For several days straight, the front of Chen Sheng's tent was practically a bustling marketplace.
A constant stream of people came to visit, plead their cases, or even directly offer "tokens of their sincerity."
Of course, there was no shortage of those who, having failed to tempt him, resorted to threats. Chen Sheng showed them no courtesy. If they truly had powerful connections, they wouldn't have needed to come begging him in the first place.
Since Wu Kuang had granted him full authority over the selection, he had all the backing he needed. He paid no mind to their empty posturing and even told them to get lost.
There were only sixty spots in total, making them exceptionally precious. With this move, Wu Kuang had cleverly managed to skim another layer off the silver rewards and savings the soldiers had earned through life-and-death struggles.
In just a few short days, the silver coins passing through his hands had accumulated into a considerable sum.
It was a shame that the vast majority of it was destined for Commander Wu's pockets.
Chen Sheng wasn't disappointed, however. He had gained other things from this selection—the silver coins were secondary. Knowing Wu Kuang's temperament, he hadn't skimmed any off the top, but other resources were a different matter.
He had acquired over a dozen Blood Qi Pills at a price far below the market rate.
But what Chen Sheng treasured most was a Secret Technique he had acquired by chance.
This Secret Technique came from an ordinary soldier in another squad. The man had no connections, no money for bribes, and his skills were mediocre. Chen Sheng had originally intended to ignore him.
However, after a prompt from the [Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil] Celestial Book, the Secret Technique the man possessed, *Fishing Toad Force*, made his heart race with excitement.
Although it was neither a Body Refining Technique nor a Slaughter Martial Technique, it could subtly improve a Cultivator's innate talent. It could even temper the bones and refine the marrow ahead of schedule, greatly reducing the difficulty of breaking through to the Marrow Transformation Realm in the future!
It was important to know that the Foundation Establishment Realm had three stages: Mingxi, Bone Forging, and Marrow Transformation. Once a person stepped into Marrow Transformation, they could be considered a true master.
In the entire Mountain Camp, you could count the number of Martial Masters at the Marrow Transformation Realm on one hand. Even in Changshan County, they were considered top-tier experts.
But while the Marrow Transformation Realm was powerful, the breakthrough was fraught with difficulties and incredibly perilous.
According to the *Golden Bell Body Refining Technique*, Marrow Transformation was a crucial metamorphosis within the Foundation Establishment Realm. Failure meant not only that all previous efforts were wasted, but also that one's foundation would be damaged. An ordinary Martial Artist had at most three chances to attempt this breakthrough, and each failure drastically increased the difficulty of the next.
But by cultivating the *Fishing Toad Force*, breaking through to the Marrow Transformation Realm would become twice as effective with half the effort.
For this reason, Chen Sheng not only made an exception and added the man to the list but also paid out of his own pocket to grease all the necessary wheels for him. In the end, he successfully obtained the precious Secret Technique.
But while the Secret Technique was powerful, it was extremely difficult to cultivate. After many days of arduous practice, Chen Sheng's progress was incredibly slow.
[Basic Knife Technique: Great Success (610/1000)]
[Golden Bell Body Refining Technique: Minor Achievement (320/500)]
[Fishing Toad Force Secret Technique: Initiate (5/100)]
Looking at the nearly stagnant progress on the panel, Chen Sheng shook his head to himself, composed his thoughts, and rose to head for Wu Kuang's tent.
...
"You've done an excellent job this time."
Wu Kuang didn't hold back his praise the moment he saw Chen Sheng. "I've reaped the benefits and saved myself a lot of trouble."
'Just as I thought,' Wu Kuang reflected. 'Chen Sheng is a true talent.' He was thoroughly pleased with both his work and his character. If he had a daughter, he would have genuinely wanted him for a son-in-law.
"It is all thanks to your trust and promotion, Sir. I dare not take the credit," Chen Sheng said, bowing humbly.
"All right, there's no need for such formalities in front of me."
Wu Kuang waved his hand, but then his tone shifted. "You handle things well, it's true, but… there's one thing I'm not quite satisfied with."
