Becoming a god by following the natural order and seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune.

Chapter 89 Innate Spiritual Energy
【My name is Chen Sheng. When you see this sentence, I…】 Under the threat of the Gao family's destruction, the Huang family finally felt the pain and impending doom. They dared not harbor any illusions and urgently contacted their in-laws in the prefectural city—the Xu family—attempting to use the Xu family's influence to put pressure on me.

However, the Huang family had lost their will to fight and only wanted to seek peace and save their lives. They did not want to risk their entire family to be my enemy again. But what I never expected was that the Xu family sent their eldest son, the young master Xu Shenzhi. Moreover, this person actually possessed a high-quality innate spiritual energy, which the Xu family was preparing for his future breakthrough to the innate realm.

If I could obtain this item, I could not only save myself the time and effort of nurturing it, but also prepare in advance for breaking through to the Innate Realm in the future. It would be a shortcut to instant success.

Most importantly, this opportunity wasn't entirely unavailable. This young master of the Xu family had a fatal weakness—his fiancée, Han Ling'er. Xu Shenzhi cherished her dearly and loved her deeply. If they could use her as leverage, they might be able to force Xu Shenzhi to hand over the innate spiritual energy. Otherwise, this item was intimately connected to him, treasured close to his body; it could be easily destroyed in a moment's thought, making forcible seizure virtually impossible.

"Innate spiritual energy"

Chen Sheng stared at the golden characters slowly emerging from the illusory heavenly book deep within his consciousness, his eyes suddenly brightening like lightning flashing in the dark night.

He knew perfectly well what this thing was.

He is now only one step away from the completion of the Foundation Establishment stage, and with the effects of the Golden Jade Ointment, the rest will be a matter of course.

He naturally needed to prepare for his future cultivation of innate abilities.

The 'Red Lotus Evil Aura' he obtained from the wicked monk Shanxin is one of them, but he doesn't need it right now.

However, 'innate spiritual energy' is an indispensable key to breaking through to the innate level.

Although this item is far less precious than 'Earthly Fiend Qi', it is still a rare and valuable spiritual object.

Especially in remote counties like Changshan, unless one is incredibly lucky and manages to find it by chance in the wilderness, the only way to obtain it is to go to the resource-rich city of Ning'an.

Chen Sheng's original plan was to wait until he had completely wiped out the Huang family and eliminated the water bandits in the waters around Changshan, and then apply to his superiors for a reward based on this great achievement, or exchange the spoils of war for a piece of innate spiritual energy.

Unexpectedly, what I had been searching for came to me without any effort.

This young master of the Xu family actually came to our door himself with generous gifts.

Moreover, he has a very obvious weakness.

Having a weakness is good.

Having a weakness makes it easier for him to coerce or entice, and even achieve his goals without bloodshed.

"Truly... double happiness."

A cold smile curled at the corner of Chen Sheng's lips.

Since ancient times, treasures have belonged to those with virtue.
No, it belongs to the powerful and the cunning!
Since the Xu family has taken the initiative to get involved in this Changshan turmoil, then Chen Sheng shouldn't be surprised if he accepts this 'generous gift'.

And the Huang family
He had already thoroughly investigated the backgrounds and potential relationships of the three major families.

It wasn't entirely unexpected that the Huang family sought outside help. However, to only back down now, and even attempt to use external force to coerce others into 'peace talks'?
That's a bit too naive.

He was able to tolerate the Yang family for several reasons: first, their enmity wasn't deep; second, Madam Yang acted as a mediator, easing the conflict; and third, Yang Yi was pragmatic enough to decisively sever ties, and he didn't want to see the Huang and Yang families united against a common enemy, so he adopted a strategy of dividing and winning them over.

But what right does the Huang family have to enjoy such preferential treatment?

Moreover, the Huang family has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and resources over a century, possessing countless treasures.

If they were to easily bow down and submit, how would Chen and County Magistrate Wu get promoted and make a fortune?

Want to back down?
Not allowed!
The Huang family, these bandits who have plagued Changshan for years, must be eradicated to restore a bright and clear world to the people of Changshan.

After completely subduing Magistrate Lin Shou, the Changshan County government is now an unshakeable force, and his power has reached its zenith in the area.

It's time... to let Changshan County truly feel the power of this Chen man!

"My lord, the Huang family has sent a visiting card."

The curtain of the military camp's main tent was lifted, and Commander Yan Ming strode in, holding a well-made invitation with a special pattern on the cover.

Chen Sheng casually took it, glancing only at the gilded characters "Respectfully presented by the Xu family of Fucheng," a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes, showing no interest whatsoever in even opening it to read.

With a slight exertion of force in his five fingers, a powerful and domineering force burst forth from his body.

"puff--"

The invitation card was instantly crushed as if by an invisible hand, turning into countless tiny scraps of paper that fluttered and fell to the ground.

