Chapter 498: Return to Shandong

Before the western border light curtain, Chen Wen and Qian Gui's figures appeared again.

After passing through the passage optimized by Old Lazy Zhao, the repelling force indeed weakened somewhat.

The tearing and dizziness during the crossing were no longer so unbearable.

But that repulsion from the world's rules, targeting the source of the 'variable,' remained like a bone-deep ulcer, clearly discernible.

Chen Wen could feel that his strong life essence and the Lv. 4 system power played a key role in resisting this repulsion.

He took a deep breath, feeling the air on the False Song side, slightly turbid yet carrying the familiar scent of war.

His gaze swept over the surroundings, which were not much different from when he left.

But in his keen Shi Yong.

The bloody killing aura from the north seemed to have grown denser and closer by a bit.

"Time is running out."

Chen Wen said softly, not sure whether he was speaking to Qian Gui or reminding himself.

Qian Gui nodded and quickly confirmed the safety of the surrounding area.

"My lord, the person assigned to meet us is already waiting at the designated spot.

"We need to quickly rendezvous with Heavenly King Chao."

The two no longer delayed; with a movement of their bodies, they melted into the forest like ghosts, hastening toward the waterside goods store outside Dongping Prefecture.

Their speed far surpassed that of ordinary people; the rugged mountain road felt like level ground to them.

This was the manifestation of life essence reconstruction and system power multiplier enhancement.

Goods store secret chamber.

Chao Gai, who had received the news earlier, had already been waiting here for a while.

Seeing Chen Wen push the door open, he immediately strode forward, his tiger eyes unable to hide his excitement.

"Mr. Chen, you've finally returned!"

At this moment, Chao Gai, though hidden in the shadows, still bore an undiminished heroic spirit in his brow.

On the contrary, having relieved himself of the burden of being Liangshan's chief, he gained added composure and sharpness.

He wore a set of action-friendly attire, a knife at his waist, and had fully entered the role of leader of the Northward Aspiration Army.

"Brother Chao Gai, you've waited long."

Chen Wen and he clasped arms firmly, feeling the strength and enthusiasm transmitted from the other's palm.

"How is the situation in Shandong? Any changes within Liangshan?"

The three sat down, and Qian Gui skillfully took charge of guarding from the side.

Chao Gai immediately began his report, his tone steady and clear:

"Sir, since you left, Song Jiang has used the name of Stone Stele to further consolidate his power."

"On the surface, the two characters 'Northward Aspiration' have become taboo; the content of the martial arts hall has been heavily revised, emphasizing loyalty and awaiting amnesty."

"However, under the covert maneuvering of military advisor Wu Yong, Instructor Lin and the Ruan brothers have managed to hold the basic situation."

"Those old brothers in the army who favor us have been dispersed in assignment, but the core remains intact."

"Shi Dun brothers handling central liaison has also been fairly smooth."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of coldness.

"On the Iron Crow Army's side, through Zeng Tu, they have strengthened control over Song Jiang and surveillance of the stronghold."

"Their suppression of us has become increasingly evident; several attempts to find a pretext to strip Lin Chong and others of their military authority were thwarted by Wu Yong's efforts."

"Now within Liangshan, outwardly harmonious, in reality the amnesty and Northward Aspiration factions are clearly divided, and conflict could erupt at any moment."

Chen Wen listened quietly, not surprised by these circumstances.

Since the Iron Crow Army has locked onto Song Jiang as the executor of the 'Heaven's Mandate,' it will naturally devote all efforts to eliminate any destabilizing factors.

"What about the Jade Seal?"

Chen Wen was more concerned about this current critical juncture.

Chao Gai's spirits lifted, and he said:

"Commander Qian's methods are indeed clever."

"Duan Jingzhu was escorted all the way, his journey circuitous, causing quite a stir."

"Rumors linking the Jade Seal to the Jin people are now known by everyone in Shandong and Hebei."

"Song Jiang's side, anxious as burning, has repeatedly sent Dai Zong and several groups down the mountain to meet up."

"The Iron Crow Army's covert operatives are also exhausted from running about, needing both to guard against our disruption and to deal with all sorts of monsters and demons drawn by the rumors."

"According to the latest intelligence, Duan Jingzhu has entered Shandong territory, not far from Liangshan."

"Song Jiang has ordered preparations for the Jade Seal Offering Ceremony, intending to use this occasion to widely proclaim his 'Heaven's Mandate.'"

Chen Wen nodded; Qian Gui's actions fully matched his expectations.

"When will the ceremony be held?"

"The exact date hasn't been finalized yet, but it's within these few days."

Chao Gai replied, a flash of eager anticipation in his eyes.

"Sir, shall we proceed as originally planned and take action during the ceremony?"

"Good."

Chen Wen's tone was affirmative.

"That is the best opportunity to shatter his Heaven's Mandate halo."

"How are the preparations going?"

"Sir, rest assured!"

Chao Gai is full of confidence.

"The secret base here, following the strategy you set before leaving, we have screened and recruited a group absolutely reliable and truly endorsing the 'Northward Aspiration' ideal."

