A faint voice, infused with the Yuan Qi of heaven and earth, resonated throughout the space, bringing a moment of silence. Everyone present looked at the domineering and flamboyant figure in the void, their eyes revealing fear and submission.

No one dared to object!

Because they didn't want to die!

Chen Yuan's words had made his intentions clear. He had the power to execute first and report later, allowing him to kill them without repercussions. They feared such power.

"Greetings, Gold Envoy!"

Finally, a patrolling envoy couldn't withstand the immense pressure and was the first to break the silence. He knelt on one knee and said in a deep voice.

Where there is one, there is another. Under his leadership, the remaining patrolling guards, patrolling envoys, and even several Dan realm deputy envoys either knelt on one knee or bowed deeply, all expressing their submission to Chen Yuan.

In fact, these warriors had already been subdued when Feng Jiuying and Huangfu Qi each expressed their submission.

Even the two Gold Envoys dared not resist. What were they compared to that?

They were merely stunned by Chen Yuan's aura for a moment.

Seeing their submissive appearance below, Chen Yuan's lips slowly curled into a faint smile. Everything was proceeding according to his previous plan.

Indeed!

In reality, as long as Chen Yuan produced Grand Commandant Gu Tianqiong's token, Feng Jiuying and Huangfu Qi would have no choice but to submit to him and allow him to take the position of Gold Envoy.

But that would only be on the surface. Behind the scenes, they would definitely cause trouble for Chen Yuan. This was not what Chen Yuan wanted. He wanted to shatter their prestige and establish his own authority.

Only after defeating them and then producing this token could he quickly seize the moral high ground. Only then could he truly control the situation in his own hands.

It was a bit reckless, but wasn't this method effective?

After all, besides his own reputation, Chen Yuan also defeated Feng Jiuying and Huangfu Qi in rapid succession within ten breaths of time. The difference in strength alone was enough to prove everything.

Here, strength was the ultimate deciding factor!

The only pity was that they didn't possess the Destiny he needed. Otherwise, even at the risk of being punished, he would have 'accidentally' and inadvertently sent them on their way.

From that moment on, Chen Yuan completely controlled the Liangzhou Patrol Division.

Although it was only a preliminary step, it was a good start.

The rest would require him to slowly work towards it.

After intimidating everyone present in the Patrol Division, Chen Yuan slowly descended from the void. With a wave of his hand, a powerful, invisible force lifted Feng Jiuying and Huangfu Qi, who had been slammed into the ground, creating craters.

The vitality of Heavenly Dan grandmasters was indeed tenacious, especially Huangfu Qi, a martial artist with a strong physical body. He hadn't suffered too serious injuries. If it had been a Void Dan grandmaster...

His punch might have directly sent him to his death, or at the very least, severely injured him.

Chen Yuan's actions immediately made Huangfu Qi and Feng Jiuying vigilant, fearing that Chen Yuan would strike them again, causing them to be severely injured for months.

If months passed, Chen Yuan would probably be able to completely control the Liangzhou Patrol Division, and the forces under their command would defect.

But to their surprise, Chen Yuan didn't attack them. His originally cold expression gradually turned gentle, and he gazed at them with a faint smile, saying:

"Gold Envoy Huangfu, Gold Envoy Feng, in the future, the three of us will need to work together diligently to manage the Liangzhou Patrol Division."

"Lord Chen is right. In the future, Feng will definitely follow Lord Chen's lead in handling the Liangzhou Patrol Division properly," Feng Jiuying said, stepping forward first. Chen Yuan had given them face.

They had to accept it.

"This old man as well."

Huangfu Qi took a deep breath and said in a deep voice.

BeiLiang Royal Mansion.

Wei Wuque listened to the report from the dark guard in front of him, turned his gaze to Uncle Hong, and smiled:

"Uncle Hong, how accurate was my guess?"

Uncle Hong's face was solemn:

"This Demon Blade Chen Yuan is indeed not simple."

He had originally thought he had overestimated him, advising the young master not to make an enemy of him to avoid angering the king. But now, it seemed he had underestimated him.

He won a battle and completely subdued Feng Jiuying and Huangfu Qi.

He also occupied the moral high ground. This required not only strength but also exceptional character and control. With such abilities, his future was limitless!

"Yes, Chen Yuan is indeed not simple, and he's even more terrifying than before," Wei Wuque sighed softly. He had originally thought he was about to catch up with him.

