With the execution of Zhang Yue and Li Cong, those remaining on the high platform completely lost the will and ability to resist.

After just a few volleys of arrows, they fell, their faces etched with terror and resentment. Thick blood pooled on the platform, forming rivulets that trickled slowly down the steps.

The entire training ground fell deathly silent.

After Chen Sheng established his authority with the lives of dozens of men, everyone looked upon the figure on the high platform with eyes full of awe and fear.

As for the soldiers of the Southeast Two Camps, their awe was tinged with panic. Many lowered their heads, terrified that they would be the next to be called, as nearly half of those just executed had come from their ranks.

"For years, the likes of Zhang Yue and Li Cong have colluded with local magnates, committing every imaginable evil and allowing the bandit infestation in Changshan to grow ever more rampant."

Chen Sheng’s voice shattered the silence, exceptionally clear in the morning breeze. "Their deaths were demanded by heaven itself. But you need not panic. I have always been a man of my word. I said today we would only execute the ringleaders and that accomplices would not be pursued. I will not go back on that."

Many secretly breathed a sigh of relief at these words, but some remained doubtful, surreptitiously watching Chen Sheng’s expression.

"I have already ordered a list to be compiled of those who rendered meritorious service in yesterday’s bandit extermination." Chen Sheng’s tone shifted, his voice rising. "Within three days, rewards will be distributed according to merit. There will be no delays!"

"Cheng Yanhua."

"Present." Vice Commander Cheng strode forward, bowing to receive his orders.

"As of today, you are the acting North City Commander."

"Thank you for the promotion, Grand Commander!"

Cheng Yanhua’s voice trembled with irrepressible excitement.

"Sun Yuanliang is the acting South City Commander, Yan Ming is the acting East City Commander, and Wang Yue will remain West City Commander." Chen Sheng’s gaze swept over the crowd, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Though Yan Ming had yet to return, Chen Sheng had long since reserved this position for him.

Sun Yuanliang was the candidate recommended by County Captain Wu. Clearly, while Wu Kuang trusted Chen Sheng, he hadn’t forgotten to place his own man in a key position. Chen Sheng wasn’t surprised. ’It would be more unusual if Wu Kuang let his guard down completely.’

Wang Yue was allowed to retain his post for two reasons. First, he knew which way the wind was blowing; he had proactively shown his support last night. Second, he was a confidant of County Magistrate Lin Shou, making it unwise to move against him for now.

’Still, I have my methods,’ Chen Sheng thought. ’If Wang Yue doesn’t perform, I can sideline him at any time—or even have him follow in Chuyue Mountain’s footsteps.’

Sun Yuanliang’s face lit up with joy at his appointment, while Wang Yue felt a secret wave of relief. The outcome was far better than he had dared to hope.

Chen Sheng’s gaze swept over the soldiers in the training ground, his voice suddenly turning sharp.

"The Changshan Gao Clan is guilty of monstrous crimes! They oppress the common people, have planted spies within the Government Office, and are in deep collusion with the water bandits outside the city. Commander Chu’s death was a direct result of the Gao Clan’s machinations in their plot to rebel!"

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing.

"We now have both witnesses and material evidence. By order of the County Captain, I will lead a punitive expedition against the Gao Clan! Anyone who distinguishes themselves in this campaign will be rewarded with double military honors! Are you willing to follow me and annihilate these traitors?"

"We will follow the Grand Commander’s orders and annihilate the traitors!" Cheng Yanhua was the first to respond.

"We will follow the Grand Commander’s orders!" Wang Yue, Sun Yuanliang, and the others echoed in unison.

Swept up by the fervor, the soldiers on the training ground raised their arms and roared.

"We will follow the Grand Commander’s orders!"

"Annihilate the traitors!"

The thunderous roar echoed over the training ground, thick with killing intent.

Hearing the tsunami of voices, a cold glint flashed in Chen Sheng’s eyes.

’So what if they’ve been entrenched for a century, their roots running deep?’

