Chapter Sixty-Four: The Four Great Armies!

Huang Ningbing’s eyes sparkled when she heard Lin Xiaozhong introduce Qin Feng. She had long heard of his unparalleled reputation as a prodigy. To achieve the rank of Commandant at fifteen was something never seen nor heard of in the centuries-long history of the Great Chu Dynasty. Moreover, his battle achievements were extraordinary; he had slain the late-stage Commandant, Ancestor Qinghe, and early-stage Commandant Xue Hongwei.

“I have heard much of Commandant Qin’s renown, but seeing you today I realize the rumors fall short!” she said with a charming smile, her delicate hand pressed to her chest, accentuating her graceful curves. “You are even more impressive than the tales suggest. It is a pity I was unable to witness your legendary battle against Ancestor Qinghe.”

“You flatter me, Master Huang,” Qin Feng replied with a modest smile. “It is your skill in managing the Baozhi Pavilion throughout Yuntian Prefecture that I truly respect.”

His heart pounded uncontrollably, and his expression betrayed a hint of unease. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he suppressed his emotions and spoke calmly.

“I never expected a humble woman like myself could earn the admiration of such a great hero as Commandant Qin. Truly, I am fortunate beyond measure,” Huang Ningbing said with a playful laugh, her hand covering her mouth as she leaned closer to Qin Feng.

“Commandant Qin, let us proceed to meet the Prefect,” Lin Xiaozhong interjected quickly, feeling a tinge of jealousy as he watched Huang Ningbing draw near to Qin Feng.

“Very well,” Qin Feng nodded to Lin Xiaozhong. “Master Huang, I must take my leave. I will surely visit the Baozhi Pavilion another day.”

He stepped aside, cupping his fists in apology.

“Make sure you do, Commandant Qin. I shall await your arrival!” Huang Ningbing laughed as she withdrew, her gaze lingering thoughtfully on Chen Yunlong and Liu Xiang, then turned to leave swiftly with them.

“Don’t stare, Commander Lin—they’re already gone!” Qin Feng teased, slapping Lin Xiaozhong’s shoulder as he watched Huang Ningbing depart.

“Let’s go. I imagine the Prefect will be delighted to see you,” Lin Xiaozhong said, his awkward expression betraying his feelings as he led Qin Feng into the Prefect’s residence.

“Do you fancy Master Huang, Commander Lin?” Qin Feng asked as they walked side by side.

“The heart loves beauty; who in Yuntian Prefecture does not admire Master Huang?” Lin Xiaozhong replied. “But let me warn you—be cautious when dealing with her. Don’t underestimate her because she’s a woman; her identity is complex, and her methods are formidable.” He had spent years in Yuntian Prefecture and understood Huang Ningbing well.

“It is precisely because she is a woman that I hold her in high regard,” Qin Feng said with a smile.

“Greetings, Prefect!” Lin Xiaozhong and Qin Feng entered Zuo Taoming’s chamber, cupping their fists and bowing respectfully.

“Commander Lin, you may go. Notify Gao Yunxiao, Chen Donghai, and Qian Yuangao to come to the Prefect’s residence by noon tomorrow,” Zuo Taoming said, patting Lin Xiaozhong’s shoulder and dismissing him.

“A Commandant at fifteen, and slayer of Ancestor Qinghe… Qin Feng, you have truly astonished me!” Zuo Taoming appraised Qin Feng with an appreciative gaze. He had already reported Qin Feng’s achievements to the imperial court, which had sent word that emissaries would soon arrive to approach Qin Feng. Clearly, Qin Feng had caught the royal family’s attention, and his future was boundless.

“You honor me, Prefect. It is my privilege to be allowed to join Yuntian Prefecture, and I am deeply grateful. I still have much to learn and hope to benefit from your guidance,” Qin Feng replied calmly.

“A fifteen-year-old Commandant—unheard of, unprecedented! Qin Feng, you are exceptional, and your future even more so. I hope you will join me in serving the Great Chu Dynasty, building and defending it together.

“The Prefect’s residence commands four armies: Tiger Guard, Wolf Guard, Mighty Guard, and Protector Guard. The first three have no vacancies, but the Protector Guard lacks a deputy commander. Are you confident in taking on this role? I must warn you, as deputy commander of the Protector Guard, you may face some suppression. If you are unwilling, I can arrange another position,” Zuo Taoming said, after a moment’s consideration, laying out the challenges Qin Feng might face in the post. The court would soon send envoys, and Zuo Taoming wanted to befriend Qin Feng, leaving a favorable impression.

“Will any King-level martialists intervene?” Qin Feng asked, his gaze sharpened.

“Certainly not. King-level martialists are esteemed figures; they would not concern themselves with affairs in Yuntian Prefecture,” Zuo Taoming replied, sensing the fearless resolve in Qin Feng’s question. Was he implying that, except for Kings, he feared no martialist below them?

“I am willing to serve as Deputy Commander of the Protector Guard,” Qin Feng declared, cupping his fists solemnly.

“Excellent! Someone will deliver your appointment documents to your residence shortly. Also, as the new deputy commander, the Prefect’s residence will purchase a manor for you,” Zuo Taoming said.

About half an hour later, Qin Feng left the Prefect’s residence, where Lin Xiaozhong was waiting outside. They had agreed to meet and enjoy a drink together. Qin Feng knew Lin Xiaozhong was trustworthy, so he accepted the invitation, and also wished to learn more about Yuntian Prefecture from him.

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“Commander Chen, Commander Liu, do you know Qin Feng?” Huang Ningbing asked with a smile as she returned to the Baozhi Pavilion, curious about Chen Yunlong and Liu Xiang.

She recalled that outside the Prefect’s residence, Qin Feng had greeted both Lin Xiaozhong and Chen Yunlong, Liu Xiang.

“Second Miss, do you remember when we escorted the millennial spiritual herb? That herb was purchased by Commandant Qin. Moreover, before acquiring it, he already possessed one such herb. It was by consuming the millennial herb that Commandant Qin broke through to the Commandant realm. During the struggle for the herb, he killed Ancestor Qinghe’s disciple, which led to Ancestor Qinghe’s intervention,” Chen Yunlong explained, a hint of envy in his heart. He had been a Commandant for years and had never consumed a millennial spiritual herb.

“So that’s how it happened,” Huang Ningbing mused, her curiosity about Qin Feng growing. A fifteen-year-old Commandant who slew Ancestor Qinghe—such feats captivated her attention.

“Commander Chen, Commander Liu, you may go now,” Huang Ningbing said, rising to see them off. Though she was the mistress of the Baozhi Pavilion in Yuntian Prefecture, she still showed proper respect to powerful Commandants like Chen Yunlong and Liu Xiang.