Chapter 524 - 257: The Director’s Attack

Chapter 524: Chapter 257: The Director’s Attack

The depth of Xiao Nianci’s Qi Blood Power seemed a cut above even Xia Lingfeng and Jiang Botao.

The other four Chief Brocade Guards also possessed extremely strong Qi Blood Power. They were likely Martial Artists of the Bone Marrow Cleansing Realm.

Among the other Brocade Guards, over a dozen were Bone Forging Realm Martial Artists, and the remaining hundred-plus ordinary guards all possessed the strength of the Muscle Strengthening Realm.

Including the Brocade Guards who had arrived in advance, the Inspection Department’s overall strength now far surpassed that of the Demon Suppression Department.

According to rumor, the position of Director of the Inspection Department would be filled by a Sect Elder from the Great Dao Sect.

That would be a Puncture Realm expert, a being who had broken through the Body Refining Realm to step into the Innate Realm.

If the Director were to arrive, the Inspection Department’s power would become even more formidable.

For the Great Dao Sect to mobilize such a large force, the situation in Linji City must have already reached a critical point.

Having been warned by Xia Lingfeng on the way, Chen Cheng was mentally prepared and expected Xiao Nianci to make things difficult for him.

But for Xiao Nianci to call him out by name after only a few words still caught Chen Cheng somewhat off guard.

’So swift and decisive. No wonder even Xia Lingfeng finds her a headache.’

’Since trouble has come knocking, there’s no avoiding it. No matter what schemes Xiao Nianci is plotting, I can only react to her moves and handle it calmly.’

At this thought, Chen Cheng stepped out from the ranks, walked to the front of the pavilion, and bowed respectfully to Xiao Nianci.

"Chen Cheng pays his respects to Lord Xiao!"

"So you’re Chen Cheng!"

Xiao Nianci exclaimed in surprise, gently lifting her veil to reveal an exquisitely beautiful face, as if carved from jade.

She had willow-like brows, phoenix eyes, and cherry lips. Her skin was fair and delicate, so smooth it seemed it would break at a touch.

Though she was clearly a woman in her sixties, she looked no older than a young lady of twenty-seven or twenty-eight.

If anything about her appearance betrayed her age and status, it was the slightly lean cast of her face and the captivating, sharp light that shone from her limpid eyes, which emanated a natural authority.

Seeing Xiao Nianci’s face so suddenly, Chen Cheng couldn’t help but be taken aback.

’Xiao Nianci really is a knockout. No wonder Xia Lingfeng calls her Miss Xiao!’

Martial Artists often appeared younger than ordinary people, but someone who could preserve their youth as well as Xiao Nianci was a rarity.

This was perhaps thanks to the Five Elements Wood Lineage Skill Inheritance she cultivated. The Wood Element nurtures life energy, and it included the Spring Birth Technique, which could extend one’s lifespan and preserve a youthful appearance.

Many physicians also cultivated the Wood lineage. If one managed to cultivate the Wood Element Realm, they could perform miraculous feats of healing, becoming renowned doctors of their era.

Of course, there was another possibility: her Martial Arts Power was already so formidable that she was on the verge of breaking through the Profound Passage and entering the Innate Realm.

Upon reaching the Innate Realm, one could absorb the Heaven and Earth Origin Spiritual Qi to replenish their body’s Innate Origin. Their lifespan would often extend beyond one hundred and fifty years, and they would naturally appear exceptionally young.

"I am," Chen Cheng said with a slight nod, bowing respectfully once more.

Xiao Nianci scrutinized Chen Cheng. She saw his steady bearing and his calm, composed expression. He appeared humble and courteous, yet she could sense an unyielding pride beneath the surface.

For a moment, Xiao Nianci’s expression grew distant, as if she were lost in a memory from many years ago.

’That was exactly how I felt the first time I saw Zheng Hun!’

"You truly are Zheng Hun’s disciple!"

Xiao Nianci murmured, her expression suddenly turning cold. "Fifth on the Rouge List," she said flatly. "You’re quite something, indeed.

Zheng Hun certainly taught a fine disciple!

Good! Excellent, even!"

Xiao Nianci let out a cold laugh and abruptly lowered her veil.

Everyone present could hear the anger in her voice.

Chen Cheng could guess that he had incurred Xiao Nianci’s wrath simply because of his master, Mr. Zheng. He was truly caught in the crossfire.

’There’s really nothing I can do about this kind of thing!’

’I can only wait and see how things unfold.’

Chen Cheng lowered his gaze, keeping his expression neutral and saying nothing. Xiao Nianci also remained silent.

No one dared to even breathe too loudly. Lord Xiao was clearly furious; who would risk provoking her now?

The clearing fell silent.

The light stamping of the Unicorn Dragon Horses’ hooves and the heavy breathing of the other mounts were clearly audible in the distance.

"Miss Xiao, you’ve traveled a long way. You must be tired. Why don’t you return to Linji City and rest for a while?"

Xia Lingfeng spoke up.