’In the face of absolute power, it will all crumble to dust.’

"March!"

Chen Sheng drew his long saber, pointing it east.

The soldiers on the training ground quickly fell into formation and marched en masse toward the Gao Mansion.

...

Meanwhile, the Gao Clan’s grand residence in East City was a picture of peace and harmony.

In the main hall, several Gao Family elders wore joyous expressions, whispering amongst themselves as if celebrating the greatest of news.

"That treasure is truly extraordinary. Both of those boys, Qicheng and Qi Nian, have successfully broken through to the Bone Forging Realm."

"Wonderful! The revitalization of our Gao Family is at hand!"

"Given time, our Gao Family will surely command respect in Changshan once more!"

The elders chattered excitedly, as if they could already see the day the Gao Family would once again hold sway over all of Changshan.

"Fourth Great-Uncle is here," someone announced, and the elders all rose quickly to greet him.

A white-haired elder leaning on a Black Wood Walking Stick slowly entered the hall. Though advanced in years, his eyes were still sharp. He slowly took the head seat among the elders and tapped his walking stick lightly.

"What has you all so pleased?"

"Great-Uncle, it’s wonderful news!"

Gao Yuanhe said excitedly, "Those two boys, Qicheng and Qi Nian, have successfully broken through to the Bone Forging Realm after refining the Golden Jade Ointment! Given time, they’ll reach the Marrow Transformation Realm! Our Gao Family is truly poised to flourish!"

The other elders chimed in with agreement, their faces alight with excitement.

"How old are Qi Nian and Qicheng this year?" Fourth Great-Uncle asked, stroking his beard.

"Neither is yet twenty. Qicheng, in particular, is only nineteen."

"Good. Excellent."

Fourth Great-Uncle laughed heartily. "It seems our efforts working for that Demon Monk were not in vain."

To obtain the Golden Jade Ointment promised by the Demon Monk, the Gao Family had spent the last six months going to great lengths. They not only scoured the land for rare medicinal herbs to aid his recovery but also took great care to conceal his whereabouts.

They had even gone so far as to silence Chen Xingzhou, who had stumbled upon the secret by accident.

Indeed, the Gao Family had killed Chen Xingzhou for no other reason than this: he had chanced upon the Demon Monk’s identity. To prevent any risk of the information leaking, the Gao Clan had acted decisively to silence him.

Yet fortune and misfortune are two sides of the same coin. Killing Chen Xingzhou was precisely what had forged the deep-seated enmity between the Gao Clan and Chen Sheng. Now, that survivor of the Chen Family had become a dagger pointed at the heart of the Gao Clan.

"Great-Uncle, the Patriarch is thinking of sending Qicheng and Qi Nian to the Upper Sect in the Prefecture City to continue their training. What are your thoughts...?"

"The Patriarch is a man of great foresight."

Fourth Great-Uncle saw the elders’ hesitation at a glance and frowned. "I know you want to keep those two boys here to cultivate within the clan and strengthen the family. But have you ever stopped to think about the reason for the Gao Family’s prosperity?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

"If Gao Yuanzhao hadn’t been accepted into the Upper Sect in the Prefecture City to train over thirty years ago, would our Gao Family enjoy its current prosperity? Now, Yuanzhao is nearly sixty, and the handful of disciples we’ve sent in the years since have all amounted to nothing. If something were to happen to Yuanzhao, and the Gao Family were to lose the Upper Sect’s patronage, could we still maintain our foothold in Changshan County?"

Fourth Great-Uncle’s voice grew grave. "A family’s legacy isn’t just about producing descendants. It’s about securing patrons and resources. Both Qi Nian and Qicheng are under twenty, perfectly meeting the Upper Sect’s recruitment standards. With Yuanzhao to guide them from the inside, if even one of them can distinguish himself, it will guarantee our Gao Family another few decades of prosperity."

He struck the floor firmly with his walking stick.

"This matter is not up for debate. I fully support the Patriarch’s decision."