Chapter 481 - 243: Dominating Ning’an: Government Office and Jianghu

Chapter 481: Chapter 243: Dominating Ning’an: Government Office and Jianghu

And behind this overwhelming power, the name Chen Sheng was now seared into the minds of everyone in Ning’an like a brand.

He had remained in seclusion since the great battle, rarely making an appearance, but everyone knew who now held up the sky over Ning’an—who was the one calling the shots.

The landscape of the Jianghu was also being reshaped amidst the upheaval.

The Iron Sword Sect, the Danxia Sect, and the Ning’an Wang Clan were the three major powers that had spearheaded the annihilation of the two sects. They had assumed that, as a matter of course, they would inherit the fallen sects’ legacies and become the new leaders of the Jianghu.

Even with a powerful Government Office now looming over them, Jianghu matters, they believed, were still best handled by people of the Jianghu.

They were confident they would get the largest slice of the pie and become the de facto uncrowned kings.

However, reality soon dealt them a resounding slap in the face.

Chen Sheng had never promised to make them the new overlords.

The so-called "sharing of wealth and glory" could be interpreted in countless ways.

Shortly after the two sects were destroyed, with Nie Xuanfeng’s tacit approval and even covert support, the Nie Family extended its reach into Ning’an. They took over the large swathes of territory that had once belonged to Qingfeng Temple, virtually without a fight, and brazenly declared they had established a foothold.

The Nie Family had taken the heat for Chen Sheng, and naturally, they expected to be paid for it.

The Nie Family had intended to plant its flag in Ning’an ever since Nie Xuanfeng first took office. But at the time, the six major sects were united, and the powers backing them were a complex, tangled web, making it impossible for the family to get its wish.

Now that chaos had erupted, it was the perfect opportunity to pull chestnuts from the fire and expand their influence.

Moreover, opportunistic and powerful factions from neighboring state mansions, like sharks smelling blood, began tentatively extending their feelers into Ning’an to snatch up scattered territories and interests.

The entire Ning’an Prefecture quickly fell from the stability of having two dominant powers into a chaotic mire of endless conflict, a free-for-all where countless factions vied for supremacy.

Lu Qingsong, Wangqingshan, Bai Qing, and the other key contributors to the victory could no longer sit still.

What happened to fighting side-by-side and sharing the fruits of victory?

What about the promise that one success would pave the way for the next?

They had poured out their blood and sweat to help Chen Sheng destroy Golden Spring Temple, Luoyun Manor, and Qingfeng Temple. Was it all just to pave the way for others?

The group went together to demand an explanation from Chen Sheng.

Chen Sheng’s response came back quickly:

"Remain calm. In three days, at the former site of Golden Spring Temple, we will discuss the grand plan for the future of the Ning’an Martial World."

...

"What exactly are you thinking?"

At the base of the Demon Suppression Tower, tranquility had returned to the banks of the Spiritual Spring Pool.

Sun Yuzhi looked at Chen Sheng, who had just finished a round of cultivation, his aura growing ever more profound and dense. She couldn’t help but ask.

Not long ago, Bai Qing had personally sought her out, her words full of probing questions, and she could only brush her off with vague answers.

Chen Sheng slowly opened his eyes, where a flash of lightning seemed to flicker for an instant before vanishing.

He was very satisfied with the body-tempering effects of the Seven-leaf Thunder Ginseng. Combined with the Golden Spring Spiritual Liquid and other resources, his Cultivation was advancing at an unprecedented rate.

At this rate, he was confident he could reach the peak of the mid-Mystic Realm within a few months.

"The lure of profit truly moves the hearts of men," Chen Sheng said, his voice calm. "They all want a piece of the pie amidst the chaos, but they’ve forgotten who started this game, and who holds the handle of the blade."

"You ask what I’m thinking?"

Chen Sheng looked at Sun Yuzhi, the corners of his mouth twitching upward.

"Yuzhi, if it were you, how would you handle this?"

Sun Yuzhi froze for a moment, then shook her head.

"This is your business. I can’t be bothered to get involved. You should be the one to decide."

"I have an idea."

Chen Sheng stood up, water droplets trickling down his lean, powerful physique.

"Rather than let all these factions fight amongst themselves, depleting Ning’an’s Primordial Qi and ultimately benefiting outsiders... why don’t we prop up a faction of our own?"

"You want to establish another Jianghu influence?"

Sun Yuzhi furrowed her brow. "Are you planning to leave the Government Office?"

"No."

Chen Sheng denied it flatly.

"Overlord of the Jianghu? It’s just an empty title. Is there anything more tangible or promising than this official robe I’m wearing?

What I mean is, we prop up a faction that is completely under our command. Let it unify the Ning’an Martial World, work for us, and offer up resources to us as tribute every year.

We control it from behind the scenes. It saves us the trouble and we reap the tangible benefits."

"Then who will be the public face of this faction?"

Sun Yuzhi pressed.

Propping up a faction wasn’t the hard part. The difficulty lay in finding a leader who was strong enough, loyal enough, and capable of commanding respect.

At the very least, they would have to be an expert at the Mystic Realm.

"Sir, Hero Chu is outside requesting an audience."

A subordinate’s respectful report came from outside the stone chamber.

"Let him in."

Chen Sheng answered casually, then looked at Sun Yuzhi, a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

"You see? Hasn’t the most suitable candidate just delivered himself to our doorstep?"

Realization dawned on Sun Yuzhi. She nodded thoughtfully.

...

"Chen, did you have some instructions for me?"

Chu Kuangfeng strode into the stone chamber, his voice booming like a great bell and a hearty smile on his face.

His gaze swept the room and he paused for a moment upon seeing Sun Yuzhi by the pool, then immediately cupped his fist in greeting.

"Sun Zhenfu, you are here as well."

"Hero Chu." Sun Yuzhi nodded slightly in return.

"Chu."

Chen Sheng wasted no time on pleasantries and got straight to the point.

"Now that Golden Spring Temple is destroyed and you’ve had your revenge, I was wondering, Chu, what are your plans for the future?"

Chu Kuangfeng scratched his head and chuckled.

"To be honest, Chen, my business in Ning’an is finished. My grudges are settled, and I’ve grown a bit weary. I plan to take Hong Xiu, find a quiet island overseas, and live a peaceful, carefree life."

"And then?"

Chen Sheng pressed.

"Just stay on that island, spending the rest of your life with Miss Hong Xiu until your days are done? Chu, with your powerful Cultivation, you’re in your prime. Are you really content to let it all go to waste?"

Chu Kuangfeng’s smile faltered. He could tell there was a hidden meaning in Chen Sheng’s words.

"Chen... what are you trying to say?"

"It’s not a matter of instruction."

Chen Sheng walked up to Chu Kuangfeng, his gaze burning as he looked at him.

"I just think it would be a terrible waste for a man of your talents, Chu, to be relegated to some overseas island. Right now, the Ning’an Martial World is in chaos, a dragon without a head. It is the perfect time to establish your own sect, to build a legacy and carve out an empire for yourself!