Unexpectedly, the gap was even wider now!

Defeating two Gold Envoys in ten breaths of time. Such strength far exceeded him. He definitely possessed the strength to be in the top ten of the Wind and Cloud Rankings. It was so fast!

It had only been half a year since the last Immortal Ascension Battle.

Chen Yuan not only hadn't faded into obscurity but had become even more terrifying. Wei Wuque suddenly felt that it probably wouldn't be long before Chen Yuan could reach the top of the Wind and Cloud Rankings!

Comparisons are truly the bane of happiness!

It was true what they said: living in the same era as Chen Yuan was both fortunate and unfortunate.

As Wei Wuque was lamenting Chen Yuan's terror, a royal guard slowly approached and bowed, saying:

"Your Highness, Young Master, there is a Young Master Xiang outside who wishes to see you." Then, after a moment of hesitation, he continued: "That Young Master Xiang said he is an old acquaintance of yours. Your subordinate dared not neglect and came to report."

"An old acquaintance surnamed Xiang..." Hearing the guard's words, Wei Wuque's brows furrowed, and his eyes were thoughtful, as if pondering something.

After a moment, he said:

"Please invite that Young Master Xiang to the study. This young master will go there later."

"Yes, your subordinate obeys!"

The guard bowed and withdrew.

After everyone had left, Wei Wuque turned his gaze to Uncle Hong beside him and said in a low voice:

"Uncle Hong, who do you think this person is?"

He hadn't secretly left BeiLiang many times, but each time he went out, he had Uncle Hong guarding him, so Uncle Hong knew almost all of his old acquaintances.

Uncle Hong recalled and thought for a moment, then suddenly seemed to remember something:

"Does Your Highness still remember the person you met overseas several years ago?"

"Uncle Hong, are you talking about... that guy named Xiang Lingtian?"

"There are not many people surnamed Xiang that the young master has encountered. The only one who made this old man feel somewhat extraordinary is him. He was only in his early twenties, yet his cultivation had reached the peak of Tongxuan."

"What was strange was that this person's cultivation and strength were so high, yet he had no reputation in the Jianghu. At the time, this old man also told Your Highness not to be careless."

"At that time, Uncle Hong guessed that this person might be related to the former imperial family."

"Correct."

"Then what is he here to visit me for today?"

"Your Highness will know when you meet him. However, this old man thinks it's best if Your Highness doesn't get too close to this person. If he really is related to the previous dynasty, I'm afraid his motives won't be that simple."

"Uncle Hong, don't worry, I understand."

Wei Wuque nodded with a solemn expression.

He was the only son of the BeiLiang King, who had him late in life. Therefore, he was designated as the Heir Apparent of BeiLiang. From a young age, his status was respected. Although he was young, he wasn't ignorant of some things.

For example, he knew that his father, the BeiLiang King, was originally just a general guarding the border of the former dynasty, loyal to the previous dynasty. But later, due to a series of events, the Xiang family was attacked by heroes from all over the world.

Wei Jinfeng, in order to guard the border during the chaos in the Central Plains, did not come to the aid of the emperor. Afterwards, his cultivation improved in the turbulent times, and he stepped into the Yangshen realm, becoming a True Monarch, and completely took control of the border army.

The Sima family, in order to appease him, conferred his father as a king with a different surname.

To this day, his father, the BeiLiang King, possessed even greater power, and even the Sima family had to win him over, even marrying a princess to his father as an equal wife.

If he was truly from the former imperial family, it was impossible for him not to think more about why he was visiting today.

The news that Chen Yuan had settled the situation in the Patrol Division with one battle, along with Huangfu Qi and Feng Jiuying's expression of submission, was completely announced after that battle ended.

The impact was also rapidly spreading towards Liangzhou City.

Many people were surprised and solemn about this, feeling that Chen Yuan was truly extraordinary. On his first day in office, he completely subdued Feng and Huang, successfully ascending to the throne of the Liangzhou Gold Envoy.

This wasn't simple.

If it were truly that simple, Huangfu Qi and Feng Jiuying wouldn't have been fighting for nearly half a year. This battle had also made them a laughingstock.

Some people mocked them for painstakingly fighting for power, only to fall at the hands of Chen Yuan, handing over that power with both hands. They were simply useless.

Huangfu Qi and Feng Jiuying chose to remain silent about these discussions because it was the truth.