At a time like this, he was the only one who didn’t seem to fear Xiao Nianci’s imposing presence.

"Xia Lingfeng!" Xiao Nianci spun around and fixed him with a cold stare.

Xia Lingfeng seemed quite intimidated by her and instinctively recoiled.

However, remembering his status as the Director of the Demon Suppression Department and Vice Director of the Inspection Department, he knew that acting too timidly would invite ridicule. He immediately puffed out his chest and said with a grin, "What can I do for you, Lord Xiao?"

"See for yourself!" Xiao Nianci retrieved a letter sealed with red wax from her robes and handed it to him.

Xia Lingfeng took the sealed letter, broke the seal, and read it carefully. His eyes suddenly widened in disbelief.

"Vice Director and Acting Director of the Linji City Inspection Department... The Sect has appointed you as the interim Director?"

"What? You have a problem with me serving as the acting Director, Xia Lingfeng?" Xiao Nianci said coldly.

"Of course not! How could I possibly have a problem with that?" Xia Lingfeng huffed, tossing the letter to Jiang Botao, who was standing nearby.

Xia Lingfeng clearly didn’t mean it. He had dared to banter with Xiao Nianci before because their official ranks were equivalent, placing them on equal footing.

She couldn’t have truly suppressed him even if she wanted to.

But now, as the acting Director, Xiao Nianci was implicitly half a rank above Xia Lingfeng, giving her the power to genuinely keep him in check.

If Xiao Nianci decided to make things difficult for Chen Cheng, it would be hard for Xia Lingfeng to intervene.

After reading the letter, however, a faint smile appeared on Jiang Botao’s face. He clasped his hands in a salute and said:

"Whatever orders Lord Xiao has, I shall obey them without question."

Jiang Botao was so quick to declare his loyalty because he had noticed Xiao Nianci’s dislike for Chen Cheng and Xia Lingfeng’s desire to protect him.

With Xiao Nianci as the acting Director of the Inspection Department, neither Xia Lingfeng nor Chen Cheng was going to have an easy time.

’Looks like there’s going to be a good show to watch.’

Xiao Nianci returned to the stone table and sat down. Her gaze swept over the crowd, lingering on Chen Cheng’s face for a moment before she spoke slowly.

"Since that’s settled, I will announce a few things right now.

Effective immediately, the Inspection Department will assume control of the entire Linji Prefecture. The Demon Suppression Department, the City Lord’s Mansion, the Protectorate Army, and all other Government Offices are required to follow the Inspection Department’s command.

I will arrange the specific details once we arrive in Linji City."

She paused, then looked at Chen Cheng. "The Inspection Department is currently in need of capable individuals. I have brought four Chief Brocade Guards with me, but there is one vacant position for a Chief Brocade Guard. Let Vice Director Chen Cheng of the Demon Suppression Department concurrently fill this role.

Chen Cheng, are you willing to accept this appointment and follow my orders?"

With the Inspection Department taking over Linji City, it was now the highest authority!

In terms of actual power, the position of Chief Brocade Guard far surpassed that of Vice Director of the Demon Suppression Department.

Moreover, it was a concurrent appointment that didn’t affect his status as Vice Director of the Demon Suppression Department. This was an incredible stroke of good fortune!

’Is Xiao Nianci planning to promote Chen Cheng?’

Chen Cheng was stunned.

Xia Lingfeng’s eyes went wide.

And Jiang Botao, Wang Tingxuan, and the others who had been waiting to watch Xiao Nianci punish Chen Cheng were all completely bewildered.

"What, are you unwilling?" Xiao Nianci asked when Chen Cheng didn’t respond.

"Your subordinate accepts Lord Xiao’s command," Chen Cheng replied.

Even City Lord Jiang Botao had to obey her orders. If Chen Cheng wanted to keep his position within the Linji City Government Office, he had no reason to refuse.

’As for what game Xiao Nianci is playing or what she’s plotting, I’ll have to take things one step at a time.’

’If she pushes me too far, I can always just leave and seek refuge with my master, Mr. Zheng!’

"Good." Xiao Nianci nodded slightly in approval. "So decisive at such a young age. Very impressive."

This was clear and unmistakable praise.

Everyone was once again filled with suspicion. ’Could it be that the anger Xiao Nianci showed earlier was just an act?’

’Wasn’t she going to give Chen Cheng a hard time?’

However, Xiao Nianci’s next words quickly shattered their confusion.

"The position of Chief Brocade Guard in the Inspection Department is a crucial one. It requires someone with formidable Martial Arts Power, so naturally, an assessment is in order.

You may select one of these four Chief Brocade Guards for a duel. If you survive, you will be deemed qualified for the position."

She didn’t speak of victory or defeat, only of survival. It was a clear declaration that she wanted Chen Cheng to fight one of these four Chief Brocade Guards to the death—a truly horrifying demand.

Everyone was utterly dumbfounded.

Even Chen Cheng was shocked.

’This woman, Xiao Nianci... she’s either dormant or strikes with extreme, merciless viciousness!’