Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

Chapter 234: Chapter 68: Obstinately Going It Alone

Xing Huaifeng’s old face was somber. He was unaware of this matter, but he clearly knew who was supporting him from behind to secure the position of Director of the Military Affairs Department in Raozhou.

The purpose of Senior Brother Li pushing him into the role of Director of the Military Affairs Department was clear—no matter what, he must find some fault in Lin Chen.

”Whether Lin Ming is guilty in Poyang County is irrelevant to me. This incident concerns your County Government Office, and today I am here to verify another matter with Lin Ming. Open the city gates immediately!”

Xing Huaifeng’s eyes were sharp as they fell on Lin Xiuyong, who felt an overwhelming pressure assault him from all directions, making it hard for him to breathe and plunging him into suffocating agony.

”I was unaware of Lord Xing’s arrival from afar and failed to meet you outside the city. I beg Lord Xing’s forgiveness.”

At that moment, a voice came from around the street corner. He Ruyun arrived with several elders, along with several Chief Constables and over a dozen constables from the County Government Office, forming a large and imposing entourage.

The large crowd quickly parted to make way for this grand procession.

”I am He Ruyun, County Magistrate of Poyang County, welcoming Lord Xing along with the elders of Poyang County to our county.”

He Ruyun was not alone. The elders behind him were the old clan leaders from various major families in Poyang County and were once Ninth-Grade or even Eighth-Grade Martial Artists.

He Ruyun was slightly surprised to see these old clan leaders appear.

Lord Xing’s intentions were not friendly, and these clan leaders were known for their cautious diplomacy. They usually would not take a stand until matters were clear. Surprisingly, by the time he gathered the officials from the County Government Office, these elders also appeared at the government office’s entrance.

The Gu Family, Fei Family, Fu Family, Zhang Family, Zhao Family...

A total of around ten family clan leaders had gathered, essentially representing the consensus of half of Poyang County.

”Lord He, I mean no harm. My grandson greatly admires Lin Chen, and it’s not easy for a genius to emerge in Poyang County.”

”Indeed, even my unruly son holds deep admiration for Lin Chen. Since the county martial arts competition, he has become more diligent in his training.”

Listening to these clan leaders, He Ruyun understood that they must have received word, likely from Su Lingchuan’s confidant.

These people were not here for Junior Brother Su nor for himself, but for Lin Chen.

A mere youth at the Opening Acupoints Realm could rally so many families to, in a way, oppose a Seventh-Grade Director of the Military Affairs Department. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it.

In Poyang County, Lin Chen was a native of Kaohe Town and came from Linhu Village. However, outside of Poyang County, in Raozhou Prefecture and even Jiangnan Dao, Lin Chen was considered a Poyang County native.

This was the support from the local clans, symbolizing the unity of not just one town, but the entire Poyang County facing outward.

Even though Lord Xing was a superior Director of the Military Affairs Department, he must consider the power of these local clans.

In He Ruyun’s perspective, by now revealing themselves with these clan leaders under the guise of a welcoming party, Lord Xing could gracefully withdraw and end the matter here, enjoying a drink at the County Government Office to welcome him.

While Poyang County currently lacks Seventh-Grade Martial Artists, it wasn’t the case in the past. If the entire network of power in Poyang County were to erupt, even a Director must consider if they can withstand it.

The masters of the Eight Great Martial Arts Halls of Poyang County have also arrived to greet Lord Xing and the esteemed guests.

Right after He Ruyun arrived, Zeng Qingyao and the other masters of the Eight Great Martial Arts Halls appeared on the street.

Upon seeing Zeng Qingyao and the others, Su Lingchuan’s lips curled slightly. It was his confidant who informed these individuals, and the clan leaders were notified by the eight Hall Masters.

With the Eight Great Martial Arts Halls, the majority of Poyang County’s clans, and the County Government Office united...

The three major forces of Poyang County stood together, essentially representing the will of the entire Poyang County.

This should be enough for Lord Xing to withdraw.

Since the Martial Arts Halls, County Government Office, and various clan leaders were here to welcome him, Lord Xing had an easy way out. Lin Ming, being a wanted criminal, could not be trusted, and this incident should end here.

Xing Huaifeng’s face remained somber, not a trace of happiness to be seen.

He hadn’t expected that targeting a mere youth in the Opening Acupoints Realm would provoke such silent resistance from all of Poyang County.

If he had known this would happen, he would never have personally come to Poyang County today. However, having drawn his sword, there was no turning back. If the sword could not fall upon Lin Chen today, there would be no future opportunity.

”I am here on official business today; there’s no need for such a grand reception. Disperse.”

At the sound of Xing Huaifeng’s words, many present looked shocked. It appeared he was indeed resolute in his stance.

”Open the city gates and proceed to Linhu Village. Anyone obstructing will be executed for defiance!”

Xing Huaifeng released the full pressure of a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist. Several Chief Constables glanced at He Ruyun, who subtly shook his head. He was, after all, a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist and a superior, having stated his intention clearly, leaving no reason to stop him.

Poyang County could lodge a complaint to Raozhou Prefecture or even the Military Affairs Hall afterward, but obstruction now would indeed provoke action from him.

As the city gates opened, Xing Huaifeng glared at Lin Ming: ”Lead the way. If there’s no resolution today, there’s no need for you to return to the city.”