Within the back courtyard of the Sky Patrol Office, at Tao Qingyuan's residence,

Lü Yuan, Tao Qingyuan, and Chen Yuan sat around a cyan stone table. The tabletop was smooth, like jade, upon which sat a pot of spiritual tea for the three to savor.

This was a treasured possession of Tao Qingyuan's from many years ago. It was only because today was a special occasion that he was willing to bring it out.

Spiritual tea was not like other things; it was quite precious.

The value of the spiritual tea that Ye Chenbai had previously offered Chen Yuan was unknown, but Lü Yuan said that Tao Qingyuan's pot was worth more than a Yuan Crystal.

Perhaps fearing that Chen Yuan didn't know what a Yuan Crystal was, Lü Yuan briefly explained its composition and value, which was roughly the same as what Chen Yuan had already learned.

However, Chen Yuan felt that the spiritual energy contained within was about the same as Ye Chenbai's tea. Thinking of this, he gained a better understanding of the wealth of the Immortal Ascension Pavilion.

After all, Chen Yuan was only at the Condensing Qi realm at the time, yet Ye Chenbai was willing to let him drink spiritual tea. Looking back, he had certainly taken advantage of the situation.

After finishing the tea in his cup, Chen Yuan picked up the teapot and refilled the cups of the two men in front of him.

Tao Qingyuan tapped his fingers on the table. Lü Yuan glanced at him and smiled softly at Chen Yuan:

"This time, your name will truly resound throughout Nanling Prefecture."

Previously, when Chen Yuan was in the Condensing Qi realm, no matter how famous he was, it couldn't be considered "resounding." But now that Chen Yuan had first slain Xu Lingtian and then annihilated the Azure Flood Dragon Society,

he had proven his strength.

Apart from a select few, who in Nanling Prefecture could stand against Chen Yuan?

In the coming days, his name would undoubtedly be on everyone's lips, and even the surrounding prefectures would be shocked by the simultaneous destruction of the Azure Flood Dragon Society and the Dragon-Tiger Sect.

Simply because it was rare.

Such forces usually didn't perish in a prefecture for over a decade. Most of them gradually declined, but the Azure Flood Dragon Society and the Dragon-Tiger Sect were different.

They were destroyed by the same person on the same day.

Three Profound Connection experts, nearly ten Condensing Qi martial artists, and thousands of Foundation Establishment martial artists also perished.

Throughout Qing Prefecture, the Profound Connection realm was considered an expert, but certainly not a prominent figure. Apart from the Core Formation realm experts, there were even more terrifying individuals.

But in an ordinary prefecture, a Profound Connection martial artist could definitely be considered a notable figure.

"Fame is fleeting. Who among those devoted to the martial path cares about it?" Chen Yuan replied.

At least, he didn't particularly care about fame. What he could truly rely on was his own strength. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many hidden old monsters in the world.

"Young, yet with a stable temperament," Lü Yuan commented. But after saying that, he felt something was off, recalling Chen Yuan's arrogant demeanor.

That was anything but stable.

Tao Qingyuan frowned slightly and asked Chen Yuan:

"You want to attack Jinshan Temple?"

"Indeed."

Chen Yuan admitted it straightforwardly.

Previously, to avoid any other thoughts from Tao Qingyuan, his main targets were the Dragon-Tiger Sect and the Azure Flood Dragon Society, but now that wasn't necessary.

Jinshan Temple was isolated, and even if Fa Hai was exceptionally strong, he couldn't stand against their combined forces.

Lü Yuan raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised. He hadn't expected Chen Yuan to still be restless after destroying the Azure Flood Dragon Society and the Dragon-Tiger Sect, and still be thinking about annihilating Jinshan Temple.

Tao Qingyuan, on the other hand, had a look of "as expected" on his face.

He had only had a vague feeling before, but today, Chen Yuan's actions were too obvious. Anyone who wasn't an idiot could see the undisguised killing intent between Chen Yuan and Fa Nan.

That was why he asked the question.

"Jinshan Temple is not easily destroyed." Lü Yuan didn't ask Chen Yuan why he had such strong killing intent towards Jinshan Temple. Perhaps even he couldn't imagine that Chen Yuan still harbored resentment for what happened before.

He only felt that there might be some other grudges between Chen Yuan and Jinshan Temple.

"Brother Lü is right. Jinshan Temple's strength is definitely in a league of its own in Nanling Prefecture. The overall strength of the temple's martial monks is unmatched by any of the major forces in Nanling Prefecture.

Otherwise, why would Jinshan Temple be recognized as the strongest force in Nanling Prefecture?"

"Also, Fa Hai's strength should not be underestimated. He is at the peak of the Profound Connection realm and can be called the number one expert in Nanling. He is well-known even in Qing Prefecture."

When Fa Hai was mentioned, Tao Qingyuan's expression became unprecedentedly solemn.

Lü Yuan continued to add:

"Jinshan Temple is not as simple as it seems. It has a background. According to Shangguan, Jinshan Temple seems to be closely connected to a major Buddhist sect in Qing Prefecture."

He didn't say which major Buddhist sect it was, but there were only a few forces in Qing Prefecture that could be called "major," and among them, there was only one Buddhist force.

Chen Yuan took a deep breath and said softly:

"No matter how big its background is, can it be bigger than the imperial court?"

He felt that Tao Qingyuan and Lü Yuan seemed to have some misconceptions. The world belonged to the imperial court. If a force was truly so powerful, why didn't it usurp the throne?

Chen Yuan felt that it was necessary to be wary of some Jianghu forces, but not too much...

