Chapter 57: Promotion
Chapter 57: Promotion
Triple Technique!
How could this not leave Xiao He in awe?
Just last month, Xu Hongyu had comprehended the second technique's aura and perfected another sword style. Compared to Chen Mu, Xu Hongyu had been practicing martial arts since childhood, spanning over a dozen years, and had even experienced countless life-and-death battles, emerging as a standout from the Yu Family Martial Arts Hall in the Inner City.
As for Chen Mu?
According to Xiao He's knowledge, he had trained with the saber for no more than four or five years, and without any guidance from a master, relying solely on his own exploration.
What does it mean to master three techniques in four or five years?
Although she and Xu Hongyu had previously thought that Chen Mu had a good understanding, being able to master one technique through self-exploration, it now seemed that they had underestimated him. With such understanding, he would undoubtedly be considered a top-tier talent even within the Inner City.
"When... when did this happen?"
Xiao He opened her mouth, and after a long while, she managed to suppress the shock in her heart.
Chen Mu, holding his patrol saber, walked back under the eaves and said, "That's all there is to it."
In fact, he had been considering revealing some of his innate talents in the arts to gain more attention and facilitate his access to resources in the future. However, during the previous battle with the Black Crow Sect, he unexpectedly displayed his Perfect Skin Refinement instead of his artistic talents.
"How did you do it?"
Xiao He asked with a complex expression.
As a martial artist herself, having mastered the Raindrop Sword Technique, she understood the difficulty of perfecting a technique. Although having a foundation in one art makes it easier to polish a second technique, this is still a relative comparison.
To comprehend a different aura still requires relentless practice and a moment of sudden enlightenment.
"Diligent practice, undeterred by the changing seasons."
Chen Mu spoke as he watched the snowflakes gently falling in the courtyard.
Xiao He shook her head, still in awe, and said, "This isn't just about diligent practice. Your talent in saber techniques, among those I know, is probably no less than that of the master."
Xu Hongyu's father had mastered the dual aura at the age of nineteen and achieved the Intentional Diagram at twenty-seven. With Chen Mu's talent, if he could comprehend the Heavens Earth Eight Branches Chart, there was no doubt that he could also aspire to master the Intentional Diagram.
Intentional Diagram!
Even among Bone Forging level practitioners, very few could master such power.
At this moment, Xiao He also walked under the eaves, once again carefully examining Chen Mu. As she watched him sheathe his saber and admire the snow with his hands behind his back, she felt that his entire demeanor had changed, exuding a kind of beauty and elegance that she had never noticed before.
Xiao He and Chen Mu had become quite familiar with each other. She had previously praised Chen Mu as 'good' and 'very good', but now, upon closer inspection, she realized that all her previous evaluations had underestimated him.
Although he had started his cultivation journey a bit late, given time, the vast Yu City would undoubtedly echo with the name of Chen Mu.
"Does anyone else know about this?"
Xiao He calmed herself once more and asked Chen Mu.
Chen Mu shook his head and said, "This is the first time I've demonstrated the Triple Technique in front of others."
Xiao He took a deep breath and said, "That's good. Before you step into the Sinew Transformation Realm, it's best to refrain from casually displaying the Triple Technique, or it might bring some trouble."
If the previous Chen Mu's talent had only caught the attention of some in the Inner City, the current Chen Mu, with his self-comprehension of the Triple Technique, innate gifts, and Perfect Skin Refinement, would undoubtedly cause a huge stir within the Inner City.
"Thank you for the reminder, Sister Xiao He. I'll be more careful."
Chen Mu turned to Xiao He and smiled at her.
In truth, his demonstration of the Triple Technique in front of Xiao He wasn't entirely due to her encouragement, but also because of their growing closeness. Xu Hongyu and Xiao He had already considered him as 'one of their own', so showing a bit of strength wasn't a big deal.
