Chapter 85: An Old Governor’s Tales

Chapter 85: An Old Governor’s Tales

Mao Shaoqi had served as the governor of Whitewall City for nearly a decade. When he first assumed office, Whitewall was merely a medium-sized town, though some still referred to it as such out of habit. In truth, it had burgeoned into a bustling city, especially during the summer months when merchants flooded its streets.

Since his arrival, he had relentlessly poured his energy into the town's growth, undeterred by the presence of two rival cultivator clans. Mao Shaoqi's unwavering determination and tireless efforts transformed Whitewall from a modest settlement into a city that even the prestigious Blazing Sun Sect deemed worthy of protection despite its local cultivators and defensive measures.

However, this year, the Sect's decision took a surprising turn. Instead of dispatching seasoned Inner Disciples proficient in Earth Grade Techniques, they had assigned a relatively unknown Outer Disciple to Whitewall. The unexpectedness of this decision left a bitter taste in Mao Shaoqi's mouth, yet he had no choice but to accept it.

As he reclined in his office chair, his mind drifted to the newcomer, his feet resting on the table.

Closing his eyes, memories flooded backparticularly one that had led him to this remote post.

Having once served under a core elder in the Blazing Sun Sect, Mao Shaoqi's advancement had seemed assured. Despite his modest talents, he had hoped to attain the rank of Outer Elder and even reach Foundation Establishment. Yet, his ambitions were derailed by a seemingly young girl, only at the Body Tempering stage.

Involuntarily, Mao Shaoqi's hand drifted to the scar on his face, the pain still fresh despite the years that had passed. He had believed he'd moved past the humiliation of that episode, but life had a way of surprising him.

A young girl, merely ten years old, had somehow inflicted injury upon a Qi Gathering Cultivatoran incident so humiliating that Mao Shaoqi could never face his colleagues again. He had been banished to the middle of nowhere to spare his faction from disgrace.

The culprit behind his scar was none other than Song Song. She was born into privilege and possessed talent, beauty, martial instincts, and a prestigious lineage. With abundant teachers and resources at her disposal, she lacked for nothing.

In his folly, or perhaps arrogance, Mao Shaoqi had deemed himself capable of instructing Song Song, given their similar training backgrounds. However, his attempt at discipline resulted in his face being slashed.

Now, after many years, his assailant found herself in charge of managing his city. Despite his apprehension about facing her again, she deemed him unworthy of even a greeting, treating him as a nobody.

The realization fueled Mao Shaoqi's rage, triggering a surge of malevolent Qi that propelled the table before him into the wall, shattering the expensive wood. His nervousness gave way to anger at Song Song's dismissal of him.

Did she even recall what she had done to him? Mao Shaoqi began to doubt.

He had eagerly pursued every rumor about Song Song despite no longer being part of the Sect. He was well-acquainted, though not surprised she ended up as a ruthless murderer. However, her recent behavior confounded him.

Standing, he effortlessly restored the fallen table to its place, but his gaze was drawn to the shattered window behind his desk.

"Damn it, I let my emotions get the better of me," Mao Shaoqi muttered under his breath.

Despite his authority as governor and substantial wealth, Mao Shaoqi was reluctant to squander his citizens' hard-earned money.

Tax revenue wasn't found on the roadside, after all. Especially during beast waves, those funds could be better utilized to fortify the city's defenses or support families affected by the conflict, preventing desperation from driving people to future crime.

Gradually regaining his composure, Mao Shaoqi took a deep breath. "I'm a different person now. The people of this city have relied on me as their protector for years. I am their benevolent guardian. I can't betray their trust... and glass is too volatile."

With his temper subsiding, Mao Shaoqi could now rationally contemplate the situation.

Reflecting on Song Song's character, he concluded she was cruel enough to relish demonstrating her power over him. While some individuals became malevolent due to life's circumstances, Mao Shaoqi believed there were inherently evil people like Song Song.

But why hadn't she just come and mocked him like he had expected her to do?He wondered.

Suddenly, another figure crossed his mindone he had previously overlooked. It was the youth Song Song had sent to Whitewall City, perhaps as a token member of her group. Given the youth's status as a Body Tempering Cultivator, Mao Shaoqi surmised he was likely deemed the least valuable member.

"Ah, I unjustly lashed out at the boy. We're both victims of that psychopath," Mao Shaoqi murmured. He recognized the goodness in the youth and couldn't help but see his younger self reflected in him from a certain perspective.

Song Song had undoubtedly anticipated Mao Shaoqi's anger towards Liu Feng, knowing their history. But Mao Shaoqi had evolved, no longer the man he once was. He saw Liu Feng for who he truly was and, in many ways, saw a reflection of his own past self in him.

