Becoming a god by following the natural order and seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune.

Chapter 101 The Shame of annulment!
"Ling'er, don't worry. Now that my father has come in person, we will definitely be safe and sound."

On the way to the county government office, Xu Shenzhi tried his best to comfort the sullen Han Ling'er, his tone even carrying a hint of barely suppressed excitement:
"Perhaps we can even force Chen Sheng to return the innate spiritual energy and apologize to us for what we've been through!"

During their more than two weeks of imprisonment, the two felt as if each day was an eternity, constantly worried that Chen Sheng would break his promise and suddenly turn against them.

Unexpectedly, Chen Sheng seemed to have completely forgotten about them, showing no interest whatsoever. Now that his father had finally arrived, Xu Shenzhi felt the gloom dissipate, and he was filled with confidence.

In his view, no matter how strong Chen Sheng was, he was ultimately just a Foundation Establishment Martial Master.

He was no match for a true innate expert. He was even eager to see what kind of face Chen Sheng would have when he met him later.

Perhaps, it will be very interesting.

Han Ling'er forced a smile, but her heart was filled with mixed feelings and uncertainty.

If she gets out of this predicament with the help of the Xu family, she will owe them a huge favor.

What should she do if the Xu family uses this as an opportunity to bring up the marriage agreement again?
Admittedly, Han Ling'er was grateful to Xu Shenzhi for exchanging his innate spiritual energy for her safety, but deep down, she was still unwilling to marry and ruin her cultivation path.

For a moment, my mind was in complete turmoil.

Yan Ming, who was leading the way, couldn't help but curl a cold sneer at the corner of his mouth when he heard Xu Shenzhi's arrogant words.

Should Commander Chen apologize?

It’s simply wishful thinking!

He even had a wicked desire to see what kind of interesting expression the young master of the Xu family would have when he saw his father bowing his head in front of Commander Chen.

……

In the lobby of the county government office.

After Xu Yuanhai and Wang Zhilan presented their small gifts, the atmosphere eased considerably.

Xu Yuanhai, in particular, put on a smiling face after secretly speculating that Chen Sheng might have an extraordinary background, as if the previous conflict had never happened, and even temporarily put aside the hatred of the Huang family's massacre.

After all, it's all in the past, and there's no point in saying anything more.

Being treated with such courtesy by Wang Zhilan, he felt that Chen Sheng had an extraordinary background. Moreover, judging from his appearance, he was only in his early twenties, yet he already possessed such innate cultivation. If nothing unexpected happened, he would surely achieve extraordinary things in the future.

It's far better to befriend such an enemy than to offend them.

He had even prepared to persuade his wife to let go of the grudges once they returned home, since she had married into the Xu family and was now a member of the Xu family. If she dared to make enemies for the Xu family on her own, it would be disastrous.
He will not tolerate the other party.

On the other hand, Miss Wang Zhilan of the Wang family, though also polite in her words, maintained a perfectly appropriate sense of distance.

Chen Sheng didn't care about this.

Five Yuan Crystals, plus a thirty-year-old spiritual herb that can enhance cultivation, in exchange for Xu Shenzhi and Han Ling'er's freedom, this deal is by no means a loss.

He had absolutely no interest in insincere pleasantries.

They certainly wouldn't think that a mere tremor of their body would lead to the other party showering them with favors and gifts.

That's not realistic.

"My lord, the prisoners Xu Shenzhi and Han Ling'er have been brought in." Yan Ming bowed and entered to report.

"Bring him in," Chen Sheng calmly ordered.

"Yes."

Yan Ming accepted the order and gestured outwards.

Soon, Xu Shenzhi and Han Ling'er were led into the main hall.

The former immediately spotted his father, Xu Yuanhai, sitting upright to the side. His previously hunched back straightened instantly, and a look of triumph flashed across his face.

However, before he could speak, Xu Yuanhai's face darkened, and he shouted sharply:

"How dare you! Hurry up and bow to Commander Chen to apologize!"

Should I bow and apologize?

Xu Shenzhi was stunned, his eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment.

Why should his father, a master of innate cultivation, bow and apologize to a mere foundation-building martial artist when he himself has come?
But seeing his father's unquestionable anger, and then glancing at Chen Sheng, who sat high above him with a half-smile, Xu Shenzhi finally realized something was wrong.

He subconsciously sensed Chen Sheng's presence.
hiss--

Xu Shenzhi gasped sharply, his pupils shrinking.

That majestic and powerful aura, held back yet unleashed, clearly belonged to the innate realm!
No one knew the reason behind this better than him. Chen Sheng must have used the wisp of innate spiritual energy that he offered to condense a spiritual seed and step into the innate realm.

