Chapter Eighty-Eight: A Shift in Attitude!

“Commander Qin, were you the one who killed the twelve guardians atop Chiyang Mountain?” Chu Tianfa conversed with Qin Feng, his expression complicated as he asked in a low voice.

“Yes,” Qin Feng nodded calmly, his answer succinct.

Upon hearing his words, Chu Tianfa, Elder Zhu, Zuo Taoming, and Chen Donghai were all visibly shocked, their gazes toward Qin Feng filled with awe and respect.

“May I ask, Commander Qin, have you already broken through to the Human King realm?” Chu Tianfa took a deep breath and pressed on with his question.

“Not yet,” Qin Feng shook his head. “Breaking through from the Guardian Commander level to the Human King realm is exceedingly difficult. I still need some time.”

He lacked the resources and the cultivation method required for the Human King and could not accomplish the breakthrough in the short term.

Hearing this, Chu Tianfa, Elder Zhu, Zuo Taoming, and Chen Donghai all relaxed, a weight lifted from their hearts. If they were facing a true Human King, their nerves would have been taut with tension.

“I’ve never seen a Human King in action,” Qin Feng added, “but I feel my combat strength is not inferior to theirs.”

His strength had reached fifty-seven thousand jin, nearly matching the power of a mid-stage Human King. He spoke in a low, steady voice.

“Commander Qin, do you mean your strength has reached three hundred thousand jin?” Chu Tianfa’s expression shifted, his manner even more respectful and awed as he questioned him.

Elder Zhu, Zuo Taoming, and Chen Donghai all looked at Qin Feng, anxious and expectant, awaiting his answer.

Qin Feng nodded without hesitation.

A sharp intake of breath swept through the hall. Chu Tianfa, Elder Zhu, Zuo Taoming, and Chen Donghai stared at Qin Feng, unable to conceal the shock and incredulity in their eyes.

Their demeanor shifted to one of profound respect and reverence.

A late-stage Guardian Commander typically possessed seventy thousand jin of strength, but at the same level, Qin Feng had reached three hundred thousand jin. How utterly incredible! What a terrifying gift!

“Commander Qin, you’re only sixteen, aren’t you?” Zuo Taoming suddenly recalled Qin Feng’s age and exclaimed aloud.

Hearing this, Chu Tianfa, Elder Zhu, and Chen Donghai all turned their gazes toward Qin Feng with renewed shock.

Indeed, Commander Qin was only sixteen this year!

What a staggering fact! It meant that as long as he lived, Commander Qin was destined to become a Human Sovereign, ruling the mortal realm for three centuries.

“Commander Qin, these are two millennia-old spirit herbs I have treasured. I offer them to you today,” Chu Tianfa resolved to win Qin Feng’s favor at any cost, quickly presenting the herbs to him.

“By the way, Commander Qin,” Chu Tianfa continued, “the name Xuanzhou City lacks distinction. Would you consider renaming it Qin City instead?”

He subtly moved his chair closer to Qin Feng and spoke in a low voice.

“Very well,” Qin Feng saw the broad smile on Chu Tianfa’s face, fully aware of the benefits strength brought, and agreed with a nod.

Zuo Taoming, Chen Donghai, and Elder Zhu all beamed at Qin Feng.

“Commander Qin, with your battle prowess rivaling a Human King, remaining as commander of the city guard hardly suits you now. Why not establish the post of Grand General in Yuntian Prefecture, overseeing all military affairs, with you at the helm?” Chu Tianfa proposed.

“I only wish for quiet cultivation, military affairs hold no interest for me,” Qin Feng replied, politely declining.

“Commander Qin, perhaps you could serve as Grand General, overseeing all military matters in Yuntian Prefecture, while the routine duties are managed by Gao Yunxiao, Chen Donghai, Lin Xiaozhong, and the others?” Zuo Taoming suggested after a moment’s thought.

He harbored no resentment at the prospect of creating the position of Grand General. If Qin Feng were merely at the Guardian Commander level and seeking to divide his authority, he might have objected. But now, knowing Qin Feng’s power rivaled a Human King’s, he could only look up in awe—any dissatisfaction was unthinkable.

Qin Feng hesitated. In a world of low martial prowess, he might have accepted outright. But on the Xuanwu Continent, a land akin to a high martial world, a Human Sovereign was like a living deity—transcending the mundane, their true energy inexhaustible, impervious to all weapons, able to stand alone against a million soldiers, and live for three centuries. Here, strength itself was power and status.

“Commander Qin, do not hesitate,” Chu Tianfa urged. “Only if you join the Great Chu Empire can I petition my father to secure the resources you need for cultivation. I would even persuade him to obtain the Human King’s cultivation method for you.”

Qin Feng pondered a moment, then nodded in agreement.

...

“Your Highness, you should not have handed Yuntian Prefecture to Qin Feng,” Elder Zhu said gravely once they had returned to their quarters.

“Why not?” Chu Tianfa sipped his tea with a broad smile, unshaken by Elder Zhu’s warning.

“Your Highness, Qin Feng’s combat power already rivals a Human King’s. Are you not concerned he will become another King of the North?” Elder Zhu asked, his tone heavy.

He had wanted to raise his concerns earlier, but fear of Qin Feng’s strength had silenced him. Now, back at their residence, he spoke his mind.

“I am not afraid. Nor will he become another King of the North,” Chu Tianfa replied firmly.

“Elder Zhu, do you know how our ancestor founded the Great Chu Empire?” Chu Tianfa stood by the window, gazing into the distance.

“It is said he was exceptionally wise, masterful in strategy, discerning, and just—overcoming all hardships to establish the empire,” Elder Zhu answered reverently.

“You are mistaken,” Chu Tianfa said quietly after a pause, turning to face him. “Our ancestor succeeded because he was a mighty Human Sovereign. The Great Chu Empire has stood for a thousand years on the Xuanwu Continent only because every generation has been anchored by a Human Sovereign.”

“Qin Feng is no mere King of the North—at sixteen, his talent eclipses all heroes of past and present, destined for the highest heights. Should he wish, he could found a power to rival our empire in the future. That is why I am determined to win him over. Besides, he is a subject of Great Chu—he feels a sense of belonging.”

“Your Highness is wise,” Elder Zhu replied, deeply moved.

...

“Master Qin, the prefect sent word earlier, appointing me as commander of the city guard. What do you think?” The next morning, Liu Qingchang hurried to see Qin Feng, his manner respectful as he quickly sought his opinion.