Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59: Chapter 59 Replace the Sky

Canghe County City.

The heavy snow reached ankle-deep, the air pierced by bone-chilling cold.

There were very few people left on the streets, almost none in sight—not solely because of the cold, but due to the turmoil in the county city, with everyone fearing they might be caught in the crossfire.

Shouts and cries of killing echoed everywhere, growing louder the closer one got to the central County Magistrate’s Office.

The stench of blood permeated the air, adding an even frostier undertone to this icy landscape.

Ordinary residents, in the face of such a looming storm, were no more than a fragile lone boat drifting in a turbulent current. A single misstep could bring disaster crashing down upon them.

The wealthy families within the city were no exception. Except for those influential clans actively participating in this game of power, the rest shut their doors tightly, restraining their family members and servants, dreading that any misstep might invite catastrophe.

Within the County Magistrate’s Office.

Brawny figures wielding blades, swords, bows, and crossbows formed an encircling wall around it. Some were swaggering gang members clad in tight combat wear, while others were armor-clad soldiers of grim and stoic demeanor.

Leading the group was a broad-shouldered, sturdy man with a square face. He wore a ferocious iron armor adorned with a beast’s head design, a longsword hung at his waist, and his right hand rested on the hilt. A faint smile played on his lips.

Inside the County Magistrate’s Office.

The sound of angry curses rang out.

"Zhao Honglie, you double-faced, treacherous scoundrel! How dare you betray me!"

"Ah!"

A short, sharp scream pierced the air before weakening into silence, followed by a cold and firm voice proclaiming:

"Cao Shiduan has been captured! Surrender, and your lives will be spared. The County Magistrate will show you mercy!"

Soon after, the sound of weapons clattering to the ground echoed in quick succession, mingled with faint sighs of defeat in the icy air. The square-faced man outside the magistrate’s office smiled even more broadly.

Before long.

Figures began filing out one by one.

At the forefront was a man exuding a murderous aura, dragging a disheveled figure clad in a blue official’s robe.

The figure hung his head low, but everyone recognized him instantly—this was none other than Cao Shiduan, once the ruler of Canghe County City!

Now, however, Cao Shiduan was being dragged out like a lifeless dog, prompting complex reactions in the onlookers’ eyes.

Zhao Honglie flung his hand violently, tossing Cao Shiduan forward to land before the square-faced man. The man’s once grim face instantly shifted to an expression of deference as he clasped his fists and reported:

"County Magistrate, Cao Shiduan has been apprehended. Please, take a look."

County Magistrate Liu Yuanhu burst into hearty laughter, his gaze filled with approval as he looked at Zhao Honglie.

"The Black Sand Gang truly lives up to its reputation as the leading gang of Canghe County. Boss Zhao’s bravery is indeed impressive!"

Zhao Honglie quickly lowered his head.

"How dare I accept such praise? The County Magistrate’s power is unmatched. I merely acted so you wouldn’t dirty your hands."

Liu Yuanhu merely shook his head with a smile, crouching down to examine Cao Shiduan, who lay on the ground like a dead dog. He couldn’t help but sigh:

"Cao, oh, Cao. You and I served in the same court. Things didn’t have to come to this. Wouldn’t it have been better to enjoy your twilight years peacefully? At your age, why stoop to playing such games of blood and steel? Isn’t it exhausting?"

Cao Shiduan strained to lift his head, his blue robe soaked in blood. His wounds were dark and festering—poisoned by the Black Sand Palm; his death was imminent.

"Cough... cough... Liu Yuanhu, you’ve defied your superior, treating the imperial court as a mere trifle. You’ve already committed a crime worthy of the extermination of your entire clan!"

Liu Yuanhu roared with laughter, his mirth dripping with scorn.

"Does the imperial court even have the time to bother with us right now? Who witnessed me defying my superior, anyway? I will report to the court that you, Cao Shiduan, tragically died during the winter hunt, mauled by beasts. As for me, Liu Yuanhu, I’ll take on the interim role of County Magistrate during this time of crisis. Do you think the imperial court will punish me? No, they’ll shower me with praise!"

Zhao Honglie laughed aloud, as did everyone around them.

Cao Shiduan, enraged to the point of despair, spat a mouthful of dark, poisoned blood, which sizzled as it corroded a patch of snow.

"You... despicable scum!"

He glared at Liu Yuanhu and Zhao Honglie, his heart brimming with unwillingness and fury.