Chapter 13: Handling Heavy Matters with Ease, Overawing Everyone (Please bookmark, recommend, and...)

Wenren Jie narrowed his eyes, then took a gulp of wine and burst into hearty laughter.

"Daoist Jiang is truly worthy of being a High Cultivator from Penglai; your methods are indeed extraordinary!"

Qiao Xuan was also puffing on his dry tobacco, his eyes carrying an inexplicable meaning.

"Daoist Jiang is formidable. That formation just now... even an old man like me wouldn't dare say I could deal with it easily."

Young Master Kongxu's eyes widened even further. His right hand gripped his scabbard tightly, filled with disbelief: "How did he do it?"

Meanwhile, Xu Xiao's eyes sparkled with brilliance: "I seem to have caught a glimpse of the essence behind Daoist Jiang's methods just now."

Zhang Qing and Zhang Qingyun quickly looked toward Xu Xiao, and even Wenren Jie, Qiao Xuan, and Young Master Kongxu turned their gazes toward her, hoping this young fairy from the Lanyue Sect of Qingzhou, renowned throughout the region, could offer some explanation.

Xu Xiao extended her slender hand and spoke slowly, "The offensive from you fellow Daoists just now was indeed fierce and quite unexpected. If it had been me facing it, I certainly wouldn't have fared well; my only choice would have been to retreat momentarily."

As soon as these words were spoken, Wenren Jie, Qiao Xuan, and Young Master Kongxu all nodded in agreement.

Clearly, having put themselves in that position, they realized that temporarily avoiding the brunt of the attack was the most correct choice.

Xu Xiao continued, "But Daoist Jiang was different. He had already made his calculations in that split second of lightning and flint."

"If I am not mistaken, while it appeared that Daoist Jiang was bound by those green vines, he only allowed a phantom image to be caught. As for his actual self, he had already taken the opportunity to retreat, giving him ample time to respond calmly."

"I suspect those spells did not actually harm Daoist Jiang, but were instead blocked by him one by one. Though it looked like sparks were flying and smoke was rising, they couldn't even get close to his body."

As she spoke, a light shimmered in Xu Xiao's eyes: "Daoist Jiang is truly a High Cultivator from Penglai. His cultivation methods are extraordinary, but his calm handling of crisis is even more remarkable!"

Hearing Xu Xiao's explanation, the others fell into deep thought.

The action sounded simple, but to make a decision in the blink of an eye, predict the outcome with absolute precision, and launch a counterattack—who else could possess such skill?

While these individuals were lost in their own thoughts, Jiang Sheng finally made his move.

"Just now, you fellow Daoists took the initiative. Next, it is my turn."

Before his voice had even faded, Jiang Sheng moved like a swallow. In the blink of an eye, he had closed the distance to Wang Tianfang. It was Wang Tianfang who had unleashed those vines!

He looked like a straightforward and generous hero, but who knew he was actually a cultivator proficient in poison arts and self-preservation?

The sword on his person was merely decoration; his true killing moves were his poison arts, vines, and poisonous needles.

Seeing Jiang Sheng approaching, Wang Tianfang, gripped by fear, waved his hand to scatter a flurry of eerie green flying needles, which rushed toward Jiang Sheng's face like falling flowers.

"Your foundation is unstable, your moves are too obvious, and your eyes have already betrayed you, Fellow Daoist Wang."

With a wave of his right hand, Jiang Sheng's sleeve fluttered, blocking Wang Tianfang's poisonous needles. Immediately after, Jiang Sheng's figure blurred like a soaring wild goose, and with a sudden kick, he sent Wang Tianfang flying.

Then, Jiang Sheng spun in mid-air and pressed toward another Foundation Establishment cultivator.

This cultivator was the one who had used the Wind Blade technique.

"May I ask your name, Fellow Daoist?" Jiang Sheng asked.

"I am Li Hao!" the cultivator replied.

