Chapter 289: Frost Northern County
Chapter 289: Frost Northern County
Since they were not within the Seven Mysteries Sect, Chen Mu was not in a position to request the Ice Absolute Palace's inventory list. However, he only needed Nourishing Spirit Materials, and had no other significant demands. He promptly organized a portion of the required items and exchanged them with Leng Zhan.
After obtaining the necessary items, he did not linger and swiftly departed from the Prefectural Office, returning to the region he was responsible for overseeing. He continued to command the disciples of the Seven Mysteries Sect, investigating and eliminating the Celestial Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect.
...
Frost Province.
Frost Northern County Office.
This county, located in the northernmost part of Frost Province, was the most severely affected by the demon chaos. Earlier, when Frost Province lacked sufficient military strength, they could only fortify the Prefectural Office, leaving the county office in a state of near abandonment.
The entire Frost Northern County was filled with fearful residents. Demons entered the county office as if it were unguarded, abducting young girls and vigorous martial artists from the city to use as their food, causing widespread terror.
Now, after nearly a month, the Seven Mysteries Sect's clearing operation finally reached this county.
Outside the county office in Frost Northern County, the acting county magistrate Lin Yong and numerous officials stood in a row, their expressions visibly excited as they watched Chen Mu and Mu Ran approach from a distance.
As soon as Chen Mu and Mu Ran drew near, Lin Yong immediately bowed deeply to them and said in a respectful tone, "Acting County Magistrate Lin Yong of Frost Northern County, along with my subordinates, welcomes Chen and Mu Ran."
"There's no need for such formalities, Lin County Magistrate," Chen Mu replied calmly.
Ever since joining the Seven Mysteries Sect and temporarily leaving his official position, it had been a while since he heard the address of 'Dajun'. Most of the time, he was referred to as 'Defender'. However, the acting magistrate Lin Yong was clearly not a disciple of the Ice Absolute Palace. His qi was weak, and he seemed to have no martial training at all. In Chen Mu's perception, Lin Yong might not even have reached the realm of Skin Tempering.
In theory, during chaotic times, those who held positions of authority over a region should be strong martial artists. However, Frost Northern County was governed by an ordinary person, Lin Yong, for a specific reason: the previous magistrates had all been targeted by the Celestial Demon Sect.
According to Chen Mu's knowledge, since the demon chaos in Ice State, Frost Northern County had lost five consecutive magistrates, either through disappearance or death. The most brazen period of demon activity was when they openly invaded the county office, immediately killing the magistrate and extracting his heart, a shocking event.
It was precisely because of this that disciples of the Ice Absolute Palace and those with some strength dared not accept the position of magistrate. This led to the appointment of Lin Yong, who had no martial skills, as the acting magistrate. However, Lin Yong also lived in constant fear. Firstly, he had previously been a minor clerk without any martial arts training, and the position of magistrate held little power. Secondly, with the ongoing demon chaos, the county office was virtually defenseless against demons, and there were several precedents of magistrates meeting unfortunate fates. Every day was filled with anxiety.
Fortunately,
With the Seven Mysteries Sect's arrival in Frost Province, the situation finally changed dramatically! Seeing that Chen Mu, a renowned figure on the Gale Wind Rankings and a famous powerhouse in Cold Northern Province, had arrived alongside Mu Ran, leading a group of Seven Mysteries Sect disciples, Lin Yong could hardly contain his excitement and wanted to shout, 'Chen Mu has arrived, the county is at peace! Mu Ran is here, and justice prevails!'
With these two powerful figures in the county office, the demons of the Celestial Demon Sect would no longer be able to wreak havoc unchecked.
The numerous officials behind Lin Yong all knelt down to pay their respects, unable to contain their excitement. The days of living in fear were becoming unbearable.
Mu Ran, with a calm expression, said,
"Please rise."
Mu Ran, a native of the Seven Mysteries Sect, had never held a local official position and was not skilled in administration. After a brief introduction to Lin Yong and the others, she asked Lin Yong to arrange accommodations for her.
Frost Northern County is the northernmost county in Frost Province, bordering another province. Currently, the Seven Mysteries Sect has no plans to expand into other provinces, making this location crucial. Mu Ran and Chen Mu will both be stationed at the county office for the time being.
Furthermore, although several strongholds of the Heavenly Corpse Sect have been eradicated in Frost Province, and many demons from the Celestial Demon Sect have been slain, the upper echelons of both sects have not suffered significant losses. The three Venerables of the Celestial Demon Sect remain unaccounted for, and the elders of the Heavenly Corpse Sect are also missing.
