Ascending to Godhood: I Can Foresee All Futures

Though they hadn’t caught them red-handed, a variety of signs had already put the higher-ups of the Jingwu Bureau and the Prefecture Government Office on alert and left them deeply dissatisfied.

Surprisingly, the Iron Sword Sect had also chosen to assist the Government Office, which Chen Sheng found somewhat unexpected.

After all, his feud with the Iron Sword Sect ran deep, and they had gained nothing from the battle on Wushan Mountain.

It just went to show that the Sect Leader of the Iron Sword Sect had a grasp of the bigger picture.

Furthermore, various intelligence reports indicated that the Blood River Sect was suspected of making a resurgence and had likely already colluded with the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance, providing them with support or sanctuary.

Otherwise, with the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance’s current strength, it would have been difficult for them to contend with the Government Office so tenaciously on multiple fronts.

Beyond all this, there was also plenty of news circulating about him.

Thanks to the doggerel, "A single cold blade brings heroes to heel, forcing Ning’an’s Ten Heroes to kneel," tales of his many exploits had long since spread through every street and alley.

He was even being called the once-in-a-century prodigy of Ning’an Prefecture.

However, upon hearing such hollow praise, Chen Sheng merely offered a faint smile, not feeling the slightest bit of conceit.

’Fame can be exploited, but never relied upon.’

’The path of cultivation, in the end, depends on tangible Cultivation and wisdom.’

After listening to Xu Shenzhi’s well-organized report, Chen Sheng had formed a rough outline in his mind of Ning’an Prefecture’s chaotic chessboard.

Overall, although the turmoil was fierce and the bloodshed widespread, it had little to do with his personal cultivation for the time being—as long as he didn’t take the initiative to get drawn into the heart of certain vortexes.

For now, breaking through to Profound Mastery and increasing his own strength was the absolute top priority.

.....

「Governor’s Office.」

Chen Sheng had been waiting there for about half a day when he finally saw Nie Xuanfeng return, looking travel-worn.

The Governor, usually so dignified and imposing, could not conceal the trace of exhaustion and grimness in his expression.

The hem of his official robes was even stained with mud, a clear sign that he had been rushing about on the front lines against the bandits or coordinating various factions, which had clearly taken a great toll on him.

"This subordinate greets the Governor." Chen Sheng rose, his salute deeply respectful.

"No need for formalities. Sit."

Nie Xuanfeng waved his hand and walked straight to the head seat before sitting down. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and got right to the point.

"You must have heard about the recent chaos in the prefecture, I take it?"

"Yes, I have a general understanding,"

Chen Sheng replied, his expression calm as he sat in a subordinate seat.

"The remnants of the Blood River Sect colluding with the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance was something of a surprise. It’s added a great deal of trouble to the extermination efforts."

Nie Xuanfeng snorted, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"But they’re nothing more than a mob of heretics in the end. They can’t make any real waves. With the Prefecture Army and the Jingwu Bureau working together, we can slowly but surely root them out. As for Golden Spring Temple and Luoyun Manor..."

He paused here, his tone turning colder.

"We have no concrete evidence right now, but their actions are suspicious. If they truly fail to see the bigger picture and secretly obstruct our efforts over their own petty grudges, they will be cutting themselves off from the righteous factions of Ning’an.

When this is all over and we have undeniable proof, I will make them pay the price."

Chen Sheng’s eyes flickered at these words, but he remained silent.

"You were in seclusion for ten days. How goes the refinement of the Wushan Spirit Marrow?"

Nie Xuanfeng changed the subject, his gaze falling upon Chen Sheng.

"Thank you for your concern, Governor. I have already refined and absorbed all of it."

"Oh? And what level has your Cultivation reached?"

Nie Xuanfeng immediately pressed.

"To answer the Governor, I was fortunate enough to reach the Peak of Profound Gang."

Chen Sheng replied, his tone steady.

A flash of surprise vanished from Nie Xuanfeng’s eyes as quickly as it appeared.

"Was the Spirit Marrow that effective?"

"I wouldn’t dare conceal it from you, Governor."

Chen Sheng answered honestly.

"I had previously refined some Earth Core Spirit Milk."

On the strength of the Spirit Marrow alone, it would have been difficult for Chen Sheng’s Cultivation to surge to this level. In truth, nearly half the credit belonged to the Earth Core Spirit Milk.

His Cultivation had already advanced considerably before he entered seclusion.

"I see. No wonder, no wonder."

Understanding dawned on Nie Xuanfeng, and a look of wonder crossed his face.

"The speed of your cultivation is truly astounding. I recall when you first entered this hall over half a year ago, you were just stepping into the Innate realm. Now, you stand on the threshold of Profound Mastery.

Such speed is exceedingly rare, even across the entirety of Yunzhou."

"Without your constant guidance, support, and protection, Governor, I would never have been able to achieve this."

Chen Sheng said with a sincere cupped-fist salute.

These words weren’t mere empty flattery. Nie Xuanfeng had indeed been his most important patron when he was just starting to rise.