Before he could finish, Jiang Sheng was already above his head. Li Hao did not dare to underestimate him; he summoned several wind blades to fly through the air, as if trying to tear Jiang Sheng to pieces mid-flight.

"The moves seem fierce, but your spiritual energy is too thin and lacks follow-through. It can be broken with just a little force. Fellow Daoist Li, you still need more practice."

Jiang Sheng chuckled. He formed his hands into claws, his spiritual energy surged, and with a tearing motion, it was as if he were ripping through the void itself. The surging energy directly shredded the wind blades.

Li Hao watched helplessly as Jiang Sheng's hand gripped his arm firmly, followed by an unstoppable force that sent him flying.

Having knocked out two Foundation Establishment cultivators in two moves, Jiang Sheng turned his gaze toward the one casting fireballs. At this moment, the fireball user and the golden needle user had joined forces.

"Han Li, Qian Ming, please accept Daoist Jiang's guidance!"

As they spoke, the two Foundation Establishment cultivators combined their powers, sending whistling fireballs and golden needles rushing forward.

Jiang Sheng's sleeves fluttered, and a cyan barrier of spiritual energy formed before him, intercepting all the fireballs and needles.

Immediately after, Jiang Sheng flipped and lunged, vanishing from before Han Li and Qian Ming's eyes in an instant.

"Fellow Daoist Han, Fellow Daoist Qian, do not neglect your surroundings."

Jiang Sheng's voice rang out from behind them. Terrified, Han Li and Qian Ming immediately surged their spiritual energy to form a barrier, but Jiang Sheng had already sent them both flying with a single kick each.

Four Foundation Establishment cultivators, four moves!

Facing these fierce killing moves, Jiang Sheng had neutralized them all with effortless ease. He hadn't even needed to use the legendary swordsmanship people spoke of; he had used nothing but martial arts.

First, he used sharp methods to break their offense, then used gentle force to repel his opponents. This mastery of "handling heavy tasks with ease" truly opened the eyes of these Qingzhou cultivators.

Wang Tianfang looked at the shoe print on his abdomen, and his gaze toward Jiang Sheng was clearly filled with terror and dread: "Daoist Jiang is indeed the legendary High Cultivator of Penglai. I am truly impressed."

Li Hao, rubbing his aching arm, showed clear admiration: "Daoist Jiang's methods are incredible. Li Hao is in awe!"

Han Li and Qian Ming also regained their senses, their eyes filled with both respect and lingering fear: "Daoist Jiang's methods are indeed extraordinary. We are impressed!"

In just a few breaths, Jiang Sheng had easily defeated four Qingzhou Foundation Establishment cultivators. Such skill and ability caused every cultivator present to stare wide-eyed, declaring it a sight to behold.

Facing four people alone, not only could he defeat them easily without even harming them, but he himself remained completely unscathed. Who could have imagined such a thing before?

"Hahahaha! Daoist Jiang is formidable! I, Wen, am impressed!"

A hearty laugh rang out. Everyone looked over to see Wenren Jie standing up and cupping his hands toward Jiang Sheng.

Jiang Sheng looked at the burly man with disheveled hair and bare feet. Sensing the man's solid mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, he smiled and returned the salute: "This humble one greets Fellow Daoist Wen."

"I am the old man Qiao Xuan. It is an honor to meet a High Cultivator from Penglai today; it has been a worthwhile trip indeed." Old man Qiao Xuan also stood and cupped his hands toward Jiang Sheng.

Jiang Sheng likewise returned the salute with a smile: "This humble one greets Fellow Daoist Qiao."

Young Master Kongxu and Xu Xiao also stood up, each introducing themselves, and Jiang Sheng returned their greetings one by one.

Through this sequence, Jiang Sheng had not only proven his strength, showing that his reputation was well-deserved, but he had also tested the abilities of these rogue cultivators, exposing many who were merely pretenders.