Whether they have temporarily retreated from Frost Province or are hiding somewhere, they still pose a potential threat.
Compared to Mu Ran, Chen Mu had previously held various local official positions, often involving himself in county affairs during the disaster in Yu Province. The current situation is not much different, except that the human disaster is more severe than the natural one.
Inside the county office,
Chen Mu stood there, listening to Lin Yong's report.
"So, this is the general situation?"
"Yes, these are the losses in various parts of Frost Northern County. I am powerless to do anything. I've been requesting replacements from above, but they haven't been approved. I've been stuck in this position, and I truly lack the ability to govern a county. Now that Chen has arrived, perhaps a suitable candidate can be found."
Lin Yong spoke with a troubled expression.
In reality, Chen Mu is a Defender of the Seven Mysteries Sect, and in terms of identity, he is the Inspector General of Yu Province, with no actual jurisdiction over Frost Province. However, during this period of demon chaos, such formalities are often overlooked. With Chen Mu already at the county office, he will temporarily oversee Frost Northern County until the arrival of other Ice Absolute Palace higher-ups.
After listening to Lin Yong, Chen Mu paused for a moment and said, "No, I think you're doing a good job. Let's not make any changes for now. You can take charge of handling the aftermath of the various losses in Frost Northern County. Feel free to issue orders, and if anyone refuses, just say it's my command."
Although Lin Yong lacked martial skills, his previous report on the losses was detailed, covering both major and minor issues. He seemed to have a good grasp of the county's affairs, and based on their brief interaction, Lin Yong appeared capable of managing the county. The only reason he had been a minor clerk in the past was his lack of martial arts training.
In fact, this is the case in most places, including Yu Province, where those with martial prowess hold official positions, while those with actual administrative talents serve as minor clerks.
"This..."
Lin Yong was momentarily stunned by Chen Mu's words.
He had been temporarily promoted to the position, and now that Chen Mu had arrived, it was time for a replacement. He hadn't expected Chen Mu to let him continue.
"But I truly have limited abilities..."
"There's no need for modesty. Since no one from the Ice Absolute Palace is available, I'll make the decisions here. Until we receive orders from above, you will act as the temporary county magistrate."
Chen Mu shook his head slightly and spoke to Lin Yong.
In truth, it's easier to invite a god than to send one away. Chen Mu was unaware of the conditions negotiated between the Seven Mysteries Sect and the Ice Absolute Palace. However, with the Seven Mysteries Sect's presence in Frost Province, they would not retreat to Yu Province even after the demon chaos was resolved. They would either jointly govern Frost Province with the Ice Absolute Palace or divide it among themselves, similar to how the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion and the Blood Concealment Pavilion had done in Yu Province.
Chapter: The Martial Path
"Yes, I will do my best, Your Excellency."
Seeing Chen Mu's unwavering attitude, Lin Yong finally agreed.
In truth, obtaining Chen Mu's permission to command as the county magistrate was a rare opportunity. With Chen Mu's endorsement, things would be entirely different. Even though Lin Yong lacked martial skills and was merely a figurehead, he could now act in Chen Mu's name and truly command the various factions, becoming a county magistrate with real authority.
"Alright, report to me if there are other important matters. As for the previous issues, you can handle them as you see fit. Have you prepared a resting place for me in the county office?"
Chen Mu nodded and spoke to Lin Yong.
Lin Yong quickly replied, "Yes, I'll take you there right away."
"No need. You attend to the county affairs. Just have a clerk show me the way."
Chen Mu casually instructed Lin Yong.
Lin Yong thought to himself that he was just a clerk, but having served his superiors for many years, he understood Chen Mu's personality from a few words—a decisive and unquestionable leader. Thus, he respectfully acknowledged and summoned a clerk.
The clerk became even more cautious in front of Chen Mu, not daring to speak out of turn.
After leaving the county office, they walked towards the back of the building and soon arrived at a courtyard.
"You may go now."
Chen Mu stepped into the courtyard and instructed the clerk.
The clerk quickly responded, "Yes, Your Excellency. If you need anything, please let me know..."
In a 16-19-year-old version, the book is error-free!
Although Chen Mu was from Yuzhou, to a clerk like this, the Gale Wind Rankings experts were figures they rarely encountered in their daily lives. Hence, his words were naturally filled with respect.