But only half a month has passed!
A half-moon shape innate?!
Could it be that Chen Sheng's previous accumulation had already reached perfection, and he was only missing a strand of innate spiritual energy?
Xu Shenzhi's mind raced, and he froze on the spot, his mind blank with shock.

"You bastard, what are you standing there for!"

Seeing his son's outburst, Xu Yuanhai was even more furious.

He had gone to great lengths to give up the precious Snow Lake Flower in order to get Chen Sheng to agree. If all his efforts were wasted because of his son's dullness, that would be a real injustice.

His father's rebuke was like a thunderclap, jolting Xu Shenzhi awake.

He suppressed the humiliation and turbulent emotions in his heart, lowered his head deeply, and said in a dry voice:
"Shenzhi, thank you Commander Chen for your leniency."

Compared to Xu Shenzhi, Han Ling'er's gaze fell on Wang Zhilan the moment she stepped into the hall, and her eyes immediately lit up with surprise.

Sister Zhilan actually came!

With her around, I felt like I had a pillar of support.

He immediately followed Xu Shenzhi's example and respectfully bowed to Chen Sheng:

"Ling'er, thank you Commander Chen for your mercy."

"After investigation by the authorities, it has been found that you two have no deep connection with the Huang family rebels, and there is no need to continue to detain you."

Chen Sheng's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority: "However, we must always take the events of that day as a warning. If we violate the law again, we will not let it go lightly."

"Yes, Shenzhi/Ling'er will remember your teachings, sir."

They both responded in unison.

"Now that the person has been brought here, I will not see him off any further."

Chen Sheng turned his gaze to Wang Zhilan and Xu Yuanhai and gave them the order to leave.

"Commander Chen, you are too kind. If you ever visit the city in the future, please come and visit the Xu family. I will certainly welcome you with open arms."

Xu Yuanhai felt a great weight lifted from his heart and quickly responded politely, wanting only to take his son away from this troublesome place as soon as possible to avoid any unexpected trouble.

However, just as Xu Yuanhai was about to signal Xu Shenzhi to leave, Wang Zhilan, who was sitting quietly to the side, suddenly spoke up, her voice clear and melodious:

"Commander Chen, Zhilan has something else she wishes to do by borrowing your esteemed office space to settle a personal matter."

"Oh?"

Chen Sheng raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean by that, Miss Wang?"

Could it be that at this point, this woman is now trying to create unnecessary trouble?

Thinking of this, Chen Sheng couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly.

Wang Zhilan did not answer Chen Sheng directly, but instead turned her gaze to Han Ling'er beside her and calmly asked:

"Ling'er, about that matter, should you say it yourself, or should I do it for you?"

Upon hearing this, Han Ling'er's face turned deathly pale. She immediately understood what Wang Zhilan was referring to—it was about her previous request for help in announcing the engagement. However, she had just received Xu Shenzhi's life-saving grace, and to propose announcing the engagement now would be too heartless. Moreover, to ask in this place would be tantamount to trampling on the Xu family's reputation.

For a moment, Han Ling'er hesitated, her lips moving but unable to utter a word.

Upon seeing this, Xu Shenzhi instinctively asked with concern:

"Ling'er, is there anything else?"

Han Ling'er looked at Wang Zhilan for help, but saw that the other party just lowered her eyes and sipped her tea, her expression indifferent, as if it were none of her business.

For Wang Zhilan, using the power of the Wang family to forcibly annul Han Ling'er's engagement was an unwise move that would only bring trouble to her family.

Even though she had a good personal relationship with Han Ling'er and the latter had helped her before, she couldn't completely disregard the consequences and take on all the risks of incurring the wrath of the Xu family for her.

In addition, she was already somewhat displeased with this action, which is why she chose this time, place, and method to point it out directly.

Seeing Wang Zhilan's clear stance, Han Ling'er knew there was no room for negotiation. She immediately took a deep breath, as if using all her strength, and gritted her teeth, whispering:

"I'd still like to ask Sister Wang to do it for me."

"it is good."

Wang Zhilan nodded slightly, put down her teacup, and calmly turned her gaze to Xu Yuanhai:
“Master Xu, Ling’er feels that the marriage agreement between the Han and Xu families made years ago is inappropriate. She is focused on martial arts and has no intention of getting married. Therefore, it would be better to cancel this marriage to avoid future resentment and damage to the harmony between the two families.”

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

All eyes instantly focused on Xu Shenzhi.

Even Chen Sheng raised an eyebrow in surprise, observing this sudden scene with great interest.

break off an engagement?
Good guy.
He actually witnessed this whole drama firsthand.

It was truly an unexpected and 'wonderful' surprise.

Upon hearing these words, the faces of the Xu father and son instantly froze.

Xu Shenzhi stared wide-eyed at Han Ling'er in disbelief, his lips trembling and his voice hoarse: "Lingling'er, you...you really want to...break off the engagement?"

