https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-32-The-Second-Major-Gate-Muscle-Refinement-Realm-Third-Update-Seeking-Support-/12984544/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-34-The-Underlying-Power-of-Black-Yan-City-/12984546/
Chapter 33: Invitation from the Government Office, the Hero's Scroll!
Chapter 33: Invitation from the Government Office, the Hero's Scroll!
The news of the garrison outside the city being besieged by bandits quickly spread throughout Hei Yan City.
Among the eighteen law enforcement officers sent by the government office, only Xu Weisan, the capture chief, remained.
The rest were hacked to death by the bandits and thrown into the Black Rock River to the west of the city, where they were later discovered and fished out by local fishermen.
In an instant, the previously calm Hei Yan City was once again stirred into a frenzy. Compared to the previous rumors, the bandits' broad sabers now seemed to hang over the city gate, and the necks of the citizens within.
For a moment, every citizen within the city felt threatened.
Some wealthy families with means began to hire warriors at a high price, intending to leave Hei Yan City and seek refuge elsewhere.
However, when the bodies of over ten members from the first wealthy family were neatly arranged at the city gate the next day, the other rich households in Hei Yan City immediately abandoned the idea of seeking refuge elsewhere.
It was evident that Hei Yan City was already surrounded by these bandits, and anyone attempting to leave would be killed first!
Under such a show of force, the atmosphere in Hei Yan City grew even heavier.
With the garrison under siege and nearly half of the law enforcement officers killed, Hei Yan City could no longer muster a force to deter the bandits.
If this situation continued, the bandits would soon break through the city walls if they realized the city's weakness.
At this moment, Hei Yan City was like a defenseless person.
And the surrounding bandits were like vicious wolves guarding the city.
Any moment of carelessness would result in being torn to pieces.
In the east of the city, within the dilapidated temple.
The group no longer felt the previous ease and, like the outside, became much more oppressive.
"How long will the food I brought last?" Qin Zheng asked Qi Yan after finishing their meal.
Ever since that day when he encountered the fish vendor and heard the news from his mouth, Qin Zheng had immediately sensed the crisis.
He had hastily purchased a large amount of rice, flour, and meat.
However, no matter how much food they had, it couldn't keep up with the number of people here, nor could it match his martial arts training that required a substantial diet.
Qi Yan hesitated for a moment before replying, "If we maintain our usual consumption, we might have enough for about three more days."
"But Brother Qin, you're a warrior and need meat. We don't have to eat as much."
"If we conserve, we should be able to make it last for five days."
Currently, Hei Yan City was filled with rumors, and the city gate and river were blocked by the bandits outside, making it impossible to transport food into the city.
As a result, everyone in the city was hoarding food, causing prices to soar, and making it difficult for impoverished families to afford meals.
Qin Zheng nodded and said, "There's no need to conserve. I still have money to buy more food."
The food in the south courtyard had already been consumed, but he had plenty of silver coins to purchase more.
After he finished speaking, Qi Yan didn't argue but quietly listened to Qin Zheng's arrangements.
The other children also understood the city's crisis and knew that this man was their current reliance.
So, during meals, they would deliberately eat less, leaving more for Qin Zheng.
Although they didn't understand the distinction between strong and weak warriors, they knew that having enough energy required being well-fed.
Qin Zheng later arrived at the open space in front of the ruined temple and began moving his qi and blood once again.
Without internal martial arts, relying solely on external martial arts meant that the process of moving from the outside to the inside was a lengthy and tedious one.
He couldn't rush it, nor could he be lazy; he had to practice every day with perseverance.
Fortunately, the quality of the Bodhimanda Wisdom Technique was exceptional, and the efficiency of the thirteen movements in moving qi and blood exceeded Qin Zheng's expectations.
At this moment, he could clearly feel that with each completed movement and circulation of Qi and blood, his inner body grew stronger.
If this continued, even without internal cultivation, he might be able to advance to the Sinew Forging Realm again within a few months.
Half a shichen later, Qin Zheng slowly concluded his cultivation.
Unlike before, when his entire body was surging with Qi and blood, emitting white smoke and heat, he now showed no signs of exertion as he circulated his Qi and blood.
After reaching perfection in Skin Tempering, he could control his skin pores, preventing his essence and Qi from leaking out.
Thus, while his Qi and blood surged within him like a mighty river, outsiders couldn't detect any signs of it.
"Brother Qin, have some water."
As usual, after he finished his cultivation, Qi Yan brought him a bowl of water.
Qin Zheng thanked her and drank the clear water in the bowl in one gulp.
Then, he handed the bowl back to Qi Yan and said, "You all stay safe inside the temple. I'll be back soon."
By now, his reputation had spread throughout Black Goose City, and no one dared to harm the temple.
For the sake of a few beggar children and a woman, he had challenged the Canal Gang, who didn't dare to utter a word.
No one in their right mind would have such an idea.
Therefore, Qin Zheng no longer had much concern for the safety of those in the ruined temple.
Qi Yan nodded and reminded him to be careful.
Qin Zheng slung the Ghost Head Saber, wrapped in coarse cloth, over his shoulder and strode towards the temple's entrance.
Just as he was about to step out of the temple's gate, he furrowed his brows slightly and paused.
"What's wrong?"
Qi Yan asked.
Qin Zheng shook his head and slowly approached the temple's entrance.
At that moment, an officer appeared at the gate.
The officer first glanced inside the temple, and upon seeing Qin Zheng, a sycophantic smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Lord Qin!"
After Qin Zheng's reputation spread, people started addressing him as Lord Qin.
Qin Zheng nodded and asked, "What's the matter?"
At this critical juncture, the officer's visit from the government office couldn't be for anything good.
Indeed, after Qin Zheng's question, the officer glanced at the few people inside the temple and then announced loudly, "Lord Qin, the High County Magistrate invites you!"
As he spoke, he also took out an invitation from his chest and respectfully handed it to Qin Zheng.
Qin Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly, took the invitation, and opened it.
The content was an invitation issued by the County Magistrate, inviting the martial arts experts of Black Goose City to gather at the government office that night.
This invitation was also known as the Hero Invitation.
Qin Zheng's eyes flickered with contemplation, but his expression remained unchanged as he nodded in response, "Tell the High County Magistrate that I, Qin, will surely arrive on time."
A smile also appeared on the officer's face.
"Then, Lord Qin, I'll take my leave."
The officer bowed and slowly retreated.
Qin Zheng stood in place, looking at the invitation in his hand, his eyes filled with thought.
With the garrison outside the city trapped and half of the law enforcement officers injured, the official forces in Black Goose City had clearly been weakened to the extreme.
Therefore, the government office in Black Goose City had turned its attention to the various powers and martial arts experts within the city.
This was a powerful force that, while not officially affiliated with the government, couldn't be underestimated. But the bandits outside the city were all desperate fugitives, and engaging them was an extremely dangerous matter; one misstep could cost their lives.
How many other powers and experts would agree to this invitation?
(End of Chapter)
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