Ghost Servants fear fire.

Yet tonight, it was raining.

The Ghost Servants understood how to use the rainy night to attack, a clear sign of intelligence...

Song Cheng, recalling the earlier "Hua Zhi" and the positive feelings it elicited, had made a further assessment of the "wisdom of the Ghost Servants": they could inherit part of the deceased's wisdom and memories.

...

Clip-clop, clip-clop...

Horse hooves tapped the spring rain.

The pitch-black streets saw splashes of water between the bricks and tiles.

Only a few red lanterns managed to reveal the hasty shadows of horses and the rainwater ponds splintering like crushed red silver...

A row of figures, clad in straw hats and raincapes.

Raindrops cascaded, bouncing wildly off the Dragon Beard Grass, only to be turned into mist by the swift movement of the horses.

Everyone's hands gripped the reins tightly, their eyes sharp as they rode quickly through the night rain in the county town, heading swiftly north.

Before reaching the North Gate, sounds of chaos were already audible from afar.

Drawing closer, they saw that the gate had been forced open; one after another, Ghost Servants poured in, engaging in combat with the County Soldiers inside.

In the darkness, apart from the weak illumination of some lanterns, it was impossible to clearly see who was who, especially distinguishing between Ghost Servants and Human Skin Ghosts.

The group couldn't help but stop.

Off in the distance...

Three or four Government Office Force Realm Experts were entangled in battle.

However, Ghost Servants fought recklessly with no fear of death, whereas the Force Realm Experts, despite their great strength, were still flesh and blood. If struck by weapons, they would not only be injured but their combat power would greatly diminish; a far cry from the automatic protection of Gang Qi at the Peak of Form Realm.

Therefore, the Government Office's Force Realm Experts were extremely cautious.

Meanwhile, more than a few County Soldiers had already perished.

That they could stand their ground bravely without a clear view of the number of Ghost Servants was indeed commendable.

Yet, even though they fought doggedly, the outcome was already determined, and now they were merely holding out on the conviction that "retreat was not an option, there was nowhere to go, their families were right behind them."

In the distant storm, amidst the eerie howls, screams of pain, roars, sounds of weapons clashing, there were also some angry exchanges.

"Why isn't the reinforcement here yet?!"

"We really can't hold on any longer!"

"Why are these ghostly things so ferocious tonight?"

But a voice, remarkably steady, drowned out these questions, shouting, "Reinforcements are about to arrive! I have received news! Soon, very soon!!"

In the dark, nothing could be discerned, but it was enough that people could hear this reassuring voice.

An Chenyu frowned at the pitch-black confusion.

However, Song Cheng had already swiftly assessed the situation.

Just like before, the majority of the Ghost Servants were around combat power of a dozen or so, but among the high-tier ones, in addition to three in their thirties, there was surprisingly also one in their forties.

Fortunately, Ghost Servants all shared the same upper and lower limits in strength, or else... by now, the city gate would have already fallen.

And the man who was shouting, claiming that reinforcements were on their way, was an acquaintance.

It was the County Captain who had investigated the Ruyi Commerce Chamber that day.

Song Cheng had also heard many people whisper about the County Captain and the County Magistrate, often referred to as muddled officials...

But now it seemed that, confused or not, at least when there was a real crisis, they were able to step up.

As the saying goes, "In the blink of an eye," Song Cheng completed his general analysis. He scanned Ding Kui and the others, saying, "Keep the Chairman safe. I alone am sufficient."

In the time it took for the East City Gate battle to unfold, Ding Kui and the other guards had completely revised their perception of Song Cheng, from "Brother Song" and "Puppet Son-in-law" to a "True Son-in-law"...

No one considered anymore that "An Chenyu marrying Song Cheng was merely because he was pleasing to women, or An Chenyu wanted a puppet;" for just now, the determination and strength "to defend the city gate alone" had stunned them.

What remained for them was only the same respect they had for the Eldest Miss.

This... was exactly what Song Cheng needed.

He intended to transform the Ruyi Commerce Chamber into a "home suitable for his long-term residence," not to "keep his head down, following the role of a character known as Crooked-Mouth Dragon King from his previous life, reluctantly playing docile while boiling with frustration, hiding his strength and unwilling to show it, and then blaming others for failing to recognize his greatness."

He wanted to lead a life of his own.

Ding Kui and the rest of the guards hurriedly said, "Son-in-law, rest assured, we will protect the Eldest Miss!"

Song Cheng nodded, drew his Fine Blade from the sheath, scattering raindrops. With a boost from his legs, he leapt from the horseback, and upon landing, he swept forward like a swift gust of wind, crying out, "Reinforcements have arrived!"

The four words detonated in the night sky, like thunder igniting the hearts of the County Soldiers who were desperately resisting.

The County Captain too shook in surprise, turning back in astonishment.

But then he saw a figure, lightning-fast like a whirlwind, charging into the midst of the Ghost Servants.

Song Cheng's blade flowed like willow branches, his arms stretching like an ape's, his saber light slicing through the air.

Each move, without exception, remained within the domain of the Willow Brushing Force.

As soon as he joined the Ghost Servants, two Human Skin Ghost Servants were cleaved in half, emitting shrill cries before dissolving.

The County Captain vaguely recognized the Willow Brushing Force of the Ruyi Commerce Chamber, but in the heat of the moment, he could not guess the identity of the newcomer.

