Although the lower-ranking Azure Envoys harbored some discontent regarding the decision made by the Golden Envoy Jiang He and his two deputies, they dared not voice their objections. Chen Yuan had indeed taken a shortcut.

But it was a shortcut earned with his life!

The Golden Envoy had made it clear that this was a significant achievement, asking if any of them were willing to undertake it. They were too cautious, unable to seize the opportunity, so who could they blame?

That was the rationalization, but a sense of unease lingered in their hearts.

Some of them had yet to accumulate enough merit to secure their positions as Azure Envoys, while Chen Yuan's rise had been so rapid. His official rank and status had been easily established.

This disparity in circumstances caused them considerable resentment.

However, their feelings were disregarded. After the decision was made, Jiang He continued to delegate other tasks. He wouldn't summon such a large gathering solely for the sake of an Azure Envoy's status.

It was merely a convenient arrangement, leaving no room for complaint.

Even Zhang Xuan, the son of one of the esteemed Four Divine Envoys, had to undergo a process of accumulating merit before assuming the position of Azure Envoy of Nanling.

Chen Yuan's status was swiftly confirmed. On the same day, someone delivered his brand-new Sky Patrol Azure Envoy uniform, finally adorned with a wisp of azure insignia on his chest.

And his Wild Goose Blade was replaced with one of higher quality.

For several days, Chen Yuan either immersed himself in the Hall of Records, perusing secret tales of the martial world to assess the overall situation, or he diligently cultivated within the inn, never ceasing his efforts.

His cultivation was steadily improving, albeit at a slower pace than before, which he found somewhat unsettling.

Despite his infrequent appearances, news of Chen Yuan's arrival in Qingzhou City spread from within the Sky Patrol Division, and the word of his becoming a Sky Patrol Azure Envoy rapidly circulated.

Some observed, others resented, their expressions varying.

Some believed that with Jiang He's support, Chen Yuan would inevitably run rampant and without restraint. They warned their disciples and clansmen to avoid provoking him, as he dared to kill even the son of a Dan Realm Grandmaster. Who would he fear in Qingzhou?

Even a Dan Realm Grandmaster had fallen because of him...

Of course, there were also many who aspired to rise to fame in Qingzhou by stepping on Chen Yuan. However, Chen Yuan's whereabouts were relatively concealed, so no one knew where to find him.

Otherwise, he would undoubtedly be challenged.

When Chen Yuan felt he had learned enough from the Hall of Records, he began his next course of action: searching for the Child of Destiny!

On his way here, Chen Yuan had speculated that a city as prominent as Qingzhou must surely harbor individuals blessed with Destiny. However, after wandering around Qingzhou City for two days, he discovered that

there really wasn't one!

This realization left Chen Yuan somewhat disappointed. Each discovery of a Child of Destiny meant a surge in his cultivation. At the very least, he would obtain treasures that would be of great use to him.

But if he couldn't find one, he just couldn't find one. This concept was elusive. Sometimes they would come to him without being sought, but when he actively searched, he couldn't find them.

In the end, Chen Yuan could only abandon this idea and place his hopes on Tangshan Prefecture.

He estimated that his departure was imminent, and if he went to Tangshan Prefecture, he would pass through Ping'an County. If he returned, it would be a triumphant homecoming.

......

......

Qingzhou Sky Patrol Division, within a small courtyard.

This was Jiang He's residence within the Sky Patrol Division. It wasn't large, but it was exquisitely designed. Several spiritual fish swam in the pond, and spiritual herbs grew along the banks. The entire courtyard seemed to be inscribed with a Spirit Gathering Array.

The ambient spiritual energy was nearly twice as dense as that of the outside world.

The Golden Envoy Jiang He, clad in white robes, stood with one hand behind his back, gazing into the distance, resembling a beautiful painting. The aura he exuded had vanished, no longer like a soaring sword as before.

He resembled a scholar without the strength to truss a chicken.

"Lord Envoy, Azure Envoy Chen requests an audience."

A particularly respectful voice came from outside the courtyard.

Jiang He's authority was undisputed in Qingzhou. Ever since he had killed a deputy who opposed him to serve as a warning, no one dared to disrespect him. Moreover, there were the rumors that had spread.

Jiang He had become a god in their eyes.

Untainted by the world, a Sword God in white robes.

"Let him in."

The transmission of sound landed accurately in the ears of the Sky Patrol Guard, causing him to bow respectfully and say in a low voice:

"Yes, this subordinate obeys."

Before long, Chen Yuan entered the courtyard. As soon as he entered, he sensed the exceptionally dense ambient spiritual energy. He felt that even without cultivation, his cultivation would slowly improve.

As expected, the lives of the strong were always so plain, unpretentious, and tedious.

Reaching Jiang He, Chen Yuan clasped his fist and said:

"Lord Envoy."

"How has your study been these past few days?" Jiang He asked.

"It's been good. I finally have a relatively thorough understanding of the situation in Qingzhou and the world."

As he spoke, Chen Yuan couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

His previous limitations had indeed been significant. Only after arriving in Qingzhou City did he realize that information he had previously wanted to know but couldn't could be easily obtained here.

At the same time, he understood the meaning of what Su Ziyue had said, knowing too much could easily lead to despair.

