Isn’t that better than being some Hundred Households or Thousand Commander?"

With that, Shen Qingyao lifted her chin and shot Qin Ruiyang a sidelong glance filled with disdain.

Her meaning was clear: ’Trying to poach someone from the Shen Family? Not a chance!’

Yet, faced with the unconcealed hostility from Linji City’s two unparalleled beauties, Qin Ruiyang did not get angry. He was poaching someone in broad daylight; he had already prepared himself to offend the Shen Family.

"Junior Sister Qingshuang, Miss Qingyao, please don’t be alarmed. Hear me out."

Qin Ruiyang offered a kind smile. "You only know half the story. On the surface, it appears that a Wind and Rain Tower assassin forced their way into the Zheng Martial Arts Hall last night, attempting to harm Master Zheng’s family."

"But have you considered if that assassin from the Wind and Rain Tower was truly after Master Zheng’s family?"

"I believe he was after Junior Brother Chen. At such a young age, Junior Brother Chen’s Martial Arts Power is already formidable."

"You could say that among the younger generation of Linji City, not even the scions of the Four Great Clans of the Inner City can compare to Junior Brother Chen in terms of cultivation speed."

"In my eyes, Junior Brother Chen’s innate talent for the Martial Dao is comparable to Master Zheng’s in his youth. His future Martial Arts Achievements are limitless."

"He has the potential to catch up to Master Zheng, and it’s not impossible that he might even surpass the master."

"Just think: in all of Linji City, how many people would want to see a second Master Zheng emerge?"

"Junior Brother Chen has only just entered the Muscle Strengthening Realm and has already drawn such envy. If his Martial Arts Power were to advance further, there’s no telling what dangers he might face."

"If he’s in the Demon Suppression Department, constantly leaving the city to slay demons, his safety cannot be guaranteed, even with Master Zheng here in Linji City."

"Only by serving in the Protectorate Army, under the protection of its soldiers, can Junior Brother Chen grow strong in peace and safety."

"Your concerns are simply that the Shen Family has invested in Junior Brother Chen’s development, and you’re afraid he will align himself with my Qin Family."

"You need not worry on that account. The Qin Family has no such intention. With our backing in the State City, why would the Qin Family need to compete with the Shen Family over a single young talent?"

"Furthermore, because the Qin Family’s foundation is deeper and we have witnessed countless Celestial Prides in the State City, we would never be as short-sighted as other Linji City families and do anything to harm Junior Brother Chen."

"Besides, if Junior Brother Chen truly becomes successful in his cultivation, an unshakeable powerhouse in his own right, he won’t forget the support the Shen Family gave him. He will surely look after you."

"Master Zheng disregarded past grievances to accept both me and Junior Sister Qingshuang as True Disciples. Is he not the best example of this?"

"Therefore, Junior Brother Chen serving in the Protectorate Army is all benefit and no drawback."

This argument from Qin Ruiyang was extremely frank and quite reasonable. For a moment, the sisters Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang were at a loss for a rebuttal.

As members of one of the Four Great Clans of the Inner City, how could they not understand that talent breeds jealousy, that the tree that rises above the forest is the first to be broken by the wind?

After all, such things were all too common in the Martial Arts Realm. Every year in Linji City, a number of talented young people met a premature end, sent to an early grave by the jealousy of others.

Never mind those from Humble Families with no backing; even their own Shen Family, one of the Four Great Clans of the Inner City, had to keep Shen Qingyao hidden away before she advanced to the Bone Forging Realm.

Shen Qingshuang felt this even more keenly. Was her own genius subordinate, Yan Jian, not still missing without a trace?

Would Chen Cheng become the next Yan Jian, suffering the same fate?

Who could say for sure?

Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang both fell silent, turning to look at Chen Cheng.

Mu Xiaowan’s beautiful eyes also held a trace of worry as she looked at Chen Cheng. Having been with him on his journey so far, she was all too familiar with this sense of crisis.

Seeing everyone’s intense gaze fixed upon him, Chen Cheng, in contrast, appeared relaxed and composed.

He smiled nonchalantly. "Thank you for your kind intentions, Senior Brother Qin. However, I’m just a minor Martial Artist in the Muscle Strengthening Realm. I always try to get along with people, so I doubt I’ll attract anyone’s jealousy."

"If a danger I cannot avoid truly arises, I think I’d rather just go and take shelter with our Master."

"Er..." Qin Ruiyang hadn’t expected such a reply and was momentarily stunned.

The eyes of Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang, however, glinted with admiration.

’Qingshuang was right,’ Shen Qingyao thought. ’Chen Cheng really is proud to his very bones!’

Shen Qingshuang sighed softly, thinking, ’Oh, Chen Cheng. You’re just as wildly arrogant as the day I first met you.’

’On account of that arrogance alone, I, Shen Qingshuang, will protect you. I will never let you be assassinated in the shadows like Yan Jian was!’

Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts, the old servant, Shi Fangdong, rushed over to report that Sixth Madam Luo Yunzhi was approaching with Mao Yong, the Linji City Guard Director.

The City Guard Director was a major figure whose authority was second only to that of the City Lord and the Commander of the Imperial Guard.

Furthermore, Mao Yong was an expert of the Bone Marrow Cleansing Realm.

Not daring to show any disrespect, they all hurried to the front to receive him.

When they reached the front courtyard, they saw Luo Yunzhi chatting with a middle-aged man of about fifty who was dressed in a Profound Robe.

"Greetings, Lord Mao."

Everyone bowed respectfully.

Mao Yong gave a slight nod, his tone quite amiable. "There’s no need for such ceremony."

As he spoke, he carefully sized up Chen Cheng. Secretly sensing the richness of the young man’s qi and blood, he couldn’t hide a flicker of surprise.

Seeing is believing, as the saying goes. Mao Yong had heard countless rumors about Chen Cheng.

Titles like the youngest Chief Constable in the South City District, the "Ruthless" Chief Constable, and the top Chief Constable of Lishui District.

In his mind, even if a young man was exceptional, just how exceptional could he truly be?

He had thought the rumors were likely exaggerated—nothing more than hype generated by Shen Qingshuang to promote Chen Cheng.