However, now that things had come to this, they could only try their best to salvage the situation. Feng Jiuying quickly changed his mind and decided to build a good relationship with this young, vigorous, and headstrong Chen Gold Envoy.

To be a fellow traveler...

......

......

Liangzhou Patrol Division.

Chen Yuan calmly placed the last book in his hand. This book contained information about the current situation of the Liangzhou Patrol Division, such as the number of patrolling guards and the situation in the subordinate prefectures.

Overall, it was a little better than he had imagined. He had originally thought that the Liangzhou Patrol Division was just a formality and that the true power was in the hands of the BeiLiang King.

Now it seemed that this was not the case.

The BeiLiang King still had some sense of propriety and hadn't gone too far. He controlled most of the military power and political affairs, but he hadn't interfered with the Patrol Division.

Thinking about it now, Huangfu Qi's previous request for aid from the capital, saying that he had been hollowed out by the BeiLiang King, was probably false. He was just hoping that the Patrol Division would support him.

It was likely that he had offended the BeiLiang Royal Mansion due to some matter.

In just half a day, Chen Yuan had figured out some clues.

However, although it was better than he had imagined, it still wasn't very optimistic because, according to the information recorded in the books, the people of Liangzhou, if not all, mostly admired the BeiLiang King.

They only knew of the BeiLiang Royal Mansion and not the imperial court.

It was similar to the situation he was in in Tangshan Prefecture.

But that was only one prefecture, while this was one prefecture in a vast territory. The two were not comparable.

With the hearts of the people, the military, and the government all under the control of the BeiLiang King, it would be impossible for Chen Yuan to do anything without going through the BeiLiang Royal Mansion. He had to deal with them.

If they didn't give him face, then it would be really difficult.

It would be impossible to smuggle warhorses!

It would be difficult to bypass the BeiLiang Royal Mansion and trade with some tribes on the grasslands.

It was indeed troublesome.

Letting out a long breath of stale air, Chen Yuan understood that he had to meet this famous BeiLiang King to see what his attitude was.

Then, he would find a way to have Wei Wuque, the heir apparent of BeiLiang, secretly trade with him.

But if he did that, some of his ambitions would inevitably be exposed. If he was reported, all his previous accumulation would be in vain.

Even if he wasn't reported, and this matter was used as his weakness, it would make him very uncomfortable.

It would be best to find a win-win situation...

After pondering for a long time, Chen Yuan couldn't come up with a good solution. After all, he wasn't the type to be all-knowing. He was just a bit more decisive.

"Forget it... I should first help Senior Moro recover from his injuries and then plan from there," Chen Yuan thought to himself.

He estimated that he wouldn't be transferred away in a short period of time, so he could only proceed step by step. Whether it was investigating the remnants of the former dynasty or smuggling exotic warhorses, he had to take it slowly.

But Senior Moro's matter couldn't be delayed because it was somewhat urgent.

Before, on the way from Wudang Mountain to Liangzhou City, Moro had no longer kept anything a secret and had told Chen Yuan the general details of the matter.

He was planning to go to the depths of the grasslands!

He naturally didn't have this idea before, but the last time he recovered a lot of his primordial spirit in Sunken Blood Lake. If he could obtain a treasure from the barbarians, he could completely restore his primordial spirit in a very short period of time.

Therefore, Chen Yuan would definitely go to the grasslands, and it would be in the near future. According to Moro, the Northern Barbarians would be holding a sacrifice soon, and that sacred object would be brought out.

There would only be such an opportunity every three years.

He couldn't miss it.

Originally, he was planning to go alone, but if he did that, the people of Lingshan would definitely notice. Later, Chen Yuan was also transferred to the border, which gave him a new idea.

After these few improvements in his cultivation, Chen Yuan's physical body could withstand even more power.

The chances of seizing that sacred object would be even greater!

As Chen Yuan was thinking about how to prepare for the next step, a patrolling guard bowed and walked into the main hall, saluting and saying:

"Lord, Gold Envoy Feng requests to see you."

Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes and said softly:

"Let him in."

"Yes."

Soon, Feng Jiuying walked into the main hall with a normal expression. Compared to his previous miserable appearance, he had now changed back into his official uniform.

If you didn't carefully sense it, you wouldn't be able to sense the aura of decline on his body at all.

Of course, this was just a facade. In reality, the injuries that Chen Yuan had inflicted on him couldn't be healed in less than half a month.

