After the family split up, I achieved martial arts sainthood.

The four major clans control more than 80% of the economy in Qingyuan County, and each clan is full of experts and has a profound cultural heritage.

There are almost none who can compare to them.

The four major clans also supported the Green Forest Gang to do whatever they wanted, oppressing and exploiting the common people.

To enslave people's hearts from the root, making them hesitant to act rashly or fearful of consequences.

Therefore, the vast Qingyuan County has a population of tens of thousands.

Therefore, there are very few people who dare to go against the four major clans.

Even if one has the courage, one may not necessarily have the ability.

It's no wonder that Chen Tong, despite serving as the head of Qingyuan County for several years, accomplished nothing.

"Gu Xin, you're different!"

Noticing Gu Xin's scrutinizing gaze, Chen Tong straightened up and looked at Gu Xin earnestly, saying, "Firstly, you have exceptional talent and are a rare talent for cultivation."

"Secondly, with your talent, you certainly wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to change your destiny through the martial arts examination. Even if you can give it up, your fellow disciples won't."

"However, the four major clans want to unify the martial arts power in Qingyuan County and want to control everything. They will not sit idly by and allow anyone to use the martial arts examination, a path that can change the fate of ordinary people."

"Even if you possess extraordinary abilities and manage to break through the encirclement and achieve a ranking, the four major clans can still replace your achievements and negate all your efforts."

At this point, Chen Tong, seemingly to prove his point, smiled and said, "I believe you have already sensed the schemes of the four major clans."

"The Zhou Family Martial Arts School's so-called sparring is actually a challenge to other schools, orchestrated by the four major clans. Their goal is to break your will and enslave you."

"Gu Xin, you come from a peasant family and have suffered oppression from the four major clans since childhood. Tell me, are you willing to live in humiliation with the four major clans and kneel and bow down to them?"

What a convenient way to say I'm different from others...

Classic quotes from leaders.

Gu Xin wanted to complain, but when the words were on the tip of his tongue, he had to admit that Chen Tong's words had struck a chord with him.

Would he be willing to grovel before the powerful and influential families of the four major clans?

In my past life, I was forced to become a capitalist lackey for a few taels of silver.

He has a chance to defy fate in this lifetime, does he really want to repeat the same mistakes?

Just thinking about that scene made Gu Xin feel a chill.

Before being reborn, I was a lackey; after being reborn, I'm still a lackey.

Wouldn't that mean I was reborn for nothing?

Despite his inner conflict and his clear understanding of his choice, Gu Xin did not rush to answer.

You can't act impulsively when it comes to this kind of eager business.

"Besides these reasons, Gu Xin, there's another reason why I have to choose you."

As Gu Xin's thoughts were racing, Chen Tong's voice came again.

"What's the reason?"

Gu Xin gathered his thoughts and looked at Chen Tong, pressing him for an answer.

"Your feud with the Green Forest Gang."

Chen Tong smiled calmly: "You killed Cao Bao, humiliated Lei Tong, and robbed all the gambling dens of the Qinglin Gang. You have made the Qinglin Gang no place at peace."

"Gu Xin, you're a smart man. You should know how the Qinglin Gang will treat you if they find out what you've done."

Gu Xinwen said, his brows furrowed.

"Are you threatening me, sir?"

"Hahaha, if Chen were such a treacherous and cunning person, how could he be trapped in Qingyuan County and facing such a difficult situation?"

Sensing Gu Xin's hostility, Chen Tong suddenly chuckled.

"Gu Xin, although what you've been doing is done discreetly, if you walk by the river often enough, you're bound to get your shoes wet eventually. It's only a matter of time before the Qinglin Gang finds out about your actions."

If you walk on dark roads too often, you're bound to encounter ghosts.

Gu Xin breathed a sigh of relief, naturally understanding the reasoning behind Chen Tong's words.

Therefore, he never let his guard down and tried his best to improve his strength.

"The Green Forest Gang is a hidden force deliberately pushed to the forefront by the four major clans. It is a means for them to enslave and oppress the people and consolidate their own rule."

Seeing Gu Xin's changing expression, Chen Tong continued, "Your feud with the Qinglin Gang will inevitably disturb the four major clans. At that time, it will only be a matter of time before you become enemies with the four major clans."

"Therefore, whether in public or private matters, it is impossible for you to coexist peacefully with the four major clans. Sooner or later, you will become enemies and fight to the death."

"If that's the case, why don't you choose some allies for yourself beforehand to solidify your own strength?"

"The enemy of my enemy can be my ally. I cannot coexist with the four great clans, so wouldn't it be a win-win situation for us to cooperate?"

It must be admitted that everything Chen Tong said made perfect sense.

Gu Xin couldn't help but feel a flutter in his heart.

By following Chen Tong, he became an official.

In my past life, I tried several times but failed to reach the shore, but in this life, it's within my grasp.

But Gu Xin was also well aware that the easier something was to obtain, the heavier the price would be.

"Gu Xin, we're destined to be on the same path. Think it over carefully, I'll be waiting for you!"

Seeing Gu Xin remain silent and not immediately express his opinion, Chen Tong was not embarrassed or annoyed, but instead admired him even more.

The more composed one is, the more stable one's temperament is.

Only such people can be of great use.

If Gu Xin were to agree hastily and be persuaded by him in just a few words, he would actually hesitate.

If someone can be easily persuaded by him, they are also likely to be easily persuaded by others.

Such people require even more caution when it comes to using them.

"Rest assured, sir, I will carefully consider your kind offer!"

Gu Xin clasped his hands in a respectful bow and responded solemnly.

Even disregarding the fact that Chen Tong's arguments were all quite reasonable, the mere fact that he had such a powerful backer wouldn't prevent him from maintaining contact with him.

Multiple friends have multiple roads.

Maintaining a friendly relationship with Chen Tong could be a way out in the future.

"Okay, I'll wait for your message!"

Chen Tong nodded readily, then smiled and said, "That's all for today!"

"Goodbye!"

Gu Xin didn't linger and turned to leave.

Chen Tong watched Gu Xin walk out of the alley and disappear into the crowd outside.

"Whoosh!"

No sooner had Gu Xin left than a figure, like a ghost, leaped down from the rooftop on the side of the alley and appeared beside Chen Tong.

"how?"

The person who came was very young, about twenty years old.

She was pretty with delicate features, but she looked rather effeminate.

He carried a sword with a silver-white scabbard adorned with a black bird pattern, exuding a sharp and imposing aura, befitting a master.

"Very alert, very careful."

Chen Tong paused for a moment, then replied, "He's a good prospect."

"I hope so..."

The young man smiled and then said, "I just received news that the four major clans are hosting a banquet at Tianxiazhen, inviting renowned martial arts masters from Qingyuan County for a chat."

"here we go?"

"Judging from this, it should be."

"They really can't wait."

"Don't you have more face?"

The young man's teasing made Chen Tong burst into laughter.

The reason why the four major clans are in such a hurry to integrate the martial arts forces in Qingyuan County is largely to deal with him.

Of course, he did not deceive Gu Xin either. Controlling the upward mobility channels in Qingyuan County was also the main objective of the four major clans.

"Shall we go take a look?"

The young man looked at Chen Tong and asked with a smile.

"I'll do whatever the adults say!"

Chen Tong nodded and smiled, raising his hand in a gesture of invitation.