The prefect's mansion was packed with people!
"Lord Che arrives!"
The crowd gathered before the prefect's mansion parted, and everyone immediately rose to bow, "Your Lordship."
"Thank you all. I have been entrusted by the Governor and have not dared to delay for a moment. Now that the grand competition is proceeding as scheduled, I thank you for your assistance!"
"Not at all, it is our duty!"
Zhang Feng, the patriarch of the Zhang family, stepped forward to greet him.
Che Ming scanned the crowd, not seeing Yang Hao, and pondered for a moment, "When will Yang Hao arrive?"
"This Yang family brat, perhaps he knows his strength is insufficient for the great responsibility, and has languished in this small county for so long that he has completely forgotten the rules of conduct, and thus dares not come to pay his respects to Your Lordship!"
Wang Shan stepped forward and bowed, "A few days ago, the Yang family occupied Touxian and had a confrontation with Li Hui, the second elder of the Li family. Recently, the Lin Hu tribe was annihilated, and rumors spread that the Yang family was responsible. This commotion was quite significant, and I fear they have been wounded!"
Che Ming lowered his gaze and glanced at Wang Shan. This person was likely an imbecile. Che Ming was well aware of the Lin Hu tribe's situation.
"Your Lordship, it would be best to take your seat first and rest for a while. The competition still has some time before it begins," Zhang Feng bowed again.
Che Ming looked at Zhang Feng. This Zhang Feng was honest, knew the rules, and had served as prefect for three years, diligently and loyally. He had accomplished many good deeds.
During his tenure, he had always kept the Wang family in check, which was why the Wang family had not done anything excessive for over a decade.
However, in the past year, with the vigorous expansion of Jianmen, Zhang Feng had sensed Jianmen's intentions and knew his own strength was weak.
To prevent Shu Commandery from falling into Jianmen's hands, he had reported to the Governor, which led to Che Ming overseeing the competition for the prefect's position.
If the Wang family had not allied with Jianmen this time, the Yi Province government would have been quite optimistic about Zhang Feng.
"Very well, everyone, please be seated."
Before everyone could settle down, the sound of swords singing echoed from the sky, and sword energy surged like a rainbow!
Dozens of people in white, with flowing long hair and swords on their backs, appeared. The three leading figures exuded an imposing aura, their sword scabbards resonating, surrounded by sword energy.
"Lord Che, it has been some time since we parted at the provincial capital, and I have truly missed you!" Ninth Elder Xu Ji of Jianmen leaned on his sword hilt, putting on a grand display.
The sect leader of Jianmen had broken through to the Grandmaster realm, exerting pressure on the Martial Kingdom.
As the saying goes, "When one person achieves success, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven."
Not only were the high-ranking officials of Jianmen arrogant and overbearing, but even their disciples did not take imperial officials seriously.
Che Ming looked at the sword sheath at Xu Ji's waist and his heart trembled. The sword aura was even stronger than before.
To receive guidance from a Grandmaster was a great honor, and the benefits were evident.
It was far better than fumbling in the dark on his own.
In three years, Xu Ji had advanced from the fifth level of Innate to a position equal to his own.
Che Ming had taken ten years and gone through countless near-death experiences to reach the seventh level of Innate, an advancement of only two minor realms.
One could imagine how terrifying the experts in the Grandmaster realm were!
"Elder Xu has not been idle these days. Why has Jianmen sent you for this small prefect position in Shu Commandery?" Che Ming looked down at Xu Ji.
"Lord Che, what are you saying? My beloved disciple is from the Wang family. Today, the competition for the prefect of Shu Commandery is crucial for my disciple's family's prosperity. As an elder, it is only natural for me to support my disciple." Xu Ji did not even look at Che Ming, his face full of arrogance!
With a Grandmaster as his backer, and with only five Grandmasters in the entire Martial Kingdom, let alone his fellow disciples.
Wang Ping was a standout among the younger generation of Jianmen, with strength at the second level of Innate, placing him in the first echelon of the younger generation in Yi Province.
Given time, he would undoubtedly become a pillar of Jianmen. Now that Jianmen was rising strongly, the Yi Province government could only play defense!
"Hmph! Since you are here, please take your seats!" Che Ming was furious but had no choice. If he were to act, it would represent the imperial court and could easily ignite a war.
Everyone calmly walked towards the high platform.
"Father, your son has returned." One person approached Wang Shan and knelt, "Father, your son has returned."
"Good! With my son Wang Ping returned, your father is greatly relieved." Wang Shan's face was filled with joy.
"Father, this is my senior brother Bai Hong. He has come to assist our Wang family under Master's orders!" Bai Hong appeared calm, a smile on his lips as he looked at Uncle Wang, "Long time no see, Uncle Wang!"
"Nephew, you are too kind. Thank you for traveling such a long distance to assist my Wang family. In the future, should you require anything, my Wang family will do our utmost!" Wang Shan bowed gratefully, his voice filled with emotion.
Bai Hong, Xu Ji's eldest disciple, possessed the strength of the fifth level of Innate and was a strong contender for the next sect leader of Jianmen.
"Uncle Wang, you are too polite. I am merely acting on my master's orders." Bai Hong smiled faintly.
Xu Ji frowned slightly and said to Che Ming, "Lord Che, time is almost up. Shall we begin the competition?"
Zhang Feng heard this and rose to bow, "Elder, one person is still missing for the grand competition!"
"Hmm! The three great families are already present, who else is missing?" Xu Ji asked impatiently.
"Nephew, you may not know, but a new star has risen in Shu Commandery recently," Wang Shan said with a sneer.
"Who?" Bai Hong asked immediately. The competition for the prefect of Shu Commandery had always been a contest between the three great families. How had another force suddenly emerged?
"Nephew, you may not know, but this new star is the former overlord of Shu Commandery, the Yang family!"
"The Yang family?"
"Uncle Wang, are you joking? As far as I know, the Yang family has not produced an Innate expert in hundreds of years." Bai Hong looked puzzled.
"The Yang family today is different. A few months ago, an Innate expert suddenly appeared, stabilized the Yang family's internal strife, occupied Touxian, and defeated the Li family's second elder with a single saber strike, displaying decisive ruthlessness!" Wang Shan said, glancing at Li Si, whose face had turned dark.
Xu Ji frowned slightly, "Lord Che, this competition for the prefect of Shu Commandery is a centuries-old agreement. The sudden involvement of the Yang family is likely inappropriate!"
"The Yang family's participation in the prefect's competition this time is by the King Wu's decree, and at the Governor's command. What is inappropriate about it!" Che Ming's eyes glinted with killing intent as he looked at Xu Ji.
Xu Ji looked at Che Ming, his pupils contracting sharply. After all, this sky still belonged to the Ji clan. A starving camel is still larger than a horse. The Martial Kingdom's imperial court had three Grandmasters!
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the auspicious time for the grand competition.
At the last moment, Yang Hao finally arrived, fashionably late.
There was no grand entrance, only a plain and unremarkable arrival. Yang Hao was followed by three people; the others were in plain clothes and blended into the crowd.
Xu Ji glanced at the three people behind Yang Hao and his eyes were full of admiration.
Suddenly, a killing intent locked onto him. Looking up, Zhou Yuji's overwhelming murderous aura, dark and chilling, caused him to break out in a cold sweat.
Yang Hao walked onto the high platform, bowed to Che Ming, and then took his seat.
At Che Ming's signal, Zhang Feng's clear and powerful voice reached the ears of everyone present.
"The competition for the prefect of Shu Commandery officially begins!"