Chapter 216: Chapter 204: Nanling Number One! (Subscribe please) Chapter 216: Chapter 204: Nanling Number One! (Subscribe please) Like Zhang Xuan, he also had a nickname, known as Cold-faced Zhang Xuan!
He earned this title due to his calm and indifferent demeanor when facing enemies, but it was rarely mentioned on regular days.
Thereâs alsoâŠthe Blood Demon Old Man, which is a title too, yet no one knows his real name.
Those who are bestowed with titles are without exception either famous or possess shocking potential and strength, and ordinary people hardly get any attention for their nicknames.
However, this also comes with its downsidesâthe more formidable the reputation, the more challengers that emerge, wishing to rise through the ranks by stepping on their names, and the more people it renders cautious.
If Chen Yuan had guessed correctly, Tang Qianâs murderous intent towards him had probably grown even stronger now.
After spending some time at Yunjiang Four Ghosts, understanding the recent happenings, Chen Yuan left alone, advising them to be cautious to prevent being targeted.
Chen Yuan assigned them a few tasks, with a focus on monitoring all movements concerning the Azure Flood Dragon Association and the Dragon Tiger Sect.
Additionally, at night, he planned to deliver a gift to the Prefecture Chief of Nanling PrefectureâŠ
Chen Yuan had not forgotten his promise to Zhao Nanshan, to seek revenge on his behalf when his strength was adequate, by killing Xu Lingtian. Initially, Chen Yuan had refused,
but Zhao Nanshan had offered too muchâŠ
The inheritance of cultivation techniques and guidance on elixir, these favors had deeply bound Zhao Nanshan to Chen Yuan, and he had no plans of reneging on his promises.
Thinking of exterminating Xu Lingtian once his strength improved in the future, he didnât expect that the Dragon Tiger Sect would intervene, joining forces with the Azure Flood Dragon Association!
Perhaps they would also unite to kill him one day.
Chen Yuan must be vigilant much earlier.
After leaving the Yunjiang Four Ghosts, Chen Yuan headed straight to the Heavenly Patrol Bureau Government, and along the way, he didnât disguise his identity, as for some people, it was simply impossible to keep a low profile,
even the news of him embarking on a mission to Qingshui County had leaked, let alone the news of his return?
It made more sense just to show his true self openly.
And Chen Yuanâs appearance indeed caused some stir, as just a few days ago, news had spread of him slaying the notorious Blood Demon Old Man, earning him a spot in the top hundred of the Hidden Dragon List,
The citizens of Nanling Prefecture City were not unfamiliar with Chen Yuan, recognizing his identity at a glance.
Along the bustling streets bustling with people discussing Chen Yuan, his expression remained unchanged, as if he were merely an outsider.
âIs that Chen Yuan?â
Someone looked up briefly before quickly lowering his head.
âYes, thatâs him. I saw him when he killed the infamous Bei Le,â another person replied.
âDemon Sword Chen Yuan, truly impressive. When can we also gain such a reputation,â someone murmured.
âWhat is your cultivation level?â asked another.
The murmuring person puffed out his chest and spoke lightly:
âIâm modest in skills, having reached Blood Refining. I can wield a large blade, fierce and strong.â
A person beside him glanced at him and said disdainfully:
âMaybe in your next lifeâŠâ
âWhat a handsome talent, Xiuâer, go send someone to inquire if this Sir Chen, the Patrol Envoy, is married,â a young lady dressed in fine clothes blushed and instructed the maid beside her.
As Chen Yuanâs sharp gaze turned towards her, her legs clenched involuntarily, and she quickly lowered her head.
Chen Yuan withdrew his gaze; he heard the words clearly, and subconsciously touched his chin, judging that the lady must be from a wealthy family.
However, he had no interest.
In his previous life, he had experienced plenty of âwealthy familyâ clubs.
Still, being watched like this was somewhat uncomfortable; he immediately accelerated his pace with a light step.
Just at that moment, a somewhat sallow-faced, skinny youth suddenly shouted:
âPatrol Envoy Chen, when will you be the number one in Nanling?â
As he shouted, his eyes held restraint and expectation.
Chen Yuan had a good reputation, and his public image had always been one of despising evil. Having no significant family background, he became a target for many new to Martial Arts.
They too wished to be imposing like Chen Yuan, possessing vast power.
Chen Yuan glanced at him, said nothing, and quickly disappeared, but he indeed whispered to himself:
âSoon!â
âŠ
âŠ
At the entrance of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, Chen Yuan showed his waist card to the guarding Heavenly Patrol Guards and walked straight in, leaving two guards that looked at him with an expression full of respect and admiration.
They were the same two who had been on duty the first time Chen Yuan came to the Heavenly Patrol Bureau.
It was they who held a profound memory of Chen Yuan, especially after he became a Patrol Envoy; recalling the first time they saw him often made them sigh that comparisons could indeed choke a person.
Shortly, Chen Yuan arrived outside the Heavenly Patrol Hall, and after being announced, he walked into the great hall as usual.
Everything was as before; Tao Qingyuan was still the same, with a cup of tea beside him and holding an unnamed scroll in his hand, which Chen Yuan still didnât know what it contained.
It surely couldnât be the âSpring and Autumnâ either?
Tao Qingyuan was something he didnât know, but he was earnestly observing the ethics of Spring and Autumn.
âThis humble official, Chen Yuan, has seen the noble lord.â
Tao Qingyuanâs gaze had been fixed on Chen Yuan, and although only half a month had passed, it felt to him as though a year had gone by.