The path of martial arts was extremely difficult, like climbing a green mountain. The higher one climbed, the more difficult it became. Although there were many experts in the world today, how large was the population base from which they were cultivated?

A Profound Realm cultivator was already one in ten thousand.

After that, it would be even more difficult...

It was precisely for this reason that many martial artists couldn't help but collude with the demonic path, all for the fleeting pleasure of improvement.

At the same time, the vast majority of cultivation resources in this world were controlled by the imperial court and some of the top sects in the martial world. Some spiritual herbs and objects simply couldn't be found elsewhere.

The situation of the imperial court was also deteriorating. Qingzhou was considered good, but other prefectures were even worse. The influence of martial world forces was beginning to surpass that of the imperial court.

If it were someone else, they might feel powerless about the current state of the imperial court, but Chen Yuan was different. From his various observations, he had realized that the Great Jin Dynasty was already on a downward path.

Perhaps it was only waiting for someone to raise their arms and rally the people to topple the building.

This situation was somewhat similar to the final years of the dynasty in his previous life...

Therefore, he had to improve his strength as soon as possible in order to get a piece of the pie.

"What do you think of the imperial court?"

After hearing Chen Yuan say that he had gained a deep understanding of Qingzhou and the world, Jiang He suddenly asked this question, for some reason.

Chen Yuan considered for a moment and said in a low voice:

"The world's affairs, after a long period of division, there must be unity; after a long period of unity, there must be division. If the Great Jin does not have the power to turn the tide, it may not be long before war breaks out."

It was only because Jiang He was a member of the Dao Shrine, and they were in the same boat, that Chen Yuan could utter such rebellious words without courting death.

But why did he say them?

Because he vaguely suspected that the Dao Shrine's ambitions were not small.

Otherwise, why would they specifically develop their forces in Qingzhou?

As far as he knew, if Jiang He went to Central Plains, he would definitely be highly valued. With his talent and strength, he would undoubtedly be valued by the Great Jin Dynasty.

From their previous interactions, Chen Yuan could tell that Jiang He was only half a step away from the Transformation Yang Realm. In Qingzhou, he was considered very strong.

Coupled with the other hidden members of the Dao Shrine, they had a chance to control Qingzhou. After all, Qingzhou only had some top sects, and none of the Ten Immortal Sect-level existences.

Of course, this was just Chen Yuan's guess. Whether it was true remained to be seen.

Staring deeply at Chen Yuan, Jiang He slowly withdrew his gaze, and instead gave Chen Yuan the pill talisman he had promised earlier, saying:

"Here is the pill talisman for you. Do a good job with the matter in Tangshan Prefecture."

"Lord Envoy can rest assured that this subordinate will handle matters well."

Chen Yuan curled his lips. Killing people... was it difficult?

Of course, he was also clear that it definitely wasn't just about killing people. Jiang He's words meant that he should obtain evidence, otherwise how could it be considered a merit?

"Well, go ahead. If you can't defeat them, send me a message."

"This subordinate takes his leave."

Chen Yuan nodded, then turned and left.

Having Jiang He, this great weapon, was enough to put his mind at ease, and he could act more aggressively.

After Chen Yuan left, Jiang He took out the Book of Heaven and said lightly:

"This young man sees very far, and I'm afraid he has already seen through our plans."

Su Ziyue: "How could the person I've chosen have no ability?"

A deep male voice then came out:

"Chen Yuan is indeed not simple. I didn't expect that his accomplishments in the fleshly body would be so profound. At such a young age, he has reached the Blood Qi Like Dragon Realm. In this case, the Ascending Immortal Fruit matter is not without hope."

"That cultivation method is also very suitable for him." The woman who had previously been called Sister Suqing by Su Ziyue also spoke, her tone gentle and generous.

"Yes..."

"Seven Emotions Dao Lord, how is the investigation into Chen Yuan's background?"

The deep male voice spoke again.

From the moment they decided to bet on Chen Yuan, they had already conducted a comprehensive investigation into him. He could have such talent, perhaps there were other issues in other aspects.

Su Ziyue was silent for a moment and said:

"Chen Yuan's parents died when he was young, and he was raised by his uncle. However, I have discovered some clues."

"Oh? What's the problem?" Jiang He's eyes narrowed.

"During the investigation, the information about his parents has always been relatively vague, with only two names. Apart from that, nothing else can be investigated.

And the uncle who raised Chen Yuan... it seems that not much information can be found, as if it has been erased." Su Ziyue considered.

After she finished speaking, the Book of Heaven fell silent. Jiang He said:

"As long as Chen Yuan has no problems, even if there is something wrong with his background, it doesn't matter. Who among those present doesn't have some background?"

"It seems that Chen Yuan has caught the eye of Brother Heavenly Sword." The gentle and generous woman said with a chuckle.

"Chen Yuan, this young man, has the potential to reach the Transformation Yang Realm!"

After a long time, Jiang He commented.

"By the way, does Senior Moro have any guidance?" The deep male voice asked.

"Apart from the time he asked me to go to Nanling Prefecture, no news has been heard since then. He should... be asleep again." Su Ziyue said.

————

Thank you to book friend Niliu Longge for the 2,000 coin reward support.