm afraid his path ahead will be difficult."

Ling Feng's expression turned solemn. "What do you mean, Eunuch?"

"I don't mean anything special." Eunuch Cao stood up and paced to the window, looking at the heavy night outside. "I'm just reminding you, and reminding him. The court is currently in need of talent, and Your Majesty is thirsty for it. But the waters in the capital are deep, and various factions are vying for power. Some legacies and some people, if exposed to the sunlight too early, may not find it a blessing."

He turned around and looked at Ling Feng. "In the simplified Martial Examination in ten days, let him perform well. Afterward... there might be new arrangements. You may go now. Comfort that boy well and tell him that as long as his heart is with the court, Your Majesty will not mistreat a meritorious official."

"This official understands." Ling Feng bowed and withdrew from the secret room.

The door closed, and Eunuch Cao stood alone by the window, the black jade prayer beads in his hand slowly turning.

He whispered to himself, his voice barely audible, "Hunyuan Martial Dao... the Legacy of Old Ancestor Chen Tuan... It disappeared for a hundred years, yet it appears now of all times... A coincidence? Or... is someone playing a game of chess?"

A sharp light flashed in his eyes, then immediately vanished into the deep, pond-like calm.

"Very well, the chess piece has been placed. Let's see how this game proceeds. Chen Linsheng... I hope you truly are a fine blade, rather than... kindling that burns itself out."

The night grew deeper, heavily enveloping the Prefectural Governors Mansion.

And the final round of the Martial Examination in ten days, as well as the looming ripples afterward, were quietly brewing in this silent night.