Chapter 66: Driving Back the Enemy with a Single Punch! (Please vote for recommendations!)

Afterward, Zuo Taoming, Qin Feng, Lin Xiaozhong, and the others conversed as they waited for the arrival of Chen Donghai, Gao Yunxiao, and Qian Yungao.

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“Today I have summoned the four Commanders,” the Prefect announced, “to introduce you to a young prodigy, who will soon be your colleague as well.”

Once Chen Donghai, Gao Yunxiao, and Qian Yungao had arrived, Zuo Taoming led Qin Feng and Lin Xiaozhong toward the main hall.

Seating himself in the place of honor, Zuo Taoming radiated an air of authority as he spoke in a commanding voice.

“This is Qin Feng, the one who slew the Patriarch of Qinghe, whose name now shakes the entire Yuntian Prefecture!”

“Qin Feng, rise and greet the four Commanders. They are my trusted right hands.”

Zuo Taoming spoke loudly.

“Qin Feng greets the four Commanders,” Qin Feng said, cupping his fists to Gao Yunxiao, Chen Donghai, Lin Xiaozhong, and Qian Yungao in turn.

Aside from Lin Xiaozhong, who already knew him, this was the first time Gao Yunxiao, Chen Donghai, and Qian Yungao had met Qin Feng in person.

Of course, Qin Feng’s name was well-known to them—at fifteen, he had achieved the rank of Commandant. He had long since made a name for himself, and the formidable Patriarch of Qinghe had perished at his hand.

“Greetings, Commandant Qin,” they each said, cupping their fists solemnly.

“From today onward, Qin Feng will serve as Deputy Commander of the Guard,” Zuo Taoming announced with a smile as he noted how well Qin Feng got along with the others. “Commander Qian, you should grow closer to Qin Feng, so that he may assist you in managing the Guard.”

“What?” Qian Yungao was startled.

Lin Xiaozhong showed no change of expression—he had already heard the news. Chen Donghai and Gao Yunxiao, however, both looked taken aback, glancing between Qin Feng and Qian Yungao.

“My lord Prefect, had you not already decided to appoint Zhao Hongzhong as Deputy Commander of the Guard?” Qian Yungao quickly asked, cupping his fists.

“Zhao Hongzhong’s temperament is unsuitable for the position,” Zuo Taoming replied impassively, as if he had anticipated Qian Yungao’s protest. “Qin Feng is a prodigy, and his feat of slaying the Patriarch of Qinghe commands respect. He is more than fit to serve as Deputy Commander.”

“But—” Qian Yungao began, anxious.

“That’s enough. The matter is settled,” Zuo Taoming interrupted, his gaze sharp upon Qian Yungao. “Appointing Qin Feng as Deputy Commander is a decision I reached after careful consideration.”

“I obey,” Qian Yungao replied, swallowing his protests under Zuo Taoming’s stern gaze. He cupped his fists and fell silent.

Zuo Taoming ordered the servants to prepare a meal, and after Gao Yunxiao, Chen Donghai, Lin Xiaozhong, Qian Yungao, and Qin Feng had dined together in the Prefect’s residence, they departed one by one.

“Commandant Qin, though you are a prodigy, managing a military force is no child’s play. I hope you’ll consider resigning as Deputy Commander of the Guard yourself, and report this to the Prefect,” Qian Yungao said sternly, coming quickly up to Qin Feng as soon as they left the residence.

He was indignant. The position of Deputy Commander had clearly been decided, yet Qin Feng had interfered.

Gao Yunxiao and Chen Donghai stood by, observing quietly. Lin Xiaozhong’s expression shifted.

“I’m sorry,” Qin Feng replied with a faint smile. “The Prefect’s appointment is a mark of trust. I will not disappoint him.”

He had anticipated Qian Yungao’s hostility and was prepared for it, though he hadn’t expected Qian Yungao to lose his composure so readily.

“I have some doubts about your strength, Commandant Qin,” Qian Yungao said coldly, his eyes narrowing. “I fear you may not command respect. Would you be willing to spar with me, so that I may judge your abilities? After all, no one knows by what means you slew the Patriarch of Qinghe.”

“Very well,” Qin Feng replied, his tone icy with annoyance at Qian Yungao’s relentless pressure. “But my strength is considerable. If you are injured, crippled, or killed, I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

“What arrogance!” Qian Yungao barked. “Qin Feng, take one punch from me. Let’s see if you’re worthy of command.”

With a roar, Qian Yungao sprang back, then charged forward, launching a punch at Qin Feng. He wanted to test Qin Feng’s strength; should Qin Feng prove inferior, he would force him to retreat.

“Come!” Qin Feng’s lips curled into a smile. To challenge him in raw strength was utter folly.

His muscles seemed to cheer in anticipation as, with a low growl, he unleashed his full might—all one hundred and twenty thousand jin of it—meeting Qian Yungao’s fist with his own.

There was a thunderous crash as Qin Feng’s punch collided with Qian Yungao’s. The force sent Qian Yungao staggering back over ten meters before he collapsed to the ground.

Coughing violently, Qian Yungao struggled to his feet, blood on his lips, his arm twisted at an unnatural angle—clearly, the bones within had shattered.

“What power!” Gao Yunxiao and Chen Donghai watched in shock, their eyes wide with awe. Qian Yungao was a mid-level Commandant, his strength nearly equal to theirs—yet he could not withstand a single blow from Qin Feng and was gravely injured.

“He’s grown even stronger,” Lin Xiaozhong thought in amazement. He realized Qin Feng’s strength had increased again—enough to fell a mid-level Commandant with a single punch.

“Do you still wish to continue?” Qin Feng asked, standing over Qian Yungao, looking down on him with disdain.

Qian Yungao snorted coldly and hurried off. His injuries required rest, and he needed to pay a visit to the Zhao family to inform them of the change in plans.

Qin Feng did not stop him. Although Zuo Taoming had told Qian Yungao to guide Qin Feng to the Guard, Qin Feng had little interest in controlling its power. Qian Yungao had managed the Guard for many years; no doubt the entire force was loyal to him. Even as Deputy Commander, Qin Feng would have little real authority, and he would not waste his time on the Guard.

This was a world of martial might. At the level of Human King, one could project true energy from the body, kill with a thought, become immune to blades and arrows, and even soar briefly through the air. At the level of Human Emperor, one’s power rivaled gods and demons, transcending the mortal realm—true energy became unending, no weapon could harm them, and they could fly freely over armies of millions.

Qin Feng had no interest in the Guard. His aim was to devote himself to cultivation and strive to reach the realms of Human King and Human Emperor as soon as possible.