It may be time to bridge the gap with the young Liu Feng. Lingering animosity served no purpose, especially amidst the already simmering tensions between the city's clan leaders.

Although Liu Feng had shown no outward hostility, Mao Shaoqi couldn't discount the possibility of hidden animosity. Despite his youth, Liu Feng might possess a level of emotional control beyond his yearsstranger things had occurred in Mao Shaoqi's long life. So he didn't question it that much.

Nevertheless, he quelled the irritation. Liu Feng was simply unaware of the city's transformation, a fact he would soon come to appreciate. After all, Whitewall City had evolved into one of the region's strongest cities.

"Excuse me, ladies, but I must speak with the governor," Liu Feng interjected politely.

The girls, appearing bashful, averted their gaze and offered a slight bow to Liu Feng before departing, seemingly lost in thought. In their distraction, they forgot to pay their respects to the governor as they withdrew.

Were they meant to charm him or be charmed themselves? The question lingered as they disappeared.

"Don't hold it against them, governor," Liu Feng interjected as if foreseeing Mao Shaoqi's thoughts. "They're just young kids trying to earn their parents' approval. It was actually refreshing to talk with normal teenagers for once. In the Blazing Sun Sect, kids their age are usually messed up in the head. That's not how children should behave."

"You do realize they were attempting to seduce you, don't you?" Mao Shaoqi clarified, ensuring Liu Feng understood the gravity of the situation.

"Honestly, I'd prefer this over peers trying to take my head off," Liu Feng shrugged nonchalantly.

What an unusual youngster...

"I was planning to ask you anyway, but could you stay here under the guise of discussing matters and guard me for an hour or two?" Liu Feng's request came out of nowhere.

"Why?" Mao Shaoqi frowned, considering the pressing matters awaiting his attention amidst the impending Monster Wave. Without a compelling reason, he would have to decline the request; his people needed him during such critical times.

"Oh, I'm going to attempt a breakthrough. I studied some notes last night and made the necessary preparations," Liu Feng explained casually as if discussing the weather.

Mao Shaoqi's plans and discussions for the day instantly evaporated. While breaking through from Body Tempering to Qi Gathering wasn't as perilous as later stages, it was still a challenging milestone many struggled to overcome for years.

Despite their brief acquaintance, the level of trust Liu Feng placed in him was remarkable. Or reckless... a bit of both, perhaps.

"Very well, just let me know where you'll be attempting the breakthrough," the governor acquiesced.

"Right here," Liu Feng settled onto the grass beside the pond. "Even if someone manages to conceal their presence from your Qi senses, this location offers enough visibility to see intruders."

Why would someone skilled enough to conceal their presence target Liu Feng? Mao Shaoqi pondered. As far as he knew, the boy was unremarkable. Perhaps he had some hidden background, but if so, Song Song wouldn't have abandoned him. Then again, Song Song wasn't known for her logical decisions.

"Go ahead, kid," the governor shrugged, allowing Liu Feng to proceed with his breakthrough attempt.

Liu Feng nodded, muttering under his breath as a purple barrier formed around him.

An Array Conjurer? Mao Shaoqi's interest piqued. Such talent at a young age was rare. That was why Song Song brought him along; he had his own unique abilities.

Mao Shaoqi couldn't hear Liu Feng's breath despite his chest moving. The silencing array likely helped him concentrate.

Not expecting much from the attempt, Mao Shaoqi watched as Liu Feng's Qi surged. Doubts about the boy's ability vanished as a tornado of Qi engulfed him.

Impressed, Mao Shaoqi's eyes widened as Liu Feng's breath grew shallow, and he opened his eyes. A burst of Qi erupted from his body, cracking the silencing array.

A new Qi Gathering Cultivator typically struggled to control their Qi, akin to mastering a new limb or sense. It often took months to adjust, with their senses overwhelmed by the newfound perception of Qi.

In an instant, the unruly Qi calmed, settling under his control with the finesse of a veteran. Liu Feng's mastery became evident. Soon, his Qi was so well-suppressed that Mao Shaoqi had to concentrate to sense it at all.

The notion that Liu Feng had somehow faked his breakthrough and had been a Qi Gathering Cultivator all along briefly crossed Mao Shaoqi's mind. However, he dismissed the thought as nonsensical; such actions had no logical benefit.

At that moment, Mao Shaoqi realized he had misjudged Song Song's motives for leaving Liu Feng behind.

She hadn't deemed him useless; instead, she had likely wanted to keep another monstrous individual like herself at a distance!

A surge of pure, unbridled rage blossomed within Mao Shaoqi. An emotion he had abandoned long ago woke once again. The key to revenge lay right in front of him!