Chen Sheng froze. 'I've been so thorough with everything. What could possibly be wrong?'
'The [Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil] Celestial Book didn't give any warning, either...'
"Please enlighten me, Sir. I will certainly correct my mistake."
Though confused, he was quick to state his willingness to comply.
To his surprise, Wu Kuang just sighed and asked, "The silver that was collected... you didn't skim a layer off for yourself, did you?"
"I wouldn't dare, Sir."
Chen Sheng replied truthfully.
"And why not?"
Wu Kuang's brow furrowed, his tone tinged with a frustrated disappointment. "I gave you this lucrative assignment precisely so you could get some benefits! If you don't take a cut, how can I accept my own? And if I don't accept anything, how are we supposed to send money up to Captain Nie?"
He paused, looking at Chen Sheng, his tone growing more serious.
"Besides, if you don't skim a little something for yourself, doesn't it look like I'm just using you for free? Where's the logic in expecting a horse to run without letting it eat?"
Although he was greedy, he never kept all the spoils for himself. Since he valued Chen Sheng, he wanted him to share in the benefits.
This wasn't just about money; it was a way to bind them together, a Pledge of Loyalty to mark him as one of their own.
"I… understand now, Sir."
Chen Sheng gave a wry smile. 'I really never expected to have a superior who'd get annoyed at a subordinate for *not* taking bribes.'
"Now that's more like it!"
A smile finally broke across Wu Kuang's face. "You're not just an ordinary Martial Artist in the army anymore. Sooner or later, you'll be entering the world of officialdom. If you don't understand the 'rules,' how will you ever fit in? I promoted you because I see something in you."
As he spoke, he took a small porcelain vial from under his desk and tossed it to Chen Sheng.
"Sir, what is this?"
Chen Sheng caught the vial. It was cool to the touch.
"Consider it a reward," Wu Kuang explained. "Inside is a Purifying Essence Pill. I just went to the trouble of asking Captain Nie for it on your behalf. It's exactly what you need right now."
"A Purifying Essence Pill?"
The name was unfamiliar to Chen Sheng.
"Your Cultivation has advanced at a miraculous rate, so you must have taken your fair share of Blood Qi Pills. And while Blood Qi Pills are of higher quality than Blood Qi Powder, there's a saying that all medicine carries a trace of poison. The Foundation Establishment Realm is, fundamentally, a process of polishing one's foundation. If too much elixir toxin accumulates, not only will your future Cultivation progress slow down, but it will also damage your very core, causing endless future troubles."
Wu Kuang's tone was grave, and a flash of reluctance crossed his eyes.
"This Purifying Essence Pill is used for Bone Marrow Cleansing and Body Refining to purge those elixir toxins. While it may not be some legendary Spirit Pill, for a Martial Master in the Foundation Establishment Realm, it is a superior item for Strengthening the Foundation and Nourishing the Essence. Forget about in the army—even on the outside, it is extremely precious."
This single Elixir was worth far more than one hundred taels of Silver. To win Chen Sheng over, he had truly spared no expense this time. It was almost like he was returning the silver Chen Sheng had used to "buy" his promotion in another form.
"Thank you for your generous gift, Sir! I will not fail to live up to your investment in me!"
Chen Sheng bowed solemnly. The very phrase "Bone Marrow Cleansing and Body Refining" told him how exceptionally precious this Elixir was. At the same time, he secretly confirmed something: 'It seems this kind of willingly-bestowed good fortune doesn't fall within the predictive scope of [Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil].'
"Mm. Go back and prepare. I've already submitted the list to Captain Nie, and we will be breaking camp in a few days. Also, this evening, you will accompany me to pay a visit to Captain Nie and the other commanders of the Mountain Camp."
Wu Kuang waved his hand dismissively.
"Yes, Sir! Thank you, Sir!"
Chen Sheng cupped his fist in salute and withdrew.
Upon returning to his quarters, he immediately found a secluded spot, eager to test the effects of the Purifying Essence Pill.
To his pleasant surprise, the medicinal power of the Purifying Essence Pill was exceptionally compatible with the *Fishing Toad Force* Secret Technique!