Chen Yuanâs strength had actually grown stronger!
To be able to kill the Blood Demon Elder, this strength⊠even when Zhang Xuan was once a Heavenly Patrol Envoy, it seemed not an easy task.
This Chen Yuan, truly harbors immense secrets!
When he first heard this news, his mental realm was somewhat unstable, who could cultivate so quickly? Even taking elixirs wouldnât achieve this.
But the fact was right in front of him, he couldnât help but believe it.
âThe Demon Blade is hereâŠâ A moment later, Tao Qingyuanâs gaze shifted, and he chuckled lightly.
âMy lord jests; this official does not fancy that name.â Chen Yuan shook his head, and under Tao Qingyuanâs gesture, sat down beside him.
âHaving a title is quite good. This official has been in the Jianghu for decades and never had a title,â Tao Qingyuan shook his head.
âShould my lord desire one, it is easily within his reach.â
âLetâs talk about the matter of the Blood DemonâŠâ An interest sparked in Tao Qingyuanâs eyes.
He had once chased the Blood Demon as well. Unfortunately, the demonâs methods were indeed very peculiar, and he even managed to feign death and escape from his handsâa troublesome character indeed.
Of course, by such comparison, Chen Yuanâs extraordinariness was all the more pronounced.
Without much hesitation, Chen Yuan openly shared the events of that day succinctly. However, he glossed over his own strength, merely mentioning that being able to kill the Blood Demon was also unexpected to him.
âHow could the Blood Demon know of your mission to eradicate bandits in Great Solitude Mountain?â Tao Qingyuan, after listening, wore a grave expression and asked in a deep voice.
He had thought it was merely a coincidence, but it turned out that the Blood Demon had preemptively known Chen Yuanâs whereabouts and ambushed him at the Great Solitude Mountain. If it werenât for Chen Yuanâs extraordinary methods, the news might have been of Chen Yuanâs death instead.
âThis is also what this humble official desires to know,â Chen Yuan said softly, his gaze slightly intense.
This visit was not as simple as just merely reporting back, Chen Yuan wanted to know who exactly was secretly conspiring with Tang Qian to kill him?
Or could it be that the Azure Flood Dragon Associationâs intelligence had already bought off someone inside the Heavenly Patrol Bureau?
Regardless of which, he must unearth that rotten element.
This time it was the Blood Demon Elder; he was still able to handle it, but what if during his next mission his opponent was someone Chen Yuan couldnât withstand? Chen Yuan hoped such an event wouldnât happen again.
He couldnât entrust his life to the opponentâs weakness.
With a grave expression, Tao Qingyuan glanced at Chen Yuan and frowned slightly:
âThis envoy will thoroughly investigate this matter.â
Tasks undertaken by a Heavenly Patrol Envoy, once claimed, are sealed, inaccessible to anyone but those of the same rank. Even if someone knew about it, their understanding would be limited.
For someone like the Blood Demon Elder to be so aware of Chen Yuanâs task to eliminate bandits at the Great Solitude Mountain was rare, unless someone could have anticipated this step.
âThis humble official trusts my lord.â
Chen Yuan showed a smile, knowing when to stop was enough. No matter what, since Tao Qingyuan, his supervisor, had agreed, there wasnât much else to say.
âYou say that the Blood Demon went to kill you, controlled by Tang Qian from behind?â Tao Qingyuanâs expression was unstable and gloomy.
âIndeed, this was personally claimed by the Ghost Child reared by the Blood Demon.â
âTang QianâŠâ Tao Qingyuan gripped the armrests, exerting a slight force.
His eyes flashed with a murderous intent, realizing it was revenge previously orchestrated by him together with Shi Yunlong to thwart him, which led to Lin Beihan being killed by Chen Yuan. Ambushing Chen Yuan was not just for Lin Beihan but also a message to him and Shi Yunlong.
âMy lord, Tang Qian committed grave offenses; such a person should not be spared.â
âTang Qian isnât that easy to kill. Now, with Xu Lingtian of the Dragon Tiger School allied with him, they even had a confrontation with Shi Yunlong a few days ago. Besides them, both Shenxiao Hall and Gold Mountain Monastery are also to be guarded against,â Tao Qingyuan still had his concerns, fearing it would lead to greater turmoil.
âMy lord⊠allowing him to continue is the greatest calamity.â
Compared to Tao Qingyuanâs apprehensions, Chen Yuan appeared much more decisive.
Had he been a Heavenly Patrol Envoy, he would not allow any instability within his jurisdiction. If there was, eradication was the only solution.
Hesitating would only worsen matters.
Looking at Chen Yuan, Tao Qingyuan acknowledged his rationale, but in terms of strength, there indeed was a shortfall. Even adding Shi Yunlong, the entire Nanling Prefecture could only mobilize three Reach Profound experts.
Both he and Shi Yunlong could only wield the power of One Acupoint, while Tang Qian had managed to open a second Acupoint. The most crucial factor was⊠Shenxiao Hall and Gold Mountain Monastery would definitely wait to profit from their conflict.
âThis official will consider it.â
Chen Yuan did not mention that his current strength might also withstand a Reach Profound expert. Without having exchanged blows, he still didnât dare to claim so, and disclosing too much of his power wasnât good.
âWe should act when Zhang Xuan returns,â Tao Qingyuan added, seemingly to maintain his dignity with these additional words.
âZhang Xuan?â
Chen Yuanâs expression shifted. He knew Zhang Xuan had gone to advance to Reach Profound, but with no news for months, Chen Yuan didnât place his hopes on him.
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