Visitors from the Imperial Capital

The tent flap was lifted, and a middle-aged man in a green robe, dressed as a scholar, walked in slowly. His face was ordinary, his demeanor gentle, but his eyes were clear and deep, as if they could see through people's hearts. His aura was contained, and if not for Chen Qing's sharp spiritual sense, he would hardly have noticed the power within him, like a vast ocean.

This person was by no means simple. His cultivation was likely far beyond the Meridian Condensing Realm.

"I am Han Wenyuan, from Yujing. Greetings, General Chen," the man in the green robe said, cupping his hands in a salute, his posture composed, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Mr. Han, there's no need for such formality. Please, have a seat," Chen Qing said, gesturing to the seat beside him, his expression calm. "May I ask why you have traveled so far?"

Han Wenyuan smiled slightly, his gaze falling on Chen Qing with a subtle scrutiny. "General Chen is a young hero who slew the enemy leader amidst a vast army, turning the tide of battle. Your name, 'Fierce Tiger,' has now spread throughout the Northern Frontier, and even the imperial capital has heard of it. I have come, firstly, to represent the court in rewarding a meritorious official."

As he spoke, he produced a scroll of bright yellow silk and offered it with both hands. "This is a commendation order jointly issued by the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel, promoting General Chen to General Yangwei (a miscellaneous general, with a status higher than camp commander), awarding you a thousand taels of gold and a hundred pieces of spirit jade. Furthermore, you are specially permitted to recruit five hundred personal guards, with all provisions, salaries, and armor to be supplied by the court."

General Yangwei! To recruit five hundred personal guards!

This reward was not insignificant! Although miscellaneous generals had no real power, their status was revered, and they outranked regular officials. The ability to recruit one's own troops was a significant grant of autonomy, meaning he could build a core force that would obey him completely.

Chen Qing took the scroll, glanced at it, and set it aside casually, showing little elation on his face. "Thank you for the court's generous reward. Mr. Han, what is the second matter?"

Han Wenyuan did not seem surprised by his reaction. His smile remained unchanged, but his tone grew more serious. "This second matter concerns you, General. Do you know that you are currently in a precarious position?"

Chen Qing looked up at him, waiting for him to continue.

"The Northern Mang has offered a bounty of ten thousand gold for your head. That is the first reason," Han Wenyuan said slowly. "Secondly, the cultivation technique you practice, with its overwhelming ferocity, is unlike the ordinary. It has already attracted the attention of certain influential figures in the court. Some say you are a pillar of the nation, while others insinuate that you practice evil arts and may become a menace."

He paused, his gaze sharpening. "Especially your Black Tiger Fist and Black Tiger Saber Technique, which seem to be connected to an old incident from decades ago."

Chen Qing's heart stirred, but he showed nothing on his face. "An old incident? What old incident?"

Han Wenyuan stared intently into his eyes and said, word by word, "Remnants of the previous dynasty, the Black Tiger Sect."

The atmosphere in the tent instantly froze.

Chen Qing's eyes grew cold. "What do you mean by that, Mr. Han? How can my family's martial arts, mere rudimentary techniques, be linked to the remnants of the previous dynasty?"

"General Chen need not be nervous," Han Wenyuan said with a smile, softening his tone. "The Black Tiger Sect has long since vanished. The court is not seeking to pursue past events. It is simply that your talent is extraordinary, to have cultivated these two rudimentary martial arts to such a level, and to possess such a fierce aura, is truly astonishing. May I ask where your ancestors hailed from?"

Finally, the root of the matter was being probed.

Chen Qing's mind raced. He knew that a flat denial would only make him seem guilty. So, drawing upon the vague memories of the original owner of this body, he said solemnly, "My ancestral home seems to be... Qingzhou, Blackwater City. My family fell into decline long ago, and no one remembers now."

"Qingzhou, Blackwater City..." A flicker of thoughtful light flashed in Han Wenyuan's eyes, and then he smiled. "So that's how it is. Perhaps I was overly concerned. You are a pillar of the nation, General. As long as you serve the country with loyalty, any minor rumors will be handled by noble individuals on your behalf."

His words held a deeper meaning; the so-called "noble individuals" were self-evident.

Chen Qing remained noncommittal. "I only know how to kill enemies and serve the country. I have no interest in other matters."

"Your sincerity is admirable, General," Han Wenyuan said, standing up and cupping his hands again. "The commendation order and rewards will be delivered in a few days. My mission is complete, and I cannot stay long. I bid you farewell."

"Travel safely, sir."

After seeing Han Wenyuan off, Chen Qing returned to his seat, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, his eyes deep.

A visitor from the imperial capital, ostensibly to reward him, but in reality, to test him. The Black Tiger Sect? Remnants of the previous dynasty? It seemed the original owner of this body also had a complicated background. And what about those so-called "noble individuals"? Was that a hint of recruitment?

He picked up the commendation order, a cold smile curving his lips.

General Yangwei? Recruiting personal guards?

Perfect.

He had been worried about lacking sufficient forces to acquire enough "resources" in the upcoming larger-scale wars. This title and authority came at just the right time.

As for the potential threats and recruitment...

In the face of absolute power, everything else was an illusion.

What he needed now was time, more battles, to digest the gains from his recent breakthrough and to further enhance his strength.

The Meridian Condensing Realm was just the beginning. The Fierce Tiger Domain, the Black Tiger True Intent, and the unattainable "Shattering Void"... his path was still long.

He summoned a personal guard. "Pass down the order. Starting today, under the name 'Black Tiger Camp,' recruit brave and fierce soldiers. The treatment will be generous. There is only one standard—dare to fight, and be able to fight!"

"Yes! General!"

The personal guard received the order and left, excitement flashing in his eyes. Following such a renowned and promising general, their future would undoubtedly be filled with bloodshed and glory.

Chen Qing walked out of the tent and looked towards the still continuous Northern Mang campfires to the north, sensing the pervasive killing intent and ferocity in the air.

The storm was far from over.

And he, within this storm, would hone his claws and fangs until... the tiger roared through the nine heavens!