Chapter Thirteen: Effortless Strength Shakes the World (Please Support, Recommend, and Invest)

Wen Renjie narrowed his eyes, then took a gulp of wine and laughed heartily.

“Daoist Jiang truly lives up to the reputation of being a high master from Penglai. His skills are indeed extraordinary!”

Qiao Xuan leisurely puffed on his dry tobacco pipe, his eyes filled with an indescribable meaning.

“Daoist Jiang is formidable. That formation just now was something even I wouldn’t dare face lightly.”

Young Master Kongxu’s eyes widened, his right hand gripping his sword sheath tightly, full of disbelief. “How did he manage that?”

Xu Xiao’s eyes gleamed with insight. “Daoist Jiang’s technique just now—I believe I caught a hint of its essence.”

Zhang Qing and Zhang Qingyun quickly looked to Xu Xiao, and even Wen Renjie, Qiao Xuan, and Young Master Kongxu all turned to her, hoping this famed young immortal from the Moon Embrace Sect of Qingzhou could offer some explanation.

Xu Xiao extended her graceful hand and spoke slowly, “The assault from those Dao friends earlier was indeed fierce, and quite unexpected. If I were to face it, I would certainly be unable to counter it well; retreating temporarily would be the only option.”

At her words, Wen Renjie, Qiao Xuan, and Young Master Kongxu all nodded in agreement.

It was clear that after putting themselves in such a situation, the only wise choice was to avoid the brunt of the attack for the moment.

Xu Xiao continued, “But Daoist Jiang is different. In that split second of lightning and fire, he had already made his calculations.”

“If I’m not mistaken, what appeared to bind Daoist Jiang was but an illusion created by the green vine. Meanwhile, Daoist Jiang had already slipped away, leaving himself ample time to respond calmly.”

“Those spells did not truly harm him; rather, he blocked each one. Flames scattered, smoke rose, but not even his figure was touched.”

As she spoke, Xu Xiao’s eyes shone brightly: “Daoist Jiang is worthy of being a high master from Penglai. His cultivation methods are extraordinary, and his calm handling of crises is truly remarkable!”

Hearing Xu Xiao’s explanation, the group fell into thoughtful silence.

Though the action seemed simple, to have made such a decisive judgment in the blink of an eye and to execute a flawless counterattack—who else could achieve such mastery?

While they pondered, Jiang Sheng moved.

“You all struck first; now it is this poor Daoist’s turn.”

Before his words fell, Jiang Sheng’s figure darted forward like a swift swallow, closing in on Wang Tianfang. That vine just now was his doing!

Though Wang appeared as a straightforward and honest hero, few knew he was a master of poisons and self-defense.

The sword on his back was merely for show; his true weapons were poison arts, vines, and poisonous needles.

Seeing Jiang Sheng approach, Wang Tianfang panicked and flung out a barrage of ghostly green needles, scattering them like a celestial shower aimed at Jiang’s face.

“Unsteady foundation, moves too obvious, your gaze has already betrayed you, Dao friend Wang.”

With a wave of his right hand, Jiang Sheng’s flowing sleeve intercepted the needles. Then, his body swept forward like a soaring cloudbird, delivering a flying kick that sent Wang tumbling back.

In midair, Jiang Sheng spun and turned his attention to another Foundation Establishment cultivator—the one wielding the Wind Blade technique.

“May I ask your name, Dao friend?” Jiang Sheng inquired.

“I am Li Hao!” the cultivator responded.

Before he could finish, Jiang Sheng was already overhead. Li Hao dared not underestimate him and unleashed a flurry of wind blades, seemingly intent on tearing Jiang apart midair.

“Your moves seem fierce, but your spiritual power is too thin and cannot sustain. A little force will shatter them. Dao friend Li, more practice is needed.”

Jiang Sheng chuckled lightly, his hands forming claws as spiritual power surged. With a swift tear, it was as if he ripped the void itself, shredding the wind blades.

Li Hao watched helplessly as Jiang seized his arm and, with unstoppable force, hurled him away.

Having sent two Foundation Establishment cultivators flying in two moves, Jiang Sheng now faced the cultivator who had conjured the fireball. At this moment, the fireball caster and the golden needle wielder stood side by side.

“Han Li, Qian Ming, please, Daoist Jiang’s guidance!”

The two launched their combined attack, fireballs and golden needles whistling through the air.

Jiang Sheng’s sleeves fluttered, and spiritual power formed a blue barrier before him, intercepting all attacks.

He flipped and vanished in the blink of an eye from Han and Qian’s sight.

“Dao friends Han and Qian, don’t just focus ahead and ignore what’s behind.”

Jiang Sheng’s voice came from behind them. Panicked, Han Li and Qian Ming hastily summoned spiritual barriers but were each kicked away by Jiang’s precise strikes.

Four Foundation Establishment cultivators, four moves!

Faced with their fierce attacks, Jiang Sheng dismissed them all with ease, not even revealing any legendary sword techniques—only using his fists and legs.