"Gold Envoy Feng, instead of staying at home to recuperate, why have you come to the yamen?"

Chen Yuan asked, staring at Feng Jiuying.

His arrival was quite surprising to him.

"Some injuries won't delay this subordinate's actions,"

Feng Jiuying quickly said with a smile.

Even his address had changed. Both of them were Gold Envoys of the fourth rank, but he was willing to call himself a 'subordinate'. It had to be said that his psychological adjustment speed was much faster than Huangfu Qi's.

"Mm, sit."

Chen Yuan pointed to the side. Then, with a wave of his hand, a cup of spiritual tea landed in front of Feng Jiuying. He picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said with a smile, "Lord's spiritual tea is indeed extraordinary. It is filled with spiritual energy. This subordinate has benefited from it."

Chen Yuan smiled, feeling that this Feng Jiuying was truly a wonderful person. He had changed his mentality so quickly and even started to flatter him. Although the cup of spiritual tea he had given him was extraordinary, it wasn't considered rare.

At least, it wasn't rare for a patrolling Gold Envoy like Feng Jiuying. He had served as the commander of the outer city in the capital for many years and must have been rewarded with some things.

"Gold Envoy Feng must have something to say if he came here today, right?"

Chen Yuan didn't beat around the bush and directly asked his intention.

"Lord is as wise as a god. No wonder you are so young and can hold such a high position. This subordinate is truly impressed. To be honest, this subordinate has come here today to apologize to you."

"Mm?"

"Previously, this subordinate failed to immediately submit to you and instead tried to give you some lessons out of his own cleverness. Looking back now, it was really wrong. This subordinate simply cannot control the Liangzhou Patrol Division with his own methods. Only someone as virtuous and talented as you can have such methods."

Feng Jiuying put down his teacup and said.

"Lord Feng is too kind."

"No, everything this subordinate said comes from the bottom of his heart. In yesterday's battle, Lord was truly invincible. This subordinate is extremely impressed and will sincerely submit to Lord from now on, daring not to have the slightest bit of dissent."

"We are all working for the imperial court. These words are excessive,"

Chen Yuan said indifferently.

"Isn't Lord the imperial court?" Feng Jiuying revealed a smile.

"No wonder Lord Feng has the means to fight with Gold Envoy Huangfu for power. Seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary."

"Lord, everything this subordinate said comes from the bottom of his heart. Whether it's in terms of methods, strength, or character, this subordinate is far inferior to Lord.

I will naturally follow Lord's lead, and Lord can just watch this subordinate's performance in the future."

Chen Yuan stared at Feng Jiuying without saying a word. For a moment, the atmosphere was a bit silent. Feng Jiuying was stunned, thinking that he had said something wrong. Just as he was about to explain himself,

Chen Yuan suddenly smiled at him and said:

"Since Lord Feng is so sincere, then this envoy will also say something from the bottom of his heart. As long as you cooperate well with this envoy, when this envoy leaves Liangzhou,

I will definitely recommend you to become the Liangzhou Gold Envoy. You and I should work together diligently in the future and jointly guard Liangzhou for the imperial court."

Feng Jiuying was overjoyed and quickly said:

"Thank you, Lord. This subordinate will definitely do his best."

"Good."

Seeing that the atmosphere had reached this point, Feng Jiuying's eyes shifted, and he said in a low voice:

"In yesterday's battle, Lord defeated two enemies with one blow, shaking Liangzhou City. This news will definitely reach the ears of the Immortal Ascension Tower. With the strength that Lord has displayed, you will definitely be able to reach the top ten of the Wind and Cloud Rankings.

This is a joyous and congratulatory event, so... this subordinate was thinking of celebrating for Lord."

Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes. He had some awareness of this matter, but he didn't take it too seriously. It would be truly difficult if he couldn't reach the top ten of the Wind and Cloud Rankings.

And these were just some vain reputations. For him now, they weren't of much use.

It could only be said that they were accumulating for the future.

"What does Lord Feng want to say?"

Chen Yuan continued.

Feng Jiuying revealed a meaningful smile on his face and said:

"This subordinate knows that Lord has different preferences. In fact, this subordinate is also like that. I don't like those immature little women. Coincidentally, this subordinate has a beautiful woman in his mansion. Although she is over thirty, she still has her charms. I want to offer her to Lord..."

————

Guess what rank he'll be on the Wind and Cloud Rankings. Guessing is free!