Chen Ping's Sword

As Chen Ping gave a command, the surrounding clamor grew louder.

There was no need to carefully sense it; even ordinary folk could feel it—a quiet gathering of resentment and hostility.

Indeed, it took only a few breaths before someone in the distant crowd shouted loudly.

"The world says King Ping loves the people like his own children, talks about fair land distribution and shared burdens, but he turns out to be a hypocrite seeking fame."

"Yes, everyone was deceived by him. Obviously, these patients could be treated, but he refuses to save them for convenience, opting to burn the people alive. Heaven is just, but what crime have the people committed?"

On the left, another person raised his arm and shouted fiercely, his voice mournful.

Such a scene truly saddens those who see it, and brings tears to those who hear it...

In an instant, all the people looking at Chen Ping changed their expressions.

Just a moment ago, there was so much hope; now there is equally much resentment and venom.

"Crows under heaven are alike; we foolishly pinned our hopes on a rebel. The Great Li Court is corrupt, filled with greedy officials; the Ji Family Royal Family oppresses the people, acts deceitfully, burying this great nation alive.

Yet, who would have thought, these flames of war on all sides hide wolves in sheep’s clothing, speaking of righteousness while acting with deceit."

Recent rampant rumors have already spread panic among the people.

And with so many sick in Lotus Village, who doesn’t have parents or siblings, uncles, and aunts? Once affected, it numbers in the thousands.

With neighbors helping each other, the entire Lotus Village was instantly in an uproar.

After these cries, thousands, even tens of thousands, began to clamour as one.

Qin Guanhai and others beside Chen Ping, overwhelmed by this momentum, stepped back in fright, while Yuk Zhixian, Xiao Tong, and others stepped forward, faces full of killing intent.

It seemed that if the opposing side charged, they’d immediately be ready to kill.

"Elder Yuk, General Xiao, there’s no need, really no need."

Chen Ping smilingly stopped the two, and the elite soldiers further behind promptly halted.

He remembered a saying from the history of his past life, "The people are like water, the ruler like a boat; water can carry the boat and can also overturn it..."

He also recalled someone once said, "The people are often ignorant; most times, they don’t know right from wrong, and can’t see the truth..."

Not to mention the myriad faces of all living beings.

Take the relatives in an ordinary family—no matter how much you help and support them, stop for one day, and resentment might grow in their hearts.

And when you fall, they’ll stomp on you.

This moment is exactly as that moment.

If you truly get angry with these incited civilians, then you’ll really have lost.

Winning and killing them might vent some anger.

But this is exactly what the enemy wants to see.

The opponent might not know the reason why Chen Ping chooses to particularly care for these ordinary people in an era where Martial Dao strength thrives.

But it doesn’t stop them from responding in various ways.

Setting traps.

It’s undeniably true this move hit Chen Ping’s vital point.

If he dared to kill recklessly today, disregarding the people, tomorrow, he may no longer gather much Fortune, and his Qi Number might drastically fall. Unexpected changes would arise in the process of unifying the Southern Region, even pointing swords at the world.

This judgment is just a feeling, not entirely real.

Yet Chen Ping would not doubt it.

Moreover, he genuinely didn’t want to harm these ordinary people.

Even though they now have red eyes, ready to pick up weapons to strike him down.

"Did you see it clearly?"

Chen Ping turned his head to look at Fang Qingzhu.

"Yes, it’s not difficult at all. Seventeen people in total stirred the crowd, of whom sixteen are not truly angry but rather slightly smug."

The God Refining Spell was not practiced in vain.

Although Chen Ping’s soul cultivation reached the Manifest Saint Realm, when it comes to sensing hearts and probing emotions, he’s not necessarily stronger than Fang Qingzhu and Ji Mingyue.

Fang Qingzhu’s strength lies in practicing the Three Lights Divine Spell since childhood, ingraining it into her bones. She naturally develops divine insight, becomes cautious and avoidant of danger, and perceives the essence with clarity.

And Ji Mingyue, in this regard, is even more innately gifted, with the bright moon in the sky and void reflection.

Benevolence or malice under her eyes is plainly illuminated, no longer concealable.

Thus, her mastery in handling Celestial Heart Pavilion affairs is largely aided by this skill.

This counts as talent, whether Innate or Postnatal.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

Chen Ping looked at Fang Qingzhu peculiarly.

Having already uncovered the plot and found the enemies, why not take action? Does the King Ping himself have to apprehend them? Freeloading is unacceptable; one must work.

"Do I owe you?"

Fang Qingzhu threw him a delightful sidelong glance for Chen Ping to contemplate.

Despite saying this, she hesitated not one bit with her hands.

Thinking she’s not after that food, but rather, following Chen Ping brings new experiences every day, benefiting her Red Dust tempering immensely.

The master even said, with her talent, achieving True Form and breaking through to Divine Martial would take at least thirty to fifty years.

Yet, following Chen Ping, eating and drinking, how long has it truly been, and her cultivation has already advanced to Mid-Stage Unity Realm, just a step away from breaking into Late Stage.