First, he broke their assaults with sharp maneuvers, then gently forced them back. This effortless mastery thoroughly impressed the Qingzhou cultivators.

Wang Tianfang glanced at the shoeprint on his abdomen, then at Jiang with obvious fear and awe. “Daoist Jiang, you truly live up to the tales of Penglai’s masters. I am humbled.”

Li Hao rubbed his sore arm, admiration clear. “Daoist Jiang’s skill is formidable. I’m impressed.”

Han Li and Qian Ming recovered and looked at Jiang with respect mixed with fear. “Daoist Jiang’s talents are extraordinary. We admire you.”

Within moments, Jiang Sheng had easily defeated four Qingzhou Foundation Establishment cultivators. His prowess left everyone wide-eyed in amazement.

One man against four, effortlessly victorious without so much as a scratch on either side—who could have imagined such a feat before?

“Hahaha! Daoist Jiang is impressive. I, Wen, am truly admiring!” came a hearty laugh. Looking over, they saw Wen Renjie rise and salute Jiang Sheng.

Jiang Sheng returned the gesture with a smile, sensing Wen’s solid mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation. “This poor Daoist greets Dao friend Wen.”

“I am old Qiao Xuan. It is a great honor to meet a high master from Penglai today. Truly a worthwhile journey,” said the old man, bowing.

Jiang Sheng smiled and bowed back, “This poor Daoist greets Dao friend Qiao.”

Young Master Kongxu and Xu Xiao also rose to introduce themselves, and Jiang Sheng returned their salutations.

This encounter not only proved Jiang Sheng’s might, confirming that his fame was well deserved, but also served to test the abilities of these scattered cultivators, exposing many pretenders.

Zhang Qingyun was especially stunned by Jiang Sheng’s skills. Rising quickly, he said, “I was just about to send someone to invite Daoist Jiang. I didn’t expect you to arrive so promptly.”

He then invited Jiang Sheng to the seat of honor and addressed the scattered cultivators. “It is truly a blessing for Qing County to gather so many heroes from Qingzhou to slay demons and monsters. As the county magistrate of Qing County, I, Zhang, on behalf of the people, thank all these valiant heroes.”

“Now that everyone is assembled, please enjoy the feast. Our county is honored to share this great endeavor with you all!”

With the county magistrate’s respect for Jiang Sheng made clear, none of the scattered cultivators dared to speak further.

After all, even venerable Qiao Xuan, Wen Renjie, Young Master Kongxu, and the Moon Embrace Sect’s Xu Xiao had shown their admiration for Jiang Sheng.

They had all witnessed his prowess and were filled with awe.

Soon, the county government office returned to its lively atmosphere. The crowd resumed revelry, with many cultivators seeking to make friends with Jiang Sheng.

Having proven his strength, these wanderers naturally wanted to align themselves with someone powerful, hoping for support in future demon hunts.

Jiang Sheng did not refuse these overtures but maintained a calm demeanor, seemingly indifferent to such trivial matters.

This attitude made everyone even more cautious.

Clearly, wherever he went, strength spoke for itself.

This was true for ordinary people, and even more so among cultivators.

The banquet continued until evening. After Zhang Qing excused herself, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Some went to brothels or taverns and gambling houses, others returned to their chambers to cultivate. The once noisy government hall regained its calm.

Deep into the night, in tranquil Qing County, several figures arrived from different directions under the cover of darkness, entering the government compound and heading straight to the rear courtyard.

At midnight, within Qing County’s government rear yard.

Several shadowy figures flew in and entered the courtyard.

Jiang Sheng, still clad in his blue Daoist robes, stood silently in the center.

Wen Renjie, Qiao Xuan, and Young Master Kongxu landed one after another. Upon seeing Jiang Sheng, they all saluted silently, speaking no words.

“Thank you all for coming at this late hour. It is truly a helpless necessity. I, young lady Zhang Qing, salute you,” came a clear, crisp voice.

Turning around, they saw Zhang Qing standing beside none other than Xu Xiao, the inner disciple of the Moon Embrace Sect.

Clearly, Zhang Qing knew that among these distinguished guests, Xu Xiao was the only one she could truly trust and rely upon.

“Miss Zhang, you summoned us. What is it you wish to say?” Wen Renjie asked quietly.

Earlier that afternoon, when Zhang Qing had taken her leave, she had made a subtle gesture only visible to those close to the county magistrate Zhang Qingyun, among them these high-level cultivators.

That gesture meant: midnight, rear courtyard of the county office.

This was why Jiang Sheng and the others were gathered here so late at night.

Zhang Qing explained, “You are all renowned figures. Even without my words, you understand the gravity of certain matters.”

She then invited Jiang Sheng and the others into a study room.

“Since ancient times, secrecy has been paramount; words can lead to ruin. And what we seek to do is even greater—to slay the great demon and make our names known throughout the world. This concerns the lives of you all and the people of Qing County’s fifteen towns. I cannot afford any carelessness.”

“Miss Xu has already prepared a secret chamber. Please, follow me to discuss matters in private.”

A secret chamber?