Seal the Hidden Dragon Town Envoy! Third-Rank Cultivation Method!

Duan Qingcang slowly raised his eyes.

Deep within those seemingly gentle pupils lay the passage of countless years.

His gaze settled on Jiang Bei, carrying an appraisal that seemed to see through everything, making Jiang Bei feel as though there was nowhere to hide, inside or out.

After a moment, a faint, genial smile appeared on Duan Qingcang's face. In a low voice, he said, "No need for formalities. Ever since news came back from Qingzhou, that brat Xue Changsheng, along with Zhong Hong, Luo Heng, and the others, have been chattering endlessly in this old man's ear. They said Qingzhou had produced an unparalleled Unpolished Jade—how exceptionally gifted you were, how you turned the tide. They truly piled my curiosity sky-high."

He pointed to the stone stool opposite him. "Sit. I happened to return to the Imperial City today, so I wanted to see for myself what our Qingzhou Camp's newly honed blade was truly like."

Jiang Bei obediently sat down with proper posture.

Duan Qingcang lifted his teacup and took a sip, speaking leisurely. "You slew the Black Ice Python that had plagued Wind Snow Mountain, turned back the barbarian vanguard when all seemed lost, exposed the Governor's Mansion's plot to imprison the commander-in-chief, and even right under that old bastard Xie Yan's nose, boldly executed the utterly guilty Zhao Yuantai! Tsk, every single deed was decisive and ruthless, cleansing the world of evil. Such courage, such responsibility, such rapid growth in strength... Xue Changsheng and the others truly did not exaggerate."

"You praise me too highly, Lord Heavenly Army. This subordinate dare not accept it."

Jiang Bei hurriedly said.

"No need to be modest."

Duan Qingcang's words held undisguised admiration, but then his tone shifted, carrying a trace of understanding. "I already know about Yunshan Garden. Cheng