Chapter 458 375: City in Uproar, Glorious Return to Weishui

Within Weishui County City, many of the well-informed had caught wind of Chen Ping'an's promotion. Awestruck, they each began plotting how to curry favor with the man.

Liu Yuanhua sat quietly in his office at the Garrison Commandant's Office. His expression was complex, his heart a turmoil of emotions.

'Chen Ping'an, twenty-two years old… and a Deputy Commander-in-Chief!'

As a real power elder of the Liu Family and the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Weishui Garrison, he had held a spot in the Peak Realm for many years and had seen countless rising stars. Though this Chen Ping'an fellow was certainly special, in his eyes, he was nothing extraordinary at first!

But who could have imagined that this up-and-comer, at some unknown point, had boarded an express train to the top? Time and again, step by steady step, he had now reached such a height!

So many years of his own toil through wind and rain, matched in an instant by a twenty-two-year-old upstart!

This feeling, this bitter taste—it was impossible to describe in just a few words. Earlier, in Fan Zheng Heng's office, he had cried out in shock, a momentary lapse in his composure. Otherwise, with his Qi Cultivation Skill, he would never have lost his cool so completely.

Although some time had passed and his mindset had long since returned to normal, he was finding it difficult to truly adjust to the reality of the situation.

The junior he once looked down on was now his equal! In Weishui County, which governed dozens of cities, Chen Ping'an had reached the pinnacle at the age of twenty-two!

If he could step into the Peak Realm, he would have years and years ahead of him to grow unchecked. Just how far could Mang Blade Chen Ping'an go?

Liu Yuanhua couldn't see it.

He knew this young man, Chen Ping'an, had a limitless future ahead of him!

Just as Liu Yuanhua was lost in his bitter thoughts, a trusted subordinate came to the office with an urgent report, interrupting his train of thought.

Outer Trade Road Patrol Envoy Chen Ping'an had entered Weishui County City!

"What?! Chen Ping'an is already in the city? How could he be so fast!" Liu Yuanhua's expression was one of shock as he shot up from his armchair.

After receiving the latest appointment from the State Garrison Command, they had immediately invited Chen Ping'an to Weishui County City.

A promotion of this level was no small matter; even the State Garrison Command would dispatch a Special Envoy to preside over the ceremony. Chen Ping'an, as the man of the hour, was naturally expected to come to the County City to attend!

But how long had it been since they sent the letter? The messenger was likely still on the road. How could Chen Ping'an already be in the city?

Liu Yuanhua's face was a mask of astonishment, unable to conceal the shock in his heart.

There was basically only one possibility…

Chen Ping'an must have learned of the promotion long before the Weishui Garrison did! That was the only way he could have prepared in advance and rushed to Weishui County City so soon!

And then there was the recent incident with Gu Qingchan, who had condescended to fall out with Tong Guan of the Qiankun Bureau just to stand up for Chen Ping'an!

The implications were terrifying to consider!

...

Having just entered the city, Chen Ping'an had no idea that his spur-of-the-moment decision to come see Chen Erya would lead Liu Yuanhua to mistakenly believe he had prior knowledge of his promotion, sending his imagination into a frenzy.

Though, given Chen Ping'an's personality, he wouldn't have cared much even if he had known.

Everyone thought his success came from borrowing power from others, but only he knew that regardless of external factors, the only person he could ever truly rely on was himself.

Rely on a mountain, and it will collapse; rely on a person, and they will flee. External power could be borrowed, but in a true crisis, the only power he could rely on was his own!

After entering Weishui County City, Chen Ping'an sat in his carriage, headed straight for Weishui Academy.

Erya should still be in class at the academy right now. If he went now, he could be there right when she got out.

'That little girl is going to be so surprised to see me!'

A small smile touched Chen Ping'an's lips as he imagined their reunion.

'Hm?'

Chen Ping'an's Brow Heart Spiritual Light flickered as he sensed several powerful auras approaching.

Not long after he sensed them, the carriage slowed to a halt.

A guard's respectful voice came from outside.

"My lord, I believe those are several lords from the Weishui Garrison up ahead!"

'The Weishui Garrison?' Chen Ping'an thought, lifting the curtain to look ahead.

Several riders ahead were clad in Fish Scale Armor, black with dark patterns. Seeing Chen Ping'an's gaze, they dismounted as one and bowed with cupped fists.