Zhang Qingyun was even more stunned by Jiang Sheng's prowess. He hurriedly stood and said, "Qingyun was just about to send someone to invite Daoist Jiang, but I did not expect him to arrive on his own."

As he spoke, Zhang Qingyun invited Jiang Sheng to the seat of honor, then addressed the gathered rogue cultivators: "It is truly a blessing for my Qingshan County to gather so many heroes from Qingzhou to slay demons. As the Magistrate of Qingshan County, I represent the people of this county in thanking all you heroes."

"Now that everyone is gathered, please eat and drink to your heart's content. This county is willing to share this great event with all of you!"

Since even the Magistrate of Qingshan County showed such respect to Jiang Sheng, the rogue cultivators dared not say another word.

After all, even Old Man Qiao Xuan, Wenren Jie, Young Master Kongxu, and Fairy Xu Xiao of the Lanyue Sect had expressed their admiration for him.

Having witnessed Jiang Sheng's abilities, they were all clearly filled with awe and reverence.

Soon, the noisy atmosphere returned to the county office. People began to eat and drink boisterously again, and many cultivators made a special effort to get acquainted with Jiang Sheng.

Having proven his skill, these rogue cultivators naturally wanted to curry favor with him. If they encountered danger while slaying demons later, wouldn't he be someone they could rely on?

Jiang Sheng did not refuse these cultivators attempting to get close, but his expression remained calm, as if he were indifferent to such trifles.

This attitude made everyone even more cautious.

Clearly, no matter where one went, strength was the only language that mattered.

It was so for ordinary people, and even more so among cultivators.

The banquet lasted until evening. After Zhang Qing took her leave, the crowd began to disperse.

Some went to brothels and entertainment houses, some to taverns and gambling dens, and others returned to their rooms to cultivate. The Qingzhou cultivators found their own paths, and the once-bustling front hall of the magistrate's office returned to silence.

Late at night, in the quiet Qingshan County, several figures appeared from different directions. Taking advantage of the darkness, they entered the county office and headed straight for the backyard.

Midnight, the backyard of the Qingshan County Magistrate's Office.

Several dark shadows flickered into the courtyard one after another.

Jiang Sheng was still dressed in his green Taoist robes, standing quietly in the courtyard.

Wenren Jie, Qiao Xuan, and Young Master Kongxu landed one after another. Upon seeing Jiang Sheng, they cupped their hands in greeting but said nothing.

"I apologize for troubling you all to come here in the middle of the night; it was truly a matter of necessity. I, Zhang Qing, offer my respects." Zhang Qing's clear voice rang out.

Everyone turned to look. Standing beside Zhang Qing was none other than Xu Xiao, the inner disciple of the Lanyue Sect.

Clearly, Zhang Qing knew that among those present, only her close friend Xu Xiao was the only person she could truly trust and rely on.

"Miss Zhang, you summoned us. What exactly do you wish to say?" Wenren Jie asked in a low voice.

Just this afternoon, when Zhang Qing took her leave from the group, she had made a subtle gesture toward them.

Those far away were destined not to see it, but those with high cultivation who were sitting beside Magistrate Zhang Qing had seen it clearly.

Clearly, that subtle gesture was specifically intended for them, and its meaning was: *Midnight, the backyard of the county office.*

This was why Jiang Sheng and the others had come in the dead of night.

Zhang Qing explained, "You are all figures of great renown. There are some matters that, if I do not speak them, you will understand regardless."

As she spoke, Zhang Qing invited Jiang Sheng and the others into a study: "Since ancient times, secrets have brought success, and leaks have brought failure. What we are about to do is a great matter—slaying a Great Demon and making our names known to the world. This concerns the lives of you all and the people of the fifteen towns of my Qingshan County; I cannot afford to be anything less than cautious."

"Fairy Xu has already prepared a secret chamber. Please follow me into the chamber to discuss this further."

A secret chamber?

(End of Chapter)