Aftermath and Becoming Famous

As dawn broke, the chaos in Iron Wall City gradually subsided.

Fires at multiple locations were extinguished. Soldiers, under the command of their officers, cleared the streets, carrying the bodies of companions and enemies alike. Their expressions were weary, tinged with the relief of survival and the shock of the previous night's fierce battle.

Inside the General's mansion's council hall, the atmosphere was heavy and somber.

Old General Li Chongshan's face was ashen as he listened to the reports from his subordinate generals. The previous night had seen not only an attack on the armory but also arson at the western granary and the eastern camp's stables. Although rescue efforts were timely, the losses were still significant.

Even more heartbreaking was the assassination of several mid-level officers during the chaos, all of whom were loyal and capable generals. The so-called "enemy attack" at the south gate had merely been a distraction created by a small group from Beimang, intended to divert troops.

"Have you confirmed everything?" Old General Li's voice was low, laced with anger.

"Reporting, General!" a trusted aide-de-camp cupped his fist and said through gritted teeth, "We have captured and identified Deputy General Zhao Kuo and his seven personal guards as the inside informants! They were the ones who secretly guided the assassins' routes and assassinated Captain Wang and others! Zhao Kuo, seeing his plan foiled, attempted to commit suicide by poison but was apprehended by us. He awaits your judgment!"

"Good! Good, Zhao Kuo! I treated him well, yet he committed such an act of treason!" Li Chongshan slammed his fist on the table, his eyes filled with heartache and rage. "Guard him strictly! Pry open his mouth and find out all the details of his dealings with the Third Prince and the Shadow Kill Tower! Then, according to military law, he shall be executed!"

"Yes!"

Another general reported, "The armory inventory is complete. Fortunately, thanks to Young Hero Chen's intervention, the Star Shattering Ore is undamaged. Seventeen guardsmen were killed in action, and over a hundred were wounded. We eliminated thirty-nine attackers in black, including three leaders. One of them was the master of the Shadow Kill Tower."

Hearing that the Star Shattering Ore was safe and the master of the tower was killed, Li Chongshan's expression softened slightly. However, upon hearing the casualty figures, his brow furrowed tightly again.

He took a deep breath and turned his gaze to Chen Qing, who stood silently by his side. His eyes became incredibly complex, filled with gratitude and shock.

"Young Hero Chen..." Li Chongshan stepped forward and, in front of all the generals, bowed deeply once more. "If it weren't for you last night, Iron Wall City would have been in peril, the Star Shattering Ore would have been lost, and my own head would likely not have been spared! Such a great debt is no longer a personal favor, but a rescue of my border troops and the fortification of our northern frontier! Please accept another bow from this old soldier!"

Chen Qing did not completely evade this time, merely shifting slightly to the side and accepting half the bow. He said calmly, "General, there's no need for such formality. It was a simple act."

A simple act? The generals exchanged glances, their hearts in turmoil. Countless people had witnessed Chen Qing's god-like figure last night, defeating formidable enemies. Some had even vaguely seen that earth-shattering final punch that had summoned the power of the stars.

Such skill had long surpassed their understanding of "martial arts."

Soon, the title "Young Master Star Mark," along with incredible legends such as "commanding giant wolves," "divine finger techniques," and "punches like falling stars," spread with astonishing speed to every corner of Iron Wall City. And through messengers, wandering heroes, and merchants, these tales rapidly disseminated throughout the entire northern martial arts world and even into the border military system.

Men in the army most revered the strong, especially those who saved them in times of crisis. For a time, Chen Qing's status in the hearts of the Iron Wall City defenders rose to a level almost on par with Old General Li, treating him as a celestial being. Everywhere he went, he was met with awe, gratitude, and fervent gazes.

That afternoon, Li Chongshan received Chen Qing once more in a private chamber of his mansion.

"Young Hero, great deeds require no thanks, but I cannot fail to express my gratitude." General Li pushed a heavy wooden box forward. "Here are ten taels of gold, along with some rare medicinal herbs I've collected over the years. They may be beneficial for cultivating internal energy. I hope you will not refuse."

Chen Qing glanced at it. Indeed, some of the herbs exuded a vibrant spiritual energy that would be slightly beneficial for nourishing his star power. He nodded, "Thank you, General."

Li Chongshan then took out a dark iron token, engraved with the word "Chongshan" and surrounded by tiger patterns. "This is my personal token. With this token, in all towns within the jurisdiction of the northern border army, you can mobilize up to a hundred soldiers and receive all necessary assistance. It may be convenient for you when you travel the world."

This was a significant offering. Chen Qing pondered for a moment before accepting it. He knew the path of a wanderer was long and often involved dealings with the government and the court. Having this token would indeed save him a lot of trouble.

"Furthermore," Li Chongshan's expression turned extremely serious, "Regarding the matter of the Third Prince Xuanyuan Yi, I have written a secret memorial overnight and sent it via express courier to the capital, reporting to His Majesty! The letter details his crimes of colluding with the Shadow Kill Tower, plundering military supplies, and intending to sow chaos on the border, along with part of Zhao Kuo's confession."

He sighed, "However, bringing down a prince who is deeply favored by His Majesty is as difficult as climbing to heaven. With just these, at most, he will receive a reprimand, and it is unlikely to fundamentally harm him. This matter requires long-term planning and a gradual approach. But no matter what, the border army stands with you in this grievance!"

Chen Qing nodded. He had no interest in the internal struggles of the Xia Dynasty's royal family, but as long as they didn't provoke him again, that was fine. If they dared to provoke him again, he wouldn't mind making that Third Prince truly "fundamentally harmed."

"Oh, and this is the token of the Shadow Kill Tower master. I'll hand it over to the General."

Li Chongshan took the patterned token and, after a two-second silence, sighed, "Thank you, Young Hero Chen!"

Chen Qing nodded slightly. There was no need for thanks.

Emerging from the private chamber, Chen Qing encountered Yan Yunxi, who was waiting outside.

Her light cyan dress couldn't conceal the heroic spirit in her brows, nor a hint of exhaustion. She looked at Chen Qing, her eyes filled with immense complexity: concern, gratitude, the relief of survival, shock at his strength, and perhaps, a trace of imperceptible, hazy affection followed by a faint disappointment.

"Brother Chen, I'm glad you're alright," she said, her thousand words condensing into a soft greeting.

"Mm," Chen Qing replied. "When are you leaving?"

"I... my father wants me to stay in Iron Wall City for training and asked Uncle Liu to stay and protect me." Yan Yunxi took a deep breath, suppressing her jumbled emotions. She took out another token, engraved with the character "Yan." "Brother Chen, this is my Yan family's guest token. My father's letter repeatedly instructed me to give it to you. From now on, if you ever need anything, the Zhenyuan Escort Agency and the Yan family will provide their utmost assistance!"

She paused, her tone incredibly serious. "No matter where you are."

Chen Qing looked into the girl's clear and determined eyes and accepted the token. "Take care."

"You too," Yan Yunxi smiled faintly, her smile quietly transforming some of her feelings into a firm, cherished friendship and respect.

Night fell upon Iron Wall City once more, but it was far more peaceful than usual.