"Lord Chen, welcome back to Weishui! We apologize for not greeting you from further out. It is a grave discourtesy! Please, do not take offense, Lord Chen!"

Chen Ping'an's gaze swept over the group, and he spotted a familiar face: Zhao Lianzhi, the director of the Weishui Garrison's Dispatching Bureau.

"My lords, what is the meaning of this?" Chen Ping'an asked, affecting a look of confusion.

"Lord Chen, you're too kind to us humble servants! We are here to welcome you on your triumphant return!" Zhao Lianzhi and the others were all smiles, their words and actions utterly deferential.

"I see. Thank you for taking the trouble," Chen Ping'an replied, though he was still puzzled as to why the Weishui Garrison had sent a special delegation to welcome him this time.

But whatever his doubts, he let none of it show on his face.

"Lord Chen, Lord Fan and Lord Liu are already waiting for you at the Weishui Garrison!"

'Lord Fan?' Chen Ping'an's thoughts stirred.

Having spent years in the Weishui Garrison, he knew exactly who "Lord Fan" was: Fan Zheng Heng, Commander-in-Chief of the Weishui Garrison!

For both Fan Zheng Heng and Liu Yuanhua to be waiting for him at the Garrison Commandant's Office, something major must be happening. And whatever it was, it was directly related to him.

As his mind raced, a suspicion began to form.

With these men here to welcome him, and with them stating that the Commander-in-Chief was waiting at the Garrison Commandant's Office, Chen Ping'an couldn't very well go straight to Weishui Academy to see Erya. Fortunately, it was still early, and Erya wasn't out of school yet. It wouldn't make a difference if he went a little later.

Escorted by the welcoming party, Chen Ping'an's carriage headed for the Weishui Garrison. As the carriage began to move, Zhao Lianzhi and the others leaped onto their horses, taking up positions at the front to clear a path.

Each of the men had different feelings about meeting Chen Ping'an this time. Among them, Zhao Lianzhi was not the highest in rank, but they all behaved with the utmost respect in Chen Ping'an's presence.

As for Zhao Lianzhi, his feelings on seeing Chen Ping'an again were too complex to describe.

Anyone able to ride a horse within Weishui County City was no ordinary person. But these men, clad in their black, dark-patterned Fish Scale Armor, drew the attention of a large crowd of onlookers.

Any discerning eye could tell that the focus of this procession was not the men in Fish Scale Armor at the front, but the jet-black carriage that followed them.

"The Inspectorate is clearing the way. Who could be in that carriage?"

"Inspectorate? Open your eyes and take a better look. Do you see what kind of Fish Scale Armor they're wearing?"

"Is there a difference in Fish Scale Armor? If they're not from the Inspectorate, then who are they?"

"Only the Inspectorate is qualified to wear Fish Scale Armor, but that doesn't mean everyone who wears it is from the Inspectorate! Look at their armor—black with dark patterns! Those aren't from the Inspectorate, they're Commanders-in-Chief!"

"What did you say?! Commanders-in-Chief! My heavens!"

"..."

As the carriage passed, the onlookers on the street lowered their voices, exchanging hushed whispers.

If even Commanders-in-Chief were willing to act as a vanguard, just what kind of big shot had arrived?

...

By the time Chen Ping'an arrived at the Weishui Garrison, a large, orderly crowd had already gathered at the entrance.

"We welcome Lord Chen's triumphant return!"

The moment Chen Ping'an's carriage stopped, the crowd at the gate roared in unison, their voices thundering as one.

The grand spectacle startled Chen Ping'an's personal guards.

'What is going on?'

'Does our lord command this much respect in the Weishui Garrison?!'

Looking at the deferential crowd before them, the guards' hearts swelled with pride. It was an honor to be associated with such a man.

One of his guards lifted the carriage curtain for him. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Chen Ping'an slowly descended.

The spectacle at the Garrison Commandant's Office entrance surprised even Chen Ping'an, further cementing the suspicion in his mind.

Liu Yuanhua stood at the forefront of the crowd. When he saw Chen Ping'an alight from the carriage, he composed himself and walked forward to greet him.

"Lord Chen! Welcome back! Lord Fan is waiting for you inside. Let's go in!"