Chapter 557 - 271: The Top Prodigy, the Face of the Government Office

Chapter 557: Chapter 271: The Top Prodigy, the Face of the Government Office

Whether it was the local Prefecture Government Offices, the various Military Preparation Armies, or the prefectural Jingwu Bureaus, none had any authority to command Chen Sheng. He, on the other hand, possessed the authority to supervise all of Yunzhou.

Strictly speaking, Chen Sheng had been promoted.

The reason it was an "acting" role was because Chen Sheng’s post was one that could, in reality, only be held by a Pill Realm Grandmaster. The position was Junior Fourth Grade, which also served as another layer of protection granted to Chen Sheng by the Government Office.

A Fourth-Grade Official, whether in a local region or in the central government, was a figure of significant standing.

This also meant that Chen Sheng would, in effect, become one of the Jingwu Bureau’s core officials.

To make a move against Chen Sheng would be a slap in the face to the Jingwu Bureau.

Chu Zhengnan hadn’t originally planned to promote Chen Sheng so quickly. But with Chen Sheng’s performance being so exceptional, failing to reward him with a show of favor would have been simply unjustifiable.

"I understand."

Vice Envoy Yuan bowed and placed the jade box into his Storage Treasure.

.....

「At the same time.」

Just as Chu Zhengnan had predicted.

As Chen Sheng became recognized as the foremost prodigy of Yunzhou’s younger generation, the Nie Family’s regard for him skyrocketed. His importance now even eclipsed their own interests in Nanzhao Prefecture.

Previously, the Nie Family had valued Chen Sheng for his potential.

They believed that while he hadn’t yet fully realized his potential, his future was boundless. This was why they had been willing to arrange a marriage with a legitimate daughter of their clan, even disregarding his family status and background.

But now, Chen Sheng had proven that potential.

The Nie Family naturally had to make a gesture.

The most obvious sign of this was that Nie Lingxi and Nie Lingshan were, at this very moment, on their way to Ning’an.

For noble ladies of the Direct Lineage like them, while they might occasionally sneak out, the clan kept them under strict supervision with many rules before marriage. This was especially true for Nie Lingxi, given that she was already engaged.

According to Nie Family rules, she wasn’t supposed to take a single step outside the clan estate until her wedding.

Otherwise, if any scandal erupted, the entire Nie Family would be shamed.

This time, however, the Nie Family had relented.

Ostensibly, they were allowing Nie Lingxi to travel to Ning’an for "training."

But who couldn’t read between the lines?

The Nie Family estate was situated atop a Spiritual Vein. What kind of resources could the clan possibly lack?

Why would she need to go down to a Prefecture City for training?

After all, Nie Lingxi was still just an Innate Martial Master.

This was really just the Nie Family’s way of secretly pushing Nie Lingxi and Chen Sheng to deepen their relationship.

And if the young couple happened to get carried away, the Nie Family was now prepared to tolerate even that.

The reason was simple.

The title "Yunzhou’s Foremost Prodigy" was simply too valuable!

The Nie Family knew that other powers were fanning the flames, but that only served as further proof of Chen Sheng’s current prestige.

What if some other power managed to win Chen Sheng over?

The possibility was remote, but what if?

After all, the Nie Family and Chen Sheng were only engaged, not yet married.

Breaking off the engagement wasn’t impossible.

However small the chance, the Nie Family was no longer willing to risk losing him.

As for Nie Lingshan coming along, it was mainly under the guise of accompanying Nie Lingxi.

In addition to this, the Nie Family had also prepared a significant amount of Cultivation Resources for Chen Sheng.

One could say that while Chen Sheng’s current status wasn’t quite on par with the Nie Family’s most core members, it wasn’t far off.

"Lingxi, I’m really riding on your coattails this time. Otherwise, Grandfather would never have let me leave the Nie Family estate."

Nie Lingshan said casually as she gazed at the scenery around them.

She had refused an arranged marriage before. And while she had her reasons and the backing of the Great Elder, she couldn’t escape the ensuing gossip. In fact, she had been grounded.

But then, things took an unexpected turn for the better. The clan granted Nie Lingxi special permission to travel to Ning’an for "training," giving Lingshan a chance to tag along and get some fresh air.

"It’s not my doing. Grandfather must have been the one to approve it."

Nie Lingxi said, trying to comfort her.

"Grandfather was very unhappy about that previous matter. How could he possibly approve?"

Nie Lingshan sighed.

"Lingxi, you’re so lucky to have chosen Chen Sheng."

Seeing her sister’s expression, Nie Lingxi mulled it over for a moment before smiling.

"It’s not as great as you think. Nobody’s perfect, and Chen Sheng has plenty of flaws. His womanizing alone is something you probably couldn’t tolerate. I’m not exactly thrilled about it myself."

