After I Became a Divine Monarch, the Sect Wants Me to Marry In-Chapter 15 - Promotion

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At first, the two were evenly matched.

But suddenly, the scale tipped decidedly to one side.

The change was abrupt, leaving the crowd somewhat at a loss.

Only a moment before, they were remarking on Yang Shi's prowess, and the next, it was Yang Shi's cries of agony.

Even Manager Chen had not anticipated this.

In his estimation, Gu An had some advantage, but he should never have been a match for Yang Shi.

After all, Yang Shi had talismans, Magic Treasures, and his Spiritual Energy was one part denser than the average Third Level of Qi Refining.

Gu An, over forty and unable to advance even an inch in his cultivation, was surely on a decline.

How could he compare?

Yet the facts were before him, forcing him to accept.

But it also enraged him.

In this small Spirit Tree Garden, he had absolute control.

He enjoyed the feeling of having everything under his control, but today someone had disrupted his grasp.

Seeing Gu An about to continue his assault, Manager Chen bellowed: "Enough!"

A roar of anger swept across, filled with a formidable Qi.

Having had no intention to continue fighting, Gu An was startled by the surprise attack.

As he endured the sweep of Qi, he was pushed back a great distance.

Seeing the furious Manager, he immediately bowed his head and said:

"In a moment of urgency, I lost my restraint. I implore the Manager to forgive me."

Manager Chen stared at Gu An, his eyes dark and almost dripping with gloom.

"Mountain Opening Fist?" Manager Chen asked.

"Yes," Gu An nodded, explaining, "As the Manager is aware, I've found it difficult to make any progress in my cultivation, so I've devoted all my energy to the Mountain Opening Fist.

This lack of restraint led to Leader Yang's injury."

"Good, very good," Manager Chen said coldly, gazing at Gu An.

Then he approached Yang Shi, who had suffered a serious chest injury, but a Healing Talisman had been activated to treat the wound.

Still, such an injury had affected the internal organs.

One Healing Talisman was far from enough for a full recovery.

"Two of you, take Leader Yang back to rest," Manager Chen ordered Zhao Ying and Qiu Hua.

His reference to 'Leader Yang' effectively confirmed the new leadership.

Gu An understood and didn't mind.

Now was not the time for him to contend for the leader's position.

After all, he still needed to continue with the logging.

Only then did Qiu Hua and the others begin to act, hastily moving to assist.

When he was lifted up, Yang Shitou turned toward Gu An.

The almost tangible resentment and murderous intent in his gaze sent chills down Gu An's spine.

He truly did not know when he had engendered such animosity from the other man.

But regardless, a deep grudge was now in place.

So...

He had no way out.

What followed was more logging.

Gu An continued to work with the axe in the logging efforts.

Now there was only one Supervisor, Shen Shanhe, who carried out his duties with utmost diligence.

He dared not slack off in the slightest.

Today's events had made him worried and apprehensive.

Uncertain of what the future might hold, he could only focus on his work, lest being caught loafing lead to trouble.

Even he could see it now.

Manager Chen was on Leader Yang's side, so why would he suddenly decide the leader through a contest?

It must have been Yang Shi, thinking himself a sure winner, who wanted to climb to the top over others.

But the outcome had been a disappointment.

Yet, Yang Shi was still the temporary leader.

This indicated that his standing with Manager Chen was not low.

After today, Leader Gu likely couldn't stay.

He was finished.

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The simple Spirit Tree Garden had suddenly become complicated.

The Supervisor and some of the loggers fell silent, fully focused on their work.

In the afternoon.

Qiu Hua and Zhao Ying returned.

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Zhao Ying silently went about her work.

Qiu Hua came to Gu An's side and whispered, "Boss, Yang Shi seems to be from the Chen Family. You..."

Gu An held the axe, chopping wood casually, his voice calm, "Don't worry about it. Just do your job well. What's meant to come will come."

Qiu Hua wanted to say more, but she didn't know what else to say.

The Chen Family might be nothing in front of the Sect, but they held some power in these peripheral regions.

Offending them, one might disappear without a trace within days.

She wanted to convince the boss to leave as soon as possible.

But where could they go?

They were all from the lower rungs of society, where a slight misstep could mean death.

To survive, they were already struggling with all their might.

Now that they've offended the Chen Family, the consequences were beyond what mere struggling could resist.

If the Chen Family wanted them dead, it wouldn't matter whether they struggled or not.

Especially if Manager Chen didn't intervene.

The situation would only get worse.

Gu An had intended to tell Qiu Hua to leave, but suddenly curious, he asked, "How have I treated you over these years?"

"Very well. Although sometimes harsh, indeed we've managed smoothly for so many years without major disasters or calamities," Qiu Hua asserted confidently.

"And Yang Shi?" Gu An thought for a moment then added, "Have I ever wronged him?"

"No," Qiu Hua said firmly. "Yang Shi was personally promoted by Boss. Many things were smoothed over by the Boss for him. Living arrangement, cultivation, the Boss has been extremely good to him."

Yes, I also saw that in my memories. Although there's no great kindness or favor, I haven't wronged him. Gu An sighed inwardly.

Then he relaxed and said, "That's good."

Afterward, there was no further conversation with Qiu Hua. Everyone was busy with their own tasks.

The Spirit Tree Garden had a somewhat oppressive atmosphere today.

In the evening, everyone sighed with relief as they left.

Gu An walked back with an expressionless face. Ever since he hurt Yang Shi, he knew the days to come wouldn't be easy.

After all, the Yang Shi now was not the same as before.

But a future Talisman Maker.

His value was far from low.

Back at his lodging, Gu An saw Chu Meng resting with her eyes closed.

For safety's sake, he decided to disable her limbs once more.

After all, those with higher cultivation levels tend to recover naturally.

"Do that bitch know how vicious you are?" Chu Meng, who was initially resting, roared in anger.

The immense pain made her deeply loathe the person in front of her.

Gu An sighed internally, thinking that the woman probably didn't know.

After all, she was even more vicious.

Then Gu An gave her two steamed buns before retreating back into his room.

The Hard Cultivation value was already full.

During the night, Gu An spent his time enhancing his cultivation.

After using the value, he once again felt as if he had entered a dream and began Hard Cultivation.

Throughout the process, there were slight changes in his body.

After what felt like many years of Hard Cultivation, his Spiritual Energy built up to the brim and finally broke through the shackles.

Entering the Qi Refining Fifth Layer.

After a long period of insight, Gu An finally opened his eyes.

After sensing around to make sure everything was fine, he then checked his status panel.

[Name: Gu An]

[Cultivation: Qi Refining Fifth Layer]

[Status: Poisoned, poison taking effect]

[Magic: 18/50]

[Hard Cultivation: 12/100]

[Ring of Destiny]

"I haven't used up all the Hard Cultivation values, I wonder if it would be wasted if the breakthrough isn't successful."

When he used the Hard Cultivation values, it felt as if he was the one engaging in the Hard Cultivation. If he wasn't successful in the end, these values likely wouldn't be enough for another breakthrough.

But he had not encountered this specific situation before and was unsure about it.

He could only wait and see in the future.

Getting used to his limbs and strength, Gu An took out the hidden Storage Treasure.

He opened the door and walked outside.

Tonight, he wouldn't go logging but do some other meaningful tasks.