"Yan Ming".

"Your subordinate is here!" Yan Ming's heart tightened, and he solemnly replied.

Chen Sheng slowly raised his hand, stroking the cold blade of the 'Frost-Slaying' sword that lay across his knees. A chilling sensation ran through his fingertips, and his voice became cold and resolute:
"Order the entire battalion to don their armor, wield their weapons, and prepare for battle!"
There's no need to wait for the Huang family's pretentious rewards, nor to pay any attention to the Xu family's invitation!

He suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with a sharp light like knives:

"I, this official, will personally go to the Huang family to pay my respects and demand an explanation!"

"Ling'er, do you believe it or not? As long as I send that invitation, I might not even need to visit in person. Once Commander Chen learns of the Xu family's name, he will come to the Huang family to meet me."

In the meticulously decorated guest courtyard of the Huang family, Xu Shenzhi looked at Han Ling'er, who was sitting by the window with an indifferent expression, and tried to attract her attention with a relaxed and confident tone, with a faint expectation hidden deep in his eyes.

Xu Shenzhi truly admired his junior sister, whom he had known since childhood but whose temperament had become increasingly aloof.

The two were childhood sweethearts, from similar family backgrounds, and their elders had arranged their marriage early on. In his heart, Han Ling'er was already his future Daoist partner.

In the early years, things were fine, but for some reason, ever since the two of them joined the Iron Sword Sect in the city and became inner disciples, Han Ling'er has become increasingly distant from him and often treats him with a cold face.

However, Xu Shenzhi was not discouraged. He always believed that with his sincere heart and his status as the young master of the Xu family, he would one day be able to melt this ice.

"Don't be overconfident."

Han Ling'er didn't even turn her head, her voice clear but devoid of warmth, directly pouring cold water on him: "Your maternal grandfather repeatedly reminded you that Chen Sheng is no easy opponent. The Xu family may have some influence in the prefectural city, but they may not give you face."

In everything, one should prepare for the worst.

In her view, the Xu family was like the Wang family of Ning'an, deeply entrenched and deeply rooted in the government and the martial arts world of the prefecture.

For such trivial matters, the subordinates naturally scrambled to curry favor, but the Xu family was merely a second-rate clan, and she truly couldn't understand where Xu Shenzhi's almost blind confidence came from.

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Xu Shenzhi's face, but he still forced himself to explain:
"Even setting aside the Xu family, I am still an inner disciple of the Iron Sword Sect, and my status is extraordinary. Would Chen Sheng really risk offending both the Xu family and the Iron Sword Sect for the sake of some local conflicts?"

I don't underestimate this man; he must have some extraordinary abilities to have driven a local power like the Huang family to such a predicament. But the smarter a person is, the better they understand how to weigh the pros and cons; why would they needlessly create such a formidable enemy?

After understanding the situation, he concluded that Chen Sheng's ruthless attack on the Gao family stemmed from the hatred of a father's murder and the extermination of the entire family, making his cruel methods understandable. However, the Huang family did not have such an irreconcilable feud with Chen Sheng; in fact, in several confrontations, the Huang family had been the one who suffered losses.

As long as he reveals his identity and shows that the Huang family is willing to pay a price to quell the trouble, Chen Sheng, if he had any sense, would not refuse this favor.

Han Ling'er turned around and looked out the window, clearly unwilling to say anything more.

"Junior sister, how about we make a bet?"

Xu Shenzhi's gaze shifted, and he put on a smiling face: "If I'm not mistaken, if Chen Sheng comes on his own initiative or is respectful, then I win... How about you set a wedding date with me? Of course, if I'm wrong and lose, I'll give you a Yuan Crystal."

Xu Shenzhi revealed his true intentions when he finally got to the bottom of things.

Upon hearing this, Han Ling'er's delicate body stiffened almost imperceptibly, a complex and conflicted look flashing in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination. She turned around, facing Xu Shenzhi directly, her expression more solemn than ever before:
"Senior Brother Xu, the reason I agreed to come with you this time is actually to take this opportunity to clarify something with you."

"What's the matter?"

Xu Shenzhi initially didn't take it seriously, but seeing the other party's solemn expression, he couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding.

"When our two families made the marriage agreement, it was more out of consideration for family alliance and mutual support, but my wishes were never really asked."

Han Ling'er spoke clearly, her eyes bright: "If I marry into your Xu family, according to the sect's regulations, the Iron Sword Sect will not pour its core resources into me."

My heart is set on the path of cultivation, and I have no intention of indulging in romantic love. Therefore, I earnestly request that you, my senior brother, go to the Han family to dissolve our engagement and fulfill my desire to pursue the Dao.

Junior sister here, bowing in gratitude to senior brother for his kindness.