Of course, this was a lie.

Nie Lingxi was just trying to comfort Nie Lingshan.

Overall, Nie Lingxi was actually very satisfied with Chen Sheng. Though he had a tendency to womanize, it was a minor flaw that didn’t overshadow his virtues. He was, without a doubt, one of the most outstanding talents in the entire province.

She just couldn’t say any of this in front of her sister.

"Womanizing? You call that a flaw? I could tolerate that."

Nie Lingxi pouted.

"Who’s to blame for you not wanting the arranged marriage back then? Lingxi even said she’d let you have the first pick, but you’re the one who refused. It’s too late for regrets now."

Nearby, the reclining Nie Xiangjun took a sip of wine and teased.

"Auntie!"

Nie Lingxi instantly became flustered.

"Haha, I’m just joking."

Nie Xiangjun waved her hand dismissively, but then her tone shifted as she sent a subtle voice transmission:

"But, Lingshan... you and your sister have been competing with each other since you were children. Fighting over Magical Treasures or resources is one thing, but you absolutely cannot fight over a man. No matter how impressive Chen Sheng seems, he is still Lingxi’s fiancé. You can’t—and I won’t allow you to—entertain any funny ideas. Right now, Chen Sheng is someone the clan is focusing on supporting. His importance is no less than yours."

These were, in fact, harsh words.

But she had always been close to the two sisters, and if she didn’t speak sternly, she couldn’t be sure the warning wouldn’t be ignored.

Nie Lingshan’s expression changed abruptly. Her lips moved as she transmitted her reply:

"Auntie, what do you mean by that? Am I really that despicable in your eyes? Yes, I’m a little envious of Lingxi right now, but I haven’t sunk so low as to steal her man."

"I’m mainly afraid... afraid of your rebellious nature."

Nie Xiangjun replied after a few moments of silence.

Nie Lingshan had managed to evade an arranged marriage for now, but "for now" wasn’t forever.

Sooner or later, Nie Lingshan would still have to enter an arranged marriage.

She was afraid that if the person Nie Lingshan eventually married couldn’t measure up to Chen Sheng, it would stir feelings of defiance and resentment in her niece.

"Even if the man I marry in the future is a complete degenerate, even if I have to jump from a ten-thousand-zhang-high cliff without any protection, I, Nie Lingshan, would absolutely never fight Lingxi over a man! Auntie, are you satisfied with that answer?"

Nie Lingshan transmitted solemnly.

Nie Xiangjun glanced at Nie Lingshan’s furious expression and fell silent for a moment.

"Lingshan, my words were too harsh. I’m sorry."

"You don’t have to apologize. Just remember what I said today, Auntie!"

Nie Lingshan said, emphasizing each word.

"You two? What are you discussing via transmission?"

Sensing something was amiss between them, Nie Lingxi, who was nearby, frowned.

’What are they talking about that they have to hide from me?’

Nie Xiangjun reacted quickly and smiled.

"I’m making a bet with Lingshan."

Nie Lingshan’s expression changed, and she quickly tried to stop her:

"Auntie, you..."

’She can’t believe her aunt is actually bringing this up.’

Nie Xiangjun didn’t look at her, instead continuing:

"We’re betting on whether you’ll be able to conduct yourself properly on this trip to Ning’an."

"Auntie, what nonsense are you two talking about? Chen Sheng and I aren’t married yet."

Nie Lingxi’s face flushed slightly.

"It’s just that Chen Sheng is known for his many ’talents.’ I’m worried you won’t be able to resist."

Nie Xiangjun chuckled mischievously.

She thought of Lady Lan of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

To this day, she still couldn’t understand how Nanzhao’s number one beauty could have given herself to Chen Sheng after knowing him for less than half a month.

But no matter how she asked, Chen Sheng remained tight-lipped.

Left with no other choice, she could only surmise that Chen Sheng’s methods were exceptionally skillful.

"That won’t happen. Not with me, anyway."

Nie Lingxi pursed her lips.

’She had already made her plans before leaving.’

’She could give Chen Sheng a little encouragement, but she absolutely would not give up her chastity.’

’She planned to string Chen Sheng along, little by little.’

’After all, things easily gotten are not cherished.’

’She planned to get Chen Sheng firmly under her thumb.’

’Men... they’re all so predictable.’

’Besides, she wasn’t ready yet.’

’Even if she were to truly engage in a Yin-Yang Union with Chen Sheng, it would have to wait until after she broke through to the Profound Mastery realm. Only then would the "thing" inside her be able to affect Chen Sheng.’

’She was going to prepare a surprise for Chen Sheng!’

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