Chapter 377 - 202: I Will Not Enjoy This Glory Alone

Chapter 377: Chapter 202: I Will Not Enjoy This Glory Alone

However, to Lu Qingsong, these gentle words were more chilling than a direct threat.

’What if I refuse?’

’Knowing Chen Sheng’s methods, if I defy him today, the Iron Sword Sect is in for some hard times.’

"After we destroy Luoyun Manor, the Iron Sword Sect’s gains will not only cover your losses from the battle at Wushan Mountain, but will leave you with a surplus. Moreover..."

Chen Sheng threw out another bargaining chip. "And for the next contest over the Wushan Yuan Ore, I can guarantee that the Iron Sword Sect... will receive a share you will be absolutely satisfied with."

Lu Qingsong laughed bitterly to himself.

The battle for Wushan Mountain was held only once every ten years.

’Ten years from now, who knows if Chen Sheng will even be in Ning’an? This guarantee is far too empty.’

Bai Qing spoke up at the opportune moment, her voice gentle.

"Lu, he who hesitates is lost. Trying to help neither side may seem like the safe play, but it only ends up displeasing both. If you’re truly unwilling, I’m sure Chen Zhenfu won’t force you.

"So long as... what we’ve discussed in this hall today doesn’t get out."

Lu Qingsong glanced at Bai Qing, then at Chen Sheng, whose expression was calm but whose gaze was intense. Finally, he shot a look at Wangqingshan, who had already declared his position.

He knew he had no way out.

"Chen Zhenfu."

Lu Qingsong took a deep breath, as if he had made a decision. "And what happens afterward," he asked in a low voice, "if Qingfeng Temple and Golden Spring Temple join forces to retaliate?"

"Retaliate?"

Chen Sheng let out a derisive laugh, as if he’d just heard the most ridiculous joke.

"Sect Leader Lu, if the Iron Sword Sect agrees to this alliance, then the Danxia Sect, the Ning’an Wang Clan, and the Iron Sword Sect—plus the Government Office—will all be inseparably bound together.

"So you tell me, within this Ning’an Prefecture, who exactly should be afraid of retaliation?"

Still unconvinced, Lu Qingsong laid his concerns bare.

"But what if, after it’s all over, the Government Office turns on us? Or pulls out and leaves the Iron Sword Sect to face the wrath of Golden Spring Temple and Qingfeng Temple alone? What then?

"If Lu Mou is not mistaken, Sect Leader Bai and the Governor have likely already reached a tacit understanding. And the relationship between Clan Leader Wang and the Governor is hardly ordinary, is it?"

The implication was clear: he was worried about being cast aside as a pawn.

Chen Sheng’s smile faded slightly as he looked at Lu Qingsong.

"Then what do you propose, Sect Leader Lu?"

Lu Qingsong’s gaze was fiery. He stared at Chen Sheng and said, word by word:

"Lu Mou can agree to the alliance, but you and I, Chen Zhenfu... must become sworn brothers. And we must do it openly and honorably!"

At these words, even Bai Qing and Wangqingshan glanced over in surprise.

Becoming sworn brothers might seem like a rash, sentimental gesture, the kind made by wandering martial artists, but in reality, it was a way to forge a tighter and more public bond amidst the chaos.

Once they publicly swore an oath of brotherhood, the relationship between Chen Sheng and the Iron Sword Sect would be nearly impossible to sever. If the Government Office wanted to abandon the sect later, they would have to consider Chen Sheng’s honor and reputation.

Chen Sheng raised an eyebrow, studying Lu Qingsong intently.

This Sect Leader of the Iron Sword Sect, seemingly backed into a corner, was now displaying a veteran’s political cunning.

Swearing brotherhood was both a Pledge of Loyalty and a protective amulet.

’And it seems he truly trusts me,’ Chen Sheng thought.

After a moment of silence, Chen Sheng slowly nodded and uttered a single word.

"Fine."

A flicker of relief crossed Lu Qingsong’s eyes, only to be replaced by a profound resolve. He immediately raised his wine cup toward Chen Sheng, his voice ringing like steel.

"In that case, the Iron Sword Sect... is willing to follow Chen Zhenfu’s lead and help eliminate this menace!"

"Excellent!"

Chen Sheng rose to his full height, raised his cup, and swept his gaze over the other three, his voice ringing out.

"After we destroy Luoyun Manor, I will share fortune and glory with you all! We sink or swim together! Drink!"

"Drink!"

"Drink!"

Bai Qing, Wangqingshan, and Lu Qingsong raised their cups in unison and drained them in a single motion.

...

「That night, the moon was hidden and the stars were few.」

After seeing off the two sect leaders and the clan leader, Chen Sheng did not rest. Instead, he immediately sent out an order to assemble all the Captains and other mid-level officers of the Jingwu Bureau within Yunze City.

Soon, the brightly lit Council Hall was packed with people.

Chen Sheng sat high in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over the faces before him—some familiar, some less so. With a slight smile, he cut straight to the chase.

"From the battle at Fulong Creek and the annihilation of the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance, I trust you all received a handsome share of the spoils, yes?"

Hearing this, the men below all broke into smiles and clasped their fists.

"It was all thanks to the Governor’s brilliant strategy and unparalleled might!"

"Our meager contributions were all thanks to the Governor’s favor. We are humbled."

"Thank you for your guidance, Governor!"

Chen Sheng waved his hand, silencing their flattery. His smile remained, but his tone suddenly deepened, carrying a provocative power.

"Then... how would you like to make an even greater fortune? And achieve... an even more glorious victory?"

As his words fell, the hall instantly went quiet.

Everyone’s breathing grew ragged, their gazes fixed feverishly on Chen Sheng.

"Whatever your orders are, Governor, just give them! I would not shirk from ten thousand deaths!"

"We will die for the Governor!"

"We will die for the Governor!"

Chen Sheng slowly rose to his feet. In the flickering candlelight, the bear insignia on his black robes seemed to come alive. His gaze swept over the crowd, and his voice echoed through the silent hall.

"Luoyun Manor has colluded with the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance in a plot of rebellion. The evidence is irrefutable. I have already received the consent of Envoy Nie and Lord Xie to crush Luoyun Manor, destroy their ancestral hall, seize their resources, and wipe out their entire clan!"

"This is a monumental achievement, a chance for boundless glory. And I... will not take it for myself alone."

He paused, his eyes slowly sweeping over every face, now flushed with excitement and shock. Then, his voice boomed.

"Gentlemen—"

"Are you willing to walk this path with me one more time?!"

CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

Without a moment’s hesitation, the dozens of Jingwu Bureau officers in the hall dropped to one knee in unison. The scrape of their armor was like the clash of steel.

Their unified roar shook the rafters, sending dust drifting down from above.

"We will follow the Governor through fire and flood, and would not shrink from ten thousand deaths!"

"We will follow the Governor through fire and flood, and would not shrink from ten thousand deaths!"

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