95: Special Envoy Ling

After several days of secluded cultivation in the riverbed Immortal Cave, Chen Linsheng not only stabilized his surging cultivation but also initiated his training in the White Crane Wind and Cloud Song, taking his Movement Technique speed and flexibility to a new level.

Su Wan acted as a Protector by his side and also benefited greatly from the environment rich in Spiritual Qi; her circulation of the Plain Heart Art became increasingly smooth.

When they emerged from seclusion, both felt refreshed and invigorated.

Returning to the residence in the west of the city, the afternoon sun was bright, and the small courtyard was peaceful and serene, feeling worlds away from the blood and slaughter of the past month.

Seeing the two return, Aunt Zhang happily began preparing a meal, while Big Ox Zhang smiled honestly, put down the stone lock he was polishing, and stepped forward to respectfully greet them, "Brother A Sheng, Sister Wan'er."

After the meal, seeing Su Wan's Qi was full and her eyes were clear, Chen Linsheng knew she had reached the threshold of a Breakthrough and signaled for her to calm her mind and regulate her breathing in the courtyard.

He stood to the side, using his meticulous control over blood and Qi to softly point out several key points for the circulation of the Plain Heart Art.

"Wan'er, concentrate and calm your mind. Lead the blood and Qi through the 'Shanzhong', around the 'Lingxu', and return it to the Qi Sea. Cycle it repeatedly, neither too fast nor too slow..."

Su Wan followed his instructions, sitting cross-legged with her eyes closed, as her Aura gradually settled and condensed.

Her talent was already extraordinary, and with Chen Linsheng's careful guidance and the nourishment of the Immortal Cave's Spiritual Qi, the previously somewhat sluggish blood and Qi pathways suddenly opened up under Chen Linsheng's precise pointers.

Her breathing gradually became long and steady, and a faint, almost imperceptible airflow surrounded her. Her face was rosy, and a faint glow seemed to flow beneath her skin.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, her Aura suddenly contracted and then relaxed again, becoming even more pure and condensed.

She slowly opened her eyes, a flash of joy in them: "A Sheng, I... I think I've made a Breakthrough!"

Chen Linsheng sensed her blood and Qi circulating as easily as her own limbs, smooth and harmonious, far exceeding before. He nodded and smiled, "Not bad, your Plain Heart Art has reached the realm of Minor Achievement. Now your control over your own blood and Qi is even more exquisite; whether in cultivation or facing an enemy, you will have more confidence."

Feeling the surging yet docile blood and Qi within her, Su Wan was filled with a sense of accomplishment, and her gaze toward Chen Linsheng was full of reliance and gratitude.

Seeing Su Wan's rapid progress, Chen Linsheng's heart stirred. He took out a thin booklet from his robe, with the words "Willow Leaf Saber Technique" written on the cover in delicate yet sharp characters.

"Wan'er, your defensive stance with the Soft Cloud Nine Strikes is already solid, and your Plain Heart Art has also advanced to Minor Achievement. It's time to Cultivate a weapon technique." Chen Linsheng handed the booklet over. "This Willow Leaf Saber Technique is something I got from... well, from the last harvest. It's a mortal grade High Grade Martial Skill. The Moves are nimble and soft, and the force is tricky, which is perfect for a woman to Cultivate and also matches the style of your Plain Heart Art."

Su Wan took the Secret Manual and opened it, immediately attracted by the exquisite saber Moves within.

This saber technique was indeed as light and elegant as a willow leaf, yet it also hid a sharpness that could cut through iron like butter. Even with just a cursory glance, she found herself liking it very much.

"Thank you, A Sheng!"

She gave a sweet smile and couldn't wait to start practicing on the open ground in the courtyard according to the diagrams.

Chen Linsheng stood by with his hands behind his back, occasionally offering pointers: "Keep the wrist flexible, the power is at the fingertips, and the intent precedes the blade... This Move, 'Willow Catkins Following the Wind', focuses on 'following'. You need to borrow the enemy's momentum rather than resisting it head-on..."

Su Wan's Comprehension Ability was extremely high, and coupled with the great increase in her self-control after reaching Minor Achievement in the Plain Heart Art, she could often quickly grasp the essence with just a little guidance from Chen Linsheng. Holding a tree branch in place of a willow leaf saber, her figure flitted about. As she danced, she already possessed the charm of flying willow leaves that could penetrate anywhere. The saber light (shadow of the branch) flashed, and within the nimbleness, there was a sharp Aura that could not be underestimated.

Aunt Zhang sat under the eaves, doing needlework while watching the well-matched pair in the courtyard, her face filled with a gratified smile.