He didn't believe that even if Jinshan Temple was destroyed, the major Buddhist sect in Qing Prefecture would dare to openly destroy the entire Sky Patrol Office. That would be treason.

Tao Qingyuan said in a deep voice:

"You're right, the strongest force in the world is indeed the imperial court, but you can't underestimate some of the top sects in the Jianghu. They all have Core Formation realm experts or above sitting in them.

Even the imperial court wouldn't easily provoke them. Some of the more powerful forces don't even respect the imperial court. In some places, it seems like the imperial court has jurisdiction, but in reality, they are self-governing."

As he spoke, he looked deeply at Chen Yuan.

This was a problem left over from the founding of the nation. Many people knew what was going on, but it was impossible to solve...

"Yes, and there are also significant Buddhist forces in the imperial court. At least... the current state preceptor is a Bodhisattva from Mount Sumeru..." Lü Yuan said.

"Bodhisattva?"

Chen Yuan raised an eyebrow. Was it the kind of Bodhisattva from the myths of his previous life?

Was this a world of martial arts or a world of mythology?

Judging by the means of combat, the difference between the two didn't seem to be that great. Chen Yuan could now easily split a river and shatter a giant rock of tens of meters.

What about those above him?

"You must think carefully about this. I know your personality, and I know that persuasion is useless, but you must be cautious and strive for a decisive victory.

When that time comes, with Lord Jiang around, no one will be able to touch you."

Tao Qingyuan changed the subject.

What he had said earlier wasn't to discourage Chen Yuan, but because he saw that Chen Yuan was too confident and feared that he would underestimate Jinshan Temple.

What he didn't know was that Chen Yuan had never underestimated Jinshan Temple. As a certain great man had said, "Strategically despise the enemy, but tactically respect the enemy."

Chen Yuan pondered for a few breaths and said:

"I alone am not enough. But if we add you two adults and Gang Leader Shi Yunlong, the four of us working together, with the support of a thousand armored soldiers, destroying Jinshan Temple would be much easier."

After hearing this, Lü Yuan looked at Chen Yuan with a smile that wasn't quite a smile:

"Establishing your prestige by destroying the Azure Flood Dragon Society and the Dragon-Tiger Sect is enough. I didn't agree to deal with Jinshan Temple."

Chen Yuan's heart sank. Just as he was about to say something, Tao Qingyuan interjected:

"If I remember correctly, Brother Lü suffered a loss at Jinshan Temple three years ago. What's wrong, don't you want to get it back?"

Lü Yuan curled his lips:

"You guy, Chen Yuan hasn't even said anything, and you're already jumping to help."

"It's not just Chen Yuan's personal grudge. According to some information I've received, Fa Hai is about to break through. What do you think will happen to Jinshan Temple when he breaks through to the Core Formation realm?"

Tao Qingyuan dropped a bombshell.

Lü Yuan's face suddenly darkened, and he looked directly at Tao Qingyuan and said:

"Is what you said true?"

"Ninety percent chance."

"So fast..." Lü Yuan muttered to himself.

He understood what Tao Qingyuan meant. Jinshan Temple was already the strongest force in Nanling Prefecture, and they often disrespected the government. What would happen when they broke through to the Core Formation realm?

Wouldn't even the government have to look to Jinshan Temple's face when doing things?

That wouldn't do!

Chen Yuan was also a little surprised. He frowned involuntarily. He had been busy cultivating and seeking opportunities, and although he paid attention to Jinshan Temple, it wasn't as closely as he had imagined. Naturally, he didn't know that Fa Hai was preparing to break through.

Now that he suddenly learned about it from Tao Qingyuan, he naturally felt a sense of crisis.

When Fa Hai broke through, let alone the four of them working together, even if a few more came, they wouldn't be a match for him!

The time to attack Jinshan Temple had to be moved forward.

"But Fa Hai's strength..." Lü Yuan was still very apprehensive.

Even if the four of them worked together, he was afraid that the chances of winning wouldn't be very high. Even if they won, it would definitely be a pyrrhic victory. Moreover, Shi Yunlong's injuries weren't light right now.

Would he agree to take action?

His strength was now basically at the bottom, and his danger would be even greater.

Tao Qingyuan took over the conversation and said to Chen Yuan:

"Don't be too optimistic. The odds of us four winning are not high. Don't forget about the old monk Fa Nan. He will at least restrain one of us."

"Unless there are other Profound Connection experts willing to help. In addition, we have to persuade Shi Yunlong to fight with his life."

Chen Yuan's eyes were deep as he pondered, feeling that what Tao Qingyuan said made some sense. This battle had to be safe, otherwise, if they failed, not only would the government's prestige be greatly damaged,

they would also face Fa Hai's revenge.

Suddenly, Chen Yuan's eyes lit up:

"Does your Excellency know when Lord Zhang will return?"

"Zhang Xuan..."

Tao Qingyuan lowered his eyelids and his eyes flickered:

"It's still unknown, but the message he sent back earlier was... soon."

"It's not appropriate to place all our hopes on Zhang Xuan." Lü Yuan raised the question.

If Fa Hai was really about to break through, they couldn't keep waiting for Zhang Xuan to return. If he came back late, they wouldn't have a chance to act again.

"Lord Lü, don't worry. Even if Lord Zhang doesn't return, I have some confidence in bringing in another Profound Connection expert." Chen Yuan's eyes lit up, as if he had thought of something.

Tao Qingyuan glanced at Chen Yuan, his eyes slightly closed, and said:

"You mean..."