Moreover, this sparring session also gave Chen Mu a better understanding of his own strength. With the cumulative effect of the Triple Technique, he only needed to use about a third of his power to defeat Xiao He.
If he were to unleash his full strength...
Muscle Training Warriors are unmatched in combat, even against those in the Sinew Transformation Realm. They would defeat them before any real challenge could arise.
In Yu City, reaching the Sinew Transformation Level is no small feat, and those who achieve it are considered the backbone of the major families within the Inner City. Such strength naturally commands respect.
"Pfft."
Upon hearing Chen Mu's words, Xiao He couldn't help but smile and say, "Just call me Xiao He from now on. No need for the 'sister' part."
Strength and talent are symbols of status, and previously, Chen Mu would sometimes call her 'Sister Xiao He', which she didn't mind. But now, hearing that title again, she felt a bit awkward, and her mind started wandering with all sorts of random thoughts.
After stealing a glance at Chen Mu, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks, but it quickly faded as she said, "Alright, I came to test your strength, but ended up being bullied by you. I should get back to my duties now."
Xiao He's words made Chen Mu chuckle silently.
Bullied? If anyone overheard that, they might think he had ill intentions towards Xiao He.
Moreover, it was clear that Xiao He's attitude towards him had changed. Before, she carried herself with a hint of her higher status, but now, that demeanor was completely gone, replaced by a more girlish and charming demeanor.
"Next time, I'll prepare a grand feast to properly apologize to you, Xiao He."
Chen Mu bowed respectfully towards Xiao He.
"There's no need for an apology. I'm just a maid by the young lady's side, and it's my fate to be bullied..." Xiao He waved her hand at Chen Mu and winked, looking rather adorable.
Two days later.
The City Guard Office in Nine Streets.
Patrol Commander Min Baoyi, along with Chen Mu, Qin Bei, and four other senior patrol officers, were all present, their faces solemn. Min Baoyi stood at the front, followed by the five senior officers in a straight line, with Chen Mu standing first on the left.
In front of them was a man dressed in a black uniform, not the City Guard uniform, but that of the 'Outer City Prefect's Guard'. This person was the guard of the 'Outer City Prefect', who oversaw the four City Guard General Offices in the north, south, east, and west.
The appointment of a Patrol Commander was no trivial matter.
Even Xu Hongyu, the City Guard General, couldn't make such a decision lightly. She could dismiss other Patrol Commanders at will, but appointments required approval from the higher-level Outer City Prefect.
Although the imperial court was in decline, Yu City still retained many official positions and systems.
For example, the Southern City District Patrol Commander held the seventh rank.
The Outer City Prefect held the sixth rank.
Above them was the 'Yu City Military Governor', a fifth-rank position, second only to the City Lord in status. This governor commanded all military affairs within and outside Yu City.
"...The City Guard Office has recommended Chen Mu, a diligent and skilled officer, for his outstanding performance in the battle against the Black Crow Sect. With the vacancy in the Wutong Li Patrol Commander position, the City Guard General, Xu Hongyu, has nominated Chen Mu, and the Outer City Prefect has approved his appointment as the new Wutong Li Patrol Commander."
"Thank you, Prefect Xu and Prefect, for your support and trust."
Chen Mu bowed respectfully.
Qin Bei and the others beside him couldn't help but look at Chen Mu, their eyes filled with envy. Although they were aware that Chen Mu was favored by Xu Hongyu and expected to be promoted, they never imagined it would happen so soon, especially since he had only been a senior patrol officer for less than a year.
The perfect opportunity presented itself with the recent merits in suppressing the Black Crow Sect, coupled with Xu Hongyu's strong backing, making everything seem natural and well-deserved.
As Chen Mu respectfully bowed, the Prefect's Guard didn't show any arrogance. After accepting the bow on behalf of the Prefect, he set down the order in his hand and smiled, saying, "Chen Mu, your future is bright, and I congratulate you on your promotion in advance."
(End of Chapter)
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