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

Chapter 61 Panic
The sudden bad news struck like a thunderbolt, instantly shattering the festive atmosphere that had just filled the Gao family's main hall.

The elders present were all pale-faced; their previous composed smiles froze on their faces, turning into fear and horror.

The most mature and prudent of the four great-uncles of the Gao family suddenly stood up, slamming his ebony cane heavily on the ground with a dull thud.

For the first time, disbelief appeared in those weathered eyes; the cloudy pupils contracted slightly, as if unable to accept this sudden news.

Gao Yuanhe stood frozen at the doorway, his smug smile still lingering on his lips, but in an instant, all color drained from his face, and he was completely immobilized as if he had been frozen in place.

"What did you say?"

Gao Yuanhe snapped out of his daze, took a step forward, grabbed the messenger by the collar, and said in a hoarse voice, "Say it again!"

The young man was deathly pale, tears streaming down his face, trembling like a leaf: "Outside...outside are soldiers everywhere! They've already...they've already stormed in! The guards in the front yard can't hold them off at all; they're killing anyone they see!"

Who is leading the troops?

The voice of the Gao family's great-uncle suddenly rose, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, fixed on the messenger.

The young man trembled as he raised his head, his eyes filled with fear: "It was Chen Sheng."

The moment the name 'Chen Sheng' was uttered, the entire room was astonished.

The elders present looked at each other, speechless with shock. Some even subconsciously took a half step back, knocking over the teacups beside them. The crisp sound of shattering was particularly jarring in the deathly silent hall.

Shouldn't he have died at Black Snake Water Village? How did he end up here?

"impossible!"

Gao Yuanhe's expression changed drastically, his voice trembling with disbelief: "How could Chen Sheng be here? He was clearly at Black Snake Stronghold..."

In order to eliminate this major threat, the three families went to great lengths to devise a plan.

They not only bribed Chu Yueshan as an inside agent, but also colluded with Xu Meng, the leader of the Black Serpent Stronghold, to form such a tight net. How could a mere Bone Forging Realm martial artist possibly escape?

Moreover, they had been keeping an eye on Wu Kuang's movements and were certain that the county magistrate had not left the county office at all. Chen Sheng should already be a cold corpse by now.

"Nephew... Nephew has seen him with his own eyes, he would never mistake him."

The messenger's voice choked with emotion, "He's led a large number of soldiers and has already stormed the Central Court."

"enough!"

The fourth great-uncle interrupted sharply, his aged face clouded with gloom, his eyes flashing with resolute killing intent: "Now is not the time to dwell on these matters. Since Chen Sheng has led his troops here, it means that the plan to eliminate him through the river bandits has failed."

He took a deep breath, his withered fingers gripping his cane tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force: "He must have come here knowing the truth and seeking revenge. The most urgent task is to block the soldiers' blades and buy time for the young members of the Gao family to evacuate."

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze to this pillar of the family. At this critical juncture of life and death, the Fourth Grand Uncle's composure calmed the panicked crowd somewhat.

"Yuanhe, you must immediately lead the young members of the clan to evacuate through the secret passage."

The fourth great-uncle's voice left no room for doubt: "No matter what, you must get Qicheng and Qinian out of the city safely. Remember, go find the patriarch immediately and have him take charge."

He paused, his cloudy gaze sweeping over everyone present, and continued to give instructions:
"At the same time, at all costs, we must get this message to the Huang and Yang families. Tell them that if they sit idly by and watch the Gao family perish today, their fate will serve as a warning to them in the future. Also, quickly send someone to report this matter to Magistrate Lin."

The fourth great-uncle's arrangements were methodical, revealing his seasoned experience in wielding power for many years.

He didn't believe Chen Sheng would dare to take action against the Gao family without the magistrate's approval, after all, Lin Shou had accepted a considerable amount of bribes from the three families over the years, and was also related to the Yang family by marriage.

If the county magistrate intervenes, there is still a chance for things to turn around.

The Huang and Yang families will certainly not stand idly by.

Although the three families usually fight openly and secretly for resources, Huang Laogui and Yang Yi are not fools and know the principle of mutual dependence.

For decades, facing pressure from the government, the three families had always stood together, knowing that as long as they could withstand the first wave of attacks from the government troops, there was still room for maneuver. However, just in case, he had to ensure the continuation of the Gao family's direct lineage. As long as these young members could escape, even if the entire clan faced extermination today, the Gao family would still have hope of rising again.

Hearing their uncle's arrangements, everyone present looked solemn.

Gao Yuanhe said urgently, "Grand Uncle, you are the pillar of the Gao family. You should lead Qinian and the others to evacuate. Let me go and stop Chen Sheng and the government troops!"

"Confused!"

The fourth great-uncle's eyes shone brightly. "I've lived for over seventy years and have long since become indifferent to life and death. If these old bones can still do their part for the Gao family, it is my destiny."

He surveyed the elders present, his voice heavy with sorrow yet resolute:
"Today is a day of life and death for the Gao family. All of you, come with me to our deaths!"

"We swear to live and die with the Gao family!"

"I will obey my great-uncle's command!"

The elders all expressed their opinions, their faces resolute. Some had already secretly gripped the weapons they carried, while others began to circulate their inner energy, preparing for the impending bloody battle.

Gao Yuanhe wanted to persuade him further, but seeing his great-uncle's unwavering gaze, he could only grit his teeth and bow.
"Take care, Uncle!"

He turned to the several young disciples in the hall and said sternly:

"Walk."

"Leave? Where do you all intend to go?"

The sound wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling aura that sent shivers down everyone's spine.

Before the words were finished, a dark figure flew in from outside the door and crashed heavily onto the bluestone floor in the center of the hall, splattering blood everywhere.

When everyone saw the true face of the dark figure, they were all horrified—for it was none other than Gao Qicheng, the most outstanding young member of the Gao family in the past ten years!
But at this moment, Gao Qicheng was disheveled, covered in blood, and his magnificent brocade robe had been torn to shreds by sharp blades.

He was barely breathing, his chest heaving violently, clearly having suffered a fatal wound. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but no words came out.

"Qicheng!"

"Qicheng!"

Several elders cried out and tried to rush forward to help, but then a "clang" rang out and a cold light pierced through the air, precisely penetrating Gao Qicheng's chest and pinning him to the ground.

Fresh blood immediately gushed from the wound and quickly spread across the bluestone floor.

"Chen Sheng, how dare you!"

Gao Yuanhe's eyes were bloodshot, and his voice was filled with overwhelming killing intent. He suddenly drew the sword from his waist, the tip of the blade pointing straight out the door.

The Gao family members all turned to look at the door, their faces showing shock and anger.

Chen Sheng stood proudly outside the main hall of the Gao family.

His brand-new eighth-rank military officer robe accentuated his extraordinary aura. The dark longsword at his waist was still sheathed, its tip dripping blood. His gaze was cold and indifferent, as if he had just accidentally crushed an ant.

Cheng Yanhua followed closely behind, holding a struggling young man in one hand—Gao Qinian, another genius from the Gao family. At this moment, Gao Qinian's face was pale, his eyes were full of fear, and his lips were trembling, but he could not make a sound.

Behind the two men, dozens of heavily armed soldiers stood at attention, each covered in blood, exuding a murderous aura and fierce glints in their eyes. Their weapons were still dripping blood, clearly indicating that they had just experienced a bloody battle.

The strong stench of blood wafted into the lobby on the wind, making people nauseous.

An intense, chilling atmosphere permeated the air.

(End of this chapter)