Martial Saint through Reading

Is this just the layer he’s in contact with, or is there an even more terrifying storm brewing in places unseen?

He knows that if he wants to survive in the raging waves, hiding on someone else’s ship will eventually lead to being sacrificed.

Only by building his own ark can he have the confidence to contend with the wild waves.

He has been strategizing on how to enhance his own capital.

Recruiting the Wind Spirit Race was the first step, but it’s far from enough.

Chu Ming gazed at the river outside his window, his eyes calm and unmoved.

He conceived a second step, a third, and many more plans in his heart.

Forces must be developed within the Qin Dynasty, and beyond, actions must be taken.

With a flip of his hand, a black feather appeared in his palm.

He acquired this object last night after killing a Meridian Unlocking Realm bearer with a long spear and armor.

The Ink Feather emitted the aura of an Exotic Beast, with the words ’Ink Crow’ inscribed on the blade.

”The Ink Crow Horde... Zhengxi Town...”

Located in a small town at the southern border between Xirong County and Nine Hordes Kingdom... An almost-extinct horde branch within the Nine Hordes Kingdom...

...

The grain transport fleet traveled along the West Capital Grand Canal continuously for two days before finally arriving at Xirong County.

Baiyun Pier.

Jiang Zhan, Commander of the Eighth Tiger Camp of the Tiger Armor Army, arrived with five thousand soldiers to handle the exchange.

Chu Ming and the Guard Army were tasked with escorting the grain from Pingzhong County to Xirong County, while the remainder of the journey would be handled by the Tiger Armor Army.

Essentially, Chu Ming’s grain transport mission was nearing its end here.

”Commissioner of Canal Transport Mr. Chu, you...” Jiang Zhan looked at Chu Ming, a hint of puzzlement in his eyes.

Chu Ming’s demeanor reminded him more of when he first met Fang Qingshi at the Tiger Armor Army garrison.

”Commander Jiang, is there something you need?” Chu Ming asked calmly, cupping his hand.

”Oh, nothing. Fang Qingshi often praised Commissioner of Canal Transport Mr. Chu, and I thought I’d take this chance to say a few words with you.”

”...”

After speaking, Jiang Zhan felt a bit awkward himself.

”Commander Jiang,” Chu Ming lifted his gaze, staring at Jiang Zhan, ”if there’s nothing else, I need to tally the grain.”

”Oh, alright...”

Approximately two hours later.

All grain was loaded onto carts, and the Tiger Armor Army departed from the pier.

At the pier entrance.

”Goodbye,” Jiang Zhan cupped his hand.

”Goodbye,” Chu Ming likewise cupped his hand and then paused to say, ”Commander Jiang, I’ve checked this batch of grain, and there are no problems.”

With that, he didn’t linger any longer.

Checked, no problems?

What does this mean?

Jiang Zhan watched Chu Ming’s departing figure, unable to understand the meaning behind his words.

Could there be poison in the grain? If so, the officials in Pingzhong County should prepare for prison.

Chu Ming watched the Tiger Armor Army escorting the grain, his gaze also sweeping toward a certain spot beyond the pier.

There, the Sword Gourd Spirit detected two presences, nearing Refining Organ Perfection.

No sign of Blood Evil Sect’s aura, yet dressed in...

”Regent’s Mansion attendants?”

Looks like they’re here to capture evidence of the master’s unauthorized armor crafting.

...

Xirong County, Commandery Mansion.

Several people clad in black robes, led by individuals with black crowns, rode high-headed horses and halted at the mansion’s entrance.

At the entrance.

County Magistrate Xiao He and County Governor Baili Xinghua saw the arrivals and eagerly went to greet them.

”Lord Liu.”

As they dismounted, the leader flashed a gentle expression and offered a hand salute to Xiao He and Baili Xinghua.

”County Magistrate Xiao, County Governor Baili.”

Especially toward Xiao He, even offering a slight bow to show respect.

”Please, please.”

Inviting them inside, Xiao He asked with a smile, ”Lord Liu, didn’t you return to Qin Capital? Why...?”

”County Magistrate Xiao, just call me by my name; otherwise, it sounds awkward.”

The visitor, named Liu Bingmu, is a Senior Third Grade Inspector from Regent’s Mansion in Qin Capital, related positively with the Xiao Family.

Liu Bingmu visited Xirong County days earlier due to the Blood Evil Sect’s attack on the mansion, conducted a simple investigation, then returned to Qin Capital.

Xiao He studied Liu Bingmu, his expression somewhat solemn.

”Lord Liu, you should first inform me of what’s happening.”

It’s rare for Regent’s Mansion to visit the counties unless handling significant cases like the Blood Evil Sect’s nighttime attack.

However, Xirong County has been peaceful, with no major incidents; why would Regent’s Mansion visit again?

”Has there been new progress with the Blood Evil Sect’s attack on the mansion?”

Xiao He contemplated, seeming that besides this matter, there’s no reason for the Inspector to come again.

Liu Bingmu looked at Xiao He and Baili Xinghua, his expression turning serious: ”County Magistrate Xiao, County Governor Baili, to be frank, I’m not here for the Blood Evil Sect’s attack on the mansion.”

Not for that matter?

Seeing the seriousness in his demeanor, Xiao He grew anxious: ”Then what is it for?”

Liu Bingmu paused and extended two fingers: ”For two matters.”

”Two?!” Xiao He became even more puzzled.

”Yes, two matters of treason.” Liu Bingmu said, his gaze showing some hesitation.

”Treason?” Upon hearing this, Xiao He’s eyebrows furrowed tightly.

Besides the Blood Evil Sect in Xirong County, who else is committing treason?

”Lord Liu, could you speak plainly?”

”The first matter,” Liu Bingmu sighed slightly, ”is regarding Xiao Wen, Festival Envoy Xiao, Tang Xuan, Tang River Transport Headquarters, and Commissioner of Canal Transport Mr. Chu Ming’s collusion with Blood Evil Sect in Pingzhong County’s Shan County?!”

”Say that again!”

As soon as he spoke, Xiao He, both anxious and furious, almost lost his footing.

”How could Xiao Wen, Tang Xuan, and Chu Ming collude with Blood Evil Sect?!”

He doesn’t know about Tang, but Xiao Wen is his own son, and Chu Ming was personally promoted by him, so there’s absolutely no possibility they are involved with Blood Evil Sect.

Upon hearing this, a subtle, unnoticeable change flickered deep within Baili Xinghua’s eyes.

”Don’t worry, County Magistrate Xiao; the matter is under investigation and yet to be concluded.”

Liu Bingmu quickly supported Xiao He.

”You... tell me properly, what’s going on?”

Xiao He sat in the chair, panting heavily.