Although Han Ling'er had previously expressed her intention to annul the engagement, she had not formally proposed it, and he originally thought there was still a chance for the matter to turn around.

Especially since he later used his innate spiritual energy to save her life and clear her name, he thought he could win her heart back. But he never expected that she would deliver such a fatal blow to him and the Xu family in this situation and in this way.

Where does this leave the Xu family's reputation?!

Xu Yuanhai's face turned pale and then red, as if he had been slapped hard several times, and his face was burning with pain.

Annull the engagement in public!
This is an immense humiliation to the Xu family!

If these words hadn't come from Wang Zhilan, he would have definitely exploded on the spot and demanded an explanation.

"Ling'er." Xu Shenzhi emphasized, his eyes filled with pain and questioning.

Han Ling'er dared not meet his gaze. She took a deep breath, her face filled with shame, and whispered:
"I'm sorry, Senior Brother Xu. I will find a way to repay your kindness."

These words were like the last straw, completely breaking Xu Shenzhi's spirit.

As if struck by lightning, Xu Shenzhi swayed, his mind buzzing and completely blank.

Xu Yuanhai glared fiercely at Han Ling'er, suppressing his overwhelming anger, and turned to Wang Zhilan, his voice low and tense:
"So, this annulment of the engagement was done by Miss Wang on behalf of the Han family?"

Wang Zhilan remained calm and said indifferently:
"To be precise, I am expressing my feelings on behalf of Ling'er herself."

"Good! Good! Good!"

Xu Yuanhai said "good" three times in a row, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth: "Since the Wang family has spoken, how dare my Xu family refuse? This marriage is hereby called off!"

Having said that, he suddenly flicked his sleeve and shouted at the stunned Xu Shenzhi:

"let's go!"

Then, without looking back, he strode away, his back view resolute.

"Commander Chen, I'm sorry to have troubled you so much this time."

Wang Zhilan smiled slightly at Chen Sheng as if nothing had happened.

Chen Sheng waved his hand dismissively.

After all, such a scene is rare, and he found it quite interesting.

It's a pity that Xu Shenzhi, the "male protagonist" whose engagement was called off, didn't shout out any grand pronouncements like "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, never underestimate a young man's potential," otherwise it would have been even more fitting.

"Let's go."

After briefly bidding farewell to Chen Sheng, Lin Shou, and the others, Wang Zhilan glanced indifferently at Han Ling'er, who looked ashamed, and walked out of the hall first.

"Commander Chen, I apologize for disturbing you."

Han Ling'er forced a smile, trying to maintain her last shred of dignity.

However, Chen Sheng didn't even lift his eyelids, completely ignoring her.

Although he did not know the full details of the matter, he still vividly remembered the scene when Xu Shenzhi was willing to sacrifice his innate spiritual energy to save this girl. Therefore, he felt no liking for this girl at all for such an act.

Seeing that Chen Sheng did not respond, Han Ling'er did not dare to say anything more.

He immediately looked at Xu Shenzhi, who was still standing frozen in place, and whispered:
"Senior Brother Xu, you deserve better."

After saying that, he hurriedly fled the hall and chased after Wang Zhilan.

Xu Shenzhi only seemed to wake up from a nightmare when Han Ling'er's figure disappeared through the doorway.

Watching that resolute departing figure, he felt a suffocating pain in his chest.

Just then, Chen Sheng walked down from the platform and passed by him.

Commander Chen

Xu Shenzhi's voice was hoarse, filled with endless confusion and pain: "Tell me...did I do something wrong?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng paused slightly, glanced at him sideways, chuckled, patted his shoulder, and said in a tone that was both playful and cold:

"Young Master Xu, you look a lot like a dog right now."

"I"

"What am I?"

Chen Sheng interrupted him directly, his voice not loud, but every word struck Xu Shenzhi's heart like a hammer:

"If you feel humiliated, you should think about how to get revenge tenfold or a hundredfold in the future, instead of wallowing in self-pity and begging for mercy. Remember one thing I said—"

Then Chen Sheng leaned down slightly, close to Xu Shenzhi's ear, and lowered his voice, but his words were as cold and sharp as ice:
"Never fall in love with a woman. A woman can be used, controlled, and patiently trained, but never value her more than your own life or your future."

"Otherwise, everything you're suffering today is simply your own fault."

After saying that, Chen Sheng didn't say anything more, turned around and walked away.

In the empty hall, Xu Shenzhi was left all alone in an instant.

At this moment, his fists were clenched so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms, drawing blood.

Deep in his eyes, there was an endless sense of humiliation and resentment mixed with a hint of realization awakened by cruelty. These two expressions were constantly intertwining and colliding, as if he were making some difficult choice.

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(End of this chapter)