Chapter 6: Human Relations Like a Web

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Wu Zhong had also considered this point, yet he sneered coldly: “Very well, very well. Since you have cultivated to such a level, no wonder you dare to defy me and the Way of Heaven every day. But tell me, Lord Wang, are you not concerned about your Danling Wang clan?”

Wang Zhenling replied indifferently, “Loyalty and filial piety have long been known as difficult to reconcile. Since I have already been recommended by the sovereign to serve, how could I possibly betray them? The Danling Wang family has always passed down Confucian classics; they will surely understand my predicament.”

Although Wu Zhong was unaware of the tacit understanding between Wang Zhenling and Patriarch Wang An—that one should not place all eggs in one basket—he knew well that such great clans always hedge their bets. Wang Zhenling’s actions were likely sanctioned by the clan.

Growing ever more irritated, he thought to himself, “As I have said before, these great clans cannot be trusted!” Unable to restrain himself, he struck out again. His martial energy transformed once more into a colossal elephant, surging toward Wang Zhenling.

This elephant, however, was no mere manifestation of martial energy alone; it was a sophisticated fusion of essence, qi, and spirit, manipulated with skillful precision.

Wu Zhong was no fool. Knowing full well his previous tactic had been thwarted by Wang Zhenling, he would never repeat the same mistake. Thus, the elephant charged forward, its trunk swinging to strike.

But halfway through, the elephant shifted form, becoming a giant python with a gaping maw, lunging to bite Wang Zhenling.

This alone demonstrated the profound cultivation of this Martial God Envoy and his mastery over power.

In fact, Wu Zhong’s strength surpassed Wang Zhenling’s. Yet, his magical arts and divine techniques were far inferior.

No matter how he shaped his martial energy, he could not compare to the Yin-Yang Demon-Slaying Divine Sword.

The Yin-Yang Demon-Slaying Divine Sword was forged from the daily essences of the sun and moon, refined into two separate blades: the Sun’s Ghost-Slaying Sword and the Moon’s Demon-Piercing Sword.

Combined, these twin swords harmonized yin and yang, forming the Divine Sword of Yin-Yang Demon Slaying.

The power of this union was far greater than the sum of its parts—not merely one plus one equals two, but rather three to five times more potent.

Such divine technique required a spirit of extraordinary strength to wield; Wang Zhenling had only recently attained this level.

Now, regardless of how Wu Zhong’s martial energy transformed, under Wang Zhenling’s Yin-Yang Demon-Slaying Divine Sword, he was doomed to fall by a single strike.

With a sword slash, the python shattered, sword qi soaring, poised to cleave Wu Zhong in two.

As Wang Zhenling hesitated, uncertain whether to truly kill him—

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After all, killing him was simple, but it might bring trouble upon the clan.

Suddenly, Wu Zhong shouted, planting his five-sectioned vine staff into the ground.

Instantly, the staff took root and sprouted, transforming into a towering tree.

Its branches swayed like countless ghostly claws, forming a barrier against the Yin-Yang Demon-Slaying Divine Sword.

How formidable was the sword’s qi?

Countless branches were severed in moments, scattering in the air.

Yet the vine-tree sprouted even more branches and leaves, relentlessly lashing toward Wang Zhenling.

“This vine is no ordinary plant…”

An epiphany struck Wang Zhenling.

No wonder those who followed the Way of Heaven held this vine staff as a token.

Of course—that so-called Great Heavenly Lord was a disciple of the Celestial Sect.

Though not the sect leader’s successor and lacking the Celestial Lotus Seed, he later acquired another spirit wood—the Entombing Tree—then betrayed the sect to forge his own path.

Could the vine staffs used by these Way of Heaven envoys be connected to this?

With this realization, Wang Zhenling let out a cold shout and unleashed wave after wave of sword qi.

Now it was a test: whether Wu Zhong’s vine staff was sturdy enough to withstand all attacks, or if Wang Zhenling’s prowess could break through its defense.

With this clarity, Wang Zhenling spared no effort, his Yin-Yang Demon-Slaying Divine Sword hacking wildly, scattering branches and leaves.

At the fifth strike, a cracking sound rang out as the vine tree’s main support snapped.

This vine wood was clearly Wu Zhong’s life-linked precious treasure.

The moment it broke, he coughed up blood, his complexion turning pale.

“I will not kill you,” Wang Zhenling said calmly. “Go back and tell your people not to come looking for me again. Otherwise, I will kill every one of them I see—one by one, pair by pair.”

Wu Zhong glared at Wang Zhenling with venomous hatred, clutching his chest before turning and leaving.

Wang Zhenling stepped forward slowly, his posture erect.

Though the battle had just ended, the aura of killing energy still lingered around him.

Perhaps the ordinary clan members could be deceived, but not the elders and patriarchs.

Seeing Wang Zhenling emerge composed, their gazes were complicated—but none spoke a word.

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Despite their tacit understanding with Wang Zhenling, all realized that with diverging stances in the future, they would inevitably drift apart.

They only wondered when Wang Zhenling had cultivated such formidable skills.

Patriarch Wang An’s expression was conflicted.

Having a powerful figure like Wang Zhenling emerge was naturally a blessing for the clan.

However, the Danling Wang clan was simply too small.

…

“We pay our respects, Commander Wei!”

Arriving at the county court, the county commander's subordinates awaited, bowing deeply as Wang Zhenling’s carriage approached.

Boom!

The overwhelming official aura surged like a mountain storm.

This was the power within the county court, a hundredfold stronger than at the rural township.

Yet Wang Zhenling knew his tenure as county commander would be short-lived.

No matter how strong the official aura, soon he would no longer require it.

Though promoted to county commander, Wang Zhenling felt ensnared by an invisible net, unable to break free despite struggling.

“They say the law is like a net, but in truth, worldly affairs and human relationships form the greatest trap. No wonder the most important practice since ancient times has been to renounce the world and cultivate in seclusion.”

“Yet such nets only imprison insects. The true Kunpeng bird soars upwards, unbound and unrestricted.”

At this thought, a faint smile appeared on Wang Zhenling’s lips.

From a humble rural patrol official to county commander in mere months, such an extraordinary leap naturally stirred great excitement and fervor.

Had this occurred a century or so ago, with strict official ranks and rigid systems, Wang Zhenling’s promotion would have been impossible.

But now, with the Grand Cheng dynasty’s lax institutions and powerful noble clans,

For the Chen family of Hezhong to recommend a county commander was no great matter.

This promotion was not only a reward but a clear signal: those who follow me will surely rise and prosper.