Chapter 69: Choices and Endeavors

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On the Qingyuan River, the flames of war had rekindled.

After the Rampaging River Bandits had run amok on the river, the River Governor’s Office, directly subordinate to Qingyuan Commandery, finally intervened. Though not the largest military force in the region, the River Governor’s Office controlled navigation and still wielded considerable power—far beyond what a mere gang of river bandits could withstand.

Indeed, the facts bore this out. Once the River Governor’s Office took action, the Rampaging River Bandits suffered defeat after defeat. Soon, they could only cower behind the natural defenses of the Bewildering Bend. But this time, the River Governor’s Office adopted a posture of complete encirclement, showing no intention of merely teaching a lesson—they seemed determined to eradicate the bandits entirely.

“Sir, the River Governor’s troops have already assembled outside Bewildering Bend, but they haven’t launched an immediate attack. It seems they’re waiting for someone.”

With fatigue etched on his face, Wang Yuan reported the latest developments to Jiang Chen.

Hearing this, Jiang Chen merely nodded, unconcerned. At the stage of Qi Refinement, ordinary troops were of little consequence—at most, they might serve in a supporting role. The outcome of this battle would, in the end, be decided by the strength of the true cultivators on each side.

“How has Cao Banshan performed?” Jiang Chen’s gaze settled on Wang Yuan as he asked another question.

Wang Yuan was momentarily taken aback, not expecting Jiang Chen to raise this matter.

“He’s done very well, especially in managing provisions and funds—everything is in perfect order,” Wang Yuan replied after a moment’s thought.

Jiang Chen nodded in satisfaction.

“Sir, there is reliable word that this time the River Governor himself, Lu Chenzhou, will personally take action. He is a true Qi Refinement Immortal Master, reputed to have defeated thirteen bandit strongholds in succession. His fearsome reputation precedes him. Now the island is gripped by panic—some are even considering fleeing from Mount Jiming.”

Concern was barely concealed in his voice, but Wang Yuan could not help but speak. Though he had anticipated such developments, the recent turmoil within the Rampaging River Bandits had left him utterly exhausted. Lu Chenzhou’s infamous name was enough to strike fear into his heart.

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow at this.

“I suspect it’s not just thoughts of fleeing. Some are likely considering surrendering to the authorities, hoping to atone for their crimes.”

His expression remained composed; Jiang Chen was well aware of the shifting winds within the bandit ranks. The intelligence network on this Wooden Fish Island consisted of two layers—one of people, the other of rats. Each had its strengths and weaknesses, and together they complemented one another.

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At these words, Wang Yuan lowered his head in silence, tacitly acquiescing. Indeed, there were those among the Rampaging River Bandits who harbored such thoughts.

Jiang Chen’s foundation within the bandit ranks was never particularly deep; his authority stemmed solely from his strength, which commanded respect. Recent upheavals within the group had already sown seeds of unrest. Now, with the River Governor’s forces closing in and a menace like Lu Chenzhou on the horizon, the situation grew ever more precarious.

“When the hunter enters the forest, the flock scatters. This is only natural. Still, a man’s fortune often turns on a single choice. If the Rampaging River Bandits are to be remade, this present purging is not altogether a misfortune.

“Take this wolf pelt. I have a feeling it will suit you well.”

With a sigh, Jiang Chen set a wolf pelt, emanating spiritual energy, before Wang Yuan.

During a previous battle, a fearsome horned wolf that had attained demonic transformation was captured alive. After mastering the Skin-Clad Technique, Jiang Chen had refined its pelt.

Wang Yuan took the wolf pelt. Though the needle-like fur pricked his palm painfully, he could not help but grip it tightly.

He had seen Jiang Chen transform into an Iron Corpse and knew what such a pelt might signify. Excitement and disbelief surged within him as he cradled the wolf pelt in both hands, as if it were some priceless treasure, his gaze unconsciously seeking Jiang Chen’s.

“You lack spiritual apertures and cannot cultivate the Immortal Path, but with this wolf pelt, you may wield a few talismanic arts, much like a wolf demon. However, you must remember that the pelt harbors lingering will from the demon wolf. It can grant you strength, but it will also erode your will. Only by subduing its remnant spirit can you truly master the pelt’s power.”

Understanding the disbelief in Wang Yuan’s heart, Jiang Chen offered the answer he sought and instructed him in the blood-refinement method for fusing with the wolf pelt.

This method originated from the Lesser Formless Sutra. In the days when humanity and the demon tribes were at war, the founder of the Sect of Impermanence created the Skin-Clad Technique not merely to seize a demon’s power, but to appropriate its very essence—defying the natural order—by using demon pelts to construct a bridge to the Way, enabling even those without spiritual apertures to embark on cultivation.

Yet the effort ultimately failed. Only the Skin-Clad Technique survived. While it remained a powerful tool for cultivators, it was of little use to ordinary people. Even with the blood-refinement method, one could at best nurture a few commoners capable of basic talismanic arts—it was little more than a parlor trick.

Therefore, only a few Qi Refinement cultivators bothered to use this method to train a servant or two in martial arts. Large-scale use was impossible—the effort far outweighed the reward. Refining the pelt of a demon at the Spiritual Inspiration stage was easier than one at Qi Refinement, but suppressing the remnant will was difficult for most cultivators. A moment’s carelessness meant failure.

Hearing Jiang Chen’s words, Wang Yuan’s eyes grew red. He knelt to the ground in gratitude.

“Master the pelt’s power as soon as you can. Chaos will reign for some time yet—don’t die. I still have tasks for you.”

After taking a sip of tea, Jiang Chen set down his cup.

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“Yes, sir.”

Saying nothing more, Wang Yuan withdrew from Jiang Chen’s small courtyard. As he stepped out the door, he finally understood the truth in Jiang Chen’s words—a person’s fortune often turns on a single choice.

“Choice often outweighs effort.”

With inexpressible excitement, Wang Yuan walked toward the distant horizon, bathed in sunlight.

When he had learned he could never embark on the Immortal Path, his heart had grown bleak. He knew his martial arts talent was mediocre at best. But now, with this wolf pelt, a ray of hope pierced the gloom.

At the same time, he resolved to serve Jiang Chen to the death. There were many great trees in the world, but few willing to share even a sliver of sunlight with the vines at their feet—even if that sunlight was almost negligible.

After Wang Yuan departed, Hongyu emerged from the inner room.

“Master, Lu Chenzhou is one of the core figures of the Lu family in Qingyuan Commandery—the third brother of the current family head, Lu Chenshan. Lu Xuanping is Lu Chenshan’s son. Since you possess his token, why not ask him to mediate directly?”

Hongyu looked at Jiang Chen, voicing her doubt.

Born of the An family, Hongyu was well-versed in the intelligence surrounding the great powers of Qingyuan Commandery. For this reason, Jiang Chen had previously asked her much—especially concerning the Lu and Gao families.

“It’s not the right time. Besides, Lu Xuanping is not Lu Chenshan. At best, he’s a soft step on the ladder.”

Jiang Chen shook his head and said no more.

At this, Hongyu seemed to understand.