Chapter 97: 97 Invitation

Chapter 97: Chapter 97 Invitation

Before the back mountain.

Zhang Xuan cast a glance at the closed-eyed Buddha portrait and strolled into the cave.

Almost nothing had changed since Chen Yuan left, he pushed open the Stone Gate slowly, and the thick scent of blood made everyone frown, including Chen Yuan, who followed behind Zhang Xuan and the others with a flicker in his eyes, unnoticed.

“Hmm… the Blood Pond, it has changed!”

Chen Yuan frowned as he surveyed the Blood Pond below, which had halved since he’d left.

“What’s wrong? Is there an issue?”

...

Zhang Xuan asked, looking at the frowning Chen Yuan.

“No… it just seems a bit off.”

“Hmm?”

“Your Excellency, look at the traces left around this Blood Pond, they don’t match the blood in the pond at all. It is likely that the person here just left before we arrived.”

Chen Yuan pointed to the traces below as he spoke.

Zhang Xuan gazed intently at the Blood Pond below, grabbed with one hand, and the blood below seemed to be drawn out, revealing the bottom of the pond. One could clearly see a human-shaped outline etched there.

“A No-Life Sect secret technique… someone has been using this place to heal,” Zhang Xuan said softly.

A jolt struck Chen Yuan’s heart, his premonition was right, someone had been under the Blood Pond this whole time!

He wondered if the person had been unaware or had simply watched with open eyes as Chen Yuan took the Blood Evil Saber away.

“Alas, we’re too late,” Yue Shan muttered with some irritation.

“Those guys earlier were just stalling for time,” someone said.

“My lord, what should we do now…” the man with the scarred face looked toward Zhang Xuan,

Zhang Xuan’s eyes remained focused on the Blood Pond as he said:

“Destroy this place, and as for these bones, bury them right here.”

Chen Yuan secretly let out a sigh of relief, unsure if the white bones beside the Blood Pond included his uncle’s. But now, it was impossible to tell.

“My lord, there have been children missing in Ping’an County recently. It’s unlikely they would turn into bones so quickly. I suspect there might be another more concealed location in Ping’an County.”

“Your speculation could be possible, these demon people do seem to know the trick of ‘a hare having three burrows’.”

“So…”

“But I won’t delay in Ping’an County, I have other matters to attend to. Moreover, since you don’t want to be in the limelight for receiving credit this time, I will remember this for you temporarily,” Zhang Xuan continued.

“Thank you, my lord.”

Chen Yuan bowed.

He truly didn’t wish to be in the spotlight just then, skipping ranks to report was a major taboo in officialdom.

The other Heavenly Patrol Guards, apart from Yue Shan, all wore expressions of surprise.

They had not expected that the person who provided the intelligence leading to the eradication of this No-Life Sect branch was the arrest officer from Ping’an County right before them.

Zhang Xuan looked at Chen Yuan, and suddenly said:

“Would you be interested in joining the Heavenly Patrol Bureau?”

Yue Shan watched Chen Yuan with interest, seemingly anticipating his answer. He had recommended Chen Yuan to Zhang Xuan before, but at the time, Zhang Xuan had not given an explicit response.

Unexpectedly, the offer was now on the table.

The other Heavenly Patrol Guards showed varying expressions, some envious that Chen Yuan was personally invited by Zhang Xuan, signifying future training as a key member.

They had not received such treatment themselves, having joined the Heavenly Patrol Bureau through a step-by-step selection process.

Some wore expressionless faces, as if they had already foresaw the current situation.

Some looked Chen Yuan up and down, eager to see what special abilities he possessed that had earned him the rare approval of the normally haughty Zhang Xuan.

Chen Yuan’s gaze flickered. He had, of course, heard of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau and knew it was extremely difficult to enter. Other than those recruited for their talent, the majority of members were Bone Refining Martial Artists.

Although the authority of an ordinary Heavenly Patrol Guard was not as great as that of an arrest officer, their powers were not insignificant.

It could be said they were the preferred choice among many constables.

But…

Chen Yuan had just laid his foundations in Ping’an County and had begun to gain some influence, especially now that the local branch of the No-Life Sect in Ping’an County had been eradicated. It could be said that Chen Yuan was now a person of significance in Ping’an County.

Once he joined the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, everything would have to start from scratch.

It wasn’t that Chen Yuan was reluctant to let go of his power, but rather he wasn’t mentally prepared for it.

His original plan was to gradually establish a firm footing in Ping’an County and only consider leaving after breaking through to the Gang Condensation Realm.

Chen Yuan had gleaned some understanding of just how dangerous the Jianghu outside was from Zhao Nanshan’s words; it wasn’t just those in the Gang Condensation Realm who faced peril, even stronger “Reach Profound” experts occasionally met their demise.

Watching Chen Yuan’s hesitation, Zhang Xuan asked softly,

“What’s the matter, you don’t wish to join?”

“My lord, it’s not that I’m unwilling, it’s just…” Chen Yuan had not finished speaking when Zhang Xuan interrupted him.

“Your talent is commendable, breaking through Bone Refining in your early twenties and possessing formidable strength. Ordinary Bone Refining Martial Artists are no match for you…”

Several of the nearby Heavenly Patrol Guards widened their eyes, surprised at the high regard in which Zhang Xuan held Chen Yuan, to the point where ordinary Bone Refining Martial Artists stood no chance against him.

Those who had previously looked down upon him gradually began to regard him with respect.

“But… an environment can change a person. Staying in Ping’an County, your peak in this life would at most be the Gang Condensation Realm, yet if you join the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, survive the trials of life and death, your achievements could be much higher.”

“Of course, it’s just a possibility. The missions of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau are indeed dangerous, but everyone who survives is able to break free from their shackles and become a powerhouse.”

“I rarely invite people to join the Heavenly Patrol Bureau because most people simply do not catch my eye as exceptional talents, but you… you’ve piqued my interest,” Zhang Xuan said.

“Since ancient times, the strong rise, and the mediocre fall. If you prefer a peaceful life in Ping’an County and the role of an arrest officer, that’s not too shabby either.” After speaking, Zhang Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, quietly watching Chen Yuan.

“My lord… I…”

“No need to rush your response. Go back and think it over. If you truly do not wish to join the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, it’s fine. I was only offering you some food for thought,” said Zhang Xuan.

“If you decide to come, find me in the Prefecture City.” After these words, Zhang Xuan turned and headed towards the doorway.

“Thank you, my lord…”

Chen Yuan let out a sigh of relief.

Frankly, joining the Heavenly Patrol Bureau was indeed a good option for Chen Yuan at the moment, but he wasn’t planning to join just yet—it was too soon.

The most appropriate time would actually be after reaching the Gang Condensation Realm.

However, by that time, doing so would seem out of touch with the times, and Zhang Xuan would not hold him in the same regard as now.

Of course, part of Chen Yuan’s hesitation was due to his lack of understanding of what kind of person Zhang Xuan was—he was not someone to be easily swayed by just a few words.

The other Heavenly Patrol Guards looked at Chen Yuan, shaking their heads slightly as if they felt he had not seized the opportunity well.

Yue Shan leaned in close to Chen Yuan and whispered,

“Why didn’t you agree? I can tell that you too are a person in pursuit of Martial Arts. Staying in Ping’an County will only bury your potential. In the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, there are countless Divine Skills and Secret Techniques…”

“I’ll consider it. Thank you, Brother Yue,” Chen Yuan replied with a smile.

“Think it over carefully. Lord Zhang values you highly.”