In urgent times, he couldn't waste time questioning; instead, he seized the moment and roared, "The reinforcements have arrived! Drive these ghostly things out of the city!"

Song Cheng weaved through the throng, his blade's light fluid and graceful.

With one slice, he sent a Ghost Servant with combat power over thirty flying into the air.

A stab pierced through the ghost servant with a combat power of over forty.

The government office Force Realm expert who had been struggling to hold on suddenly felt the pressure decrease, regained his composure, and went to help other county soldiers.

In about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, all the ghost servants were killed, and the North City Gate was closed once more.

Song Cheng's arms were numb, and when he looked at the Fine Blade again...

No wonder it was crafted by the imperial family; it seemed still in good condition, without even a crack.

One should know that although those ghost servants were just Human Skin Ghosts, they were each as tough as if made of copper and iron.

In the distance, the County Magistrate was directing defenses while quickly approaching, the rain melding with his black hair and plastering it to his face.

"Thank you!"

The County Magistrate cupped his fist and first expressed his gratitude, then asked, "May I know which member of the Ruyi Commerce Chamber you are?"

Song Cheng smiled and said, "County Captain Ouyang, we meet again."

The Fat County Captain was stunned for a moment, squinting and looking for a long time, but due to the darkness and rain, he couldn't make out who it was.

He awkwardly wiped his face.

Damn, this was too awkward.

However, Fat County Captain Ouyang was quick to react, immediately showing a smile and saying, "Yes, I felt a rapport with you the first time we met, and it's indeed fortunate to see you again today. When the weather clears and the city is empty, I must come and thank you in person!"

Song Cheng: ???

What does he mean by that?

Brother? Felt a rapport?

Fat County Captain Ouyang cupped his fist again and hurriedly ran off.

After all, he couldn't admit that he couldn't recognize who the expert was, could he?

Who in the martial arts world doesn't care about face?

Someone comes to help you turn the tide, and says "we meet again," but you don't know who the other person is; that's unacceptable,—it's very offensive.

As these thoughts flashed by, they were quickly overshadowed by the pressing matters at hand.

Fat County Captain Ouyang swiftly arranged for people to defend the city, then led a Force Realm expert and four Power Realm martial artists towards the West City Gate.

The West City Gate was defended by the County Magistrate.

Fat County Captain Ouyang had actually suspected early on that the reinforcements at West City Gate were unable to arrive because they likely faced similarly fierce attacks; now that things had stabilized here, he naturally went to provide support.

As for the South City Gate, with many martial arts halls and small factions, in addition to the defense assistance of county soldiers and militia, it should be the most stable.

Song Cheng also dragged his tired body back.

The guards of the Ruyi Commerce Chamber had already transformed into fawning dogs.

"Son-in-law, you're fierce."

"Son-in-law, how come your Willow Brushing Force is so good?"

"Son-in-law, your Force Method might be comparable to Mr. Wang of our chamber."

Mr. Wang?

Song Cheng was taken aback.

The guards were talking among themselves when An Chenyu spoke up, "It's Uncle Wang stationed at our family's old home in the Prefectural City, also the father of the Wang family brothers. Like you, he has studied 'Extreme Force.' Now he is devoted to practicing it at the old home and should have reached Perfection."

Song Cheng nodded and waved his hand, saying, "Brother Ding, don't talk nonsense. I'm just starting out and still far behind Mr. Wang."

Upon hearing this, the guards felt that their son-in-law was just as amiable as before, and their affection for him grew.

An Chenyu dismounted her horse, approached Song Cheng, and pulled on his hand to check it before saying, "Are we going to West City?"

Song replied, "Yes."

"Then you need to listen to me," An Chenyu said softly, "Once we get there, don't rush into action. You've already killed enough tonight.

And you're also tired; I'm worried about you making mistakes.

Our role is to offer additional security, so if West City Gate is really about to collapse, then step in.

In the meantime, at least take some time to rest.

If things take a turn for the worse after we take action, we shouldn't hold on desperately, but retreat instead, and recuperate before taking action again."

Song Cheng nodded.

He had to admit, Sister An truly knew how to plan and deal with the situation well, always contemplating the next related incident and proposing her approach while others were still caught up in the current event.

Her mind was very agile.

After a brief rest, the group got on their horses again and headed west.

Indeed, West City Gate was in chaos.

However, the county soldiers and the defending County Magistrate were not pushovers, forcibly withstanding wave after wave of ghost servants charging the city.

Under the rain-drenched old tree, An Chenyu watched it all and said, "Let's circle from the South City once more, then return. We've weathered through tonight."

The group did not show themselves but instead circled around, and by the time they headed back to East City, the rain had stopped, and the murky pre-dawn sky hinted that dawn might soon break...

Back at the Ruyi Commerce Chamber, there was already some cooking smoke in the dining hall.

An Chenyu shed her raincoat, and with her hair tangled and tossed over her shoulders in a mess, she casually flicked it aside, looking every part the Ink Beauty.

"Song, let's have breakfast before we sleep," she said with a smile.

Song Cheng was suddenly reminded of "eating breakfast with friends after an all-nighter at the internet café" from before he crossed over and felt a touch of warmth at the bottom of his heart, so he smiled and replied, "Alright, let's eat together."

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