Free Web NovelChapter 145: Chapter 109: If He’s the Captain, Then Who Am I?
Even before setting out for the Jingwu Bureau, Chen Sheng had already gained a crystal-clear understanding of its internal hierarchy and promotion paths, thanks to tips from Wu Kuang and his own inquiries.
Within this system, Martial Masters at the Foundation Establishment Realm were uniformly known as Jingwu Guards.
Those who broke through to the early-stage Innate Chaoyuan Realm could be promoted to Peacekeeper Envoy. This was a seventh-grade official rank, usually entailing command over some thirty Jingwu Guards and the authority to act independently. freewёbnoνel.com
If their cultivation advanced further to the mid-stage Innate Earth Fiend Realm and they accumulated enough merit, they could be promoted to Deputy Captain of Jing’an. This was a Junior Sixth Grade official position, with the authority to command two to four Peacekeeper Envoys and over a hundred Jingwu Guards.
As for late-stage Innate Profound Gang Realm experts, they could hold the crucial position of Captain of Jing’an. This was equivalent to a Standard Sixth Grade rank, responsible for overseeing important cities within Ning’an Prefecture and commanding over three hundred Jingwu Guards, a position of considerable power.
With Chen Sheng’s current cultivation, having just entered the Innate Realm, there was no doubt that the position Nie Xuanfeng had initially arranged for him was that of a Peacekeeper Envoy.
’But if the opportunity presented itself, who would be content to serve under others?’
And according to the hint from the Celestial Book’s "Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil" ability, the only reason he would have missed this opportunity was because his performance had failed to satisfy Nie Xuanfeng.
But now that he had foreseen this, every sentence he spoke was naturally crafted to meet Nie Xuanfeng’s expectations.
Thus, when Nie Xuanfeng hinted at an unconventional promotion, Chen Sheng immediately seized the opportunity, unhesitatingly pledging his loyalty and putting on a full display of deference.
Nie Xuanfeng listened to Chen Sheng’s passionate declaration with a composed gaze, but he was not entirely unmoved.
To be fair, he had not initially considered appointing Chen Sheng directly to the post of Deputy Captain of Jing’an, a Junior Sixth Grade position.
After all, this was no trivial position; it normally required the cultivation of the Earth Fiend Realm to command respect from one’s subordinates.
If Chen Sheng were just an ordinary cultivator who had recently reached the Innate Realm, placing him in such a post would be reckless. Not only would he be unable to control his subordinates, but he might even trigger internal strife—the very opposite of the desired outcome.
However, the intelligence that followed changed everything.
Chen Sheng had actually managed to kill a Prophet Angel from the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance all by himself.
This feat alone was enough to prove his combat prowess far exceeded that of his peers. He was clearly no ordinary Chaoyuan Realm cultivator. What caught Nie Xuanfeng’s attention even more, however, was the cultivation talent Chen Sheng displayed.
He had broken through to the Innate Realm, yet he was barely in his early twenties.
In Ning’an Prefecture, such talent undoubtedly earned him the title of ’genius’.
This was precisely why he had gone so far as to use his connections to intercept the transfer orders from the Prefecture Government Office to the Military Preparation Army, essentially poaching Chen Sheng for the Jingwu Bureau.
Yet even with his high hopes for Chen Sheng, Nie Xuanfeng still harbored a sliver of doubt before meeting him in person today.
It was not until their conversation in the inner hall just now, where Chen Sheng displayed composure, sincerity, and a grateful attitude, that his impression improved dramatically. Only then did he finally resolve to take this risk—to promote someone ahead of their time—and give Chen Sheng a chance.
Of course, this was also because he truly lacked any other suitable candidates.
He had only assumed the post of Governor of the Ning’an Prefecture Jingwu Bureau a few short months ago. He had yet to bring the entire organization under his complete control, especially since he had arrived without an entourage.
He had no trusted confidants or loyal followers.
Thus, after the previous Deputy Captain of G Camp had died, he had been searching for a suitable replacement, leaving the position vacant for over a month.
But G Camp reported directly to the Beiling Prefecture Headquarters, so the position could not be left vacant indefinitely.
He had been agonizing over the choice of a candidate lately. The person his subordinates had recommended was not to his liking, and he had been considering requesting a transfer of some capable hands from a neighboring prefecture.
But Chen Sheng’s appearance, and his performance just now, had given him reason to place great hope in the young man.
Still, a necessary warning was in order. Nie Xuanfeng said gravely,
"I can give you this opportunity, but the position of Deputy Captain of Jing’an is not an easy one to hold. Whether or not you can keep your subordinates in line will depend on your own abilities."
"I will do my utmost!"
Chen Sheng declared solemnly.
Nie Xuanfeng nodded slightly.
"In that case, go and report to G Camp first. You will temporarily hold the position of Peacekeeper Envoy to familiarize yourself with the affairs there. Your official appointment will be issued at the end of the month. During this time, you must quickly learn the Jingwu Bureau’s standard procedures and, more importantly, carefully gauge the... depths and details of the other Peacekeeper Envoys in the camp."
As Governor, Nie Xuanfeng had the power to recommend candidates but not to directly appoint sixth-grade officials. Such an appointment had to be reported to the Prefecture City and approved by the higher-ups.
Although this process was mostly a formality, the rules still had to be followed.
"I understand."
Chen Sheng understood the unspoken message and solemnly agreed.
It was now the fourteenth day of the first month in the Eighth Year of Mingjing. There was still half a month to go until the month’s end.
Chen Sheng was not worried. This period was a perfect opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the power dynamics within Ning’an Prefecture City and lay the groundwork for a few important matters of his own.
"There are two other matters I need to make you aware of."
Nie Xuanfeng’s tone shifted.
"Please instruct me, Sir," Chen Sheng said, focusing his attention.
Nie Xuanfeng curled a finger and gently tapped the hard rosewood tabletop, creating a soft TAP, TAP sound. His tone was level, but it held a note of warning:
"First, regarding the traitor monk Shanxin from the Golden Spring Temple. The Jingwu Bureau was not the only one to find clues. Based on my deductions, it won’t be long before the Golden Spring Temple follows the trail and traces everything back to you.
When that happens, they will likely send someone to ’inquire’—or even outright demand that wisp of Red Lotus Evil Qi."
"But you needn’t worry excessively. While the Golden Spring Temple has deep local roots and backing, our Jingwu Bureau is no pushover. You just need to feign ignorance."
"Second."
Nie Xuanfeng’s gaze narrowed slightly. "It concerns Gao Yuanzhao of the Gao Family. Before you annihilated the Changshan Gao Clan, he was already in seclusion at the Iron Sword Sect, attempting to break through to the Earth Fiend Realm.