Big Ox Zhang also watched intently, his honest face full of envy and yearning.

Seeing this, Chen Linsheng smiled and went into the house. He took out several common iron weapons and a few sets of well-tanned leather armor that he had picked out from the Black Mountain Gang's treasury and spoils, which he didn't need, and handed them to Big Ox Zhang.

"Da Niu, your Iron Clothes Art has already reached the Initiate stage. Take these weapons and leather armor and practice well; they can also increase your ability to protect yourself. In the future, I will also rely on you more for the safety of the family and Wan'er."

Looking at the heavy steel saber and the tough leather armor in his hands, Big Ox Zhang's face flushed with excitement, and he nodded vigorously, "Brother A Sheng, don't worry! I will definitely practice hard and protect our home, Sister Wan'er, and the family!"

The afterglow of the setting sun filled the small courtyard. Su Wan's saber dance, Big Ox Zhang's honest and firm vow, and Aunt Zhang's kind smile interlaced into a warm and vibrant picture.

The killing and tension of the past few days gradually dissolved in this warmth of home.

At night, the moonlight was like water.

Su Wan and Chen Linsheng sat side by side on a stone bench in the courtyard.

Gazing at the bright moon in the sky, she said softly, "Linsheng, Senior Martial Uncle was right. Qinghe County is too small for you. You are destined to soar in a broader sky."

She turned her head and looked at Chen Linsheng with clear and firm eyes: "No matter where you go, the prefecture city or even further, I will follow you. Wherever you are, that is home."

Chen Linsheng's heart jolted, and he took her hand.

Su Wan's words were plain, but they contained an unquestionable determination. His original slight concerns about her placement after going to the prefecture city completely vanished at this moment.

"Alright." Chen Linsheng nodded heavily, his eyes filled with both tenderness and ambition. "Once I am prepared, we will go to Jiuqu Prefecture together!"

Just as Qinghe County was gradually restoring its former order and Chen Linsheng was planning for the future, a carriage that was not ornately decorated but exuded a sense of stern efficiency, escorted by several riders, quietly drove into Qinghe County.

The carriage stopped in front of the county magistrate's office. The curtain was lifted, and a young man dressed in deep blue martial attire, covered with a thin black cloak symbolizing his official status, stepped down.

He looked to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. His face wasn't exceptionally handsome, but his features were rugged, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. His eyes sparkled as they opened and closed, as if they could see through people's hearts. His figure was as upright as a pine tree, his steps steady and powerful as he moved. His Aura was contained but not revealed, yet he naturally possessed a pressing Aura, being at the Middle Stage of the Jiaojin Realm!

Having already received the news, Martial Uncle and Zhao Zheng, who were waiting at the entrance, immediately went forward to meet him.

Martial Uncle cupped his hands, his tone carrying a bit of solemnity: "Commander Martial Uncle of the Jiuqu Prefecture Constabulary, greetings, Special Envoy Ling."

Zhao Zheng also cupped his hands and said, "Zhao Zheng of the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall, greetings, Special Envoy."

The man called Special Envoy Ling swept his gaze over Martial Uncle and Zhao Zheng. A perfectly timed smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, and he returned the gesture, his voice clear and efficient: "Commander Chen, Hall Master Zhao, no need for formalities. I am Ling Feng. By order of the Prefecture Governor and the Army Breaker Manor, I have come to Qinghe County specifically to handle the aftermath of the Black Mountain Gang and to scout local talent."

His words were concise, directly stating his purpose. His gaze then swept across the somewhat deserted entrance of the county magistrate's office and asked, "County Magistrate Wang and Head Constable Li..."

Martial Uncle's expression darkened, and he said in a heavy voice, "County Commandant Wang is seriously injured and bedridden. Head Constable Li... has already died a heroic death in the battle to encircle the Evil Daoist."

An imperceptible flash of surprise crossed Ling Feng's eyes, then he returned to calm and nodded, "I see. Shall we talk inside, you two?"

"After you, Special Envoy!"

Martial Uncle and Zhao Zheng stepped aside to lead the way, and the three of them walked into the county magistrate's office together.

Ling Feng's steps were composed, but his sharp eyes observed the scenes inside and outside the office. He already had a preliminary assessment of the severity of the recent upheaval in Qinghe County.

At the same time, the files he had reviewed before setting out surfaced in his mind, with one name highlighted—Chen Linsheng.

"To be able to achieve such extraordinary feats in this incident with a cultivation in the Flesh Refining Realm, and even be personally reported for the top merit by Commander Chen... I'd like to see what kind of young hero he is."