After the clerk left, Chen Mu walked into the courtyard. It wasn't particularly spacious, but it was spotlessly clean. The windows and doors were intricately carved, primarily made of purple sandalwood, and the overall arrangement was clearly well-chosen.
"Your Excellency, if you wish to bathe, hot water has been prepared for you."
Several maids stood in front of the bedroom, all around fifteen or sixteen years old, each with a delicate and charming appearance. The lead maid, upon seeing Chen Mu approach, dared not look directly at him and only bowed slightly while asking.
Chen Mu spoke calmly, "No need. All of you may leave. If there's anything, report it outside."
After arriving in Frost Province and traveling back and forth, although he didn't encounter any thorny problems, he did experience some fatigue. However, he wasn't in the mood for leisure and wanted to continue tempering his six organs and practicing martial arts.
As he entered the room, he heard the young maids who had just retreated outside whispering in awe.
"Is he the 'Heaven-Earth Saber' on the Gale Wind Rankings? He's a big shot in the martial world. He actually came here."
"I heard he's the number one young talent in the eleven states of Cold Northern Path. He's only just over thirty this year, and he's already comparable to many legendary powerful figures."
"He's even more handsome than I imagined."
The young maids probably thought they were far enough outside to lower their voices, but every word they whispered reached Chen Mu's ears.
However, he didn't get angry at their gossip. Instead, he smiled slightly and didn't pay much attention. Upon entering the bedroom, he took out three pieces of ice crystal lotus leaves, translucent and resembling flower petals.
Nourishing Spirit Materials, Six-Petal Snow Lotus.
He had obtained the remaining four pieces of the Six-Petal Snow Lotus from Leng Zhan and exchanged them all. He had used one piece about half a month ago, and now, upon arriving in Frost Northern County, he had three pieces left, and his six organs had almost fully adapted.
Given the current situation, Chen Mu would likely have to stay in Frost Northern County for an extended period. Although he didn't need to travel frequently, his presence was now known to the Celestial Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect. Despite not fearing ordinary Venerables, the two renowned Eighth-Rank Grandmasters from the Celestial Demon Sect were on par with top-tier Grandmasters like Qin Mengjun.
Martial Path Cultivation Progress
Six Organs Scripture (95%)
Experience: 0 points
On the system panel, his six organs tempering had reached 95%, showing some progress towards the limit. With the remaining three pieces of 'Six-Petal Snow Lotus' used up, he would likely reach the peak.
Chen Mu still had some Spirit Materials in his possession. Although he couldn't exchange Nourishing Spirit Materials in Frost Province, he could always make another trip to the Seven Mysteries Sect when needed. For him now, traveling to Yuzhou wouldn't take long.
Chen Mu checked his progress in other areas.
Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal (Fifth Layer)
Experience: 573 points
Each layer of the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal required 1000 points of experience to advance, but the experience became harder to obtain as he progressed. Especially before completing the sixth deduction of the Heaven-Earth Concept, his experience gain from practicing the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal was very low.
It was only after deepening his understanding of the Heaven-Earth Concept that Chen Mu's practice of the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal became more efficient. He was now approaching the 'Sixth Layer,' which belonged to the Martial Domain and represented the ultimate application of Heaven and Earth power.
Traceless Falling Petals (Second Layer)
Experience: 972 points
Each level of Traceless Falling Petals required 1000 points of experience to advance. Although progressing from the second to the third layer was challenging, Chen Mu's continuous practice during his journey had brought him close to reaching the third layer.
In Chen Mu's estimation, if he could practice Traceless Falling Petals to the third layer, the final layer, and combine it with the sixth layer of Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal, he might be able to create a true 'Micro Field' within three feet of his body! The difference between a field prototype and a genuine domain was significant.
The most apparent distinction was that with a field prototype covering his body, he could only achieve lightness like a swallow or paper, still requiring external force to walk on air. However, with a genuine domain, like Qin Mengjun, he could fly without relying on external forces, allowing his physical body to truly soar through the air.
Walking on air was time-consuming, energy-draining, and not as fast as his 'Hidden Abyss Ground Contraction' technique on the ground. But with a formed domain, flying through the air would allow him to match the speed of 'Hidden Abyss Ground Contraction.'
Chen Mu quickly gathered his thoughts.
He gently picked up a piece of snow lotus, placed it in his mouth, and felt it dissolve like melting ice, turning into a cool breath that flowed down into his stomach.
(End of Chapter)
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