Xu Shenzhi's smile froze instantly. He opened his mouth, managing to force out a smile that was more like a grimace:

"Junior sister, please don't joke. Even if we get married, as the young master of the Xu family, how could I possibly lack your cultivation resources? The Xu and Han families will definitely give their full support!"

Han Ling'er gently shook her head, letting out a barely audible sigh:

"Senior brother, you and I both know that my aptitude is only above average, not exceptionally talented. I am already twenty-two years old and have only just entered the Marrow Transformation Realm. As a woman, it is impossible for me to receive the highest level of resources in the Han family."

If you marry into the Xu family, the situation will likely be even worse. Even as the eldest son, you cannot defy the family's will regarding resource allocation. Only by staying in the sect, focusing on diligent cultivation, and demonstrating sufficient value can you secure that sliver of opportunity... to step into the Innate Realm!

"Junior sister, you...you want innate spiritual energy?"

Xu Shenzhi finally understood Han Ling'er's implied meaning, and his face turned slightly pale.

"good."

Han Ling'er readily admitted, her gaze intense: "The preciousness of innate spiritual energy is self-evident. Senior brother, can you guarantee that after we get married, you can secure a piece of innate spiritual energy for me in the Xu family?"

Xu Shenzhi remained silent.

Innate spiritual energy is the key to a martial artist's foundation building and transformation, and it is extremely precious.
These precious resources are mostly firmly controlled by the government and the top sects and families in Ning'an Prefecture.

Even the Xu family, with the full strength of the clan, might not be able to guarantee obtaining one in several years, so how could they easily use it on a daughter-in-law who is not of the direct bloodline?

"Ling'er, I promise you."

Xu Shenzhi suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with urgency: "After we get married, after I break through to the Innate Realm, I will do my best to find a strand of Innate Spiritual Energy for you!"

"The best time to break through innate limitations is before the age of twenty-five. I don't have much time to wait."

Han Ling'er said resolutely, "Senior Brother Xu, as the young master of the Xu family, why are you worried about not finding a suitable partner who is both talented and beautiful? Why waste your time on me? The reason I agreed to be alone with you this time is to tell you the truth."

If you insist on refusing, I will have no choice but to ask the Wang family.”

"The Wang family?!"

Xu Shenzhi's expression changed drastically. Before Han Ling'er could finish speaking, he interrupted her sharply, his tone filled with shock, anger, and a hint of panic: "You...you're prepared to submit to the Wang family for a mere wisp of innate spiritual energy?!"

Han Ling'er glanced at him speechlessly, with a hint of helplessness:

“I am very close to Wang Zhilan, the eldest daughter of the Wang family. I would like to ask her to speak to the Han family and your Xu family on my behalf, to explain the situation and my intentions, so as to peacefully dissolve the engagement.”

Hearing that it wasn't a case of infidelity, Xu Shenzhi's tense expression eased slightly, but then a strong sense of resentment surged up again. He stepped forward, almost pleading:
"Six months, Ling'er, give me six months. If I cannot find you a wisp of innate spiritual energy within six months, I will personally go to the Han family to annul the engagement. Give me one chance, Ling'er, just one!"

"Senior Brother Xu, what's wrong with you?" Han Ling'er frowned, wanting to refuse sternly.

Just then, an unusual commotion and commotion suddenly broke out outside the Huang family's inner courtyard, interrupting the two's conversation.

Xu Shenzhi, who was just trying to find a way to change the subject, immediately seized the opportunity, strode out of the guest courtyard, stopped a Huang family member who looked flustered and was about to run away, and asked:

"What's happening outside? Why is there such a commotion?"

The Huang family member's face turned deathly pale, and he spoke incoherently:

"Outside...there are so many soldiers. It's Chen Sheng, that killing god Chen Sheng, who has surrounded our Huang family with a large force. The patriarch has already gone there. I have to hurry and report to the ancestors!"

After saying that, he shoved Xu Shenzhi aside and stumbled towards the main courtyard.

Upon hearing this, Xu Shenzhi's face immediately turned extremely ugly.

Chen Sheng is here?

Not only did they arrive, but they also led troops to surround the Huang residence?

Did he not receive his own invitation?

Or is it that he simply didn't take the Xu family seriously?

A surge of anger at being slighted, mixed with unease at things spiraling out of control, welled up inside him.

Xu Shenzhi forced himself to calm down and said in a deep voice to Han Ling'er, who had followed him out:
"Junior sister, the Huang family is probably in trouble. I need to go there immediately to help them calm things down. As for the marriage agreement, we can discuss it after we return to the prefectural city."

Han Ling'er listened to the faint sounds of commotion and panic coming from afar and sighed softly:

"Alright, I'll go with you to take a look."

Seeing his junior sister's concern for him, Xu Shenzhi felt a warmth in his heart:
"Thank you, junior sister."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

(End of this chapter)