Chapter 482 - 243: Hegemony in Ning’an! Government Office and Jianghu

Chapter 482: Chapter 243: Hegemony in Ning’an! Government Office and Jianghu

"Chu... have you never thought about striking out on your own, becoming a master in your own right?"

"Me? A master in my own right?"

Chu Kuangfeng waved his hands frantically, his head shaking like a rattle-drum.

"Chen, don’t joke with me. I’m just a rough man. I’m fine when it comes to life-or-death fights, but you want me to manage a sect and deal with all that messy business? I can’t do it. I really can’t!"

"And why can’t you?"

Chen Sheng’s tone grew more forceful.

"With me supporting you and the Government Office backing you, what is there to fear? Or do you not want to give Miss Hong Xiu a more stable, more respectable life?

Are you willing to see her wander foreign lands with you, living a life of hardship?

By establishing your own faction and gaining a constant stream of resources, not only will Hong Xiu be able to live a good life, but it will also help you go further on your future path of cultivation!

Chu, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Why wouldn’t you take it?"

"This..."

The words struck a chord with Chu Kuangfeng. His resolve visibly softened, especially at the mention of Hong Xiu, but he was still hesitant.

"If it’s such a good deal... why don’t you do it yourself, Chen?"

"I’m an official."

Chen Sheng pointed to his inspector’s robes and said solemnly,

"As an official of the court, how can I openly meddle in the affairs of the Jianghu and found a sect? That would give my enemies an opening. But you, Chu, are different. You are a free man, a hero of the Jianghu. For you to do it would be perfectly legitimate."

Chu Kuangfeng fell into deep thought, his rugged features twisted in a conflicted expression.

He was free-spirited by nature and loathed constraints and management. Yet, the future Chen Sheng painted—especially the security it promised for Hong Xiu—was incredibly tempting.

Chen Sheng struck while the iron was hot, clapping him firmly on the shoulder. His voice was both seductive and bold.

"Chu, if you make up your mind, we can join forces. From this day forward, I will reign supreme in the Ning’an Government Office, and you will dominate the Ning’an Martial World! We’ll coordinate our efforts from the inside and out to control all of Ning’an!

Isn’t that a thousand times more gratifying than hiding away overseas?"

Chu Kuangfeng’s breath quickened and a passionate fire ignited in his eyes. But a final shred of reason made him lift his head and look Chen Sheng straight in the eye.

"Chen, what do you need me to do? Or rather, what is it that you want?"

He was grateful for the favor Chen Sheng had shown him, but he also knew Chen Sheng was no selfless benefactor. There had to be strings attached.

Chen Sheng smiled, his expression candid.

"It’s simple. First, the sect you create must offer me a tribute of two hundred Elemental Crystals each year. Second, if I give an order, you must carry it out to the letter.

Of course, in return, I will use the full power of the Government Office to clear any obstacles and run interference for you, ensuring your sect becomes the sole overlord of the Ning’an Martial World!"

Chu Kuangfeng understood.

Chen Sheng would provide the resources and the backing; he would provide the men, the muscle, and the public face.

On the surface, he would be the Sect Leader, the overlord. In reality, the true master would be Chen Sheng. He would be little more than Chen Sheng’s agent and enforcer in the Jianghu.

At this, Chu Kuangfeng actually breathed a sigh of relief.

He owed Chen Sheng a great debt of gratitude and had been struggling to find a way to repay it.

’If I can repay his favor this way, while also giving Hong Xiu a truly stable and prosperous future, and still continue my cultivation... it doesn’t seem so bad.’

The only downside was that he would have to take orders from someone else, losing some of his freedom.

"Well then... what should we call this sect of ours?"

Chu Kuangfeng scratched his head, his question a tacit agreement as he began to ponder the details.

"You decide the name. I’m fine with whatever," Chen Sheng said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

Chu Kuangfeng’s eyes lit up, and he asked tentatively,

"How about the ’Saint Creation Sect’? It means ’to achieve sainthood,’ and it’s also a subtle nod to your name, Chen..."

Hearing this, Chen Sheng pondered for a moment before shaking his head.

"You’re the one founding the sect. It would be unseemly for its name to be too closely tied to mine. Think of something else.

Also, in three days, I will be gathering the leaders of the various factions at Golden Spring Temple.

You will need to make your official debut there as the leader of this new faction."

A rare glimmer of shrewdness flashed in Chu Kuangfeng’s eyes. He nodded as if he only half-understood and replied in a low, rumbling voice,

"Alright, I understand."

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