Divine Incense Cult

On the other side, Heidan and He Erya had already scrambled to their feet, their faces filled with shock, staring dumbfounded at Wang Sheng as he greeted the Squad Leader.

Didn't Wang Sheng himself say he couldn't see the end of martial arts?

Wasn't he a failure in martial arts?

Then how could he be qualified to associate with someone like the Squad Leader!

Thinking about how they had bossed Wang Sheng around before, He Erya and Heidan suddenly felt a pang of regret and fear.

A yamen squad leader, though sounding like a minor figure, held considerable power. Even wealthy families would try to curry favor with them, offering them silver from time to time.

A maid like He Erya, or a butcher like Heidan, would tremble in fear when encountering even a subordinate of the squad leader.

Wang Sheng knew that a yamen squad leader in modern times would be like a captain in a bureau, a true local power broker with access to information, capable of being of great use at times.

"Brother Wang, is Brother Yumu your friend?"

Squad Leader Shen Huan asked with a smile, glancing at Yumu.

Yumu forced a smile, a trickle of cold sweat beading on his forehead.

"Yes!"

Wang Sheng nodded and said nothing more.

Yumu immediately breathed a sigh of relief, glad that Wang Sheng wasn't holding a grudge.

However, Shen Huan, having reached the position of squad leader, was already a shrewd individual.

From that single word, Shen Huan could tell that Wang Sheng and Yumu's relationship was merely ordinary.

"Yumu, you may go about your business."

Shen Huan said indifferently.

"Yes, yes. Squad Leader, call me if you need anything!"

Yumu's awkwardness flashed away, but he wasn't perceptive enough to notice the difference in the way Shen Huan addressed him, first as "Brother Yumu" and then simply "Yumu."

Nevertheless, Yumu had already made up his mind to find ways to please Wang Sheng from now on, and to make sure Mother Yu didn't keep arguing with Master Wang.

Afterward, Luo Zhengwen led the way, and Wang Sheng and Shen Huan ascended to the third floor, chatting as they went.

The third floor of Songding Tower was exceptionally well-decorated, offering excellent privacy. The view from the surroundings was expansive, and women were constantly playing music.

Wang Sheng and the other two took their seats, and the prepared food and wine were quickly served.

"Come, come! Today, Junior Brother Wang emerges from seclusion, and Squad Leader Shen is also present. I propose we drink three cups together!"

Luo Zhengwen said.

Wang Sheng and Shen Huan readily agreed.

After three consecutive cups of wine, the atmosphere gradually livened up with the music, the wine, and the delicacies.

Luo Zhengwen first inquired about Wang Sheng's seclusion, and upon learning that his progress was satisfactory, he then chatted with Shen Huan about recent events in Ershui City and Jiangling Prefecture.

Wang Sheng, eager to know about the outside world, listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with a question.

Soon, through their conversation, Wang Sheng learned some crucial information.

The rebel army had amassed troops on the border of Jiangling Prefecture, demanding a hundred thousand dan of grain and fodder, a hundred thousand taels of gold, and a thousand pigs, cattle, and sheep each. If Jiangling Prefecture refused, they would launch a full-scale invasion.

But the problem was, even if Jiangling Prefecture agreed, who could guarantee the rebels wouldn't attack anyway!

The barbarians from the Han Country to the north were confirmed to be mobilizing their troops and heading south.

Jiangling Prefecture was urgently conscripting soldiers to reinforce the existing Jiangling Prefecture army and rush to several important passes to defend against the enemy.

Once the passes were breached, the barbarian army would march unimpeded into Jiangling Prefecture, and a sea of corpses would lie before them.

There was also news about the martial arts world in Jiangling Prefecture.

Jiangling Prefecture was situated at a critical juncture of chaos. Both the government and the common people lived in constant fear. During such times, some renowned martial arts experts sought to rise to prominence, either by pledging allegiance or by forming their own factions, causing considerable unrest in Jiangling Prefecture.

Several incidents had also occurred within the jurisdiction of Ershui City.

Several mountain bandits had merged, calling themselves the Son of Heaven Army, and were periodically raiding villages, expanding their forces, with their intentions being obvious.