"I can’t take credit for that. Your progress is mostly due to your own efforts."

Nie Xuanfeng waved a dismissive hand, his expression growing solemn again. He took a small, mutton-fat white jade bottle from his sleeve and looked at Chen Sheng.

"Regarding the Profound Mastery Elixir, Vice Envoy Sun and I submitted a joint petition detailing your achievements and potential. The State Bureau has already approved it. Knowing your urgent need, they gave special orders for an expedited delivery.

Since you’ve already reached the Peak of Profound Gang, take this elixir."

Chen Sheng rose and accepted the jade bottle with both hands, a sense of relief settling in his heart.

’With this elixir in hand, the breakthrough to Profound Mastery is halfway complete.’

"I’ve given you the Profound Mastery Elixir, but I must still offer a few words of advice."

"I am listening with my utmost attention."

Chen Sheng replied in a low voice.

Nie Xuanfeng’s tone carried a heavy gravity.

"Qi Transformation and Essence Condensation, the breakthrough to the Profound Mastery Realm, is no ordinary feat. The dangers within are difficult to describe to one who has not personally experienced it. You must compress and condense Gang Qi into True Essence, a process that requires enduring the agony of your Meridians expanding and immense pressure on your Dantian.

If your will wavers in the slightest, or if your preparations are even remotely insufficient, the mildest consequence is that all your previous efforts will be for naught and the elixir’s Spiritual Power will be wasted. In the worst case, your Meridians will be damaged, your Dantian will be destabilized, and your very foundation could be harmed. Your path of cultivation would be obstructed, and you would find it impossible to advance another inch.

You must be exceedingly cautious. Make exhaustive preparations, find suitable auxiliary Spiritual Objects, and only when you have adjusted yourself to your absolute peak condition should you attempt the breakthrough.

Remember, you must not grow arrogant or impatient and act rashly!"

At this, Nie Xuanfeng paused, a hint of regret tinging his voice.

"It is a shame that your engagement to the Nie Family has not yet been finalized. Otherwise, with the family’s resources, we could have procured one or two compatible auxiliary Spiritual Objects for you to increase your chances of success.

While I have my own collection accumulated over the years, I have nothing suitable for your breakthrough.

However, there is no need to be anxious. The Ning’an Prefecture is a vast territory; opportunities are bound to exist. Keep an eye out for yourself, and I will also make inquiries on your behalf."

"I am endlessly grateful for your generosity, Governor. This breakthrough concerns the very foundation of my path. I will be sure to heed your teachings. I will only attempt it cautiously after my realm has completely stabilized, my body and mind have reached a state of perfection, and I have prepared the necessary auxiliary items."

Chen Sheng’s expression was solemn as he gave a deep bow.

Seeing that Chen Sheng had taken his words to heart, Nie Xuanfeng’s expression relaxed slightly, and he nodded.

"Also, regarding your official status, the State Government Office has approved it. As of today, you are a Captain of Jing’an in the Jingwu Bureau, at the Standard Sixth Grade. I had originally intended for you to be stationed outside to govern a region.

However, the chaos in Ning’an Prefecture shows no sign of abating, and you are a thorn in the side of the major sects. There’s no guarantee they won’t make a move against you. Therefore, we will wait for things to stabilize and become safer.

At that time, you can choose whether you want an external posting or to remain within the Jingwu Bureau."

"Yes, I understand."

Chen Sheng was naturally pleased about the promotion, but he was in no hurry for an external posting.

His immediate priority was still his breakthrough to the Profound Mastery Realm.

They spoke for a while longer, but seeing the weariness on Nie Xuanfeng’s face, Chen Sheng tactfully bowed and took his leave.

He had not gone far from the Governor’s Office when a Jingwu Guard on duty hurried over and said in a low voice:

"Captain Chen, Vice Envoy Sun just sent word. She asks that you see her in the bamboo grove once you are finished here."

Chen Sheng’s eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

He immediately changed direction and headed toward the tranquil bamboo grove in the back garden of the Jingwu Bureau.

...

Deep within the bamboo grove, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves.

Sun Yuzhi stood there in a pale blue dress, her Jingwu Bureau official robe worn over it. Her black hair was tied up simply, and she wore no makeup, a choice that only accentuated her jade-like skin.

The usual icy look in her eyes seemed to thaw, just a little, when she saw Chen Sheng’s figure approach.

"Have you finished refining the Spirit Marrow?"

Sun Yuzhi asked, her tone flat as her gaze swept over Chen Sheng.

"I’ve reached the Peak of Profound Gang," Chen Sheng replied, slowly walking closer.

"And the Profound Mastery Elixir?"

"I just received it from the Governor."

Sun Yuzhi fell silent for a moment. The shadows of the bamboo danced across her profile, carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible softness.

"When your realm has stabilized, your condition is at its absolute peak, and you feel your preparations are complete, come and find me."

"When that time comes, I will help you with your cultivation."

...