Chapter 188: Chapter 125: The Momentum Is Mine—Joining Forces Against the Hu (Part 3)

This won’t work.

The high-ranking members of the government and the noble families might find a new patron amid this turmoil and continue to prosper.

But the common people at the bottom might be crushed to pieces, becoming innocent souls caught under the tidal wave of the era.

Even at this point, still they contend with each other?

"I’ve heard South Sea Fairy Fang is bringing the Azure Dragon Seal to Xingqing Prefecture soon. Now, all sorts of devils have shown up. Just discovered a Corpse King Sect disciple killing for cultivation and now there’s news that the Greed Wolf Army Chief has entered from the direction of South City.

This person is ruthless beyond compare, capable of anything. It’s one thing if he targets Fairy Fang, but I’m afraid he will indiscriminately slaughter innocents and bring the army into the city. Lord Silver Seal Merchant and Chief Constable Tao have already gone over..."

Zhuo Yunfei mentioned South Sea Fairy Fang with slight dissatisfaction in his tone.

Come if you must, but causing such trouble, stirring chaos in Xingqing Prefecture.

"A Corpse King Sect disciple?" Chen Ping fell silent for a moment.

Now he knew who all the Seven Demonic Sects were.

Xiongba mentioned that wherever the Corpse King Sect goes, they dig graves and use living people for cultivation, showing no humanity at all. Even among the evil sects, they are condemned by all.

"Is it him?"

The sword within Chen Ping’s scabbard let out a hum as a sword shadow shot forth. Moving swiftly, Chen Ping crossed more than five feet and thrust the sword into the chest of a wailing citizen.

That person was originally beating his chest and stamping his feet, mourning the death of a family member, tears flowing profusely. Unprepared, he was stunned as Chen Ping’s sharp sword penetrated his chest.

He cried out in anger, reaching forward with his hands, which transformed into sharp, black claws, lunging forward with a fetid wind, counter-attacking viciously.

"This cultivation technique is indeed sinister."

Chen Ping smiled coldly, his wrist slightly quivering.

With a sweep of the sword, there was a tearing sound as he sliced this seemingly ordinary citizen in half.

At the same time, Chen Ping dodged the splashing black blood and returned to Zhuo Yunfei’s side.

It was only then that Zhuo Yunfei drew his sword from its scabbard.

"This..."

He had not realized there was an enemy hiding here at all, assuming that person had fled once noticing the unfavorable situation.

Unexpectedly, the enemy had been concealed nearby all along.

If Chen Ping hadn’t spotted him, once everyone let their guard down, a sudden outburst might have caused multiple tragedies.

Even his own life might not have been spared.

Because when that person counter-attacked despite being injured, his Qi mechanism was violently ferocious, not weak in the slightest.

According to Zhuo Yunfei’s estimation, it might have reached the level of Opening Two or Three Extraordinary Meridians.

Yet this Jianghu-level evil master was dispatched like a child by the hands of this green-robed youth, killed without a reaction.

Died like a blade of wild grass, without a sound.

’Just how strong is he?’

Zhuo Yunfei’s eyes widened, his heart stirred, he quickly stepped forward to give a deep bow, "May I know your esteemed name, if Lord Prefecture were to learn of tonight’s events, he would surely come to offer his gratitude."

"I am Chen Ping, it’s just a minor matter, not worth mentioning." Chen Ping shook his head.

He hadn’t met the newly appointed Prefect Pei, but seeing the chaos engulfing Xingqing Prefecture, surely, even with good intentions, this person’s abilities couldn’t be considered impressive.

Can someone subdued by a Deputy Magistrate even be called a Prefect?

He had no desire for engagement.

"I still have urgent matters, I won’t delay Chief Constable Zhuo in catching the thief."

"Chen Ping, Chen Ping of Primordial Martial Arts Hall, who defeated Seven Stars and slew the Sword Slave, who challenged Innate with Postnatal and killed Great Desert Mad Saber Shusun Xiao?"

Zhuo Yunfei was initially slightly disappointed, then suddenly realized.

"So, it was you, Brother Tian, you deceived me perfectly."

He stepped forward gripping Chen Ping’s hand tightly, his smile more vibrant than a woman’s.

Damn the effeminate appearance.

A shiver of disgust ran through Chen Ping’s heart as he quickly pushed him away.

"Keep your distance, keep your distance, tell me, Brother Zhuo, how did you recognize me?"

He felt a bit helpless.

Luckily, other constables were busy managing the scene, comforting citizens, otherwise his identity would have been blown, ruining everything.

"Blame my loose tongue, don’t worry, they can’t hear us. As I said, Brother Tian, no, Brother Chen, wouldn’t die so easily, and indeed, you escorted the Princess Mingyue in one swift move, returned from Ling Mountain Prefecture..."

As he spoke, he grew more excited, slapping his thigh, "That’s why you’re the one, Xingqing Prefecture might be saved."

It was clear this guy had been under immense pressure recently, seeing Chen Ping, his demeanor and aura had changed. Previously, he was like a dusty longsword, now like a freshly forged sharp blade.

Everything was good, except for this chattering personality, which was unlike before.

"Let’s not discuss how I know your identity, Brother Chen, what do you think about the current situation in Xingqing Prefecture?"

"Is there anything left to see? The tide has turned."

Chen Ping shook his head.

From tonight’s events, it seems this bustling city is already perforated, deeply infiltrated by Beizhou Barbarians.

The remaining large forces are likely also calculating inwardly, ready to favor Beizhou at any time.

"Yes, the tide has turned, but there is still a glimmer of vitality.

Prefect Pei coming to power hasn’t done nothing, what’s lacking isn’t manpower or righteousness, but a master worthy of absolute trust."

"What do you mean by that?"

Chen Ping felt stirred.

"Today there are too many eyes around, tomorrow, Zhuo and Lord Silver Seal Merchant will visit the Primordial Martial Arts Hall to discuss significant matters. Rest assured, under such circumstances, the Primordial Martial Arts Hall must remain safe, and after hearing about Junior Martial Uncle Han’s injury, Prefect Pei has sent people out of the city overnight to seek healing herbs."

"That’s excellent."

Chen Ping observed a large group of constables approaching, sensing a powerful Qi mechanism from one among them.

He smiled, moved swiftly, and vanished into the shadows of the street.

If Prefect Pei truly wished to resist the Hu people, collaboration would be inevitable.

The other party holds the banner of righteousness and is the overt chief official...

Borrowing strength and momentum from each side isn’t impossible to struggle for.

Furthermore, Chen Ping had a plan, previously encouraging Han Xiaoru to gather disciples from Changkong Martial Arts Hall and Primordial Martial Arts Hall, establishing prestige and fame, he wasn’t doing it for fun, spending money and effort maintaining these disciples. Isn’t he afraid of the heavy burden?

He thought that if the government couldn’t be relied upon, nor the noble families, then the only reliable source was himself.

If he didn’t want the Beizhou Barbarians’ schemes to succeed, didn’t want their army to push through, he must think with a different approach.

He mustn’t go with the flow, observing the shifting winds and clouds.

The Rebel Army fighting everywhere for territory can’t be trusted.

The Three Prefectures’ dignitaries, princes, and noble families also likely lean heavily towards the Beizhou Barbarians.

If he wanted to settle himself securely, without being targeted or hunted, wanted to protect the waters and soil of Celestial South from Hu people ravaging, he had to have his own troops, his own domain.

’Then, let me take Primordial Martial Arts Hall as the starting point, and have a proper contest with them, to see who truly controls the fate of Xingqing Prefecture.’