Chapter Thirteen: The One in Power

Wang Zhenling murmured to himself, realizing these people must have come to investigate Chengtian Dao.

Fortunately, I didn’t agree to that robed messenger’s request, or I would have been dragged into this mess too.

No, I can’t stay here any longer. I must move away as soon as possible!

With his hands clasped behind his back, Wang Zhenling gazed out the window, thinking, This time, I really have stirred up a great disaster. I had originally thought of returning to the clan to lie low for a while.

But now it seems the trouble is too great; if I’m not careful, I might bring calamity upon the clan as well.

It would be better to hide away in the Jun Tian Monastery...

The more he pondered, the more brilliant this plan seemed!

There were still many treasures left in the Jun Tian Monastery. Last time, pressed for time, Wang Zhenling had rushed back and hadn’t managed to take much advantage.

This time, I must not let the opportunity slip by.

Once this idea took hold, it could not be suppressed.

Most crucially... a faint smile played at the corner of Wang Zhenling’s lips.

In his hand, he held a jade flask, just a little larger than his palm—delicate, exquisite, crystal clear, yet at first glance appearing as if sculpted from yellow jade.

This was the very jade flask mentioned in the letter from the Grand Celestial Lord, the one entrusted to Zhen Yunzi!

And inside this flask, it was filled to the brim with spiritual energy!

Though the flask didn’t seem large, it was no ordinary vessel—it was a magical artifact. The spiritual water within, while not so exaggerated as to contain all the rivers and lakes in the world, nonetheless clearly held far more than its modest appearance suggested.

The next moment, Wang Zhenling was already turning the Two Realms Jade Pivot, traversing away...

Meanwhile, elsewhere, the two knights led their men back, caught up with Magistrate Chen’s convoy, and reported what had transpired.

“So, you’re saying that the envoy from Chengtian Dao was killed by him?”

“Nine times out of ten, yes. He lured in wild beasts to dispose of the corpse, but the unique aura of Chengtian Dao still lingers around his house, along with the resentment of a sudden, violent death...”

The knight spoke respectfully to Magistrate Chen.

As a talent cultivated by a great clan, there was no shortage of extraordinary individuals under his command.

Wang Zhenling could never have guessed that this seemingly unremarkable knight serving Magistrate Chen of the Hezhong Chen family would possess such abilities!

“How interesting, how interesting. This recluse of Meishan killed someone from Chengtian Dao, yet did not go to the authorities for a reward, but instead destroyed the corpse. What could this mean?” Magistrate Chen was confused.

At this moment, the cultivator beside Magistrate Chen suddenly laughed. “It’s quite simple, really—only someone born into a lofty family like the Magistrate would find it puzzling...”

“Oh? And why is that?” Magistrate Chen asked curiously.

“He’s simply afraid of Chengtian Dao and dares not bring trouble upon his clan!”

Before Mr. Yu could respond, another man grinned and spoke up.

“That simple?”

For a moment, Magistrate Chen was dumbfounded. He had considered all manner of complex scenarios—entanglements with Chengtian Dao, silencing witnesses, all sorts of plots...

He had imagined dozens of possibilities, yet not this one.

Yet Mr. Yu also nodded with a smile, clearly agreeing with Mr. Feng’s assessment.

These two were both cultivators in the service of the Chen family, not only highly skilled but also exceptionally shrewd.

Their relationship wasn’t bad, but each was eager to show his talents—after all, no scholar tolerates a rival, and warriors are even less inclined to do so!

Now, since both agreed on this point, it must be correct.

Magistrate Chen was a man of exceptional cunning, the core disciple of the Hezhong Chen family in his generation, and had come to Danling to gain experience and prestige.

The Great Cheng Dynasty had an unwritten rule: prime ministers must come from the provinces, and mighty generals from the ranks of the army.

Thus, Magistrate Chen was only here in the provinces for a few years; once he returned to Shenluo, he would soar to great heights—destined to be among the top officials of the realm.

The true elite scions of such illustrious families may possess various personalities, but not one of them is a fool.

Especially this Magistrate Chen. He quickly caught on and laughed, “I was overthinking it, treating these county families as if they were mighty clans.”

“Indeed, this Meishan recluse killed the envoy from Chengtian Dao but dared not report it, surely out of fear!”

Though Chengtian Dao kept a low profile these days, wiping out a few county families was but a wave of the hand for them.

Powerful clans like theirs didn’t fear Chengtian Dao, but county magnates like the Wang family of Danling would be annihilated if they attracted such attention!

“In that case, let it be. After all, the Wang family has always shown me respect. Consider the matter closed.” Magistrate Chen said with a casual smile.

Mr. Yu bowed and said solemnly, “Congratulations, Magistrate. With such magnanimity and understanding, you are sure to win the hearts of the people!”

Those born to privilege and high rank, yet both shrewd and capable, often fall into two extremes.

One extreme is the intolerance of even the smallest deception—such people cannot let even the tiniest slight pass, always exposing it to show their own cleverness.

This is most common among the young from great houses, eager to display their ability!

The other type, however, is like this Magistrate Chen: favored by fortune, raised in comfort, possessing a generous and composed temperament, able to understand the hardships of those below.

It is clear that the latter are far more likely to win the loyalty of their subordinates.

That was why, at this moment, Mr. Yu offered his congratulations.

Mr. Feng was a step late, and though he tried to maintain composure as Magistrate Chen’s delight showed at Yu’s words, in his youth he could not help but reveal his own satisfaction.

He snorted inwardly but smiled as well. “Mr. Yu is quite right—the Magistrate’s generosity is a blessing to us all.

However, many may fear his authority but not feel grateful, thinking they can deceive the Magistrate. That won’t do.

We must remind this Meishan recluse, so he understands the Magistrate’s grace!”

“Excellent!”

Magistrate Chen’s expression changed with satisfaction. His upbringing had taught him that a leader must balance kindness with authority.

Clearly, Mr. Feng’s suggestion was most fitting.

Mr. Yu forced a smile, “Mr. Feng is right. It’s necessary to give him a warning, so he knows the Magistrate has both kindness and power...”

Magistrate Chen laughed heartily. “No wonder the family sent both of you to aid me. You are both truly talented.”

Then, after a moment’s thought, he said, “Here’s what we’ll do—summon this Meishan recluse to serve as an official under me!

Both of you, draft a formal letter and deliver it to him!”

“Very good!”

This time, both Mr. Yu and Mr. Feng could not help but slap the table in praise.

“Once the Wang family of Danling hears of this, won’t they serve the Magistrate with all their might?”