Furthermore, many unfamiliar martial artists had appeared in Ershui City recently. Some sought to gain fame amidst the chaos, attract the attention of influential figures, and challenge established powers, resulting in casualties.

Some were secretly committing wicked deeds, acting as flower thieves and ruining the innocence of daughters from many well-off families.

It was also discovered that someone was secretly cultivating demonic arts, having already absorbed the essence of several people, leaving them in gruesome states.

Even, Shen Huan stated, a Divine Incense Cult had suddenly appeared in Ershui City, gaining the support of some high-ranking officials and rapidly expanding, infringing upon the interests of many factions, and had already fallen out with the Martial Alliance.

In just half a month, listening to it felt like half a year had passed for Wang Sheng. He hadn't expected so many changes to occur.

"Alas! Some things had already been happening in the shadows, but now that the Jiangling government is caught between the rebel army and the barbarians, they are powerless and have no energy left to deal with the situation below. This has caused the problems of those people to erupt in such a short time."

"You speak the truth, Brother Luo," Wang Sheng said. "Actually, I think this Great Jing Dynasty is doomed!"

Squad Leader Shen Huan spoke, surprising Wang Sheng greatly.

"Hahaha, Junior Brother, there's no need to be surprised. Squad Leader Shen is one of us," Luo Zhengwen said with a laugh.

"Then Senior Brother, Squad Leader Shen, have you ever thought about a fallback plan?"

After hearing the news from the two, Wang Sheng immediately had the idea of running away.

Fortunately, he had come out this time.

If he hadn't, by the time the rebel army reached the city walls, it would be useless even if he cultivated to the Grand Perfection of Dark Energy. Unless he could reach Transforming Energy.

"It's not time yet!"

"Jiangling Prefecture is vast. Even if the prefectural city falls, our Ershui City is closer to Tiannan Prefecture, so we'll have time to get there."

Luo Zhengwen shook his head.

Who would want to leave their homeland and abandon a century of family business before the critical moment?

"Brother Wang, you don't need to worry. If it really comes to that, we'll be together, and we can look out for each other."

"Moreover, opportunities only arise in troubled times. Techniques for Transforming Energy have always been controlled by those high-ranking figures, not a single word leaked. But now, some of those high-ranking figures are considering whether to offer Transforming Energy techniques as rewards to attract some experts."

Shen Huan chuckled.

"Transforming Energy techniques!"

Luo Zhengwen let out a light laugh. "Even if one has the qualifications to obtain them, their lives will likely be controlled by those high-ranking figures. What's the point of achieving Transforming Energy then!"

These high-ranking figures really cut off everyone's path completely. They truly want to sit at the very top forever, not allowing anyone below to challenge their authority! Wang Sheng thought to himself.

Clang, clang, clang...

Suddenly, The sound of bells came from a distant street, followed by faint shouts, "Divine Incense appears, bringing peace to the world!"

"The path of incense, the path of gods, all are my path!"

Luo Zhengwen's expression turned cold. "This is the Divine Incense Cult. Today is their first parade. They want all the citizens of the city to worship them!"

"Brother Luo, don't be anxious. The Divine Incense Cult is absolutely not to be provoked."

"And Brother Wang, you must also know this. In the future, if you encounter anyone from the Divine Incense Cult, it's best to buy a stick of their incense. Otherwise, they won't even give the Martial Alliance face."

Shen Huan warned solemnly.

Wang Sheng nodded upon hearing this.

In his heart, he formed a judgment about the Divine Incense Cult.

The Divine Incense Cult is a combination of government agencies and vicious forces. They have people in both the underworld and the legitimate world. With the state machinery combined with dark forces, many other powers will likely be suppressed!

"Hmph, if I can advance to Dark Energy, I won't fear them making underhanded moves."

"But the barrier to Dark Energy is so difficult. I don't know when I'll be able to advance to Dark Energy!"

Luo Zhengwen first snorted in anger, then, thinking of his own stagnant cultivation for many years, a boundless sadness welled up.

Wang Sheng remained silent. If Luo Zhengwen knew that he had already advanced to Dark Energy, it would probably stimulate him to the point of extreme envy.