About a hundred or more, all brave men, many of whom secretly diverted from Mount Liang.

"Daily training never ceases; besides martial formations, we emphasize explaining border threats, stirring bravery, and clarifying our 'Northward Aspiration' purpose of resisting the Jin and defending Huaxia."

"Just..."

He hesitated slightly.

"Just lacking real-world experience, and I don't know how effective we'd truly be against Jin troops or the Iron Crow Army's shadows."

Chen Wen understood Chao Gai's concern.

Training and real combat are ultimately two different things.

He pondered for a moment and asked, "How many people are there in the base now?"

"Including guards and logistics, about a hundred twenty or more."

Core combatants number about eighty."

Chao Gai replied.

"Take me to have a look."

Chen Wen stood up.

Behind the goods depot, a more secluded valley connects.

This place cleverly uses terrain and vegetation for concealment, making it extremely hard to spot from outside.

Inside the valley, simple yet orderly barracks are set up, and a training field has been cleared.

There is even a small shrine to heroic martyrs and a lecture hall for martial arts.

Although crude, everything is orderly, brimming with a vigorous, upward spirit.

At this moment, it is a break in training.

Dozens of sturdy men are resting.

Some are wiping their weapons, some are whispering about something, their gazes mostly firm and spirited.

They saw Chao Gai accompanying a plain-clothed man of extraordinary bearing walking over.

【85) They all rose, their eyes filled with curiosity and respect.

They all stood up, their eyes filled with curiosity and respect.

Some among them recognized him; this is the "Mr. Chen" whom Heavenly King Chao greatly respects.

Chen Wen's gaze swept over these faces; he could feel that they possessed a vigor and spirit utterly different from the ordinary bandits of Mount Liang.

That is the vigor that springs only after one has clear conviction and a sense of belonging.

He said nothing more; a slight stir of his mind set the Lv. 4 system power within him quietly in motion.

It is utterly different from the feeling before the system reset, when each use required focused calm and consumed considerable energy.

Now he feels that using "Ability Granting" is as natural as breathing.

The drain on mind and body is minuscule, almost negligible.

This qualitative leap in control is one of the most obvious benefits brought by the system's iterative upgrade.

He selected ten who looked the most fatigued yet whose eyes showed the greatest resolve, as the first subjects for demonstration.

According to the highest granting gradient his 16-fold efficacy can support—fourfold effect—he precisely enveloped them with power.

Those ten almost simultaneously shuddered in their bodies!

An indescribable surge of heat instantly swept through their bodies, dispelling all fatigue and lethargy.

Their gazes instantly became extraordinarily sharp.

Their thoughts became unprecedentedly clear, inner power surged, as if they had inexhaustible strength.

In their perception, everything around them slowed down; many maneuvers that were hard to grasp in past training.

The difficult tactical movements and power techniques.

At this moment, enlightenment struck suddenly, and everything became clear!

"What... what is this?!"

Someone couldn't help but cry out in disbelief, staring at their own hands.

The other resting teammates also noticed the anomaly of those ten.

The suddenly erupting fierce aura made them feel startled.

Chao Gai stood beside Chen Wen, personally witnessing this miraculous scene.

Even though he had heard Chen Wen mention it before, seeing it now still left him stunned.

His gaze toward Chen Wen was filled with awe and ecstasy.

Chen Wen gradually withdrew the power, feeling the consumption that was almost negligible.

In his heart, he gained a deeper appreciation of the convenience after the system upgrade.

The abnormal state on those ten quickly faded, but the lingering aftereffect of empowered strength and clear thought remained.

They looked at each other, each seeing in the other's eyes utter shock and excitement.

"How does it feel?"

Chen Wen spoke calmly.

One of the men resembling a squad leader excitedly clasped his fists, his voice trembling:

"Sir! Amazing! Just now... just now I felt strength all over, my mind exceptionally clear; techniques I previously couldn't grasp instantly became clear!"

Several others also eagerly chimed in.

Chen Wen nodded and said to Chao Gai:

"Do you see? This is the 'Dawn Technique' I mentioned to you before."

Now that my abilities have recovered and further improved, performing this technique has become much easier.

It not only can temporarily grant a single person greater strength, but can also benefit many brothers at the same time.

However, the effect will be adjusted according to the number of people.

Their own quality and belief are the foundation, while this technique, at critical moments, acts as a catalyst that lets them unleash that foundation.

With this aid, what fear is there that we cannot do battle with the Jin cavalry and even the Iron Crow Gloom?

Chao Gai clasped his fists firmly, his tiger eyes gleaming:

"Sir, with such supernatural methods, my Northward Aspiration Army will surely become a tiger and wolf division!"

Chao Gai will surely not disappoint Sir's trust, and will sharpen this blade to an even keener edge!

Chen Wen watched the men before him, who were excited beyond control after briefly experiencing the peak of power.

In his heart, he had greater confidence in the upcoming Seal Offering Ceremony and the subsequent struggle against the Jin.

The sparks have gathered, the blade is initially formed.

Waiting only for the east wind to rise, we will ignite a prairie fire and cleave this deep darkness.